Jakarta: Indonesia is the natural leader of ASEAN. Therefore, the introduction of everything about ASEAN must be done to the younger generation from an early age.
This was conveyed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi in a joint event between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology which launched the ASEAN Teaching Materials Book for Primary and Secondary Education.
"This book really illustrates the importance of instilling an understanding of ASEAN for the Indonesian people," said Foreign Minister Retno, Wednesday, September 1, 2021.
"This book is one of our efforts to introduce ASEAN early to the younger generation, and the younger generation must be proud of the identity of the ASEAN community," added Retno.
He added that the younger generation will determine the direction and pattern of the region in the future. Therefore, it is very important to provide an understanding of ASEAN through learning in schools.
Foreign Minister Retno explained, for more than five decades, ASEAN has made a major contribution to the development of peace stability and prosperity in the Southeast Asian region.
"We should be grateful because ASEAN, we don't see open conflict happening, as in other regions," he added.
Of course, said Foreign Minister Retno, ASEAN will continue to strive to resolve all tensions peacefully. Because peace and stability in the region is expensive.
In the economic field, the Southeast Asia region is one of the regions with the best economic growth. ASEAN is the fourth largest economy in the world with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of USD4.5 trillion.
"ASEAN continues to encourage economic cooperation that is free, open, fair and non-discriminatory. Even during a pandemic like this, since the beginning ASEAN has moved quickly to work together to overcome it," said Foreign Minister Retno.
There are many benefits, said Retno, that can be taken from this ASEAN cooperation. Therefore, she hopes that through learning later, people can know more about ASEAN and the results obtained from it.
"Indonesia will become the chairman of ASEAN in 2023 and only happens if all elements of society can support this chairmanship of Indonesia," she said.
"It is expected that this book can build a bridge of information that can open up insights about ASEAN, strengthen ASEAN's identity and value in the eyes of our society," stated Foreign Minister Retno.
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