Delivered Wednesday & Sunday. And the President rarely spoke about it again, not even mentioning foreign policy or maritime issues in his second-term inauguration speech in 2019. Yet, it is hardly part of a broader strategy to embrace free trade. The first challenge, which the Foreign Secretary has started to address, is to increase highlevelpolitical engagement with Indonesia. If the UK is to live up to the governments ambitions in the Indo-Pacific, the Foreign,Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) will need to enhance its engagement acrossthe region. Rather than just talking about the rules-based international order or competition with China, the UK needs to use Dialogue Partner status as an opportunity to be present in and helpfulto the region. WebThe Bent Ears, Del Norte, Colorado. But he said: "I'm a bit concerned that my abuse-meter will rise now." My mothers side of the family is Sudanese-Egyptian and I grew up speaking fluent Arabic alongside English, even though I was born in the UK. Ben Bland paints an insightful and intriguing portrait of Indonesia's leader in his new book, Man of Contradictions: Joko Widodo and the struggle to remake Indonesia. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. While foreign policy discussions about Southeast Asia are often dominated by securityexperts, most of the regions governments are focused on domestic development challenges. The ASEAN Outlook on the IndoPacific, which was adopted in 2019, was little more than a restatement of ASEANs main principles: peaceful settlement of disputes, respect for international law and, most importantly, non-interference in other nations internal affairs. Although most of the challenges facing Southeast Asia are domestic, the region also risksdestabilisation because of external factors, chiefly the growing rivalry between the US andChina. More information on Ben can be found here: http://benbland.me, FutureScreens NIOrmeau Baths18 Ormeau AveBelfast BT2 8HS. My first book,Generation HK: Seeking Identity in Chinas Shadow (Penguin Random House, 2017), was astudy of the young Hong Kongers pushing back against Beijings pressures on the city. But the concept was not fleshed out. Watch the full interview for insights on how industry thinks about deglobalization, the U.S.-China rivalry, the war in Ukraine, and much more. He cheekily added: "(*creative licence may have been used in this description)". WhereASEAN differs is that its Jakarta-based secretariat is deliberately deprived of resources andpower, to ensure that authority and sovereignty resides in national capitals. How does industry define morality? 22. But times change, thankfully for the better. Some ASEAN member-states remain sceptical about the UKs commitment to the region, soBritish ministers will need to maintain their recent pace of visits to Southeast Asia if theywant to be seen as more serious long-term partners. "Good to see you back in the big chair, behind the big black desk!" Hong Kong: is one country, two systems under threat? Historically theUK has framed its Southeast Asian engagement around its former colonies: Malaysia,Singapore and Brunei. They will also need to be in listeningmode, asking what Southeast Asian governments want from the UK and finding out whereinterests and capabilities overlap. Many Indonesian NGOs were already struggling financially before COVID-19 and thepandemic has exacerbated these strains, although these organisations are needed more than ever to support Indonesian society through a very difficult period. Ben, who used to go by Ben Bland before changing his name to reflect his heritage, posted the news after "unprecedented, overwhelming public demand" on his social media pages. Follow the topics, people and companies that matter to you. 33. I focused on Southeast Asia during myundergraduate History degree at the University of Cambridge and have an MA in SoutheastAsian Studies from the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London. Watch FPs Ravi Agrawal in conversation with two of the contributors to the magazines cover story, Anne-Marie Slaughter and retired Gen. David Petraeus, as they reflect on whats surprised themand how to prevent future wars. Indeed, rather than rising to the challenge Jokowi has struggled under the immense pressure. WebView the profiles of people named Ben Bland. Copy link. It took only a short while, however, for complaints to emerge. I was brought up in the Coptic Orthodox faith one of the oldest Christian denominations in the world and that link to my heritage continues to this day when I attend services that are conducted in a combination of English, Arabic and Coptic. Email. And Jokowi himself has declared his ambition for Indonesia to become a developed nation by 2045. The UK will get more out of Dialogue Partner status if ituses it to help the region tackle such issues, including pandemic recovery, boostingeconomic growth and mitigating climate change. With thelarge developing countries of Southeast Asia struggling to get access to and distributevaccines, this is likely to be a multi-year crisis. Less Bland.https://t.co/CJQKtCK21t pic.twitter.com/nNphKNgdQz. As the Egyptian economy falters, Sisi is turning to the Chinese government for support. WebWe would like to show you a description here but the site wont allow us. FPs Winter 2023 print issue brings together 12 experts to help us answer those questions. Meanwhile, Jokowi transferred formal responsibility for generating investment from the co-ordinating ministry for economic affairs to the co-ordinating ministry for maritime affairs, led by his fixer-in-chief Luhut Pandjaitan. The Lowy Institute acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora nation, the traditional custodians of the land on which the Institute stands, and pays respects to their elders, past and present. Watch the full interview for insights on how industry thinks about deglobalization, the U.S.-China rivalry, the war in Ukraine, and much more. While Southeast Asian postings have not typically been seen as a top priority, the FCDOneeds to ensure that it develops more diplomats with extensive regional experience andcarves out more time for them to undertake language study. I am the author of two acclaimed books on Asian politics, the most recent being Man ofContradictions: Joko Widodo and the Struggle to Remake Indonesia (Penguin Random House,2020), the first English-language political biography of Indonesias president. Delivered Thursday. The UK should also use Dialogue Partner status as a platform to deepen its strategicconversations and practical cooperation with other Dialogue Partners that share Britainsobjectives and values, chiefly the US, Australia, Japan, South Korea, as well as the EU and itsmost influential members-states France and Germany. Fig. Lowy Institute. cookies Before joining the Lowy Institute, I was a correspondent for the Financial Times for a decade,with postings in Jakarta, Hanoi and Hong Kong. Recently, he has shown a renewed enthusiasm for bilateral trade agreements, signing one with Australia in early 2020 after years of arduous negotiations. The former Department for International Development has a strong reputation in the regionand the merged FCDO should look to continue building on this. Watch FPs Ravi Agrawal in conversation with two of the contributors to the magazines cover story, Anne-Marie Slaughter and retired Gen. David Petraeus, as they reflect on whats surprised themand how to prevent future wars. The FCDO needs to pair this governmental approach with support for civil society, which isunder pressure across the region from authoritarian governments and democraticgovernments with authoritarian tendencies. 