In 2023, Indonesia holds the position as chair of ASEAN - The Association of Southeast Asian Nations. ASEAN is a regional grouping made up of 10 member states in Southeast Asia, focused on regional collaboration and prosperity.
This year is undoubtedly a difficult year to take the leading role in ASEAN. The region faces a gloomy economic outlook, climate change, and ongoing geopolitical tensions. Here, the AMC brings you a news roundup of what Indonesia and ASEAN are facing this year:
Economic outlook
With about a third of the world’s economies are forecast to fall into recession this year, the economic outlook is high on the agenda for ASEAN. Coming into the position as chair, Indonesia announced the theme for 2023 as ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth, effectively centring economic issues:
ASEAN Economic Community in Uncertain Times: Can the Indonesian Chair Lead in a Challenging World? - Fulcrum
ASEAN finance leaders to work closer to withstand global crises - Reuters
Myanmar coup aftermath
Myanmar is one of ASEAN’s 10 member states and has been a contentious subject for the grouping since the country’s junta led a military coup in February 2021. Initially, ASEAN and Myanmar general Min Aung Hlaing agreed on a Five Point Consensus plan as a path to relative peace, but the Myanmar military has largely ignored it:
Myanmar presents ASEAN with only bad options - East Asia Forum
The clock is ticking for ASEAN on Myanmar - Jakarta Post
Indonesia's ASEAN leadership tested with Myanmar - Human Rights Watch
US-China rivalry in the region
China-US tensions are not new to ASEAN in 2023 – the region has long struggled to balance the relationship between the two superpowers and this year is shaping up no differently for Indonesia:
Will China-ASEAN Relations Take a Turn for the Better Post-Pandemic? - The Diplomat
As Asean chair, Indonesia must proactively manage ties between US and China - South China Morning Post
ASEAN and China aim for South China Sea 'hotline' trial in 2023 - Nikkei
For more general analysis and overview of ASEAN in 2023, check out these articles:
2023 a tough year for ASEAN: expert - Vietnam Plus
Chairing ASEAN: what does it mean for Indonesia in 2023? - The Conversation
- Asia Media Centre
