A Visionary on a Mission

INDONESIAN AMBASSADOR TO THE PHILIPPINES, HIS EXCELLENCY AGUS WIDJOJO, OFFERS INSIGHTS ON STRENGTHENING INDONESIA-PHILIPPINES BILATERAL RELATIONS, FOSTERING CULTURAL EXCHANGES, VISIONS ON MAINTAINING PEACE AND PROSPERITY, AND REPRESENTING ASEAN’S LARGEST ECONOMY IN HIS MISSION IN THE PHILIPPINES.

While many see retirement as a time to enjoy the fruits of their labor, His Excellency Agus Widjojo, Indonesian Ambassador to the Philippines, found it to be a launching pad for a new career. Transitioning from a distinguished military officer to a diplomat, Widjojo continues to serve his country in a new capacity.

After over 30 years in the Indonesian Armed Forces, the former lieutenant general was appointed ambassador to the Philippines by President Joko Widodo in January 2022. It is common for distinguished military officers like Widjojo to transition into diplomacy. For Widjojo, a leading intellectual in the Indonesian military, serving as ambassador is a continuation of his duty to his country.

END OF AN ERA

Widjojo graduated from the Indonesian Armed Forces Academy in 1970, after which he worked as a rank and file military officer in the International Commission for Control and Supervision in Vietnam in 1973 and the Indonesian Battalion to the United Nations Emergency Force II in the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt in 1976.

Indonesia, at that time, was under an authoritarian and military-dominated regime under the leadership of President Suharto. At the height of his military career during Indonesia’s pivotal 1998 reforms, Widjojo reflected on the sweeping changes and crucial decisions following Suharto’s resignation on May 21, 1998. These transformations were essential to reshaping Indonesia into a nation capable of governing its people peacefully. “My career as an active duty military officer peaked around the time Indonesia reformed itself after President Suharto resigned. The resignation meant the end of the 1945 generation, meaning we had to make a decision as to what sort of political system we would put in place,” the diplomat shares.

The Reformasi (Reformation) marked a pivotal shift from Indonesia’s militarydominated government, signifying a departure from the system established at the country’s independence. The founding fathers, starting from Indonesia’s first president, Soekarno, were instrumental in leading Indonesia to independence. The political framework underpinning the nation’s constitution was forged through the camaraderie and shared struggles of these leaders during the Indonesian War of Independence.

”The 1945 generation was unique because they [founding fathers] fought together in the struggle for independence [from the Dutch Empire]. There was a sort of comradeship in arms that, to my opinion, was the foundation in leading the country,” he notes.

The administration underwent a comprehensive overhaul, transforming everything from authoritarian political system into democracy. Therefore the practice of government will follow the principles of democracy. This era of transformation, known as Reformasi, stands out in Widjojo’s career for its significant democratization and decentralization of power, particularly within the military.

ASCENDING THE RANKS

Widjojo reflects on his role in professionalizing Indonesia’s military, acknowledging his contribution to its transformation. Rising through the military ranks, he eventually became deputy speaker of the Indonesian National Assembly during the era of Dwifungsi or dual function, when the military not only handled defense and security but also played a significant role in sociopolitical affairs.

His ascent through the military ranks, involvement in key government reforms, and adaptation to new political systems and responsibilities as deputy speaker all profoundly shaped Widjojo’s perspective on the geopolitical landscape of the AsiaPacific region, and by default, Indonesia’s relations with other nations in the region. “The higher you climb the military ladder, the wider the scope of your responsibilities become. At a certain point, you’ll not only see the domestic [affairs] of Indonesia from inside or outside the military, but also in the wider spectrum of geopolitics. I familiarized myself with dealing with geopolitical issues,” he shares. “I also took part in various military collaborations and cooperation between different countries; between Indonesia and Malaysia; between Indonesia and Singapore; between Indonesia and Australia,” he says. Widjojo’s career has spanned three dimensions: military, political, and diplomatic. Each transition brought unique challenges and valuable lessons, allowing him to gain comprehensive insights into Indonesian politics, governance, and international relations. “While the military is structured and follows a single command, politics involves diverse opinions and requires consensus-building through debates and conversations, which was a new experience for me,” he adds.

