ASEAN Summit and Development in Labuan Bajo – Wednesday, May 10 2023

Under the theme of “ASEAN Affairs: The Epicenter of Economic Development,” the ASEAN Summit this week focused on three fundamental principles, strength, inclusiveness and sustainability, in which the public believes in the commitment of parties to prioritize sustainable development across ASEAN countries.

As already explained in various literature, sustainable development includes several principles that embrace environmental protection, local economy and local culture.

It is no coincidence that Labuan Bajo, a small town on the western side of Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara, was chosen as the venue for the ASEAN Summit. I argue that Labuan Bajo is a better place to digest the deeper meaning of the ASEAN Summit because it sets sustainable development on its core agenda.