ASEAN must really be prepared for increasingly complex challenges. We must prepare for the worst, but still hope for the best.
Labuan Bajo, NTT (ANTARA) - The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) must prepare for the worst amid the current global challenges, Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has said.

He made the statement while opening a meeting with ASEAN leaders and the High-Level Task Force (HLTF) for the ASEAN Vision Post-2025 as part of the 42nd ASEAN Summit at Meruorah Hotel, Labuan Bajo, NTT, on Wednesday.

“ASEAN must really be prepared for increasingly complex challenges. We must prepare for the worst, but still hope for the best," he pointed out.

He also highlighted HLTF's important role in mapping challenges and opportunities in the future and ensuring ASEAN's contribution to the progress of the region and the world.

The head of state said that the ASEAN Vision 2045 must be more adaptive, far-sighted, and not mediocre.

"In our discussion today, we will elaborate on out-of-the-box and transformative thinking. Therefore, ASEAN leaders will directly hear the HLTF report and plans for the future," he added.

The ASEAN Summit, during Indonesia's chairmanship this year, will be held twice: from May 9–11 in Labuan Bajo and in September in Jakarta.

During its chairmanship, Indonesia has raised the theme of “ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth” to reflect that ASEAN is important and relevant as a global growth center.

Indonesia aims to strengthen the institutional capacity and effectiveness of ASEAN so that it can respond to the challenges of the next 20 years.

Widodo said that Indonesia will also assist the region toward ASEAN Vision 2045, which needs to be more adaptive, responsive, and competitive in ways that are in line with the principles of the ASEAN Charter.

As ASEAN chair, Indonesia is also aiming to strengthen economic recovery and make Southeast Asia an engine of sustainable growth, he added.

Under Indonesia's chairmanship this year, several meetings, including the ASEAN Summit, are expected to produce a number of documents, including on the post-2025 ASEAN Vision and strengthening ASEAN capacity.

Related news: Strengthen collaboration to make ASEAN a center for growth: Jokowi
Related news: Unity crucial for ASEAN to realize peace, growth: President Jokowi








Translator: Shofi Ayudiana, Resinta S
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2023