Working together means equality. Working together means inclusiveness, and we can only work together if we understand each other.Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) conveyed the Global South's message on encouraging global equality, collaboration, and inclusivity at the G7 Partner Working Session in Hiroshima, Japan, on Saturday.
"Working together means equality. Working together means inclusiveness, and we can only work together if we understand each other," he said, according to a statement released here on Saturday.
He also asked whether G7 countries and partners have embraced equality, inclusivity, and mutual understanding.
"We must dare to say the truth; there are many things we need to improve," he said.
The coronavirus pandemic has taught the world about the importance of involving more countries in the global supply chain, the President noted. For this reason, he called for an end to monopolistic policies.
"Discriminatory policies against commodities of developing countries must stop. Every country's right to development must be respected," he stressed.
According to Jokowi, in the current era, Global South countries must be allowed to export more than just raw materials, as opposed to the colonialism era.
"Is it fair that a country rich in natural resources like Indonesia is prevented from enjoying the added value of its natural resources? Prevented from processing their natural resources in the country?" he asked.
He also emphasized that the more than 270 million Indonesians who contribute to peace, democracy, and economy in Southeast Asia and the Asia-Pacific region must prosper.
With that in mind, Indonesia has not closed itself, but is working hard to increase equitable cooperation that mutually benefits all.
"I hope the G7 countries can become partners in industry downstreaming, and it is time to establish a kind of OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) for other products, such as nickel and palm oil," he said.
At the end of his speech, he highlighted the G7's vital role in reducing polarization and invited them to collaborate.
"I want to stress that what the world needs now is not polarization, but rather a collaboration that unites, and G7 countries have a big role in creating concrete and equal collaboration," he said.
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Translator: Rangga J, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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