T

he five-day working visit of President Joko '€œJokowi'€ Widodo to Malaysia, Brunei and the Philippines is the customary obligation of a new leader of the 10-member ASEAN, to introduce himself to the leaders of the regional grouping in their respective capital cities. He should have done this even earlier. However, as the President met with all of them during the annual ASEAN Summit in Myanmar and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting in Australia shortly after his official inauguration in October, the delay is understandable.

Critics question the timing of the visit, as he will be away from Jakarta for about five days while there are pressing issues at home, like the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and the National Police chief vacuum. The President, however, is right to carry out his diplomatic obligations while trying to overcome domestic issues. His absence will not worsen the problems. What is much more important is that he quickly make his final decision on these two matters, and they could be made during his tour because the President has consulted nearly all the related parties.

The President is right in choosing Malaysia as his first destination, reflecting his awareness that among ASEAN members, Indonesia has many problems and also opportunities with its closest neighbors, especially Malaysia and Singapore.

We have a kind of love-hate relationship with Malaysia. The country is the largest recipient of our migrant workers and we have long-standing border disputes. Malaysia is often perceived as arrogant, but many of us forget there is always another side to the coin. With Prime Minister Najib Razak, the President can have frank discussions, including on issues sensitive to both sides, to find mutually beneficial solutions.

The President skipped Singapore this time, probably because Jokowi visited the island-state in November, although it was a private visit to attend his youngest son'€™s graduation. At that time he had a breakfast meeting with PM Lee Hsien Loong.

His meeting with Brunei'€™s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah could be focused on wooing investment from the oil-rich state.

From the Philippines'€™ President Benigno Aquino III, the President can learn from their management of migrant workers, knowing the country is among Asia'€™s main '€œexporters'€ of workers.

The President'€™s introductory visit is the right decision, and he still needs to visit the other six ASEAN members. As the de facto leader of the regional grouping, Jokowi is showing that Indonesia remains committed to the group.