The Vientiane Joint Declaration, adopted during the 18th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) in November 2024, highlights the bloc's collective commitment to addressing regional security challenges. As a founding member of ASEAN and a regional leader, Indonesia has reinforced its pivotal role in advancing the group’s objectives through active engagement and diplomacy.

Leveraging ASEAN-led platforms such as ADMM and ADMM-Plus, which include defense ministers from dialogue partners like Australia, China, India, Japan, Russia, South Korea, and the United States, Indonesia prioritizes regional resilience, maritime security, and multilateral trust amid intensifying geopolitical tensions.

“Indonesia’s participation in the 18th ADMM underscores its commitment to political and security stability, both regionally and globally,” Indonesia’s Defense Ministry stated.

The declaration recognizes ASEAN as a central player in tackling both traditional and nontraditional security challenges. “Indonesia has always positioned ASEAN as the cornerstone of its foreign policy,” noted Budi Riyanto, an international relations lecturer at the London School of Public Relations in Jakarta.

Indonesia’s active involvement in ADMM and ADMM-Plus expert working groups reflects its leadership in fostering partnerships and addressing issues like disaster mitigation and climate change, said Beni Sukadis of the Indonesian Institute of Defense and Strategic Studies.

Focus on Maritime Security and the South China Sea

A key focus of the Vientiane Joint Declaration is the South China Sea, a critical trade route fraught with territorial disputes. Although Indonesia is not a claimant, it has consistently advocated for adherence to international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

“Indonesia has a vested interest in maintaining ASEAN cohesiveness and regional stability,” said Riyanto. Jakarta has also urged accelerated negotiations for a South China Sea code of conduct, with former President Joko Widodo emphasizing the need for conflict prevention earlier in 2024.

“Indonesia’s neutral stance enables it to mediate and foster dialogue among conflicting parties,” Sukadis explained.

Tackling Emerging Security Threats

The declaration addresses nontraditional threats such as climate change, food insecurity, and cyber risks. A major cyberattack on Indonesian government offices in mid-2024 underscored the urgency of enhancing cybersecurity. “The cyber issue has become a central topic in ADMM, benefiting Indonesia by providing access to best practices, new technologies, and stronger networks with developed nations,” Riyanto said.

Indonesia also leads disaster mitigation efforts through the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management and the ASEAN Centre for Climate Change. Jakarta’s civil-military collaboration in disaster response has become a model for the region.

Strengthening Defense Diplomacy

Jakarta’s focus on multilateral trust aligns with its broader defense diplomacy strategy. The annual Super Garuda Shield military exercise, involving countries like the U.S., Australia, and Japan, showcases Indonesia’s ability to lead multilateral initiatives while maintaining a nonaligned stance, according to Chairil Tangguh, a defense analyst at Bina Nusantara University.

As ASEAN navigates rising challenges, Indonesia’s leadership and commitment to regional cooperation continue to play a crucial role in advancing stability, resilience, and trust within Southeast Asia.
 

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