7-9-2023 (JAKARTA) During the 11th ASEAN-US Summit in Jakarta, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) called on the United States to take on a constructive role in safeguarding the Indo-Pacific as a region of stability, peace, and prosperity through concrete and inclusive cooperation. This statement comes at a time when the US and China, two global powers, are vying for influence in the Indo-Pacific, raising concerns about potential threats to regional stability and peace.
Jokowi emphasized that ASEAN has agreed to continue serving as the driving force behind peace and stability in the region, with the Indo-Pacific envisioned as a platform for collaboration. Vice President Kamala Harris led the US delegation at the summit.
Establishing a strong and sustainable partnership between ASEAN and the US is crucial, considering the immense potential of Southeast Asia as a highly promising region. Jokowi highlighted projections that Southeast Asia will become a key international trade hub by 2045 and contribute 5.4% to the global gross domestic product (GDP). A solid and sustainable partnership would benefit not only ASEAN but also the United States, he emphasized.
However, Jokowi emphasized that such a partnership can only be achieved with a strong commitment from both parties to maintain regional peace and stability.
In his address during the opening of the 43rd ASEAN Summit, Jokowi emphasized the importance of ensuring that ASEAN does not become a battleground for destructive rivalries and that it refrains from becoming a proxy for any powers.
The ASEAN-US Summit took place as a part of the 43rd ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Jakarta from September 5 to 7, 2023, under Indonesia’s ASEAN chairmanship.
As the current chair of ASEAN, Indonesia has adopted the theme “ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth” for its chairmanship this year. The vision of Indonesia’s chairmanship is to build a resilient, adaptive, and inclusive ASEAN, reflecting the country’s commitment to the region’s overall progress.
