The ASEAN Constructors Federation (ACF) was established on 30th May 1985 with its inaugural meeting held in Jakarta, Indonesia. The late Mr H. E. Kowara (Indonesia) was unanimously elected Chairman of ACF with Mr B. Pramadio as Secretary-General. The following were founding members of ACF:
The purpose and objectives of ACF are: a) To provide a forum for dialogue among the construction contractors in the ASEAN region through which to evolve a collective and more effective role for the construction industry in the economic development of the ASEAN region; b) to foster closer co-operation among the construction contractors in the ASEAN region and thereby promote joint ventures and joint operations for enhancement of their construction contracting capabilities through complementation and/or supplementation; c) to promote mutual consultation among construction contractors in the ASEAN region and thereby encourage exchange of information and know-how for improvement of construction technology and management, upgrading of construction labour skills and standards, and ultimately, advancement of the construction industry in the ASEAN region; and d) to unify efforts of the construction contractors in the ASEAN region in promoting export of construction services to countries outside of the ASEAN region, and to pool resources, if necessary or desirable, to attain the goal.