Shaiful Shahidan

The main rivers in Southeast Asia not only shaped civilization but also play a significant element that transcends geopolitical boundaries in that area. This article aims to examine the role of rivers in Southeast Asia in connecting communities, strengthening trade, and spreading religious beliefs such as Hindu-Buddhism and Islam, making it the core of principle for regional integration and collective identity in Asean. By using the longue durée theory, this article analyses the rivers’ roles as both physical and symbolic mediums. Findings reveal that rivers were not only used as the main routes for trading but also as channels to exchange cultures and symbols of shared identity, seen in traditions like floating markets, maritime arts, and water house communities. However, the neglect of joint management cooperation due to modern nation-state-centered approaches has affected the rivers’ potential as catalysts for regional integration. Therefore, this article emphasizes the importance of establishing a multilateral framework for river management within ASEAN, leveraging platforms such as ASEAN as mechanisms for water diplomacy to ensure ecological sustainability and equitable resource distribution.