Perjuangan Timor Leste untuk Masuk negara ke-11 ASEAN - ROSI

Summary

The President discusses Timor-Leste's desire to join ASEAN, emphasizing its geographical and historical ties to Southeast Asia. He outlines the economic benefits, such as integration into a large economic grouping and attracting foreign investments. Despite some ASEAN members' apprehensions, the President is confident in Timor-Leste's preparations and highlights the potential for bilateral relations if ASEAN membership is delayed, also mentioning the trade-offs of regional integration.

Takeaways

• 🌏 **Regional Integration**: Timor-Leste's desire to join ASEAN stems from its geographical location and historical ties within Southeast Asia.
• 🏢 **Economic Benefits**: Membership in ASEAN would integrate Timor-Leste into a significant economic bloc with a GDP of over four trillion dollars.
• 💼 **Investment Opportunities**: Timor-Leste is strategically positioned to attract foreign investments across various sectors, including pharmaceuticals and fashion.
• 🌱 **Industrial Development**: Discussions with President Jokowi have highlighted plans for an industrial park to boost export industries to Australia and Europe.
• 🔄 **Economic Integration**: ASEAN membership implies comprehensive economic integration, which Timor-Leste believes will be beneficial.
• 🚫 **Apprehensions Addressed**: The President acknowledges the legitimate demands from ASEAN countries but notes the lengthy process Timor-Leste is undergoing compared to other members.
• 🌟 **Alternatives to Membership**: The President suggests that even if ASEAN membership does not materialize, there are other avenues like strengthening bilateral relations.
• 💡 **Policy Flexibility**: Not being part of a regional organization could provide Timor-Leste with more freedom in decision-making regarding currency and fiscal policies.
• 🏦 **Currency Risks**: The President points out the risks associated with a single currency, as seen in the European Union, which ASEAN does not have.
• 🌱 **Continued Development**: Regardless of ASEAN membership, Timor-Leste is committed to developing its country and upgrading human resources.

Q & A

Why is it important for Timor-Leste to join ASEAN?

It is important because Timor-Leste is part of Southeast Asia and every other country in the region has joined ASEAN. Being part of ASEAN means economic, diplomatic integration, and ensures no country in the region is left behind.

What are the economic benefits Timor-Leste expects from joining ASEAN?

Joining ASEAN would allow Timor-Leste to be part of an economic grouping with a GDP of over four trillion dollars and access to a large market with significant purchasing power, which could attract foreign investments in various industries.

How does Timor-Leste's geographical position play a role in its potential ASEAN membership?

Timor-Leste's geographical position makes it well-positioned to be the next attraction for foreign investments, especially for industries looking to establish bases for exports to Australia and Europe.

What specific industries could benefit from Timor-Leste's ASEAN membership?

Industries such as pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, fashion, food processing, and export-oriented industries could benefit from Timor-Leste's strategic location and ASEAN membership.

What has Timor-Leste done to prepare for joining ASEAN in terms of policies and economy?

Timor-Leste has been developing its country and upgrading its human resources. It has also been engaging in discussions with leaders like President Joko Widodo about establishing industrial parks for export industries.

What is the target year for Timor-Leste to join ASEAN according to the transcript?

The target year mentioned for joining ASEAN is the next year, implying it was discussed as a goal for the near future.

What are the challenges Timor-Leste faces in its bid to join ASEAN?

Some ASEAN members are apprehensive about Timor-Leste's intentions, and the country has faced a lengthy process with demands that other countries did not have to meet during their accession.

How does the President of Timor-Leste view the possibility of not joining ASEAN in the target year?

The President seems to be pragmatic about the possibility, suggesting that there are other options and relationships to focus on, such as bilateral relations with countries like Indonesia, the United States, the European Union, South Korea, Japan, and China.

What are the potential advantages of not being part of a regional organization like ASEAN?

Not being part of ASEAN could allow Timor-Leste more freedom in decision-making regarding currency and fiscal policies. It could also avoid some of the economic risks associated with being part of a single currency or highly integrated economic bloc.

What does the President imply about the process of joining ASEAN compared to joining the European Union?

The President implies that the process for Timor-Leste to join ASEAN is similar to the rigorous process that some Eastern European or Central European countries faced when trying to join the European Union.

What is the President's perspective on the potential drawbacks of joining a single currency system?

The President suggests that being part of a single currency can lead to economic imbalances, where countries with weaker economies suffer due to a high-valued currency, as seen in some poorer European countries.