Indonesia's Jokowi Asks World Leaders at G20 Summit to Not Underestimate Issue on Fertilizers
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15 November 2022 23:16 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Nusa Dua - Indonesian President Joko Widodo opened the Bali G20 summit on Tuesday, November 15, 2022. In his speech, Jokowi called on all G20 member countries to negotiate in resolving the global crisis.
The president said that the world has been experiencing great challenges, with conflict that impacts food resources, energy, and financial security in developing countries. In his statement, Jokowi did not mention the Russian Invasion, which many western countries blame for causing global issues.
"Issues on fertilizer must not be underestimated. If we don't immediately take steps to ensure sufficient availability of fertilizer at an affordable price, then 2023 will be even bleaker," said Joko Widodo in his opening statement at the G20 summit.
Indonesia's G20 presidency was mainly focused on post-pandemic global economic recovery, with priorities in the health sector, digital transformation, and energy transition. However, the early meeting between G20 members was overshadowed by the global crisis in the food and energy sector that was triggered by the conflict in Ukraine.
In several ministerial meetings, most Western countries led by the United States strongly condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine and its impact on the food and energy crisis.
Jokowi warned that the food crisis could result in zero supply. Fertilizer scarcity can lead to crop failure in various parts of the world.
"As many as 48 developing countries with the highest level of food insecurity will face very serious conditions. In addition, we also see the world order and international law are also being tested," he said.
The Ukraine issue is expected to continue to dominate the G20 summit. US President Joe Biden stated that his party and allies would highlight the impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine at the G20 summit, along with other important issues.
Biden in particular will provide attention to the food crisis which has turned worse as the effect of Moscow's aggression. "That means overcoming the suffering that the Russian aggression inflicted on not only Ukrainians but also people around the world," he said during a media briefing in Nusa Dua, Bali, Monday, November 14.
In addition to the United States, Britain, and Canada, the European Union will also condemn Putin's war in Ukraine. As reported by earlier sources, Western leaders will boycott the Russian delegation.
Due to differences of opinion regarding Ukraine, the G20 Summit forum is expected to be difficult to reach a mutual agreement. Nevertheless, President Joko Widodo emphasized that Indonesia as the G20 presidency would continue to maintain peace.
Daniel Ahmad | Translator: Intern / Imaji Lasahido
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