What to expect from Indonesia as ASEAN Chair

On November 13th, 2022, at the conclusion of the 40th and 41st ASEAN Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen symbolised the handover of ASEAN Chairmanship to Indonesia by handing President Jokowi a gavel.

Now officially the 2023 Chair the question remains - what will Indonesia do with this power?

Facing newfound tensions both within and without, ASEAN must navigate increasingly complicated regional politics, while continuing its progress in economic development and tackling environmental and health issues. With Indonesia - ASEAN's largest and most populous nation - entrusted its with Chairmanship, what can we expect from 2023 as Southeast Asia positions itself for an uncertain future?

Asialink had the pleasure of hosting, H.E Dr Siswo Pramono, Ambassador for Indonesia in Australia, Clarice Campbell, Lead Advisor, Skills at Katalis and National President of the Australia-Indonesia Youth Association, and Shafia F. Muhibat from the Centre for Strategic & International Studies in Jakarta, to discuss the year ahead for ASEAN, and how Indonesia will try to pursue the bloc's interests, maintain its relevance, and unify its members. The conversation was moderated by award winning journalist and Senior Advisor at Asialink, Dr Donald Greenlees.