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ASEAN SUMMIT 2023 - JAKARTA President Joko Widodo "Jokowi", who is assuming the chairmanship of ASEAN for the year 2023, underscored Indonesia's commitment to upholding the principle of equality among Southeast Asian countries. In his opening remarks at the 43rd ASEAN Summit held at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC), President Jokowi stressed the importance of equality as a cornerstone for regional unity.
"Inequality has given rise to numerous injustices and conflicts across the globe. ASEAN stands as a beacon of unity, where we walk together in the face of global challenges," President Jokowi stated on Tuesday.
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He emphasized that while ASEAN remains united, it does not imply the absence of differing opinions. Indonesia, with its diverse ethnic groups, cultures, languages, and religions, views unity as harmony in diversity, including respecting differing viewpoints.
"Differences in opinions enrich our democracy and signify our equal standing as a family," President Jokowi explained.
Equality is the central value that Indonesia, under its chairmanship, aims to uphold within the framework of unity and collaboration. President Jokowi acknowledged the increasingly complex global landscape and competition among major powers for influence but reiterated ASEAN's commitment not to become a pawn for any external power.
"ASEAN will collaborate with any nation for peace and prosperity. Let us not turn our ASEAN ship into a battleground for destructive rivalries but rather into a platform for cooperation, fostering prosperity, stability, and peace for our region and the world," President Jokowi urged.
The opening ceremony of the 43rd ASEAN Summit featured a warm welcome for leaders from ASEAN and invited countries by President Joko Widodo and First Lady Iriana Jokowi. Leaders and delegates entered the JCC Plenary Hall, where the ceremony took place.
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The event commenced with the performance of the ASEAN anthem "The ASEAN Ways" sung by the Gitabumi Voices and accompanied by music played by the Purwa Caraka Orchestra. A dance symbolizing the unity and togetherness of ASEAN as a growth center was performed by the Aemove Dancers, followed by the Gitabumi Voices singing the "Epicentrum of Growth" song.
President Joko Widodo officially opened the 43rd ASEAN Summit and related Summits with his opening remarks. ASEAN leaders, along with representatives from Bangladesh, the Chair of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), and the Cook Islands, Chair of the Pacific Island Forum (PIF), participated in a group photo session with the iconic "ASEAN-way" pose.
During the ceremony, President Jokowi presented the ASEAN Prize for 2022 and 2023. The ASEAN Prize 2022 was awarded to Vietnamese Nguyen Thi Tuyet Minh, while the ASEAN Prize 2023 was conferred upon Muhammad Iqbal Fakhri bin Haji Damit from Brunei Darussalam.
President Jokowi's message of unity, equality, and cooperation set the tone for the 43rd ASEAN Summit, highlighting Indonesia's commitment to strengthening ASEAN's role in promoting regional stability and global peace.
