ASEAN is an organization formed by the region in Southeast Asia related to geopolitical and economic issues.
The early history begins with a five-person foreign minister meeting in Bangkok on August 1967. This minister is known as the founding figure of ASEAN. The meeting results formed an agreement to create an organization named ASEAN.
Its formation was based on the Bangkok Declaration, and the five who signed it were the five figures. Who are they? Let’s see the whole discussion below.
The Five countries initiate the establishment of ASEAN.
The background of this organization’s founding is its founder’s strong desire to create a safe, peaceful, prosperous, and stable region in Southeast Asia. Moreover, in the 1960s, the situation was politically volatile, and if left unchecked, it could disrupt regional stability. As a result, five areas established this organization or the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Each region appointed a figure as a representative to discuss this organization along with the signature on the results of the negotiations.
The countries that initiated the establishment of ASEAN were Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Singapore. Each region appointed a foreign minister, eventually becoming known as this organization’s founding figure.
5 Founding Figures of ASEAN
Figures from Indonesia named Adam Malik, Malaysia Tun Abdul Razak, Philippines Narciso Ramos, Thailand Thanat Khoman, and Singapore S Rajaratnam. Initially, this organization only had five members.
However, over time, the number of members grew to 10. Of the five, Laos, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Vietnam were added. Each founder has different cultural and natural characteristics.
Countries Initiated the Establishment of ASEAN
However, this does not discourage them from forming a regional organization as a form capable of overshadowing cooperative relations in the Southeast Asian region. This is an explanation of each country that initiated the establishment of ASEAN.
1. Indonesia
Indonesia has played an essential role since becoming the country that established ASEAN. Especially in laying the foundation for harmonious relations between the Southeast Asian regions.
One of Indonesia’s essential roles is initiating the Bali Concord II at the end of 2003 in Bali. It contains three pillars, namely ASC (ASEAN Security Community), AEC (ASEAN Economic Community), and ASCC (ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community).
2. Malaysia
The countries that initiated the establishment of the following ASEAN were Malaysia. Malaysia is experiencing rapid economic progress. Therefore, Malaysia’s role as a member of this organization is quite a lot.
Some signed the Kuala Lumpur Declaration, which was implemented in November 1971, and participated in establishing a democratic kingdom in the Cambodian region.
Make an agreement to establish a nuclear-weapon-free area of this organization, participate in AFTA to cooperate in the economic field, and there are many other roles and contributions.
3. Philippines
The following country that initiated the establishment of ASEAN was the Philippines. The Philippines began in the 1970s to make this organization an essential part of foreign policy. Previously, the Philippines made Manila Washington its axis.
This organization has provided tangible evidence of benefits for the Philippines. One of them is to resolve tense relations related to the Sabah case between the Philippines and Malaysia.
After this organization was formed, the relationship between the two was restored. Another benefit is in terms of solving Metro cases. At that time, Indonesia provided diplomatic assistance as the most prominent Muslim region.
4. Thailand
The countries that initiated the establishment of ASEAN have never experienced being colonized, namely Thailand. Thailand in Southeast Asia is famous for having rice as its main export commodity.
In various fields, Thailand cooperates with several regions around the world. This is what makes the economic conditions included in the advanced category.
5. Singapore
Singapore is also the country that initiated the establishment of ASEAN. Singapore has a very developed economy, although natural resources are low. Because the development of the trade sector is very fast.
The 13th ASEAN Summit was held in Singapore. One of the results is the formation of the ASEAN Charter. The conference was held from 18 to 22 November 2007.
The formation of this organization makes the Southeast Asia region more helpful when experiencing a problem. The countries that initiated the establishment of ASEAN and its additional members cooperate with each other in positive ways.
Conclusion: Five countries initiated the establishment of ASEAN, which include Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Singapore.***( Editor /UMSU)
