Indonesia consistently upholds spirit of Pancasila in ASEAN: BPIP

Pangkalpinang, Bangka Belitung (ANTARA) - Indonesia, as one of the founding members of ASEAN, has been consistent in upholding the spirit of national ideology of Pancasila in the regional organization until now, according to the Pancasila Ideology Education Agency (BPIP).

"The (organization's) purpose, as written in the ASEAN founding treaty, is consistent with the principles of Pancasila," BPIP's Director of Pancasila Ideology Education Material Research, Aris Budi Utomo, noted as per the statement here on Tuesday.

Utomo pointed out that the ASEAN's first objective is to accelerate regional economic growth, social progress, and cultural development, while the second is to promote regional peace and stability by respecting justice and the rule of law in the relationship between countries.

Since Indonesia, the current holder of the ASEAN Chairmanship, will chair the 42nd ASEAN Summit on May 9-11, Utomo expressed hope that more innovations and breakthroughs to address regional and global issues can be conceived there.

The BPIP department director affirmed that the ASEAN Summit would be essential not only for Indonesia but also for ASEAN and the global community.

"The 2023 ASEAN Summit proves that ASEAN remains essential and relevant for the people, the region, and the world. The current ASEAN Summit is essential for the organization to step forward for their post-2025 vision," he expounded.

Utomo deemed it appropriate for Indonesia, during its ASEAN Chairmanship, to focus on the three aspects of regional growth, connectivity, and new excellence; acceleration of inclusive and participative digital economic transformation; green infrastructure development and acceleration of SDGs implementation.

"Through the 2023 ASEAN Summit, Indonesia again shows its strong will to continue and enhance ASEAN relevance in responding to regional and global challenges and strengthen ASEAN position as the center of regional economic development for the well-being of the Southeast Asian people," the BPIP official remarked.