FACULTY OF ADMINISTRATIVE SCIENCE AND POLICY STUDIES

DIPLOMA IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

PAD381 : SOUTHEAST ASIA STUDIES

PREPARED BY:
NAME STUDENT ID GROUP
RADIN MOHAMAD NOOR BUDIMAN 2022966467 AM1104A
BOLKIAH BIN RADIN NARAWIE
MOHD DZA’IM DZULHELMI BIN ROSLI 2022168545 AM1104A
NUR SYAZWANI BINTI HAMZI 2022791905 AM1104A
HAZIQ AKMAL BIN HASBI 2022904379 AM1104A
MOHAMMAD NORFADHILLAH BIN PAUZI 2022518157 AM1104A

SEMESTER: OCT 23 – JAN 2024

PREPARED FOR:
SIR FAIRUZ HIDAYAT MERICAN

DATE OF SUBMISSION:
WEEK 8

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No. Content Pages

1. 1.0 Introduction 3

2. 2.0 Issue 1 : Sustainable Resilience 4-5

3. 3.0 Issue 2 : Energy Efficiency 6-7

4. 4.0 Issue 3 : Gender Equality and Family 8-9

Development

5. 5.0 Issue 4 : Regional Security 10-11

6. 6.0 Issue 5 : Blue Economy Framework 12-13

7 7.0 Conclusion 14

8. References 15

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1.0 Introduction
ASEAN stands for Association of Southeast Asian Nations. It was established in 1967 in

Bangkok, Thailand, with the signing of the Bangkok Declaration by five founding members

namely, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand. Brunei Darussalam

joined the Association in 1984 after the country gained its independence from British

occupation. The main objectives of ASEAN are to accelerate economic growth, social

progress and cultural development and to promote peace and stability in the region. ASEAN’s

expansion spans four countries which are Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia and takes

place in three phases. Vietnam was the first to join the Association in 1995, followed by

Myanmar and Laos in 1997 and finally Cambodia in 1999.

The ASEAN Summit, an annual gathering of ASEAN leaders, is a major event in the area of

regional diplomacy and cooperation. The ASEAN Summit, which was established on August

8, 1967, has grown to become a key platform for member governments to discuss, negotiate,

and formulate common policies for handling the region's numerous challenges and

possibilities. This summit brings together the 10 ASEAN member countries' heads of state

and government, as well as senior representatives from numerous international organisations

and dialogue partners. The ASEAN Summit is a cornerstone of regional diplomacy and a

symbol of Southeast Asia's continued quest for unification, with a rich history of collaboration

and a dedication to supporting peace, stability, and economic growth. This introduction lays

the stage for a more in-depth examination of the significance and outcomes of the ASEAN

Summit.

Henceforth, our group will be discussing about the issues or declarations that were discussed

by the ASEAN leaders from the most recent summit, the 43rd ASEAN Summit in Indonesia.

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2.0 Issue 1 : Sustainable Resilience
The ASEAN Leaders' Declaration on Sustainable Resilience aims to address the rising

uncertainty and complexity of the ASEAN region's disaster risk landscape. It seeks to increase

the ASEAN Community's resilience by fostering sustainable resilience as an enabling

framework for collaboration in enhancing climate and catastrophe resilience for long-term

development. The declaration emphasises the importance of forging better alliances and

collaboration with ASEAN's partners and stakeholders, addressing fundamental obstacles to

sustainable resilience, strengthening ASEAN's competence to address sustainable resilience,

and promoting inclusive sustainable resilience. It also emphasises the significance of

coordinating major national and local programmes related to disaster risk reduction,

sustainable development goals, and climate change adaptation. The declaration strives to

create a more resilient, inclusive, and democratic society.

