Cabinet Secretariat Holds FGD as Preparation for Indonesia’s ASEAN Chairmanship

Deputy to Cabinet Secretary for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Purnomo Sucipto opens a Focus Group Discussion, Tuesday (04/12). (Photo by: PR/Rahmat)

In a bid to ensure Indonesia’s preparation to chair the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) next year, Cabinet Secretariat Tuesday (04/12) held a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) adopting the theme of “Priority Agenda and Synchronization of Policy towards Indonesia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2023”.

Deputy to Cabinet Secretary for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Purnomo Sucipto said that the upcoming chairmanship is a crucial momentum to enhance Indonesia’s role in international stage.

“This FGD is a part of our efforts to support and encourage Indonesia’s ASEAN chairmanship in 2023 and its preparation. We hope the preparation can be well made as the G20’s,” he said.

Purnomo added that speakers of the FGD include officials from Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Coordinating Ministries overseeing ASEAN three pillars, namely political and security community, economic community, and socio-cultural community who are expected to provide views on foreign policy based on their expertise.

“Their views and observation will serve as inputs and recommendations for all ministries / institutions on interpreting foreign policies and priority agenda to the ongoing programs and to the Indonesia’s chairmanship,” he said.

Purnomo also expressed hope that the forum can strengthen coordination and synergy of the Government, particularly in the preparation leading to Indonesia’s ASEAN chairmanship.

The chairmanship, he added, is also expected to reinforce Indonesia’s position as leader in the ASEAN region, while still considering Indonesia’s priority agenda, national interests, and the people’s needs.

In addition, he also maintained that the results of the FGD will be followed up in a limited meeting should the need arise.

“Should there is something considered a matter of concern to the President in the preparation of Indonesia’s ASEAN chairmanship 2023, Cabinet Secretariat will report it to get President’s directives through, for instance, a limited meeting,” he remarked. (TGH/UN) (RAS/EP)