REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — Over the past ten years, Indonesia's international diplomacy under the leadership of President Joko Widodo has demonstrated significant achievements that strengthen Indonesia's position in the region and on the global stage. Focusing on the principle of active free foreign politics, conducted diplomacy is oriented towards real action as well as measurable results.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Pahala Nugraha Mansury, explained that Indonesia's foreign policy was successfully implemented with a well-calculated approach, facing various geopolitical and global economic challenges wisely. “In the space of 10 years, Indonesia has proven itself as a country capable of standing amid the geopolitical and economic dynamics of the world,” he said.
One of the main achievements of Indonesian diplomacy is its success in the economic sphere. Pahala underscored that Indonesia's economic diplomacy has succeeded in expanding market access and attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). Amid global challenges such as trade wars, protectionism, and geopolitical crises, Indonesia has signed 27 international trade agreements and opened new market access in Latin America, Africa, and the Caribbean.
This diplomacy had a real impact, with foreign direct investment rising from US$28 billion in 2014 to US$50 billion in 2023. Strategic sectors such as renewable energy, food, and health are the focus of this foreign investment, reflecting the success of results-oriented foreign policies.
During the period 2019-2020, Indonesia also recorded important diplomatic achievements by becoming a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UN Security Council). Indonesia's leadership in the UN Security Council has pushed for important initiatives, including resolutions on the role of women in peacekeeping missions and the reform of Sanctions Committee 1267.
“Indonesia's leadership in the UN Security Council is proof that our country is increasingly being held to account on a global level,” Pahala said.
In the multilateral diplomacy arena, Indonesia continues to consistently support Palestinian rights in international forums. Indonesia is actively pushing for a resolution at the United Nations demanding an end to Israel's occupation of the Palestinians and endorsing a two-state solution as a legitimate way out in accordance with international law.
Indonesia has also sent thousands of tons of humanitarian aid to Palestine as a form of real commitment to helping people affected by the conflict. “Indonesia continues to push for resolutions at the United Nations demanding an end to Israel's occupation, as well as supporting a two-state solution in accordance with international law,” Pahala said.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Indonesian diplomacy also played an important role in securing 516 million doses of vaccine, with 26.5% obtained through international grants. Indonesia participates actively in the COVAX AMC Engagement Group, ensuring fair access to vaccines for developing countries.
“Our health diplomacy is successful in ensuring equitable access, especially for developing countries that are more vulnerable to the effects of the pandemic,” Pahala explained.
In 2022, Indonesia gained world recognition by hosting the G20 Presidency. Despite the complex global situation, Indonesia was able to rally international consensus for post-pandemic economic recovery. The resulting “G20 Action for Strong and Inclusive Recovery” document reflects Indonesia's commitment to an inclusive and sustainable global economic recovery.
In addition, Indonesia also encouraged the establishment of a Pandemic Fund in the G20 Presidency, in order to strengthen the world's preparedness for future pandemics, especially for developing countries.
In the Southeast Asia region, Indonesia also plays an important role, especially during ASEAN Independence 2023. One of the main initiatives Indonesia is pushing is the ASEAN Indo-Pacific Forum, which successfully produced 93 cooperation projects worthnUS$38.2 billion.
Under the leadership of President Joko Widodo, Indonesia has strengthened Southeast Asia's position as the center of world economic growth and maintained regional stability amid ever-evolving geopolitical dynamics.
During the decade-long rule of President Joko Widodo, Indonesia's diplomacy has not only rested on the national interest but also brought positive impact to global peace, stability and prosperity. These achievements confirm Indonesia's position as a major player in international chess.
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