Portrait of Joko Widodo
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Joko Widodo on Joe Biden

Strategic partner, Gaza critic (strong)

TL;DR

Joko Widodo seeks to deepen strategic ties with Joe Biden while strongly urging the U.S. President to act for an immediate Gaza ceasefire.

Key Points

  • The leaders aimed to solidify cooperation into a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during their November 2023 White House meeting.

  • Widodo explicitly called for a ceasefire in Gaza "for the sake of humanity" during his meeting with the President.

  • The Indonesian leader views the U.S. as one of his country's most important partners, despite perceived slights like the President skipping the ASEAN summit in September 2023.

Summary

Indonesian President Joko Widodo generally views President Joe Biden as a key partner with whom he aims to solidify and deepen strategic ties, which are being elevated to a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.” This partnership aims to enhance cooperation in areas like maritime security, supply chains, and clean energy, reflecting Indonesia's desire to balance relations amidst China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific. The visit for the November 2023 meeting was intended to mark a "new era of relations" between the two nations, underscoring the importance Washington places on the world's third-largest democracy.

However, the relationship is notably strained by the Israel-Hamas war, where Widodo, representing the world's most populous Muslim nation, strongly appealed to Biden to "do more to stop the atrocities in Gaza" and enforce a ceasefire, a stark difference from the unwavering U.S. support for Israel. While Widodo stresses that Indonesia takes the side of peace and humanity, not any specific power bloc, he has also faced domestic pressure to address the conflict forcefully. This critical issue creates a necessary tension, as the Indonesian leader balances humanitarian concerns with the economic and strategic benefits of closer cooperation with the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions

Joko Widodo considers Joe Biden's administration a key strategic partner, aiming to deepen bilateral ties across defense and economics. However, the Indonesian leader holds a firm position on the Gaza conflict, strongly urging the President to push for a ceasefire on humanitarian grounds.

During their Oval Office meeting, Joko Widodo appealed directly to Joe Biden to intensify efforts to stop the "atrocities in Gaza." He stated that a ceasefire was an absolute requirement for the sake of humanity, differentiating his stance from the U.S. administration's position at the time.

The core stance of seeking a close strategic partnership has been consistent, with both leaders working to formalize elevated ties. Any perceived friction, such as over the President skipping the ASEAN summit, appears to be managed through diplomatic efforts like the subsequent Washington visit.

Sources7

* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.