JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) reminded the importance of joint efforts to realize the spirit of ASEAN unity and centrality does not end as a mere empty mantra.
According to Jokowi, ASEAN's unity and centrality are important in navigating the regional organization facing external challenges in the form of sharpening the rivalry in great power and maintaining ASEAN relevance, compliance with the ASEAN charter, and resolving the crisis in Myanmar as a series of internal challenges.
"All of these challenges can only be faced if ASEAN is united and strong. The question is, have we each made maximum efforts to maintain ASEAN's unity and centrality? I don't want ASEAN's unity and centrality to be just an empty mantra," said Jokowi when delivering an introduction to the ASEAN 40th Plenary Session of the ASEAN 40th Summit at the Sokha Hotel, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Friday 11 November.
President Jokowi emphasized that ASEAN leaders must interpret the unity and centrality concretely because it relates to ASEAN's credibility and relevance.
Furthermore, Jokowi also mentioned three other important points in his introduction, such as encouraging fully implementing the ASEAN Charter.
The ASEAN Charter must be a guide to move forward. Therefore, it must be implemented completely without selective slashing.
"ASEAN uniforms must form the basis for decision making in emergency situations, including situations in Myanmar. If ASEAN fails to take steps, ASEAN credibility is at stake," said Jokowi.
President Jokowi also encourages the strengthening of ASEAN's institutional capacity and effectiveness because in the next 20 years the challenges will be even tougher so that the regional organization must be able to take momentum to improve and strengthen institutions and capacity.
"We must determine ASEAN 2045 which is more adaptive, responsive, and competitive. ASEAN must be able to respond to this dynamic so that it remains relevant. I hope the High-Level Task Force (HLTF) can convey recommendations regarding ASEAN 2045 and strengthen ASEAN institutions," said Jokowi.
The President also asked ASEAN to continue to strengthen its role in realizing resilient areas through an active role in building food and energy security, health independence, and financial stability.
"The concept of cooperation in these areas must be clear and continuously strengthened. ASEAN must be a setter agenda in advancing these priorities," said Jokowi.
President Jokowi closed his introduction by inviting ASEAN leaders to prove to the people of the region and the world that the organization has a role and is relevant.
"It remains an anchor for regional stability and remains the center of growth in the region and the world. ASEAN matters, the epicenter of growth," he said.
Also attending to accompany President Jokowi at the Plenary Session of the 40th ASEAN Summit, namely Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Mahfud MD, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi, and Minister of State Secretary Pratikno.
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