Jakarta, The Indonesia Post – Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) called for the governments and parliaments of ASEAN countries to work together to strengthen the unity and centrality of ASEAN in the midst of geopolitical dynamics and an increasingly worrying world situation.
“ASEAN’s credibility and relevance are tested in the midst of these challenges, if ASEAN fails to become a solution, its credibility and relevance will continue to be questioned. The government and parliament must work together to strengthen ASEAN unity and centrality,” Jokowi said during a meeting with ASEAN leaders and representatives of ASEAN Inter. -Parliament Assembly (AIPAA), Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Thursday, according to a written statement from the Press Bureau of the Presidential Secretariat received in Jakarta.
ASEAN, according to President Jokowi, is no stranger to crises. From within ASEAN, there is a political crisis in Myanmar where the issue is closely related to democracy and the humanitarian situation.
“ASEAN’s role in solving it is awaited by our people and the world, so it needs special attention from ASEAN parliaments,” said Jokowi.
Meanwhile, from outside ASEAN, President Jokowi raised the issue of regional geopolitical dynamics. ASEAN is required to navigate the increasingly sharp rivalry of great powers.
“We don’t want to see war in the region, war will distance us from our ideals of the Indo-Pacific as the epicenter of growth,” said President Jokowi.
Jokowi conveyed Indonesia’s desire as Chair of ASEAN 2023 to contribute to building a stronger region, able to face increasingly complex future challenges, able to protect the region from external shocks, and be able to maintain ASEAN independence in the midst of great power rivalry.
“I expect the support of the ASEAN parliaments for the chairmanship of Indonesia. Together, we will prove to our people and the world that ASEAN remains relevant,” said Jokowi.
Also accompanying President Jokowi in the meeting were Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi. (mhn/bbs)
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