Many Challenges Impede ASEAN’s Momentum

Externally, there is a competition between superpowers that could potentially divide ASEAN. Internally, ASEAN is facing a prolonged crisis in Myanmar.

KOMPAS/HERU SRI KUMORO

President Joko Widodo (right) poses for a photo with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 42nd ASEAN Summit in Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara, Tuesday (9/5/2023). Apart from Malaysia, Joko Widodo also held bilateral meetings with Vietnam, Timor Leste and Laos.

WEST MANGGARAI, KOMPAS – ASEAN has been in a decisive period in recent years. Although the regional bloc has enough capital to spur growth, both internal and external challenges stand in the way of these opportunities.

“ASEAN is in a decisive period. Our strength as a community has been tested, crisis after crisis. Failing to resolve these [crises] risks our relevance,” Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Mahfud MD said in his opening remarks at the 26th ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC) Council Meeting in Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara, on Tuesday (9/5/2023).