Friedman meets SBY to discuss new book

Desy Nurhayati ,  The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Thu, 03/27/2008 11:52 AM  |  National

American author Thomas L. Friedman met with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at the State Palace on Tuesday to discuss his upcoming book on globalization, global warming, politics and the economy, in which Indonesia is the focus.

In his new book, Hot, Flat and Crowded, Friedman claims Indonesia plays a major role in the changing world, especially in globalization and climate change politics.

Presidential spokesman Dino Patti Djalal said, "Friedman wanted to focus on Indonesia in this new book. In his previous book, The World is Flat, he wrote much about India and China as the world's new powers. He appreciates Indonesia's position and expects the country to be a role model for others," Dino said.

He added Friedman had visited several regions across the country, including North Sumatra, and praised Indonesia's success in empowering civil society.

"During the meeting, the President gave his views on globalization and climate change issues. He told Friedman about the success of Bali roadmap.

"The President also talked about Indonesia's efforts to establish the Forestry 11 coalition, which is aimed at uniting tropical rainforest countries in a joint effort to curb carbon emissions."

According to Dino, Friedman expected Indonesia to make the most of its abundant and valuable natural resources to help overcome the impacts of global warming.

Friedman has won the Pulitzer Prize three times for his work at The New York Times. He is also the author of best-selling books From Beirut to Jerusalem and The Lexus and the Olive Tree: Understanding Globalization.

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