Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has shared insights from his recent meetings with top Indonesian government officials, emphasising the need for structured policies and decisive leadership to drive national development in Nigeria.
In a statement posted on Monday via X, Obi shared details of his discussions with prominent Indonesian figures, including former Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Agung Laksono, former Vice President Muhammad Jusuf Kalla, and Minister of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions Yandri Susanto.
Obi noted that his conversation with Laksono provided valuable insights into Indonesia’s governance strategies under former Presidents Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Joko Widodo, particularly regarding planning, execution, and measurable progress in critical sectors. “My discussions with Agung Laksono shed light on the governance strategies of both administrations, detailing the planning, execution, and determination that were key to Indonesia’s transformation,” Obi said.
In his meeting with Jusuf Kalla, Indonesia’s only Vice President to serve under two different presidents, Obi learned that a focused commitment and strong leadership were essential to achieving widespread development across various sectors. Kalla emphasized that “the achievements of both leaders were made possible through a focused commitment approach and decisive leadership.”
Obi also met with Susanto, who outlined Indonesia’s rural development strategy under President Joko Widodo. Susanto explained that Indonesia had implemented a structured approach to village development, focusing on improvements in education, healthcare, and support for micro and small businesses.
The strategy classifies villages from extremely underdeveloped to self-sufficient, enabling a data-driven transformation with measurable outcomes.
Obi stressed that Nigeria could similarly achieve inclusive and sustainable growth by adopting policies focused on rural development, industrialization, and economic diversification. “By implementing structured, data-driven policies, backed by political will and strategic execution, Nigeria can unlock its full potential and ensure no region is left behind,” he concluded.
