VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Heads of states and governments of ASEAN member countries have just met in the 32nd ASEAN Summit in Singapore on April 28, 2018. The theme of the Summit was "Resilient and Innovative ASEAN”.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Retno Marsudi expressed that Indonesia was satisfied with the positive results agreed at the 32nd ASEAN Summit.

In addition, Indonesia also welcomed the initiative of ASEAN Smart Cities Network. Each country proposes a maximum of three cities to become part of the ASEAN Smart Cities Network's cooperation. In the plenary session, President Joko Widodo said that he viewed the initiative as very good one. The urban problem is very complex and the ASEAN Smart Cities Network is one of the answers to the challenge by building a sustainable and inclusive city with the support of technology and innovation.

It’s natural for Indonesia to support this smart city network proposal. Because, Indonesia is currently developing the Movement towards 100 Smart Cities in 2018. The President includes three cities in Indonesia in the network of ASEAN Smart Cities Network, namely Jakarta, Banyuwangi and Makassar.

Banyuwangi and Makassar are considered to have fulfilled six smart city indicators in Indonesia, namely Smart Living, Smart Environment, Smart Mobility, Smart Governance, Smart Economy, and Smart People.

Indonesia, especially Jakarta, Banyuwangi and Makassar should make use this ASEAN smart city network. Because it will open big opportunities for small and medium enterprises to further develop and find new markets. In turn, this will improve the welfare of Indonesian people.

It is hoped that the presence of this ASEAN smart city network will also increase collective security against common threats, trans-boundary threats such as terrorism, transnational crime and cyber-crime.

May ASEAN Smart Cities Network be the answer to the challenges of building an innovative and resilient ASEAN community.