VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

President Joko Widodo reiterated the important role of the ASEAN Outlook when inaugurating the new ASEAN Secretariat building, Thursday morning (08/08/2019), in Jakarta. This condition is developing with increasing challenges, both in the region and in the global arena. The President said, the ASEAN Outlook initiated by Indonesia would be able to become a guideline for ASEAN countries to face dynamics in the region, especially in the Indo -Pacific.

“Within 52 years, ASEAN has been able to play a role as a motor for regional peace, stability and prosperity. And in June 2019, ASEAN leaders have adopted the Asean Outlook Indo Pacific. This Outlook holds and ASEAN's stance in responding to dynamics in the Indo Pacific region. ASEAN is concerned, with the sharpening of the rivalry of large countries and the weakening of multiculturalism and the frequent violation of international law. ASEAN Outlook in building momentum in a culture of strategic trust and mutually beneficial cooperation. ASEAN spread the value of dialogue and became a magnet in the development of dialogue. This is not an easy mission but I am sure, the mission can be carried out by ASEAN,” said Jokowi.

Through the ASEAN Outlook, countries in ASEAN will be able to take a role to bridge the Pacific and Indian Oceans. The ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific document states that the Indo-Pacific perspective is motivated by the Asia Pacific and Indian Ocean, which is the most dynamic region in the the world as well as the center of economic growth for decades. (VOI/Ndy/AHM)