According to the director general for ASEAN cooperation, Sidharto R. Suryodipuro, the President's attendance aims to demonstrate Indonesia's faithful commitment to continue its role in the Southeast Asian organization.
"The President has been scheduled to attend two ASEAN Summits this year, tomorrow (from May 23–27) and next October," Suryodipuro said at a press briefing here on Wednesday.
Prabowo's presence will also disprove arguments that Indonesia has abandoned ASEAN and is no longer focusing on the body under his presidency, he stressed.
The director general explained that President Prabowo understands and has been keen to contribute to ASEAN ever since his tenure as defense minister from 2019 to 2024. He also toured all ASEAN member states, except Myanmar, as president-elect after winning the 2024 election.
"During each meeting, he met the national leaders and underscored the importance of ASEAN to them," Suryodipuro said.
Prabowo is also keen to explain his views and ideas on ASEAN advancements during bilateral meetings or international forums, he added.
"Indonesia's position regarding its role to maintain a stable Southeast Asian region has been continued from government to government," Suryodipuro emphasized.
Hence, Indonesia is determined to strengthen its commitment to ASEAN and will not resign from its responsibility in the union, he said, adding that such commitment is increasingly important amid the current global dynamics.
As the ASEAN chair this year, Malaysia will host the upcoming ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur. At the meeting, ASEAN leaders will discuss regional issues, such as the Myanmar crisis, response to US tariffs, and the ASEAN-China Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.
Kuala Lumpur will also host the second ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit and the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit on May 26–27.
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Reporter: Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Primayanti
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