Advancing ASEAN Identity Through Socio-Cultural

Abstract

Since its establishment, ASEAN has struggled to make a tangible impact on the everyday lives of its people. A lack of awareness, limited public knowledge, and insufficient dissemination of ASEAN identity particularly at the grassroots level have contributed to the elusiveness of a shared regional identity. In Indonesia, information about ASEAN remains largely unfamiliar to the general public, reflecting a broader disconnect between regional integration and local consciousness. This study employs a descriptive qualitative methodology to examine the development of ASEAN identity within Indonesian society through socio-cultural approaches. It also explores the role of social identity in shaping regional belonging and analyzes the challenges inherent in fostering ASEAN identity awareness. Despite its diversity, ASEAN and Indonesia in particular possesses rich cultural heterogeneity that can serve as a foundational strength for regional unity. By identifying shared values amid diversity, greater understanding of ASEAN identity can foster a sense of optimism and solidarity among Indonesians toward their counterparts across the region. Enhancing the visibility of ASEAN’s role and significance requires sustained communication efforts at the community level, coupled with active government engagement in promoting ASEAN across all strata of Indonesian society.