The agenda highlighted at the 2023 ASEAN Summit (KTT), taking place in Jakarta on 5-7 September 2023, includes a series of initiatives and cooperation aimed at building a strong foundation for security and stability in the region.
One of the hot issues that is likely to be discussed is the establishment of a Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea.
In the face of complex dynamics in the region, the 2023 ASEAN Summit could provide an opportunity to encourage further negotiations and underscore the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region through fair and transparent agreements.
In the midst of global geopolitical uncertainty, efforts to maintain security and stability in the Southeast Asia Region are becoming increasingly urgent.
In this context, the South East Asian Nuclear Weapon Free Zone (SEANFWZ) initiative emerged as an important step that had a positive impact on regional peace.
Steps towards establishing the South East Asian Nuclear Weapon Free Zone (SEANFWZ) will also be an important focus.
In keeping the region free from nuclear weapons, ASEAN has a strategic role to encourage dialogue and cooperation that can reduce the risk of conflict and promote peace.
SEANFWZ is the collective commitment of ASEAN countries to make this region free from nuclear weapons.
By prohibiting the production, development, deployment and use of nuclear weapons in the region, SEANFWZ acts as a hedge against potential threats and the risk of conflict that could disrupt stability.
One of the main reasons why SEANFWZ is so important, is because it provides security guarantees for member countries.
In the absence of nuclear weapons in the region, the risk of conflict escalation that could trigger a nuclear war will be significantly minimized.
This helps create a safer and more peaceful environment for ASEAN countries and the entire region.
In addition, SEANFWZ also contributes to strengthening regional cooperation.
By upholding their shared commitment to prohibit nuclear weapons, ASEAN countries send a strong message of their determination to maintain peace and avoid an arms race.
This could open the door for further collaboration in areas such as economics, security and natural resource management.
Oceans not only separate, but also connect ASEAN countries in economic, cultural and security networks.
In facing increasingly complex maritime dynamics, the ASEAN Maritime Outlook (AMO) emerged as a strategic initiative in guiding maritime cooperation and management in the Southeast Asian region.
The ASEAN Maritime Outlook (AMO) is a framework that guides maritime cooperation in the region.
The 2023 ASEAN Summit provides momentum for the further implementation of the AMO, bearing in mind the importance of sustainable management of marine resources, protection of the maritime environment, and development of the economic potential in the sector.
One of the interesting things about AMO is its focus on the Blue Economy.
This refers to the economic potential that can be generated from the sustainable management and use of marine resources.
The AMO promotes the strengthening of economic sectors such as fisheries, tourism and marine-based renewable energy, by ensuring that these activities are carried out in a sustainable manner.
Apart from that, the food security agenda also continues to be a serious concern.
Through the 2023 ASEAN Summit, ASEAN countries developed a joint strategy to face the challenges of providing sufficient and safe food for the population amid climate change and global economic dynamics.
The energy transition towards more sustainable resources was also discussed, considering the need for cooperation in facing climate change.
Increased investment in renewable energy and joint efforts in reducing emissions could be an important part of the RKTT agenda.
No less important, financial stability in this region also requires serious attention.
In the face of global economic uncertainty, cooperation in securing financial stability and mitigating risks can be one of the important priorities in the 2023 ASEAN ARKT.
The ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) will remain a strategic guide in carrying out relations with partners in the Indo-Pacific region.
Through the 2023 ASEAN Summit, the region can underscore the importance of maintaining balance and sustainability in relations with various global actors.
AOIP is not just a strategy to embrace cooperation with external partners, but also an effort to respect regional identity and interests in the form of fair cooperation and based on international principles.
Economic cooperation is an important component in AOIP.
By connecting the economies of ASEAN countries with external partners through strong economic corridors, AOIP has the potential to increase growth and prosperity in the region, while minimizing the risk of global economic disruption.
The 2023 ASEAN Summit with the theme “Epicentrum of Growth” has the potential to strengthen ASEAN’s important role in building a strong foundation for security and stability in the Southeast Asian Region.
In facing complex challenges, this Summit is a valuable opportunity to strengthen cooperation and pioneer a more secure, stable and prosperous future for all member countries.
