National Interest Versus Regional Interest: The Case of Transboundary Haze Pollution

Air pollution has been identified as one of the major environmental problems which causes many detrimental consequences, particularly on health and the environment. It is important to keep the air and atmosphere free from pollution to promote quality and healthy life, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations (UN) under Goal 3 which demonstrates both good health and well-being for people. Since the 1980s, transboundary haze pollution has become another “season” affecting many countries in the Southeast Asian region. It is a recurring regional environmental pollution associated with substantial effects/interests such as economics, human, and environment. In addressing transboundary pollution, a regional organization such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has a significant role. This article reports the results of qualitative in-depth interviews via face-to-face and email using a semi-structured interview guide. Arguably the national interest overrules regional interest such as exploiting the economic concern and neglecting the social well-being and environmental security. Even though ASEAN has initiated various mitigating efforts since the past few decades, ASEAN Way of implementation of these efforts seemed to be ineffective. As a result, concrete actions and policies are needed to better address the problem.