Indonesia Urges Stronger ASEAN Cooperation Amid Global Uncertainty

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - ASEAN foreign ministers gathered in Cebu, the Philippines, on Thursday, May 7, 2026, to address the impact of Middle East conflicts and pressing regional challenges, with Indonesia urging stronger cooperation to safeguard stability.

Speaking at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM), Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono praised the Philippines’ chairmanship for coordinating a joint ASEAN response to ongoing crises.

“In an increasingly uncertain world, ASEAN remains a trusted, stable, and reliable partner,” he affirmed, as quoted on the ministry's official website on Thursday, May 7, 2026.

Minister Sugiono highlighted the growing number of countries joining the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) as proof of ASEAN’s enduring credibility. He stressed the need to strengthen partnerships with dialogue partners to deliver concrete and constructive outcomes on shared issues.

Indonesia also voiced support for Turkey’s bid to become an ASEAN dialogue partner, while reiterating calls for stability in Myanmar and backing Timor-Leste’s integration as ASEAN’s newest member.

The AMM forms part of the 48th ASEAN Summit and related meetings, held under the Philippines’ chairmanship with the theme Navigating Our Future, Together. Discussions focused on ASEAN’s collective response to Middle East developments and their wider implications.

Foreign Minister Sugiono is set to accompany President Prabowo Subianto at the ASEAN Summit on May 8, where Indonesia will continue to advocate for ASEAN unity and centrality in strengthening regional resilience, including food and energy security. ***