The President decided to play it safe to ensure that his pressing domestic agenda would not be disrupted, and therefore he did not want to look like pahlawan kesiangan (an accolade-seeker) on the global stage.

For the time being, Jokowi has two top priorities: making COVID-19 vaccines available at affordable prices and resurrecting an economy that has nearly collapsed.

“Indonesia consistently supports Palestine to claim its rights,” was his only statement about Palestine.

Amid Israel’s big achievement in isolating Palestine with a strong backing from US President Donald Trump, Palestinian President Abbas Mahmoud and Hamas leaders would naturally expect Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, to convey a strong message of support or at least solace. But Jokowi seemed intent on avoiding a clear position.

What did he say in concluding his speech? Normally Indonesian leaders, including Jokowi, would address the audience in Arabic. Instead, Jokowi kept it very simple. Funny, but sharp. “That is all from me!”

Throughout his speech, Jokowi avoided sensitive and controversial statements. He did not want to talk too much. Some may believe the President did not dare to taunt big and rich nations. Others will defend him, saying national interests, instead of prestige, are above everything.

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