“There are some policy pronouncements and declarations of intent but it would be easier if we could get more detailed information through strategic papers or policy papers on its engagement in Southeast Asia,” he said on the sidelines of an Indonesia-UK dialogue held by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Jakarta on Thursday.

He said the UK’s interest in ASEAN had been growing in the past year but the country did not carry out extensive activities to lay the foundation for comprehensive relations with the bloc.

“And maybe even after they leave the EU, it will definitely take more time to make the necessary adjustments and readjustments so that they can focus more on developing relations with ASEAN,” he said.

Under its Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the UK is due to leave the EU on Oct. 31, regardless of whether it has a transition deal to preserve a trading arrangement with the EU.

CSIS executive director Philips Vermonte said the UK could start prioritizing and strategizing its engagement with ASEAN after resolving Brexit.

“The UK should also understand that in the context of global change and the US-China rivalry, ASEAN will focus on creating a more peaceful and stable region, as well as functional cooperation. The UK has many potentials to involve […] through business and private sector engagement, as well as through historical and economic ties with Southeast Asia,” he said.

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