The following issues are addressed in the document: the promotion of inclusive sustainable

resilience, support for local communities, relieving the burden on communities in responding

to development frameworks where they centralize the recognition of the needs of vulnerable

groups, including women, children, youth, elderly, people with disabilities, and the poor, in

disaster resilience, disaster management, sustainable development, and climate adaptation

policies and strategies , increasing financial resilience, harnessing the potential of science and

technology, reaffirming commitment to various international agreements and action plans,

promoting sustainable resilience as an enabling framework, forging partnerships and

collaboration, and addressing these objectives seek to increase climate and disaster resilience

for long-term development, mitigate the negative repercussions of natural disasters and

systemic risks, and create a more resilient and prosperous future for the ASEAN region.

For instance, the environmental resilience, In the ASEAN region, we usually face this chronic

haze season annually due to open burning as well as the hot weather due to the El Nino

phenomena. When it comes to open burning, in order to sustain the environment from being

polluted with the air pollutions and the land pollutions is by punishing those who acted in such

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a way that open burning had caused a total damage to the neighbouring nations as well as

make a policy that forbid any companies whether they are local or international companies

from doing such things. Recently we had seen cases where the Indonesian minister denies

that the haze from Indonesia had crossed the border of the country and also the incident where

almost 115 hectares of Bromo National Park were caught in fire due to flares being use as

part of a couple’s pre-wedding photography session which had caused huge haze nearby the

area and in some part of Indonesia.

Moving on, in the declarations under point 12 on page 3, The ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on

Disaster Management (AMMDM) has been tasked the responsibility of supervising the ASEAN

Committee on Disaster Management (ACDM). The AMMDM is in charge of providing

leadership and direction for disaster management initiatives throughout the ASEAN area. It is

critical in coordinating and enabling collaboration between ASEAN member states in disaster

prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery. Through collaboration, innovation, and a

people-centred approach, the AMMDM guarantees that ASEAN's objective of being a global

leader in disaster management is realised. The ACDM, on the other hand, is in charge of

implementing and coordinating disaster management operations and initiatives at the regional

level under the supervision of the AMMDM. It collaborates closely with other ASEAN sectoral

bodies and agencies involved in climate change, disaster management, and sustainable

development to establish a holistic strategy for building the ASEAN Community.

In conclusion, the declarations emphasise the significance of collaboration, resilience,

inclusion, institutional strengthening, and international cooperation in tackling disaster

resilience and sustainable development in the ASEAN area. These statements lay the

groundwork for ASEAN member nations to collaborate and take proactive actions to prevent

catastrophic impacts, adapt to climate change, and build a more resilient and economic future

for the region.

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3.0 Issue 2 : Energy efficiency

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has emerged as a regional

powerhouse, fostering economic growth, political stability, and cultural collaboration among its

ten member states. In recent years, ASEAN has recognized the critical importance of

sustainable development, in this case is energy efficiency. For it to establish, ASEAN made It

can grow energy and environmental concerns, energy cooperation, promoting renewable

energy source and many more.

The growing energy demand and environmental concerns in the ASEAN region are linked,

creating a complex challenge that necessitates strategic planning and concerted efforts. As

rapid growth and urbanization are experienced by the economies of ASEAN member states,

the demand for energy has been spurred. Since the substantial population growth and a shift

of people from rural to urban areas have been witnessed in the ASEAN region. Urbanization

brings about changes in lifestyle and increased energy consumption because of more energy

demand by urban centres for infrastructure, transportation, housing and commercial activities.

Moreover, increased energy demand in the ASEAN region is driven by economic development

and industrialization because of countries strive for economic growth, industries expand,

leading to a heightened need for energy. The industrial growth will raise as a concern

alongside this industrial growth that boosts economic prosperity because of the environmental;

pollution such as water and air pollution

Other than that, the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) outlines the

region's commitment to achieving energy security, accessibility, affordability, and

sustainability. One of the mains focus of APAEC is the promotion of regional energy

integration. The plan encourages member states to be involved in the development of

interconnected energy networks, facilitating the efficient exchange of electricity and promoting

energy trade. However, to streamline energy cooperation among member states, policy

harmonization is promoted by APAEC. The plan encourages member states to align national

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energy policies to create a cohesive and coordinated regional approach because of the

harmonization facilitates smoother cross-border energy transactions, enhances regulatory

frameworks, and promotes a more conducive environment for investments in the energy

sector.

