West Manggarai – Indonesia’s success in holding the 42nd ASEAN Summit in Labuan Bajo, NTT, has brought various benefits, both for Indonesia and for countries in the region.
Indonesia’s chairmanship at the ASEAN Summit has succeeded in encouraging a number of potential agreements and cooperation. One of them is the ASEAN Leaders Declaration on Eradicating Human Trafficking Due to the Misuse of Technology.
“Things that touch the interests of the people are an important concern of the Leaders, including the protection of migrant workers and victims of human trafficking. I invite ASEAN countries to take firm action against the main perpetrators,” Jokowi said in a press conference at the Media Center Hotel Bintag Flores, West Manggarai (11/5)
At the ASEAN Summit, the heads of state also committed to developing a regional electric vehicle ecosystem involving all ASEAN Member Countries that support the adoption of electric vehicles and the improvement of the electric vehicle industry in ASEAN Member Countries.
“Regarding the strengthening of economic cooperation. ASEAN agreed to build an electric car ecosystem and become an important part of the world supply chain, so that downstream industry is key,” said the President.
Specifically regarding the Myanmar crisis, President Jokowi stated that Indonesia is ready to talk to anyone, all stakeholders in Myanmar for humanitarian purposes.
“Injury to human values cannot be tolerated. The Five-point Consensus mandates that ASEAN must engage with all stakeholders. Inclusivity must be firmly held by ASEAN because ASEAN’s credibility is at stake.” Jokowi said.
Jokowi believes ASEAN is capable of facing challenges in the future and invites ASEAN countries to unite.
“Without unity it will be easy for other parties to divide ASEAN,” said Jokowi.
Indonesia also succeeded in agreeing on a number of agreements during bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit.
President Jokowi and Prime Minister (PM) Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh agreed to increase trade cooperation between the two countries.
Minister of Foreign Affairs (Menlu) Retno Marsudi said the two country’s leaders were optimistic that the trade target could be met with a number of conditions.
“Both of them are optimistic that this target will be met on condition that all trade restrictions or trade barriers can be reduced if not completely eliminated,” said Retno.
Apart from Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia are also committed to strengthening cooperation in various fields, one of which is the economic sector.
The Foreign Minister said that as an effort to strengthen cooperation between the two countries, the Malaysian PM even extended an invitation to President Jokowi to visit Malaysia. [-ed]