Widjojo’s extensive experience in the military and politics made his shift to diplomacy part of a natural progression. Despite the challenges that came with each transition, he sees his ability to navigate these diverse roles and create peopleto-people connections as his greatest strengths. “In diplomacy, we face friends, allies, and adversaries. But that doesn’t mean that adversaries are in everything we face. There is, however, flexibility. If there are two opposing perspectives between allies and adversaries, international relations then becomes a meeting of the interests of several countries,” he stresses.

Widjojo emphasizes that despite their differences, a common thread unites the three dimensions he mentioned: they all involve dealing with people. Understanding human nature and fostering effective peopleto-people communication are essential, serving as the foundation amidst varying national interests. “While each country and region has distinct national interests, they share a common vision: building peace and prosperity together,” he shares.

CEMENTING STRENGTH IN ASEAN

Widjojo attributes Indonesia’s current economic and political stability to its emergence as a promising business hub in Southeast Asia. Indonesia remains to be the largest economy in Southeast Asia, accounting for 40% of the region’s gross domestic product. The country has maintained consistent growth of about 5%, weathering global economic storms in the past decade. Indonesia’s middle class, Widjojo shares, fuels domestic consumption and creates a vibrant market for businesses, forming the backbone of the country’s economy. This socio-economic group is expected to reach a population of 120 million by 2030.

“Indonesia sits on a treasure trove of natural resources. From minerals and oil to timber and agricultural products, this natural endowment attracts investment in extraction- and processing-related businesses,” he states.

The Indonesian government is making significant investments in infrastructure, with spending increasing by 5.8% in 2022 to upgrade airports, roads, and ports, thereby enhancing its appeal to businesses. Widjojo notes that Indonesia is also actively engaged in regional and global trade agreements, leveraging its robust trade relations to expand market access for foreign investors. According to the World Bank’s Doing Business Index, Indonesia improved its ease of doing business ranking from 122nd in 2015 to 73rd in 2020, reflecting these efforts. Aside from a burgeoning middle class, Indonesia’s startup ecosystem is also rising, attracting both local and foreign venture capitals.

Boasting rising global rankings in ease of doing business, a robust middle class, resilient trade relations with neighboring countries, substantial infrastructure investment, and abundant natural resources, Indonesia stands at the forefront of ASEAN’s strongest economies.

A TOAST TO GOOD RELATIONSHIPS

Last September 8, 2023, the Indonesian Embassy in Manila held a diplomatic reception at the Dusit Thani Hotel, Makati, to celebrate 78 years of Indonesia’s independence. The event drew over 300 guests from various Indonesian communities and diplomatic offices in the Philippines. Widjojo gave a welcoming speech and took part in the warm celebration of the successful bilateral relations between Indonesia and the Philippines.

For over 70 years, the Philippines and Indonesia have enjoyed robust diplomatic relations, marked by active collaboration to enhance regional centrality, especially within the energy sector. Widjojo envisions a continued strengthening of bilateral relations between the Philippines and Indonesia, particularly in fostering cooperation and mutual growth. He highlights the deep historical and cultural ties between the two nations, fostering a highly optimistic outlook for future collaboration and prosperity. “I believe that the future of Indonesia-Philippines bilateral relations holds immense potential for cooperation and mutual growth, fueled by strong historical ties, cultural similarities, and a shared strategic location in Southeast Asia,” he shares.

On January 10, 2024, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and President Widodo convened at Malacañang Palace for a bilateral meeting, culminating in the signing of a memorandum of understanding for energy cooperation. This agreement reaffirms their pledge to support each other during critical supply shortages of energy resources like liquefied natural gas and coal. In addition to securing cooperation in energy security, Widodo expressed his appreciation for the Philippines in trusting Indonesian state-owned enterprises to contribute to the country’s infrastructure and accelerating the groundbreaking of the North-South Commuter Railway Project, an urban rail transit project connecting New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac to Calamba, Laguna. The project began construction in 2019 and is slated to be completed by 2029.

Widjojo, as well as a select delegation from Indonesia, were present at the meeting. He notes that the visit is a culmination of 75 years of solid bilateral relations, and laid a stronger foundation for enhanced cooperation in the many years to come. He also emphasizes that the flourishing digital economies of the Philippines and Indonesia present significant opportunities for collaboration in e-commerce, financial technology, and digital infrastructure, which can drive mutual growth. Additionally, enhancing tourism and student exchange programs can strengthen cultural understanding and forge lasting personal connections between the two nations in the years to come.

