Welcome to ASEAN Economic Community 2015, We are Ready to Compete

By Irfani Fathunaja
Student from State College of Islamic Studies Purwokerto Central Java

On October 7
th
, 2003 a meeting was held which gave birth to the ASEAN
Declaration of ASEAN Concord II (Bali Concord II) which contains the planned
formation of the ASEAN Community by 2020. The meeting resulted in a
commitment from all members of ASEAN to realize the ASEAN Community 2015 is
built upon three main pillars. The first pillar is the ASEAN Political-Security
Community (APSC). Concept proposed by Indonesia aims to boost political and
security cooperation among member states. The second pillar is the ASEAN
Economic Community (AEC). The main proponent of the AEC is Singapore and
Thailand, two countries that was ahead of ASEAN economies. The third pillar is the
ASEAN Social and Cultural Community (ASCC). ASCC is more geared pillar for
ASEAN citizens. This focus on people is so that ASEAN is able to work together to
address the real issues facing society such as poverty, unemployment, population
growth, human resources, education, environment, health daan. ASEAN Community
2015 with the construction of the three pillars (political, economic, cultural) there are
still some problems. In the political and security aspects for example, are still found
challenges to the principle of non-intervention (ASEAN Way) and transnational
conflicts.
include the economic aspects of trade diversion, non-tariff barrier, the race to
the bottom, and protectionism. While the challenges of socio-cultural aspects such as
ideational force and heterogeneity. Regardless of the persistence of some of these
barriers, as one of the founders of ASEAN in 1967, Indonesia still have a tremendous
opportunity to participate actively in the ASEAN Community by 2015. it should
implement strategic engagement (strategic commitment). Strategic engagement in
two concrete steps that might be undertaken by Indonesia, the duo action and
exploitation opportunities. Indonesia not only require thorough socialization and
spread of the discourse of ASEAN Community 2015. Indonesia also have to apply
proposition, both to the people of Indonesia and the ASEAN community, that
Indonesia deserves to be an important actor in the ASEAN Community 2015.
Indonesia should position itself as a leading nation. It never materialized in 1955
when the Asian-African solidarity manifested through Asia-Africa Conference.
Above ideas will be stronger if the country which holds the principles of democracy,
Indonesia should also promote democratic values in order to form an understanding
of political integration as an integrated community not only in a region
Readiness Indonesia Facing ASEAN Community 2015
readiness Indonesia Facing ASEAN Community 2015?. Based on data from
the BKKBN (National Family Planning Coordinating Board) in 2013 Indonesia's
population has reached 250 million people or in other words the most populous
country in ASEAN. Enormous potential for rising or rise as a superpower country in
ASEAN. On the other hand this potential can also be used as a market or a massive
market of neighboring countries.
Such as Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Brunei Darussalam, the
Philippines, Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia. If this nation is not aware and prepared
in the face. What about the government's policy in this regard?. Seems too unfocused
when we were asked to analyze it. But simpelnya like this. There is no curriculum or
subjects just stuff the introduction of the ASEAN Community in school-school junior
or senior level in Indonesia today?. That it has started Singapore and Malaysia since
2008 through the ASEAN Goes to School program. Or the extent to which
government socialization of discourses to the people of ASEAN Community 2015?.
It was not widely felt, our government seems to be more fun to discuss the increase in
fuel (fuel oil) to contain inflation rather than strengthening production and incomes
by empowering the real sector of the economy to self-sufficient and competitive
momentum welcomed ASEAN Community 2015.