- Agus Suparto/Istana Presiden
VIVA – The ASEAN Summit in Labuan Bajo made ASEAN Leaders and delegates see the beauty of this eastern Indonesian paradise. Therefore, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and First Lady Iriana Jokowi invite the ASEAN leaders to enjoy the beauty of Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) by riding a pinisi ship on Wednesday.
ASEAN leaders and delegates were amazed and delighted by the beauty of Labuan Bajo after attending the 42nd ASEAN Summit meeting at Meruorah Hotel.
For example, President Philippines Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr admitted that this activity was a good idea to release fatigue after working all day at the ASEAN Summit meeting.
"As promised by President Joko Widodo to invite us to clear our minds after today's meeting. So, for the next day's meeting, we can feel more prepared and focused,"
President Marcos said.
"And it was romantic!" added Mrs. Louise Aranetta-Marcos who was beside him.
Diplomasi Matahari Terbenam di Labuan Bajo
- Agus Suparto/Istana Presiden
"The scenery is beautiful, so we are very worried because when the time comes for us to host ASEAN, we have to do better than this. Indonesia sets the standard very high, we have to compete," President Marcos added.
Then, the Prime Minister of Singapore, Lee Hsien Loong, was also seen enjoying the trip on the pinisi boat. He was excited that he would see the beautiful sunset.
"Oh, it feels so good, so far so calm, so smooth, we are looking forward to seeing the sunset. I'm very happy that we can see the sun, I think it's quite spectacular," the prime minister stated.
He also said that this was his first time visiting NTT. According to him, he had seen photos of the beauty of NTT, but when he saw it directly, it was even better.
He also admitted that he would return to visit NTT in the future to dive and see Komodo dragons, "I think there will be many tourists who want to come too, especially with the new hotels that are coming,"
Meanwhile, Prince Abdul Mateen of Brunei Darussalam, who was also on board, said that he enjoyed the trip.
"We are happy and this is our first time in Labuan Bajo. So, we are happy to be on this ship to see a different side of the ASEAN Summit. Yes, it's very nice, very relaxing, especially after a long day of meetings," Prince Abdul Mateen said.
"I know Bali is very famous, but Labuan Bajo is not as famous as Bali. I think this ASEAN Summit will attract more people to come," he added.
