With recent escalations in South China Sea territorial disputes, the onus is on world leaders attending the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit to put their feet down and denounce any actions that could further destabilize the anxious region.

Jokowi, accompanied by a small entourage of ministers, said he would underline the “collaboration paradigm” between ASEAN countries and its partners to advance respect toward international law, and discuss the security pact between Indonesia and Australia.

“[We will discuss] how the strategic partnership between ASEAN and Australia can be optimized in realizing a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” Jokowi said at the Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base.

“I will use this opportunity to [promote] the consistent respect of international law, including in the Palestinian case.”

The 50th commemoration of the dialogue partnership between ASEAN and Australia was initially slated to discuss a long-term strategy for expanding economic growth in the region. Yet it comes amid a spat between the Philippines and China, as well as thinning public patience for the decline of human rights within ASEAN, including in conflict-torn Myanmar.

In recent years, China’s claims over the South China Sea have unnerved ASEAN countries and sparked various diplomatic hostilities. Some countries like the Philippines, have joined forces with the United States to maintain their security, inevitably testing the limits of international relations.

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