Jokowi Reminds US Disturbances In Southeast Asia Can Disrupt The Economy

President Joko Widodo runs with US Vice President Kamala Harris, before ASEAN-US Summit in Jakarta, Wednesday (6/9/2023). BETWEEN PHOTOS/Media Centers of the ASEAN Summit 2023/Dwi Prasetya/foc/aa. (ATARA PHOTO/DWI PRASTYA)

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) reminded the United States (US) that all disturbances that occur in Southeast Asia can disrupt the global economy and security.

This statement was made by the Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi after accompanying Jokowi at the 11th ASEAN-US Summit in Jakarta, Wednesday, September 6.

"The president also said that regional stability is a common interest," said Retno to reporters as reported by ANTARA.

Jokowi's statement comes amid the rivalry between two major powers in the world, the US and China, to fight for influence in the Indo-Pacific. The struggle for influence is feared to threaten stability and peace in the region.

During the summit, the President of Indonesia as the coordinator of the ASEAN'AS also said that the ASEAN-US partnership not only benefited ASEAN, but also benefited the United States.

Therefore, Jokowi reminded that all ASEAN partners must support ASEAN centrality and keep out unhealthy competition, said Retno.

The President also said that the ASEAN'AS partnership needs to be directed to increase food security, energy security, and overcome climate change without hampering the development of developing countries.

Meanwhile, US led by Vice President Kamala Harris stated that Washington has a strong commitment to Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific, and supports ASEAN centrality.

Harris said the US supports development in Southeast Asia through investment in digital infrastructure and economy, as well as launching initiatives to tackle climate crises and health insurance in the region.