Yohanes Sulaiman
The Jakarta Globe
Right from the beginning of its Asean chairmanship this year, Indonesia seemed to try to use its position effectively, notably by sending observers to the disputed area of the Preah Vihear temple on the Thai-Cambodian border. While the action was admirable and some proof that Asean is able to address issues of regional security, the bigger question remains: Is it possible to strengthen the role of the association considering its many structural weaknesses?
Established in 1967 in order to promote peace and stability in the region by fostering regional integration, cooperation and development, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations has a fairly successful record in increasing economic cooperation and trade among its member states. Between 1993 and 2009, shares of intra-Asean trade increased from 19.2 percent of total trade to 24.5 percent due to the reduction of tariffs and intra-Asean investment.
As a political entity, however, the 10-member grouping has a mixed record.
On one hand, it appears to be able to promote peace and stability in the region, reducing friction among member states through its ability to gather leaders to discuss policies and reach agreements on various economic, social and cultural matters. On the other hand, it failed to create a common Asean foreign policy, uniting all 10 states in their response to international developments.
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