Indonesia: Presidential candidates hold different approaches
Indonesia: Presidential candidates hold different approaches on int’l relations
There were some major differences on how two Indonesian presidential candidates envisioned the future of Indonesia’s foreign policy, which were conveyed during the fourth face-off between two candidates held in Jakarta on March 30
Indonesian presidential candidates greet each other in the fourth debate (Photo: tempo.co)
Jakarta (VNA) – There were some major differences on how two Indonesian presidentialcandidates envisioned the future of Indonesia’s foreign policy, which wereconveyed ♐during the fourth face-off between two candidates held in Jakarta on March30.
Commissioner ofIndonesia’s General Election Commission (KPU) Wahyu Setiawan said the debatecomprised of five segments, similar to the third one. It covered the topics ofideology, governance, security issues, and international relations.
In the firstsegment, candidates conveyed their visions and missions in the field ofinternational relations, and then they responded to assigned questions in thesecond and third ones and inquire each other in the two remaining parts.
The firstcandidate, incumbent Indonesian President Joko Widodo, highlighted Indonesiancapacity in mediating in a number of international conflicts and Indonesia'ssoft diplomacy power in several international trade negotiations. He also voiced hisbelief in the capability of the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) in defending thecountry's territorial sovereignty.
Meanwhile, the other candidate Prabowo Subianto saidIndonesia's defence remains weak due ꦛto budget constraint, thus it needs to beenha♔nced.
Both candidates alsooffered different approaches to strengthen Indonesian diplomacy. President Widodo saidthat Indonesia has large potential as the world's largest Muslim majoritycountry to involve in the peace process in some conflict areas as well as toincrease trade values by using economic diplomacy.
Prabowo wanted to increaseIndonesia's military equipment for preventive defense mechanism, in which henoted that neighboring countries, like Singapore is more advanced.
In addition tothe debates, the KPU allows the candidates to launch their campaigns from March24 to April 13.
Indonesia willorganise legislative and presidential elections simultaneously on April 17 acrossthe country.
Of its total population of 260 millio🌳n, over 192million people in Indonesia have been reg💮istered as eligible voters.–VNA
Indonesian presidential candidates Joko Widodo and his challenger Prabowo Subianto on February 17 spared over the issues of energy, environment, infrastructure, food, and natural resources in their second debate held two months ahead of the presidential polls.
Indonesia's capital city Jakarta inaugurated on March 24 its first mass rapid transit (MRT) system, a project seen as crucial to addressing its worst traffic congestion.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
The new halal cooperation arrangement will streamline halal certification and product assurance processes, making it easier for New Zealand exporters to access the Indonesian market.
Indonesian presidential candidates greet each other in the fourth debate (Photo: tempo.co) 
