President Jokowi: ASEAN Should Not Become Arena for Competition, Proxy

President Jokowi receives Ministers of Foreign Affairs of ASEAN, Friday (07/14), at Shangri-la Hotel, Jakarta (Photo by: BPMI)

Indonesia as the chairman of ASEAN in 2023 emphasizes ASEAN’s commitment to continue strengthening unity and solidity, and strengthening ASEAN’s centrality in maintaining peace and stability in the region.

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo made the statement when receiving a courtesy call from ministers of foreign affairs of ASEAN and partner countries at the Shangri-La Hotel, Jakarta, Friday (07/14).

“ASEAN must not become an arena for competition, must not be a proxy for any country, and international law must be respected consistently,” said the President.

The President also expressed hope for real cooperation and support from ASEAN partners and guests. He said that ASEAN has great potential to become the epicenter of growth, both in the form of an abundance of productive age, as well as abundant natural resources.

“We, ASEAN countries, the developing countries, need understanding, wisdom and support, both from developed and friendly countries to leave the zero-sum approach and take a win-win approach,” he said, while emphasizing that the chairmanship in ASEAN will be used to increase ASEAN’s contribution to the success of the Indo-Pacific and the world.

“There is a saying in Indonesia, that is ‘to win without defeating’, which means we can be a winner without humiliating others. For that, I invite all of us, let us be honorable winners, win without defeating,” he said. (DND/UN) (EST/LW)