Jokowi: Indonesia Ready To Prepare ASEAN Chairship In 2023

President Jokowi (doc. BPMI Setpres)

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) expressed Indonesia's readiness to continue the chairmanship of ASEAN in 2023. Jokowi conveyed this during an audience with Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni.

This was explained by Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi on the sidelines of a series of ASEAN Summit activities at Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Friday, November 11.

According to the Foreign Minister, President Jokowi on that occasion also expressed Indonesia's view as chairman of ASEAN in 2023 and expressed his appreciation for Cambodia's leadership as chairman of ASEAN this year.

"Jokowi also hopes for support from Cambodia and also all other ASEAN member countries during Indonesia's chairmanship," said Retno.

In a meeting of ASEAN leaders with representatives of the ASEAN Inter-Parliament Assembly (AIPA), President Jokowi highlighted various challenges that ASEAN must face, both internally and externally.

President Jokowi said that in addition to trying to help resolve the crisis in Myanmar, ASEAN must also be able to navigate increased rivalry among the great powers in the region and look for ways to deal with these challenges.

"President Jokowi calls for the importance of ASEAN being part of the solution," said Foreign Minister Retno.

To that end, the Government of Indonesia encourages the strengthening of synergies between the government and parliament from member countries to strengthen ASEAN unity and centrality.

Regarding Indonesia's position as chairman of ASEAN in 2023, President Jokowi emphasized Indonesia's commitment to contribute to building stronger ASEAN in order to be able to face increasingly complex future challenges.

"The President (Jokowi) also hopes for parliamentary support in Indonesia's chairmanship in ASEAN next year," he concluded.