Why I am grateful for Asean’s endless meetings
Indonesian diplomat reflects on Asean meetings, emphasizing the importance of dialogue over agreement.
Intelligence analysis by Qwen 2.5 (3B)

Indonesian diplomat Djauhari Oratmangun discusses the value of Asean's frequent meetings, highlighting the importance of dialogue over agreement in diplomacy.
Sometimes in diplomacy, people disagree. But instead of stopping the conversation, they keep meeting and talking. The article says this is important because it shows that even when people have different ideas, they can still work together.
Analysis
The Habit of Dialogue
Asean members meet frequently, disagree, and then meet again. This habit of dialogue is crucial for successful diplomacy, as it ensures that disagreements do not end the conversation. [1]
The Value of Consensus
While agreement is important, the article emphasizes that the achievement of maintaining dialogue and avoiding the breakdown of meetings is equally significant. [2]
The Role of Durian
Indonesia's Ambassador Oratmangun mentions that durian is often served during serious disagreements, symbolizing the importance of maintaining a positive atmosphere even in tense situations. [3]
Key points
- Indonesian diplomat Djauhari Oratmangun reflects on Asean's frequent meetings
- The article emphasizes the importance of maintaining dialogue over agreement in diplomacy
- Indonesia's Ambassador Oratmangun mentions durian as a symbol of maintaining a positive atmosphere during disagreements
The article suggests that the habit of dialogue can lead to better outcomes in the long run, as it allows for continuous progress and problem-solving.
However, the article also notes that if the habit of dialogue is not maintained, disagreements can escalate and lead to breakdowns in meetings, which can have negative consequences.

