Jakarta, Indonesianpost.com – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has expressed strong support for Timor-Leste and Papua New Guinea’s aspirations to join ASEAN as full member states.
“We support Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN and hope it becomes a full member as soon as possible—if possible, this year,” President Prabowo said during the plenary session of the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur on Monday.
He also proposed the inclusion of Papua New Guinea, a close neighbor, noting that they have expressed a clear desire to join the regional organization.
In light of current global geopolitical uncertainties, Prabowo emphasized that ASEAN’s collective strength could significantly enhance the region’s bargaining position with major world powers.
“The stronger ASEAN is, the more our voices will be heard in global discussions. We understand now that only those with strength will be respected,” Prabowo asserted.
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He highlighted that, in terms of population, ASEAN is comparable to the European Union and that the region’s economic growth is among the fastest in the world.
“This is projected to be the Asian century. Let us not underestimate our strength and influence,” he added.
Prabowo believes that expanding ASEAN to include Timor-Leste and Papua New Guinea would further bolster the organization’s global influence.
Currently, ASEAN consists of 10 member states: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Timor-Leste, which currently holds observer status, is scheduled to officially become the 11th member by October 2025. (BL)