President Jokowi Attends BIMP-EAGA Meeting

President Jokowi attends the 13th Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Meeting, at the Athenee Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand, Sunday (23/6). (Photo by: Dinda M /PR)

Sub-regional cooperation including Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) is a suitable forum for promoting concrete cooperation between countries in the region that will stimulate economic development and prosperity among the members, according to President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo.

The statement was made by President Jokowi when attending the 13^th Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Meeting, at the Athenee Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand, Sunday (23/6).

In that meeting, President Jokowi raised three issues; first, promoting connectivity cooperation not only through physical infrastructure but also technology infrastructure.

“We must continue to increase the availability of information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure in order to support the new economic growth of the digital economy,” the President said.

In addition, we have to make the best use of the existing connectivity line, including Bitung-Davao ferry routes, and Manado-Davao air routes.

“Availability of commodities, transportation services value, and relaxation of regulations must be accelerated. Monitoring and evaluation must also be carried out to manifest the 2025 BIMP EAGA visions,” President Jokowi said.

Second, the Head of State reminded all that maritime potential must be developed so it can support marine-based inclusive economic empowerment programs.

The President cited an example of a fisheries start up e-commerce platform, Aruna, which has successfully increased fishermen’s income by 20 percent. Therefore, such innovative measure must become one of Indonesia’s focus programs for the future, he added.

“Maritime tourism sector which involves the public needs to be developed, for example the concept of community-based eco-tourism, as well as cruise and yacht tours,” President Jokowi said.

Third, President Jokowi called for strengthening of working network among private sectors particularly through the BIMP-EAGA Business Council.

To conclude his remarks, the President asserted that Indonesia sees urgent need to establish BIMP-EAGA Joint Secretary to support implementation of various programs contained in the 2025 BIMP-EAGA visions.

In addition, he also emphasized the importance of giving more attention to sub-regional security issues due to various security threats, such as kidnapping at sea which can disrupt economic activities, especially maritime economy potential.

“Thus, we need to improve effectiveness of security cooperation,” President Jokowi concluded. (DND/DID/ES)

Translated by : Rany Anjany Subachrum
Edited by : Mia Medyana Bonaedy