Yesterday was trial and error (tried and wrong) and they got acquainted with each other. Now that t has finished, it should be able to run more optimally
Depok (ANTARA) - An observer for the International Relation of the University of Indonesia, Shofwan Al Banna Choirruzad, has projected President Joko Widodo's (Jokowi) second-term Indonesian foreign policy as continuity from the previous period. The first period of Jokowi's administration was a period of adjustment and time to get to know each other between the head of government and the bureaucrats who carried out the foreign policy, Shofwan said.

"Yesterday was trial and error (tried and wrong) and they got acquainted with each other. Now that it has finished, it should be able to run more optimally," he said when Antara met him in Depok, Monday.

During the 2014 – 2019 period, there are still many foreign policy concepts that have not been optimally executed, according to Shofwan.

He gave the example of the aspect of economic diplomacy where conceptually Indonesia wanted to open up new markets, but in fact, was still loyal to traditional markets such as the United States, East Asian countries, and Europe.

Meanwhile, Indonesia is still considering looking for opportunities to trade optimally in the large African market and is said to be the new target market.

Therefore, the next follow-up period is considered as the right time to continue the concepts that have been raised previously by running more optimally.

"I think this second period is about how to boost what has been done," Shofwan added.

Regarding the possible continuity of Jokowi's second-term government foreign policy, Shofwan assessed that this would help other countries to interact with Indonesia.

"They already know who Jokowi is, what he has done, and what he wants," he added.

The continuity of foreign policy that is likely to be implemented by Jokowi for the 2019 – 2014 period is also believed not to have a major influence on any new aspects that could be promoted by Indonesia.

"If we look at the draft campaign policy, most of the messages are to continue what has been done, with some new emphasis...But overall, I don't think there are many changes," he said. (INE)

EDITED BY INE

Translator: Suwanti/Eliswan Azly
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2019