Having enjoyed almost 60 years of bilateral relations, this would be the first time Malaysia sees the inauguration of a president who did not come from either Indonesia’s military or political elite.
However, political observers believed this ‘breath of fresh air’ in Indonesia’s democracy would benefit Malaysia in the long run, as both leaders share the same aspiration.
“Both the president and prime minister share the same vision and aspiration, which is to put the people first,” said National Professor’s Council (NPC) political cluster secretary Prof Datuk Halim Sidek.International relations aside, Indonesians however were concerned over a plan by Widodo to order the steepest rise in subsidised fuel prices in nine years.
He said the 7th Indonesian president, who is popularly known as Jokowi, and Najib should take the opportunity to further strengthen the ties, which have been one of the most important bilateral relationships in the Southest Asian region.
“Jokowi had once said that he would fight for the people and he would improve Indonesia’s basic infrastructure. His vision is no different than Najib’s."
NPC head Prof Datuk Mustafa Ishak said Najib’s presence at Jokowi’s inauguration ceremony would give the impression that Malaysia values its close neighbour.
“It is important for Malaysia to maintain cordial relationship with Indonesia despite ups and downs,” he said.
The new minority coalition government will be taking a highly unpopular step as Widodo has to urgently address Indonesia’s biggest fiscal problem - a $23 billion fuel subsidy bill.
Worries over potential for political gridlock were eased after a meeting on Friday between Widodo and opposition leader Prabowo Subianto, who for the first time offered congratulations to the incoming president.
Widodo proposes to raise the gasoline price by 46 percent, and diesel by 55 percent, possibly as early as Nov. 1, in a move that will save the government nearly $13 billion next year, the adviser said.
Last year, gasoline prices were raised 44 percent, but the outgoing president, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, ducked ordering another hike this year despite a deteriorating fiscal position.The proposed price increases still pale beside the hike of more than 87 percent for gasoline and 105 percent for diesel that were ordered in October 2005.
But Widodo has a good PR.
He recently visited leaders of the KMPs political parties, such as Aburizal Bakrie of Golkar Party, Hatta Rajasa of PAN and, lastly, Prabowo of Gerindra.
Following a brief meeting in Jakarta on Oct. 17, their first meeting since last July, Prabowo and Widodo told the media that they were committed to maintaining peace and unity in Indonesia.
"We agree to maintain the unity of Indonesia, the nations ideology Pancasila, and the Constitution," Prabowo remarked, adding that "Competition in politics is normal, but in the end, we have to remember that all actions must be conducted based upon the peoples interests."But, Prabowo cautioned, if the Widodo administration makes policies that harm the people, then his party and sympathizers will not hesitate to criticize.
Prabowo also called on his sympathizers to support the next administration of president-elect Widodo, as long as its programs and projects are good for the public."I have asked the party that I lead, my friends and loyalists, to support (the administration) of Joko Widodo," he stated.
"Thats what I have told him, and that is democracy," he said after the meeting with Jokowi. He described the meeting as friendly and said he congratulated Jokowi on his presidency.
Malaysia welcomes him as the new Indonesian leader, hoping Jakarta will further boost its relation with Asean, which Malaysia will chair next year.