Indonesia's Vision for ASEAN as the Epicenter of Growth in 2023

INTI,- Indonesia is set to take over the chairmanship of the ASEAN for the fourth time in 2023. The country's leadership in the regional organization is highly anticipated, given its track record of producing unique legacies for regional integration.

Under the theme "ASEAN Matters: Epicenter of Growth," Indonesia has set its vision for ASEAN to become the center of global growth, according to Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto on Thursday, (4/5/2023) in Jakarta.

Airlangga further elaborated on the "Epicenter of Growth" theme, which emphasizes three elements: the development of regional resilience, strengthening of key drivers, and the implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific.

"This theme is not without reason, as it is based on the modality that supports ASEAN's economic growth, such as the high productive-age population, increasing per capita income, and trade agreements with major trading partners that ensure market access and business needs," Airlangga explained.

Airlangga highlighted that connectivity among ASEAN member countries is the key factor in unlocking this potential, including digitalization and regional infrastructure. Connectivity is also necessary to facilitate economic activities in terms of mobility of goods, services, and people, in order to support economic growth.

In line with the ASEAN's economic development, the 22nd Meeting of the ASEAN Economic Community Council (AECC) will be held in Jakarta from May 6-7, 2023, at the Hotel Indonesia Kempinski Jakarta. This event is part of the series of events leading up to the 42nd ASEAN Summit, which will be held in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), from May 9-11, 2023.

The meeting will discuss Indonesia's economic priorities for its ASEAN chairmanship, which will be reported to the heads of state at the ASEAN Summit. One of the main outcomes of the meeting is the heads of state's agreement to support the development of the electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem in ASEAN. In general, the MEA Council Ministers will also encourage heads of state to improve regional integration and competitiveness through the connectivity of QRIS payment systems among ASEAN member countries.

"Important issues in the global economic megatrend need to be aligned in regional discussions, therefore Indonesia continues to move the region's optimism, bridging the digital divide, and positioning sustainability issues in economic growth," concluded Airlangga.

In addition to the upcoming MEA Council Meeting and ASEAN Summit, Airlangga also announced plans for the ASEAN Indo-Pacific Forum, which includes the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit, ASEAN Creative Economy Business Forum, and Indo-Pacific Infrastructure Forum. In promoting ASEAN as the center of global growth, Indonesia will also host other flagship events, including the ASEAN Investment Forum and ASEAN Inclusive Business Summit.

As Indonesia takes on the ASEAN chairmanship once again, its vision to make ASEAN the epicenter of growth is a welcomed and ambitious goal. The emphasis on regional resilience, strengthening of key drivers, and implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific shows Indonesia's commitment to leading the region towards sustainable and inclusive growth. ***. Hans