Jakarta: Strengthening cooperation in addressing and combating transnational crime and other emerging issues in the ASEAN region is one of the strategic measures outlined in the ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC) Strategic Plan.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, this measure, part of the fifth of the nine Strategic Goals of the APSC's Strategic Plan, aims to bolster ASEAN's efforts against transnational crime, including terrorism, illicit drug trafficking, trafficking in persons (TIP), people smuggling, illicit trafficking of wildlife and timber, arms smuggling, sea piracy and armed robbery against ships, money laundering, international economic crime, cybercrime, and online scams. This will be achieved by enhancing cooperation with ASEAN's external partners and implementing relevant work programmes, such as increased information exchange, experience sharing, joint training, and other relevant activities.
The APSC Strategic Plan is a pillar of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, designed to ensure long-term regional stability and cooperation as part of the broader ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future masterplan. Building on the APSC Blueprint 2025, the plan underscores ASEAN's commitment to shaping an inclusive, resilient, and rules-based regional order amid intensifying geopolitical dynamics.
The plan will be executed through a whole-of-ASEAN approach, supported by enhanced institutional capacity, cross-sectoral coordination, and greater public engagement to ensure its long-term relevance and success. This is part of institutional strengthening and enhancing the role of ASEAN as a whole.
Under the first Strategic Goal of the APSC, ASEAN aims to foster a peaceful, stable, and secure region anchored in the principles of the ASEAN Charter, the United Nations Charter, and international law, adhered to by ASEAN member states. The strategic measures include promoting legal and judicial cooperation, strengthening the rule of law, and enhancing crime prevention frameworks.
The second Strategic Goal focuses on strengthening ASEAN Centrality by reinforcing the role of ASEAN-led mechanisms such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), East Asia Summit (EAS), and ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus), while fostering new and meaningful partnerships with external actors.
To ensure that ASEAN speaks with one voice on regional and international issues, the third Strategic Goal seeks to enhance the bloc's ability to project common positions in multilateral challenges and respond collectively to global developments.
The fourth Strategic Goal emphasises ASEAN's proactive role in shaping the regional architecture and contributes towards a rules-based international order amidst geopolitical tensions and rivalries by deepening preventive diplomacy, promoting maritime and cybersecurity cooperation, and enhancing strategic confidence-building measures.
The sixth Strategic Goal supports the objective of maintaining Southeast Asia as a Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEAWFZ) through the continued implementation of the SEANWFZ Treaty and expanded cooperation on disarmament and peaceful nuclear energy.
On maritime affairs, the seventh Strategic Goal underscores the importance of maintaining regional peace and stability, particularly in the South China Sea. 'ASEAN will continue to advocate for the peaceful settlement of disputes based on the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), while working towards the early conclusion of an effective Code of Conduct with China,' according to the document.
The eighth Strategic Goal is centered on the implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), emphasizing concrete cooperation in key areas including maritime security, sustainable development, and regional connectivity.
The ninth Strategic Goal envisions a cohesive and inclusive community that respects political, social, religious, cultural, and ethnic diversities, upholding the principles of democracy, rule of law, good governance, and respects fundamental freedoms, promotes and protects human rights, and promotes social justice. This includes promoting good governance, anti-corruption efforts, and interfaith understanding.
The implementation will be supported by clear alignment between regional and national agendas, effective coordination across ASEAN organs, and regular monitoring mechanisms. The mid-term review of the plan is scheduled for 2030, and the end-of-term review is set for 2035, ensuring its strategic direction remains adaptive to evolving regional and global developments.
The APSC Strategic Plan is a core component of ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future, the region's long-term vision to realize a dynamic, innovative, and people-centered ASEAN by its centennial milestone.