Safeguarding Southeast Asia: Strategic Cooperation Between Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, And ASEAN – OpEd

In 2024, the strategic cooperation among Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) represents a cornerstone in the promotion of peace and stability within Southeast Asia.

The region confronts escalating challenges that include the intensifying rivalry among global powers, territorial disputes in the South China Sea, and emerging threats such as climate change. Central to this dynamic is Indonesia, which serves as both a leader within ASEAN and a pivotal bridge between the region and its strategic partners. The collaborative efforts of this coalition, comprising Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand—long-standing external partners of ASEAN—are essential for safeguarding peace and stability in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment. 

Established in 1967, ASEAN has consistently played a critical role in maintaining regional stability, employing multilateralism, diplomacy, and economic integration as fundamental instruments for promoting peace. As a founding member and one of the largest nations in the region, Indonesia has been instrumental in shaping ASEAN's direction and policies. Over the years, Indonesia has demonstrated its capacity as a regional peace broker, significantly contributing to dialogues and negotiations on critical issues such as maritime disputes and regional security.

In 2024, ASEAN continues to advocate for diplomatic solutions, reaffirming its commitment to regional security. Australia and New Zealand, although geographically situated outside Southeast Asia, are key players within the Indo-Pacific region. They have sustained robust ties with ASEAN through various bilateral and multilateral frameworks, thereby contributing to regional stability and development. Their strategic partnership with ASEAN is predicated on shared security interests, as the stability of Southeast Asia is intrinsically linked to their own security and economic well-being. Both nations have consistently endorsed ASEAN’s initiatives, engaging in defence and security cooperation, joint military exercises, and intelligence sharing aimed at countering terrorism, piracy, and other regional threats.

The significance of these partnerships cannot be overstated, as they furnish the region with essential defence and security capabilities in the context of escalating tensions. In 2024, Southeast Asia confronts substantial geopolitical challenges, particularly arising from the rivalry between major global powers. The United States and China, the two principal actors in the Indo-Pacific, are vying for influence within the region. Strategically positioned along critical maritime routes, Southeast Asia finds itself at the epicentre of this contest. The South China Sea, a critical shipping lane and resource-rich area continues to function as a flashpoint of tension, characterised by overlapping territorial claims involving several ASEAN countries and China. Under Indonesia's diplomatic influence, ASEAN has consistently advocated for a peaceful resolution to these disputes, emphasising adherence to international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)

Indonesia's diplomatic leadership in fostering dialogue and ensuring that ASEAN remains a cohesive and neutral entity is essential for preventing the escalation of these tensions. Moreover, non-traditional security threats, including climate change, are increasingly prominent on the regional agenda. Southeast Asia is among the most vulnerable regions to the impacts of climate change, facing heightened risks associated with natural disasters, sea-level rise, and environmental degradation. In response to these challenges, Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand have emerged as proactive advocates for enhanced regional cooperation in climate mitigation and disaster relief.

The technical expertise and development aid provided by Australia and New Zealand are invaluable in supporting ASEAN countries in building resilience against these threats. This collaboration underscores the growing recognition that peace and stability in Southeast Asia are inextricably linked to addressing environmental security challenges. Indonesia's within ASEAN in 2024 holds particular significance, as it assumes a dual role: advancing ASEAN's collective interests while simultaneously engaging external partners such as Australia and New Zealand.

Indonesia's active diplomacy has been instrumental in preserving ASEAN's centrality in regional forums, including the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the East Asia Summit (EAS), both of which serve as crucial platforms for dialogue between ASEAN members and external powers. These forums facilitate ASEAN's management of relations with global powers, mitigate the risk of conflict, and uphold regional autonomy. The combination of Indonesia's leadership and the support of Australia and New Zealand is vital in ensuring that ASEAN continues to play a pivotal role in fostering peace within the region.

The partnership among Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2024 presents both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, their cooperative endeavours in defence and security have been notably strengthened, particularly through the facilitation of joint military exercises and the enhancement of maritime security. Conversely, the management of the balance among great powers constitutes a delicate undertaking. ASEAN's capacity to maintain neutrality while engaging with both the United States and China will be pivotal in the forthcoming years. Additionally, internal cohesion within ASEAN is essential to ensure that the organisation can effectively respond to external pressures and regional disputes.

To further promote peace and stability, it is recommended that ASEAN,  continues to strengthen its regional institutions, ensuring adaptability to both traditional and emerging security challenges. Increased dialogue and confidence-building measures among ASEAN members, as well as with external partners, are vital to prevent miscalculations and foster trust. Furthermore, a greater emphasis on security, climate, and sustainable development will contribute to long-term stability, given the increasing interconnection of these issues with regional peace. Finally, ASEAN should continue to leverage the strategic support of partners such as Australia and New Zealand in maintaining its autonomy and neutrality amid intensifying global rivalries. 

In conclusion, the cooperation among Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, and ASEAN in 2024 is essential for the promotion of peace and stability in Southeast Asia. This collaboration addresses both traditional and non-traditional security challenges, ranging from the management of great power rivalries to the mitigation of climate change impacts. By sustaining their collaborative efforts, these countries and ASEAN can contribute to ensuring that Southeast Asia remains a region characterised by peace, stability, and prosperity.

The opinions expressed in this article are the author's own.

References

1. ASEAN Secretariat. "ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF)." ASEAN, 2024.
2. United Nations. "United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)." UN, 1982.
3. Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. "Australia's Indo-Pacific Strategy." DFAT, 2024.