Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia at Retreat Session of the 42nd ASEAN Summit at Meruorah Hotel, Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara Province, May 11, 2023

Your Excellencies ASEAN Leaders,

Good morning.

This morning we will discuss two important issues, namely the review of the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus and the implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).

As the chair, Indonesia continues to strive for progress in the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus. Through engagements with various parties, we encourage inclusive dialogue, call for the cessation of violence, facilitate resolution through the Joint Needs Assessment via the AHA Centre, and provide humanitarian assistance. However, I must honestly admit that there has been no significant progress in the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus, thus requiring ASEAN unity to formulate future steps.

But what I want to emphasize is that the issue of Myanmar should not hinder the acceleration of ASEAN community building. This community building is eagerly awaited by the ASEAN people. Regarding the implementation of the AOIP, concrete and inclusive cooperation is needed to reduce tensions in the Indo-Pacific, and one of the avenues for this is through the ASEAN Indo-Pacific Infrastructure Forum (AIPIF) as a platform for a concrete cooperation with partner countries.

Ladies and gentlemen,

We will now proceed to the closed session. I respectfully ask the media to leave the meeting room. Thank you.

(AS/MMB)