REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, NUSA DUA — President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) hosted ASEAN Leaders Gathering, a meeting between leaders of South East Asia countries, as part of  2018 Annual Meeting of International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank (World Bank) in Nusa Dua, Bali. The gathering was taken place at Sofitel Luxury Hotel Nusa Dua on Thursday (Oct 11).

In his presentation to medias, Jokowi said ASEAN region is still strong enough to deal with the global economic turmoil. The economic growth of ASEAN countries is still above the projection for global economic growth, he said.

This is in line with the IMF's release which predicts the economic growth of ASEAN-5 economies, namely Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam able to survive at 5,2 percent in 2019. The number is higher than the world economic growth that is projected to grow 3,7 percent in 2018 - 2019.

Jokowi also expressed his optimism that the goals of sustainable development or often called Sustainable Development Goal's (SDG's) in ASEAN countries, which had shown positive development, would be achieved. It can be seen from the poverty rate in all ASEAN countries, which has fallen to 68 percent in the past 15 years.

Jokowi voiced to the leaders of ASEAN countries to be more proactive in suppressing disparities and development gaps in each country.

"This step is important to ensure that no one is left behind," said Jokowi on Thursday (Oct 11) evening.

In detail, Jokowi said he had voiced five things to ASEAN leaders. First, the importance of preparing regional and global cooperation mechanisms for sustainable development after disaster. He seemed to reflect Indonesia, which often experienced geological disasters, especially earthquake.

The second point is the importance of prioritizing SDGs in the national development of each country. Third, synergy between regional organizations and international organizations, as well as financial institutions for the achievement of SDGs.

Also read: Indonesia, ASEAN-5 economies to grow 5.2 percent next year

However, Jokowi reminded that the problems that often arise in SDGs are funding cases. For this reason in the fourth point he suggested innovative funding schemes such as blended finance.

Fifth, Jokowi said technological progress must be used to achieve SDGs. He took the example of online learning application 'Ruang Guru' (Teacher Room), which was later popular among school students.

In closing, Jokowi reminded the leaders of ASEAN countries that the achievement of SDGs cannot be fulfilled solely by one country without cooperating with other countries. This means that ASEAN must unite to realize sustainable development goals.

"The achievement of SDGs requires global leadership and share responsibilities," Jokowi added.

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