ASEAN's Success Tied to Meeting People's Needs, Says Indonesian Foreign Minister

The success of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will be measured by its ability to help people meet their needs, said Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi. Speaking at the 59th ASEAN Day held at the ASEAN Headquarters in Jakarta, Foreign Minister Marsudi emphasized that the organization must continue to ensure that regional cooperation brings tangible benefits to its people. "The success of ASEAN will be measured by its ability to help people meet the needs of their families, find decent jobs, live safely, and look to the future with confidence," said the Indonesian Foreign Minister. For this reason, ASEAN needs to continue to strengthen its capacity in protecting the public from the impact of various global dynamics and crises. These efforts include strengthening food and energy security, protecting citizens during crises, and preparing the younger generation through education, skills, and confidence to lead ASEAN in the future. The minister stated that ASEAN should not be an arena for major power rivalry or take sides with any of them, but should always stand by its people for their welfare, security, and future. Minister Marsudi further emphasized that ASEAN has an important modality in navigating the increasingly complex global situation. Since its establishment in 1967, ASEAN has been able to face various competitions and crises in the region without deviating from its main principle of advancing unity, peace, and dialogue. Almost six decades later, the regional architecture built by ASEAN not only stands but continues to grow and adapt, with ASEAN's centrality increasingly gaining trust as an anchor for promoting regional peace and stability. "Today's world needs bridge-builders who are able to ease tensions, build trust, and keep the dialogue going. This is the role that ASEAN has played for almost six decades," emphasized Foreign Minister Marsudi. Looking ahead, Foreign Minister Marsudi said ASEAN must be able to determine its own direction while strengthening the institutions, capacities, and resources needed to realize the aspirations of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045. The 59th anniversary of ASEAN Day is a historic moment as it is the first time that eleven Member States have attended after the entry of Timor-Leste in November 2025. The event was attended by ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn, the diplomatic community of ASEAN Member States in Jakarta, and representatives from various diplomatic missions in Jakarta.