Indonesia, ASEAN, and the crisis of globalisation. A public discussion with Prof Mari Elka Pangestu and Dr M Chatib Basri.
Event Details:
- 31 July 2025
- 12:30–1:00pm light refreshments served
- 1:00 - 2:30pm Public Discussion
- Lotus Hall Auditorium Theatre, Australian Centre on China in the World, ANU Campus
- This is an in-person only event
Event Description
As US tariffs and the broader weakening of the multilateral trading system impact East Asia’s economic security, ASEAN-centred forums are emerging as key platforms for coordinating regional responses to address the immediate impacts of US protectionism. Beyond tackling new short-term challenges, how can Southeast Asia take leadership in building coalitions to reaffirm a regional consensus on free and open trade and investment, and incorporate emerging issues like climate change and AI into the regional integration agenda?
This conversation brings together two of Indonesia’s most distinguished economic policymakers to assess how the crisis of globalisation is being seen from Southeast Asia, and how Australia can be a valuable partner to Indonesia in its efforts to drive a regional response through ASEAN-based platforms such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
This event is co-hosted by the East Asian Bureau of Economic Research (EABER). EABER is an organisation based out of the Australian National University for high-quality economic research focussing on issues facing the economies of East Asia.
Emeritus Professor Peter Drysdale will moderate the event.
About the speakers
Prof Mari Elka Pangestu is Professor of Economics at the University of Indonesia and Special Envoy of the President of Indonesia for International Trade. From is a former Indonesian Minister of Trade (2004–2011) and a Managing Director of the World Bank (2020–2023). She received her PhD from the ANU.
Dr M Chatib Basri is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Indonesia and a former Indonesian Minister of Finance (2013–2014) and Head of the Investment Coordination Board (2012–2013). He is a member of the National Economic Council. He received his PhD from the ANU.
Event Speakers
Mari Pangestu
Dr Mari Elka Pangestu is an Indonesian economist who served as World Bank Managing Director from March 2020 until March 2023.
She served as Indonesia's Minister of Trade from 2004 to 2011, and as Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy from 2011 until October 2014. She was the first female Chinese-Indonesian to hold a cabinet position in Indonesia.
M Chatib Basri
Dr M Chatib Basri is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Indonesia and a former Indonesian Minister of Finance (2013–2014) and Head of the Investment Coordination Board (2012–2013). He is a member of the National Economic Council. He received his PhD from the ANU.
Peter Drysdale
Peter Drysdale is Emeritus Professor of Economics and the Head of the East Asian Bureau of Economic Research and East Asia Forum at the Crawford School of Public Policy at the Australian National University. He is widely recognised as the leading intellectual architect of APEC.
ANU Indonesia Project 60th Anniversary Celebrations
This event is a part of our ANU Indonesia Project 60th Anniversary Celebrations.