"This is a point where ASEAN have to show its good performance, to show that ASEAN is different compared to 40 years ago. This will determine failure and success for the next 10-15 years," he said.
Bantarto also said that following financial crisis in 2008, there remains several obstacles that derail ASEAN in achieving its progress.
"ASEAN must be out of this kind of situation. Don't just think about individual interest, think collectively," he said.
Due to the crisis, he said, ASEAN countries need to adopt an exit policy.
"They have to reduce its expenditure due to the crisis. One thing that should be taken is by tightening expenditure. If we are too consumptive, it would not be good for economy," he said.
In relation with China, Bantarto said, it must be seen as a mutual benefit ties.
"We know that China will keep monitoring of what ASEAN does. If ASEAN grows fantastically, it will be beneficial for China. ASEAN needs China and China needs ASEAN," he said.
According to Bantarto, this kind of relationship must be maintained to achieve a sustainable growth.
