[UPDATED] Asean won’t be proxy for any superpower: Jokowi

JAKARTA – Indonesian President Joko Widodo today drove home Asean’s determination to not be unduly influenced by any superpower and remain focused on peaceful productive cooperation in the face of turbulent situations that threaten the region.

Speaking at the opening of the 43rd Asean Summit here, he acknowledged that Southeast Asia’s challenges will become increasingly difficult in the future as a result of the struggle for influence by superpowers.

“However, Asean has agreed not to become a proxy for any power. We will cooperate with anyone for peace and prosperity,” said Jokowi, as he is also known, in welcoming delegates before the summit’s plenary session at the Jakarta Convention Centre.

The summit, which will last till Thursday, is being hosted and chaired by Indonesia in the capital city here.

Also present is Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who arrived in Jakarta yesterday, and leaders of other member nations.

“Let us not make our ship, Asean, an arena for rivalries that are mutually destructive, but make it a (fertile) field to cultivate cooperation,” said Jokowi. 

He also refuted talk about whether the bloc will be divided and not work in unison.

“At this very moment, as a member of the family and as chairman of Asean, I would like to emphasise that the unity of Asean to date has been well maintained,” he stressed.

He said the equality in the grouping is unique in the world, warning that many “injustices and conflicts” can occur due to lack of it.

“However, in Asean, it’s different. Equality is actually the main value that we respect and uphold together within the framework of unity and togetherness so that the great Asean ship can continue to sail forward.”

The gathering will, over the next three days, see separate secondary summits with key superpowers and nations outside the region.

They are China, the US, the Republic of Korea (South Korea), Japan, Canada, India and Australia whose leaders are present.

A special summit will also be held with the “Plus Three” members of China, South Korea and Japan, and another one with the United Nations. – The Vibes, September 5, 2023