TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) stated his support for Australia to become a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and play a bigger role in the region`s defense, trade, and security sectors.
"I think it's a good idea," Widodo said in an interview with Fairfax Media, as quoted by Sydney Morning Herald, March 15.
Widodo made the statement before flying to Sydney for the ASEAN Summit, the first one that Australia hosts.
Read: Jokowi to Attend ASEAN-Australia Summit
Australian media said that this is the first time an Indonesian president shows support for Australia's inclusion in ASEAN. Nevertheless, Jokowi could not say whether other ASEAN members will support or reject his view.
Responding to Widodo's statement, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said that he "forward to discussing that with President Jokowi if he raises it with me".
Turnbull is inviting Widodo over for dinner at his residence tomorrow evening.
ANU Indonesia expert Dr. Greg Fealy questions whether other ASEAN countries would agree with Widodo, as the association works on consensus. "Without an overall agreement, it won't happen," he said.
