Jokowi: ASEAN Formed With Peaceful And Welfare Determination In Southeast Asia

Indonesian President Joko Widodo gave a speech at the commemoration of the 56th ASEAN Anniversary at the ASEAN Jakarta Secretariat Building, (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Indonesian President Joko Widodo recalled the purpose of establishing the United Nations in Southeast Asia or ASEAN 56 years ago with the determination to make the region peaceful, stable and prosperous. "Today, 56 years ago, ASEAN was formed with the determination to make Southeast Asia a peaceful, stable and prosperous region. And today I want us to reaffirm that spirit and determination," said President Jokowi in his remarks at the commemoration of the 56th Anniversary of ASEAN at the ASEAN Secretariat Building in Jakarta, Tuesday. The President said that the current challenges of global dynamics are not easy. Meanwhile, the global economy has not yet fully recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the sharper rivalry between countries. However, President Jokowi puts the belief that ASEAN is able to face these global challenges as long as it continues to unite. According to the President, ASEAN is an example of a harmonious diversity of harmony that complements and strengthens each other. Although there are differences, it does not make it an obstacle for ASEAN member countries to realize determination and ideals. The President also emphasized that ASEAN should be able to become an epicentrum of growth (growth center) that provides more benefits to the people in the Southeast Asia region, as well as the world. Therefore, Jokowi asked that ASEAN, which has assets such as economic growth, a demographic bonus, to the best economic opportunity must be exploited. "We must take advantage of this momentum to make ASEAN a future world, as an anchor of peace, a anchor of stability, and an anchor of world welfare," said Jokowi.

The President added that at the 43rd ASEAN Summit on September 5-7, Indonesia as the chairman wants to lay a strong foundation for ASEAN to be able to face the challenges, response to the dynamics and play a central role. After delivering the remarks, President Jokowi cut the cone and handed over the first cut to ASEAN Secretary General Kao Kim Hourn and the second cone pieces to Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi.