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The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is celebrating its 58th anniversary since its establishment on August 8, 1967. This year’s theme, “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” highlights ASEAN’s commitment to strengthening regional integration while promoting inclusive and sustainable growth across its member states.

ASEAN was established through the signing of the Bangkok Declaration by the foreign ministers of its five founding countries: Adam Malik (Indonesia), Narciso R. Ramos (the Philippines), Tun Abdul Razak (Malaysia), S. Rajaratnam (Singapore), and Thanat Khoman (Thailand). The declaration laid the foundation for the regional organization, with the primary objectives of fostering peace and stability in Southeast Asia and promoting economic growth throughout the region.

As one of ASEAN’s founding members, Indonesia has consistently played a strategic role and demonstrated its contributions at the regional level. One area in which this role is evident is higher education. As an Indonesian higher education institution, Untar actively supports regional collaboration and achievement as part of ASEAN’s dynamic educational ecosystem.

Untar’s contribution is reflected in the QS World University Rankings (QS WUR) Asia 2025, where the university was ranked 114th in Southeast Asia and placed within the 661–680 range across Asia. In the “ASEAN Plus” category, Untar was recognized among the top three private universities in the region.

Untar students also consistently participate in various ASEAN-level competitions, including the ASEAN Design Award and the KPMG ASEAN Scholarship program, demonstrating the university’s academic quality and the global competitiveness of its students.

The 58th ASEAN Anniversary serves as an important moment to reflect on the organization’s long journey while reinforcing the role of young generations in building a more inclusive, peaceful, and sustainable Southeast Asia. (VC/YS)