Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto made a strategic proposal to expand membership of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) by supporting the inclusion of Papua New Guinea (PNG) as a full member state at the opening of the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The proposal was conveyed by Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, who accompanied President Prabowo during the Summit. "President Prabowo proposed and expressed his support for Papua New Guinea to become a member of ASEAN," Teddy said as quoted by Antara on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.

Currently, ASEAN comprises 10 member countries: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Timor-Leste, which currently holds observer status, is expected to become the 11th full member by October 2025.

During the Summit plenary session on ASEAN’s future direction, President Prabowo emphasized the importance of strengthening regional solidarity, maintaining stability, and enhancing ASEAN's global influence.

"With the projected population of ASEAN members reaching approximately 700 million by 2025 − comparable to the population of Europe − ASEAN is a significant force on the world stage," Teddy cited.

He also clarified that the President’s support for PNG’s membership was not solely based on geographical proximity or bilateral ties between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. Instead, it reflects Indonesia’s broader strategic vision to deepen regional integration and elevate ASEAN’s role in global affairs.

"The inclusion of Papua New Guinea would not only help maintain regional stability but also enhance ASEAN's influence on the global stage," he said.

The move signals a proactive diplomatic approach by Indonesia under Prabowo’s leadership, aiming to position ASEAN as a more unified and geopolitically relevant bloc amid evolving global challenges.