The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi. Secretary Blinken reaffirmed the United States’ support for Indonesia’s chairmanship of ASEAN and for Indonesia’s role as country coordinator for U.S.-ASEAN dialogue relations. Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Marsudi discussed Indonesia’s ASEAN priorities for 2023, including ASEAN’s approach to addressing the crisis in Burma as well as the next steps for Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN. The Secretary emphasized ASEAN’s role in shaping a free and open Indo-Pacific and highlighted cooperation with ASEAN as a means of achieving prosperity and security. The Secretary and Foreign Minister Marsudi also discussed the U.S.-Indonesia Strategic Partnership, new initiatives under the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, and Indonesia’s participation in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity. The Secretary conveyed U.S. concerns regarding certain provisions of Indonesia’s new criminal code and commended Indonesia’s leadership on the issue of women and girls’ education in Afghanistan.