Jakarta, InfoPublik - Several ambassadors support Indonesia who assumes the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) chairmanship in 2023.

Several countries that expressed support include the Netherlands, the US, and Fiji.

The Netherlands Ambassador to Indonesia, Lambert Grijns, stated that the chairmanship is vital for regional stability and prosperity, so the country has a role in leading ASEAN through the current challenging period.

"I strongly believe that Indonesia is one of the most important member states, perhaps the most influential as well, who can play that role," Grijns said in a written statement after “Indonesia ASEAN Chairmanship 2023 Kick Off” at the HI Roundabout, Jakarta, Sunday, 29 January.

Ambassador Grijns assessed that there are two issues that Indonesia must raise during its chairmanship in ASEAN, namely peace in Myanmar and economic integration.

Grijns said the Netherlands wanted to be a closer partner with ASEAN.

Meanwhile, the US Ambassador to Indonesia, Sung Yong Kim, reiterated US support for cooperation with ASEAN under the leadership of Indonesia.

Ambassador Kim hoped Indonesia could repeat its success in the last year's G20 Presidency in this year's ASEAN chairmanship.

"We will fully support Indonesia's chairmanship, as it is a great opportunity for Indonesia to reaffirm its leadership,” Kim said.

In line with the US, Fiji's Ambassador to Indonesia, Amena Yauvoli, also expected concrete results from Indonesia's chairmanship in ASEAN, especially in promoting cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Fiji and the Pacific consider that ASEAN can play an important role in Indo-Pacific economic growth in the future. We really hope that Indonesia will play that important role, and we as a country in the Indo-Pacific region can benefit from such cooperation," he said.

As a fellow archipelagic country, according to Yauvoli, Fiji appreciated Indonesia's leadership to raise issues faced by island countries in global forums, such as in the G20 and ASEAN.

"When people talk about island nations, Indonesia is our leader, who can bring us closer and integrate us into this economic paradigm that ASEAN will lead,” he said, referring to ASEAN's view on the Indo-Pacific.

Previously, Indonesian President Joko Widodo emphasized that under Indonesia's leadership, ASEAN will continue to contribute to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Although faced with various global challenges, such as economy, energy, and food crisis; war; and geopolitical competition, Jokowi believed that ASEAN remains important and relevant to the region and the world.

Under the theme "ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth”, Indonesia also ensures that ASEAN will continue to maintain regional economic growth, which is currently higher than global growth.

Photo: Indonesian President Joko Widodo and ambassadors take a photo opportunity in the “Indonesia ASEAN Chairmanship 2023 Kick Off” event at the HI roundabout, Jakarta, Sunday, 29 January 2023. Press, Media, and Information Bureau of the Presidential Secretariat