The President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo (Jokowi) ensured that Indonesia, which assumes the Chair of ASEAN 2023, will continue to make efforts so that the Southeast Asian countries forum can contribute and provide positive solutions to the current challenging global situation, especially in the economic sector.
The chairmanship of ASEAN which is held by Indonesia this year is amidst a challenging global situation. President Jokowi considers that ASEAN is still important and relevant to the people, the region and the world. ASEAN continues to contribute to peace and stability in the Indo Pacific and is able to maintain economic growth and in accordance with the theme being carried, namely ” ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth”.
The ASEAN Summit, the ASEAN Summit is a summit meeting between the leaders of ASEAN member countries which is routinely held every year. Meanwhile, ASEAN is a geopolitical and economic organization of countries in the Southeast Asian region, which was established in Bangkok, Thailand on August 8, 1967 based on the Coal Declaration by Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.
ASEAN has the goal of increasing economic growth, social progress and cultural development of its member countries, promoting peace and stability at the regional level, and increasing opportunities to discuss differences among its members in a peaceful manner.
ASEAN consists of five founding countries, namely Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Therefore, every August 8th, ASEAN Day is celebrated. As time went on and it was felt that this organization provided many benefits in the Southeast Asian region, other Southeast Asian countries joined in to strengthen ASEAN and become a milestone in the change of nations. So, currently the total member of ASEAN is 11 member countries.
This year, Indonesia is entrusted with holding the ASEAN Chair again for 2023. Indonesia has also served as ASEAN Chair before, namely in 1976 (ASEAN-1 Summit), 1976, 1996, 2003 and 2011.
Minister for State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) Erick Thohir, stated that as the host for the 2023 ASEAN Chair, Indonesia carries the big theme ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth which means the importance of ASEAN’s position as the engine of economic growth, prosperity and peace for Indonesia, Asia and global.
Through this theme, Indonesia wants ASEAN to continue to play a central role and become a driving force for regional stability and peace. The second element is the “Epicentrum of Growth”, Indonesia wants to further capitalize on ASEAN’s economic growth which is always higher than world growth.
The Coordinating Minister for the Economy Airlangga Hartarto also said that Indonesia’s chairmanship at the 2023 ASEAN Summit was a momentum to show Indonesia’s economic resilience. So that Indonesia deserves to be a destination for foreign investment. The holding of the 2023 ASEAN Summit also boosted the national economy in various cities where side events were held.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Finance (Minister of Finance of the Republic of Indonesia), Sri Mulyani said that Australia provided full support to Indonesia for chairing this nation at the holding of the 2023 ASEAN Summit in Labuan Bajo. This support was expressed by the Minister of Finance of Australia, Jim Chalmers to Sri Mulyani.
Not only supporting, but PM Jim hopes that there will be integration of the agenda contained in the previous G20 event and also how the 2023 ASEAN Summit is currently held. When there is good integration between the two forums, he believes he can help achieve goals more optimally.
It is undeniable that with Indonesia’s chair at the ASEAN Summit this time it is a stage for Indonesia to lead regional countries and make real contributions and provide solutions to global challenges.
The holding of the ASEAN Summit in Labuan Bajo, NTT also provides benefits to the tourism sector.
President Joko Widodo said the holding of the ASEAN Summit in Labuan Bajo also aimed at promoting this Super Priority Tourism Destination (DPSP) area. In addition, the ASEAN Summit in Labuan Bajo is expected to be able to encourage an increase in tourist visits to Labuan Bajo in 2023.
The increase in the number of tourist visits to Labuan Bajo is also supported by the readiness of airports, ports, road access, as well as accommodation and tourism activities.
According to President Jokowi, Indonesia’s chairmanship at the ASEAN Summit this time is not easy because there are many global situations and challenges that must be overcome. ASEAN’s role is not only to contribute to peace, but also to maintain stability in the Indo Pacific, and maintain economic growth.
ASEAN continues to contribute to peace and stability in the Indo Pacific. That ASEAN continues to be able to maintain economic growth and according to the theme “ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth “. Indonesia’s chairmanship in 2023 is also expected to be able to bring ASEAN into a regional organization that is resilient and remains relevant in facing various international challenges and problems for the next 20 years. More importantly, Indonesia is also expected to be able to bring ASEAN down, down to earth and provide benefits to society, not only the Indonesian people, but also the people of ASEAN and the world.