VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The development of the Indo-Pacific framework should be based on open, inclusive, transparent principles and promoting cooperation and friendship. The concept of Indo-Pacific cooperation should continue to put forward the centrality of ASEAN. This was conveyed by President Joko Widodo in his speech at the 32nd ASEAN Summit held at The Acacia Room, Shang-La Hotel, Singapore, on Saturday, April 28, 2018.

"ASEAN must continue to play its role including in developing the concept of Indo-Pacific cooperation. The ASEAN Indo-Pacific Concept is crucial for ASEAN to remain relevant, still able to play its centrality and demonstrate ASEAN's ability to manage strategic environmental change, "said the President.

The President said the magnitude of the challenge in the Indo-pacific region. If not well managed, the President said, the situation could disrupt and even undermine the achievements of ASEAN so far.

"For that aside in the Pacific Ocean, ASEAN should be able to contribute in the Indian Ocean. This contribution can only be realized if we keep firmly to the unity and centrality of ASEAN, "he continued.

 The proposed concept of Indo Pacific has been submitted by Indonesia at the meeting of the ASEAN Foreign Minister's Retreat, January 2018. Indonesia has also communicated with several dialogue partners on Indo-Pacific cooperation.

Three Indonesian Proposals

To realize the cooperation of Indo-Pacific President Jokowi proposed three efforts of ASEAN in the future. First, ASEAN should be able to become a motor for the creation of enabling environment.

"We must continue to encourage all partners to respect the international law and norms of developing habit of dialogue, putting forward peaceful dispute resolution avoiding the use of force," he said.

Secondly, ASEAN should be able to utilize various modalities to overcome security challenges, including transnational crimes. Some forms of threats that need attention include radicalism and drug trafficking, TPPO and piracy.

Thirdly, ASEAN must be pro-active in creating a new center of economic growth, particularly in the Indian Ocean. Therefore, the President continues, ASEAN should continue to maintain an open and fair economic system.

"Some areas of cooperation that can be put forward include, in the maritime field, connectivity, and achievement of SDGs. Therefore, business interactions in the Indian Ocean and Pacific region need to be improved, "said the Head of State.

Also present was accompanying President in this event Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi and Director General of ASEAN Cooperation Jose Antonio Morato Tavares. ( rel )