The support was apparent after Indonesia discussed the Indo-Pacific concept with ASEAN member countries and consulted with ASEAN dialogue partners in the East Asia Summit held in Singapore on Sunday.
"During the summit, it was clear that almost all countries continue to lend support to the ASEAN`s centrality even in the development of the Indo-Pacific concept," Minister Marsudi noted after the commemoration of the ASEAN`s 51st Anniversary in Jakarta, Wednesday.
Indonesia has suggested the Indo-Pacific concept that is based on inclusivity and openness as well as mainstreaming of partnership and a culture of dialogue, respecting international law, and putting ASEAN`s centrality in the future.
The concept will be further enriched and discussed at the ASEAN Summit to take place in Singapore this November.
"The discussions around a new partnership concept surely take a lot of time, but at least Indonesia has presented its concept and perspective on the Indo-Pacific to ASEAN member countries. The concept will become the ASEAN`s, and the ASEAN will become the center for discussion around this," she explained.
Consultations on the Indo-Pacific concept have been conducted since last year, and Indonesia has laid emphasis on ensuring the concept can target economic and security cooperation.
Issues revolving around the Indo-Pacific concept are strategic to Indonesia and the ASEAN, as they are geographically located in between the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
The Indonesian government offers a perspective on the Indo-Pacific region aimed at enhancing cooperation in maritime, connectivity, and integrated development agendas.
Indonesia`s concept on the Indo-Pacific aims to increase the added value of the ASEAN`s existing partnership mechanism, especially to strengthen the East Asia Summit.
Reported by Yashinta Difa
Edited by Aria Cindyara, Suharto
Reporter: antara
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
