Indonesia, ASEAN, and The Crisis of Globalisation

The ANU Indonesia Project hosted a special panel discussion titled Indonesia, ASEAN, and the Crisis of Globalisation brought together two of Indonesia’s most distinguished economic policymakers, Mari Pangestu and Chatib Basri. Co-hosted with the East Asian Bureau of Economic Research (EABER), the event explored how Southeast Asia is navigating the far-reaching implications of global trade disruptions.

Moderated by Emeritus Professor Peter Drysdale, the discussion centred on the challenges posed by the broader weakening of the multilateral trading system, which have unsettled East Asia’s economic security. Both speakers highlighted the role of ASEAN-centred forums as critical platforms for coordinating regional responses to protectionism, while also emphasising the importance of advancing a long-term integration agenda.

The conversation extended beyond immediate trade concerns to consider emerging issues such as climate change and artificial intelligence, underscoring the need for Southeast Asia to lead in building coalitions that reaffirm the principles of free and open trade and investment. Both speakers stressed that Indonesia, as ASEAN’s largest economy, has a vital role to play in steering these efforts, and that Australia can serve as a constructive partner in supporting ASEAN-led initiatives, particularly through frameworks such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

By placing Indonesia and ASEAN at the centre of this debate, the event reinforced the ANU Indonesia Project’s commitment to fostering rigorous discussion on regional economic governance and the future of international cooperation.