ASEAN through the lens of ‘Bali Concords’

Keywords: ASEAN, Bali Concords, ASEAN Evolution, ASEAN Centrality, Indo-Pacific

Date:25th Sept 2023

The 43rd ASEAN Summit and its associated events were recently held in Jakarta that marked a significant milestone in the organization's history. With Indonesia at the helm, as the chair, ASEAN demonstrated its commitment to global engagement while maintaining a strong regional presence. The regional bloc adopted the fourth ASEAN Concord, often referred to as the ‘Bali Concords.’

The four Bali Concords, adopted in 1976, 2003, 2011 and 2023, respectively serve as valuable markers in understanding ASEAN's evolution from a relatively limited regional grouping to a more comprehensive and influential regional entity. They illustrate ASEAN's expanding focus beyond Southeast Asian affairs to encompass the broader Indo-Pacific geopolitical landscape and its response to global geostrategic shifts. The Bali Concords represent key milestones in ASEAN's journey.

First Step towards Identity and Existence:

The first ASEAN Concord, unveiled in Bali on February 24, 1976, marked a significant moment in the organization's early history. During this period, ASEAN's geographic scope was more limited, comprising only Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand as its member states. At the heart of the inaugural Bali Concord was the member countries' shared emphasis on political stability, particularly in the context of the tense global environment of the Cold War era.

The ASEAN nations sought to underscore their commitment to maintaining political resilience, both at the national and regional levels, while navigating the complexities of the geopolitical landscape. From its inception, the first ASEAN Concord highlighted the aspiration for a robust ASEAN Community that would be respected internationally while maintaining respectful relationships with all nations. Key principles, such as self-determination, sovereign equality and non-interference in the internal affairs of nations, formed the bedrock of this vision.

The first ASEAN Concord also introduced a framework for cooperation across five pillars: Political, Economic, Social, Cultural and Information and Security. Under the Political program, ASEAN reaffirmed its commitment to initiatives like the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, the enhancement of ASEAN's administrative machinery, peaceful dispute resolution and harmonization efforts among member states.

In the economic realm, the founding ASEAN members emphasized cooperation in fundamental areas like food and energy security, trade facilitation and the removal of trade barriers, demonstrating their commitment to addressing economic challenges collectively.

The Social segment prioritized the well-being of low-income and rural populations, emphasizing the importance of social development within the ASEAN region. The Cultural and Information pillar underscored the active role of ordinary citizens in fostering a sense of regional identity and promoting ASEAN's uniqueness from a people-centric perspective.

Under the Security umbrella, the original ASEAN Five emphasized cooperation with non-ASEAN states in security matters based on mutual needs and interests. This approach showcased their dedication to regional peace and harmony, not only within their immediate geographic boundaries but also in the broader regional context. It also reflected ASEAN's intent to manage Cold War tensions in the region on their own terms.

Importantly, the themes of building an ASEAN Community, non-interference, security cooperation and people-centric development that were evident in the first ASEAN Concord continue to be prominent in subsequent ASEAN agreements and declarations. This illustrates the enduring principles and values that guide ASEAN's regional and global engagement.

The Geographic Expansion:

The release of Bali Concord II in 2003 heralded yet another significant milestone for ASEAN, coming after a gap of 27 years since the first Concord. By this time, all ten ASEAN member states were fully integrated into the regional body, solidifying its true regional identity. By 2003, ASEAN had already successfully adopted several crucial agreements and initiatives, including the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) in 1976, the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapons Zone in 1995, the Hanoi Plan of Action from 1999 to 2004, the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI), and the Roadmap for the Integration of ASEAN (RIA).

Bali Concord II maintained the core principles of non-interference and consensus that had been established in the first Concord, emphasizing ASEAN's commitment to cooperative decision-making. In response to evolving geopolitical and geo-economic dynamics in Southeast Asia and the broader world, the ASEAN countries introduced the “Prosper Thy Neighbours Policies” in Bali Concord II. This policy aimed to foster regional vibrancy and prosperity.

By 2003, ASEAN had initiated its community-building exercise, which comprised three pillars: political and security cooperation, economic cooperation and socio-cultural cooperation. Bali Concord II introduced new areas of concern including environmental degradation, maritime security cooperation and active engagement with dialogue partners, the beginning of ASEAN's more outward-looking approach, ASEAN economic integration and the implementation of liberalization. The Concord also endorsed the recommendations of the High-Level Task Force on ASEAN Economic Integration.

Furthermore, Bali Concord II validated the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) as a “primary forum in enhancing political and security cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region,” underlining ASEAN’s commitment to regional peace and security. Within the framework of the ASEAN Security Community, ASEAN leaders expressed their determination to move forward at a pace comfortable for all member countries, demonstrating ASEAN’s goodwill as a regional bloc to provide equal opportunities for member nations to progress at their own pace. This approach aligns with the objectives of Initiatives for ASEAN Integration.

