Jakarta, 4 September 2023 – The implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) is one of the three pillars of Indonesia's Chairmanship along with ASEAN Matters and the Epicentrum of Growth. As an Indonesian initiative, AOIP promotes ASEAN's role in maintaining regional stability while contributing to the progress and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region.
This was stated by Chery Sidharta, Director of External Cooperation of ASEAN at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Monday, 4 September 2023, amid preparations for the 43rd ASEAN Summit scheduled to take place from 5 to 7 September 2023.
"ASEAN embraces major countries to cooperate in the Indo-Pacific region through the core principles of AOIP, which include strengthening ASEAN centrality, openness, inclusivity, transparency, non-interference, and respect for international law," said Chery.
These principles serve as a guide for ASEAN to address various challenges, while also demonstrating that ASEAN does not favor any major power in its efforts to maintain peace in the Indo-Pacific region.
The establishment of OIP took place during the 34th ASEAN Summit in 2019, in response to numerous geopolitical dynamics and challenges posed by countries with vested interests in the region. ASEAN, as the largest regional organization in Southeast Asia, plays a strategic role in addressing these dynamics.
In light of numerous new challenges, such as the economic decoupling between the US and China across various sectors, the ramifications of the war in Ukraine, and concerns about military buildup and nuclear proliferation in the region, AOIP becomes even more relevant.
In the future, AOIP also aims to safeguard ASEAN's investments in the region, in the form of peace which has been maintained for over five decades and serve as the foundation for ASEAN's economic growth and prosperity.
This spirit motivates Indonesia to advance cooperation in AOIP's priority areas in 2023, including maritime, economic, connectivity, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) achievement.
As the Chair of ASEAN in 2023, Indonesia will host a series of flagship events with the theme "ASEAN-Indo Pacific Forum." These activities are expected to serve as concrete implementations of AOIP and are hoped to enhance the role of other ASEAN member states in becoming the lead drivers of activities/projects/initiatives to implement AOIP."
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For more information, please contact:
Director General of Public Information and Communications of the Ministry of Communications and Informatics – Usman Kansong (0816785320).
Get more information at http://asean2023.id, https://infopublik.id/kategori/asean-2023, and https://indonesia.go.id/kategori/ragam-asean-2023
Photo caption: As the Chair of ASEAN in 2023, Indonesia will host a series of flagship events with the theme of the ASEAN-Indo Pacific Forum. (Foto: asean2023.id)