Indonesia, as the Chair of ASEAN in 2023, has chosen the theme "ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth" to focus on strengthening ASEAN's relevance and enhancing its capacity to face challenges while becoming a stabilizing force in the region. This theme comprises two main pillars: "ASEAN Matters" and "Epicentrum of Growth." "ASEAN Matters" emphasizes strengthening ASEAN's capacity and effectiveness, unity within ASEAN, and ASEAN's centrality. On the other hand, "Epicentrum of Growth" highlights Indonesia's efforts to bolster concrete cooperation in four key areas: health architecture, energy resilience, food security, and financial stability. This theme aligns with the positive trend of ASEAN's annual growth rate of 3.98% over the past decade, exceeding the global average of 2.6%.
Indonesia aims to play a vital role in managing ASEAN cooperation as the world's fifth-largest economy, worth USD 3.3 trillion in 2021, involving ASEAN partner economies valued at USD 84.6 trillion. To support this theme, the Kepulauan Bangka Belitung Province will host ASEAN events in March and June 2023, aligning its regional development plan with the four elements of the "Epicentrum of Growth." The province's commitment reflects Indonesia's goal of making Southeast Asia a sustainable global growth engine and contributing to ASEAN's economic prosperity.
