Jakarta, 7 September 2023 – The 43^rd ASEAN Summit provides optimism and positive energy for Southeast Asian countries and their partners.

This was stated by Indonesian President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo at the conclusion of the 43^rd ASEAN Summit at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC) in Jakarta on Thursday (7/9/2023) afternoon.

President Jokowi also expressed his high appreciation to all state leaders and guests who attended the event.

"In the last three days, twelve summit meetings have been held and have produced 90 outcome documents and a number of concrete agreements with partners. During the meeting, I sensed the optimism and positive energy from all who attended. I can honestly say, it strengthens hope, it strengthens the spirit to continue striving to create a peaceful region, a stable region, and a prosperous region," said President Jokowi.

He said the 43^rd ASEAN Summit also served as momentum to further strengthen the Indo-Pacific region as a theater of peace and inclusiveness. "That is the key foundation that will deliver ASEAN to a better future for the people and for the world," he said.

According to him, it is the essence of what Indonesia's Chairmanship has built, making ASEAN the Epicentrum of Growth.

"However, our task is not finished yet. ASEAN's work cannot be completed in one chairmanship alone. We will continue to face various kinds of dynamics and complexity of global challenges. For this, we must work together, navigate challenges into opportunities, navigate rivalries into collaboration, navigate exclusivity into inclusiveness, and navigate differences into unity. We must be captains of our own ships, and it is time for the baton of leadership to be handed over to Lao PDR," said President Jokowi.

On this occasion, President Jokowi again invited ASEAN countries to continue to strengthen collaboration. "Let's continue to strengthen collaboration and cooperation for a peaceful and prosperous ASEAN and make the world a better place for all. Once again, I thank you for supporting Indonesia's chairmanship in 2023. Thus, I officially declare the 43^rd ASEAN Summit and Related Summits concluded," ended President Jokowi.

***

For further information, please contact:

Director General of Public Information and Communication, Ministry of Communication and Informatics – Usman Kansong (0816785320).

Find more information at http://asean2023.id, https://infopublik.id/kategori/asean-2023, and https://indonesia.go.id/kategori/ragam-asean-2023

Photo caption [1]: President Joko Widodo (left) gives the hammer as a symbol of handing over the 2024 ASEAN Chairmanship to Lao PDR’s Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone after his closing speech at the 43^rd ASEAN Summit 2023 in Jakarta, Thursday (7/9/2023). 2023 ASEAN Summit Media Center/ Zabur Karuru/foc.

Photo caption [2]: President Joko Widodo delivers his closing speech at the closing session of the  43^rd ASEAN Summit 2023 in Jakarta, Thursday (7/9/2023). 2023 ASEAN Summit Media Center/ Zabur Karuru/foc.