REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, SHEFFIELD -- Donald Trump's victory in the United States presidential election will not significantly affect the Indonesian political policy, according to Abdul Mu'ti, Muhammadiyah Central Executive Board Secretary General. "The United States should take advantage of the position of Indonesia, which is a democratic state with Muslim majority, as a moderate Muslim power base to influence other Muslims," Mu'ti remarked on the sidelines of the Indonesian Muslim Family recitals in Sheffield, UK, on Sunday.
He stated that Indonesia was a good partner for the US, and there are many similarities and advantages for both countries to be considered by the United States. According to him, the influence of US political policy for Indonesia, both in the leadership of Barack Obama and Donald Trump later, will not be much different.
The Muhammadiyah secretary general said that the US should maintain and promote good relations with Indonesia, as the country's investment in Indonesia will be affected following a widespread approach of China to Indonesia. He said that with significantly good economic condition in Indonesia amid the sluggish world economy, the United States needs to consider Indonesia as an economic power, especially in Asia and Southeast Asia.
Earlier, Trade Minister Enggartiasto Lukita said in Jakarta that Indonesia hopes Trump's victory will strengthen the two countries' bilateral relations, especially in the trade sector. "We surely hope for an increase in the cooperation between Indonesia and the US. We believe that the trade relationship between both countries will continue," Lukita said in a press conference in Jakarta on Friday.
With his business background, Trump is likely to consider economic aspects in forming policies, despite the current situation in which a number of countries are taking protective measures, he continued. The US holds a rather important role for Indonesia, as the country is one of Indonesia's biggest partners in trade, as well as the traditional market for local product exports.
The government will continue to maintain and increase trade with the traditional markets, at the same time opening new potential markets. "In this global economic scenario, countries have the tendency to become protective, and it does not just apply to the US. We will keep an eye on how the situation develops, and we looking forward to the US' new economic cabinet members with anticipation," he said.
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