HumasUPNVJ – In an event filled with enthusiasm, Leonard F. Hutabarat, PhD as Associate Expert Diplomat, Center for Multilateral Policy Strategy at the Foreign Policy Strategy Agency (BSKLN) gave an informative public lecture at UPN "Veteran" Campus Jakarta (21/08).
This public lecture is one of several series of events celebrating the 78th anniversary of the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Centered at UPN "Veteran" Jakarta, public lectures are held exclusively for BSKLN partners in 38 provinces in Indonesia.
The big theme that underlies this public lecture is ASEAN, Political Challenges, and the Role of RI's Foreign Politics.
In essence ASEAN is a regional organization formed by shared values in understanding, identity, interests and goals to address economic and security issues in the Southeast Asian region.
Quoting from Leonard's presentation, the commitment from ASEAN itself is "One vision, one identity, and one caring and sharing community." In line with the increasingly rapid growth of the world economy, ASEAN is also expanding its goals beyond the economic and social fields.
ASEAN means the Association of Southeast Asian Nations which was established on August 8, 1967 through the signing of the ASEAN Declaration or the ASEAN Charter.
The ASEAN Charter serves as a solid foundation in achieving an ASEAN Community by providing legal status and an institutional framework for ASEAN.
The ASEAN Charter contains ASEAN norms, rules and values, sets clear targets for ASEAN, and provides accountability and compliance.
ASEAN was founded with the aim of accelerating economic growth, social progress, and cultural development in the region. In addition, ASEAN is also aimed at promoting regional peace and stability through genuine respect for justice and the rule of law.
Leonard further stated that ASEAN has three pillars which refer to the three main components of cooperation within ASEAN. These three pillars are designed to cover various important aspects of cooperation among ASEAN member countries in an effort to realize the goals of the organization.
The three pillars include; 1) Politics and security which focuses on cooperation in terms of politics, security and stability in the Region; 2) The economic pillar aims to promote economic cooperation among ASEAN member countries; and 3) The social and cultural pillar focuses on cooperation in terms of education, culture, human resources, and social issues.
Indonesia is one of the founding and active members of ASEAN. Since the formation of ASEAN on August 8, 1967, Indonesia has played an important role in development and cooperation in the Southeast Asian region.
Since the beginning, Indonesia has been a founding member of ASEAN along with Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. These countries jointly signed the ASEAN Charter at the founding of the organization.
Then from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023, the leadership of ASEAN will be in the hands of Indonesia. This is the fifth time that Indonesia has led since the founding of ASEAN. The focus of Indonesia's leadership this year is to make ASEAN a stable and peaceful region so that it is hoped that it can become a foundation for world stability.
In his presentation, Leonard conveyed the message from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia to youth in ASEAN. “The younger generation must know ASEAN. The younger generation must be proud of the identity of the ASEAN community. It is the younger generation who will determine the direction and style of the ASEAN region in the future," said Retno Marsuadi.
Furthermore, regarding Foreign Minister Retno's message, Leonard conveyed that there are at least five things we can do as ASEAN youth. ASEAN youth can carry out promotions around ASEAN identity and also ASEAN awareness. Second, actively participating in youth exchange activities within ASEAN. Third, prioritizing the values of peace, tolerance and simplicity in harmony with ASEAN culture. Fourth, engage in voluntary activities to foster a sense of belonging. Finally, always follow the latest developments regarding the countries that are members of ASEAN.
After delivering the presentation material, the umuj lecture was continued with a question and answer session between the participants and the speakers. The participants seemed active in this public lecture activity marked by the many responses to the material presented in the form of questions.