President Prabowo Urges ASEAN to Prioritize Citizen Protection and Global Peace

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto underscored the protection of citizens as a central responsibility of ASEAN, while also calling for the bloc to strengthen its role in safeguarding global peace.

Delivering his remarks at the 48th ASEAN Summit plenary session in Cebu, the Philippines, on Friday, May 8, 2026, he stressed that the safety of nationals must remain a top priority amid today’s shifting global dynamics.

“The protection of our citizens must remain the foremost priority,” President Prabowo declared, as quoted on the Presidential Secretariat's official website. He noted that many ASEAN countries have thousands of nationals living abroad, making close cooperation and coordination essential in times of emergency.

“We must adopt a unified ASEAN approach. Indonesia is ready to work closely with our ASEAN partners. Protecting our citizens must always be the top priority,” he added.

President Prabowo also highlighted the importance of respecting the mandate of United Nations peacekeepers, insisting that their safety must be guaranteed.

“We have lost Indonesian soldiers serving under the UN, and we demand accountability. Peacekeeping duties must be respected by all parties,” he said firmly.

He welcomed the solidarity shown by ASEAN member countries in assisting with citizen protection and evacuation efforts, praising Singapore’s readiness to cooperate with other nations as an example of ASEAN’s collective spirit.

The president further emphasized the need to uphold international law and protect civilians, urging ASEAN to speak with one voice against violations.

“ASEAN must demand respect for international law and accountability for breaches. This is the time for ASEAN to show its influence with a strong collective political voice,” he asserted.

Concluding his address, President Prabowo reminded leaders that dialogue and cooperation remain ASEAN’s greatest strengths in facing global challenges.

“There will be no prosperity without peace. And there will be no peace without dialogue and cooperation,” he said, reaffirming Indonesia’s commitment to building a stable and peaceful region. ***