President Jokowi Calls for Synergy, Collaboration among ASEAN States to Face COVID-19 Pandemic

President Jokowi virtual ASEAN Summit from the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java Province, Tuesday (14/4). (Photo by: BPMI)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo called on Association of Southeast Nations (ASEAN) member states to unite, synergize, and collaborate to fight against Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

“We don’t have other choice than winning the battle against the virus. Unity, synergy and collaboration are the solutions,” President Jokowi said when attending virtual ASEAN Summit on the COVID-19 Pandemic from the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java Province, Tuesday (14/4).

The pandemic, he added, has become our common enemies which have significantly affected the global economy, including the economy in ASEAN regions that is projected to grow by only 1 percent this year. Therefore,  President gave his four views in battling COVID-19.

“First, we must break the virus transmission chain in respective countries as well as in the Region. In addition, we must also break the virus transmission chain in border areas,” he said.

For that reason, President Jokowi suggested the establishment of protocols to respond the pandemic in border areas through contract tracing and outbreak investigation. Strict supervision at borders will eventually break virus transmission chain in the Region.

“Second, we must also ensure the flow of goods. People mobility is indeed restricted but flow of goods should not be disrupted, particularly staple food, medicines, and medical equipment,” the President stated.

President Jokowi asserted that ASEAN must adopt certain regulation on trade chain during pandemic that can anticipate regional economic slowdown.

The third view from the President is regarding cooperation on protection of ASEAN nationals, including migrant workers.

“We need to show that ASEAN plays important role in this crisis, and the people can enjoy direct benefits from the association. I also appreciated close cooperation between Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore in the protection of migrant workers,” he added.

On that occasion, President Jokowi also touched on the issue of collaboration and cooperation with ASEAN partners, including ASEAN Plus Three cooperation which includes ASEAN member states plus Japan, South Korea, and the People’s Republic of China. He also supported the establishment of ASEAN Covid-19 Response Fund in this emergency situation.

“We must encourage the contribution of ASEAN partners particularly member states of ASEAN Plus Three. We also must focus on the strengthening of cooperation mechanism including the Chiang Mai Initiative,” he concluded. (BPMI/EN)

Translated by : Rany Anjany S
Reviewed by: Lulu Wuliarti