Jakarta, 2 December 2023: At the Conference on Indonesian Foreign Policy, organised by the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia (FPCI), Tetsuya Watanabe, President of the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), unveiled a survey jointly conducted by FPCI and ERIA. This survey offers insights into the perceptions of ASEAN’s people regarding global powers. Alongside Dr Dino Patti Djalal, Founder and Chairman of FPCI, ambassadors, diplomats, academics, and esteemed figures gathered with university students at the conference to delve into the evolving geopolitical landscape.

President Watanabe underscored the significance of the 'Survey of ASEAN Peoples' Perceptions on China, India, Japan, and the USA.' ‘It hopes to gauge people’s opinions on their country and ASEAN’s relationships with the four selected countries in different sectors, from economic, social-cultural, and political security. It also seeks to understand the assessment of the people of ASEAN towards multiple cooperation initiatives proposed by these external partners,’ he announced.

Highlighting ASEAN's crucial position at the crossroads of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, President Watanabe stressed the necessity of recalibrating diplomatic strategies in response to evolving global dynamics. ‘Great Powers, or those aspiring to be, look at the region as an arena to project influence. ASEAN needs to navigate the changing geopolitical dynamics of the century,’ he affirmed.

In conclusion, President Watanabe underscored the survey's impact, noting its potential to shape ASEAN's diplomatic course and decision-making processes. ‘We hope that the findings of this survey will serve as a valuable resource for stakeholders, including government leaders, business executives, civil society, and beyond. We also envision that the survey results will contribute to designing the foreign policy strategies of ASEAN governments and dialogue partners,’ he asserted.

ERIA's collaboration with FPCI in conducting this survey signifies a deepening partnership between the institutions. This collaboration marks a milestone in comprehending ASEAN's multi-dimensional perspectives on global powers, highlighting the necessity for strategic adaptation amidst a changing geopolitical landscape.