APT leaders should unify in facing global crises: President Jokowi

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) called on leaders of the ASEAN Plus Three (APT) countries to unite in a bid to deal with various global crises nowadays.

The head of state noted that the ASEAN member forum and its three partner countries -- China, Japan, and South Korea -- had successfully dealt with the threat of the global financial crisis in 2008.

Hence, at the 25th ASEAN Plus Three Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Saturday, Jokowi invited the leaders of forum countries to explore the same spirit.

"It was the APT that saved us from the 2008 global financial crisis. It was solidarity and cooperation that made the region's economy able to survive. Now, we are being tested again by a more devastating global crisis. I really believe that with the same spirit, we can face the current crisis," he noted in a statement received here, Saturday.

Jokowi outlined at least three issues of food crisis, economic recession, and regional stability, security, and peace that should become the main focus of the APT.

"First, we must be able to avoid a food crisis. Regional food security mechanisms must be strengthened, and APT emergency rice reserves must be increased," he noted.

Jokowi stated that sustainable rice production technology was necessary and production capacity must also be integrated with the logistics system of APT members to secure supply chains and stabilize rice prices.
"Second, regional economic recession must be avoided, and financial stabilization must be carried out. The synergy of various APT financial instruments must be carried out, especially the Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralisation. When the threat of a financial crisis occurs, this synergy will allow us to obtain early warning and liquidity support," he stated.

Furthermore, Jokowi emphasized the importance of strengthening national financial infrastructure through close coordination between financial institutions and the central bank, increasing mobilization of domestic resources, and carefully controlling inflation.

"Third, regional stability, security, and peace are important. Competition must be managed properly to avoid conflict. They must respect the international law as well," he added.

If APT is able to realize the three issues, the region will continue to become the epicenter of growth, he remarked.

The 25th Asean Plus Three Summit was attended by ASEAN leaders, Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang, South Korean President Yoon Seok-yeol, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

Meanwhile, President Jokowi was accompanied by Coordinating Minister for Politics, Law, and Security, Mahfud MD; Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto; Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi; and State Secretary Minister Pratikno.