Commentary: ASEAN’s quiet work before the next deadly disaster
This commentary highlights ASEAN's less visible but crucial work in disaster preparedness and humanitarian assistance, contrasting it with common criticisms about its political crisis resolution. It details a recent field training exercise involving 19 countries in Indonesia, simulating a complex disaster scenario.
Why it matters
Effective regional cooperation in disaster relief is vital for mitigating human and economic losses in Southeast Asia, a region highly vulnerable to natural hazards, demonstrating ASEAN's practical value beyond political discourse.
ASEAN often gets criticised for the political crises it cannot resolve. The work it puts into preparing for major disasters is less visible, say Lim Junli and Ian Li from the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies.
A drone view shows Mount Anak Krakatau spewing hot ash during an eruption, in South Lampung, Lampung province, Indonesia on Sep 5, 2026. (Photo: Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation/Handout via Reuters)
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