Why I am grateful for Asean’s endless meetings

Djauhari Oratmangun, former Indonesian deputy foreign minister for ASEAN cooperation, reflects on his experience in 2011 when Indonesia chaired the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. He highlights that ASEAN's primary mode of operation involves frequent meetings, discussions, and the issuance of statements. Oratmangun notes that these interactions occur in various settings, including conference rooms, coffee shops, restaurants, and through telephone and online communication. The article suggests that despite disagreements, the persistent engagement through these numerous meetings is a defining characteristic of ASEAN's functioning, even mentioning durian as a feature during serious matters.