Next is promoting renewable energy sources involves encouraging the adoption and utilization

of energy derived from sustainable and environmentally friendly sources. The primary

motivation for the promotion of renewable energy is the mitigation of the environmental impact

of traditional energy sources. Unlike fossil fuels, minimal or no greenhouse gas emissions are

produced by renewable energy sources, contributing to efforts to combat climate change. All

of the energy we can use from the sun, wind, water or other natural processes. Therefore,

renewable energy sources are ensuring long-term energy security. Unlike finite fossil fuels, a

constant and reliable source of energy is provided by renewables, reducing the vulnerability

of nations to geopolitical tensions and resource depletion. The promotion of renewable energy

aligns with broader sustainable development goals. It addresses the triple bottom line by

balancing environmental, social, and economic considerations and raising of awareness

among communities and the public about the benefits of renewable energy is essential for

successful promotion.

In conclusion, ASEAN's commitment to promoting energy efficiency reflects its dedication to

sustainable development. By recognizing the challenges posed by increasing energy demand

and environmental concerns, ASEAN has laid the groundwork for a more resilient and

responsible energy future.

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4.0 Issue 3 : Gender Equality and Family Development

The ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on Gender Equality and Family Development aims

to promote the family development, women’s empowerment, gender equality, and

child protection enshrined in all ASEAN related policies and regulations. With using

the principles of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights that recognises the family

as the natural and fundamental unit of society and entitled to protection by society and

the State, as well as the commitments of all ASEAN Member States to the UN

Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women

(CEDAW) and Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) including the full

development and advancement of women and men, and girls and boys, and the

commitment to achieving SDG 5.

Other than that, the ASEAN Leaders’ also aimed to upholding the principles in the

ASEAN Charter to enhance the well-being and livelihood of the peoples of ASEAN by

providing them with equitable access to opportunities for human development, social

welfare and justice, and to promote a people-oriented ASEAN in which all sectors of

society are encouraged to participate in, and benefit from, the process of ASEAN

integration and community-building. The ASEAN Leaders’ adopted the Narrative of

ASEAN Identity during the 37th ASEAN Summit in November 2020, which enunciates

the values of respect, collectivism, and social harmony in ASEAN Community to

increase ASEAN Awareness, Relevance, and Appreciation by ensuring the integration

of ASEAN in its people’s daily lives, as well as increasing people to people contacts

and emphasise in providing of ASEAN-related symbols and ideals in the community.

This is also including the Bandar Seri Begawan Declaration on the Importance of

Family for Community Development and Nation-building as well as the ASEAN

Comprehensive Framework on Care Economy. They also want to emphasize the

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importance of equal partnership between women and men, and girls and boys in all

aspects, including the family, as families are the pivot upon which this partnership is

nurtured and promoted, in line with the values of mutual respect, collectivism and

social harmony.

In conclusion, the ASEAN Leaders’ want to work together towards strengthening

family development, women’s empowerment, gender equality, and inclusive

sustainable growth in line with the values of respect, equality, collectivism, and social

harmony, in accordance with prevailing national laws, policies and regulations, by

develop and implement strategies and approaches which strengthen family’s

resilience, and well-being throughout their life-cycle in ASEAN to achieve a condition

in which every family has capacity to develop themselves and live independently and

harmoniously in pursuit of a prosperous, safe and equal life through the development,

implementation, and evaluation of family-centred policies in ASEAN and its Member

States, and promote gender mainstreaming in these policies.

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5.0 Issue 4 : Regional Security

After Cambodia, Indonesia had the mandate to chair ASEAN for the fifth time in 2023.

