The association, which has pledged to remain neutral despite strong pull factors in opposing directions, has for years attempted to establish itself as the main convenor of countries in a highly contested region.

With many of its member states exposed to security challenges as wide-ranging as overlapping territorial claims, coup d’etats and the threat of nuclear warfare, heavy is the burden on Jakarta to ensure that Southeast Asia remains a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.

In a chair statement released on Thursday at the close of the 42nd ASEAN Summit, Indonesia expressed on behalf of ASEAN’s leaders an acute awareness that recent developments in the region have “eroded trust, confidence [and] tensions [that] may undermine peace, security and stability in the region”.

Previous months have seen increased surveillance and military activity in and around the Indo-Pacific, escalating tensions and prompting observers to liken it to setting a resource-rich region on top of a powder keg.

The United States, for instance, announced four new military bases in the Philippines last month, while rival superpower China has increased its defense potential in the South Pacific.

As ASEAN chair, Indonesia has sought to deescalate the situation and remind the core group to stay together.

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