The centrality of ASEAN is very much needed because this is evidence and guarantees that ASEAN does not side with any camp. ASEAN is trying to lead the search for solutions in the way we build.
By
LARASWATI ARIADNE ANWAR
·6 minutes read
ALBERDI DITTO PERMADI
ASEAN Secretary General Kao Kim Hourn during an interview with the Kompas daily team at the ASEAN secretariat office, Jakarta on Monday (17/09/2023)
The Association of Southeast Asian nations (ASEAN) has turned 54 years of age. The role of the inter-government organization is increasingly needed amid the increasing global geopolitical competition. Kompas conducted a special interview with ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn in Jakarta on Monday (17/4/2023). The following are excerpts of the interview:
How do you implement the centrality of ASEAN in a real way?
This ASEAN centrality has long been discussed and debated. We see challenges in the world increasingly complex and multidimensional, not only in political, economic and security issues. Now, the issues are related to the climate crisis, energy crisis, food crisis and other universal problems.
In reality, with this development, the centrality of ASEAN is very much needed because this is evidence and guarantees that ASEAN does not side with any camp. ASEAN also does not invite other parties to form a new camp. From this principle, ASEAN is trying to lead the search for solutions in the way we build.
Friendly countries that become our speech partners understand the principle of this ASEAN centrality. From the beginning, the ASEAN mechanism puts forward dialogue and consultation because from these two things we can build confidence and mutual trust with partners. Trust is the basis of the guarantee that everything we do is inclusive and transparent.
Indeed, there is a problem of geopolitical competition and trade wars. However, this is not a new issue. From the beginning, ASEAN's goal has been to maintain the security and stability of Southeast Asia. The way is by promoting the agenda of improving shared welfare.
How is the centrality of ASEAN applied in the discussion of the South China Sea?
This process has been going on for a long time. Since 2002 the intention to make a guide code (Code of Conduct [CoC]) regarding the South China Sea has been raised. ASEAN and China as parties related to the South China Sea have adopted a guide document and are currently still discussing the formulation of the CoC.
No one can determine the amount of time needed to work on this CoC because the process is very important. We must not do it in a hurry because the CoC must be substantive, weighty and meaningful for all related parties.
ASEAN raises this centrality in the Indo-Pacific view of ASEAN. Do the speech partners really want to accept this concept?
Since 2019, a number of countries have raised the Indo-Pacific concept. ASEAN also makes its own concepts that emphasize four priorities, namely marine cooperation, connectedness, carrying out sustainable development of the United Nations (2023 SDGs), and economic cooperation, as well as in various sectors that produce prosperity and the sustainability in Southeast Asia.
All countries that want to invest in ASEAN are required to follow the AOIP. Through this concept, we can minimize risk, prevent the entry of global political competition into the Southeast Asian region. The AOIP is translated into real projects that open inclusive cooperation space.
In its implementation, all parties are committed to applying the AOIP. This safe and peaceful Southeast Asian region has attracted the arrival of foreign investment so that all parties want to guarantee their sustainability. Competition among countries can be done in a healthy and competitive manner without sacrificing stability.
The projects, among others, are marine cooperation in fighting illegal fishing, preserving marine biota, as well as maritime security cooperation by making a joint rescue team. In addition, increasing transportation among ASEAN countries and with outside the region, making it possible to increase exports and imports.
KOMPAS/RADITYA HELABUMI
Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi with ASEAN Secretary General Kao Kim Hourn attending The ASEAN Foreign Ministers (AMM) Retreat meeting at the ASEAN Secretariat, Jakarta, Friday (3/2/2023).
The crisis in Myanmar is a big ASEAN task. Many parties criticize ASEAN's steps that prioritize consensus as long-winded. What do you think?
It's easy to criticize, or complain about something. We have to look back at everything that has happened and ASEAN has made a lot of efforts to help Myanmar. In April 2021, we all agreed on five consensus points. Last year, this consensus was also deepened with various implementing action plans.
There is a problem in the adaptation of the consensus in Myanmar. This is where we must continue to encourage the solution. Just like the discussion of South China Sea CoC, there is no speedy solution. Myanmar's issue is very sensitive and all the steps that ASEAN takes must avoid the risk of civilian bloodshed.
Myanmar is a sovereign country. Returning to the principle of the centrality of ASEAN and that ASEAN is important, the settlement of the Myanmar crisis must be led by the people of Myanmar. Only the Myanmar people can determine the direction of their country and ASEAN acts as a facilitator and assurance provider that humanitarian assistance gets through.
Indonesia as chairman of ASEAN 2023 also makes extraordinary efforts. In addition to dealing with Myanmar’s military junta, Indonesia also manages to deal with the opposition. Inviting all parties to sit together is a big challenge and must be done in stages. The existence of the Myanmar Affairs Office is important because regardless of whether the special delegates of the ASEAN chairman change, the development of the situation is still monitored and handled in a sustainable manner.
ASEAN asks for a ceasefire in Myanmar. There should be no more casualties. ASEAN appeals to all parties, both the state and organizations, not to supply weapons to Myanmar.
We believe that only by building communication among nations and among communities can trust be realized.
Does this principle make ASEAN relevant?
Yes. ASEAN is optimistic about the future because it believes that the solution to various problems in the world is to promote cooperation with various partners, not by isolating certain parties. We believe in the principle of reducing tension and increasing the realization of the economic agenda. We believe that only by building communication among nations and among communities can trust be realized.
Many parties tend to compare ASEAN with other organizations, most often with the European Union. These two organizations are different from the history of establishment or objectives. The European Union has similarities in foreign politics. Conversely, ASEAN has differences in foreign policy or political ideology in each of its members. ASEAN is united because outside of these two things, its members have the same vision of shared welfare, regional stability and impartiality toward certain camps.
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