The Palace Affirms Delegation Of The ASEAN Summit Staying In Bali Because Of Choices Not Because Of Forced Force

JAKARTA - Deputy for Press, Media and Information Bureau of the Presidential Secretariat Bey Machmudin emphasized that several delegates from ASEAN summit member countries who stayed in Bali were not forced, but an option for the delegation.

Bey said the delegation staying in Bali, instead of Labuan Bajo, NTT, where the province of the 42nd ASEAN Summit took place, was an option respected by President Joko Widodo.

"First, the country's delegation did choose to stay in Bali. Of course we respect it. So it's not because they have to," Bey said as quoted by ANTARA, Monday, May 8.

Bey explained that the availability of lodging in Bali for ASEAN head of member countries shows that Indonesia has facilities and accommodation that are ready to receive foreign guests.

In addition, it also shows that Indonesia has an international-class meeting venue (Meeting, Incentive, Conference and Exhibition) in several regions.

The choice of Bali as an inn destination for other heads of state apart from NTT also shows that Indonesia has good connectivity, connecting inter-regional and inter-island access, such as a runway at airports that can be used by jet-engined aircraft.

"Although staying overnight and a different city activity event will not be a problem. This will actually revive the local economy in the two regions," continued Bey.

As for the information gathered, the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam, Hassanal Bolkiah and the delegation are known to have stayed in Nusa Dua, Bali, to attend the 42nd ASEAN Summit which took place in Labuan Bajo, NTT, on 10-11 May 2023.