ASIATODAY.ID, KUALA LUMPUR — President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto called for ASEAN unity as the region’s main strength in navigating an increasingly volatile global landscape. The message was delivered during the 47th ASEAN Summit Plenary Session held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), Malaysia, on Sunday, October 26, 2025.
President Prabowo arrived at KLCC at 8:20 a.m. local time and was warmly welcomed by Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The two leaders exchanged a firm handshake and a friendly embrace, symbolizing the close relations and enduring friendship between Indonesia and Malaysia.
After the welcoming ceremony, President Prabowo joined other ASEAN leaders for the official opening of the Summit, themed “Inclusivity and Sustainability.”
Strengthening ASEAN Solidarity and Diplomacy
In his address, President Prabowo praised Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s decisive leadership in addressing recent regional disputes and reaffirmed Indonesia’s readiness to support the implementation of ceasefire agreements achieved through ASEAN-led efforts.
“I appreciate the firm leadership of Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim in resolving recent disputes. Indonesia stands ready to support the next steps of the ceasefire agreement. For ASEAN, unity is not merely a slogan — it is a deliberate strategy to safeguard regional peace and security,” President Prabowo stated.
President Prabowo also expressed condolences on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother of Thailand, and congratulated Anutin Charnvirakul, the newly appointed Prime Minister of Thailand. He further extended a warm welcome to Timor-Leste as ASEAN’s 11th member state.
ASEAN as a Pillar of Global Stability and Growth
President Prabowo emphasized that ASEAN’s global influence must be rooted in strong domestic foundations. Such resilience, he said, enables the region to play a credible and constructive role in shaping a fair and inclusive international order.
“It is the strength at home that allows us to build bridges to the world. This foundation gives us credibility to engage and help shape the future beyond our borders,” President Prabowo remarked.
He urged ASEAN to strengthen economic coordination, regional integration, and digital transformation to withstand external shocks and future uncertainties.
“ASEAN unity must also be reflected in stronger coordination and integration in the economic sphere to navigate future challenges,” he added.
President Prabowo also commended ASEAN’s Foreign and Economic Ministers for their solidarity in addressing current geo-economic challenges. He underscored the importance of advancing the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA), enhancing intra-regional trade, and developing a robust digital economy framework.
“We must continue to assert ASEAN’s role as a driver of growth and a center of innovation and opportunity,” he said.
A New Momentum for Regional Cooperation
The 47th ASEAN Summit marked a historic moment as Timor-Leste was officially welcomed as ASEAN’s 11th member state through a declaration jointly signed by all ASEAN leaders.
President Prabowo highlighted that the upcoming 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) and the 15th anniversary of the East Asia Summit Bali Principles should not be mere ceremonies, but rather opportunities to renew ASEAN’s spirit of solidarity and cooperation.
“ASEAN’s journey from conflict to cooperation is a testament to the enduring power of regional solidarity,” President Prabowo noted.
Concluding his address, President Prabowo called on ASEAN member states to remain courageous, adaptive, and visionary in facing the uncertain future.
“In confronting global uncertainty, let us lead with purpose — not only for our region but for a more stable, just, and inclusive world,” he affirmed.
Indonesia’s Commitment to Regional and Global Partnership
President Prabowo’s participation in the 47th ASEAN Summit reaffirmed Indonesia’s strong commitment to enhancing solidarity and collaboration — both within Southeast Asia and with strategic partners such as Japan, India, and the United States.
Through this forum, Indonesia continues to promote concrete cooperation among ASEAN members, strengthen regional connectivity, and improve the welfare of ASEAN citizens amid a rapidly changing global environment. (AT Network)
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