G20: The Economist interviews Indonesia’s president

G20 Strategic Objectives

• President Joko Widodo identifies the current global climate as characterized by sharpening rivalries and difficult negotiations.
• His primary goal for the summit is to facilitate concrete solutions for global members and the wider world, specifically addressing the Ukraine war, US-China tensions, and the potential threat to Taiwan.
• The President views the "personality" dynamics at the table as critical factors in resolving these geopolitical tensions.

Diplomatic Stance on Sanctions and Conflict

• Widodo argues that sanctions are not the optimal solution for the Ukraine crisis, warning that they ultimately victimize populations.
• He asserts that dialogue is essential to resolve the interconnected food, energy, financial, and cost-of-living crises.
• Regarding Taiwan, the President expresses concern over the risk of Chinese invasion but emphasizes that competition and rivalry are normal, provided they do not escalate into open conflict.
• While Indonesia seeks a peaceful world, the transcript indicates a reluctance to explicitly condemn a potential Chinese invasion, framing the issue as a broader global stability concern rather than a direct regional condemnation.

Economic Strategy and Natural Resources

• Indonesia is leveraging its dominance in minerals required for renewable energy to build a domestic ecosystem for EV batteries, aiming to increase the value chain beyond raw exports.
• President Widodo is currently in ongoing negotiations with Elon Musk and Tesla to establish a battery factory and car manufacturing industry in Indonesia.
• He cites Indonesia's large domestic and Asian markets as key incentives for securing this investment.

Political Succession and Domestic Vision

• As a non-elite former furniture business owner, Widodo aims to leave behind a more meritocratic Indonesia before his term concludes in 2024.
• He identifies a "change in mindset" and new working methods as the catalysts for Indonesia to transition from a developing nation to a developed country.
• Upon leaving office, Widodo plans to return to his hometown of Solo to remain active in environmental conservation efforts.