World leaders, according to Jokowi, have a big responsibility, not only for their people, but also for world citizens. This responsibility means we have to create a win-win situation, not a zero-sum game.
President Joko Widodo (second left) taking a photo with (from left) South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard Casaubon after attending the MIKTA Summit, Mexico, Indonesia, South Korea, Turkey, and Australia in Nusa Dua, Bali, Tuesday (15/11/2022).
After the tough first session of the Group of 20 Summit, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo invited his guests to have lunch. Instead of taking them to a grand dining room with air conditioning, Jokowi invited his guests to relax in a bamboo dome on the beach.
“At that time, the request was quite simple: President Joko Widodo wanted lunch with a sea view,” said Visual Creative Consultant of the G20 Summit Elwin Mok, as quoted by the G20 Communication and Media Team, on Tuesday (15/11/2022).
In a press release from the G20 Communication and Media Team, it was stated that initially what came to mind was setting up a tent in the backyard of The Apurva Kempinski Bali in Nusa Dua, where the G20 Summit was held. However, due to the consideration of strong gusts of wind, the intention to set up the tent was abandoned and a bamboo dome was built measuring approximately 800 square meters, equipped with 43 chairs with the layout of one large table, which enabled the leaders and members of the delegation to enjoy the serving of Indonesian specialties together.
In the process, Elwin and his team got a unique inspiration while traveling to Melasti Beach. There, they saw a number of construction workers using bamboo. So, it was decided that bamboo would be the main component at the lunch location.
However, for the team, bamboo is not just a building material. Bamboo holds a very deep philosophy. Bamboo is easily curved because it is flexible, elastic and adaptable. In addition, bamboo buildings are known to be the strongest against earthquake shocks.
This motif in the treasures of Javanese culture has a meaning as mutual continuity, cooperation and harmony.
Previously, when holding a bilateral meeting with United States President Joe Biden, the room used was parang-patterned carpet. This motif in the treasures of Javanese culture has a meaning as mutual continuity, cooperation and harmony.
Meanwhile, for welcoming the leaders of the G20 member countries to the inside lobby of The Apurva Kempinski Bali, the background used for taking photos is dominated by red and blue with the G20 symbol in the middle.
AFP/POOL/MAST IRHAM
Indonesian President Joko Widodo (R) gestures as US President Joe Biden (front L), German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (back L), Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (back C) and other leaders walk together during a tree planting event at the Taman Hutan Raya Ngurah Rai Mangrove Forest, on the sidelines of the G20 summit meeting in Nusa Dua, on the Indonesian resort island of Bali on November 16, 2022.
According to Elwin, the installation depicts three flames, symbols of the three topics the government is promoting, namely digital transformation, strengthening the global health architecture and energy transition. Apart from symbolizing the theme, said Elwin to the G20 Communication and Media Team, the flames depict a burning passion to invite the world to grow together.
Whether it is intentional or not, the symbols around the G20 Summit event imply Indonesia's diplomatic style, as well as that of President Joko Widodo. In the midst of a world hit by various crises and new pressures, Indonesia started the G20 presidency.
The rivalry among the major powers strengthened and intensified at a time when the world had not fully recovered from the pandemic. Humility is needed to be able to bring together egos in one receptacle.
One by one the partners in the G20 were contacted and invited to speak; their intentions were heard, visited again, contacted again; it happened many times. There has been flexibility, consistency and enthusiasm that does not come easily.
Along with that, in a number of bilateral meetings with G20 leaders, Jokowi asked them to be flexible. World leaders, according to Jokowi, have a big responsibility, not only for their people, but also for world citizens. Therefore, when asking for their support for the smooth running of the G20, Indonesia chooses to keep a low profile.
“This responsibility means we have to create a win-win situation, not a zero-sum game. Being a responsible leader also means we have to stop the war," Jokowi said at the opening of the G20 Summit.
Appreciation
In a conversation, Noriyuki Shikata, Cabinet Secretary for Public Affairs of Japan, appreciated Indonesia's "strength".
“Japan sees and feels that Indonesia is taking extra steps to ensure that all members of the G20 are accepted and heard. Indonesia is really working on the integrity of the forum and opening up the widest possible space for discussion while continuing to act as a mediator," he said.
The intentions implicit in those approaches are captured by partners in the G20. President of the European Council Charles Michel in a press conference at the Westin Hotel, Nusa Dua, said that he supports Indonesia and does not want to trouble Jokowi. He understands Indonesia's determination not to exclude Russia from the G20 and change its approach because Russia is a member of the forum. He believes in diplomacy as a way to discuss various issues.
This attitude in Javanese culture is represented by the saying menang tanpa ngasorake: Winning without humiliating, without hurting.
