Indonesia’s Widodo Warns ‘Identity Politics’ Is ’Threat to Democracy’

President Joko Widodo has warned of the dangers of “identity politics,” and called on “closest friend” Australia to defend democratic values together.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo smiles at reporters as he arrives before delivering a speech ahead of Independence Day, at the parliament building in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Aug. 16, 2019. Willy Kurniawan/Reuters

Indonesian President Joko Widodo has warned of the dangers of “identity politics,” and called on “closest friend” Australia to work together to defend their democratic values, human rights, and diversity and to stop terrorism.

Widodo made the comments during a speech (pdf) to the Australian Parliament on Feb. 10, when he signed a lucrative trade deal with Australia.