5 ASEAN Founding Member Countries, Indonesia Included

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was founded based on the ideas of representatives from the five founding ASEAN countries.

The representatives came from Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. The meeting of these representatives was held in Bangkok, Thailand on August 5 until 8,1967.

The decision to establish ASEAN was taken because the five countries realized the need for an organization or forum to increase cooperation in various fields, such as economic, educational and social, considering the geographical location of these countries. In addition, there are cultural and background similarities between ASEAN member countries.

The following article will discuss the 5 founding countries of ASEAN and their figures and the goals of establishing ASEAN.

5 ASEAN Founding Countries

1. Indonesia

One of the founding countries of ASEAN is Indonesia, which has played an important role since the beginning of the formation of this organization. Indonesia has played a role in facilitating the creation of harmonious relations between countries in the Southeast Asian region.

Apart from that, Indonesia also initiated the formation of Bali Concord II at the end of 2003 on the island of Bali. Bali Concord II stipulates the formation of three main pillars known as the Three Pillars of Integrity, consisting of the ASEAN Security Community (ASC), ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), and ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC).

Adam Malik, a figure in the Indonesian national movement, who also served as the third Vice President of Indonesia and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, became Indonesia's representative in the founding of ASEAN.

From a young age, Adam Malik has been active in the Indonesian national movement. As Minister of Foreign Affairs, he chaired meetings with representatives from several countries in Southeast Asia, which resulted in the Bangkok Declaration. This declaration became the basis for the formation of ASEAN.

2. Singapore

Singapore is also one of the five founding countries of ASEAN. Singapore played an important role in organizing the 13th ASEAN Summit (Summit) from November 18 to 22, 2007, because the event was held in Singapore.

One of the important outcomes of the Summit was the formation of the ASEAN Charter, known as the ASEAN Charter.

Rajaratnam, a Singaporean statesman, represented his country in the formation of ASEAN. Apart from being Singapore's first Minister of Foreign Affairs after independence, Rajaratnam has also served as Deputy Prime Minister, Longtime Minister and Cabinet Member.

He was one of the pioneers of Singapore's independence and has maintained close ties with many countries, which is important considering Singapore's new status as an independent country.

3. Philippines

One of the founding countries of ASEAN is the Philippines. Since 1970, the Philippines began to pay greater attention to ASEAN in its foreign policy, shifting its previous orientation which was more inclined towards relations with Washington.

The Philippines' membership in ASEAN has proven its benefits for the country. One example is the resolution of the Sabah Conflict between the Philippines and Malaysia, which was successfully resolved through cooperation within the ASEAN framework.

The Philippines was represented by Narciso Ramos, or better known as Narciso Rueca Ramos in the formation of ASEAN. Ramos is a journalist, council member, lawyer and ambassador.

He also served as Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines. On August 8, 1965, Ramos joined four other foreign ministers in a meeting in Bangkok that led to the formation of ASEAN.

4. Thailand

Thailand is also one of the founding countries of ASEAN. Unlike other countries, Thailand has never experienced a colonial period.

This country is famous as a rice producer in the Southeast Asia region. In addition, Thailand has established cross-sector collaboration with various regions and countries throughout the world which has resulted in an advanced economy.

Thanat Khoman, a Thai diplomat and politician represented his country in the formation of ASEAN.

During his time as Minister of Foreign Affairs, he was known for his active efforts in improving Thailand's relations with neighboring countries and promoting regional cooperation in Southeast Asia.

Thanat Khoman played a key role in the formation of ASEAN. This is why Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, was chosen as the meeting location for the five founding figures of ASEAN to sign the Bangkok Declaration.

5. Malaysia

The next founding country of ASEAN is Malaysia. Since joining and becoming one of the founding countries of the ASEAN organization, Malaysia has experienced rapid progress in the economic sector. This country has made important contributions to ASEAN.

One of Malaysia's main contributions to ASEAN was when this country was willing to sign the Kuala Lumpur Declaration in November 1971. Apart from that, Malaysia was also active in the process of establishing a democratic government in Cambodia.

Malaysia also played a role in establishing a Nuclear Weapons Free Zone in the region. Malaysia also actively participates in AFTA (ASEAN Free Trade Area), which aims to increase economic cooperation among ASEAN member countries.

Tun Abdul Razak, whose full name is Abdul Razak bin Datuk Hussein, represented Malaysia in the founding of ASEAN.

He was the second Prime Minister of Malaysia and is known as the Father of Malaysian Development. Tun Abdul Razak is known as an intelligent and capable leader, who always uses his intelligence for the progress of his country and people.

Background to ASEAN's Establishment

The background to the founding of ASEAN was explained in a meeting which took place from August 5 to 8, 1967.

At the meeting, the five founding countries of ASEAN stated several reasons or driving factors that encouraged them to become founders and establish the ASEAN organization. Some of these reasons include:

-There has been a prolonged conflict in the Southeast Asia region.

-There are similarities in regional or geographic shape between member countries.

-There are similarities in the majority race (Malayan Mongoloid race), which results in similarities in several cultural aspects among ASEAN members.

-There is a sense of solidarity because most of the ASEAN member countries are former colonies of other countries.

Purpose of Establishing ASEAN

Below is an explanation regarding several objectives of the formation of ASEAN, including:

-Accelerate economic growth, social progress and cultural development in Southeast Asian countries.

-Maintaining peace and stability by prioritizing legal principles and relations between countries in Southeast Asia.

-Increasing active cooperation and mutual support in various fields such as economic, social, cultural, technological and administrative.

-Providing assistance in the form of training and research facilities in the fields of education, vocational, technical and administration.

-Working together more efficiently to achieve greater benefits in the fields of agriculture, industry, international trade, improving transportation and communication infrastructure, and improving community welfare.

-Increasing studies of various problems faced by countries in Southeast Asia.

-Maintain close and fruitful cooperation with various other international and regional organizations that share the same goals, and seek opportunities to enhance cooperation with them.

GHEA CANTIKA NOORSYARIFA

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