Indonesia before the presidential elections

Regarding the upcoming presidential elections in Indonesia, the situation in Germany was interesting, Artauli R.M.P. Tobing, head of Policy Analysis and Development Agency of the Indonesian Department of Foreign Affairs, said. The election presents a great challenge for Indonesia because it has the largest Muslim population, and is the fourth-most densely populated state in the world having more than 17,000 islands. Indonesia with its moderate Islam, envisioned itself as a „bridge“ between Islamic states and the western world, Tobing said. However, the nation also has to deal with increasing radical Islamic groups and has to maintain democracy within the country, Tobing emphasized. The consequences of the economic crisis were also discussed during the meeting. According to Tobing, the Republic of Indonesia is not that hard affected by the economic crisis due to its strong internal market and expects a positive growth rate of approximately 2.5 per cent for the year 2009.

With view to common strategic interests – e.g. the prevention of piracy, democracy promotion for instance in Myanmar, and climate protection - there is a great interest in an exchange of experience and a co-operation with Germany.