Jakarta, 18 September 2024: The ERIA School of Government made its debut to the Indonesian public and the ASEAN region by inviting Indonesia’s 6th President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY), to deliver the inaugural address for the ERIA School of Government Leadership Lecture.

The ERIA School of Government’s Dean, Professor Nobuhiro Aizawa, welcomed SBY to the ERIA School of Government’s offices in Jakarta on 18 September.  In his address titled The Future of Asia and What Should Asia Do, the 75-year-old former president credited ERIA for ‘playing important roles and contributing to the betterment of ASEAN and East Asian region,’ particularly in crafting economic concepts and policies that deliver tangible benefits to these regions.

During his speech, SBY posed thought-provoking questions about the future of Asia, asking, ‘Can Asia solve its own problems and challenges?,’ ‘Can countries in Asia work together or collaborate in overcoming its problems?,’ and ‘Is the 21st Century an Asian Century?’

SBY also discussed ASEAN’s role in the evolving geopolitical landscape, addressing the complexities of ASEAN centrality. He remarked, ‘We need to know the limits of what ASEAN could do to solve its own problems. ASEAN centrality is a myth due to the complex role played by powers like China, the US, the EU, and so on. ASEAN does not need to take sides between global powers, such as the unfinished rivalry between the US and China. ASEAN must have common ground and a common position on important regional issues…[to] ensure that ASEAN remains relevant in an ever-changing world.’

The former president used the occasion to call for closer ties amongst Asian countries to create what he described as a ‘better Asia.’ He emphasised that ‘in the midst of rivalry and hostility, Asian countries should cooperate and build partnerships,’ especially amidst ongoing tensions in the South China Sea involving China, the United States, and ASEAN member countries.

The ERIA School of Government also launched Standing Firm for Indonesia’s Democracy: An Oral History of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, co-authored by historians Takaishi Shiraishi, Aizawa, Jun Honna, and Wahyu Prasetyawan.

‘Each chapter of this book captures real experiences and valuable lessons to learn, particularly in navigating crises that often arise unexpectedly. Through these stories, I hope this book provides insights and inspiration.’

For the authors, chronicling SBY’s journey as a military leader and political figure, leading up to his presidency, showcases his progressive approach to governance. Professor Takashi Shiraishi expressed gratitude for SBY’s leadership during crucial periods in Indonesia’s modern history, particularly through economic crises.

Prof. Aizawa, co-author of the book, recounted the years-long effort to compile the oral history, noting that SBY ‘generously shared countless hours for the interviews, despite the challenging times of COVID and the loss of his wife, the late Ibu Ani.’

The launch also saw reflections from key figures from SBY’s presidency, including former Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa. He highlighted SBY's clarity of purpose, describing him as a ‘realist idealist’ who combined a pragmatic understanding of world affairs with a transformative vision for Indonesia and Southeast Asia.

ERIA President Tetsuya Watanabe welcomed SBY as the first prominent ASEAN leader to speak at the ERIA School of Government Leadership Lecture. He noted SBY’s significant role in ERIA’s inception in 2008 during his presidency, saying, ‘We owe a great deal to his leadership and support, which allowed us to be based in Jakarta, close to the ASEAN Secretariat and the Indonesian government.’

Prof. Aizawa emphasised the purpose of the ERIA School of Government, saying, ‘The oral histories and leadership lectures are designed not only to collect data but to encourage dialogue across countries and generations.’

The ERIA School of Government Leadership Lecture series aims to share Southeast Asia's unique governance experiences with the world, fostering regional leadership and positioning Southeast Asia as a model for governance innovation.