RRI.CO.ID, Manila - Indonesia's Foreign Minister, Sugiono, has affirmed that ASEAN’s credibility will be determined by its ability to translate its commitments into tangible benefits for the people and maintain regional stability. Speaking at the plenary session of the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) in Manila, the Philippines, on Tuesday, July 21, he said that after proving its ability to grow over the decades, ASEAN now faces the greater challenge of delivering on its promises.

“ASEAN has proven that it is capable of evolving. The more important question now is whether ASEAN can deliver on its promises,” Sugiono said.

He noted that one of ASEAN’s key tests is preserving peace and ensuring that the region remains rules-based. Indonesia therefore called for the conclusion of the Code of Conduct (CoC) in the South China Sea this year in an effective, substantive manner and in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

“Our people have waited 24 years for rules to govern the sea. They should not have to wait another year. A region governed by the rule of law will always be stronger than one governed by power,” he stressed.

Indonesia also proposed the establishment of the ASEAN Heads of Consular Affairs Division Forum to strengthen coordination in protecting ASEAN citizens abroad, particularly during conflicts and emergency situations.

Amid intensifying global rivalry and growing pressure on multilateralism, Sugiono urged ASEAN to focus its partnerships with external partners on the region’s practical needs, including crisis response, food and energy security, and resilient supply chains. During the meeting, ASEAN also officially admitted Türkiye as a new ASEAN Dialogue Partner.

Ahead of ASEAN’s 60th anniversary in 2027, Indonesia called for strengthening the organization’s mandate and resources in line with the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.

“The documents are complete. The real work begins now. In the end, the question is not how far ASEAN has progressed, but whether our people truly feel the benefits,” Sugiono said.

The 59th AMM and related meetings are taking place in Manila from July 20–24, 2026, bringing together ASEAN foreign ministers and dialogue partners to discuss ASEAN Community building, external relations, and regional and global issues under the Philippine Chairmanship with the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together.”