Moeldoko Affirms There Are Other Effects Behind The ASEAN Summit In Labuan Bajo

LABUAN BAJO Presidential Chief of Staff Dr. Moeldoko emphasized that the 42nd ASEAN 2023 Summit in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) was not just a meeting, but a lever of economic growth both in Indonesia and in the ASEAN region.

Especially in Indonesia, said Moeldoko, President Joko Widodo wants the implementation of the ASEAN Summit to have a multiplier effect on the economy in the tourism, transportation, and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector.

"This is actually an implied message from the President. Economic growth does not only occur in Bali or Labuan Bajo, but other areas must also grow and rise after the pandemic," said Moeldoko, in Labuan Bajo, Thursday, May 11.

Moeldoko said that Indonesia's consistent economic growth was above 5 percent, coupled with demographic bonuses, and regional stability, became a strong asset for Indonesia in maintaining ASEAN as the center of world growth.

This makes Indonesia an obligation to keep the regional situation conducive. Moreover, there is currently tension in the South China Sea, the political crisis in Myanmar, and the emergence of the effects of the Russia-Ukraine war.

"In the future, challenges are still very difficult. So that in the future ASEAN must further strengthen its economic integration, strengthen inclusive cooperation, strengthen its health architecture, food, energy, and financial stability," concluded Moeldoko.