Indonesia : ASEAN Leader 2011

    Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN, basically was established in Bangkok on 8^th August 1967 by five former countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, and Philippine. The establishment of ASEAN initially determined to constrain the expansion of communism ideology. Furthermore the subsequent developments of ASEAN show that ASEAN has become a regional cooperation forum in economic, security, and political sectors. ASEAN has become more important for ten countries in Southeast Asia region (Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippine, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Brunei, Burma). 

            In 2011 Indonesia has an opportunity to become ASEAN’s leader. Indonesia becomes the leader of ASEAN after the substitution of Brunei. Surely, in this position Indonesia should show the responsibilities on solving many problems happening in Southeast Asia region. As far as we know, there are lot of problems happened in South East Asia.

            There are some problems that Indonesia should focus on. First, the Thailand and Cambodia conflict on Phrear Vear temple in the borderline of those countries. As far as we know, this conflict has injured and killed many innocent people. This is really a serious problem for ASEAN. The question is on how ASEAN tries to make a best solution for both countries. Absolutely, ASEAN should try to find the solution without ignoring non interference principle. The initiative should also come from Indonesia as the leader of ASEAN. Indonesia should meet both Thailand and Cambodia and should try to make a better solution for both countries. ASEAN should try to find a compatible solution, so that there will be no noncombatant victims of the conflict. The reason of being a ‘people to people’ organization which can answer all people’s voices in Southeast Asia should be taken as a reason to find a proper solution to solve this problem.

            The second problem is about terrorism, people smuggling, and another security problem. Basically, ASEAN has initiated cooperation between the members to encounter and solve these problems. Terrorism has become a central issue nowadays. ASEAN should become more and more serious on encountering terrorism. The fact that Southeast Asia has become one of terrorism base should be put as a serious problem.

            The third one is the plan to apply Republic Democratic of East Timor as the eleventh member. This also becomes a serious problem too. East Timor or Timor Leste has become a new country in Southeast Asia region (after separated from Indonesia in 1999). If we compared it with another ASEAN member of course Timor Leste can also become one of ASEAN member.

            Indonesia’s leadership in 2011 absolutely become  a big challenge. Why? It is because Indonesia must concern in solving ASEAN multi dimensional problems. Indonesia’s contribution is needed in this context; also to reach the goals on building ASEAN community in 2015. A good step taken by Indonesia can also become a stepping stone for ASEAN commonly and also to prepare ASEAN to become a community in 2015.

            Finally, it depends on Indonesia especially President Yudhoyono and the decision makers to decide the point of being leader of ASEN and what should be done first.

Reference

Luhulima CPF,dkk, Masyarakat Asia Tenggara  Menuju Komunitas ASEAN 2015, Yogyakarta: Pustaka Pelajar 2008.

Penulis : Titus Bransma Heru

Mahasiswa HI 2009

Sumber gambar : http://www.thejakartapost.com/files/images/1asean2.jpg