New ASC Book: “ASEAN In 2017: Regional Integration in an Age Of Uncertainty”

ASEAN Studies Center UGM is pleased to launch a new book that covers a regional outlook in 2017. Co-authored by four ASEAN Studies Center’s researchers, this book highlights three key issues in ASEAN regional integration and the policy prospects for integration beyond 2017.

In political and security issue, Dedi Dinarto argues that Duterte’s presidency in Phillippines, who will hold ASEAN Chairmanship, is pivotal in managing US-Sino rivalry in the region. This is particularly in case with growing tension in the South China Sea.

In economic issue, Shane Preuss suggests that low-skilled labour migration is likely to deepen uneven economic development in the region, in which ASEAN needs to respond.

In social and cultural issue, Dio H. Tobing highlights the unresolved conflict in Rohingya, which has been a regional issue since 2015. Without strong regional solution from ASEAN and engagement with Myanmar’s new administration, the issue will bring further problems for regional social and cultural environment.

Ahmad Rizky M. Umar finally underscores the need for ASEAN to promote social integration instead of merely focusing on political and economic integration, given the state of ASEAN in 2017.

All authors strongly recommends Indonesia’s foreign policy to hold strong leadership in ASEAN.
ASEAN in 2017: Regional Integration in an Age of Uncertainty can be downloaded here