"In a rapidly changing world, future challenges demand ASEAN to continue to adapt and collaborate more closely," he stated.
Amin underscored the need for unity, innovation, and sustainability to keep the "big ship" of ASEAN sailing.
To maintain unity, he underlined the importance of ensuring the mainstreaming of the implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) as a strategic guideline for cooperation in the region, which will strengthen ASEAN's centrality.
In his speech, Amin also stated that Indonesia lauds the implementation of the 2nd ASEAN-Indo Pacific Forum and the creation of ASEAN-Indo Pacific business networks as a form of concrete cooperation in the AOIP framework.
To strengthen unity, he welcomed the AOIP declaration as a main reference for regional architecture that is inclusive and centered towards ASEAN.
At the summit, he also highlighted the need to push innovation and economic integration to make ASEAN the world's center of economic growth.
The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is an innovation for ASEAN to compete in the new era of the global economy that is increasingly integrated and sustainable.
Indonesia welcomes Chile, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong's intention to join the RCEP.
Amin assessed that the ASEAN must continue to strengthen the RCEP by taking steps, such as appointing an executive director and activating the RCEP unit in the ASEAN Secretariat.
As for sustainability, he noted that the ASEAN needs to be adaptive and responsive in responding to current and future challenges, such as climate change, threats to food security, and global water scarcity.
Hence, the ASEAN must continue to commit to development that pursues economic growth and sustainability. It is also deemed essential for the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 to be continuously complemented with concrete strategic plans.
"I hope strategic plans for the implementation of the 2045 vision can be agreed next year in Malaysia," he remarked.
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Translator: Mentari Dwi, Raka Adji
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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