Jakarta, 31 January 2023 (TDI): Indonesian President, Joko Widodo, launched Indonesia’s 2023 ASEAN Chairmanship on 20 January. The handover of the ASEAN Chairmanship from Cambodia to Indonesia took place at the 42nd ASEAN Summit in Phnom Penh last November 2022.
Indonesia’s ASEAN Chairmanship period began on 1 January 2023 and will last for a year until 31 December 2023.
Theme of ASEAN Chairmanship
Through the theme of the ASEAN Chairmanship, namely, “ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth”, Indonesia is determined to direct ASEAN cooperation in 2023.
Indonesia wants to continue and strengthen ASEAN’s relevance in responding to regional and global challenges. It also wants to strengthen ASEAN’s position as the epicenter of regional economic growth, for the prosperity of the people of ASEAN.
President Joko Widodo expressed optimism that ASEAN will remain relevant and create a peaceful and stable Indo-Pacific. It will become a center of economic growth.
The parade line-up was colorful and lively, consisting of marching bands, carnival outfits, percussion music groups, and Jakarta art groups, such as Betawi dancers and ondel-ondel.
Moreover, President Joko Widodo joined the parade line in front of Sarinah, walking together towards the HI Roundabout.
The parade involved more than 500 people from various representative groups and students from a number of Jakarta high schools, Altajuru music group, Firefighters, and SSY.
Also participating in the parade were Ambassadors of friendly countries and representatives of international organizations.
This was further enhanced by the presence of an entertainment stage enlivened by a number of artists. This included Rara Lida, Putra Lida, and Maria Callista.
Moreover, as one of the founding countries of ASEAN and the largest country in ASEAN, many parties rely on Indonesia for various breakthroughs and innovations in dealing with various world problems.
The kick-off was held ahead of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ meeting on 3-4 February 2023. The meeting will take place at the ASEAN Secretariat Building, Jakarta.
