Hosted in Indonesia’s bustling capital, the gathering served as both a strategic dialogue and a reaffirmation of the Netherlands’ commitment to its partnership with Southeast Asia. The event brought together colleagues from Dutch missions throughout the region, alongside representatives from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a concerted effort to align perspectives and priorities.

The programme featured a series of high-level exchanges with key regional institutions and stakeholders. Delegates engaged in meaningful discussions with the ASEAN Secretariat, the AHA Centre (ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management), the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia (FPCI), and representatives from various ASEAN Member States.

These interactions offered valuable insights into ASEAN’s current priorities and challenges, ranging from regional integration and resilience to disaster preparedness and diplomatic cooperation. For the Dutch delegation, it was an opportunity not just to listen and learn, but also to explore ways in which the Netherlands and ASEAN can continue to build a strong, forward-looking partnership.

As regional dynamics evolve, the Netherlands reaffirmed its commitment to supporting ASEAN’s central role in promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development in Southeast Asia. The gathering in Jakarta marked another step toward a more connected and collaborative future between the Netherlands and ASEAN.