Jakarta. Indonesia recently told ASEAN to optimize what Jakarta had done in the Southeast Asian bloc, including the work done when it held the rotating chairmanship last year.

Vice President Ma’ruf Amin recently represented Indonesia at the plenary session of the 44th ASEAN Summit in Laos. Chief Economic Affairs Minister Airlangga Hartarto was also present. Laos’ Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone led the high-profile meeting.

In his remarks, Ma’ruf thanked all ASEAN members for supporting Indonesia, particularly during its chairmanship last year.

He then talked about Indonesia’s past roles in ASEAN over the past decade, starting from the adoption of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), the document that outlines the bloc’s role in maintaining regional stability. Other achievements also include the world’s largest trade pact the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) that promotes economic integration. Indonesia also helps support Timor Leste’s membership, which the bloc has admitted in principle.

“But we cannot be complacent in this ever-changing world. The future challenges ask ASEAN to continue to adapt and foster stronger collaboration,” Ma’ruf said.

According to Ma’ruf, there are three things that ASEAN must do going forward. The first is to promote unity to maintain regional stability through the implementation of AOIP. This document is the main reference to establish an inclusive and ASEAN-centered region. 

Second is the innovations through technology and digitalization. Indonesia finds that the RCEP lets ASEAN be competitive in the new era of global economy that is more integrated and sustainable. Indonesia also welcomes other countries’ interests to join the RCEP trade pact. 

Indonesia also told ASEAN to be adaptive and responsive to modern-day challenges, including climate change, food security, and water scarcity.

“ASEAN must remain committed to development that is not just limited to pursuing economic growth, but also sustainability,” Ma’ruf said.

As chair, Sonexay thanked Indonesia for its role in developing the ASEAN communities during President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s leadership. This includes Indonesia’s role in making ASEAN an epicentrum of growth. 

ASEAN members adopted a total of 56 documents from Laos’ chairmanship this year. The leaders also discussed the progress of its 2045 ASEAN Vision. The 2026-2030 ASEAN Economic Community Strategic Plan drafted by the High-Level Task Force on ASEAN Economic Integration has reached 71 percent in completion. ASEAN leaders will adopt this strategic plan -- alongside the 2045 vision -- at the 46th ASEAN Summit in May 2025.