Jabar Ekspres – Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) reminded all parties that the big ship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations or ASEAN must continue to sail and must not be shipwrecked.
This was conveyed by the President in his remarks when attending the 56th ASEAN Anniversary or ASEAN Day Celebration at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta, Tuesday.
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“ASEAN as a big ship must continue to move forward, this big ship must sail, this big ship must not sink, because this is our responsibility for hundreds of souls, the people who are in it,” the President said here on Tuesday.
Jokowi said ASEAN is an example of diversity in harmony that complements and strengthens each other. The differences that exist are not an obstacle to realizing the determination and ideals of ASEAN.
He again called for ASEAN with strong assets to be able to become the epicenter of growth that provides more benefits for the people in the region and the world.
“Economic growth, demographic bonus, and ASEAN’s trust with the best economic opportunities. We must utilize this momentum to make ASEAN the future of the world, as an anchor of peace, an anchor of stability, and an anchor of world welfare,” he explained.
The Head of State said that in September 2023, the 43rd ASEAN Summit will be held. As chair, Indonesia wants to lay a strong foundation for ASEAN so that ASEAN is able to face challenges and respond to dynamics and play a central role.
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On the occasion of the 56th ASEAN Anniversary celebration, the President also conducted a tumpeng cutting procession. The first piece of tumpeng was given to ASEAN Secretary General Kao Kim Hourn while the second piece was given to Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi.
