TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The United States Ambassador to ASEAN, Kevin Kim, emphasizes that ASEAN remains a crucial strategic partner for Washington in navigating various agendas across the Indo-Pacific region. "ASEAN is very important for the US," he said during a press conference titled "Independence Day 2026: 250 Years of American Independence" held at the US Ambassador's residence in Jakarta on Thursday, June 11, 2026.
Kim stated that the bond between the US and ASEAN continues to strengthen through a series of agreements and shared visions established by both parties. In fact, President Donald Trump personally attended the 47th ASEAN Summit and the 13th ASEAN-US Summit held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center (KLCC) back in October 2025.
According to Kim, cooperation between the United States and ASEAN spans several critical frontiers, ranging from critical mineral supply chains and artificial intelligence (AI) development to future technologies and the establishment of norms and values of mutual interest in the region.
Kim emphasized that the United States government remains deeply committed to expanding collaboration with ASEAN and its member states across various strategic sectors.
He also revealed that prior to his departure for Jakarta, senior officials in Washington stressed the importance of Southeast Asia in shaping 21st-century global dynamics. "We consulted with senior officials; in our view, the trajectory of the 21st century will be defined by ASEAN," he noted.
Therefore, Kim mentioned that the visit of US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau to Jakarta, which included a high-level meeting with the ASEAN Secretary-General, underscores the depth of Washington's focus on the region.
The celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States independence held at the US Embassy in Jakarta further cemented Washington's enduring commitment to its partnership with ASEAN.
In his speech, Kim channeled a statement by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who noted that the historical arc of the 21st century will be largely dictated by developments in the Indo-Pacific theater. Kim expressed his hope that the United States and ASEAN can co-author a peaceful, stable, and prosperous future for the region.
The 250th Anniversary of America event was attended by high-ranking dignitaries, including US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Yusril Ihza Mahendra, and ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn. Also in attendance were Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, Deputy Minister for Higher Education, Science, and Technology Stella Christie, and the President's Special Envoy for Climate and Energy Affairs Hashim Djojohadikusumo.
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