TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - US President Barack Obama said Indonesia is an example of democracy, tolerance and pluralism in the world despite having the largest Muslim population.
He cited the recent election as proof of the functioning democracy in Indonesia.
“Elections in Indonesia ascertain that there is a democratic transition. Indonesia is an example of democracy, tolerance and pluralism,” said Obama during a bilateral meeting with President Joko Widodo in Beijing on Monday.
Obama continued that Jokowi has an ambitious agenda for reform and the US would be a partner for Indonesia to achieve that agenda. “We already have extraordinary partnership in development, defense and security.”
Obama went on to thank Indonesia for its contribution in global security. “As one of the world’s largest democracy, Indonesia with its large Muslim population provides global security,” he said.
In the meeting, Jokowi spoke Indonesian with assistance from an interpreter. Obama also spoke English with help from an interpreter.
Jokowi was accompanied by Coordinating Economy Minister Sofyan Djalil, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, Trade Minister Rachmat Gobel, Cabinet Secretary Andi Widjajanto and DPR deputy chief Gusti Kanjeng Ratu Hemas in the meeting with Obama.
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