REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, CALIFORNIA -- President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) called to maintain security and stability in the South China Sea and peace in the Middle East while addressing the United States and ASEAN leaders during a working dinner, here, Monday.

The South China Sea region must become peaceful and stable, Jokowi emphasized during the working dinner dubbed "On Regional Strategic Outlook" hosted by President Barack Obama.

To this end, international laws must be respected, rivalries among major powers must be prevented, the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) should be implemented fully and effectively, and a code of conduct in the South China Sea (COC) should be completed soon, he affirmed.

The president also called to halt any activities that could escalate tensions in the region.

As a non-claimant state, Indonesia wants to contribute to peace and stability in South China Sea, he noted.

The Indonesian head of state also expressed concerns over the conflicts in the Middle East.

"Since early 2016, global concerns have increased following the deterioration in relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Furthermore, the unsolved Palestinian problem and the Syrian conflict have forced refugees to flee Syria," he pointed out.

The president said he had sent the Indonesian foreign minister to visit Iran, Saudi Arabia, and several other Middle Eastern countries to promote peace.

Indonesia had conveyed a peace message and political solutions during the extraordinary ministerial level meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) held in Jidda, on January 21, 2016.

Jokowi remarked that his government had proposed a mechanism such as a COC to promote trust-building principles, respect for other countries' sovereignty, and non-interference in other countries' affairs.

Jokowi reiterated that Indonesia has adopted a consistent approach in supporting Palestine to gain independence.

Indonesia will host the OIC Extraordinary Summit in Jakarta, on March 6-7, 2016, to discuss Palestinian issues, including Al Quds.

He invited the US government to attend the summit as an observer.

"I encourage the ASEAN and the United States to contribute to finding a solution to the Palestinian problem," Jokowi stated.

Regarding the recent tensions in Middle East, Jokowi pointed out that Indonesia was also keen to contribute in maintaining peace in the region.

"I have sent the Indonesian foreign minister to Iran, Saudi Arabia, and other Middle Eastern countries," Jokowi affirmed.

Indonesia has proposed a COC mechanism to establish trust in the region.

"This is one of the keys to creating peace in the Middle East," he added.

Jokowi called on the world leaders to support Palestine. He invited the United States and other countries to attend the OIC Extraordinary Summit in Jakarta, next month, which will be held to discuss the issue of Palestine and Al Quds.

"I want to urge ASEAN and the United States to continue to contribute to solving the issue of Palestine," he concluded.

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