AJCUI hosted Policy Dialogue on ASEAN Resilience with Philippine Foreign Secretary

4/23/2026 12:00:00 AM

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Jakarta, April 23 2026 —  In collaboration with the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia (FPCI), Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia (AJCUI) hosted a policy dialogue titled “Forging Ahead in Crisis: Philippines–Indonesia Relations, ASEAN Chairship, and Regional Resilience” at the Yustinus Auditorium, Semanggi Campus of AJCUI. The event brought together students, academics, diplomats, media representatives, and members of the public to discuss the growing challenges faced by Indonesia and Philippines, especially Southeast Asia amid global political and economic uncertainty. The dialogue featured Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro as the keynote speaker. On the opening remarks, AJCUI Vice Rector for Innovation, Research, Collaboration, and Alumni, Yanti, Ph.D., emphasized that higher education plays a strategic role in responding to increasingly complex global challenges. “At Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia, we believe that academic communities must stand at the forefront of these discussions. Through interactions between policymakers and younger generations, we can build a more stable region,” she stated.

Secretary Lazaro emphasized the importance of ASEAN unity and strategic partnerships in respond to global challenges. She highlighted three major priorities: peace and security, prosperity corridors, and people empowerment. “Our focus will be on the most pressing imperatives of our time—fortifying energy security, stabilizing food supplies and, above all, guaranteeing the absolute safety and welfare of ASEAN nationals, no matter where they are in the world,” she said. Not only about ASEAN’s solidarity, the discussions also touched the importantce of maintaining a rules-based international order and upholding the international law within the Indo-Pacific region. She highlighted the continuing relevance of Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC), which recently marked its 50th anniversary, describing it as an important foundation for peaceful coexistence among ASEAN member states. “This, for me, is a testimony that, a manifestation that ASEAN is really gearing up, being very cohesive in addressing many issues, and probably other issues in the future,” she said. (RBA, ARK)