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State of the nation is strong
With the COVID-19 pandemic far from being over, coupled with the threat of a looming recession in the midst of ongoing disruption to the global supply chain, for the majority of people things do look bleak. And with the war now raging in the eastern part of Europe, involving some of the world's major powers, there is definitely a sense of foreboding.
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President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo gestures during his annual State of the Nation address in Jakarta on Aug. 16.
(AFP/Tatan Syuflana)
It is not easy being optimistic today
With the COVID-19 pandemic far from being over, coupled with the threat of a looming recession in the midst of ongoing disruption to the global supply chain, for the majority of people things do look bleak. And with the war now raging in the eastern part of Europe, involving some of the world's major powers, there is definitely a sense of foreboding.
If the role of a politician is to uplift the masses during times of trial and tribulation, on Wednesday President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo did exactly that.
It was not exactly an inspiring speech and since President Jokowi is not known for his oratorical skills, the one he delivered to the legislative branch of the government ahead of the celebration of the country's independence on Aug. 17, felt a little perfunctory.
But the laundry list of achievements that the President presented in his speech did feel reassuring for a nation already wearied by COVID-19, geopolitical tensions and as of late a scandal involving a police general, which has rocked society.
And President Jokowi had every reason to feel good about the state of the nation, all things considered.
On the frontline in the fight against COVID-19, Indonesia is now one of the five countries in the world with the highest vaccination rates, with 432 million vaccine doses injected.
On the economic front, there is no denying that the Indonesian economy is humming along nicely despite the global uncertainty. In the second quarter of 2022, the country recorded growth of 5.44 percent with the trade balance recording a surplus for 27 consecutive months.
In the speech, President Jokowi also made the claim that in the past three years Indonesia no longer had to import rice, a feat that he attributed to the success of his signature infrastructure project of building more dams and irrigation channels.
On the political front, things also look good for President Jokowi.
Midway through his speech, Jokowi made a claim which only a few could reject that Indonesia now has a prominent place in international politics, thanks to his mission to Kyiv and Moscow in June, when he attempted to play the role of a broker between Ukraine and Russia.
"Russia and Ukraine have welcomed Indonesia as a bridge for peace. We are acknowledged by major countries amid rising geopolitical heat," Jokowi said in his speech. With him not being relegated into sitting in front of President Vladimir Putin's long table, there is an element of truth to this claim.
And as the President prepares himself for the Group of 20 summit in Bali in September and the leadership of ASEAN next year, we can only expect that Indonesia's stature will grow significantly.
The only tough decision he will have to make is what he will do about the ballooning subsidies for fuel.
But other than that, the state of the nation is strong, and as we celebrate the country's 77 years of independence, we should give ourselves a break and celebrate this moment.
