Indonesian President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo is one of the country leaders proposing the regional travel corridor arrangement, saying it could be a crucial measure to accelerate economic recovery.

 “I understand that some of us, including Indonesia, have started bilateral talks both with fellow ASEAN countries and with countries outside ASEAN regarding travel corridors. However, it is time for ASEAN, as a community, to think about ASEAN travel corridor arrangements,” Jokowi said in his speech, delivered from Bogor Palace in West Java on Friday.

 “The travel corridor arrangements, of course, must be done carefully, measurably and gradually, starting from essential business travel that implements strict health protocols,” Jokowi said.

 President Jokowi, who delivered the remarks after speeches from Brunei Darussalam’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, said regional leaders must give clear direction to accelerate post-COVID-19 ASEAN economic recovery.

 A number of countries in ASEAN have begun working on details of a plan to open a passage that would allow for safe travel during the pandemic. The proposed plans include Singapore’s “fast-lane” arrangement with China as well as Malaysia’s “green lane” with Singapore and Brunei.

Popular

Firefighter dies battling blaze at illegal Jakarta dumpsite

Fighting forest fires starts with communities

GDP target a tall order after growth slowdown