By: Astuti Rahayu)*
Indonesia was elected to the G20 Forum Presidency. The forum has an important meaning because it is a place to show Indonesia’s vital role in the international arena.
Since the old order era, Indonesia has a fairly good position in the international world. Despite its status as a developing country, many presidents and prime ministers of other countries take their hats off to the Indonesian leader. Our government adheres to a free and active policy so that it can freely interact with other countries, even though they have different state principles.
Indonesia’s role in the international arena was further strengthened when it became the G20 Presidency. At the international event, Indonesia became the host, and it was a great honor, because it was the first time a country with a developing status (not a superpower) was appointed to the presidency. This trust must be rewarded with good treatment during the G20.
Finance Minister Sri Mulyani stated that the G20 presidency would be an opportunity for Indonesia to demonstrate its role in leading global forums to address various challenges and issues at the world level. Indonesia is determined to overcome the global challenges that will still arise and seek the best solutions.
Sri Mulyani continued, when she became the G20 presidency, Indonesia also ensured all countries and pushed for policy reforms that support stronger, sustainable, balanced, and inclusive economic growth after the pandemic. Therefore, the G20 presidency carries the theme of recovering together, recovering stronger. In a sense, it is hoped that the pandemic will pass soon so that the focus will be on recovery and economic improvement.
The G20 is an event to show Indonesia’s role in the international arena. It is an honor to be appointed to the presidency, because not everyone gets this golden opportunity. This means that President Jokowi is considered capable of being a leader and holding the G20 smoothly, even though it is still a pandemic situation.
Indonesia’s role in the international world is very good because when there are hearings with many leaders of other countries, both at the G20 and other forums, our government is not isolated. The flexibility and hospitality of Indonesia makes many people feel comfortable. Despite their status as a developing country, they do not bully, but instead encourage, even collaborate to overcome the impact of the pandemic.
Moreover, the G20 theme is very good, namely recovery after the pandemic and stronger together. Indonesia chose this theme because to overcome the impact of the pandemic, good cooperation between countries is needed. In the international arena, the meeting is not just a get-together, but a moment of collaboration so that we can all recover from the corona virus and its effects.
In the international arena, Indonesia is appreciated and welcomed by the leaders of other countries. They appreciate and want to be friends with President Jokowi, and welcome the invitation to recover together. The pandemic occurred globally and one by one the countries almost fell, not only the poor and developing but also developed countries.
To overcome the impact of the pandemic, there must be good cooperation. Leaders of other countries admire Indonesia’s initiative to recover together, because during a pandemic one cannot be selfish. In the international world, our government has shown that cooperation and mutual assistance are important, so that all are safe from corona.
The G20 is still held during a pandemic because this event is very important, as an international forum that unites its members to work together. Indonesia was honored when it became the presidency because it was considered capable of organizing the G20. In the international arena, Indonesia’s role is also important, and is respected by many leaders of other countries.
)* The author is an observer of international issues/contributor to citizen journalism