The Directorate of ASEAN Socio-Cultural Cooperation, under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, in collaboration with the University of Gadjah Mada, hosted a Discussion Forum titled “Diskusi Jaring Masukan Visi ASEAN Pilar Sosial Budaya Pasca 2025: Tantangan dan Way Forward” on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at Hotel Royal Ambarrukmo in Yogyakarta. The Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies (CESASS) Universitas Gadjah Mada participated in this event, with Mr. Muhadi Sugiono, Head of Research, Journals, and Cooperation Division at CESASS, moderating the discussion.
The forum began with a compelling presentation by Ms. Carolina Tinangon, Secretary of the Directorate General of ASEAN Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Indonesia. She highlighted the successful implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025, which included achievements like the formation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and Timor-Leste joining ASEAN as an observer. Ms. Tinangon introduced the ASEAN Community Vision (ACV) 2045, emphasizing the need to address future global challenges related to population growth and technological advancements to create a resilient, dynamic, and connected ASEAN. “Indonesia’s interests as a middle power in Southeast Asia are also considered in this framework,” she noted. However, she acknowledged that ASEAN faces challenges such as varying growth rates and human resource quality among member states, necessitating tailored cooperation and synergy.
Dr. Dafri Agussalim, Director of the ASEAN Studies Center at UGM, furthered the discussion by emphasizing the importance of collaboration over competition in ASEAN’s socio-cultural pillar. He cited the ASEAN Tourism Forum and SEA Games as examples where competition often overshadowed cooperation. The competitiveness among Southeast Asian countries should shift towards collaboration to foster a collective identity within the socio-cultural pillar. This collective identity could enhance the sense of unity and belonging among ASEAN citizens. Dr. Agussalim proposed a film workshop showcasing ASEAN’s cultural beauty, involving ASEAN citizens in all aspects of production, to foster a shared cultural identity. He concluded with a poignant reflection, urging participants to envision themselves as ASEAN citizens rather than solely identifying with their nation-states.
Mr. Shofwan Al Banna Choirruzad from The Habibie Center and the University of Indonesia underscored the importance of a collective ASEAN identity in addressing global challenges. Speaking via an online forum, he highlighted the “triple tension” of interstate systems, global economic inequality, and ecological systems affected by climate change. He emphasized ASEAN’s role as a civilization hub in the Indo-Pacific and the necessity for ASEAN’s collective identity to influence global policy reforms in governance, finance, and climate crisis management.
The final speaker, Mr. Iqbal Dharmawan, ASEAN Youth Ambassador, highlighted the pivotal role of youth in advancing the ASEAN Community’s socio-cultural vision. He encouraged young people to harness technology for sustainable development in areas such as renewable energy, agriculture, and natural resource management, and to engage in socio-preneurship to tackle everyday societal challenges. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of youth as change agents, advocating for their involvement in education and influencing political decision-making and public policy.
The event concluded with an interactive session where participants shared their perspectives, reinforcing the need for intensified ASEAN cooperation to tackle global challenges and disaster management collaboration. The discussion lasted approximately four hours, followed by lunch at the hotel’s restaurant.