ASEAN to Contribute to the World: Jokowi

The Jakarta Globe
January 30, 2023 | 5:51 pm
SHARE
President Joko Widodo (center) walks towards the stage to kick off Indonesia's 2023 ASEAN chairmanship at the Hotel Indonesia roundabout in Jakarta on Jan. 29, 2023. Jokowi said he was optimistic that under Indonesia's chairmanship, ASEAN would continue to grow and make huge contribution to the region and the world. The kick-off marks the beginning of Indonesia's 2023 ASEAN chairmanship. (Infopublik/Amiriyandi)
President Joko Widodo (center) walks towards the stage to kick off Indonesia's 2023 ASEAN chairmanship at the Hotel Indonesia roundabout in Jakarta on Jan. 29, 2023. Jokowi said he was optimistic that under Indonesia's chairmanship, ASEAN would continue to grow and make huge contribution to the region and the world. The kick-off marks the beginning of Indonesia's 2023 ASEAN chairmanship. (Infopublik/Amiriyandi)

Jakarta. President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo vowed that 2023 ASEAN chair Indonesia would lead the bloc's member states to contribute to the world amid the challenging global situation, particularly in the economic field.

"This year, Indonesia became the ASEAN chair amidst a tough global situation, given the economic, energy, and food crises, as well as war — these are all taking place. But I'm convinced ASEAN remains important and relevant for its people, the region, and the world. ASEAN will continue to contribute to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. ASEAN will continue to maintain economic growth  — in line with our chairmanship theme: 'ASEAN Matters, Epicentrum of Growth," Jokowi said when kicking off Indonesia's ASEAN presidency in Jakarta over the weekend.

As the theme suggests, Jokowi said "Indonesia as chair and host is expected to foster new ideas and initiatives to tackle the challenges and other crucial issues that have seized ASEAN and the world's attention."

Sidharto R Suryodipuro, the director-general for ASEAN cooperation at the Foreign Affairs Ministry, said that after the pandemic, the region has to make sure that it can recover in all sectors of the economic growth, including the digital economy.

Advertisement

According to Sidharto, ASEAN this year aims to make sure the region remains a bright spot for the global economy. This is to maintain the Southeast Asian bloc's stable economic growth.

"We were able to get through last year. But we have to keep it up this year because ASEAN has a large capital with over 600 million people. And this is something we need to consider. Even from a global investment standpoint, ASEAN is a bright spot for many economies," Sidharto said.

The Communication and Informatics Ministry is sparing no effort to make sure that everything is running smoothly during Indonesia's ASEAN chairmanship. The ministry is in charge of the telecommunication infrastructure, public communications, and dissemination of information related to the digital economy and digitalization.

With many events taking place, all hands must be on deck to raise public awareness of the global event, but most importantly, to boost the benefits that it brings.

"We will provide the telecommunication infrastructure, for instance, the internet connection, so the summit or side event will go well and communication runs smoothly,” Usman Kansong, the director-general for public communication at the Informatics Ministry, said.

The Informatics Ministry will facilitate press coverage across various channels, including setting up a media center. It will amplify public communication through a myriad of side events. The Informatics Ministry also plays a huge role in the discussions related to the digital economy in ASEAN, according to Usman.

Indonesia will helm ASEAN until Dec. 2023. This marked the fifth time Indonesia chaired ASEAN after assuming the post in 1976, 1996, 2003, and 2011. Aside from the high-level summits in Labuan Bajo and Jakarta, Indonesia’s ASEAN chairmanship will see conferences involving foreign affairs and economic ministers. In total, there will be 494 meetings, 300 of which will take place across many regions in Indonesia.

Tags: Keywords:
SHARE

Related Articles


Opinion May 29, 2025 | 12:42 pm

The Best Deal with Trump is No Deal

Trump’s portrayal of China, Japan, S. Korea, India, and ASEAN as job thieves is misleading and distorts economic reality.
Business May 27, 2025 | 2:43 pm

ASEAN, Gulf Nations Get Closer as Trade Hits $130.7 Billion

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) wants its trade with ASEAN to reach $180 billion by 2032.
News May 23, 2025 | 5:40 pm

Jokowi Vows to Show Original Diploma in Court, Says Investigation Ongoing

Jokowi says his fake diploma case is still under investigation by Jakarta police, despite the National Police dropping a similar complaint.
News May 22, 2025 | 4:08 pm

Police Confirm Jokowi’s Diploma Is Authentic, Ending Fake Degree Rumors

Police say Jokowi’s UGM diploma is real after forensic review, ending years of fake degree rumors and closing the forgery investigation.
Business May 21, 2025 | 3:20 pm

It Can Be Hard for ASEAN to Set Common Negotiation Plan on US Tariffs

An economist says that each ASEAN member is at a different stage of development, making a common US tariff negotiation plan impossible.
News May 20, 2025 | 1:38 pm

Jokowi: “No Choice But Court” to End Fake Diploma Accusations

“To be honest, I’m saddened that this case has come this far. I feel sorry for those who continue to deny the truth,” Jokowi said.
News May 14, 2025 | 10:25 pm

Jokowi Eyes PSI Top Post, Jokes About Beating the Odds

Jokowi said he is still making political calculations regarding the possibility of leading the youth-oriented party.
News May 9, 2025 | 11:36 am

Jokowi to Deniers: My Diploma Is Real -- Now Face the Law

Jokowi’s legal team appeared at police headquarters in Jakarta with the diploma, which was hand-delivered by his brother-in-law.
News May 8, 2025 | 6:28 pm

Jokowi: Media Has Crucial Role in Sustaining Public Morale

"With 10 years of experience leading the country, he remains a valuable voice of reason," Enggartiasto said of Jokowi.
News May 5, 2025 | 8:48 pm

Prabowo Rejects ‘Puppet’ Label, Defends Jokowi Ties as Statesmanship

Prabowo denies being Jokowi's puppet, calling ongoing talks with ex-presidents smart governance, not subservience, amid rising criticism.

The Latest


Special Updates 3 hours ago

Pegadaian Sees Highest Growth in South and Central Kalimantan

The region has recorded total outstanding loans of Rp 7.8 trillion, making it the second-best performing region nationwide.
News 6 hours ago

Indonesia Evacuates 101 Nationals from Iran Amid Escalating Regional Conflict

Indonesia evacuates 101 people from Iran, including citizens and embassy staff, amid rising regional tensions.
News 6 hours ago

USS Nimitz Sails Past Indonesia as Iran-Israel Conflict Escalates

The US aircraft carrier USS Nimitz transited Indonesia's Malacca Strait on June 17, likely heading to the Middle East.
Special Updates 6 hours ago

Pegadaian Semarang Regional Office Signs Legal Cooperation Agreement with Prosecutors

Prosecutors will assist with issuing warning letters, summonses, and debt collection efforts targeting delinquent customers.
Lifestyle 10 hours ago

Millions Flex for International Yoga Day

From the Himalayas to the beaches, Indians joined mass yoga sessions as PM Modi led global celebrations for International Yoga Day.
COPYRIGHT © 2025 JAKARTA GLOBE. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED