In a recent speech, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi emphasized the crucial importance of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in maintaining peace and stability within the region, especially at a time marked by crises around the globe.
Marsudi’s remarks were made through the seventh ASEAN Media Forum and he or she stressed that the long-term peace and stability that Southeast Asia has enjoyed for over fifty years mustn’t be taken as a right.
She expressed herself as follows: “Can you imagine the Southeast Asian region without ASEAN? We needs to be grateful that we have now been blessed with peace and stability within the region for over fifty years. I believe we should always never take peace as a right. Peace is not going to fall. from the sky. We actually need to stick with it. ASEAN must work hard to take care of this, especially now when all is clearly not well on the planet.
Marsudi also highlighted the challenges facing ASEAN within the face of world developments. She cited “increasing rivalry amongst major powers, a more divided world, food and energy crises, and ongoing wars” as key issues threatening peace within the region.
Additionally, Indonesia’s foreign minister lamented the dearth of progress in resolving the situation in Myanmar, describing it as “regrettable” as a result of the limited implementation of the five-point consensus reached by ASEAN members to resolve the crisis.
Highlighting ASEAN’s shortcomings, Marsudi emphasized its crucial role in maintaining peace, stability and prosperity within the region. Marsudi acknowledged that while stories of peace may not receive as much attention as stories of conflict and war, ASEAN’s shortcomings are sometimes highlighted more prominently than its many achievements. Nevertheless, she stressed: “But one thing is for certain: ASEAN has made significant contributions to peace, stability and prosperity within the region.”
Furthermore, Marsudi emphasized ASEAN’s central role in supporting Southeast Asia as a focus for growth and development. The association’s efforts have played a key role in shaping the region’s economic growth and development.
Taken together, Retno Marsudi’s remarks underscore ASEAN’s irreplaceable role in maintaining peace and prosperity in Southeast Asia, especially in times of world uncertainty and regional challenges.
