Indonesia told to look outwards

Indonesia told to look outwards

JAKARTA: A Singapore parliament member said on Friday her country would like to see Indonesia "look outward" and regain its leading role at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Singapore Parliament member Irene Ng said issues affecting the Southeast Asian region such as the rise of China, and terrorism needed the attention of Indonesia.

She said that while Singapore understood Indonesia's daunting problems at home, Jakarta should not forget to look outward.

"We saw its (Indonesia's) role as a leading role in ASEAN and we would like to see it play that role again, as a stabilizing force in ASEAN, leading ASEAN to greater heights."

Founded in 1967 ASEAN has 10 members comprising Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, The Philippines, Brunai, Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos. -- JP