Jokowi in ASEAN-India Summit: It's Not the Sea of Confrontation

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo alluded to maritime security issues while inaugurating the ASEAN-India Summit on Thursday, September 7, 2023. As the ASEAN Chair, Jokowi mentioned that the cooperation between the Southeast Asian bloc and Indonesia has room for improvement. 

"We must be able to transform the ocean into a sea of corporation, not a sea of confrontation," Jokowi said at Jakarta Convention Center.

The Indian delegates were led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During his opening remarks, Modi mentioned the similar values upheld by India and ASEAN, namely regional unity.

Meanwhile, Jokowi highlighted the potential for cooperation for the blue economy, food resilience, maritime connectivity, and sustainable ocean resources. The president also said that maritime crimes such as piracy, people smuggling, narcotics, and IUU fishing have to be eradicated by ASEAN and India.

ASEAN and India have passed 30 years of partnership. India is recorded as the highest trading partner of the Southeast Asian bloc, garnering US$133 billion last year. Both parties also agreed on a Comprehensive Partnership Strategy to boost their partnerships on mutual interest concerning regional and global issues. 

Regarding the economy, the parties agreed to facilitate trade and investment as well as promote energy resilience through the development of renewable energy sources. ASEAN and India's cooperation also includes integrated regional electricity networks, research and development, strengthening the capacity for science and technology, and supporting digital connectivity and skill development.

DANIEL A. FAJRI

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