West Manggarai – Indonesia’s chairmanship at the ASEAN Summit was successful in boosting the economy of the people of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), this has proven that the event was able to trigger an increase in the economy and tourist visits to the region.
Presidential Chief of Staff Moeldoko stressed that the 2023 ASEAN Summit in Labuan Bajo, would not just be a ceremonial meeting, but would become a lever for economic growth in both Indonesia and the ASEAN region.
Specifically in Indonesia, Indonesian President Joko Widodo wants the implementation of the 2023 ASEAN Summit to have a multiplier effect on the economy in the tourism, transportation and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) sectors.
“Actually, this is an implied message from the President. Economic growth does not only occur in Bali or Labuan Bajo, but must also grow in other areas and revive after the pandemic,” said Moeldoko, Thursday (11/5).
Moeldoko also considers that Indonesia’s consistent and maintained economic growth is above five percent, coupled with demographic bonuses and regional stability, to be an asset for Indonesia in maintaining ASEAN as a world growth center.
This makes Indonesia has an obligation to maintain a conducive regional situation. Moreover, currently there is tension in the South China Sea, the political crisis in Myanmar, and the impact of the war between Russia and Ukraine.
“The challenges ahead are still very tough. ASEAN must further strengthen its economic integration, strengthen inclusive cooperation, strengthen the architecture of health, food, energy and financial stability,” said Moeldoko.
West Manggarai Regent Edistasius Endi said that he, together with the people of West Manggarai, greatly appreciated President Joko’s decision to choose Labuan Bajo as the venue for the 42nd ASEAN Summit.
“I think this is the dream of all other regional governments so that their area can be chosen as the venue for an international scale event,” said Edi Endi.
According to him, the implementation of the ASEAN Summit has had a major impact on West Manggarai’s economic growth. It is believed that this moment will also have an impact on the sustainability of development and tourism in other areas in NTT.
Meanwhile, the General Secretary of the Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association (HIPMI) in NTT, Wilson Liyanto, said that his party was happy because NTT had again become the world’s attention. The 2023 ASEAN Summit is an event for discussion among ASEAN countries regarding political, security, economic, social developments and so on.
“President Joko Widodo’s attention to NTT was extraordinary, the impact was very positive on economic growth and investors attending the ASEAN Summit,” said Wilson.
The 42nd ASEAN Summit has the theme “ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth” which means that ASEAN is relevant and important as a center of world growth. In its chairmanship, Indonesia invites ASEAN countries to play an active role and offer ideas and solutions for peace and prosperity in the region. As chairman, Indonesia is also committed to strengthening economic recovery and making Southeast Asia an engine of sustainable growth. [*]
