Indonesian President Jokowi: ASEAN Must be Subject of Global Politics

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Indonesian President Jokowi has underlined the immense importance of cooperation among ASEAN Member-States in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

At the 36th ASEAN Summit on June 26, Jokowi said strengthening cooperation among ASEAN countries would renew the hope of partnership that is effective, efficient, and fair.

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“In the midst of pessimism towards multilateralism, regional cooperation has become more important. ASEAN must be the subject and not an object in global politics,” said Jokowi via teleconference.

The number of violations made on international agreements is evidence of the pessimism towards multilateralism.

In the new era or new normal for the world, enhanced cooperation at the ASEAN level can serve as a catalyst in maintaining regional stability and peace.

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As such, ASEAN centrality and unity must be realized.

“ASEAN must be the guardian of our own region not the projection of power by bigger nations,” said Jokowi.

Strengthening the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific is one measure that ASEAN countries can take to improve regional cooperation.

Member-States signed the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific at the 34th ASEAN Summit on June 22, 2019.

Indonesian President Jokowi stressed on the need to strength the ASEAN Outlook as it prioritizes inclusivity, cooperation, a rules-based order, and confidence-building.

ASEAN and the coronavirus pandemic

During the virtually held 36th ASEAN Summit, Jokowi shared his assessment on how rivalry among the major powers has exacerbated the global impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Indonesian President highlighted how the regional organization’s healthcare sector has been hit hard by the pandemic followed by its economic impact.