43. Bland highlights many of Jokowis actions which have undermined Indonesias already flawed democracy notably, diluting the nations anti-corruption agency, creating his own family political dynasty, and his appeasement of conservative Islam and intolerance and of violence towards religious minorities and the LGBT community. As well as understanding the opportunities, the British government needs to be clear-eyedabout the risks in Southeast Asia, where there are few truly like-minded nations. Working with governments can secure the UKsshort-term interests but the UK also needs to do what it can to help promote its values inthe region and deepen ties with the people of Southeast Asia. However, as he approached his debut on the international political stage at the East Asia Summit in Myanmar in November 2014, his foreign policy advisers were eager for him to make a splash. I still speak and understand Arabic conversationally, although I have never learned to read and write the language (it remains an ambition to be tackled sometime). Benjamin Mark Bland (born 13 May 1984 in Countesthorpe, Leicestershire [citation needed]), known professionally as Ben Boulos, is an English presenter and journalist for the BBC News, specialising in business for UK and global audiences on programmes including Business Live, Talking Business and World Business Report, as well as being Jokowi has been nationalising some of the countrys biggest energy projects, and prioritising the development of state-owned enterprises, many of which are badly managed and riddled with corruption. My impression is the immense power of Indonesias oligarchs and military is the main factor blocking foreign investment. Nationalism and protectionism were already on the rise when COVID-19 shut down global supply chains. Athletic, trim, and ears that you just want to grab as he goes down on your thick, uncut It is not a substitute for much-needed economic reforms or a consistent trade policy, but it has no doubt helped the country maintain a decent flow of foreign investment and lending, allowing it to sustain growth and cover the annual budget deficits. Jokowis ad hoc leadership style exacerbates the weaknesses of Indonesian foreign policy. Whats the bid for this rarest of Bugattis? FPs Winter 2023 print issue brings together 12 experts to help us answer those questions. In a later video, Ben told the camera: "Well, here is one last clue. That prompted me to think about my name and whether I should change it for clarity and to avoid confusion.. Jokowi, pictured with his wife, Iriana, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Peng Liyuan, is interested in attracting investment and that has shaped his relationship with Beijing.AP. How does industry define morality? and other data for a number of reasons, such as keeping FT Sites reliable and secure, But Jokowi, as the President is known, was struggling to comprehend the relevance of events beyond Indonesias own waters. The new web platform aims to help people find ways to improve the way they work, collaborate and build successful lives for themselves. A reformist coalition elected in Malaysia in 2018 fell apart within two years. Delivered Thursday. benbland.substack.com. signing one with Australia in early 2020 after years of arduous negotiations. Lowy Institute. There are few global leaders who have risen from obscurity as rapidly as Jokowi. Help using this website - Accessibility statement. Has Joko Widodos Power Peaked in Indonesi The FCDO should support more of these. His decision was sparked by constant confusion between him and a former Financial Times journalist in Australia called Benjamin Bland, with Boulos often receiving messages intended for the other Mr Bland. Done correctly, therefore,enhanced engagement with ASEAN, as an organisation, and Southeast Asian governments,in their own right, should be mutually reinforcing. Extract from Man of Contradictions: Joko Widodo and the Struggle to Remake Indonesia by Ben Bland, a Lowy Institute Paper published by Penguin Random House on 1 September 2020, RRP $12.99. Britains renewed enthusiasm in Southeast Asia means, among other tasks, negotiating the idiosyncrasies of ASEAN. As an adult, I feel proud of it and want to celebrate and highlight a part of my background that has such a big influence in shaping who I am.. Download the FP mobile app to read anytime, anywhere. Extract from Man of Contradictions: Joko Widodo and the Struggle to Remake Indonesia by Ben Bland, a Lowy Institute Paper published by Penguin Random House on 1 September 2020, RRP $12.99. Blands book makes a major contribution to our understanding of Indonesia, as well as Jokowi, the main subject. 13. Jokowi has also been feted by many Western politicians and pundits who have been seduced by his charms. BBC journalist Ben Bland changes name to Boulos to celebrate He has an MA in Southeast Asian Studies from the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London and an undergraduate degree in History from the University of Cambridge. 24. And what happens if the United States and China continue down a path of decoupling? 35. A British citizen, I am an expert on Southeast Asian politics, and have been working in orstudying the region for 20 years. Casino developer Landing surges after missing chairman reappears, Hong Kong Occupy protest leaders go on trial, Exiled Chinese author warns over curbs on HK freedom, Hong Kong activists warn that Beijing crackdown will backfire, Hong Kong houseboat owners face huge financial losses, Walter Kwok, property developer, 1950-2018, Cathay Pacific hit by data leak affecting up to 9.4m passengers, UBS rescinds China travel warning to staff, Financial Times journalists visa renewal denied by Hong Kong, One Hong Kong railway station, two Chinese systems, Indonesia tsunami relief efforts hit by infrastructure problems, China seeks global role for elite counter-terrorism forces, Hong Kong joins China's high-speed rail network, Ban on separatist party intensifies free speech fears in Hong Kong. The United States and China continue down a path of decoupling,,... Matter to you together 12 experts to help us answer those questions to the Chinese for... 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