Transnational Crime Takes Center Stage at ASEAN Summit, Says Indonesian Foreign Minister
Kuala Lumpur, The Gulf Observer: Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono stated that transnational crime was among the key issues discussed at the 47th ASEAN Summit, held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from October 26 to 28, 2025.
“The main issue we discussed was the handling of transnational crimes. Indonesia is not the only victim; citizens of several other member states have experienced similar cases,” Sugiono told reporters following the summit’s closing ceremony at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) on Tuesday.
He added that ASEAN member states agreed to address the issue through a collective regional framework, emphasizing closer coordination and joint mechanisms to combat cross-border criminal networks effectively.
A major highlight of this year’s summit was the official admission of Timor-Leste as ASEAN’s 11th full member, marking a significant milestone in the bloc’s ongoing efforts toward regional integration.
The summit also reaffirmed the importance of ASEAN centrality, describing it not merely as a slogan but as a core principle that should be demonstrated through concrete actions across the economic, political, social, cultural, and security domains.
In response to the current global trade challenges, ASEAN leaders reached a consensus on enhancing regional supply chain integration, aiming to reduce dependence on any single economy while strengthening intra-ASEAN economic resilience and maximizing each member state’s potential.
Sugiono further highlighted that cultural exchanges and academic mobility programs will be expanded among ASEAN nations, fostering greater people-to-people connectivity and shared understanding.
The summit also discussed the ongoing situation in Myanmar, where elections are scheduled for December. ASEAN underscored that the electoral process must be inclusive and involve all major stakeholders to ensure legitimacy and national reconciliation.
While some quarters have raised concerns over the timing of the elections, Minister Sugiono reaffirmed ASEAN’s position of respect for Myanmar’s internal process, expressing hope that the polls would pave the way for peace and stability.
“Whoever is elected, a ceasefire and peace must follow so that Myanmar can resume normal activities at both regional and global levels,” Sugiono emphasized.
On the sidelines of the summit, ASEAN leaders also held bilateral and multilateral meetings with dialogue partners, including South Korea, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, and the United States.
Additionally, an East Asia Summit was convened to further strengthen ASEAN’s centrality and institutional role in fostering cooperation with partner countries across the Indo-Pacific region.
The 47th ASEAN Summit concluded with a renewed commitment to unity, collective security, and inclusive growth — reinforcing the association’s vision of a peaceful, resilient, and interconnected Southeast Asia.
