"We are pushing the Southeast Asian region to become a center of economic growth," he noted during a press conference in Jakarta.
Thohir said Indonesia is officially holding the ASEAN chair this year and is hosting the ASEAN Summit on May 9-11, 2023, in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).
"We promote peace and also the economy," he affirmed.
At the ASEAN Summit, Indonesia will remain consistent with projecting the message at the G20, during which President Joko Widodo pushed for globalization policies that benefit not only developed countries but also developing countries.
"Indonesia also wants to progress, and it was proven before that the G20 program was highly appreciated by many countries," Thohir stated.
Earlier, President Widodo checked the preparations in Puncak Waringin Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara, as one of the locations for the 42nd ASEAN Summit.
Puncak Waringin is the location of the ASEAN Summit for the Spouse Program, an activity for pairs of ASEAN heads of state who attend the event.
Moreover, the Puncak Waringin area is a souvenir center that can become a hub for shopping activities for various unique and traditional products in Labuan Bajo. The community can sell local goods and crafts, such as woven fabrics, coffee, bags, dolls, shoes, and jewelry.
The Ministry of Public Works and Housing (PUPR) has completed the arrangement of this area to make Labuan Bajo a premium destination.
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Translator: Aji Cakti, Cindy Frishanti Octavia
Editor: Anton Santoso
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