Indonesian President Joko Widodo is set to welcome Asian and world leaders with a stunning jungle-themed reception at the Jakarta Convention Center. The elaborate setup includes a two-story waterfall, wild orchids, and even an orangutan perched on a tree. The lobby features a widescreen video of a yellow beak hornbill gliding across a blue sky, with swaying leaves and the chirping of birds adding to the immersive experience. This captivating display serves as an icebreaker for Widodo and his guests, who have gathered in Jakarta for a week of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit talks.

The aim is to provide the best hospitality to ASEAN leaders and VIPs, including US Vice President Kamala Harris, Chinese Premier Li Qiang, and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The lobby of the convention center has been off-limits to the public, with videos and pictures being prohibited until the jungle spectacle is fully unveiled. Indonesia intends to use this impressive setup to draw attention to ASEAN's urgent call for environmental protection and the need to shift to greener energy sources. Interestingly, the jungle-themed reception is a stark contrast to the reality of Jakarta itself.

The Indonesian capital is known as one of the most polluted cities in the world, characterized by skyscrapers, heavy traffic, and a population of 11 million. The nearest jungle, home to endangered orangutans, is over 1,300 kilometers away on Borneo island. However, the government has taken steps to address these issues. A two-decade-long project to move the capital from Jakarta to Nusantara, located on the island of Borneo, has been initiated. This ambitious plan involves the construction of new government buildings and housing from scratch in an area approximately 2,000 kilometers northeast of Jakarta.

In conclusion, the captivating jungle-themed reception at the Jakarta Convention Center serves as a symbol of Indonesia's commitment to environmental protection and sustainability. As ASEAN leaders gather for important discussions, this immersive experience highlights the urgent need to protect our natural resources and transition to greener energy sources.