August 8, 2024, Jakarta, Indonesia – Happy ASEAN Day! Connected & Resilient Community
On August 8, 2024, ASEAN marked its 57th anniversary with a celebration at The ASEAN Secretariat in Nusantara Hall. The event was attended in person by the Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn; the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, H.E. Airlangga Hartarto; the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, H.E. Retno L.P. Marsudi; and the Minister of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning of the Republic of Indonesia, H.E. Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono. Additionally, H.E. Saleumxay Kommasith, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lao PDR, delivered remarks virtually via video.
The theme of ASEAN’s 75th anniversary, ‘Connected & Resilient Community,’ highlights the significance of sustainable development, digital transformation, and robust economies that reflect a strong commitment to a prosperous Southeast Asia.
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Opening Ceremony and Excellencies’ Remarks
The celebration began with the ASEAN Anthem, performed by Ms. Amora Lemos. Following the anthem, the Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, delivered the first address, reflecting on ASEAN’s remarkable journey since its establishment in 1967. Dr. Hourn noted ASEAN’s transformation from a region beset by conflict and poverty into a global economic force and a leader in open regionalism and multilateralism.
Dr. Kao Kim Hourn emphasised the importance of respect for sovereignty, the rule of law, dialogue, and diplomacy as foundational to peace and regional security. He also highlighted ASEAN’s success in job creation, attracting investment, and expanding trade within the region and with global partners.
Addressing Global Challenges
Furthermore, Dr. Hourn addressed the global challenges facing ASEAN, including geopolitical tensions and rapidly changing dynamics. He stressed that ASEAN must remain resilient in facing these challenges and continue to prioritise human development through education, healthcare, and social protection, ensuring that the benefits reach all ASEAN citizens.
“As we move into 2025 and beyond, in the face of an increasingly uncertain and turbulent global environment, we must ensure that ASEAN remains resilient, adaptive, proactive, and responsive to whatever opportunities, challenges, and disruptions may come our way,” Dr. Kao Kim Hourn stated in his remarks.
Lao PDR’s Commitment as ASEAN Chair
H.E. Saleumxay Kommasith, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lao PDR, also conveyed his message and hopes during the event. He stated that as the Chair of ASEAN in 2024, Lao PDR is committed to building a close-knit, strong, and resilient ASEAN community. He noted that the challenges currently facing ASEAN result from rapid geopolitical changes, and emphasised the need for ASEAN to seize opportunities and address current and future challenges.
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Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi’s Reflections on Regional Stability
In her remarks, H.E. Retno L.P. Marsudi posed a critical question: “Amidst global uncertainty, which region is relatively the most stable?” She affirmed that Southeast Asia is the answer, emphasising ASEAN’s crucial role in maintaining peace, stability, and prosperity.
H.E. Retno Marsudi further discussed the complexity of current global conflicts and crises, which have tested ASEAN’s unity and credibility. She highlighted serious global issues, including trust deficits among nations, zero-sum paradigms, and the erosion of multilateralism and respect for international law.
“We are all aware of the complexity of the current geopolitical landscape. Wars and conflicts remain ever-prevalent around the globe. From the war in Ukraine, and the genocide in Palestine, to the Myanmar crisis that continues to test ASEAN unity and credibility. Therefore, the culture of peace should always be the DNA of ASEAN,” H.E. Retno Marsudi said.
Key Objectives for ASEAN’s Future
During her speech at the 57th Anniversary of ASEAN, H.E. Retno Marsudi outlined three key objectives for ASEAN: First, ASEAN must be fit for purpose, with its people always at the centre of its work. As a community, the commitment to promote and protect human rights is essential, and ASEAN must not remain silent on gross human rights violations, such as those in Gaza. Second, ASEAN must be fit for the challenge, requiring adaptation, with the ASEAN Community Vision 2024 needing to be equipped with action-oriented strategic plans. Third, ASEAN must be fit for greatness, where inclusivity and a culture of collaboration are key to maintaining peace and stability in the region.
Cake-cutting Ceremony, Batik Introduction, and Cultural Performances
Following the speeches by the distinguished guests, the cake-cutting ceremony to commemorate the 57th ASEAN Day took place. The ceremony was led by H.E. Retno L.P. Marsudi, H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, H.E. Airlangga Hartarto, H.E. Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, Madam Yanti Airlangga (Founder of Warisan Budaya Indonesia), Members of the Community of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN, and The Ambassador of Timor-Leste to ASEAN.
After the cake-cutting, the event continued with performances by the LSPR Band from the LSPR Institute of Communication & Business. Additionally, there was a Folk Dance performance by Svadara Indonesia and a choir performance titled “Voice of the Future” by HighScope Indonesia School, Tb Simatupang.
During the occasion, H.E. Airlangga Hartarto introduced various types of Indonesian batik to the Secretary-General of ASEAN, H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn. The three batik types introduced were Batik Udan Liris Sewelas Nagari, Batik Lumbon Sewelas Nagari, and Batik Sekar Jagad Sewelas Nagari. These batik patterns, inspired by the diverse flora of Southeast Asia, symbolise unity and harmony and are a unique representation of hope, wisdom, and beauty.
Opening of ASEAN Day’s Open House
Photo by Willy J. Raba | Seasia.co
The event concluded with the dignitaries leaving Nusantara Hall and proceeding to the Heritage Building for the Official Opening of ASEAN Day’s Open House. The opening was symbolised by a ribbon-cutting ceremony conducted by SG Dr. Kao Kim Hourn and FM Retno Marsudi. The ASEAN Day’s Open House featured various activities, including booth exhibitions where visitors could learn more about ASEAN’s programs and activities, the inauguration of the ASEAN heritage building, an ASEAN culinary festival, and an ASEAN study abroad exhibition.
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