President Jokowi Welcomes ASEAN Caucus in APEC Business Advisory Council

President Jokowi during the ABAC ASEAN Caucus Day at Four Seasons Hotel, San Francisco, USA (11/15). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo at the Four Seasons Hotel, San Francisco, during ABAC ASEAN Caucus Day on Wednesday (11/15) stated that ASEAN is a strategic region that has great capital to become the epicentrum of growth. ASEAN also has some strengths and important assets such as higher economic growth than the average global growth and youth demographic dividend.

“And the maintained stability in the region, this is also a strength. This is an important asset that will amplify the ASEAN’s voice to be heard more clearly in many forums, including APEC” said the President in his remarks.

Therefore, the Head of State welcomes the establishment of ASEAN Caucus to strengthen ASEAN Centrality in the APEC Business Advisory Council. “I hope this forum will strengthen the partnership synergy between governments and business sectors,” he added.

The President also conveyed his views on the sectors that ASEAN Caucus should focus on. First, regarding energy transition acceleration, ASEAN has agreed on being a global hub for electric vehicle industry.

“ASEAN Caucus can be an important part to strengthen such initiative. On the other hand, energy transition also requires investment and technology support, in which the Indo-Pacific Impact Fund initiative could play a significant role,” he said.

The other important issue to be focused on is how to achieve carbon neutrality. The President highlighted that economy has to keep growing along with the ASEAN’s commitment to protecting the environment.

“ASEAN has agreed on the strategy for carbon neutrality. Indonesia also aims for net zero emissions by 2060, that will require concrete cooperation between the government and business sectors in which the ASEAN Caucus could bridge,” he added.

The Head of State made his final point by calling for the active role of ASEAN Caucus in supporting ASEAN’s commitment to accelerating the implementation of cross-border digital payments through the cooperation of financial institutions. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/UN) (AY/LW)