Jokowi calls for strong, people-centred leadership to navigate global uncertainty

Indonesian ex-President Joko Widodo, commonly known as Jokowi, advocated for strong leadership that puts people first, as the world grapples with conflict, climate change, and economic uncertainty. Speaking at the inaugural Peace Dialogue, an event held during the Commonwealth World of Chinatowns (CWC) series in George Town, Jokowi emphasized that leaders must not only comprehend strategy and power but also listen to people, acknowledge their concerns, and strive for their future.

He highlighted that leaders alone cannot ensure peace; it requires a society that understands both their leaders' direction and challenges. Jokowi stressed that when people comprehend the situation and trust their leaders, support follows. The foundation of peace lies in understanding between leaders and people, he asserted.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow echoed Jokowi's sentiments, emphasizing that trust must become the "infrastructure of cooperation" in a world marked by strategic rivalry and diverging interests. Chow suggested that dialogue is crucial in maintaining connections among countries and societies, as infrastructure is no longer sufficient when interests start to diverge.

Former Penang chief ministers Lim Guan Eng and Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, along with CWC co-founders Winfred Khoo and Lee Khai, attended the event. Asia Dialogue Society fellow Yusmadi Yusoff praised the initiative, stating that dialogue is essential for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's outreach to the global community. Yusmadi, with extensive experience in dialogue engagements, concluded by underscoring that peace can only be attained when people recognize the importance of speaking, listening, and understanding one another.