It goes without saying, the President has always been an admirer of economic growth. Thus, it came to no one’s surprise when he outlined his priorities in economics during his inauguration speech and once again in his short remarks while introducing the new Cabinet. The President has always been straightforward and consistent with his vision, yet as this new administration’s priorities will be the continuity and reiteration of the previous, questions arise on whether or not Indonesia’s foreign policy will be. In the past five years, under the leadership of Retno LP Marsudi, the Foreign Ministry crafted the “down-to-earth” diplomacy, or diplomacy for the people. The premise is simple and sincere: to prioritize all kinds of foreign policy that would benefit the people. Thus, foreign policy is defined as a means at an international level to assist the delive...

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