Indonesia’s strategy of prioritizing concrete results from the G20 presidency has succeeded in bringing together many parties. The G20 Summit is expected to bring about hope.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi delivered a press statement regarding Indonesia's preparations to hold the G20 Summit in Jakarta, Thursday (13/10/2022).
JAKARTA, KOMPAS - Despite being overshadowed by the impact of the Russo-Ukrainian war and several global crises, Indonesia remains optimistic about welcoming the G20 Summit. This optimism is reflected by, among other things, agreements for projects, programs and collaborative initiatives included in the list of concrete deliverables.
In an interview with Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi on Friday (28/10/2022), it was stated that to date, there were more than 300 projects and cooperation programs listed as tangible results. As much as 92 percent of the hundreds of planned meetings were held without a single meeting being canceled.
“Until last week, when I checked with negotiators through the sherpa tracks, they said it was 70 percent complete. However, this does not mean that the remaining 30 percent will be easy. It could also be that the last 30 percent is the most challenging. However, that 70 percent has been completed fosters optimism. There are still some issues regarding finance. Further negotiations will be discussed together on 13 November,” said Retno.
One of the cooperation agreements resulted in the establishment of a Financial Intermediate Fund (FIF). This program in the health sector is directed at building global resilience to face future pandemics. “We accumulated a commitment of US$1.4 billion,” said Retno.
Additionally, regarding digital transformation, an agreement was made to build startup connections between countries. Likewise for energy transition.
Retno did not deny the fact that the conflict in Ukraine has caused certain meetings to become heated. In fact, it is widely known that the Ukraine conflict has sparked contrasting differences between G20 member countries. However, when the parties were invited to discuss substantial issues, within the economic, social and health sectors, they gave a positive response. “So, in my opinion, this brings about optimism,” said Retno.
Diplomacy
This achievement cannot be separated from the diplomatic efforts of stakeholders in Indonesia. In the interview, Retno explained how Indonesia continues to communicate with respective dialogue partners in each G20 member country.
“We approached them one by one and continued to spur discussion. In fact, during the G20 foreign ministers meeting—which was very political in tone—until I read out the chair’s notes, all the foreign ministers sat and did not have any objections,” said Retno.
Initially, she was doubtful whether Indonesia would be able to bring them together and have them sit together, especially when the atmosphere was extremely tense during the March-April period, after Russia attacked Ukraine.
IMF PHOTO/ALLISON SHELLEY
Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati talks with several of her partners, on the sidelines of the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting in Washington DC, United States, Wednesday (20/4/2022).
Using an intensive approach and personal communication, partners were also present. Indonesia’s invitation extended to G20 partners to prioritize collective responsibility was what led to their willingness to sit together. “At that point, confidence was instilled in us. Our hard work brought about optimism,” said Retno.
Retno also expressed appreciation for the G20 partners. Their positive attitudes contributed to this fostered optimism, even when the world is in unfavorable circumstances.
“This is not about Indonesia’s presidency but about how we are all responsible. No matter how hard Indonesia works, if others do not provide support—do not partake in collective responsibility—then yes, there will be no progress. This is a group effort, not an individual one. We respect each other. We need every member to collaborate,” said Retno.
Social capital
Thus far, according to Retno, Indonesia’s international relations achievements have been supported by social capital that has been built for a long time, namely the trust of partner countries. “In foreign policy, a track record is important. I believe that they trust us. They see Indonesia as a reliable partner, a country that tries to bridge the gaps. We have never been intrusive or have we ever attacked other countries,” explained Retno.
At the same time, however, this does not mean that Indonesia is swayed easily. “Because we respect principles, we do everything based on respect for principles, values and international law. That is what I feel. The main capital that encourages partners to continue to make dialogue with Indonesia is to save the G20,” said Retno.
Retno added that Indonesia is certainly aiming for concrete efforts to “ground” a multilateral forum like the G20. As a collection of countries with high gross domestic product (GDP), the G20 is expected to be able to show the world that no matter how big the differences, they can still be united and work together—the results of which can benefit the world. “That is all we really hope for. Let us make multilateralism deliver […],” said Retno.
The same was said for other issues. The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) economic researcher Dandy Rafirandi said that this time, the G20 prioritized the perspective of developing countries. Thus far, G20 policies were typically more inclined to the interests of developed countries.
“Essentially, academics are usually more flexible and not influenced by geopolitical sentiments because everything must be based on facts,” he said.
The discussion among research institutions that also involved G20 representatives aims to create policy recommendations based on data and existing conditions. There is hope that Indonesia can open doors for more research institutions from developing countries to be heard because they have enriching perspectives.
