Written by Gerardy Grananda
Background and introduction
The memory of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami that hit 3 South East Asian countries remains etched in global memory. The devastation, exposed vulnerabilities of the region prone to disasters from natural hazards. From this tragedy however, a new era of regional cooperation has emerged. The Association of the South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), is often criticised for their non-interference and consensus approach, found a collective and unity in disaster response. This commentary examines the progress ASEAN has made over the past two decades in disaster management, highlighting ASEAN’s cooperation in collective emergency response, transforming from reactive measure to proactive, and capacity building.
The 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami served as a catalyst for ASEAN’s disaster management efforts, leading to ASEAN leaders to convene a special meeting focused on disaster management and emergency response cooperation. This led to the creation of the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) in 2005, this agreement provided the legal framework for cooperation in disaster management. Following the agreement was also the establishment of the ASEAN Coordinating Centre of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Management (AHA Centre) in 2011, which also serves as the coordinating entity to assists humanitarian aid for ASEAN Member states. Several standby arrangements and mechanism were also born as a part of regional cooperation such as the ASEAN- ERAT (Emergency Response Assessment Team), AJDRP (ASEAN Joint Disaster Response Plan), and SASOP (Standard Operating Procedure for Regional Standby Arrangements and Coordination of Joint Disaster Relief and Emergency Response Operations). During Cyclone Nargis (2008) and Typhoon Haiyan (2013), showcased ASEAN's growing ability to mobilise resources and coordinate international assistance, demonstrating a growing and progressive cooperation in the region.
ASEAN’s disaster management journey
Today’s ASEAN disaster management is seen as a model for regional collaboration. It includes legal frameworks and standby arrangements ASEAN has endorsed demonstrates a well-functioning operational capacity, and a commitment partnership engagement with other institutions. AHA Centre’s, born as a result of regional commitment to tighten cooperation in the region, since 2017 has also extended operations in humanitarian assistance beyond natural hazards. During the conflict in Marawi, the Philippines, AHA Centre has assisted in distributing relief items. These operations also extend to COVID 19 Response in 2020 assisting member states affected severely by COVID.
Looking ahead, ASEAN is focused to building local and sustainable resilience, recognising that regional efforts are eventually meant to strengthen national capacities. The concept of ‘One ASEAN One Response’ (OAOR) continues to evolve and strengthen regional for a collective endeavour, reaffirming a unity for humanitarian assistance and emergency response within and beyond the ASEAN region. The recent Bandar Seri Begawan declaration in September 2023 conceived the ASEAN SHIEILD (Strategic and Holistic Initiative to Link ASEAN Responses to Emergencies and Disasters), emphasising on proactive risk management approach by opening up funding framework for disaster risk reduction and disaster relief, this declaration serves as ASEAN's signal of commitment to build a more resilient ASEAN community for the future.
ASEAN’s progressive journey in disaster management, has marked a growing awareness of shared values and commitment towards collective actions. The establishment of AADMER, AHA Centre, SASOP, AJDRP, and ASEAN-ERAT demonstrated a clear shift from ad-hoc bilateral response towards a more institutionalised cooperation. The ASEAN Declaration on ONE ASEAN, ONE RESPONSE: ASEAN Responding to Disasters as One in the Region and Outside the Region, specifically captures this progressive spirit. Signifying a movement towards viewing disaster response solely through national lens, towards a more cohesive and collaborative regional platform. The ASEAN Leaders ASEAN Declaration on Sustainable Resilience in September 2023 had also tightened ASEAN’s emphasis on localising disaster risk reduction efforts, empowering capacity building for local communities and authorities, further solidifying ASEAN communities to this progressive approach.
ASEAN’s disaster management journey through Constructivism lens in international relations
ASEAN’s journey in disaster management can be closely viewed with the principles of constructivism in international relations. By focusing on the role of shared ideas, norms, and identities in shaping state’s behaviour in international relations. The development and ratification of AADMER, The OAOR vision, SASOP, and other regional efforts clearly reflects ASEAN’s view to hold disaster management as a value or norm to engage progressive cooperation. AADMER’s ratification is one example that demonstrate ASEANs, after the tsunami in December 2004, Special ASEAN Leaders' Meeting calls for a regional disaster management instrument, and within 7 months the AADMER is signed by 10 member states foreign minister.
The ASEAN member states consist of different political systems, this thus results in different view and approach towards issues and norms. As a collective and consensus model institution, ASEAN has had barriers in reaching a collective decision. Despite ASEAN’s decision-making mechanism that implements a collective approach, the evolution of ASEAN’s disaster management is an exhibit of the power of constructivist approach in international relations. Through dialogue, cooperation, and the development of shared norms, ASEAN member states have constructed a social realty in which disaster management is viewed as collective norm.
Conclusion
Two decades of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, ASEAN’s progress in disaster management stands as a testament to the power of regional cooperation. The progressive collective endeavour is driven by a shared commitment to building a safer and more resilient South East Asian region. ASEAN has transformed disaster management initiatives in the region as a testament of their unity in the region. As new emerging trends and norms in disaster management appears, ASEAN’s journey serves as a hope and model for other region and international institutions to strive and enhance their collective disaster response to disasters.
Disclaimer
This content is part of ISI Commentaries to serve the latest comprehensive and reliable analysis on International Relations, security, politics, and social-cultural in Indo-Pacific Region. Read more on how to to submit it: https://www.isi-indonesia.com/write-for-us
About the Writer
Gerardy Grananda is a professional working for intra governmental relations and private entities. With over 6 years of experience in government relations, Gera has keen interest in international relations issues specifically related to ASEAN and foreign policy.
Bagian terbaiknya, membuat ikatan dan hubungan antar negara ASEAN menjadi kekuatan bilateral yg tingkat ESG sangat diperhitungkan