ASEAN still plays a great role for regional integration

In celebration of the 43rd anniversary of ASEAN, secretary-general Surin Pitsuwan stressed the importance of raising awareness of both ASEAN and its importance for the region’s prosperity.

“The people need to be made aware of the benefits of ASEAN. They must be inspired by ASEAN and convinced that the future of their children is very much dependent on the realization of that vision,” he said, addressing a room of both local and international representatives during the official ceremony at the ASEAN Secretariat in South Jakarta on Monday.

ASEAN members observed Aug. 8 as the day that foreign ministers from each of the organization’s five founding members — Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand — signed the ASEAN Declaration in 1967.

The commemoration was marked with the traditional flag hoisting ceremony, followed with “The ASEAN Way” anthem by the Secretariat staff and tree planting.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa said even if there was “plenty more to do in terms of the challenges that we are facing, ASEAN has made a tremendous contribution”.

The head of the EU delegation to Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam, Ambassador Julian Wilson, was positive about what he felt was key to ASEAN having been so successful.

“The balance of the founding fathers in being both great visionaries yet at the same time understanding of the need for practicality has been crucial in bringing about the reality of their dream,” he said.

Phillipe Zeller, Ambassador of France to Indonesia and Timor-Leste, was keen to highlight the close ties between his country and those in ASEAN.

He revealed that four of ASEAN’s 10 members were members of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie, a group of countries with notable affiliation to French language or culture — with Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos as full members and Thailand as an observer.

Marty also commented on the importance of focusing on a wide range of issues regarding the integration of ASEAN. “What has to be improved is not only economic but also political integration. Close attention has to be paid to vital issues in the region such as human rights and the promotion of democracy.”

When asked about Indonesia’s progress in liberalizing the freedom of movement of its citizens through allowing visa-free traveling among its neighbors and the scrapping of fiscal charges for its citizens when traveling abroad, Marty alluded to the complexities involved.

“Indonesia has begun with visa-free traveling to certain ASEAN countries, but any change in the nature of fiscal charges will be coordinated with the Finance Ministry due to its impact on state finances.

“Such a move would be in accordance with ASEAN’s principle of facilitating people-to-people contact,” said Marty, noting the occasion for the day’s festivities.