President Jokowi: ASEAN Indo-Pacific Forum Present To Change Rivalry In Indo-Pacific To Beneficial Cooperation

President Joko Widodo opened the AIPF of the 43rd ASEAN Summit in Jakarta. (Screenshot of the Presidential Secretariat YouTube)

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo invites ASEAN leaders to be grateful for the continued growth of the economy in the region amid the weakening of the global economy, although it also reminds that there are still challenges that are not easy, when opening the ASEAN Indo-Pacific Forum (AIPF), Tuesday.

The President said, with a population of 680 million people, ASEAN is also a potential market with promising investment opportunities.

"However, our area is not immune from various global challenges and sharpening geopolitical rivalry, especially the potential for conflict in the Indo-Pacific," said President Jokowi, Tuesday, September 5.

"For this reason, the ASEAN-Indo-Pacific Forum is here to turn rivalry in the Indo Pacific into useful cooperation, as well as building a habit of cooperation that win-win formulas without any feeling ostracized," he continued.

President Jokowi further said that the ASEAN Indo-Pacific Forum this time has three main agendas.

First, green infrastructure and a resilient supply chain. He said, the ASEAN economy will grow stronger through downstream industry. And, the development of the EV ecosystem is a concrete example of building a regional supply chain.

Second, sustainable and innovative financing. President Jokowi said, ASEAN requires a budget of 29.4 trillion US dollars for energy transition. And innovative financing schemes are needed, through a sustainable and sustainable partnership.

Third, digital transformation and creative economy. He said, the ASEAN digital economy in 2030 is estimated to grow to 1 trillion US dollars. And, the adoption of digital innovation needs to be strengthened to support the creative economy and MSMEs.

"I appreciate the support and contribution of ASEAN countries and ASEAN partners so that 93 cooperation projects worth 38.2 billion US dollars and 73 potential projects worth 17.8 billion US dollars," said President Jokowi.

"This reflects our commitment to walk the talk! Build a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific. Hopefully our efforts can provide great benefits to the people in the region and the world," he concluded.