RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Indonesia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has proposed the establishment of the ASEAN Heads of Consular Affairs Division Forum as a platform to strengthen coordination in protecting ASEAN member states' citizens abroad. Spokesperson of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vahd Nabyl A. Mulachela, said the proposal was first introduced by Indonesia during the 29th ASEAN Director General Immigration Department and Heads of Consular Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Meeting held in Cambodia in June 2026.

According to him, the proposed forum would comprise directors or heads of consular affairs divisions from each ASEAN member state responsible for consular affairs and the protection of their citizens.

"The members of this forum will be directors or heads of division from each ASEAN member state who are responsible for consular affairs and the protection of citizens," Nabyl said during a press briefing in Jakarta on Thursday, July 23, 2026.

He explained that the forum would serve as a platform to strengthen coordination and mutual support among ASEAN member states through information sharing, the exchange of best practices, and the development of practical guidelines, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and operational tools.

"The forum's modalities and working mechanisms will include coordinated mutual support, information sharing and best practices, as well as the development of practical guidelines, SOPs, and operational tools," Nabyl said.

The forum is also expected to promote training and capacity-building for officials handling consular affairs. These efforts are intended to enhance ASEAN cooperation in protecting citizens while supporting the realization of a more people-oriented ASEAN.

Through the proposed forum, Indonesia hopes to strengthen coordination among the foreign ministries of ASEAN member states in addressing consular affairs and citizen protection. The forum is also expected to provide a platform for heads of consular affairs divisions to support one another in handling cases involving ASEAN citizens overseas.