Jokowi: Let's ASEAN Face An Integrated Global Situation

President Jokowi is optimistic that he will lead ASEAN countries to face challenging global challenges. (IST)

JAKARTA - The President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo (Jokowi), ensures that Indonesia will lead ASEAN countries to contribute and provide positive solutions to the world in the midst of challenging global situations, especially in the economic sector. These efforts will be made while carrying out the Chairship of ASEAN 2023.

This was conveyed by Jokowi when giving a Kick-Off remarks on the Chair of ASEAN Indonesia 2023 organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu) and the Provincial Government of DKI Jakarta at the Hotel Indonesia (HI) roundabout, Central Jakarta, Sunday 29 January.

This year, Indonesia became the Chair of ASEAN in the midst of a very difficult global situation. Economic crisis, energy crisis, food crisis, war, everything is happening. However, I believe that ASEAN is still important and relevant to the people, region and for the world. That ASEAN will continue to contribute to peace and stability in the Indo Pacific. That ASEAN will continue to be able to maintain economic growth and according to our theme, ASEAN Matters, Epicentrum of Growth," said President Jokowi.

The Head of State revealed that the ASEAN 2023 Presidency period will be carried out from early January 2023 and last until the end of December 2023.

"According to the big theme ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth, Indonesia as the chairman and host is expected to bring about new ideas and initiatives in overcoming challenges and other crucial issues that are of concern in the ASEAN region and the world," said the President.

Kick-Off Chairship of ASEAN Indonesia 2023 then continued with a talk show presenting the Director General of ASEAN Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sidharto R. Suryodipuro.

There are several important challenges that we face, such as issues of food security, financial stability, energy security, as well as health issues. After the pandemic, we must ensure that we can bounce back in various economic growth activities. Including the development of the digital economy," explained Sidharto.

He said that this year, ASEAN has a mission to ensure that its territory remains a bright spot in the world economy. Of course, this is to maintain ASEAN's economic growth to be stable.

Last year, we could face it quite well. This year, we must continue to do it because ASEAN has a large capital with a population of more than 600 million which is a strength that should be considered. Even in terms of world investment, ASEAN is a brightspot for various countries," said Sidharto.

In addition to the two summits that will take place in Labuan Bajo and Jakarta, Sidharto also informed about other important meetings involving foreign ministers and economic ministers.

"In total there will be 494 meetings, around 300 meetings will take place in various regions in Indonesia," he added.

Meanwhile, as an effort to amplify communication regarding Indonesia's role as Chair of ASEAN this year, the Ministry of Communication and Information (Kominfo) fully supports this momentum by preparing information and communication technology (ICT) to public communication, for the success of the G20.

The number of activities, of course, is needed by various parties to increase public awareness, not only echoing the international event, but more importantly the benefits that can be obtained.

The Ministry of Communication and Information (Kemenkominfo) as one of the parties involved has three roles in the momentum of ASEAN Indonesia's Chairship 2023, including the provision of communication infrastructure, building public communication, as well as disseminating information and substance related to digitalization and the digital economy.

"We will provide communication infrastructure, internet networks, for example, so that the Summit or side event process will run well and the communication will run smoothly," said Director General of Information and Public Communication of the Ministry of Communication and Information, Usman Kansong, at Stan Activation of the Ministry of Communication and Information after Kick Off.

As for public communication, Usman explained that the Ministry of Communication and Informatics also facilitates media coverage on various channels, including the provision of media centers. Also, carry out communication amplification through various side events.

"The role of the Ministry of Communication and Information is also great in terms of substance, regarding discussions related to the development of the digital world in ASEAN countries," added Director General Usman.

Although the weather around the HI Roundabout area had rained, the 2023 ASEAN Indonesia Kick Off took place smoothly.

On this occasion, President Jokowi had the opportunity to visit the HI Roundabout by bicycle from the State Palace to the opening area of Kick Off. The Head of State was accompanied by ministers of the Advanced Indonesia cabinet, including Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Mahfud Md, Minister of SOEs Erick Thohir to Minister of PUPR Basuki Hadimuljono and Acting Governor (Pj) of DKI Jakarta Heru Budi Hartono.

The ASEAN Chairship relay was previously given by Cambodia to Indonesia, which was symbolically marked by the receipt of a hammer from Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen to President Jokowi on November 13, 2022. Indonesia's chairmanship this time is the fifth time, having served as Chair of ASEAN in 1976, 1996, 2003, and 2011.