Peace, Stability Focal Points in US-ASEAN Summit, Says Jokowi

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo in a press conference on Tuesday said he is set to meet with United States President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris at the US-ASEAN Summit held in Washington D.C. for the next two days. 

“Indonesia expects this special summit will produce a partnership that can contribute to peace, stability, and regional welfare,” said the President in the virtual press conference on May 10.

He explained that the country is bearing the responsibility as the US-ASEAN partnership coordinator until 2024 and intends to maintain a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. 

Apart from meeting the two leaders of the country, Jokowi also said he is scheduled to meet a renowned CEO of a U.S. company during his visit there, which according to previous reports signals a meeting with Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

Minister Pandjaitan elaborated on Monday that the President’s meeting with Elon will mostly comprise talks about accelerating the development of Indonesia’s nickel industry and its aim to supply batteries for electric vehicles. 

“Yes, they will both meet. We are currently setting up the schedule and its location,” said Luhut Pandjaitan in a press conference at the Presidential offices on May 9. 

The US-ASEAN special summit was held virtually in 2021 due to the global pandemic limiting international travel. The summit itself will be attended by leaders of ASEAN countries and the United States President Joe Biden in talks of common international interests and intensifying partnerships across a multitude of fields. 

Starting from strengthening the handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, global health security, climate change, sustainable development, maritime partnership, human resources development, education, and economic connectivity and involvement. 

Read: Jokowi, Entourage Leave for US-ASEAN Summit in Chartered Garuda Indonesia Plane

M JULNIS FIRMANSYAH