G20 Is in Turmoil, and Indonesia Must Save It: Politicians

A number of politicians said Indonesia needs to take concrete steps to save G20 from its potential demise after a number of countries have threatened to be absent from the summit in Bali later this year if Russian president Vladimir Putin is also invited to the event.

Member of Commission I of the House of Representatives Syarief Hasan said Indonesia’s action is needed as it holds the G20 presidency this year.

“Amid clashes between economic blocs, Indonesia has to step up and save G20 – it’s necessary. What I see is that G20 is on the verge of a shakeup, and in Bali when Indonesia holds presidency, G20 might become G19 or G13,” Hasan commented on Wednesday, April 6, as reported by Antara.

He said after some countries expressed their intention to miss the summit if Russia is invited, President Joko Widodo must intervene to save G20 by maintaining communication with the world leaders.

“Even though the G20 focuses in economy since the forum represents two-thirds of global economy, it cannot be separated from politics, which is currently related to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine,” Hasan said.

Another Commission I member Effendi Simbolon thought President Widodo should be handed a special role to communicate directly with Russian and Ukrainian presidents. Indonesia, he said, should act more than just merely an organizer within the G20 forum.

“We cannot let the moment in this G20 forum pass. Give the President a chance because the forum is [higher than] the level of a Minister of Foreign Affairs.”