T

he full implementation of the ASEAN Community is about two years ahead, but minimum coverage by Indonesian media on the ongoing ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei, again strengthens the dismay that the regional grouping has little meaning among people in the region. It is an elite organization, which has produced thousands of declarations, decisions, or statements, but people do not see its direct impact on their lives.

We are confident in the capabilities of Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa as Indonesia'€™s chief diplomat to ensure that the annual security dialogue will not just become a confidence-building measure or a multilateral forum where discussions are of direct interest to Indonesia. We also believe that ASEAN'€™s position is very strategic for Indonesia, the largest member of the organization, which is also pivotal for other members. But it is far from enough to attract the attention of the nation, as reflected by the indifferent attitude of the Indonesian media.

The ARF has met in Brunei but has received little attention from the Indonesian media, which is probably also the case with media in other countries'€™, although the annual security talks involve the world'€™s most powerful nations. It is perhaps because according to many Indonesians, the regional grouping almost has no connection with their daily lives. Problems like North Korea'€™s nuclear weapons buildup are important for East Asian Security, but they are almost irrelevent to most Indonesians.

In 2015, the 10 members of ASEAN are expected to totally open their doors to each other, and any kinds of
barriers and obstacles will be set to a minimum. Its impacts could be devastating for Indonesia if it is not fully ready for the free market, but it could be a huge opportunity if Indonesia could adjust itself to the new trading bloc. Unfortunately, many people believe we are not ready for economic liberalization.

Major world powers, like the US, China, Russia, Japan, India, the European Union and Australia, are represented by their foreign ministers and senior security officials and they are hosted by ASEAN foreign ministers. Just look at the presence of US Secretary of State John Kerry, who has smartly used the forum to press his country'€™s agenda, like on controversial surveilance issues, the Korean Peninsula and the South China Sea.

The implementation of the ASEAN Community is near, but for many Indonesians, the regional grouping does not mean much due to its small relevance to their lives.