DILI (TOP) - The Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia (FPCI), together with the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Jakarta and Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia, organized a public dialogue titled "Forging Ahead in Crisis: Indonesia-Philippines Relations, ASEAN Chairship, and Regional Resilience."
According to a press release obtained by The Oe-Kusi Post (TOP) that the event took place on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at the Yustinus Auditorium, 14th Floor, Atma Jaya University, South Jakarta, featuring Theresa P. Lazaro, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines, as the keynote speaker.
This public dialogue is part of the ASEAN For The Peoples Week (AFPW) 2026 series in Cebu, Philippines (5–8 May 2026), which will be held alongside the 48th ASEAN Summit.
"Through this platform, we aim to facilitate the gathering of ASEAN peoples right at the epicenter of every annual ASEAN Summit. We appreciate the Secretary's support for this People-Centered ASEAN Peoples Week in Cebu," said Dino Patti Djalal, Founder of FPCI, who also served as the moderator.
"There will be four main activities: the ASEAN Journalist and Digital Storyteller Fellowship, the Southeast Asia Lecture Hall, the Track 1.5 Dialogue of ASEAN Community Building, and the ASEAN Community Town Hall," Dino explained.
FPCI's efforts to organize ASEAN for the Peoples Week to "ground" ASEAN issues received a positive response from the Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Theresa P. Lazaro.
"What really worries me is that the younger generation must truly understand what ASEAN is. I think awareness of ASEAN is still low. Among ASEAN countries, perhaps those of us working in diplomacy and public services fully understand it, but what is important now is to create comprehensive awareness across all circles," said Secretary Lazaro.
Dino then highlighted the Philippines' ASEAN Chairmanship.
"We all know that this year's chairmanship faces daunting strategic challenges. We are now in a transition toward the next world order. At FPCI, we see not only risks but also opportunities for ASEAN."
"The cohesion of 11 Southeast Asian nations is now being tested amid great power competition and pragmatic foreign policies. I also believe that the job description of preserving ASEAN centrality and cohesion is not solely the chair's responsibility. It is the responsibility of every ASEAN member state."
Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Theresa P. Lazaro responded, "The daily work for peace drives the Philippines' ASEAN Chairmanship this year. Our theme, 'Navigating Our Future Together,' is a collective call to action. In a world of fragmented interests, the Philippines is committed to steering ASEAN toward a horizon of shared regional stability."
In line with the Philippine Chairmanship, Yanti, Vice Rector for Innovation, Research, Partnership, and Alumni Affairs of Atma Jaya University, said in her remarks: "Indonesia stands as a vital partner. Our shared commitment to maintaining ASEAN centrality is the anchor that will allow us to navigate these internal and external challenges."
Attendees included members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the Indonesian government (including 23 ambassadors), media, civil society organizations, the business community, think tanks, academics, and international relations students.
