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Luhut’s US visit offers new dynamic in Indonesian vaccine diplomacy
As Indonesia continues to struggle with curbing the spread of COVID-19, and infections and fatalities continue to soar, the government appears to be pinning its hopes on vaccine development.
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A medical worker at a community health center in Tapos, Depok, West Java, conducts a COVID-19 vaccination simulation on Oct. 21. Depok is expected to be among the regions with the earliest access to the vaccine because of its high levels of COVID-19 transmission. (JP/P.J. Leo)
T
he visit of senior Indonesian minister Luhut Pandjaitan to Washington, where Indonesia scored the possibility of new cooperation on vaccines, has introduced a new dynamic in dealings with rival superpowers the United States and China.
Acting as President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s special envoy, Luhut embarked on a trip to Washington this week to consolidate cooperation with the US, following the recent success of Indonesian exports in retaining trade perks under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP).
Accompanied by newly installed Indonesian Ambassador to the US, Muhammad Lutfi, Luhut paid US President Donald Trump a courtesy call on Tuesday, according to a statement issued by Luhut’s office on Wednesday.
Trump was accompanied by his advisors Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump and the CEO of the US International Development Finance Corporation, Adam Boehler.
“In addition to meeting with President Donald Trump, Coordinating [Maritime Affairs and Investment] Minister Luhut was also welcomed by US Vice President Mike Pence at his office. Pence offered joint vaccine production cooperation between US and Indonesian companies,” the statement read.
But the US Embassy in Jakarta was not able to confirm or deny whether any such proposal was discussed, with the White House not publicly releasing any details related to Luhut’s schedule in Washington.
Pence’s office also did not provide any statements or readouts pertaining to Luhut’s meeting, raising questions among observers.
