In his ongoing visit to Indonesia, 2023 Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, has engaged in high-level discussions with key Indonesian leaders, drawing lessons on governance, economic strategy, and rural development.
On February 3rd and 4th, 2025, Obi held perceptive meetings with notable figures, starting with Agung Laksono, a former Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, who also served on Indonesia’s Presidential Advisory Board. Laksono provided Obi with deep insights into the governance strategies employed under former Presidents Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Joko Widodo, highlighting Indonesia’s transformation through strategic planning, execution, and determination.
“My discussions with Agung Laksono gave me valuable insights into how the administrations of Yudhoyono and Widodo drove measurable development in critical areas,” Obi stated.
Obi’s second session was with Muhammad Jusuf Kalla, former Vice President of Indonesia, the only person in the country’s history to serve under two different presidents. Kalla emphasized the role of focused commitment and decisive leadership in ensuring simultaneous development across all sectors.
“The achievements of both leaders were made possible through a focused commitment approach and decisive leadership,” Kalla told Obi.
In his third session, Obi met with Yandri Susanto, the Minister of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions. Susanto outlined how President Widodo’s administration has made significant strides in rural development by prioritizing education, healthcare, and support for micro and small businesses. The ministry categorizes villages from underdeveloped to self-sufficient, ensuring targeted progress through a structured leadership framework that involves both municipal and traditional heads.
Obi believes that Nigeria can replicate Indonesia’s model through structured, data-driven policies focused on rural development, industrialization, and diversification.
“With political will and strategic execution, we can unlock our full potential and ensure no region is left behind,” he concluded.
As Obi continues his engagements, his reflections from Indonesia reinforce his vision that “A New Nigeria is POssible.”
