Source Press Media and Information Bureau of the Presidential Secretariat – Ministry of State Secretariat
The President of the Philippines, Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., for example, admitted that this activity was a very good idea to clear his mind after a hard day’s work.
Media www.rajawalisiber.com – Presiden Joko Widodo dan Ibu Iriana Joko Widodo mengajak para pemimpin ASEAN beserta pendampingnya untuk menikmati keindahan Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) dengan menaiki kapal pinisi pada Rabu, 10 Mei 2023. Para pemimpin ASEAN dan pendamping tampak antusias dan senang karena bisa melepas penat setelah seharian melakukan pertemuan pada Konferensi Tingkat Tinggi (KTT) ke-42 ASEAN di Hotel Meruorah, Labuan Bajo.
The President of the Philippines, Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., for example, admitted that this activity was a very good idea to clear his mind after a hard day’s work.
“As promised by President Widodo is we come to the ship and we don’t think too much about the economy and problems, security, and that’s absolutely true, it’s a very good idea to clear your mind so go back to work and refresh,” said the President of the Philippines.
“And romantic!” added Mrs. Louise Aranetta-Marcos who was beside her.
“It’s beautiful, 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 very high standards, we have to compete,” added President Marcos.
The Prime Minister (PM) of Singapore, Lee Hsien Loong, also seemed to be enjoying the trip on the pinisi boat. He was very happy that he would see the sunset.
“Oh it feels so good, so calm so far, so smooth, we’re looking forward to seeing the sunset. I am very happy that we can see the sun, I think it is quite spectacular,” said PM Lee.
PM Lee 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 in person it turned out to be better.
He also admitted that he would return to NTT in the future to dive or see the Komodo dragons. “I think there will be a lot of tourists who will want to come too, especially with the new hotels coming,” he said.
Apparently, PM Lee was not the only one who enjoyed the trip and planned to come back to Labuan Bajo. Prince Abdul Mateen from Brunei Darussalam who was also on the ship also admitted that he really enjoyed the trip on the Lako Di’a ship.
“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 very good, very relaxing especially after a long day meeting,” said Prince Abdul Mateen.
“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. (BPMI Setpres)