In a significant development for the regional insurance sector, Mr. Budi Herawan, the current Chairman of the Asosiasi Asuransi Umum Indonesia (AAUI), has been appointed as the 2026 Chairman of the ASEAN Insurance Council (AIC). The announcement, shared via AAUI’s LinkedIn post and echoed across industry platforms, underscores the growing confidence in Indonesia’s insurance leadership to steer collaborative efforts across Southeast Asia.
The ASEAN Insurance Council, established in 1978, serves as the primary regional platform for insurance leaders, professionals, and practitioners from the 10 ASEAN member states. It brings together national insurance associations to foster networking, knowledge sharing, and expertise exchange in various aspects of the insurance and reinsurance business. The AIC’s membership includes key organizations such as Indonesia’s AAUI (general insurance) and AAJI (life insurance), Malaysia’s PIAM and LIAM, Singapore’s GIA and LIA, and associations from Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. Its core objectives include promoting the development of insurance and reinsurance in the region while respecting national laws and regulations, enhancing regional cooperation, and supporting education and training initiatives in specialized insurance fields.
This appointment highlights the trust placed in Indonesia’s contributions to the ASEAN insurance landscape. As the largest economy in Southeast Asia, Indonesia plays a pivotal role in driving industry growth, innovation, and resilience amid evolving challenges such as climate risks, digital transformation, and economic integration under the ASEAN Economic Community framework.
Mr. Budi Herawan has been at the helm of AAUI since 2023, following his election during the association’s VII Congress in March of that year. As Director of PT Asuransi Candi Utama prior to his leadership role, he brings extensive experience in general insurance operations and strategic oversight. Under his guidance, AAUI has focused on strengthening industry coordination, aligning with regulatory developments from Otoritas Jasa Keuangan (OJK), and advancing sector-wide initiatives to enhance market stability and consumer protection. His tenure has emphasized collaboration among insurers to address emerging risks and promote sustainable practices.
The AIC Chairmanship rotates among member associations, reflecting a commitment to shared leadership and inclusivity. Mr. Herawan’s selection for 2026 signals recognition of Indonesia’s proactive stance in regional dialogues. The AAUI noted that the appointment “reflects regional trust in Indonesia’s leadership and commitment to advancing collaboration, sustainability, and resilience within the ASEAN insurance industry.”
Looking ahead, the AIC’s agenda under Mr. Herawan’s chairmanship is expected to prioritize several key areas. These include bolstering the industry’s resilience against natural catastrophes and climate change critical in a disaster-prone region accelerating digital innovation and insurtech adoption, and deepening cross-border cooperation to facilitate easier market access and harmonized standards. Recent AIC activities, such as the 2025 meeting in Cambodia (where transitional messages were shared), have already set the stage for forward-looking priorities: ensuring the industry remains resilient, innovative, dynamic, and people-centered.
In his capacity as 2026 Chairman, Mr. Herawan will lead discussions at upcoming AIC meetings, guide strategic initiatives, and represent the council in engagements with regulators, international partners, and stakeholders. His leadership comes at a time when the ASEAN insurance market continues to expand, driven by rising middle-class demand, urbanization, and greater awareness of risk protection needs.
This milestone not only elevates Indonesia’s profile on the regional stage but also reinforces the AIC’s role as a vital forum for collective progress. Industry observers anticipate that Mr. Herawan’s experience in domestic association leadership will translate into strengthened regional ties, ultimately benefiting insurers, policyholders, and economies across ASEAN.
The appointment was widely covered by outlets such as Asia Insurance Review and (Re)in Asia, with congratulations pouring in from peers across the sector. As 2026 approaches, the ASEAN insurance community looks forward to a year of enhanced unity and forward momentum under Mr. Budi Herawan’s stewardship.