ASEAN Seeks Stronger Regional Resilience Amid Middle East Conflict
June 22, 2026 | 09:05 pmTEMPO. CO, Jakarta- Senior diplomat Hassan Wirajuda stated that the conflict dynamics in the Middle East between Iran and the United States could be an opportunity forASEANto improve. . .
June 22, 2026 | 09:05 pmTEMPO. CO, Jakarta- Senior diplomat Hassan Wirajuda stated that the conflict dynamics in the Middle East between Iran and the United States could be an opportunity forASEANto improve regional energy and food security. "We have the potential to, for example, realize food or energy security; in the broad sense, including electricity, so that we can be self-reliant and resilient," Hassan said during the commemoration of the five-year comprehensive strategic partnership between ASEAN and China, the Jakarta Forum 2026, in Jakarta, on Monday, June 22, 2026, as quoted byANTARA. The former foreign minister in the administration of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono assessed that the conflict in the Middle East has implications for ASEAN, specifically in the form of disruptions to the supply of oil, gas, and fertilizer. Hassan stated that ASEAN countries have started to discuss accelerating the implementation of an integrated power grid system at the Southeast Asian level, considering the disruption of oil supply and its impact on electricity production. With this system, he added, surplus electricity from countries could be transmitted to others in need. In another scenario, several ASEAN countries could collaborate to create a joint electricity production mechanism to ensure an adequate electricity supply. Furthermore, as efforts to achieve regional energy security continue to evolve, especially in electricity, he believed that ASEAN could also work together to achieve food security. "That is a lesson we can learn because the world does not guarantee stability forever," said Hassan. He added that the conflict between Iran and the U. S. indicates that the world order is weakening and is no longer effective in serving the global community. Hassan also highlighted the war in Iran and the U. S. attack on Venezuela earlier this year, which are related to resources, given the abundant oil reserves in both countries. He said this reflects the growing importance of regional cooperation, particularly in achievingenergyand food security. "The antidote is that regional cooperation must be advanced, both among us and with our dialogue partners. I want to encourage ASEAN to strengthen regional cooperation," said Hassan. Read:US-Iran First Round of Talks Ends With 'Encouraging Progress'Click hereto get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google NewsRecommendedPrabowo Eyes Indonesia Host Bid for FIFA ASEAN Cup2 hari laluPrabowo Eyes Indonesia Host Bid for FIFA ASEAN CupPresident Prabowo Subianto backs a plan for Indonesia to host the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026. Indonesia Explores Russian Floating Nuclear Plants, Oil Imports3 hari laluIndonesia Explores Russian Floating Nuclear Plants, Oil ImportsAt the ASEAN-Russia Summit in Kazan, Sugiono said Indonesia is committed to accelerating renewable energy through safe and reliable technologies. Today's Top 3 News: Prabowo Skips Russia-ASEAN Summit4 hari laluToday's Top 3 News: Prabowo Skips Russia-ASEAN SummitHere is the list of the top 3 news onTempo English today. Prabowo Cancels Attendance at Russia-ASEAN Summit5 hari laluPrabowo Cancels Attendance at Russia-ASEAN SummitPrabowo had bilateral meetings with President Vladimir Putin during his state visit to Moscow, Russia, last April. US Deputy Secretary of State Visits Indonesia for Economic Cooperation Talks9 hari laluUS Deputy Secretary of State Visits Indonesia for Economic Cooperation TalksU. S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau is visiting Indonesia to strengthen economic and strategic ties. US Envoy: ASEAN's Role is Vital for the United States10 hari laluUS Envoy: ASEAN's Role is Vital for the United StatesThe US Ambassador to ASEAN, Kevin Kim, stressed the importance of ASEAN in shaping 21st-century global dynamics. Indonesia Beat Vietnam to Book AFF U-19 Semifinal Place14 hari laluIndonesia Beat Vietnam to Book AFF U-19 Semifinal PlaceIndonesian national team qualified for 2026 AFF U-19 Championship semifinals, after topping Group A by defeating Vietnam 2-1. Philippines Leads Push to Establish ASEAN Coast Guard Forum15 hari laluPhilippines Leads Push to Establish ASEAN Coast Guard ForumThe Philippine Coast Guard has initiated the ASEAN Coast Guard Forum under the Philippines' ASEAN chairmanship this year. Timor Leste President Lauds Benefits from Full ASEAN Membership19 hari laluTimor Leste President Lauds Benefits from Full ASEAN MembershipTimor Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta said full ASEAN membership has brought immediate benefits to his country. Indonesian Overseas Travel Drops 18. 85%, BPS Reports20 hari laluIndonesian Overseas Travel Drops 18. 85%, BPS ReportsBPS reported Indonesians made 644,000 overseas travels in April, down from 793,160 in March.