KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia-Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono addressed the 29th ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC) Council Meeting on Sunday, May 25, 2025, calling for a stronger, unified response to the escalating threat of transnational crime within the region. The meeting, held in Kuala Lumpur, served as a platform to discuss critical security challenges and strategic directions for regional cooperation.

APSC Blueprint Progress and Emerging Threats

While commending the near-complete implementation of the APSC Blueprint 2025, reaching 99.6%, Sugiono cautioned against complacency. He emphasized the necessity for ASEAN to remain vigilant in the face of increasingly complex regional security challenges. He stated:

Moving forward,we must focus more on real threats such as transnational crime. This is not just a security issue − it poses a serious threat to the very process of ASEAN community-building.

Strengthening Cooperation Against Transnational Crime

To bolster the effectiveness of efforts against transnational crime, Sugiono advocated for enhanced cooperation among ASEAN law enforcement agencies. This includes:

• Joint investigations
• Information sharing
• Mutual legal assistance
• Appointment of national focal points for expedited communication and coordinated action

Sugiono emphasized the need for an integrated approach:

ASEAN needs a strong, integrated collective response that prioritizes victim protection and effective law enforcement.

Integrating the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP)

Beyond immediate security concerns, Sugiono stressed the importance of integrating the implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) into the APSC pillar. The AOIP aims to promote cooperation in areas such as maritime security, connectivity, and lasting development.

AOIP must serve as a unifying framework and foster cross-pillar and cross-sectoral collaboration.

Sugiono specifically encouraged the implementation of the Concept Paper on AOIP from a Defence Perspective, adopted by ASEAN in 2023, urging other ASEAN sectoral bodies to follow suit. This integration aims to fully mainstream AOIP into the APSC Strategic Plan, aligning with the ASEAN community Vision 2045.

ASEAN Unity and Credibility

Prior to the APSC Council Meeting, during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) in Kuala Lumpur, Sugiono underscored the need for greater ASEAN unity and credibility amid rising geopolitical tensions and global economic fragmentation. He emphasized that ASEAN’s credibility hinges on its ability to safeguard peace and stability in the region.

ASEAN’s credibility hinges on its ability to safeguard peace and stability in the region.

Commitment to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC)

Sugiono called for a renewed commitment to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC), describing it as the cornerstone of ASEAN’s peace architecture. He urged ASEAN to take substantive rather than procedural steps, especially considering TAC’s upcoming 50th anniversary next year.

ASEAN’s External Relations

Regarding ASEAN’s external relations, Sugiono reiterated the importance of maintaining ASEAN centrality and relevance amidst numerous external partnership initiatives. Indonesia advocated for the adoption of the ASEAN Decision on Enhancing Relations with External Partners, which aims to guide ASEAN’s engagement with its dialogue partners.

ASEAN needs focused partnerships that remain within the ASEAN-led framework.

Timor-Leste’s ASEAN Membership Bid

Addressing timor-Leste’s bid for full ASEAN membership,Sugiono reaffirmed Indonesia’s strong support for the adoption of guidelines to facilitate Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN’s legal instruments. He praised Timor-Leste’s progress and called for a practical,supportive,and accelerated integration process.

This journey must not be obstructed.

He called on ASEAN member states to provide sustained technical assistance.

The crisis in Myanmar

Regarding the ongoing crisis in Myanmar,sugiono warned that inaction would come at a high cost to regional stability. He urged ASEAN to take steps to end violence and create conditions for inclusive dialogue.

We must act in unity to help Myanmar achieve peace – one that is Myanmar-led and Myanmar-owned.

Meeting Outcomes

The AMM was attended by ASEAN foreign ministers, the ASEAN Secretary-General, and a representative from Timor-Leste. Myanmar was represented by a non-political representative. The meeting also resulted in the adoption of the Addendum to the Southeast asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) Treaty.