Jakarta – Professional Expert in International Relations and Diplomacy at the National Resilience Institute, Edy Prasetyono, assessed that President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has succeeded in fighting for national economic growth during his 10-year term. According to Edy, one of President Jokowi’s greatest achievements is his ability to place economic growth as a top priority, along with his efforts to maintain Indonesia’s geopolitical position in the eyes of the world.
Edy stated that President Jokowi has tried hard to balance various national and international interests during his tenure. “I think Mr. Jokowi has been very balanced in placing Indonesia’s geopolitical position. But the most important thing, what he conveyed for 10 years was Indonesia’s interests. Indonesia’s most important interest is economic growth,” said Edy.
Throughout his leadership, President Jokowi has focused on achieving sustainable economic growth. The massive infrastructure policies implemented by the government, such as the construction of toll roads, ports, airports, and industrial areas, have become an important foundation for economic growth in various sectors. In addition, strengthening investment through various policies that are friendly to foreign and domestic investors also contribute to accelerating national economic growth.
Edy highlighted the importance of domestic stability and regional cooperation to achieve sustainable economic growth. According to him, Indonesia under President Jokowi’s leadership has always emphasized the importance of dialogue with various countries in the region. “Economic growth can only be achieved if there is peace in a country and regional cooperation,” said Edy. He added that Indonesia is actively involved in dialogue and cooperation with various countries involved in the geopolitical constellation of the region.
Looking at the future of Indonesia, Edy is confident that President-elect Prabowo Subianto will continue the economic and geopolitical policies implemented by President Jokowi. According to Edy, Prabowo has shown signs of readiness to maintain a balance between Indonesia’s economic and geopolitical interests even before officially taking office as president. “Prabowo has made very balanced visits to various countries, such as the United States, Russia, France, and other Asian countries,” said Edy.
The visits, Edy continued, reflect Prabowo’s commitment to continuing Indonesia’s role in the international arena. “I think it’s a very good step to show that Indonesia is ready,” Edy said.
Edy believes that the continuity of economic and geopolitical policies that have been built over the past 10 years will continue to develop under the new leadership. He also added that international cooperation and Indonesia’s active role in regional dialogue will remain the main key in maintaining stable national economic growth in the future.
During Jokowi’s administration, Indonesia has been increasingly recognized as one of the countries with a strategic role in the Asian region and the world. Indonesia’s active participation in international forums such as the G20, APEC, and ASEAN, as well as its central role in advocating for important issues such as climate change, energy security, and world peace, have further strengthened the country’s position in the eyes of the world.
Edy also emphasized that President Jokowi always tries to accommodate various interests, both nationally and internationally, for the sake of Indonesia’s economic interests. “Jokowi has succeeded in placing Indonesia in a strategic position in the international world, while still focusing on domestic interests, especially in the economic sector,” he concluded.
Amidst various global challenges, such as the Covid-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions in various regions, President Jokowi remains consistent in maintaining Indonesia’s economic stability. This is proven by economic growth that remains positive amidst a global situation full of uncertainty.
Ten years of President Joko Widodo’s administration have brought significant changes to Indonesia’s economic growth. Focus on infrastructure development, investment, and regional cooperation are the main keys to this success. The sustainability of the economic policies that have been built is expected to continue to be implemented by President-elect Prabowo Subianto, with the same commitment to national economic growth and Indonesia’s strategic position in the international arena.