The ASEAN Journey: Reflections of ASEAN Leaders and Officials
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ASEAN@50 Volume 1 The ASEAN Journey: Refl ections of ASEAN Leaders and O cials Edited by Surin Pitsuwan, Hidetoshi Nishimura, Ponciano Intal, Jr., Kavi Chongki� avorn, and Larry Maramis Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia © Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia, 2017 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means electronic or mechanical without prior written notice to and permission from ERIA. The findings, interpretations, conclusions, and views expressed in their respective chapters are entirely those of the author/s and do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia, its Governing Board, Academic Advisory Council, or the institutions and governments they represent. Any error in content or citation in the respective chapters is the sole responsibility of the author/s. Material in this publication may be freely quoted or reprinted with proper acknowledgement. Honorifics were removed from this publication. All photos used in this publication were taken from the archives of the ASEAN Secretariat. ERIA expresses its heartfelt thanks to the ASEAN Secretariat for allowing their photos to be used in this volume. Cover Art by Artmosphere Design. Book Design by Alvin Tubio. Published by: Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA). National Library of Indonesia Cataloguing-in-Publication Data ISBN: 978-602-5460-01-2 OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES Special Message My warmest felicitations and congratulations to the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) for publishing ASEAN@50: Retrospectives and Perspectives on the Making, Substance, Significance and Future of ASEAN. Fifty years ago, amidst socioeconomic uncertainties and geopolitical tensions around the world, five countries joined hands to form the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). They were bound by their common desire to share the future of the region into one of peace, stability, security and prosperity for the benefit of all their peoples. Guided by the principles of mutual respect and non-interference in domestic affairs, ASEAN has since then built bonds of friendship in the region. This led to its peaceful expansion into the present-day ten-member ASEAN Community which today stands at the center of the future of the Asia-Pacific. It is a privilege for the Philippines to assume chairmanship of ASEAN on its milestone 50th year. Together with our fellow member-states, we intend to build on the organization’s rich history as we prepare our nations for the challenges that lie ahead. May we all be reminded that it is our shared responsibility to ensure that ASEAN continues to fully grow into the rules-based, people-centered and people-oriented community we envision. Through this compilation of works by extraordinary individuals who helped shape ASEAN into what it is today, I am confident that we can further strengthen our ties and realize our shared dream and vision for our peoples. To be sure, this landmark publication will add substantially to ERIA’s significant body of work from which East Asia can truly learn from as we strive together for a more peaceful, progressive and prosperous future for ASEAN and beyond. Manila, July 2017 Rodrigo Roa Duterte President Republic of the Philippines SULTANATE OF BRUNEI DARUSSALAM Special Message As we commemorate the 50th Anniversary of ASEAN this year, it is indeed timely to reflect on just how far we have come as a fledgling regional association all those years ago. Although my country has only been a member of ASEAN for 33 years, I have had the privilege of being the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam for the same length of time that the Association has been in existence. Therefore, as a leader that had at first observed with great interest, and later on participated, in ASEAN’s meetings and activities, I have had the pleasure of witnessing first-hand the remarkable geopolitical and economic transformation of Southeast Asia, which in my view has largely been aided by ASEAN’s work. It is remarkable to conceive that only half a century ago the region was blighted with ideological conflicts, hostile confrontations and a palpable atmosphere of suspicion. But now these circumstances have completely changed. Our part of the world is a stable and economically vibrant community, in which our dialogue partners have placed their trust and confidence in us to lead the way in furthering and facilitating East Asian cooperation. And even though we are a grouping of only ten countries, ASEAN is a community of more than half a billion people with ethnicities, cultures and religions as diverse as the tropical rainforest that the region is shrouded in. In light of all of this, it is difficult to downplay the significance that ASEAN plays in Brunei Darussalam’s engagement with the international community. As one of the cornerstones of my country’s foreign policy, we recognize that the Association gives us a platform where we are able to voice our views and concerns clearly and effectively. However, I also acknowledge that it has not entirely been smooth sailing for ASEAN over the years. Whether it is managing territorial disputes, convening talks to reduce tensions brought about by regional flash points, or coordinating a response to transnational problems such as financial crises and haze, ASEAN has faced, and continues to face, its fair share of challenges. But when my colleagues and I sought to address these problems collectively by leveraging on our respective strengths, we came to realize that our countries were able to grow stronger together. In this regard, my deepest thanks goes to the ASEAN ministers, senior officials and officers that have been an integral part in making this happen. It is important that we all continue to recognize that a robust region that is united in overcoming the challenges of tomorrow needs an ASEAN Community that puts the people at the heart and centre of its work. As I read through the perspectives and views shared by such distinguished individuals on ASEAN’s history and future, I am struck by the range of opinions and thought-provoking arguments made by my friends and colleagues. If you are interested in what lies ahead for ASEAN, I am positive that you will find such assessments valuable. In this regard, I would like to wholeheartedly congratulate the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) and the Government of the Philippines for putting together this five-volume publication on retrospectives and perspectives on the making, substance, significance and future of ASEAN. This tremendous body of work is a testament to the valuable efforts and contributions made by ERIA in promoting ASEAN awareness and regional integration. I have no doubt that this publication will be one of the main reference points for ASEAN-related issues for years to come. Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Prime Minister Brunei Darussalam Special Message v Department of Foreign Affairs Kagawaran ng Ugnayang Panlabas Foreword I congratulate the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), the Permanent Mission of the Philippines to ASEAN and the Philippine ASEAN National Secretariat for publishing this 5-volume publication on perspectives on the making, substance, significance and future of ASEAN. This valuable publication, forming part of the Philippines’ commemorative activities in celebration of ASEAN’s golden anniversary, highlights ASEAN as one of the world’s most successful and enduring regional organizations. It pleases me to note that this printed work equally supports the development priorities of President Rodrigo Duterte and the Philippine Chairmanship priorities – building a people-oriented and people-centered ASEAN, maintaining peace and stability in the region, cooperating in maritime security, advancing inclusive and innovation-led growth, promoting a resilient ASEAN, and establishing ASEAN as a model of regionalism and a global player. Consistent with President Duterte’s pursuit of an independent foreign policy for the benefit of the Filipino people, the publication also affirms the ASEAN Community Blueprints in raising the profile and awareness on the ASEAN pillars of political-security, economic and socio-cultural communities. We seek the aid of the Almighty and are hopeful that this publication will provide the reader with greater insights on ASEAN’s history, will be used by decision makers, government officials, analysts, and the people of ASEAN, in charting the future course of the region. Mabuhay! Manila, August 2017 Alan Peter S. Cayetano Secretary of Foreign Affairs Republic of the Philippines Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia Foreword In this 50th year of ASEAN, much is being written about its achievements – and there is indeed much to commend. As the Association transits to beco me a set of Communities and an eventual One Community rather than a less tangible set of declarations, principles, and agreements, more than ever, ASEAN must be felt by its peoples to create emotional bonds. But for some, these bonds already exist. Government officials from each ASEAN Member State, officials at the ASEAN Secretariat, and statesmen from both within and outside the ASEAN Member States have already dedicated years of their professional careers to make ASEAN the vibrant organisation it is today. This has required these different officials to work together closely over protracted periods, honing their skills in diplomacy, tact, and, above all, compromise in pursuit of the agreed ultimate objectives of this common enterprise. In this volume, we are honoured to be able to share the memories and reflections of individuals who have given so much to shape the ASEAN we know today, and to bring about an ASEAN centred upon three pillars: the Political–Security Community, the Economic Community, and the Socio-Cultural Community.