As a lot of you may know, Indonesia is part of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), alongside Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. The association was established in 1967, and is still a big part of all the nations today. Here’s a quick lesson that might help you learn more about it.
Founding Principles: ASEAN was founded on the principles of mutual respect for sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, peaceful coexistence, and cooperation for mutual benefit.
Expansion: Over the years, ASEAN expanded its membership to include Brunei Darussalam (1984), Vietnam (1995), Laos and Myanmar (1997), and Cambodia (1999).
Regional Stability: ASEAN played a crucial role in maintaining peace and stability in the region during times of political and social change, such as the end of the Vietnam War and the Cambodian conflict.
Economic Integration: ASEAN has made significant strides toward economic integration, culminating in the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in 2015. The AEC aims to create a single market and production base with free movement of goods, services, investment, and skilled labor.
Cultural and Social Cooperation: ASEAN promotes cultural exchange, people-to-people connections, and educational programs to foster a sense of regional identity and understanding.
Regional Challenges: ASEAN addresses various regional challenges, including transnational crime, terrorism, natural disasters, and public health issues.
External Relations: ASEAN engages with external partners through dialogue partnerships and summit meetings, building diplomatic ties with major powers and other countries.
ASEAN Community: In 2015, ASEAN established the ASEAN Community, which comprises three pillars: the ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC), the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC).
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