Jakarta (ANTARA) – Vice Minister of Trade Dyah Roro Esti has called on ASEAN member states to unite in responding to global uncertainty, including the ongoing escalation of conflict in the Middle East.In a statement issued in Jakarta on Tuesday, she said rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East could disrupt global trade stability.“These tensions may affect strategic trade routes, including the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s main energy distribution channels, which could ultimately impact supply chain stability and the value of international trade,” she said while speaking at the ASEAN Economic Ministers Retreat and Related Meetings 2026 in Manila.At the forum, held from March 11 to 13, Roro Esti stressed the importance of a collective ASEAN response to increasingly complex global geopolitical dynamics.She said ASEAN countries need to strengthen cooperation and regional solidarity to maintain economic stability and ensure the sustainability of regional economic integration.Roro Esti noted that ASEAN holds a strategic position in maintaining an open trading system and strengthening regional economic resilience.“Amid geopolitical dynamics and global geoeconomic fragmentation, ASEAN must remain united and enhance collaboration. An approach that prioritizes openness, economic integration, and regional cooperation is key to maintaining regional stability and economic growth,” she said.She also reaffirmed her support for the concept of “resilience without retreat,” an effort to strengthen regional economic resilience without reducing commitments to trade openness and economic integration.The approach, she said, is crucial to ensuring ASEAN remains competitive, inclusive, and capable of addressing global disruptions.Furthermore, Roro emphasized that cooperation among ASEAN countries should also focus on strengthening strategic sectors, including food and energy security, digital technology, and semiconductors.“Rather than competing through incentives among member states, ASEAN should strengthen the division of roles and regional collaboration in developing these strategic sectors. In doing so, we can build stronger and more competitive regional supply chains,” she said.On the same occasion, Roro underscored that Indonesia, under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto, is placing strong emphasis on strengthening food and energy security as part of its strategy to navigate global dynamics.She added that Indonesia is currently experiencing a rice production surplus, creating opportunities to contribute to regional food stability.“Indonesia currently has the capacity to contribute to maintaining regional food stability. We are exploring opportunities to export rice to several ASEAN countries,” she said.In addition, amid global geopolitical uncertainty that could disrupt global energy supplies, Indonesia has expressed readiness to be part of the solution in maintaining regional energy security.“In the current uncertain geopolitical situation, ASEAN countries need to ensure stable sources of energy supply. Indonesia has resources that can contribute to supporting regional energy resilience,” she added.Roro also encouraged ASEAN to expand economic partnerships with global partners to reduce market concentration risks and strengthen the region’s position in the international trading system.She said ASEAN plays a key role as an anchor of economic stability in the Indo-Pacific region.Therefore, maintaining unity and policy coordination among member states is essential in addressing global uncertainty.“ASEAN countries must continue to demonstrate that regional cooperation is our greatest strength. By remaining united, ASEAN can face global challenges while also seizing existing economic opportunities,” she said.