Indonesia's President Joko Widodo Delivers Final State of the Nation Address

By Nadira Wulandari

Cover Image Attribute: Indonesian President Joko Widodo, dressed in traditional Jakarta attire, delivers his annual State of the Nation Address in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Friday (16 August 2024), just ahead of the country's Independence Day. / Source: Reuters

In his final State of the Nation address, Indonesian President Joko Widodo underscored the economic and developmental strides his administration made during his decade-long leadership of Southeast Asia's largest economy. 
Speaking just months before stepping down, Widodo emphasized the successes achieved under his presidency, including the control of inflation, the reduction of unemployment, and significant progress in alleviating extreme poverty. These milestones, he highlighted, were a testament to his government's sustained efforts to stabilize the economy and improve the welfare of the Indonesian people.
Widodo also drew attention to the infrastructure development initiatives carried out during his tenure, particularly in regions of Indonesia that were previously hard to access due to limited resources. By expanding infrastructure in these areas, the administration improved connectivity and economic prospects for millions of citizens living in remote parts of the country. He attributed these accomplishments to his government’s commitment to fostering growth and development, despite the challenging circumstances. 
Also, he particularly emphasized Indonesia's resilience in his final address, highlighting the nation's ability to withstand challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and rising global geopolitical tensions. As a key player in Southeast Asia, Indonesia holds a critical position amid international disputes involving Taiwan, human rights, and U.S. military presence, particularly in response to China's assertiveness in the South China Sea.

Indonesia, a tropical archipelago with the world's third-largest rainforest, faces significant environmental challenges due to economic development. The nation is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, driven by deforestation, fossil fuel usage, and peatland fires. These issues have pushed Indonesia toward green energy transformation, with the aim of balancing economic growth with environmental preservation, especially in safeguarding endangered species and vital ecosystems.
Widodo highlighted Indonesia's significant developments in smelters and processing industries, particularly in commodities like nickel, bauxite, and copper. These advancements are projected to create over 200,000 jobs and boost state revenue. Indonesia, the largest economy in Southeast Asia, holds the world's largest nickel reserves and has increased its number of nickel smelters from two to 27 in the past decade, with plans for 22 more. In 2023, the country was responsible for over half of the global nickel ore supply.
Despite his administration's progress, Widodo acknowledged that 10 years was not enough to fully achieve his government's objectives. As he prepares to step down in October after serving two terms, he leaves behind a legacy that includes his ambitious $33 billion project to relocate Indonesia's capital from Jakarta to Nusantara in Borneo. His term will conclude after the electoral commission declared Prabowo Subianto as president-elect, with Widodo's son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, as vice president.
Widodo urged his successor, President-elect Prabowo Subianto, to continue steering the country toward its long-term goal of achieving the "2045 Golden Indonesia vision." This vision aims for Indonesia to become a sovereign, advanced, fair, and prosperous nation by the time it celebrates its 100th year of independence in 2045.
He expressed confidence in the nation's future and symbolically passed the leadership baton to Prabowo. He also conveyed the collective hopes and dreams of the Indonesian people, spanning from the nation's outermost regions and rural areas to its cities, asking his successor to carry them forward.
About the Author:
Nadira Wulandari is an Indonesian journalist with a decade of experience covering politics, social issues, and human rights. Known for her in-depth investigative reporting and compelling storytelling, Nadira has been a prominent voice in bringing attention to underreported stories in Indonesia. 

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