In an impressive and timely statement at a recent Global Forum, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto declared, “A thousand friends is too few, one enemy is too many.” This sentiment clarifies a growing awareness among Asian leaders. It indicates the spirit of unity, diplomacy, and regional collaboration are not just noble ideals. Instead,
The statement above represents a necessary strategies for sustained peace and progress. In an era of shifting global power dynamics, Asia is rising. They are not as a group of competing nations. Rather, they are as a potentially unified bloc capable of shaping the future of the world economy, innovation, and peacekeeping.
President Prabowo’s words symbolizes a profound truth: conflict impedes progress, while cooperation accelerates it. In the past, geopolitical tensions, historical rivalries, and economic disparities have fractured Asia’s collective potential. However, during the past decades, they have witnessed a strategic shift. Countries like China, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, and the ASEAN bloc are increasingly engaging in bilateral and multilateral cooperation—not just in trade, but also in technology, infrastructure, climate action, and cultural exchange.
The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the largest free trade agreement in the world, is a testament to Asia’s growing resolve for unity. Comprising 15 Asia-Pacific countries and representing about 30% of global GDP, the RCEP has the power to transform regional supply chains, reduce tariffs, and promote shared economic growth (Petri & Plummer, 2020). More importantly, it sets a precedent for what cooperative regionalism can achieve.
Collaboration, among Asian countries, also extends beyond economics. The ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific promotes principles of inclusivity, transparency, and mutual respect—an approach that echoes President Prabowo’s call for many friends and no enemies. In a region marked by diversity of language, religion, governance, and development stages, this collaborative spirit is revolutionary. It provides a framework for diplomacy over dominance, for consensus over conflict.
Furthermore, Asian countries are facing common challenges—climate change, food insecurity, rapid urbanization, and digital transformation. All these transcend national borders. Addressing these issues effectively requires shared solutions. For instance, regional partnerships in smart agriculture and green technology have already yielded promising results, such as cross-border renewable energy initiatives and joint AI research centres. This model of co-development ensures that no country is left behind.
The youth of Asia, constituting the largest segment of the global young population, are also becoming increasingly connected. Platforms such as the Asia Youth International Model United Nations and the ASEAN Foundation’s youth programs are cultivating a new generation that values empathy, innovation, and interdependence.
As the global order continues to evolve, Asia must resist the temptation of fragmentation and rivalry. Instead, it should embrace a new paradigm: shared sovereignty in shared development. President Prabowo’s call is not just diplomatic poetry—it is a roadmap. Building more friendships means strengthening soft power, ensuring regional security, and creating inclusive prosperity.
Finally, the rise of Asia will not be defined by military might or resource competition, but by its ability to collaborate meaningfully. One enemy is indeed too many. Therefore collaboration is required to maintain the Asian countries for achieving their visions and missions.
Dr. Djuwari is an Associate Professor at Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Surabaya (UNUSA) Indonesia. Surabaya, the editor of some research journals in the Philippines and Indonesia. He is also a journalist in some newspapers in Indonesia; the President of International Association of Scholarly Publishers, Editors, and Reviewers (IASPER), a small business owner of Djuw Café.
