Indonesia Political Risk Analyst

Kevin O’Rourke

Reformasi

Thematic (Sector/Industry)

<p>If Donald Trump persists with his policy to move the US Embassy to Jerusalem – such that Middle‑East tensions escalate – the situation could become a dominant issue in domestic politics in Indonesia.  The foremost beneficiaries would likely be elements that align or sympathize with President Joko Widodo’s likely challenger in the 2019 election, Prabowo Subianto.  Widodo may face an imperative to forcefully denounce the US, lest his political opponents upstage him. </p>

If Donald Trump persists with his policy to move the US Embassy to Jerusalem – such that Middle‑East tensions escalate – the situation could become a dominant issue in domestic politics in Indonesia.  The foremost beneficiaries would likely be elements that align or sympathize with President Joko Widodo’s likely challenger in the 2019 election, Prabowo Subianto.  Widodo may face an imperative to forcefully denounce the US, lest his political opponents upstage him. 

Jerusalem Move Shows Readiness to Anger 'Foes', But In Indonesia Trump Is Jeopardizing Friendships