ASEAN Plus Three Prioritize Food Security, Indonesian Foreign Minister Declares

Food Security Remains Central Focus for ASEAN Plus Three Amidst Global Crisis

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – IndonesiaS Foreign Minister Sugiono has underscored the critical importance of maintaining food security as a primary objective for the ASEAN Plus Three (APT) forum, particularly in the face of escalating food-related threats and the prevailing global economic instability.

Addressing the APT Ministerial Meeting in Kuala Lumpur on thursday, July 10, Minister Sugiono highlighted recent warnings from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Association (FAO) and the World Food Program (WFP) regarding acute food insecurity in various regions worldwide. These reports serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of the global food supply.

“Indonesia supports strengthening the APT Emergency Rice Reserve, not only for emergency distribution but also as a strategic platform to promote sustainable agriculture and improve supply chain coordination,” Sugiono stated, emphasizing the need for both immediate relief and long-term solutions.

In a statement issued from Jakarta on Friday, the Minister elaborated on the persistent challenges facing the region’s food conditions. He pointed to structural economic gaps, vulnerabilities in supply chains, and the disruptive impact of climate change as key factors contributing to this fragility. Furthermore, rising food prices and inflation are considerably eroding household purchasing power, making it increasingly difficult for vulnerable families to access adequate and nutritious food.

Beyond reinforcing the APT emergency Rice Reserve, Indonesia is actively advocating for the enhancement of the ASEAN Food Security Information System (AFSIS) and the cultivation of stronger collaborations between governments and the private sector. These initiatives are deemed essential for bolstering the region’s overall food resilience.

Drawing parallels with the APT’s successful role in navigating the region through the 1997 and 2008 financial crises,Sugiono expressed confidence in the forum’s capacity to effectively address the current food crisis. he asserted that solidarity and cooperation are paramount in safeguarding the economic resilience of the entire region.

The Minister urged the APT to continue serving as an “anchor for peace and stability,” a goal that requires the concerted effort of all stakeholders within the region. Indonesia also conveyed its sincere gratitude to the Plus Three partners – China, Japan, and South Korea – for their unwavering support of ASEAN mechanisms and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).

How might investments in food processing and packaging innovation within the ASEAN Plus Three region contribute to reducing food waste and enhancing food security?

Strengthening Regional Collaboration for Sustainable Food Systems

Indonesian Foreign minister Retno Marsudi recently affirmed the commitment of the ASEAN Plus Three (APT) nations – ASEAN member states plus China, Japan, and South Korea – to prioritize food security as a critical regional agenda. This announcement comes at a time of increasing global food price volatility, supply chain disruptions, and the escalating impacts of climate change on agricultural production. The focus is on bolstering regional food systems, enhancing agricultural resilience, and ensuring food accessibility for all citizens within the bloc.

Key Areas of Cooperation

The APT nations have identified several key areas for collaborative action to address the growing food crisis and build a more secure future for food supplies:

Enhanced Data Sharing: Improving the exchange of information on crop yields, food stocks, and market trends across the APT region. This will facilitate proactive responses to potential shortages and price fluctuations.

Investment in agricultural Technology: promoting the adoption of smart agriculture technologies, including precision farming, biotechnology, and digital platforms, to increase productivity and efficiency.

Diversification of Food Sources: Reducing reliance on single sources of food imports by diversifying agricultural production within the region and exploring option food sources. This includes promoting sustainable agriculture practices.

Strengthening Supply Chain Resilience: identifying and addressing vulnerabilities in the food supply chain, including infrastructure bottlenecks, logistical challenges, and trade barriers.

Joint Research and Development: Collaborating on research initiatives to develop climate-resilient crops, improve pest and disease management, and enhance food processing technologies.

Emergency Food Reserves: Establishing and maintaining regional food reserves to provide a buffer against unforeseen disruptions to food supplies.

The Role of ASEAN in a Changing Global Landscape

As highlighted in recent reports (We Forum, 2025), ASEAN is uniquely positioned to leverage global tensions into regional opportunities. This is particularly true in the realm of food security. By strengthening intra-regional trade and cooperation,the APT nations can reduce their dependence on external markets and build a more self-reliant food system. This strategy aligns with the broader trend of regionalization in global trade and investment.

Addressing Specific Challenges

Several specific challenges are driving the APT’s focus on food security:

climate Change Impacts: Increasingly frequent and severe weather events, such as droughts, floods, and typhoons, are disrupting agricultural production across the region.

Geopolitical Instability: Global conflicts and trade disputes are creating uncertainty in food markets and disrupting supply chains.

Rising Food Prices: Inflationary pressures are driving up food prices, making it more difficult for vulnerable populations to access adequate nutrition.

Population Growth: The growing population in the APT region is increasing demand for food, putting further strain on existing resources.

Land Degradation: Soil erosion, deforestation, and unsustainable agricultural practices are reducing the productivity of agricultural land.

Case Study: Vietnam’s Rice Production & Export

Vietnam, a major rice producer and exporter, exemplifies the potential for regional cooperation in food security.Through investments in irrigation infrastructure, improved seed varieties, and farmer training programs, Vietnam has considerably increased its rice yields. This surplus production not only ensures food security for its own population but also contributes to regional food supplies. Vietnam’s experience demonstrates the benefits of prioritizing agricultural development and investing in food production capacity.

Benefits of Enhanced Food Security

Strengthening food security within the APT region offers a multitude of benefits:

Improved Public Health: Ensuring access to adequate nutrition improves public health outcomes and reduces the incidence of malnutrition.

Economic Stability: A stable food supply contributes to economic stability by reducing price volatility and protecting consumers from food shortages.

Social Cohesion: Addressing food insecurity can definitely help to reduce social unrest and promote social cohesion.

Regional Resilience: A more self-reliant food system enhances the region’s resilience to external shocks and disruptions.

Sustainable Development: Promoting sustainable agricultural practices contributes to environmental protection and long-term food security.

Practical Tips for Consumers & businesses

consumers: Support local farmers and producers by purchasing locally sourced food. Reduce food waste by planning meals, storing food properly, and composting leftovers.

Businesses: Invest in sustainable sourcing practices and reduce yoru environmental footprint. support initiatives that promote food security and agricultural development.Explore opportunities for innovation in food processing and packaging.

* Governments: Implement policies that support sustainable agriculture, promote food diversification, and strengthen supply chain resilience. Invest in research and development to improve agricultural productivity and climate resilience.

Keywords: ASEAN Plus Three, food security, regional food systems, agricultural resilience, food accessibility, food crisis, smart agriculture, sustainable agriculture, food supply chain, food reserves, agricultural development, food production capacity, regionalization, climate change, food prices, Vietnam, rice production, food waste.

LSI Keywords: food self-sufficiency, agricultural technology, food inflation, supply chain disruptions, food sovereignty, food systems transformation, climate-smart agriculture, food policy, food trade, food assistance.