A New Look into ASEAN：Hashim Djojohadikusumo, Co-Founder of Gerindra Party of Indonesia

Summary

In this interview, Hashim Djojohadikusumo, co-founder of Indonesia’s Gerindra Party and brother of President-elect Prabowo Subianto, discusses Indonesia’s economic prospects, the fight against poverty and corruption, and the role of state intervention in addressing social inequalities. He highlights plans to improve public welfare through programs like free school meals, as well as efforts to combat corruption by increasing wages for law enforcement. Hashim also reflects on Indonesia's neutral foreign policy, the role of foreign investment, and his personal experiences growing up in Hong Kong.

Takeaways

• 📈 Indonesia's economy is performing well with a strong GDP growth rate. The administration under President Jokowi has been focused on a balanced growth strategy combining public spending and exports.
• 👥 The incoming administration under Prabowo Subianto will prioritize poverty eradication through programs like free meal distribution for children and mothers.
• 💼 Corruption and bureaucracy are seen as the primary obstacles to economic growth and poverty alleviation. Improving the welfare and salaries of law enforcement and civil servants is a key strategy.
• 🏛️ The administration plans to address these obstacles by enhancing the welfare of judges, police officers, and prosecutors to reduce corruption incentives.
• 💰 Despite planned increases in social spending, Indonesia's national debt is relatively low. There is a belief that the country's fiscal health can support further investment in social programs.
• 🌏 Indonesia's foreign direct investment strategy has focused on simplifying regulations and attracting global companies, such as Tesla, to invest in manufacturing rather than just raw material exports.
• 🔋 Indonesia aims to become a manufacturing hub for electric vehicles (EVs), with particular focus on nickel smelting, and seeks to attract investment from various international players.
• 🌍 Indonesia has a longstanding policy of neutrality in international affairs, aiming to maintain balanced relations with both China and the United States.
• 🤝 ASEAN is viewed as a dynamic and non-monolithic forum for discussion rather than a strict alliance. Different member states maintain varying levels of alignment with global powers.
• 🍽️ Hashim Djojohadikusumo, the interviewee, shared his passion for wildlife conservation, women's empowerment, and social causes, emphasizing the importance of using personal wealth for societal benefit.

Q & A

Who is the guest interviewed in the video?

The guest is Hashim Djojohadikusumo, the co-founder and vice chairman of the Supreme Leadership Council of the Gerindra Party in Indonesia.

What is the main priority of the incoming administration under President Prabowo Subianto?

The main priority is poverty eradication, with a specific focus on reducing poverty and eventually eliminating it through programs like the free meal program for children.

What are some of the structural obstacles Indonesia faces in reducing poverty?

Corruption and bureaucracy are identified as the main obstacles. These include underpaid judges, law enforcement officials, and civil servants, which the new administration aims to address by improving their welfare.

How does the new administration plan to combat corruption?

The administration plans to increase the salaries and benefits of law enforcement agencies, judges, and civil servants to reduce the need for corruption by alleviating financial pressures on these individuals.

What are the expected fiscal challenges in funding programs like the free meal program?

Hashim believes Indonesia can manage these costs because the country's debt levels are low, and there is potential to increase revenues through taxes, royalties, and other sources.

How does the incoming administration view foreign direct investment (FDI)?

The new administration intends to continue attracting foreign investments by reducing bureaucratic hurdles and fostering opportunities for companies to invest in manufacturing and infrastructure projects.

What role does the Indonesian government aim to play in the global electric vehicle (EV) industry?

Indonesia aspires to become a manufacturing hub for EVs, moving beyond just being an exporter of raw materials like nickel and attracting investments from global companies such as Tesla.

How does Indonesia plan to manage its relations with China and the United States amid growing tensions?

Indonesia will maintain its traditional stance of neutrality, continuing its policy of non-alignment while fostering positive relations with both China and the United States.

What is Indonesia's approach to the ASEAN region amid global geopolitical tensions?

Indonesia, as a neutral country, supports ASEAN as a forum for discussion and economic cooperation, recognizing the differing national interests among member states.

What personal causes does Hashim Djojohadikusumo support with his fortune?

Hashim supports causes such as wildlife conservation, women's empowerment, children's protection, and fighting human trafficking, reflecting his commitment to social responsibility.