Penang: Opening the Penang Peace Dialogue alongside Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow here tonight, Jokowi said leaders must understand and respond to the concerns and aspirations of their people.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Jokowi emphasized that in the current times, the role of leaders is crucial. He stated that a leader should not only possess strategic and authoritative skills but must also be in tune with the populace, listening to and empathizing with their issues, and working proactively towards their future. However, he made it clear that the responsibility of building peace does not lie solely with leaders; the people also need to comprehend the direction and challenges their leaders face.
Jokowi further elaborated that a strong society comprises individuals who are not just demanding but are also capable of understanding the complexities and challenges encountered by their leaders. He described the dialogue as a platform for exchanging ideas, learning from each other, and collaborating towards peace and a better future, expressing hope that the event would culminate in meaningful actions.
Meanwhile, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow highlighted the importance of trust as a fundamental infrastructure for cooperation. He pointed out that trust is vital for countries to maintain connections amidst rising strategic rivalries and diverging interests. He acknowledged that global connectivity has brought economic benefits to Penang, particularly in the manufacturing, semiconductor, and technology sectors, but also warned of the vulnerabilities to disruptions as divisions across borders and supply chains deepen.
Chow emphasized that in a more multipolar world, trust should become an essential infrastructure of cooperation. While connectivity can unite countries, trust ensures they remain connected even when their interests diverge. He asserted that while countries and societies need not agree on every issue, it is crucial to understand differing interests, maintain open lines of communication, and identify areas where collaboration is feasible.
Themed 'Bridging Civilisations in a Multipolar World', the two-day dialogue serves as the focal event of the Commonwealth of World Chinatowns (CWC) Conference Series in Penang, drawing approximately 200 delegates. Jokowi is scheduled to deliver his keynote address tomorrow. The CWC project aims to strengthen ties among Chinatowns worldwide, beginning with Penang and Singapore, while encouraging cultural and traditional exchanges in various fields, including art, history, science, technology, and research.
Former Indonesian president Joko Widodo, popularly known as Jokowi, has called on leaders and the people to strengthen mutual understanding, saying it is the foundation for lasting peace.