VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Indonesian President Joko Widodo officially announced Indonesia’s 2023 ASEAN Chairmanship kick-off. The announcement was made directly by President Joko Widodo before residents at the Hotel Indonesia roundabout, Central Jakarta, Sunday (29/1). The event was also attended by Acting Governor of Jakarta, Heru Budi Hartono, Minister of State-Owned Enterprises, Erick Thohir, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Retno Marsudi.

Previously, Indonesia received the ASEAN chairmanship relay from Cambodia at the Closing Ceremony of the 40th and 41st Summits in Phnom Penh, Sunday (13 November 2022). Symbolically, President Joko Widodo received the hammer from Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen as Indonesia has become the Chair of ASEAN.

It is a true challenge for Indonesia to run the ASEAN Chair amid the current difficult global situations, such as the economic crisis, energy crisis, food crisis, and many others. The worsening risks of this crisis are triggered by the impact of prolonged health and economic problems due to the global pandemic, the war in Europe and its sanctions which have an impact on the global economy.

Carrying the theme "ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth", Indonesia seeks to strengthen ASEAN's position as a stable and peaceful region. With three priority issues in the economic sector, namely recovery and rebuilding, digital economy and sustainability, Indonesia is confident that it can succeed in carrying out its duties at the 2023 ASEAN Chair.

Indonesia is determined to direct ASEAN cooperation in 2023 to continue and strengthen ASEAN's relevance in responding to regional and global challenges, as well as strengthening ASEAN's position as the center of regional economic growth, for the prosperity of the ASEAN people. Of course, this determination and belief cannot be easily achieved without the cooperation and support of all ASEAN member countries.

Hopefully Indonesia can do its duties properly and Indonesia's chairmanship in ASEAN 2023 can strengthen ASEAN's position as a region that is conducive, stable and peaceful.