Anies Baswedan: ASEAN, key to resolving conflict in South China Sea

The presidential candidate Anies Baswedan in the third presidential candidate debate.

JAKARTA -- Indonesian presidential candidate Anies Baswedan believes that ASEAN is the main key in resolving the conflict in the South China Sea. Anies Baswedan said that Indonesia - as the largest country in ASEAN and also the founder of ASEAN - must be able to return to being the dominant leader of ASEAN.

Anies criticized the role of Indonesian leaders who have been present at ASEAN meetings. "Indonesia must return to being the dominant ASEAN leader, not just present at ASEAN summits," said Anies when responding to Ganjar Pranowo's statement regarding the South China Sea conflict in the third presidential candidate debate at Istora Senayan, Sunday (7/1/2024) evening.

According to Anies, Indonesia can reach out to all ASEAN countries to jointly face forces from outside ASEAN. Anies said there was a need for joint strength as a regional unit to face China's power in the South China Sea.

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“We have to face foreign powers here as one region, ASEAN. "Not as Indonesia facing other countries, but as one region and Indonesia leads ASEAN," explained Anies.

Previously, Ganjar Pranowo offered a temporary agreement to resolve the South China Sea conflict. According to him, this temporary agreement can prevent something undesirable from happening.

Ganjar said the first step that would be offered was to evaluate efforts to resolve the South China Sea problem which had not been resolved for 20 years. This was conveyed by Ganjar when answering questions regarding the South China Sea conflict.