LABUAN BAJO - President Joko Widodo believes unity is the key for ASEAN to play an important role in peace and growth.
President Jokowi conveyed this when opening the plenary session for the opening of the 42nd ASEAN Summit at the Meruorah Convention Center, Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara, Wednesday, May 10.
Jokowi started his opening remarks by reminding that the current global economy is not yet complete, competition is getting sharper, and the dynamics of the world is increasingly unpredictable.
"And the question is whether ASEAN will only be a spectator? Will ASEAN only be silent? Will ASEAN be able to become a motor of peace and growth?" he said as quoted by ANTARA.
President Jokowi emphasized his belief that ASEAN could become a motor of peace and growth.
"I believe we all believe that ASEAN can, as long as one key, unity. With ASEAN unity, we will be able to become central players in bringing peace and growth," said Jokowi.
According to Jokowi, ASEAN has capital as a growth epicenter as seen by economic growth far above the world average.
This was also followed by demographic bonuses and relatively well-maintained regional stability.
While voicing his belief, President Jokowi reminded ASEAN that he still had to do a number of things to remain the epicenter of growth.
The President invited ASEAN to further strengthen its economic integration, strengthen inclusion cooperation, including implementation of Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnerships (RCEP), and strengthen health architecture, food, energy, and financial stability.
"Let's work hard to make ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth," said Jokowi.
All state leaders attended the ASEAN 42nd Summit, except for Myanmar and Thailand.
Myanmar was not invited because ASEAN's stance excluded Myanmar's junta from high-level meetings of the region's organization.
Meanwhile, Thailand was represented by the Deputy Prime Minister (PM) as well as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, Don Pramudwinai, following the absence of PM Prayut Chan-o-cha due to the White Elephant Country preparing for the election vote which is scheduled to take place on May 14, 2023.
The ASEAN 42nd Summit was also attended by PM Timor LesteTaur Matan Ruak following the discussion of the country's roadmap to become a full member of ASEAN.
In this chairmanship, Indonesia raised the theme ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth which means ASEAN is relevant and important as a center of world growth.
Indonesia aims to strengthen the capacity and effectiveness of ASEAN institutions so that it can answer the challenges of the next 20 years.
Indonesia will guard the area towards ASEAN 2045 which needs to be more adaptive, responsive, and competitive in an ASEAN way that is in line with the principles of the ASEAN Charter.
In its chairmanship, Indonesia invites ASEAN countries to play an active role and offer ideas and solutions for peace and prosperity in the region.
As chairman, Indonesia also aims to strengthen economic recovery and make Southeast Asia a sustainable growth engine.
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