San Francisco, United States of America – President Joko Widodo attended the ABAC ASEAN Caucus Day at the Four Seasons Hotel, San Francisco, United States, on Wednesday (15/11) local time. During the meeting, Jokowi welcomed the establishment of the ASEAN Caucus to strengthen ASEAN’s centrality in the APEC Business Advisory Council.
“The maintained regional stability, is also a strength. This is an important asset that allows the ASEAN voice to be heard more loudly in various forums, including in APEC,” said the President in his address. President Jokowi conveyed that ASEAN is one of the strategic regions with strong potential to become the centre of global growth. ASEAN also possesses several strengths, such as above-average economic growth worldwide and a large demographic of young people.
Therefore, the President welcomed the formation of the ASEAN Caucus to reinforce ASEAN’s centrality in the APEC Business Advisory Council. On this occasion, the President also shared his views on several areas that could be the focus of the ASEAN Caucus.
Firstly, in terms of accelerating the energy transition, ASEAN has agreed to become a global hub for the electric vehicle industry. According to President Jokowi, the ASEAN Caucus can play a crucial role in strengthening this initiative. On the other hand, the energy transition also requires investment support, and technological support, where the Indo-Pacific Impact Fund initiative can have a significant role.
Secondly, regarding achieving carbon neutrality. The President stated that the economy must continue to grow in line with ASEAN’s commitment to environmental preservation. ASEAN has agreed on a strategy for carbon neutrality. Indonesia also targets net zero by 2060, and achieving this goal requires concrete cooperation, especially in the government and business sectors, which can be bridged by the ASEAN Caucus.
Thirdly, President Jokowi encourages the active role of the ASEAN Caucus in supporting ASEAN’s commitment to accelerate the implementation of cross-border digital payments through collaboration between financial institutions.
Source: Kemlu