Indonesia's achievements go beyond the mere chairmanship of ASEAN. Indonesia continues

to be actively involved in several important issues in the ASEAN region. It aims to maintain

ASEAN regional security and create a peaceful, just, and prosperous region. One of

Indonesia's involvements in several important issues in ASEAN is related to the situation in

Myanmar. At the 42nd ASEAN Summit meeting in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia, and other ASEAN

member countries, besides Myanmar, initiated the Five-Point Consensus (5PC), which aims

to help Myanmar out of its political crisis. In addition, Indonesia has many roles as a mediator

of various conflicts or important issues in the Southeast Asian region. In addition, Indonesia

has many roles as a mediator of various conflicts or important issues in the Southeast Asian

region. Here are some of them

First, Mediating the Philippines-MNLF conflict. Indonesia was selected to serve as the

conflict's mediator in the Philippines. The reason for this is Indonesia's impartial stance and

the presumption that Indonesia is aware of the conflict involving the Moro National Liberation

Front (MNLF) and the Philippines. Secondly, Settlement of the Vietnam-Cambodia conflict.

Indonesia also played an important role in resolving the conflict between Vietnam and

Cambodia (1988-1989). As an initiator of conflict resolution, Indonesia mediated between the

two countries to return to peace. Indonesia's efforts paid off as Vietnam agreed to withdraw its

troops from Cambodia. Next, Maritime security cooperation. In the maritime sector, Indonesia

continues to encourage the strengthening of maritime security cooperation, especially in

tackling the issue of illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing (IUUF). This has been through

implementing the East Asia Summit (EAS) Statement on Enhancing Regional Maritime

Cooperation in 2015.

Moving on, Counterterrorism. Indonesia has been a victim of terrorism, and it has taken a

strong stance against terrorist groups. Indonesia has worked closely with other countries in

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the region to counter the threat of terrorism, and it has also developed a number of domestic

counterterrorism initiatives. Lastly, Non-proliferation. Indonesia is a signatory to the Nuclear

Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), and it has a strong commitment to non-proliferation. Indonesia

has worked to promote non-proliferation in the region, and it has also taken a number of steps

to strengthen its own non-proliferation capabilities.

In addition, Indonesia also has to deal with more conventional security issues like territorial

disputes. There are maritime border disputes between Indonesia and Malaysia, Vietnam, and

the Philippines, among other neighbouring nations. Tensions and even instability may result

from these issues in the area.

In conclusion, Indonesia’s role in maintaining regional security is crucial for the stability and

prosperity of Southeast Asia. The country's active engagement in ASEAN initiatives, its

commitment to dialogue and cooperation, and its leadership in addressing traditional and

emerging security challenges make it an indispensable player in ensuring peace and stability

in the region.

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6.0 Issue 5 : Blue Economy Framework
ASEAN defines the Blue Economy as an integrated, holistic, cross-sectoral, and cross

stakeholder approach that creates value-added and value-chain of resources from oceans,

seas, and fresh water in an inclusive and sustainable way, making the blue economy the

new engine for ASEAN's future economic growth. The ASEAN Blue Economy covers

upstream downstream sectors, serving as an accelerator of the conventional marine sector

such as fisheries, aquaculture, fish-only processing, and tourism and a catalyst for emerging

sectors such as renewable energy, biotechnology, and marine and freshwater-based

research and education as well as other emerging sectors from aquatic resources.

The Framework intends to guide ASEAN blue economy initiatives while encouraging

regional integration and cooperation and strengthening AMS’ capacity to maximise the

sustainable use of aquatic spaces The Framework would serve as the reference document

on Blue Economy in ASEAN, with possibilities of having a regular review mechanism. It is

not intended to replace existing policy mechanisms nor instil punitive measures. In

accordance with international laws, including the UN Charter, 1982 UN Convention on the

Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), other relevant UN treaties and conventions, including those of

the International Maritime Organization, ASEAN Charter; relevant ASEAN treaties and

agreements, as well as ASEAN shared values, norms, and principles. More specifically, the

framework’s objectives are to ensure a cross-sectoral and cross-stakeholder approach,

creating a value chain, supporting inclusiveness, and ensuring sustainability to make the

blue economy a new engine for ASEAN future economic growth. The next objectives is to

develop a common understanding on the blue economy to provide a foundation for regional

actions relevant to the blue economy to maximise the economic potential of ASEAN’s ocean

and inland water resources and foster collaborative actions and cooperation in areas such

as marine and coastal ecosystem protection which is combating illegal, unreported, and

unregulated fishing. Besides that, it also helps people to understand sustainable aquaculture

and fishing practices such as in marine industrial development in food, water, and energy

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security. Blue economy framework also serves as a non-binding reference document for

continuous engagement and conversations on the blue economy amongst AMS and

between ASEAN and its partners.

