RRI.CO.ID, Manila - Indonesia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sugiono, called on ASEAN to reinforce its collective resilience and preparedness. It is in response to increasingly complex global developments that have a direct impact on people across the region.

Speaking at the Retreat Session of the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) in Manila, the Philippines, on Tuesday, July 21, he stressed the need for ASEAN to respond collectively to emerging challenges.

“Developments beyond our region are increasingly having direct consequences for the lives of our people. ASEAN must therefore be better prepared and capable of responding together,” the Minister said.

He added that Indonesia is urging ASEAN to translate its commitments into concrete coordination and action, particularly to strengthen food and energy security, safeguard supply chains, and enhance the region’s preparedness for various forms of disruption.

During the Retreat Session, ASEAN foreign ministers exchanged views on global developments and key regional issues, including the situations in Myanmar and the South China Sea.

On Myanmar, Indonesia reaffirmed the importance of ASEAN’s continued engagement in promoting an inclusive political process in line with the Five-Point Consensus. Sugiono underscored the need to preserve ASEAN unity and address regional challenges through dialogue, constructive engagement, and peaceful means.

“The turmoil around us may be beyond our control. But ASEAN’s ability to remain united, strengthen its resilience, and protect the interests of our people is entirely in our own hands,” he conveyed.

The AMM Retreat is part of the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and related meetings under the Philippine Chairmanship. The session focused on regional and international developments, as well as ASEAN’s collective efforts to safeguard peace, stability, and prosperity across the region.