VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

VOINews, Jakarta - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) stated that all matters pertaining to the implementation of the 43rd ASEAN Summit, scheduled in Jakarta on September 5-7, 2023, have been prepared.

After attending the ASEAN 56th Anniversary commemoration event here on Tuesday, Jokowi explained that the readiness is expected to reach 100 percent ahead of the Southeast Asian bloc's summit in September 2023.

"Everything has been planned and prepared, and we hope that everything will be 100-percent ready during the ASEAN Summit in September," Jokowi remarked.

When ANTARA sought confirmation on the presence of non-ASEAN heads of state who will attend the 43rd ASEAN Summit in Jakarta, Jokowi stated that everything is still in progress.

"So far, (everything) is under process," he remarked.

Similarly, responding to whether US President Joe Biden will attend the 43rd ASEAN Summit, Jokowi stated that everything is still in progress.

"The (attendance) confirmation is still under process," he noted.

In May 2023, eight ASEAN heads of state, the ASEAN Secretary General, and Timor-Leste Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak attended the 42nd ASEAN Summit in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara.

Thailand and Myanmar did not attend the 42nd Summit.

During the commemoration event of ASEAN's 56th Anniversary, President Jokowi stated that Indonesia, as the chair of ASEAN this year, is keen to build a strong foundation in the region, so that it is able to face challenges and respond to global dynamics.

"We realize that Myanmar's situation is still a challenge, (and) ASEAN helps Myanmar with the Five-Point Consensus. However, we must realize that the situation can be resolved if there is political will throughout Myanmar," Jokowi stated.

The president remarked that the ASEAN is a "vessel" that must continue to sail forward.

"This vessel must not sink, as this is our responsibility for hundreds of (millions) of lives, the people who are on board," Jokowi remarked. (antaranews)