RRI.CO.ID, Cebu - ASEAN foreign affairs ministers convened in Cebu, Philippines, on January 29, 2026, for the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat (AMM Retreat), marking the start of a year of ASEAN activities under the Philippines’ chairmanship.

The meeting brought together the region’s top diplomats to discuss leadership priorities, strengthen cooperation, and address pressing regional challenges.

Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Sugiono expressed Indonesia’s full support for the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN chairmanship, which carries the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together.” He stressed that the theme is highly relevant to current circumstances that continue to test ASEAN’s centrality and unity.

“This year’s leadership theme reminds us that ASEAN member states are in the same boat, and we must remain strong and united in navigating our shared future,” Minister Sugiono said, as quoted on the ministry's official website.

The retreat addressed several regional issues, including the situation in Myanmar and tensions along the Thailand–Cambodia border. Ministers agreed that resolving these matters requires constructive approaches.

Discussions also focused on accelerating the conclusion of the Code of Conduct (CoC) in the South China Sea, which ASEAN hopes to finalize this year. Minister Sugiono underscored that completing the CoC is a crucial step toward ensuring a stable, rules-based maritime order for the region’s future.

Amid complex global geopolitical dynamics, Minister Sugiono emphasized the need for ASEAN to build resilience by strengthening strategic sectors such as the economy, energy, food security, and technology.

He also called for reinforcing ASEAN’s political foundations to ensure Southeast Asia remains a zone of peace rather than a stage for proxy conflicts. “We must evolve to play a more substantive role. Our partnerships must strategically reinforce ASEAN’s centrality, unity, and stability,” he stated.

In anticipation of the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC), Minister Sugiono urged ASEAN to continue upholding the TAC in its engagement with external partners to safeguard regional stability.

On the sidelines of the retreat, the Indonesian Foreign Minister also held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Cambodia and Singapore to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation as well as regional and global issues of shared concern. ***