Washington Reaffirms ASEAN’s Strategic Importance During the Advance U.S. Independence Celebration in Jakarta

JAKARTA, Indonesia — “Happy Birthday, America. Cheers!” US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau was in Jakarta to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence during an advance reception on June 11, 2026. The United States reaffirmed its commitment to ASEAN and its member states in the presence of members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, business leaders, and representatives of the international community.

US Chargé d’Affaires to Indonesia Peter Haymond pointed out the importance of sports for the United States as it is hosting a decade of major sports events beginning with the FIFA World Cup, to be followed by the Summer Olympics, the Winter Olympics, the Paralympics, and the Rugby World Cup. He added, “We’re celebrating because sports bring people together around the world. It’s a common language. It’s a common interest and it helps people, even as they compete against each other, feel a kinship and feel a closer relationship and that’s what we want to emphasize.”

Speaking at the event, U.S. Ambassador to ASEAN Kevin Kim underscored the importance of maintaining a strong ASEAN, saying it remains critical to the interests of both the United States and the region.

Kim also highlighted the upcoming 50th anniversary of U.S.-ASEAN diplomatic relations in 2027, expressing Washington's commitment to working closely with ASEAN and its member states to commemorate the milestone.

He noted that senior U.S. officials recognize Southeast Asia's growing significance, emphasizing that there is a strong desire within the administration to prioritize engagement with the region and deepen cooperation with ASEAN. He said, “In my consultations with senior officials of the administration they all recognize and they all understand and want to prioritize that the future of the 21sst century will be written in this region so that there is a strong desire to work with ASEAN and ASEAN Member-States.” (video filename: 1 Amb Kim)

ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn welcomed the milestone year ahead, saying the anniversary would provide an opportunity to reflect on the progress of the partnership, reaffirm commitments, and chart the future of ASEAN-U.S. relations.(video filename: SecGen Kao Kim Hourn)

Meanwhile, Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Legal, Human Rights, Immigration, and Correction, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, highlighted the robust economic relationship between Indonesia and the United States. He said economic ties remain one of the strongest pillars of bilateral relations, with the United States serving as one of Indonesia's largest export destinations and a leading source of foreign investment. (video filename: Mahendra)

The reception not only marked America's 250th year of independence but also underscored Washington's message that ASEAN remains central to its Indo-Pacific engagement, as both sides prepare to celebrate five decades of diplomatic partnership next year.