Portrait of Joko Widodo
Politician · person
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Joko Widodo on Rodrigo Duterte

Views on drug policy (moderate)

TL;DR

Joko Widodo generally treated Rodrigo Duterte with diplomatic respect while holding firm on Indonesia's legal process, particularly regarding capital punishment.

Key Points

  • In September 2016, Joko Widodo stated Rodrigo Duterte gave the “go ahead” for the execution of Mary Jane Veloso according to Indonesian law.

  • The Indonesian president, facing his own 'narcotics emergency,' issued orders for police to shoot drug traffickers resisting arrest, drawing comparisons to Duterte's crackdown.

  • Widodo reportedly shared complaints with Duterte regarding alleged interference by the US and EU in their respective nations' internal affairs.

Summary

Joko Widodo’s public position concerning Rodrigo Duterte was frequently framed through the lens of bilateral issues, most notably the case of Filipina death row inmate Mary Jane Veloso. The Indonesian president publicly asserted that the message from Duterte regarding Veloso’s execution was clear: to proceed according to Indonesian law, which Widodo viewed as evidence of Duterte’s consistency on zero tolerance for narcotics. This stance was maintained despite conflicting statements between the two leaders, with Widodo sticking to his account of their conversation.

Beyond this specific case, the two leaders’ shared hardline approach to narcotics became a point of comparison, as Widodo also declared a “narcotics emergency” and ordered police to shoot traffickers resisting arrest, mirroring aspects of Duterte’s infamous drug war. However, Widodo has also reportedly complained about alleged interference from the United States and European Union regarding his country’s internal policies, a sentiment shared by the former Philippine president. While their drug policies showed alignment, their broader geopolitical strategies, particularly concerning China, were later characterized as divergent, with Widodo adopting a more strategic balancing act.

Frequently Asked Questions

Joko Widodo's position was one of a diplomatic peer, treating the former Philippine president with respect while maintaining clear boundaries. The relationship was notably tested by the case of Mary Jane Veloso, where Widodo insisted Indonesian law must be followed.

While Widodo did not replicate the extrajudicial killings of Duterte’s drug war, he did adopt similar hardline rhetoric and policies by declaring a 'narcotics emergency.' He publicly stated that Duterte’s zero-tolerance stance was consistent with his own views on drug eradication.

Yes, former President Duterte claimed that during their talks, Indonesian President Widodo also expressed grievances about supposed interference from the United States and the European Union concerning national policies.