..it is crucial that we position inclusiveness as our guiding force,
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has urged leaders of Asia-Pacific countries to foster trust and resist fragmentation during the 2025 Summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in Gyeongju, South Korea.

Speaking at the first session of the APEC Leaders’ Meeting on Friday, he underscored the urgency for Asia-Pacific nations to avoid fatalism and take concrete steps to rebuild trust across the region in order to prevent global economic instability.

“Tension and rising distrust could endanger global economic stability and deepen divisions among us. However, I believe the Asia-Pacific must not accept fragmentation as its fate,” Prabowo remarked, as cited in a statement received in Jakarta.

Highlighting the region’s spirit of collectivism, the president reminded fellow leaders that APEC was founded on a shared vision of inclusive growth and multilateral cooperation.

On that note, he called on APEC economies to reaffirm their commitment to an open trade system grounded in fairness and international law.

“It is time to renew our commitment to open, fair, and inclusive multilateral economic cooperation. Indonesia remains committed to promoting a rule-based multilateral trade system, with the WTO at its core, and to ensuring a level playing field for all,” he said.

The Indonesian leader further emphasized that exclusivity in economic growth could fuel fragmentation and instability, ultimately hindering peace and prosperity.

“Bearing that in mind, it is crucial that we position inclusiveness as our guiding force,” he stressed.

The president also rallied APEC members to intensify cooperation in combating transnational crimes such as smuggling, money laundering, and drug trafficking—issues that he sees as serious impediments to sustainable growth and the region’s future.

Concluding his statement, Prabowo reiterated his call for all APEC leaders to rebuild trust and strengthen regional collaboration.

Prabowo’s speech aligned closely with the session’s theme, “Towards a More Connected, Resilient Region and Beyond,” which highlights the importance of strengthening connectivity, economic resilience, and cross-regional collaboration.



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Translator: Mentari D, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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