Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) emphasized that Indonesia should capitalize on the international trust it has garnered in order to echo its voice at the global level and facilitate the negotiation process with other countries.
The head of state noted that Indonesia had obtained this international trust after successfully carrying out the role of President of the G20 last year and Chair of ASEAN in 2023 in addition to being consistent in implementing human rights, humanitarian principles, and equality.
"With high international trust, our credibility will be more recognized, and our sovereignty will be more respected," he remarked at the 2023 Annual Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) and the 2023 Joint Session of the House of Representatives (DPR) and Regional Representative Council (DPD) in Jakarta, Wednesday.
According to the president, success in dealing with the crisis over the last three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic has also boosted and placed Indonesia back on the world map amid current unstable global conditions due to war and challenges.
Hence, Indonesia, with its Pancasila ideology, harmony of diversity, and democratic principles, is expected to open a space for dialogue and become a common ground for bridging all existing differences, he remarked.
Jokowi then referred to a report from an Australian policy institution, the Lowy Institute, which mentioned Indonesia as a middle power in Asia, with increasing diplomatic influence.
According to the report, Indonesia is one of the six Asian countries that has experienced an increase in comprehensive power or world-class excellence in all fields.
"We have to take advantage of this opportunity. It is a big loss for us if we miss this opportunity because not all countries have this achievement, and we may not have it in the future," he remarked.
He further emphasized that international trust, gained through hard work, demonstrated Indonesia's pluck in taking action and not just being mere rhetoric.
The 2023 MPR Annual Session was attended by around 1,549 invitees comprising ministers, leaders of political parties, kings of regional kingdoms in Indonesia, and ambassadors of friendly countries.
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