TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Senior diplomat Hassan Wirajuda stated that the conflict dynamics in the Middle East between Iran and the United States could be an opportunity for ASEAN to improve regional energy and food security.
"We have the potential to, for example, realize food or energy security; in the broad sense, including electricity, so that we can be self-reliant and resilient," Hassan said during the commemoration of the five-year comprehensive strategic partnership between ASEAN and China, the Jakarta Forum 2026, in Jakarta, on Monday, June 22, 2026, as quoted by ANTARA.
The former foreign minister in the administration of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono assessed that the conflict in the Middle East has implications for ASEAN, specifically in the form of disruptions to the supply of oil, gas, and fertilizer.
Hassan stated that ASEAN countries have started to discuss accelerating the implementation of an integrated power grid system at the Southeast Asian level, considering the disruption of oil supply and its impact on electricity production.
With this system, he added, surplus electricity from countries could be transmitted to others in need. In another scenario, several ASEAN countries could collaborate to create a joint electricity production mechanism to ensure an adequate electricity supply.
Furthermore, as efforts to achieve regional energy security continue to evolve, especially in electricity, he believed that ASEAN could also work together to achieve food security. "That is a lesson we can learn because the world does not guarantee stability forever," said Hassan.
He added that the conflict between Iran and the U.S. indicates that the world order is weakening and is no longer effective in serving the global community.
Hassan also highlighted the war in Iran and the U.S. attack on Venezuela earlier this year, which are related to resources, given the abundant oil reserves in both countries.
He said this reflects the growing importance of regional cooperation, particularly in achieving energy and food security. "The antidote is that regional cooperation must be advanced, both among us and with our dialogue partners. I want to encourage ASEAN to strengthen regional cooperation," said Hassan.
Read: US-Iran First Round of Talks Ends With 'Encouraging Progress'
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