Thread by @parkernovak

1/ #Indonesia 🇮🇩 President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo is heading to #Moscow to meet with Putin.

Why did Jokowi choose this moment to step up on the global stage? Here's a quick 🧵 primer.

article via @_KateLamb & @stanleywidianto reuters.com/world/asia-pac…

2/ Since being elected in 2014, Jokowi has focused on #economic issues & paid comparatively little attention to #foreingpolicy. But, when the latter impacts the former, he tunes in.

3/ #Russia's invasion of #Ukraine sent food, cooking oil & energy prices up globally. For #Indonesia, this is exacerbating pre-existing economic challenges & could push tens of millions into poverty.

4/ This has caused political problems for Jokowi in a way few other issues have. In response, #Indonesia instituted a since-lifted ban on palm oil exports - a move from the world's largest producer that further increased global prices.

5/ Jokowi is worried about the looming #foodsecurity crisis that could send his country reeling. He's also worried about the invasion's impact on his hosting of the #G20 in November.

6/ In a way, the #G20 is #Indonesia's global coming out party. Long derided for "batting below its weight" and non-alignment, the world's fourth-largest country wants to assert its position on the global stage & showcase itself to investors.

7/ Jokowi has resisted pressure to disinvite Putin's #Russia from the #G20 & deviated from western consensus on #Ukraine. But, Putin's brazen actions have put him in a bind & he doesn't want them to spoil #Indonesia's party.

8/ Thus, Jokowi is visiting Moscow in an attempt to broker a peace deal. From his POV, a deal would alleviate a #foodsecurity crisis, along w/ the accompanying political pressures, & keep the #G20 on track.

9/ This is one of the most significant #foreignpolicy moves of Jokowi's presidency, and he's tuned in because of his country's domestic circumstances.

10/ His visit may also have the byproduct of bolstering #Indonesia's standing among developing nations, many of which have also deviated from the western consensus on #Ukraine.

As for the impact Jokowi's efforts will ultimately have? We'll see.