ASEAN Calls for Middle East De-escalation, Focuses on Economic Resilience
Southeast Asian nations are urging an immediate halt to hostilities in the Middle East, as escalating tensions threaten global trade stability and energy security. Leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have emphasized the need for collective action to mitigate the economic fallout and maintain regional economic integration.
Geopolitical Risks and Supply Chain Concerns
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East poses a significant risk to strategic trade routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global energy supplies. Disruptions to this key passage – which handles approximately a fifth of the world’s oil supply 1 – could destabilize supply chains and impact international trade values. ASEAN ministers expressed these concerns during the 32nd ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Retreat held in Manila from March 11-13, 2026.
ASEAN’s Collective Response and Regional Solidarity
Indonesia’s Vice Minister of Trade, Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri, underscored the importance of a unified ASEAN response to the increasingly complex global geopolitical landscape. She stressed the need for strengthened cooperation and regional solidarity to safeguard economic stability and ensure the sustainability of regional economic integration. 1
ASEAN’s strategic position allows it to champion an open trading system and bolster regional economic resilience. The organization must remain united and enhance collaboration, prioritizing openness, economic integration, and regional cooperation to maintain stability and foster economic growth.
“Resilience Without Retreat” and Strategic Sector Development
ASEAN is embracing the concept of “resilience without retreat,” aiming to strengthen regional economic resilience while upholding commitments to trade openness and economic integration. This approach is considered crucial for maintaining ASEAN’s competitiveness, inclusivity, and ability to address global disruptions.
Focus will be placed on strengthening strategic sectors, including food and energy security, digital technology, and semiconductors. Rather than engaging in competitive incentive programs among member states, ASEAN aims to enhance the division of roles and regional collaboration in developing these key sectors to build stronger, more competitive regional supply chains.
Indonesia’s Role in Regional Stability
Indonesia, under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto, is prioritizing the strengthening of food and energy security as part of its strategy to navigate global dynamics. The nation currently has a rice production surplus and is exploring opportunities to export rice to other ASEAN countries, contributing to regional food stability. 1
Indonesia also stands ready to contribute to regional energy security amid global geopolitical uncertainty that threatens energy supplies. The country’s resources can play a role in supporting energy resilience within the region.
Expanding Partnerships and ASEAN’s Indo-Pacific Role
ASEAN is actively seeking to expand economic partnerships with global partners to reduce market concentration risks and strengthen its position in the international trading system. The organization plays a vital role as an anchor of economic stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Maintaining unity and policy coordination among member states is essential for addressing global uncertainty and capitalizing on economic opportunities. ASEAN’s collective strength lies in its regional cooperation.
D8 Summit Delayed Due to Middle East Conflict
The conflict in the Middle East has also led to the postponement of a summit of the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, which includes Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkey. The summit, originally scheduled for April 13-15 in Jakarta, has been delayed indefinitely. 2