Indonesia Chairperson Of ASEAN 2023: These Are Duties And Challenges To Face

Indonesia Chairperson of ASEAN 2023 (Presidential Secretariat Press Bureau)

YOGYAKARTA - Indonesia has officially won the trust to become Chair of ASEAN 2023 continuing the relay from Cambodia. President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) received a hammer from Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen as a symbolic handover of chairmanship.

The handover of ASEAN 2023 chairpersonship was carried out at the closing ceremony of the 40th and 41st Summits and other Related Summits at the Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel on Sunday, November 13.

"It is an honor for Indonesia to become Chair of ASEAN in 2023. The chairmanship of Indonesia will make ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth," said Jokowi during his remarks.

Jokowi attended the closing ceremony of the ASEAN Summit accompanied by several ministers, namely Mahfud MD Menkopolhukam, Airlangga Hartarto Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Retno Marsudi Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Pratikno Minister of State Secretary.

Indonesia's Hope as Chair of ASEAN 2023

In his speech, Jokowi said that ASEAN must be a stable and peaceful region and be an anchor for world stability. He stressed that ASEAN must be consistent in enforcing international law and not be anyone's proxy.

"ASEAN must be a dignified area, and uphold human values and democracy," said Jokowi.

Jokowi also hopes that ASEAN will become a rapidly growing, inclusive, and sustainable economic zone. To face challenges in the next 20 years, Jokowi wants ASEAN institution's capacity to continue to be increased.

"All of this must be fought for in the ASEAN way, which is consistent with the spirit of cooperation and implementing the ASEAN charter completely," said Jokowi.

Furthermore, Jokowi wants ASEAN in 2045 to be more adaptive, responsive, and competitive. Ending his remarks, Jokowi invited all ASEAN leaders to attend the ASEAN Summit held in Indonesia next year.

What is the task of ASEAN Chair?

Indonesia as Chair of ASEAN 2023 will carry out new tasks. There are several tasks that the chairman of ASEAN must carry out.

In addition to the several tasks above, Indonesia as Chair of ASEAN must also carry out its duties and other functions mandated.

Challenges for ASEAN Chair 2023

There are several challenges that must be faced by Indonesia as Chair of ASEAN 2023.

The conflict of harmony and human rights violations (HAM) in Myanmar is a big challenge that must be faced and resolved by Indonesia. Since the conflict in the country, ASEAN has been criticized by many countries because it is considered not firm in taking action against Myanmar.

The chairman of ASEAN is expected to reduce and direct Myanmar to obey the ASEAN Charter. The conflict in Myanmar has violated one of the principles of the ASEAN Charter, namely respect and protection of human rights.

Indonesia must take a firm stance considering that the conflict in Myanmar continues to take many lives. However, the steps taken must still adhere to the principle of non-intervention of the internal affairs of ASEAN member countries.

Currently, Timor Leste's status in ASEAN is an observer country. The plan to raise Timor Leste's status as a member of ASEAN must consider several factors.

Indonesia must consider the potential for ASEAN member state retention if Timorism is included in the organization. The reason is that until now Singapore has become a country that strongly rejects Timor Leste's entry into ASEAN.

Subsequent considerations, Indonesia needs to see how much Timor Leste's positive contribution in establishing common identity in ASEAN is. Another consideration is to see Timor Leste's bargaining power for ASEAN development.

Indonesia needs to be aware of the potential impact of the China-US conflict. Because the relationship between the two countries is still tense. If the conflict is heating up and open, ASEAN countries will be affected, such as in the ASEAN country's trade route with South Korea and Japan.

That is Indonesia's hope as Chair of ASEAN 2023. Indonesia must carry out new tasks for the advancement of ASEAN, as well as face challenges in its member countries and face international problems that have an impact on ASEAN.

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