TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko Widodo, also known as Jokowi, is scheduled to attend the 30th ASEAN Summit in Manila, Philippine on April 29 and 30, 2017. In the forum, Jokowi will discuss a number of strategic issues, including people affairs.
"In providing a direction for the ASEAN's future, I think Jokowi will emphasize topics surrounding the people in Indonesia and ASEAN," Jose Antonio Morato Tavares, director general of ASEAN cooperation at the Foreign Ministry, said during a press conference in Jakarta on Tuesday, April 25, 2017.
According to Jose, Jokowi will ensure that commitments agreed by ASEAN member countries can provide benefits for the people. Jose added that the effort is in line with a plan to promote peace and prosperity in ASEAN member countries.
Jose revealed that President Jokowi will also talk about cooperation among ASEAN countries to follow up commitments, dialogues, and consultations at various levels of ASEAN meetings.
"The president will see whether the commitments made have been implemented and realized in the field," Jose said.
The 30th ASEAN Summit is expected to result in an outcome document in the form of a joint statement or the "Chairman Statement" agreed by member counters.
"In addition, there will be the Declaration of Rule Cyber Service and ASEAN Community 2025, as well as discussions on cooperation with partnering countries, including the United States," Jose added.
In addition, President Jokowi will present an opinion on how ASEAN should respond to global political and economic situations.
Jose said that he could not confirm other topics to be raised by President Jokowi in the summit. According to Jose, a head of state is allowed to raise a specific issue which is deemed important. However, Jose did not deny that the South China Sea dispute and the conflict on the Korean Peninsula could be mentioned by President Jokowi in the summit.
YOHANES PASKALIS