Jakarta – President Joko Widodo said that equality in ASEAN is the main value that is shared. Until now, ASEAN unity is said to be still well maintained.
“In ASEAN, equality is actually the main value that we respect and uphold together in the framework of unity and togetherness so that ASEAN’s big ship can continue to move forward,” he said when officially opening the 43rd ASEAN Summit at the Plenary Hall JCC Senayan Jakarta, Tuesday 5/9/2023.
President Jokowi said that unity does not mean there are no differences of opinion. The existence of differences of opinion is actually said to foster democracy and show that we are a family that has an equal position.
“As a country that has various ethnicities, cultures, languages and religions, for Indonesia unity is harmony in diversity. “This includes differences of opinion,” said Jokowi.
“Because differences of opinion actually foster democracy, it actually shows that we as a family have an equal position,” he added.
On the same occasion. President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) expressed ASEAN’s dream of becoming the epicenter of growth or the center of regional and world economic growth. To achieve this requires large capital.
Jokowi said ASEAN capital must be able to work harder and be more compact. The unity and centrality of ASEAN is the main key to facing the magnitude of today’s world challenges.
“ASEAN’s direction is clear, to become the epicenter of growth. “ASEAN has a lot of capital to achieve this, but ASEAN must be able to work harder, be more unified, be braver and be more agile,” said Jokowi.
In addition, Jokowi said ASEAN needed a long-term tactical strategy that was relevant and in line with the people’s expectations, not only for the next 5 years, but also for the next 20 years until 2045.
“I appreciate the support of ASEAN member countries in discussing the 4th ASEAN concord,” Jokowi said.
ASEAN as part of the Indo-Pacific region continues to consistently work hard using an inclusive approach through cooperation between the ASEAN secretariat and the secretariat of the Pacific Island Forum Pif and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). An economic and development approach is also carried out through the ASEAN-Indo Pacific Forum so that ASEAN can have an impact on its people and the world.
Jokowi likened ASEAN to a ship that carries and has a big responsibility for the hundreds of millions of people who sail together on it. Even if they have to sail in the midst of a storm, ASEAN leaders must ensure that the ship is able to keep sailing.
“We must become the captain of our own ship to create peace, create stability, and create shared prosperity,” said Jokowi.