Jakarta – The ASEAN-US Special Summit in Washington DC, United States on Thursday – Friday (12-13/5), has certainly provided positive feedback for ASEAN and Indonesia. In general, the successful event marks a “new era” of United States-Southeast Asia relations following the issuance of Joint Vision Statements that shares views on regional and international issues of common interest and concern.
The Senior Advisor of the Executive Office of the Presiden, Siti Ruhaini Dzuhayatin, hailed the 28-point vision statement as it stresses on humanitarian issues rather than politics. The statement, furthermore, focuses on prevention against pandemic and joint recovery efforts, putting the strengthened economy and its connectivity on the second line.
“It particularly set the talks in digital literacy, an inclusive framework, while encouraging more innovation and efficacy altogether,” said Ruhaini, Sunday (16/5).
Another humanitarian issue raised in the joint statement, according to Ruhaini, is the issue of connectivity between citizens, the so-called people to people relations, centering on accessibility for women’s empowerment, gender equality, and people with disabilities.
Likewise with climate change and regional security stability, she added. The ASEAN-US Summit conveys mutual trust, particularly ensuring global leaders that ASEAN is free of nuclear, biological, and weapons of mass destruction.
ASEAN leaders and the U.S. President Joe Biden also expressed deep concerns about the situation in Myanmar and war in Ukraine.
“Stipulated on the joint statement that the two sides will uphold principles under the UN charter, condemn violence, and push for a peaceful solution that sides with the interests of the people and serves easy access to humanitarian assistance,” she continued.
More importantly, the ASEAN-US special summit was a public exposure that showcases Indonesia acting as the coordinator of the ASEAN partnership. The many publications would provide chances for Indonesia’s independent and active foreign policy to be observed and criticized.
“This should give substantive feedback for Indonesia maintaining such an ‘independent and active’ principle”, she said.
In addition, the ASEAN-US special summit also provides positive feedback for the Indonesian economy.
The summit has opened up “space and opportunities” for Indonesia as a new emerging country, to meet with strategic business players in the U.S., who were expected to bring something to Indonesia’s table.
In its official statement, The U.S. also recognizes ASEAN central role in delivering sustainable solutions to the region’s most pressing challenges. Thus, the U.S. pledges to elevate cooperation as part of its enduring commitment to ASEAN.
“This opportunity will create a prospective atmosphere for investment in Indonesia, pushing regulatory and bureaucratic reform, increasing inclusive and resilient human resources, adding more adequate infrastructures, and supporting many other aspects,” said Ruhaini.
