By: Farrell Haroon Jabar )*
The ASEAN Summit is a summit meeting between the leaders of ASEAN member countries which is routinely held every year. 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.
This organization aims to promote economic growth, social progress, and cultural development of its member countries, promote peace and stability at the regional level, and increase 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 8, we commemorate ASEAN Day or ASEAN Day. Over time and it is felt that this organization has provided many benefits in the Southeast Asian region, other Southeast Asian countries have joined 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 Chair of ASEAN 2023 again. Previously, Indonesia had also been the Chair of ASEAN, namely in 1976 (ASEAN Summit-1), 1996, 2003 and 2011.
In this chairmanship, Indonesia carries the big theme “ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth” which means that Indonesia wants to make ASEAN remain important and relevant to the ASEAN community and the world. In this theme, Indonesia will also raise several themes, including Recovery and Rebuilding, Digital Economy and Sustainability .
Indonesia again raised the issue of digital economy at the ASEAN Summit after previously being discussed at the G20 Indonesia Presidency. The Minister of Economy Airlangga Hartarto said that the digital economy was again appointed as one of the three pillars of Indonesia’s chairmanship in ASEAN in addition to recovery, rebuilding and sustainability . with the hope of accelerating inclusive digital transformation to reduce the digital divide in the Southeast Asian region.
For this reason, the government will be committed to preparing for the 2023 ASEAN Summit as a venue for proof for nations in demonstrating the existence of the Southeast Asian region as an area that is the center of regional and world economic growth.
In addition, Indonesia’s chairmanship in ASEAN provides opportunities and demonstrates Indonesia’s strategic role in strengthening ASEAN institutional capacities and capabilities, particularly in forming a regional order based on multilateralism and inclusivity values.
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 was worthy of becoming 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 were held .
Even the Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) Erick Thohir argued that as the host for the 2023 ASEAN Summit 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.
The holding of the ASEAN Summit in Labuan Bajo, NTT will also benefit the tourism sector. Previously, Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) accompanied by Mrs. Iriana Jokowi directly inspected the readiness of the facilities to be used for the 42nd ASEAN Summit, in Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).
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. The Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy (Menparekraf) Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno also hopes that the moment of the ASEAN Summit can encourage tourist visits to Labuan Bajo through visits by heads of state throughout ASEAN.
Sandiaga Uno also said that this momentum was expected to trigger 1.1 million foreign tourist visits. Moreover, the government continues to boost infrastructure development in Labuan Bajo, as one of the Super Priority Destinations (DSP).
To support this, various supporting infrastructures have been prepared and continuously monitored by President Joko Widodo so that they can be completed as expected. According to Jokowi, another important thing is to promote Labuan Bajo which is classified as DSP in terms of tourism.
Therefore, it is hoped that the holding of the 2023 ASEAN Summit will not only become a locus of activity and pseudo euphoria, but must have a real impact on improving the welfare of the people of NTT with the agreements that were born at the Asean Summit, able to affirm the local needs of the people of NTT. It is also hoped that these activities can be held successfully, so as to give a positive message to the world.
)* The author is a contributor to Nusantara Reading Room
