ABSTRACT
On August 8 every year, Southeast Asia celebrates itself. In Bangkok, Hanoi, Manila, and other regional capitals, “ASEAN Day” is typically marked by a combination of flag ceremonies, marching bands, youth festivals, and aspirational speeches from regional diplomats. In Jakarta, where the Association of Southeast Asian Nations keeps its headquarters, celebrations can be particularly grand. The ASEAN Secretariat Choir often gathers to sing the ASEAN anthem. Cultural shows, fun runs, blood drives, and similar tie-in events are spread throughout the day. At some point, with media crews at the ready, ASEAN’s secretary-general delivers a commemorative address while standing regally against a backdrop of national flags and ASEAN’s own banner. Regional unity, prosperity, integration, and identity are inevitably touted.
