(12/5/2023) | In 2023, this will be the fifth time that Indonesia has been lined up to hold ASEAN chairmanship with the theme “ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth.” Indonesia’s presidency became factual with the ASEAN Summit 2023, held from 9 May 2023 to 11 May 2023 in Labuan Bajo, NTT. The ASEAN Summit is a means for Indonesia and other ASEAN countries to rise from the Covid-19 pandemic, which has caused economic, political security, and socio-cultural downturns. These three strategic issues are equally important for the growth of ASEAN countries and Indonesia itself. As we know, Indonesia also has a demographic bonus in 2045 from which these qualities can benefit.
Epicentrum of Growth
Prof. Koesrianti, S.H., LL.M., Ph.D., Professor of International Law as well as an ASEAN Law expert on Tuesday (9/5/2023) in an interview that the Epicentrum of growth means that Indonesia wants to make ASEAN remain essential and relevant for the ASEAN community and the world. Indonesia’s presidency in ASEAN is significant because several crucial things have happened. These things include the theme of the epicentrum of growth, which coincides with the first year the world is free from Covid-19 and is not far from an economic recovery, so these are the main goals that Indonesia will achieve after the lockdown; world geopolitical circle (Russia-Ukraine War) which defines the importance of Indonesia in how Indonesia can bring 11 ASEAN countries to become an independent economic power with the establishment of AEC (ASEAN Economic Community), and it is hoped that Indonesia’s chairmanship in ASEAN can provide the same benefits as Indonesia to host the G20.
When compared to other international or regional organizations, ASEAN is one of the organizations that is quite influential in maintaining regional peace and prosperity. This was stated in the “Declaration of ASEAN Concord II”. ASEAN wants an organization that is strong economically, socially, politically, and security. ASEAN has also always strengthened its principles to become a neutral and non-aligned organization amid the turmoil in international politics. Therefore, ASEAN’s credibility does not need to be questioned anymore as a strong regional organization.
BIMP-EAGA
This regional strength can also be proven by the BIMP-EAGA collaboration (Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area) at the 2023 ASEAN Summit. The focus of the BIMP-EAGA cooperation area is food security with the Food Basket Strategic Plan of Action to realize its vision as one of the centers for food storage in ASEAN and its surroundings. Indonesia also helps provide human resources with ASEAN’s most significant population contributor. With this many resources, Indonesia can maximize its potential to make ASEAN a world trade center and has the potential to support itself.
BIMP-EAGA also opens opportunities for foreign investors to come to ASEAN countries and invest in them, with the right policies, such as the overall investor base in ASEAN. This means that the products must be based in ASEAN, the raw materials must come from ASEAN, and the workforce must also come from ASEAN. BIMP-EAGA has proven that ASEAN can survive on its own as a regional organization that has the possibility of not depending on other countries or international organizations such as NATO.
IMT-GT
Apart from BIMP-EAGA, there is also the IMT-GT (Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle) collaboration which Prof. Koesrianti was written in one of the articles in the book chapter of a book written by the Forum of Lecturers of Border Observers. In the article, Prof. Koesrianti said that the border between Indonesia and neighboring countries has the same problem: the tendency for people to smuggle goods or even weapons through the barrier. This kind of behavior should be regulated, and it will be a distinct advantage for each country in ASEAN if it is appropriately managed. Therefore, Prof. Koesrianti, in her article, stated that President Jokowi’s policy to improve Indonesia’s “face” in the 3T area was a perfect thing to do. In addition to enhancing Indonesia’s image and equitable development, it can also benefit Indonesia and the surrounding countries.
“The border area is our face. In addition to beautifying the face, it must also be able to produce something. What is meant here is the existence of a consortium or cooperation with border countries so that illegal actions, as mentioned above, can be overcome by law. Examples of successful consortiums m can also be seen between China and Cambodia. Why don’t we do the same?” said Prof. Koesrianti.
Education
At the end of the interview, Prof. Koesrianti said that in line with Indonesia’s increasing human resource needs due to various types of cooperation, Indonesia must be able to compensate with equally good human qualities. Therefore, she wants vocational education to be encouraged to be more expansive in Indonesia. The understanding of vocational education must be improved so that more people want to pursue education because labor is an essential factor in economic development. Prof. Koesrianti hopes for the best for Indonesia, ASEAN, and the world.
