As part of its Undergraduate Program, the Department of International Relations, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences Universitas Indonesia (DHI UI), held a guest lecture titled “ASEAN Economic Community Post-2025 and the Role of ASEAN-Australia Partnership” on May 20, 2025. The event featured H.E. Tiffany McDonald, Ambassador of the Australian Mission to ASEAN, and was held at the Auditorium Anak Nusantara, Gedung Nusantara II, in UI’s Depok campus. Attended by undergraduate students and faculty members, the lecture offered valuable insights into the evolving relationship between ASEAN and Australia in the context of regional economic cooperation.
In her address, H.E. Ambassador McDonald reaffirmed Australia’s deep and historic ties with ASEAN, highlighting that Australia was the first country to become ASEAN’s Dialogue Partner. This longstanding relationship, she emphasized, reflects Australia’s strong and consistent support for ASEAN’s regional role. She also explained that Australia is currently ASEAN’s second-largest development partner, with extensive contributions through free trade agreements and collaborative initiatives such as the Aus4ASEAN program—an embodiment of Australia’s ongoing commitment to ASEAN’s growth and integration.
Addressing critiques of ASEAN’s relevance, H.E. Ambassador McDonald delivered a firm and optimistic message: “ASEAN is not only doing well—it is thriving.” She praised the newly launched ASEAN Vision 2045 as a bold move toward deeper regional integration and long-term economic development. According to her, this vision demonstrates ASEAN’s seriousness and strategic direction in navigating future challenges.
Looking ahead, H.E. Ambassador assured participants that Australia remains committed to supporting ASEAN through continued cooperation and regional engagement. She noted that Australia will play an active role in helping ASEAN achieve its long-term goals by strengthening economic ties, promoting inclusive growth, and fostering innovation and regional resilience.
This guest lecture is part of the Department of International Relations’ broader effort to connect students with real-world diplomatic experiences, regional policy issues, and global perspectives—helping prepare the next generation of international affairs professionals.