“The Philippines is an important economic trade partner. I can see that in the future, Indonesia and the Philippines, as active members of ASEAN that are committed to regional economic integration, will create opportunities for joint ventures, investment, and infrastructure projects across Southeast Asia,” the ambassador says.

AT THE HELM OF ASEAN

In 2023, Indonesia assumed the chairmanship of ASEAN, thus placing Widodo in a position to promote and enhance the wellbeing of member-countries and promote consensus-building within the region. A significant challenge during this tenure was the West Philippine Sea-South China Sea dispute, prompting the development of a code of conduct (COC). Queried about the negotiations for a legally binding COC in the South China Sea, Widjojo outlined the guidelines agreed upon by ASEAN nations and China on July 13, 2023.

“In the West Philippine Sea issue, we lobbied for peaceful dispute resolution and the continuation of ASEAN centrality in matters like that. The COC is expected to reflect international norms and rules that are aligned with, and refers to, international conventions, including the UNCLOS of 1982," he shares.

The 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) serves as a vital treaty safeguarding the conservation and utilization of natural and cultural resources, while also protecting the marine environment, including the sea, subsoil, seabed, and marine ecosystems. The COC seeks to address and manage incidents such as those in the West Philippine Sea-South China Sea region, aiming to play a pivotal role in preserving peace, security, and stability in the area. Widjojo acknowledges, however, the COC’s limitations during Indonesia’s ASEAN chairmanship.

“We also acknowledge that the COC does not address and resolve the dispute over the title to territorial and maritime claims. It mainly serves as a guideline for accelerating the early conclusion of the issue, and making negotiations run faster,” he clarifies.

As Indonesia’s ASEAN chairmanship transitioned to Laos in 2024, Widjojo hopes that key initiatives, including the COC and other agenda, will endure beyond Indonesia’s tenure. He highlights three critical agenda aimed at bolstering the region’s cohesion and growth: ASEAN Matters, Epicentrum of Growth, and the ASEAN IndoPacific Forum.

The ASEAN Matters agenda focuses on strengthening ASEAN’s institutional capacity and effectiveness to address both current and future challenges, institutionalizing dialogue and human rights, and enhancing cooperation to combat human trafficking. The Epicentrum of Growth agenda emphasizes inclusive and sustainable economic development, aiming to fortify ASEAN’s health infrastructure, food and energy security, and financial stability. Lastly, the ASEAN Indo-Pacific Forum seeks to ensure ASEAN’s continued relevance to its people, the Indo-Pacific region, and the world by synergizing efforts with neighboring countries and special envoys from the UN and other nations. Widjojo’s vision underscores the importance of these initiatives in maintaining peace, security, and stability in the region.

A PROUD PATRIOT AT HEART

Asked about what interests him the most in his role as ambassador, Widjojo highlights the embassy’s participation in significant Philippine events, the promotion of Indonesia’s cultural diversity, and his deepening understanding of Philippine history, which he notes is less linear compared to Indonesia’s. He considers these aspects of his mission as vital elements of “soft diplomacy.”

As a diplomat and proud Indonesian citizen, Widjojo consistently seeks opportunities to advocate for Indonesia to stakeholders in the Philippines. Whether through lectures, art, or cultural performances featuring traditional Indonesian instruments, songs, and dances at festivals across the Philippines, Widjojo strives to highlight Indonesia’s rich heritage. A few notable visits the Indonesian Embassy has made were to the UP Diliman Asia Culture Festival 2023 at the University of the Philippines Diliman, the Panagbenga Festival in Baguio, and the MassKara Festival in Bacolod. Widjojo notes that through these visits and cultural exchanges, paired with renowned Filipino hospitality, he deeply feels the connection between the Philippines and Indonesia. “The visits became avenues for cultural exchange in which we are able to identify a lot of similar things and differences in terms of language, cuisine, customs, traditions, and others,” he shares.

“Understanding our similarities, we somehow feel Indonesians and Filipinos are connected. Knowing our differences breeds tolerance. This way, we build bridges of understanding and respect. Thereby, meaningful connections are made,” Widjojo ends.