Jakarta, Sept. 19 -- Indonesia has assumed the chairmanship of the ASEAN Committee in Washington, D.C. (ACW), seeking to strengthen coordination, amplify the bloc's voice and expand cooperation with the United States.

The leadership transfer took place at the Cambodian Embassy in Washington, where Cambodian Ambassador to the United States Koy Kuong handed the role to Indonesian Ambassador Indroyono Soesilo.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Indonesian Embassy in Washington said Indroyono viewed Indonesia's ACW leadership as a signal that Southeast Asia was ready to be a strong, relevant and constructive partner for the United States and the world.

"Through its leadership of the ACW, Indonesia conveys the message that Southeast Asi...