Tuesday Morning, Jokowi Invites ASEAN Ambassadors To Try MRT

JAKARTA - Indonesian President Joko Widodo invited ambassadors from ASEAN countries and a number of partner countries to use the Integrated Greater Mode (MRT) mass transportation from HI Roundabout Station to ASEAN Station, Jakarta, Tuesday, August 8.

Jokowi's initiative to invite the ambassadors to ride the MRT coincided with the commemoration of the 56th anniversary of ASEAN or ASEAN Day.

Quoted by ANTARA, President Jokowi arrived at the HI Roundabout Station, Central Jakarta, Tuesday, around 08.30 WIB.

A number of ministers and officials accompanying them, namely Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Muhadjir Effendy, Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, Main Director of MRT Tuhiyat,  Governor of DKI Jakarta Heru Budi Hartono, Pangdam Jaya Major General M. Hasan, and Head Police Metro Jaya Inspector General of Police Karyoto.

Before boarding the MRT, Jokowi received a special edition multiple roaming card for ASEAN by the MRT CEO. This electronic card was launched to commemorate ASEAN's 56th Anniversary.

Jokowi also seemed to tap in the MRT access card, then the foreign ambassadors followed to board the MRT together.

Jokowi and the ambassadors were seen chatting in the MRT car. Arriving at the ASEAN Station, Jokowi and the ambassadors then walked to the ASEAN Secretariat Office to attend ASEAN Day.

During the 44th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) General Session in Jakarta, Monday, August 7, President Jokowi said the support of the ASEAN parliament is needed in efforts to build a prosperous Southeast Asia region.

Based on the EU-ASEAN Business Sentiment survey involving 600 private sectors in the European Union which was just established last August 1, ASEAN is currently considered the region with the best economic opportunities, namely 63 percent, followed by China 12 percent, India 8 percent and 80 percent. see ASEAN as an important region.