Jakarta, 21 May 2026: ERIA and the Australian Mission to ASEAN co-hosted a Track 1.5 workshop on ‘Geoeconomic Strategies in Uncertain Times’ in Jakarta.

The workshop brought together officials from all ASEAN Member States, academics, and think tanks to discuss how ASEAN can navigate current geopolitical and economic challenges while advancing regional integration.

Discussions focused on the interconnected challenges of energy disruptions, tariff pressures, and industrial overcapacity, highlighting the growing nexus between economics and security. Participants also exchanged views on key regional frameworks, including the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, the ASEAN Geoeconomics Task Force, the Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), and ASEAN’s co-ordinated industrial policy agenda.

In examining crisis response measures, economic reforms, and long-term regional integration goals, participants also discussed energy security. The workshop underscored the importance of co-ordinated industrial policy in strengthening regional resilience and reaffirmed the value of an open and rules-based trading system.

The event concluded with calls for stronger ASEAN economic intelligence, improved regional co-ordination, and greater engagement of think tanks and the private sector in policymaking processes. Both the Australian Government and ERIA reaffirmed their strong commitment to supporting ASEAN’s resilience and regional co-operation efforts.