VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

VOINews, Jakarta - The Republic of Korea has always been a partner of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), particularly in the areas of energy transition and digital transformation.

Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo affirmed this during the opening of the 24th ASEAN-Republic of Korea Summit at the Jakarta Convention Center in Jakarta on Wednesday, September 6, 2023.

President Joko Widodo stated that the Southeast Asian countries have gained substantial knowledge from the Republic of Korea’s commitment to reducing dependence on fossil fuels and replacing them with renewable energy.

“ASEAN’s dependence on 78% of fossil energy sources must be reduced,” said the President.

In his remarks, President Joko Widodo also emphasized that the digital transformation implementation must be able to boost economic growth in the region. The support of rapidly evolving technology in the coming years is crucial to improve the quality and capacity of society.

“At the same time, in the next decade, the digital economy in ASEAN is estimated to contribute US$ 1 trillion to the region's GDP,” President Joko Widodo said. Nevertheless, the President noted that adopting energy transition and digital transformation requires considerable investment.

There are many technology transfers that must be carried out by each ASEAN country.

“Hence, collaboration and partnership are needed to make it a reality,” he said. President Joko Widodo also appreciated the Republic of Korea's support for the ASEAN-Indo-Pacific Forum. The support signifies a tangible commitment to inclusive cooperation in maintaining stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. A better future can be achieved through this forum.

“It can be achieved if regional stability is maintained, if tensions and rivalries are reduced, if strategic trust is strengthened, and if the habit of cooperation is enhanced,” said President Joko Widodo.

President Joko Widodo chaired the entire series of meetings on the second day of the 43rd ASEAN Summit held at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC). He also chaired the 26th ASEAN-China Summit attended by leaders of ASEAN countries together with the Prime Minister of the People's Republic of China Li Qiang.

Additionally, President Joko Widodo chaired the 26th ASEAN-Japan Summit alongside the Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida. In addition, President Joko Widodo and the ASEAN leaders participated in the 26th ASEAN Plus Three (APT) Summit. The meeting, held in Cendrawasih 3 Room of JCC, was attended by the leaders of the People’s Republic of China, the Republic of Korea, and Japan.

President Joko Widodo also chaired the ASEAN-Canada Summit, attended by ASEAN leaders and the Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau, followed by the ASEAN-United States Summit.

In the evening, President Joko Widodo and First Lady Iriana, along with the leaders of other countries and their spouses, will attend the gala dinner of the 43rd ASEAN Summit. (VOI)