Indonesian President Joko Widodo is on a two-day state visit to India. Invited by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Widodo is on his first visit to India after assuming power in October 2014.
The two countries on Monday agreed to strengthen defence and security ties with a major focus on maritime space and to deepen cooperation for effectively combating terror, its financing, money laundering and arms smuggling.
A joint statement issued after the talks said the two leaders condemned terrorism in all its forms.
But Who is Joko Widodo?
From making furniture to becoming the President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, popularly known as Jokowi, was elected in 2014.
He’s the first Indonesian President to not emerge from the country’s political or military elite. His ‘clean’, pro-poor image caught the nation’s fancy.
Jokowi grew up poor. His family was evicted from their home thrice when he was a child and this added to his image of being pro-poor.
However, since his election, he’s faced criticism for slow economic growth and policy paralysis in the country.
He introduced a tax amnesty move that has received mixed responses. It encourages Indonesians to declare untaxed assets by offering low tax rates. It has brought nearly $7.5 billion into the treasury in its first phase but long-term gains are uncertain.
In the times of demonetisation in India to tackle black money, do Jokowi’s tax policies offer lessons?
Widodo is also known for his simple dressing style and happens to be a fan of rock and heavy metal music. He’s mentioned that two of his favourite bands are Megadeth and Metallica.
Video Editor: Purnendu Pritam
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