3-2-2024 (JAKARTA) As Indonesia prepares to elect its next leader in less than two weeks, a U.S. diplomat has assured that the United States is prepared to work closely with the incoming president, ensuring the continuity of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations. The statement was made by a U.S. diplomat to the Jakarta Globe, emphasizing the strong commitment to maintaining the bilateral relationship established during President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s tenure.
The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, announced by the White House in November 2023, signifies an elevated level of cooperation between the U.S. and Indonesia. It encompasses various areas, including security, economic collaboration, and joint efforts to combat the global climate crisis. The partnership, deemed the highest level of cooperation, was mutually agreed upon by President Jokowi and his American counterpart, President Joe Biden.
Amid concerns that the change in leadership may impact the bilateral ties, the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, Richard R. Verma, addressed the issue during a press conference in Jakarta. Verma stated that the election results are expected to have minimal influence on the partnership between the two countries, as it transcends individual leaders.
“We are looking forward to the elections. We will implement this comprehensive strategic partnership with the new government, whoever that person may be,” Verma assured, as quoted by Bisnis Pekan Baru.
The three presidential candidates in Indonesia have all expressed their intentions to pursue diplomatic relations with the U.S. if elected. Anies Baswedan highlighted the U.S. as a strategic economic partner, while Ganjar Pranowo emphasized the potential benefits for Indonesia in the U.S.-China rivalry, positioning Jakarta as a supplier for both nations. The frontrunner, Prabowo Subianto, stated his willingness to collaborate with anyone legally elected as the U.S. president in the upcoming election scheduled for November this year.
As the country gears up for the election, the three candidates will participate in their final debate on Sunday, February 4, just 10 days before the polling day. While recent surveys indicate Prabowo leading in popularity with 48.6% of voter support, Reuters reports that this is still below the threshold required for an outright victory. Should no candidate secure a majority in the initial election on February 14, a runoff will be held on June 26 later this year to determine the next president of Indonesia.
