TEMPO.CO, Jakarta -The armed conflict between Thailand and Cambodia that erupted on Thursday, July 24, 2025, is testing ASEAN as a peacekeeper of the Southeast Asian region.
Bluntness of ASEAN Mechanism
Andrew Wiguna Mantong, a researcher from the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), said the conflict showcases the weak crisis response of the regional bloc.
"The border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia currently poses a serious impact on the stability of the Southeast Asian region. This shakes the confidence in the commitment to peace among ASEAN member states," Andrew said when contacted by Tempo on Friday, July 25, 2025.
He maintained that there has been no effective peace mechanism activated so far, even though two ASEAN member countries are engaged in open battle. "This reflects the institutional weakness of ASEAN in responding to security crises within its own region," he said.
Andrew also highlighted the passivity of ASEAN institutions in this situation. Mechanisms such as the High Council in the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) have never been used, while the ASEAN Secretary General and Chair can only act if requested by the conflicting parties.
According to Andrew, this conflict demonstrates the limited role of ASEAN institutions when the principle of non-intervention is applied rigidly. He emphasized the importance of reviewing the flexibility of the principle to maintain the group's relevancy as the peacekeeper of the region.
"If this conflict continues without active ASEAN participation, the credibility of the central principle of ASEAN's neutrality will collapse," he added.
Direct Impact on Indonesia
The conflict between the Southeast Asian neighbors relates directly to Indonesia's interests. Andrew mentioned that there are currently more than 130,000 Indonesian citizens in Cambodia working in high-risk sectors such as casinos and online platforms.
"The escalation of the conflict could endanger their safety, both through physical security risks and legal and social uncertainties in the country where they work," he said.
A prolonged conflict is feared to draw U.S. and Chinese intervention, deepening the rivalries in Southeast Asia. "The economic impact is also significant, with disruptions in trade and investment, which would also harm Indonesia," he added.
Call for Indonesia's Firm Stance
Indonesia, Andrew said, should reconsider its neutral passivity in the conflict, especially since countries like Malaysia and Singapore have already declared their stance.
"If Indonesia fails to show diplomatic initiatives, both openly and covertly, it will create the impression that Indonesia is either indifferent or has lost its direction of regional leadership," he said.
Indonesia previously played a constructive role when it chaired ASEAN in 2011 during a similar crisis. "When other countries have spoken, the absence of Indonesia's voice actually creates a vacuum that can be interpreted negatively by external parties," he said.
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