Jokowi in global spotlight

Indonesian President Joko Widodo prepares for an official portrait session at the presidential palace in Jakarta.

IN his previous life as a small-time furniture exporter and exhibitor, Joko Widodo was used to erecting stages. But in early November, just days after being sworn in as the president of Indonesia, he will be sharing a stage with the world’s most powerful leaders.

Between Nov 10 and Nov 16, Jokowi will, in succession, attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit meeting in Beijing; the Asean leaders’ meeting and the East Asia Summit, both being held in Naypyidaw, Myanmar; and a meeting of G-20 leaders in Brisbane, Australia.