Donald Trump Attends 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Indonesia Supports Regional Cooperation
Kuala Lumpur, October 26, 2025 — Global Focus on ASEAN Unity
U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Sunday to attend the 47th ASEAN Summit, marking one of the most anticipated diplomatic gatherings of the year.
The summit, officially opened by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, gathered top leaders from across Asia and beyond, including Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Chinese Premier Li Qiang, and other ASEAN heads of state.
The event carries the theme “Strengthening Unity for a Resilient and Prosperous ASEAN”, emphasizing cooperation in trade, security, energy, and regional stability across the Indo-Pacific.
Trump’s participation signals Washington’s renewed interest in Southeast Asia after a period of relative disengagement.
U.S. Commitment to ASEAN: “Partnership, Not Domination”
In his opening statement, Trump declared that the United States seeks “fair, transparent, and respectful trade relations” with ASEAN nations.
He highlighted the importance of energy transition, rare earth minerals, and technological cooperation, saying:
“ASEAN is the heart of a growing global economy. The United States comes here not to dictate, but to build a partnership for peace and prosperity.”
Trump also called for maintaining freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, a sensitive issue involving China’s territorial claims and several ASEAN members.
His remarks received mixed reactions — welcomed by countries like the Philippines and Vietnam, but approached cautiously by Cambodia and Laos.
Indonesia’s Role: Neutral, Strategic, and Forward-Looking
Representing Indonesia, President Prabowo Subianto reaffirmed the nation’s neutral stance and commitment to a balanced foreign policy between major powers.
He emphasized that ASEAN’s strength lies in independence and unity, urging all parties to avoid taking sides in great-power competition.
Prabowo also highlighted Indonesia’s priorities:
- Expanding green energy cooperation and EV battery production with U.S. investors.
- Advocating peaceful resolution in Myanmar through the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus.
- Calling for increased humanitarian access in Gaza amid the ongoing crisis.
Indonesia welcomed the proposed Indo-Pacific Prosperity Corridor (IPPC) — a new U.S. initiative aiming to boost infrastructure and trade connectivity — while underlining that such cooperation must be mutually beneficial and inclusive.
The Indo-Pacific Prosperity Corridor vs. China’s Belt and Road
Trump’s new initiative, the IPPC, is viewed by analysts as a strategic alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
The plan focuses on:
- Joint investment in infrastructure and logistics,
- Securing critical mineral supply chains,
- Encouraging cleaner, more transparent financing for developing nations.
For ASEAN countries — especially Indonesia — the IPPC could provide new economic opportunities while reducing dependency on a single global power.
Symbolic but Strategic: Why Trump’s Visit Matters
Trump’s presence at the ASEAN Summit carries both symbolic and strategic value.
After years of uncertainty in U.S. policy toward Southeast Asia, his direct attendance restores diplomatic momentum and demonstrates Washington’s intention to re-engage with the region.
For Indonesia and other ASEAN members, this summit reinforces the bloc’s importance as a central player in global stability, bridging East and West through balanced cooperation, economic growth, and shared development.
Summary
| Key Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia |
| Date | October 26–28, 2025 |
| Main Participants | U.S., China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, ASEAN 10 + Timor Leste |
| Core Topics | Trade, Indo-Pacific security, Myanmar crisis, energy transition |
| Indonesia’s Focus | Neutral diplomacy, green investment, humanitarian leadership |