ASEAN Summit Officially Closes, Jokowi: Let’s Establish the Indo-Pacific Region as a Theater of Peace
JAKARTA – President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) officially closed the 43rd ASEAN Summit (KTT) 2023. On that occasion, President Jokowi handed over the baton of ASEAN leadership to the Prime Minister of Laos, Sonexay Siphandone.
In his remarks, President Jokowi said that ASEAN’s mission to become the epicenter of growth could not possibly be completed in one leadership. Therefore, Indonesia ended its chairmanship in ASEAN and handed over further leadership to Laos.
“Once again I would like to thank you for your support for Indonesia’s chairmanship in 2023 and thus I officially close the 43rd ASEAN Summit and other summits,” said Jokowi at the Plenary Hall of the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC), Jakarta, Thursday (7/9 ) afternoon.
President Jokowi hopes that ASEAN will become a peaceful, stable, prosperous and inclusive region in the future. Because, this will lead to a better ASEAN and the world.
“Let’s strengthen the Indo-Pacific region as a theater of peace and inclusiveness, this is the key foundation that will lead ASEAN to a better future for the people and for the world,” said Jokowi.
President Jokowi added that this strength is the essence of ASEAN matters as the epicenter of growth. Jokowi emphasized that the struggle of the ASEAN nations is not over.
“Our task is not finished, ASEAN cannot possibly be finished in one era, we will continue to face various dynamics and complexities of global challenges,” he added.
Regarding the Myanmar conflict, President Jokowi emphasized that ASEAN will continue its efforts. Indonesia, through its chairmanship, has conveyed 5 steps to help Myanmar, one of which is through the formation of the Troika mechanism.
“Indonesia has conveyed 5 steps to help Myanmar, one of which is through the formation of the Troika mechanism,” stressed Jokowi.
Meanwhile, Laos PM Siphandone said that his party would strengthen the ASEAN community. Just like Indonesia, Laos will lead ASEAN throughout 2024.
“The Lao Democratic Republic is honored to serve as Chair of ASEAN in 2024 and is ready to work with all ASEAN member countries and partners to ensure the continued strengthening of the ASEAN community and the success of Laos’ chairmanship under the theme of strengthening connectivity and resilience,” explained Siphandone.
Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Airlangga Hartarto, said that one of the mainstays of the Epicentrum of Growth is the digital economy framework agreement. Which includes agreements regarding digitization including digital talent, digital id, and retraining.
“The target of this agreement is expected to be completed in 2025 and the drafting has been prepared. In 2030 the economy in ASEAN is estimated to be 1 trillion, so it can increase to 2 trillion,” he said.
Hartarto added that energy security, which is linked to renewable energy, has become one of the leaders’ declarations, in which it strengthens the ASEAN Power Great trust.
“Related to renewable energy, one of the leaders in the declaration is interconnectivity in energy. It strengthens the trust of ASEAN Power Great,” Hartarto concluded.
