ASEAN Needs New Direction, Indonesia Must Lead

Amid escalating geopolitical rivalries, widespread humanitarian crises, and the waning influence of multilateral institutions, Southeast Asia finds itself ensnared in a web of challenges. The region grapples with the ongoing crisis in Myanmar, tensions in the South China Sea, and threats to economic and non-traditional security. The recent border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia further compounds these issues, testing ASEAN's capacity to maintain stability, solidarity, and its central role in a rapidly changing world.

Indonesia, the largest nation in Southeast Asia, bears a historical and strategic responsibility to forge solutions. With ASEAN's role stagnating, the question arises: how should Indonesia lead when the bloc desperately needs direction? In an era of diminished collective will to act for regional interests, Indonesia's leadership is not merely an option but a necessity.

The humanitarian crisis in Myanmar starkly illustrates ASEAN's leadership deficit. Since the 2021 military coup, thousands of civilians have been victimized, and refugees continue to flee. ASEAN's Five-Point Consensus, designed to resolve the crisis, remains stalled due to a lack of effective sanctions and pressure mechanisms. Indonesia has played a significant role, spearheading the consensus and engaging in careful diplomacy, yet concrete solutions remain elusive. Mediation efforts often result in meetings without tangible follow-up, highlighting the limitations of ASEAN's traditionally cautious approach.

Adding to the region's instability, the border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia reignited in mid-2025, underscoring the fragility of regional solidarity. This dispute signals a disregard for the established norms of inter-ASEAN relations, which emphasize peaceful conflict resolution as outlined in the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation. The unresolved internal issues within ASEAN demonstrate a lack of effective mechanisms for member states to settle disputes. ASEAN should actively mediate conflicts among its members. In the Myanmar crisis, Indonesia must champion a courageous consensus, apply concrete pressure on the junta, and drive reforms in ASEAN's crisis management.

Indonesia must move beyond cautious diplomacy and embrace a more assertive leadership to navigate these complex challenges. The article argues that Indonesia's proactive engagement is crucial for restoring ASEAN's relevance and ensuring regional stability.