Why the ASEAN HQ is in Indonesia: A Historical and Strategic Analysis

The ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) headquarters is located in Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia, for a myriad of strategic, historical, and infrastructure-related reasons. This article explores the rationale behind this strategic location.

Founding Member Status

Indonesia as a Founding Member: Indonesia was one of the five founding nations of ASEAN when it was established in 1967. Along with Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore, Indonesia played a significant role in the formation and early development of the organization.

Geopolitical Significance

Largest Country in Southeast Asia: With its vast land area and substantial population, Indonesia's central location within the region makes it a paramount choice for hosting international organizations. This strategic positioning enhances ASEAN's visibility and impact in the region.

Political Stability and Influence

Stabilizing Force: At the time of ASEAN's founding, Indonesia was seen as a stabilizing influence in the region. Its political influence and leadership role contributed immensely to the decision to locate the headquarters in Jakarta.

Commitment to Regional Cooperation

Leading Role in Regional Integration: Indonesia has consistently demonstrated its commitment to fostering regional cooperation and integration, aligning with ASEAN's goals of promoting peace, stability, and economic growth in Southeast Asia.

Infrastructure and Facilities

Necessary Infrastructure: Jakarta, as the capital city, provides the necessary infrastructure, including embassies, conference centers, and accommodations for delegates. This ensures the smooth functioning of international organizations.

Historical Context and Founding Figures

Thanat Khoman: The Real Mastermind Behind ASEAN: The historical context of ASEAN's formation is rich and complex. Key figures such as Thanat Khoman, Thailand's Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1959-1971, played a pivotal role. Khoman envisioned the ASEAN precursor, ASA, in 1961, and his subsequent involvement in the creation of ASEAN in 1967 is undeniable.

Thanat Khoman wrote: “The reasons were numerous. The most important of them was the fact that with the withdrawal of the colonial powers there would have been a power vacuum which could have attracted outsiders to step in for political gains.”

Concessions and Challenges

The 1965 G30S Coup: The political landscape began to shift when the 1965 G30S coup and subsequent anti-communist massacres replaced President Soekarno. This change opened new possibilities for normalized relations between Indonesia and Malaysia. As a result, the groundwork for the formation of ASEAN was laid.

ASEAN's Early Years

1976: The Decision to Establish a Permanent Secretariat: The decision to establish a permanent secretariat was made in 1976. Initially, the secretariat was housed within Indonesia's Department of Foreign Affairs (Deplu), highlighting the political and administrative flexibility at the time.

Adam Malik's Leadership

ASEAN's Early Leadership: Adam Malik, Indonesia's Minister of Foreign Affairs (1966-1977) and Vice President (1978-1983), used his influential positions during the Orde Baru government to advocate for ASEAN's role as a vital part of Indonesia's foreign policy. His efforts played a crucial role in shaping the regional dynamics and cementing Indonesia's position as a leader within ASEAN.

Recent Developments and New Facilities

Current Infrastructure and Future Plans: In recent years, Jakarta has experienced significant diplomatic marketing opportunities. The construction of a new ASEAN secretariat building aligns with these developments. Recent events such as the 2015 Bandung Conference, the 2018 Asian Games, and the inauguration of the MRT Jakarta phase 1 with an ASEAN station all contribute to reinforcing Indonesia's credentials as a diplomatic capital.

The Decision to Construct a New Building: The new building was explored as a possibility back in 2015, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' procurement office visiting Bangkok and its UN ESCAP office. In 2016, Indonesian Minister Retno Marsudi and ASEAN Secretary General Le Luong Minh officially declared Jakarta as "ASEAN's Diplomatic Capital." This move is seen as a significant diplomatic gesture to further enhance Indonesia's role in the region.

The new secretariat building not only underscores the strategic importance of ASEAN to Indonesia but also serves as a symbol of Indonesia's commitment to regional cooperation and its leadership within ASEAN.

Conclusion

Indonesia's choice to host the ASEAN headquarters in Jakarta reflects a combination of historical significance, geopolitical importance, and infrastructure capabilities. The new building is a testament to Indonesia's ongoing commitment to fostering collaboration and leadership within the ASEAN framework.