Jokowi calls on leaders, people to build peace through mutual understanding

In Penang, former Indonesian President Joko Widodo, known as Jokowi, emphasized the importance of mutual understanding in building lasting peace. Speaking at the Penang Peace Dialogue alongside Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Jokowi urged both leaders and citizens to listen, feel, and comprehend the concerns and aspirations of one another. He highlighted the critical role of leaders, who must not only grasp strategy and power but also genuinely understand their constituents, their worries, and their challenges.

Jokowi clarified that the responsibility for peace-building is not solely a leader's duty; it extends to the people as well. A robust society is characterized not just by demands but by an understanding of the direction and hurdles faced by its leaders. He expressed optimism that the dialogue would foster meaningful action.

Chow Kon Yeow echoed the importance of mutual understanding and trust in fostering cooperation. He noted that trust serves as essential infrastructure for countries to stay connected, especially in a rapidly changing world with increasing strategic rivalries and divergent interests. Global connectivity has brought economic opportunities to Penang, yet it also exposes economies to disruptions when divisions deepen.

In a more multipolar world, trust must be an infrastructure of cooperation, enabling countries to remain together even when interests diverge.

Chow stressed that while countries and societies do not need to agree on every issue, they must strive to understand differing interests, maintain open communication, and identify areas where cooperation is still viable. The two-day dialogue, themed "Bridging Civilisations in a Multipolar World," is a key component of the Commonwealth of World Chinatowns (CWC) Conference Series in Penang.

It gathers approximately 200 delegates and is part of a project aimed at closer collaboration between Chinatowns worldwide, focusing on cultural and non-Chinese exchanges. Former President Jokowi will deliver his keynote address the following day.