ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA — As global tensions escalate and geopolitical conflicts intensify, Indonesia’s House of Representatives (DPR RI) has issued a clear warning: ASEAN must not remain a passive spectator amid the shifting dynamics of global power.
The Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Body (BKSAP) of the DPR RI is pushing to strengthen ASEAN centrality so Southeast Asia retains a strategic voice on the world stage.
The message was delivered by Syahrul Aidi Maazat, Chair of BKSAP DPR RI, following a courtesy call with Ina H. Krisnamurthi, Director General for ASEAN Cooperation at Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at the BKSAP leadership office in Jakarta on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
Syahrul Aidi emphasized the importance of strong synergy between executive diplomacy and parliamentary diplomacy to safeguard regional stability.
According to him, today’s global challenges are increasingly complex, marked by armed conflicts, great power rivalries, and the erosion of international norms.
“Our main discussion focused on strengthening ASEAN cooperation and ensuring that ASEAN centrality remains solid across multilateral forums,” Syahrul Aidi said.
He stressed that ASEAN centrality is essential to ensure member states maintain a collective stance when responding to major international strategic issues.
From a parliamentary perspective, this is reflected through enhanced coordination in global forums such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and closer cooperation among ASEAN legislatures.
Syahrul Aidi also highlighted the growing gap between international norms and geopolitical realities, a condition he said demands a more unified and assertive ASEAN.
“We are witnessing inconsistencies between norms and real-world practices at the global level. That is why strengthening regional norms through ASEAN mechanisms, including the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), is critically important,” said the PKS politician.
The situation in Myanmar was another key issue raised during the meeting. Syahrul Aidi underlined the need for a shared paradigm and unified response among ASEAN member states in addressing the ongoing political crisis there.
Indonesia, he added, remains committed to playing an active role as a mediator and peacemaker, promoting an inclusive and peaceful resolution by engaging all stakeholders in Myanmar, in line with ASEAN principles.
“As one of the largest countries in ASEAN, Indonesia must be at the forefront of encouraging an open and democratic political process that can be accepted by the international community,” he asserted.
Syahrul Aidi concluded that the courtesy call underscored the strong coordination between executive diplomacy led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and legislative diplomacy through the DPR RI, both working in tandem to maintain regional stability and reinforce Indonesia’s role within ASEAN.
“Parliamentary diplomacy and executive diplomacy must continue to move forward together so that ASEAN does not lose its direction amid an increasingly volatile global geopolitical landscape,” he concluded. (AT Network)
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