"Of course, equality is a fundamental material in realizing this. If tensions arise, ASEAN will definitely try to resolve them with mediation and solutions," she said in a statement received here on Tuesday.
The speech made by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) at the opening of the 43rd ASEAN Summit on Tuesday aimed to show that equality is a primary value for ASEAN countries, she pointed out.
This is in line with ASEAN's role as a stabilizer amid global geopolitical tensions.
In relation to equality, she noted that the diversity in Indonesia is one of the closest examples of differences becoming one of the factors that strengthen, instead of dividing, a nation.
She further said that in organizing forums under its ASEAN chairmanship this year, Indonesia has been consistently prioritizing equality.
"(With) the approach that is based on Indonesia's diverse national experiences, be it in terms of ethnicity, culture, language, and religion with full equality, we want to show that it can become one national strength," she explained.
She said that the ASEAN Summit in Jakarta is a good momentum to push peace and prosperity amid the various threats and global conflicts caused by inequality. Thus, differences between member countries must not impede the progress of ASEAN, she added.
She also highlighted the importance of Indonesia remaining optimistic about its current position globally. This has been demonstrated by President Widodo, under whom Indonesia has managed to gain international trust and reclaim its position as a credible and influential country.
“That trust was built by our real work, including through the G20 presidency and ASEAN chairmanship,” she said.
The 43rd ASEAN Summit is being held from September 5 to 7, 2023, in Jakarta. It has been joined by ASEAN country leaders, partner countries, and relevant international organizations. The summit is focusing on discussing the development and strengthening of ASEAN’s cooperation with external partners.
Indonesia is holding the ASEAN chairmanship in 2023, with the theme of "ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth." The vision of Indonesia's chairmanship is to build a resilient, adaptive, and inclusive ASEAN.
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Translator: Andi Firdaus, Raka Adji
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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