Indonesia and G20: A Challenging Path to Achieve a Successful Presidency
Muhammad Raka Hadiyan — FPCI Chapter Universitas Airlangga
By November 15th, 2022, the international media would shift their attention to Bali, as the island would be welcoming hundreds of officials and political leaders from the nations that account for two-thirds of the world population. The Group of 20 or G20 is an international summit, considered the “premier forum” for the world leaders. Although the summit does not have any obligation to release any high-binding international agreement, previous G20 summits have proven their ability to solve some of the most complicated global issues. This year, as the presidency of G20 is handed to Indonesia, the priority of its foreign policy should be directed to achieving a successful presidency in a lot of terms.
Taken from several previous studies, four outcomes could determine Indonesia’s success: (1) leading a summit that produces clear and assertive outcomes; (2) underlining Southeast Asia’s regional role in global recovery; (3) defining Indonesia’s interest in three priority issues — global health, sustainable energy, digital transformation; and (4) acquiring high approval from the local citizen and civil society actors.
However, another argument stated that the G20 is not all about its outcomes, but also its ability to strengthen the relations among its members which have a significant role in global governance. By that term, Indonesia’s presidency could be very challenging. The President of the United States, Joe Biden, has clearly expressed that he and his allies would unite to expel Russia from the summit due to its current conflict with Ukraine. As the President of Russia has confirmed that he would attend the summit, there is still no confirmation from the White House regarding Biden’s presence.
The challenge to achieve a fully-successful presidency should be viewed in a positive sense for Indonesia as an opportunity to develop its diplomatic creativity. Moreover, the Indonesian Minister of Finance has stated that the presidency of G20 could also be a preparation step for Indonesia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2023. Therefore, despite gaining a lot of pressure to produce strong outcomes amid a global conflict, the G20 presidency is still an opportunity that Indonesia should never miss.
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