President: ASEAN Anchor of Peace
In the midst of widespread and increasingly frequent global conflicts, ASEAN with its diversity is expected to be an example of tolerance and unity.
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JAKARTA, KOMPAS - As an association, ASEAN has a very important role. Based on efforts to fight for the welfare of the people of its member countries, as a rotating chairman, Indonesia wants to make ASEAN a center of economic growth as well as an anchor of peace, both regionally and globally. These two things were emphasized separately by President Joko Widodo, Monday (7/8/2023), in Jakarta.
When inaugurating the opening of the 2023 ASEAN Intercultural and Interreligious Dialogue Conference (IIDC) in Jakarta, Monday (7/8), the President emphasized the importance of ASEAN as the "epicenter of harmony". "I am sure that ladies and gentlemen present here have the same commitment as me that ASEAN must be an example of tolerance and unity. ASEAN must become the anchor of world peace," said the President.
Also read: ASEAN is Increasingly Important and Necessary
Previously, referring to the Global Peace Index 2023, the President revealed that global conflicts are occurring more frequently. "In 2008, there were 58 countries involved in conflicts and it has now risen to 91 countries. The death toll resulting from global conflict has also increased to 238,000 and the economic impact, economic losses, has risen by 17 percent to $17.5 trillion US dollars, equivalent to 13 percent of global gross domestic product, which is enormous," said the President.
On the other hand, in the religious field, the global community is becoming increasingly less religious. Furthermore, the President stated that according to a survey by Ipsos Global Religion 2023 of 19,731 people from 26 countries around the world, 29 percent stated that they were agnostic and atheist. Based on data from the Pew Research Center, there is also a continued increase in physical violence in the name of religion and belief.
"I am confident that the ASEAN community actually has an increasing religious spirit. In Indonesia, for example, it is a country where its people have the highest belief in God in the world. This is according to the Pew Research Center, where 96 percent of respondents in Indonesia believe that good morals are determined by faith in God," said the President.
Also read: NU Encourages Honest Dialogue to Overcome Conflicts Involving Religion
"ASEAN has shown evidence that ASEAN countries, including Indonesia, have succeeded in maintaining a strong tradition of tolerance. Therefore, I believe that the ASEAN community is capable of becoming a catalyst for world peace, capable of becominga caring and sharing community, not only becoming the epicenter of growth, but also the epicenter of harmony which maintains regional stability and world peace," the President added.
Therefore, Jokowi appreciated the constructive role of religious and cultural leaders in ASEAN through the strategic initiative of the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU) which together with the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs held the ASEAN Intercultural and Interreligious Dialogue Conference in 2023.
RI active role
In the same occasion, ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn believes that Indonesia has played an important and active role in promoting centrality in unity amidst current socio-political dynamics. Therefore, the ASEAN IIDC 2023 forum is expected to have an impact on the confidence of the wider community, especially in the ASEAN community.
According to Kao Kim Hourn, it is crucial to develop intercultural and interfaith dialogues in order to achieve social stability and harmony. Furthermore, Hourn believes that through dialogue, tolerance, and efforts to build peace, harmony among citizens and inclusive communities can be achieved.
"Together, this conference can be a very important dialogue to promote the values of mutual understanding and moderation," he said.
Therefore, according to the Chairman of the Indonesian Muslim Scholars Council KH Yahya Cholil Staquf, consolidation is needed among religious leaders and stakeholders so that religion can have meaning in fighting for civilization together for humanity. Consequently, interfaith life can coexist peacefully.
Also read: ASEAN Cities Delegation Shares Good Practices for Sustainable Cities
Yahya stated that the ASEAN and Indo-Pacific regions have similar characteristics of society. They share a common heritage of culture, which is characterized by the values of tolerance and harmony. Therefore, according to Gus Yahya, as he is commonly known, this forum invites religious leaders as a whole to express themselves and strive to ensure that religious values can contribute to the struggles of economics and politics.
ASEAN Parliament
Meanwhile, during the opening of the 44th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) General Session, President Jokowi reiterated the importance of building peace and stability as a prerequisite for economic growth.
The President also mentioned that ASEAN has contributed greatly to peace and stability in the region over the past 56 years. However, ASEAN must not be complacent, let alone be lulled, since peace and regional stability cannot come on their own. Efforts must be made, and even fought for.
Therefore, ASEAN must work closely and trust each other to become a locomotive in maintaining peace and stability in the region. ASEAN should also continue to play its central role and remain relevant. The President reminded again that the ASEAN Charter was opened with "We, the People", which means that the interests of the ASEAN people are above all else.
Also read: ASEAN Hastens to Realize Growth Centers
Referring to the European Union-ASEAN Business Sentiment survey that involved 600 private sectors from the European Union, the President stated that 63 percent of the respondents believed that ASEAN is the region with the best economic opportunities. 80 percent of the respondents viewed ASEAN as an important region and 84 percent expressed their desire to increase trade figures with ASEAN.
"The survey shows a high level of trust in ASEAN and it is our task to utilize that trust to build a prosperous Southeast Asia," said the President.