Indonesia Lauds Japan's Contribution To AHA Center

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) lauded the Japanese government's social contribution to the activities of the ASEAN Humanitarian Assistance (AHA) Center.

"Japan is one of ASEAN's first strategic and speech partners. In particular, I would like to laud Japan's contribution to the AHA Center," the president was quoted as saying in a press release of Bey Machmudin, the presidential deputy for protocol, press, and media secretariat, here on Tuesday.

According to the president, the AHA Center has been striving to help restore peace in Marawi City in the Philippines following the fighting between the Philippine Armed Forces and the Maute militant group and also to resolve the Rohingya humanitarian crisis in Rakhine State.

The Indonesian president has encouraged steps to continue to strengthen the AHA Center, including the availability of its human resources.

Hence, President Jokowi also expressed hope that Japan would continue to provide support for the AHA Center and would remain a major partner of the ASEAN in promoting mutual economic openness.

"Negotiations on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) must be resolved soon," he said.

Speaking in connection with the political stability and security situation in the Korean peninsula, Jokowi also said Japan has a crucial role in avoiding an open war.

"To this end, I hope Japan would play an ongoing role in keeping the window of opportunity open for a peaceful solution," President Jokowi remarked. (WDY)