Retno said that in Southeast Asia, Indonesian diplomacy is working to ensure that ASEAN remains relevant in facing geopolitical dynamics. Besides that, Indonesia is helping to build an architecture for the Indo-Pacific region that is inclusive, collaborative, and adheres to international law. One of them is through the ratification of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) in 2019, which was initiated by Indonesia.
"In 2019, at the initiation of Indonesia, the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) was launched as a grand design for concrete and inclusive cooperation, and as a response to the dynamics of increasing rivalry in the Indo-Pacific region," she said in the 2024 Annual Press Statement of the Minister of Foreign Affairs (PPTM) received in Jakarta on Monday (08/01/2024).
Apart from that, Retno said that Indonesia's chairmanship of ASEAN in 2023 resulted in several agreements and achievements. Among them is the formation of ASEAN Concord IV as an effort to build ASEAN's long-term vision. Retno also claimed that Indonesia had carried out 265 engagement activities to resolve the Rohingya crisis in Myanmar.
"Democracy and stability in Myanmar will be the key to resolving the Rohingya issue so that they can return to their homes with dignity," she continued.
Not only Southeast Asia, Minister Retno said that countries in the Pacific Ocean and island regions were also involved. According to her, representatives of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) have been involved during the ASEAN and G20 presidencies in 2022 and 2023. During this period, Retno said that Indonesia held the first Archipelago and Island States (AIS) Summit with island and archipelagic countries.
"The AIS Summit agreed to strengthen cooperation to fight for the interests of archipelago and island countries in various global forums and encourage cooperation in the climate change, maritime, and disaster management sectors," she continued.
On that occasion, Retno said that Indonesia continues to voice the strengthening and reform of the multilateral system. According to her, the current multilateral system is "no longer fit for purpose", so reforms must be carried out.
Retno highlighted Indonesia's success in leading the G20 amidst a heated geopolitical situation, proving that developing countries can determine negotiations. She said that Indonesia's presidency of the G20 had produced "concrete" cooperation projects for developing countries.
"Under Indonesia's Chairmanship in 2023, the MIKTA Summit was also held for the first time, which emphasized MIKTA as a positive force amidst world polarization," she said.
