President Jokowi Discusses ASEAN Economic Growth 2023 with ADB President

President Jokowi in a bilateral meeting with ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa at Sokha Hotel, Phnom Penh, on Thursday (11/10). (Photo: Bureau of Press, Media, and Information of Presidential Secretariat / Laily Rachev)

On the sideline of the Association of South-East Asian Nation (ASEAN) Summit held in Phonm Penh, Cambodia, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo had a bilateral meeting with President of Asian Development Bank (ADB) Masatsugu Asakawa, at Sokha Hotel, Phnom Penh, on Thursday (11/10).

President Jokowi discussed the projection of economic growth in South-East Asia, especially next year when Indonesia assumes the Chairmanship of ASEAN with the main theme of “ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth”.

“I would like to hear in person your perspective, Mr. Sasakawa,” President Jokowi said.

According to President Jokowi, in ADB reports on South-East Asia economic growth, this year’s economic growth is slowing down from 5.1 percent to 4.9 percent, despite the fact that the region’s economic growth is better than that of other regions.

“The decline in global demand will increase inflation and financial instability in the region. Certainly, we in the region must be cautious,” President Jokowi observed.

Meanwhile, in his introductory remarks, the ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa congratulated Indonesia for a very good economic performance. In addition, the ADB President also appreciated Indonesia’s leadership in the G20. Indonesia, in his opinion, is perceived good in navigating the G20.

Accompanying President Jokowi in the meeting were Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi, and Minister of State Secretary Pratikno. (Bureau of Press, Media, and Information of Presidential Secretariat/ UN) (AW/MUR)