Joko Widodo calls for the reopening of borders

Indonesia's President Joko Widodo called on Monday for the reopening of borders to allow movement of people across the ASEAN region.  Speaking via a video address at the ASEAN annual summit Widodo insisted the ASEAN Travel Corridor Arrangement Framework initiated by Indonesia needs to be implemented.

He stressed the importance of movement of people to reigniting the economies in the area and also highlighted that Bali, a popular tourist resort, is reopening with new COVID-19 protocols in place to allow "safe tourism" to take place. Brunei, which currently leads the 10-nation bloc, will host the three-day meetings by video due to continuing coronavirus concerns.