Indonesia Ready to be Motor for Peaceful and Prosperous Asia, President Jokowi Says

President Jokowi talks as a keynote speaker in the first session of G7 outreach meeting on Friday (27/5), at Kanko Hotel the Classic, Ise Shima, Japan

President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo said that the Asia-Pacific region is the safest region compared to other regions; hence, it is not surprising the economic growth in Asia during 2016-2017 is projected to have a relatively better economic growth at 5.3 percent, compared to the global average of 3.2 percent.

President Jokowi made the statement in his keynote speech in the first session of G7 outreach meeting in the discussion on ‘Stability and Prosperity in Asia’ on Friday (27/5), at Kanko Hotel the Classic, Ise Shima, Japan.

“In 2015, Indonesia’s economy in the last quarter grew 5.04 percent,” President Jokowi said.

According to the President, the world also understands that Asia still has immense potential to be further developed.

Based on the projection of Asian Century 2050, Asia will generate US$174 trillion of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2050, or 52 percent of the global GDP.

Indonesia, as a part of Asia, is optimistic to take part in the Asian Century, the President said.

“Currently, more than 50 percent of Indonesia’s population is below 29 years. Indonesia is also blessed with natural and energy resources richness,” the President added.

However, violence has caused huge economic losses, for example the global losses as the impact of armed violence in 2014 measured a staggering US$14.3 trillion, or 13.4 percent of the global GDP, the President reminded.

Peace and stability must be created and maintained; hence, Asian countries, with full awareness, must manifest them, President Jokowi said.

President Jokowi also highlighted that all potential conflicts in Asia, including the South China Sea and Korean Peninsula must be resolved well and prioritized amicable resolution.

“At present, the world must understand the importance to solve problems without creating other problems. Settling conflicts through forces will only create another violence, such as extremism and humanitarian crisis,” the President said.

President Jokowi also emphasized that Indonesia does not wish to see Asia as a region full of conflicts and power projections.

“The Indonesian Government needs to stress that all nations without exception should abide by international law, otherwise peace and stability will not be maintained,” President Jokowi firmly said.

The world affairs is no longer bipolar as many emerging countries have proved to have potentials and be able to making positive contribution to the world; therefore, emerging countries should be involved in creating world order, the President added.

“Indonesia is ready to become a motor in creating a peaceful and prosperous Asia, and the world,” he said.

President Jokowi was accompanied by Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi in the meeting moderated by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. (DAN/SKM/ES) (RAS/EP/YM/Naster)