Labuan Bajo – Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) called on ASEAN to remain united in resolving the crisis in Myanmar and continue to push for the implementation of the consensus agreed upon by the regional bloc. This was stated by President Jokowi during a press conference closing the 42nd ASEAN Summit in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara, Thursday (11/5) afternoon.
“No party inside or outside ASEAN should benefit from the conflict in Myanmar, violence must stop and the people must be protected,” said President Jokowi.
President Jokowi also conveyed three conclusions on the results of the 42nd ASEAN Summit. The first point relates to the importance of the leaders of ASEAN countries to pay attention to the interests of the community.
“There are several important conclusions from this summit, first, matters that touch the interests of the people are of prime concern to the leaders. This includes protecting migrant workers and victims of human trafficking,” said Jokowi.
The second conclusion is related to the unending armed conflict in Myanmar. He emphasized that harm to human values could not be tolerated.
President Jokowi stated that Indonesia is ready to talk to anyone, including the Myanmar military junta and all stakeholders there for humanitarian purposes. Not a single ASEAN country wants the split.
“It’s important for me to emphasize that engagement is not recognition. Approaching does not mean giving recognition. That ASEAN unity is very important. Without unity, it will be easy for other parties to divide ASEAN,” said President Jokowi.
While the third conclusion is related to strengthening economic cooperation. President Jokowi stated that ASEAN had agreed to build an electric car ecosystem and become an important part of the world supply chain, so that in this case industrial downstreaming was key.
“In addition, the implementation of local currency transactions and digital payment connectivity between countries agreed to be strengthened. This is in line with the aim of ASEAN centrality to make it stronger and more independent,” President Jokowi concluded. [*]