The advantage of the blue economy framework is boosting sustainable economic growth.

This maximises the use of marine and freshwater resources especially in aquaculture,

fisheries, renewable energy production, transport, and tourism to create new sources of

economic growth for ASEAN. It also catalysed emerging sectors that encouraged emerging

sectors in the blue economy, such as marine biotechnology, marine bioprospecting, and

aquatic data analytics. Fostered inclusivity is also one of the advantages which ensure that

the benefits of the blue economy are shared amongst all stakeholders, including small-scale

fishers and other marginalised communities.

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7.0 Conclusion :
As for the conclusion, it is crystal clear that the ASEAN Summit plays an important role

whereby the ASEAN member nations are able to gather at the same place and discussed the

issues that are faced by the members regionally or their partners at the international level. We

have seen a lot of issues being discussed like the regional and international issues whereby

they discussed about the issue of South China Sea conflict between the members of ASEAN

and China. They also highlight the Korean Peninsula conflict where the North Korea recent

increment of intercontinental ballistic missiles testing and launches which had increased the

tension between South Korea and North Korea. Moreover they also discussed about the

situation in the Middle East was discussed during the 43rd ASEAN Summit. The ASEAN

expressed their concerns over the developments in the region and reiterated the need for a

comprehensive, just, and sustainable solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. ASEAN urged

both sides to actively take positive steps to allow for negotiations and work towards the

resumption of talks for achieving enduring peace. ASEAN fully supported the legitimate rights

of the Palestinian people for an independent State of Palestine, based on the pre-1967 borders

with East Jerusalem as its capital. The aim is to achieve peace and stability in the Middle East

region.

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References

1 . ASEAN leaders’ declaration on sustainable resilience. (n.d.). https://asean.org/wp-

content/uploads/2023/09/ASEAN-Leaders-Declaration-on-Sustainable-
Resilience.pdf ( Accessed on 21st October 2023 )

2 . Chairman Rd ASEAN summit Jakarta, Indonesia, 5 September 2023. (n.d).

https://asean.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/CHAIRMAN-STATEMENT-OF-THE-
43RD-ASEAN-SUMMIT-FIN.pdf ( Accessed on 21st October 2023 )

3 . ASEAN declaration on gender equality and family development. (n.d.).

https://asean.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ASEAN-Declaration-on-Gender-
Equality-and-Family-Development.pdf ( Accessed on 2nd November 2023 )

4 . ASEAN Blue Economy Framework. (n.d.-a). https://asean.org/wp-

content/uploads/2023/09/ASEAN-Blue-Economy-Framework.pdf ( Accessed on 2nd
November 2023 )

5 . Chairman Rd ASEAN summit Jakarta, Indonesia, 5 September 2023.

ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS - A COMMUNITY OF
OOPORTUNITIES FOR ALL. (2023, September 5). https://asean.org/wp-
content/uploads/2023/09/CHAIRMAN-STATEMENT-OF-THE-43RD-ASEAN-
SUMMIT-FIN.pdf

6 . Agence Française de Développement. (n.d.). Southeast Asia’s challenges to

sustainable and Inclusive Development. https://app.livestorm.co/agence-francaise-
de-deveoppement/southeast-asias-challenge-to-sustainable-and-inclusive-
development?type=detailed#:~:text=Southeast%20Asia%20is%20currently%20facin
g,and%20facing%20the%20same%20challenges.

7 . The environmental problems facing Southeast Asia. Federation of Business

Information Service. (2023, July 26). https://www.febis.org/2023/07/26/the-
environmental-problems-facing-southeast-asia/

8.

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