August 8, 2024, Jakarta, Indonesia – Happy ASEAN Day! A Connected and Resilient Community
On August 8, 2024, ASEAN celebrated its 57th anniversary with a ceremony on the ASEAN Secretariat in Nusantara Hall. The event was personally attended by ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn; Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia HE Airlangga Hartarto; Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia HE Retno LP Marsudi; and Minister of Agricultural Affairs and Spatial Planning of the Republic of Indonesia HE Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono. In addition, HE Saleumxay Kommasith, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, delivered a speech virtually via video.
The theme of ASEAN’s seventy fifth anniversary, “A Connected and Resilient Community,” highlights the importance of sustainable development, digital transformation and powerful economies, which reflect a robust commitment to the prosperity of Southeast Asia.
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Opening ceremony and speeches by Your Excellency
The ceremony began with the ASEAN National Anthem, sung by Ms. Amora Lemos. Following the anthem, ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn delivered the opening address, reflecting on ASEAN’s extraordinary journey since its inception in 1967. Dr. Hourn noted ASEAN’s transformation from a region affected by conflict and poverty to a worldwide economic powerhouse and leader in open regionalism and multilateralism.
Dr. Kao Kim Hourn stressed the importance of respecting sovereignty, the rule of law, dialogue and diplomacy because the foundations of regional peace and security. He also highlighted ASEAN’s success in creating jobs, attracting investment and expanding trade within the region and with global partners.
Solving Global Challenges
Dr. Hourn further addressed the worldwide challenges facing ASEAN, including geopolitical tensions and rapidly changing dynamics. He emphasized that ASEAN must remain resilient to those challenges and proceed to prioritize human development through education, health care and social protection, ensuring that the advantages reach all ASEAN residents.
“As we move into 2025 and beyond, in an increasingly uncertain and turbulent global environment, we must ensure that ASEAN remains resilient, adaptive, proactive and responsive to any opportunities, challenges and disruptions that may arise,” said Dr. Kao Kim Hourn in his speech.
The involvement of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic because the ASEAN Chair
HE Saleumxay Kommasith, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lao People’s Democratic Republic, also conveyed his message and hopes on the event. He stated that because the ASEAN Chair in 2024, Lao People’s Democratic Republic is committed to constructing a cohesive, strong and resilient ASEAN community. He noted that the challenges ASEAN currently faces are resulting from rapid geopolitical changes and emphasized the necessity for ASEAN to seize opportunities and address current and future challenges.
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Reflections of the Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi on regional stability
In her speech, HE Retno LP Marsudi asked the important thing query: “In the face of global uncertainty, which region is relatively the most stable?” She confirmed that the reply is Southeast Asia, emphasizing ASEAN’s key role in maintaining peace, stability and prosperity.
HE Retno Marsudi further discussed the complexities of current global conflicts and crises which have challenged ASEAN’s unity and credibility. She highlighted serious global issues, including trust deficits amongst nations, zero-sum paradigms, and the erosion of multilateralism and respect for international law.
“We all recognize the complexity of the present geopolitical landscape. Wars and conflicts are still prevalent the world over. From the war in Ukraine and the genocide in Palestine, to the crisis in Myanmar, which continues to check ASEAN’s unity and credibility. Therefore, a culture of peace should all the time be ASEAN’s DNA,” said HE Retno Marsudi.
Key Goals for the Future of ASEAN
In her speech on the occasion of ASEAN’s 57th anniversary, HE Retno Marsudi outlined three key goals for ASEAN: First, ASEAN should be ready to attain its goalall the time putting its people at the center of its work. As a community, the commitment to promoting and protecting human rights is crucial, and ASEAN cannot remain silent on gross human rights violations comparable to those in Gaza. Secondly, ASEAN should be prepared for the challengerequiring adaptation, and the ASEAN Community Vision 2024 must be equipped with action-oriented strategic plans. Third, ASEAN should be able to turn into great.where integration and a culture of cooperation are key to maintaining peace and stability within the region.
Cake Cutting Ceremony, Batik Introduction and Cultural Performances
Following speeches by distinguished guests, a cake cutting ceremony was held to commemorate the 57th ASEAN Day. The ceremony was presided over by HE Retno LP Marsudi, HE Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, HE Airlangga Hartarto, HE Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, Madam Yanti Airlangga (founding father of Warisan Budaya Indonesia), members of the Community of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN and the Ambassador of Timor-Leste to ASEAN.
After the cake cutting, the event continued with performances by the LSPR band from the LSPR Institute of Communication and Business. There was also a performance by the Svadara Indonesia Folk Dance band and a performance by the choir entitled “Voice of the Future” by HighScope Indonesia School, Tb Simatupang.
During this occasion, HE Airlangga Hartarto introduced various varieties of Indonesian batik to the Secretary General of ASEAN, HE Dr. Kao Kim Hourn. The three varieties of batik presented are Batik Udan Liris Sewelas Nagari, Batik Lumbon Sewelas Nagari and Batik Sekar Jagad Sewelas Nagari. These batik patterns, inspired by the various flora of Southeast Asia, symbolize unity and harmony and are a singular representation of hope, wisdom and wonder.
Opening of the ASEAN Open Day
Photo by Willy J. Raba | Seasia.co
The event concluded with dignitaries departing Nusantara Hall and proceeding to the Heritage Building for the official opening of the ASEAN Day Open House. The opening was symbolically marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by SG Dr. Kao Kim Hourn and FM Retno Marsudi. The ASEAN Day Open House included various activities, including booth displays where visitors could learn more about ASEAN programs and activities, the inauguration of the ASEAN Heritage Building, the ASEAN Culinary Festival, and the ASEAN Study Abroad Exhibition.
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