VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

VOInews, Jakarta: President Joko Widodo has answered public questions and doubts about the existence of ASEAN in responding to challenges facing the world.

"Indeed, lately I often hear public questions related to ASEAN, whether ASEAN will be divided and cannot be united? Will the ASEAN ship be able to keep going?" he said in his remarks at the Opening of the 43rd ASEAN Summit in Jakarta, Tuesday (5/9/2023).

President Joko Widodo emphasized that the unity of ASEAN is still well preserved until now. However, he acknowledged the dynamics that occur in ASEAN. The dynamics actually strengthen democracy in ASEAN.

"At this good momentum as a member of the family and as chairman of ASEAN, I would like to emphasize that the unity of ASEAN is still well preserved. The unity is a harmony in differences, including differences of opinion. Because differences of opinion actually fertilize democracy, it shows that we as a family have an equal position," he said.

President Joko Widodo further highlighted the issue of equality, which according to him has become a rare item and causes many injustices and conflicts that occur due to inequality.

"But in ASEAN it is different. Equality is the main value that we respect and uphold together in the frame of unity and togetherness so that the big ship of ASEAN can continue to move forward," he said.

Furthermore, President Joko Widodo also highlighted the challenges of the world that led to the struggle for influence by major powers. According to him, ASEAN has agreed not to become a proxy for any power.

"Do not make our ship ASEAN an arena of rivalry that destroys each other, but make this ASEAN ship a field to foster cooperation, to create prosperity, to create stability, to create peace not only for the region but also for the world," he concluded. (VOI/Andy)