Editorial: ASEAN at 41

Thu, 08/07/2008 10:11 AM  |  Opinion

ASEAN Secretariat staff, Foreign Ministry officials, diplomatic envoys and a few related government agents will gear up for duty in best spirits to exalt a flagging association.

Not that ASEAN is a sinking ship, but in the minds of many it does seem like a lumbering, stagnant and obsolete vessel.

The (in)significance of such "momentous" occasions to its constituents can be interpreted both positively and negatively.

ASEAN's birthday may be forgotten as it is widely assumed there is no need to celebrate a routine, just as many mature adults forget their birthdays.

Or, it may be a case of meaninglessness to a point where the event warrants no commemoration.

Whether it is a case of the former or latter, we can judge by looking at how many (or few) of its constituents, of southeast Asia's 560 million people, who proudly call themselves "ASEAN citizens".

Established in Bangkok on Aug. 8, 1967, the grouping originally comprised five founding members: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.

Brunei became its sixth member in 1984, followed by Vietnam in 1995, Laos and Myanmar in 1997, and Cambodia two years later.

The present generation owes much to the ASEAN's founding fathers.

In a region laced with rivalry, a history of disputes, long standing suspicion and with no tradition of cooperation, ASEAN contributed to the maintenance of peace and the fostering of a regional framework.

As mutual trust grew, so did economic synergy in an area encompassing some 4.5 million square kilometers.

The combined gross domestic product of southeast Asia now reaches US$ 1,100 billion, with total trade valued at around US$ 1,400 billion.

In that respect, ASEAN has fulfilled its two primary purposes as stated in its declaration: To accelerate economic growth and promote regional peace and stability.

But each generation has different dreams. Bolder goals and more exacting standards.

It is this failure to meet the fresh aspirations of an evolving southeast Asia which makes ASEAN now seem increasingly antiquated.

There is something seriously wrong when three of ASEAN's five founding members suspend the ratification of a charter which would in effect serve as the grouping's constitution.

Beyond diplomatic haggling or political in-fighting, the question of the ASEAN Charter represents an ideological battle which will determine the fate of the organization.

Who and what we are cannot be soothed with diplomatic protocol.

It represents the growing ideological divide which is apparent to the peoples of the ASEAN region, but which is often diluted in a rush for unanimity at summits and diplomatic negotiations.

The ASEAN Declaration speaks of social progress, cultural development, respect for justice and adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter.

We do not believe social progress to be simply a declaration of intent on raising "Functional Cooperation" as a third plane of regional cooperation.

Nor is cultural development a case of preserving traditional dances.

These noble goals of ensuring social justice cannot be secured without deference to the social and political rights of all ASEAN citizens.

Indonesia must pause to rethink its role in ASEAN.

It cannot wholly engage, nor prioritize a grouping which excuses actions which directly insult the values we are so painstakingly trying to instill in ASEAN's largest member.

The past decade has been a time of pain and grief which saw much bloodshed. All in the name of reforming and installing a new set of conscientious values which do not compromise democracy, individual freedoms or human rights.

After such pain, how can the Indonesian people simply look away while its foreign policy cozies to a gathering of nations which functions as an alibi for continued political inhibition.

We remain loyal ASEAN citizens, but we may see a time when the body has outlived its purpose.

Happy birthday ASEAN. Get better soon!

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