TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Gita Wirjawan's participation in Democrat Convention has earned a number of controversies, including that from Australia. Indonesian expert at Australian National University, Professor Greg Fealy, stated that Gita is less popular and is going to have difficult time winning the presidential race, meaning that it is good for Australian trade.

Fealy also stated that if Gita is elected to be the next Indonesian president, it would impact negatively to Australia. The statement highlights several Gita's policy during his time as Indonesian Trade Minister, particularly on the suspension on beef import last year.

Fealy opined that the odds of presidency might go to the hand of Jakarta Governor Joko Widodo (Jokowi), with less opposing view against Australian policy. "He is a businessman. He can appreciate business profit. He is a pragmatic, but also a nationalist," he said. Moreover, Jokowi is seen to have less problems than Gita. Fealy mentioned that Gita is seen as a vocal figure against the issues concerning Australia and United States.

Indonesian expert at Monash University Professor Greg Barton agreed that Jokowi has the upperhand to take the throne. He stated that Australia's concern on some uprising political figures will only result in an unhealthy trade practices, for the sake of political interest. "Jokowi, however, is not bound by nationalism issue," said Barton.

ABC | ABDUL MALIK