New ASEAN Secretariat Building Inaugurated on ASEAN Day

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo on Thursday called for ASEAN unity against the backdrop of increasing rivalry among major powers in the regions as Indonesia inaugurated the new building for ASEAN Secretariat, Jakarta, The Jakarta Post reported.

The inauguration of the building took place during ASEAN Day, which falls every August 8 to commemorate the establishment of ASEAN by its five founding members – Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines in 1967. Jokowi said ASEAN must be able to maintain its relevance as regional grouping in the face of global challenges.

According to Antara, the building, which is located in Sisingamangaraja Street, comprises two 16-storey towers connected by a 41.3 meter-long overpass.

"Indonesia has endeavored to facilitate the ASEAN to work in a fast, solid, effective, and efficient manner. Based on that thought, we construct this building," Jokowi remarked in his inauguration speech at the main hall of the new ASEAN Secretariat building.

The president symbolically handed over the building's key to ASEAN Secretariat General Lim Jock Hoi to mark the inauguration of the new building.

Thursday’s event included the creation of time capsule containing the hopes and visions of ASEAN member states for the future -- which will be opened in 2042 on what will be the 75th anniversary of the signing of the ASEAN Declaration.