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‘ Critical Review on the article: “Does ASEM Matter ?” ’

Alby Rachman Padmakusumah

(2009330035)
Kelas:

FAKULTAS ILMU SOSIAL DAN ILMU POLITIK

UNIVERSITAS KATOLIK PARAHYANGAN
BANDUNG
2010
Critical Review on the article: “Does ASEM Matter ?” by Faisal Nurdin Idris in The
Jakarta Post, Wednesday, 6 October 2010

ASEM (Asia-Europe Meeting) here may be the only bridge between Asia and Europe in the
three pillars mentioned by the author, presented in the "ASEM does matter?". There is the
pillars on ASEM which is political, economic, and social - culture - intellectual. In
accordance or the same way with the author (agree with the author), I would like to express
my voice in common against ASEM incompetency through emphases "version" of my own.
Please note that the ASEM held in Brussels on October 4 to 5 2010, only slightly covered by
the international press and from nearly 50 representatives from European and Asian
countries, only his deputies are sent. As I have said above that ASEM is a bridge for Europe
and Asia, the past 10 to 15 years, ASEM has laid the important foundation, acts as an
umbrella framework of cooperation between the two area. ASEM existence accelerate the
process of developing bilateral relations. In sum, ASEM plays a vital role in strengthening
and mainstreaming Europe-Asia cooperation.

Ironic considering the ASEM now stands at a crossroads because success has been achieved
and is now facing some difficult problems to resolve and force ASEM extra for such
actions. Europe-Asia cooperation now face a fact that people no longer feel ASEM needs as
a catalyst or a bridge as before. ASEM covers economic, political and socio-cultural affairs in
the past, while now facilitate trade and economic relations since the two fields is
attracting the interest of international relations nowadays. Meanwhile, the EU moved from
inter-regional approach to a bilateral trade strategy toward Asia. Brussels initially try to
conclude the region to-region FTA with ASEAN as partners. Perhaps that idea was mostly
abandoned, though still become 'final destination' in accordance with the wishes of the
European Commission. Instead, the Union Europe is now active in negotiating FTAs with
individual countries in this region, and find a gap to handle such states with the power such as
China, India and Japan, especially in matters relating to bilateral as well.

The core problem of trade and economic relations between Asia and Europe more and more
dealt with bilaterally. The role would be reduced at ASEM areas as a result. Given the
diversity of member interests, and the number continued to increase in countries members of
the organization, it should not surprising that substantial trade and economic issues need to be
addressed elsewhere for the sake of efficiency and effectiveness. But this is not the end of the
ASEM, is also not the time for complacency because This framework can be halted and the
resurrection. There are new areas for ASEM framework of activities that need to be more
flexible.

First, ASEM could play a greater role in security. Since the September 2001 attacks terrorists
against the United States, the awareness that security in Asia and security in Europe
connected has been developed.  This is a difficult area for ASEM to address because the
diverse interests and values among its membership.  Given that the trade relations and
between European and Asian economies is vital, and that is very dependent on Secure sea
Lines Of Communication (SLOC), there is every reason for ASEM to contribute in this
field, since maritime security and protection SLOC has a broad scope.

Actual planning and coordination of anti-piracy operations in the theater of ASEM is not a
traditional business. ASEM has many countries that have actively participated in international
efforts there through the ATO, the European Union and in the national/domestic
area. Contact group led by the United Nations available to multilateral and inter- institutional
coordination. However, ASEM could play a role in Asian countries helped to be contribute
more to protect the route of SLOC between Europe and Asia. 

Second, in the field of trade and economic, ASEM can serve as a place to research. Valuable
areas of study may include the economic impact of trade and investment liberalization and
facilitation between Europe and Asia, and the impact bilateral trade agreements among
members. ASEM also can be used to ensure transparency and monitor the trade and
economic relations between Europe and Asia.

ASEM good position to assume such a responsibility. Particularly important is monitoring the
European and Asian preferential trade settings, such as FTA, between states to prevent
discrimination and image distortion broader trade between both regions. Asia Development
Bank (ADB), OECD, WTO and other relevant organizations should also welcome to
participate in this activity. These tasks is needed as a basis for the healthy development of
trade and transparent and economic relations between Asia and Europe.  Looking at the
broader picture of Asia-Europe relations, many cooperation projects taking place outside the
framework of ASEM. 

The second area is due ASEM is not intended for the Asia-Europe monopolize relations, but
to bridge and help. For members of ASEM, the framework is also expected to provide
opportunities to attract more participants various cooperation projects, including their that is
not led by ASEM. As a matter of principle, the ASEM is not necessary to as a tool for
member countries untandiri grouping. Cooperation among ASEM members on individual
anti-piracy and other aspects of maritime security can break into new this model. Again, this
does not have exclusive ASEM project. More important ASEM traces differ from each
project is to what extent can ASEM facilitate effective cooperation between the countries in
Europe and Asia.

And at last flexibility is the key. The greater the flexibility, the more attractive ASEM can be
more useful, eventually bring more value to ASEM. Cooperation for the sake of cooperation
without substance can not be sustained in long term. We need to have a clearer picture on the
areas of ASEM has a comparative advantage against other frameworks and how members to
use the ASEM as an effective policy tool.