Jokowi's Agenda in East Asia Tour: Economic Diplomacy and The G20 Presidency Existence

The following article was translated into English Version. The original article was published on August 4, 2022, and can be found on Instagram @rupapolitikid

"Amid a world filled with rivalries and containment efforts, Indonesia is strengthening the fabric of friendship and concrete cooperation with countries worldwide. These efforts will continue." - Statement by Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi.

On July 25, 2022, through his official Twitter account, President Joko Widodo announced his visit to three countries in East Asia: China, Japan, and South Korea. Indonesia currently holds a strategic position, especially as the host of the G20 Leaders Summit in mid-November. This tour marks an active step by Jokowi, focusing on fostering economic diplomacy with the three East Asian nations and leveraging Indonesia's presidency agenda within the G20.

First Stop, China

On Tuesday, July 26, 2022, the initial stop in Jokowi's tour was China. President Jokowi will meet with President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Li Keqiang. Jokowi's arrival was well-received by Jinping, who also gained recognition as the first foreign leader to visit China since February, coinciding with China hosting the Winter Olympics. Jinping expressed strong support for Indonesia's role as the G20 chair. This visit provides an opportunity for Jokowi to invite Xi Jinping to attend the G20 Summit in person.

The key discussions during the China visit include enhancing bilateral cooperation in the economic sector. According to Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, the main focus is on improving mutually beneficial economic cooperation between the two nations and the broader region and world. The bilateral meeting between President Joko Widodo and Prime Minister Li Keqiang will cover various aspects, including trade, investment, infrastructure, finance, funding, and maritime collaboration. Starting with China underscores the close ties between the two countries, as mentioned by the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson.

The next destination on Wednesday, July 27, 2022, is Japan. Jokowi meets with Prime Minister Kishida Fumio to solidify agreements to strengthen trade and investment further. Jokowi acknowledges Japan as Indonesia's top investor with quality investments. The diplomatic focus includes requesting Japan's support in reducing import tariffs for products such as Tuna, Bananas, and Pineapples and gaining market access for Mango products. Discussions also extend to potential Japanese investments in Indonesia's strategic projects, especially within the framework of the IKN development.

[Imperial Household Agency of Japan/Handout via Reuters]

Seeking investment collaborations related to Indonesia's projects, Jokowi invites Japan to consider new investments in various fields. He highlights Indonesia's initiatives, such as building a new capital city, simplifying investment processes through omnibus laws, and emphasizing opportunities in infrastructure, technology, and more. Both Indonesia and Japan also discuss cooperation in science and new technologies to support projects in areas like electric transportation, healthcare, and agriculture.

 The photo credit goes to ANTARA FOTO/Biro Pers Setpres/Laily Rachev/sgd/YU

On Thursday, July 28, 2022, Jokowi's final destination is South Korea. He meets with CEOs, and South Korean CEOs praise the conducive investment climate in Indonesia. This visit is an opportunity for President Yoon Seok Yeol to request Jokowi's attention and full support for South Korean investors in Indonesia. Jokowi encourages openness in addressing issues, offering direct communication channels for investors facing challenges. Indonesia becomes South Korea's only strategic partner in Southeast Asia.

Indonesia and South Korea aim to strengthen cooperation in various sectors, including technology industries related to electric vehicles and batteries. A bilateral MoU is signed concerning the IKN development. President Yoon Seok Yeol expresses confidence that Indonesia can draw from South Korea's experience in building administrative cities, citing Sejong City.

Amid the G20 Summit in Indonesia, Jokowi's tour became a turning point in efforts to strengthen partnerships with these East Asian countries, particularly in economic diplomacy and investment climates. The visit, concluding on July 29, 2022, is deemed successful in fortifying economic cooperation with the three East Asian nations, following Indonesia's previous visits to Ukraine and Russia. Indonesia's foreign policy, characterized by its active contribution to global peace amid rivalries and containment efforts, receives appreciation from these nations' leaders.