Lastly, the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community in Bali Concord II was designed to address the rich cultural heritage of member states while also emphasizing the development of a regional identity—a notable advancement from the goals set in Bali Concord I. In summary, Bali Concord II, released in 2003, represents a pivotal moment in ASEAN’s history, where the organization evolved to address contemporary geopolitical and economic challenges while remaining committed to its core principles of consensus, non-interference and regional cooperation.

The Global Issues:

Bali Concord III, officially known as the Bali Declaration on ASEAN Community in a Global Community of Nations, was adopted on November 17, 2011. This declaration marked an important development in ASEAN’s approach, underlining its willingness to collaborate with the international community and various organizations to shape a better future for the world. Throughout Bali Concord III, ASEAN’s commitment to addressing global issues and common interests was emphasized repeatedly. This Concord brought about significant changes in the pillars of ASEAN’s cooperation framework, reflecting new challenges and issues on the global stage.

The Political-Security Cooperation pillar was expanded to address multiple facets, including peace, security, stability and political development. Given the global context of combating international terrorism during that period, ASEAN took proactive steps to address this challenge through its own initiatives, leading to the promotion of the “Global Movement of the Moderates.”

The Economic Cooperation pillar was further subdivided into economic integration, economic stability and economic development. This restructuring allowed ASEAN to focus on enhancing economic integration within the region, ensuring economic stability and fostering economic development.

Socio-Cultural Cooperation included various sub-themes aimed at addressing pressing global issues. These sub-themes encompass disaster management, sustainable development, environment and climate change, health, science and technology, education, human resources and the promotion of a high quality of life.

These changes in ASEAN’s approach and outlook within Bali Concord III were in alignment with the shifting geopolitical dynamics at the global level. It highlighted ASEAN’s commitment to playing a more active and influential role on the international stage by addressing not only regional but also global challenges.

ASEAN’s willingness to collaborate with the international community and organizations underscored its recognition of the interconnectedness of global issues and the importance of cooperative efforts in addressing them. Bali Concord III thus represented a significant step forward in ASEAN’s engagement with the world, emphasizing its role as a responsible and proactive regional bloc.

ASEAN Matters:

The latest Concord, adopted on September 5, 2023, stands as a powerful symbol of ASEAN’s renewed strength and purpose. The theme of this Concord, “ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth,” succinctly captures ASEAN’s core beliefs in the concepts of ASEAN Centrality and ASEAN’s significance on the global stage. It serves as a reminder that ASEAN aspires to play a central and influential role in the complex geopolitical arena of the Indo-Pacific, emphasizing the need for its voice to be heard and respected.

A significant milestone of ASEAN in the year 2023 is the in principle inclusion of Timor-Leste into ASEAN, which expands the organization's institutional structure from its original five-member composition to encompass 11 members, along with various strategic and external partners. This development underscores ASEAN’s growing influence and outreach.

In contrast to previous Concords, Bali Concord IV places a distinct focus on issues related to ASEAN Matters and the Epicentrum of Growth. It also emphasizes the implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific. Within these overarching themes, the Concord maintains the traditional communities and pillars of cooperation, ensuring continuity while adapting to evolving regional and global dynamics.

Strategically, ASEAN Concord IV represents a more pragmatic and forward-looking document, positioning ASEAN as the epicenter of growth not only in Southeast Asia but also across the broader expanse of the Indo-Pacific. It aligns with key regional initiatives including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the ASEAN Indo-Pacific Forum, the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity, the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) and the ASEAN Charter. These references underscore ASEAN’s relevance and commitment to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

From the inception of ASEAN Vision 2020 to the current aspirations encapsulated in ASEAN Vision 2045, the journey of ASEAN through the four ASEAN Concords has been marked by curiosity, resilience and careful strategic planning. The Concords have played pivotal roles in defining and promoting regional stability, reinforcing unity and solidarity among ASEAN member states, facilitating economic cooperation, fostering cultural exchanges, upholding human rights, highlighting ASEAN’s significance in regional and global affairs and providing a framework for conflict management.

This journey underscores ASEAN’s credibility as a global geopolitical player, its role in shaping a distinctive regional identity, and its evolution into a dynamic and influential bloc of countries committed to peace, stability and prosperity in Southeast Asia and beyond.

Sampa Kundu is a Consultant with the ASEAN-India Centre at Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), New Delhi. 

Disclaimer: The views expressed above and the information available are those of the author/s and can therefore in no way be taken to reflect the position of Asian Confluence