Indonesia leads ACW, strengthens ASEAN’s voice in United States

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2 hours ago

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia has assumed the chairmanship of the ASEAN Committee in Washington, D.C. (ACW), seeking to strengthen coordination, amplify the bloc’s voice and expand cooperation with the United States.

The leadership transfer took place at the Cambodian Embassy in Washington, where Cambodian Ambassador to the United States Koy Kuong handed the role to Indonesian Ambassador Indroyono Soesilo.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Indonesian Embassy in Washington said Indroyono viewed Indonesia’s ACW leadership as a signal that Southeast Asia was ready to be a strong, relevant and constructive partner for the United States and the world.

“Through its leadership of the ACW, Indonesia conveys the message that Southeast Asia is ready to be a strong, relevant, and constructive partner for the United States and the world,” Indroyono said.

He said the forum’s agenda was expanding beyond traditional diplomatic, political and security issues to include trade, investment, connectivity, education, the digital economy, artificial intelligence (AI), climate change, energy, health, innovation, maritime security and space technology.

The priorities align with Indonesia’s ACW agenda, which focuses on the digital economy and AI, clean energy, education and talent development, health, research and innovation, maritime security, climate resilience, trade, investment and supply chains.

Indonesia also aims to reinforce ASEAN centrality and encourage Southeast Asia to play an active role in promoting a peaceful, stable, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific.

For Indonesia, the ACW chairmanship provides an opportunity to showcase national strengths within the ASEAN framework, including culture, education, trade, investment, tourism, innovation and people-to-people ties.

The collective diplomacy complements Indonesia-US bilateral ties by bringing the shared perspective of the ASEAN member states.

The ACW also provides a platform for consultation and dialogue between ASEAN and US institutions, including the Department of State, White House, National Security Council, Department of Commerce and other federal agencies.

Indonesia’s chairmanship will begin with ASEAN Cultural Day at the Civic Center in Silver Spring, Maryland, on October 14, 2026. The event with the ASEAN Spouse Circle will showcase ASEAN’s cultural diversity and friendship to the local community.