FP’s 500 Most Powerful People

As many as six Indonesians are among the world’s 500 Most Powerful People, according to noted publication Foreign Policy magazine.

The six listed Indonesians include Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, former president Megawati  Soekarnoputri, Jakarta governor Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, former finance minister Agus Martowardoyo, Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa and presidential spokesman Teuku Faizasyah.

Also found on the prominent list are Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and German Counselor Angela Merkel.

A political analyst from the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI), Siti Zuhroh, praised the list saying that it could mean that Indonesian democracy was widely accepted by the international community.

“Yudhoyono’s leadership is considered successful as he has been able to  offer political stability in two-term presidential tenures. Jokowi can also be seen as successful person although he has yet to prove himself,” she said.

J Kristiadi from the Center for International and Strategic Studies  (CSIS), on the other hand, questioned the magazine’s method in determining the individuals.

“Yudhoyono, well, he won the majority of votes in the 2004 and 2009 presidential elections. But, how can he be considered powerful when his orders are not followed by officials at every level? ” he said. (asw/dic)

The Jakarta Post

About author
Comments

No comments yet.

Be first to leave your comment!

Nickname:

E-mail:

Homepage:

Your comment:

Add your comment