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Jakarta, September 6, 2023 – The Republic of Korea is a future partner of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), particularly in terms of energy transition and digital transformation.

This was emphasized by Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) during the opening of the 24th ASEAN-Republic of Korea Summit at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC), Jakarta, on Wednesday (6/9/2023).

Southeast Asian countries, President Jokowi continued, have learned a lot about the ROK’s commitment to reducing dependence on fossil fuels and replacing them with renewable energy.

“ASEAN’s dependence on 78 percent of fossil energy sources must be reduced,” President Jokowi said.

On this occasion, President Jokowi also recalled that the application of digital transformation must be able to encourage economic growth in the region. Technological support, which will develop rapidly in the near future, can improve the quality and capabilities of the community. It is important to do so. “At the same time, over the next decade, ASEAN’s digital economy is expected to contribute $1 trillion to the region’s GDP,” Indonesian President Jokowi said.

Nevertheless, said the President, embracing the energy transition and digital transformation requires quite a large investment. Many technology transfers must be carried out by each ASEAN country. “Collaboration and partnership are therefore necessary to achieve this,” said President Jokowi.

On the other hand, President Jokowi also appreciated the ROK’s support to the ASEAN-Indo-Pacific Forum. This support represents a concrete form of inclusive cooperation to maintain stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. From this forum, the future will come true.

“This can be achieved if regional stability is maintained, tensions and rivalries are reduced, strategic trust is enhanced and the habit of cooperation develops,” President Jokowi said.

For information, President Jokowi chaired the entire series of meetings on the second day of the 43rd ASEAN Summit held at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC).

The president also presided over the 26th ASEAN-PRC summit attended by leaders of ASEAN countries as well as the Premier of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Li Qiang. Then, President Jokowi chaired the 26th ASEAN-Japan Summit with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

After that, President Jokowi and leaders of ASEAN countries attended the 26th ASEAN Plus Three (APT) Summit. The meeting held in Cendrawasih Hall 3 brought together the leaders of China, the Republic of Korea and Japan.

President Jokowi also chaired the ASEAN-Canada summit attended by leaders of ASEAN countries and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, followed by the ASEAN-US summit.

In the evening, President Jokowi and First Lady Iriana, along with Heads of State and their companions, will attend a dinner for the 43rd ASEAN Summit.