VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) agreed on a single negotiating text draft of the Code of Conduct (COC) for the South China Sea (SCS), as an effort to resolve dispute in the region.

The statement was made by Foreign Minister Retno L.P. Marsudi after attending the 18th ASEAN Political-Security Community Council Meeting at Suntec Convention Centre, Singapore, on Tuesday.

The first reading between ASEAN and China for the single draft negotiation document will be carried out next year.

"Previously, ASEAN member states and China had their own negotiation documents, but now it has become a single document that we agreed on," Marsudi said.

The single document will help ASEAN to negotiate with China regarding the settlement of the South China Sea dispute.

Previously, Coordinating Minister for Politics, Law and Security Wiranto stated the South China Sea dispute must be resolved peacefully by respecting the agreed conditions.

"The South China Sea dispute must be resolved peacefully. Respect existing provisions, do not have provocations and actions that provoke conflict," Wiranto said.

"We all agree to not let the warring countries enter into conflict areas," he continued.

In addition, Indonesia encourages the completion of various agreements that lead to a comprehensive settlement.

"But it is not easy because each (country) has an interest in the South China Sea," Wiranto said. (ANTARA)

President Joko Widodo highlighted developments in the concept of Indo-Pacific regional cooperation during the plenary session of the 33rd ASEAN Summit held at the Suntec Convention and Exhibition Center in Singapore on Tuesday night.

"To maintain its centrality, ASEAN has no other choice but to use the East Asia Summit as a main platform to discuss this concept," President Joko Widodo or Jokowi as he commonly known said in his address to the session.

The uncertain condition and big challenges facing the Indo-Pacific region may threaten peace, stability and prosperity with regard to tug of war in the constellation of global force, he said.

The Indonesian leader said ASEAN which is situated in the Indo-Pacific region must be able to serve as an axis, play its role and turn threats into increased cooperation.

"ASEAN must always serve as the engine of peace and welfare. It must be able to change potential threats into cooperation and potential tension into peace," he said.

The Indo-Pacific concept could be developed through increased cooperation which puts emphasis on the principles of transparency and respect for international law, he said.

He said ASEAN needs to develop Indo-Pacific cooperation by emphasizing respect for international law and ASEAN centrality.

He warmly welcomed ASEAN member states` positive responses to the Indo-Pacific concept which is adopted as an ASEAN joint concept.

"I am happy that the draft joint concept has been discussed and God willing it can be agreed upon soon. We also have held informal consultations with ASEAN partner countries," he said.

He added the innovative outlook will direct ASEAN cooperation in the future with the Indo-Pacific region as a pro-strategic center to realize joint development and welfare. (ANTARA)

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) attended the 21st ASEAN-China Summit held in Singapore, Wednesday.

The head of state was accompanied by Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Wiranto, Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Affairs Puan Maharani, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Luhut Binsar Panjaitan, Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi, and Trade Minister Enggartiasto Lukita.

Singapore`s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong officially opened the summit along with Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang.

Leaders of the 10 ASEAN member states, Chinese leader, and the ASEAN secretary general were present at the summit.

Earlier, President Jokowi held a bilateral meeting with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and attended an ASEAN-Australia breakfast summit.

Jokowi and Morrison held a discussion on inter-faith dialog, among other things.

He also reaffirmed Indonesia`s stance on a two-state solution to end the conflict in Palestine.

The Australian leader expressed support to the Indo-Pacific concept initiated by Indonesia.

On Tuesday evening, President Jokowi highlighted developments in the concept of Indo-Pacific regional cooperation during the plenary session of the 33rd ASEAN Summit held at the Suntec Convention and Exhibition Center in Singapore.

"To maintain its centrality, ASEAN has no other choice but to use the East Asia Summit as a main platform to discuss this concept," President Jokowi stated in his address to the session.

The uncertain condition and huge challenges facing the Indo-Pacific region may threaten peace, stability, and prosperity with regard to the tug of war in the constellation of global forces, he stated.

The Indonesian leader remarked that the ASEAN, situated in the Indo-Pacific region, must be able to serve as an axis, play its role, and turn threats into increased cooperation. (ANTARA)

President Joko Widodo has called for ASEAN member states to help address the Rohingya crisis in Myanmar`s western state of Rakhine.

"I believe ASEAN is ready to help the Myanmar government create conducive situation in Rakhine state where freedom of movement is respected without discrimination and development is realized inclusively," the president or Jokowi as he popularly known said at the plenary session of the 33rd ASEAN Summit held at the Suntec Convention and Exhibition Center in Singapore on Tuesday night.

ASEAN is currently facing different challenges and that it needs commitments from all of its member states to maintain peace and welfare, he said.

The head of state noted that the Rohingya crisis has aroused anxiety and created declining global confidence.

He expressed hope that ASEAN would be able to take a forward step to settle the humanitarian crisis.

ASEAN needs to get involved in settling the question of the Rakhine state, he said adding if the crisis goes unheeded it will have a detrimental impact on Myanmar in particular and ASEAN in general.

For more than 50 years, ASEAN has enjoyed security and peace, he said.

"In 1967 when the rest of the world fell apart and was trapped in power struggle between two super powers, ASEAN leaders agreed to stand united and create a peaceful and prosperous region," he said.

He further lauded the results of talks between ASEAN foreign ministers to help settle the crisis.

The ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance (AHA Centre) is expected to help settle the crisis. (ANTARA)