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Sleepless in Jakarta to effect positive change
We can write with confidence that Indonesia managed to ensure cohesion within the ranks, which is reflected in ASEAN members' unity on the crisis in Myanmar.
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Indonesian President Joko Widodo (center) hammers the start of the ASEAN-India Summit in Jakarta on Sept. 7, 2023. (Reuters/Willy Kurniawan/Pool)
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query from journalists about the lessons learned during Indonesia’s ASEAN chairmanship left me wondering. That evening, I failed to respond because I needed more time to contemplate the chairmanship and what it has taught us.
Any summitry carries complexities of its own, concerning both the organization and management of delicate substantive issues. From day one until the day when participating leaders waved farewell from the Soekarno Hatta International Airport, Indonesia embraced the responsibility. The national committee has dedicated its time and energy to the success of ASEAN.
The organization of the summits in Labuan Bajo and Jakarta received many accolades. Yet, while Indonesia was able to manage some delicate issues tactfully and received appreciation from many, some commentators continue to criticize the country’s chairmanship.
On my part, having an office next to that of Director General for ASEAN Cooperation Arto Suryodipuro has been allowed me to receive updates on substantive issues.
I have had plenty of opportunities to talk with him, to better understand Indonesia’s efforts to cascade the chairmanship’s central theme, “ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth”. Moreover, I gained insight into the dynamics within ASEAN when the member states were negotiating contentious topics.
The corridor leading to his office was always busy with passing people. I bumped into a continuous stream of guests in that corridor, and yet there were also times when the area was shrouded in tranquility.
One of two factors was usually responsible for the silence. Either the director general was traveling for an ASEAN meeting, or he and his team were in a meeting with Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi to discuss strategies on pressing issues.
