Last week was a momentous occasion for Indonesia as the country held the G20 presidency and hosted the Summit in Nusa Dua, Bali from November 15 to 16. The G20 Summit is a global event that gathers world leaders to discuss pressing matters and develop resolutions to tackle those matters. 

World leaders, from the President of the United States Joe Biden, to the President of China Xi Jinping, were present at the Summit, along with many others. Many praised Indonesian President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and the Indonesian government for organizing the G20 Summit and expressed their pleasure in various press conferences and media posts. Here is what they had to say about the event compiled by a report from CNBC Indonesia.

US President Joe Biden

In a press conference on Wednesday, November 16, 2022, President Joko Widodo stated that US President Joe Biden needed to leave the G20 summit on the first day.

“Yes, he (Biden) was supposed to return on (to the U.S.) on the first day. He (Biden) mentioned: I’m going to be an in-law, and I have to prepare and cannot stay long,” said Jokowi as quoted by CNBC Indonesia.

However, the US leader turned out to be present at the summit. Not only that, to the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno who sent him off. He revealed that he wanted to stay longer in Indonesia because he felt “at home.”

"Even though I only took one place to walk along the beach, I saw it was very beautiful, I wanted to stay longer, I felt at home, and I didn't want to go home," Biden said as quoted from Instagram @sandiuno.

French President Emmanuel Macron

The President of France Emmanuel Macron said that Indonesia’s G20 Presidency was full of messages of unity and solidarity, especially among developing countries. 

“This is a G20 Summit of solidarity,” said Macron in a press release published by the communications and media team of the G20 Summit on Thursday, November 17, 2022.

Additionally, Macron stated that Indonesia’s G20 Presidency has made a strong effort in producing concrete steps. 

“Thank you to President Jokowi for his hard work. For not only the messages of unity but also what we must achieve to make (everything) more efficient,” said Macron as reported by CNBC Indonesia.

Chinese President Xi Jinping

President of China Xi Jinping said his visit was proof of the important relationship between China and Indonesia in the foreign policies of the two countries. In addition, Jokowi is also the first leader of a friendly country that China has accepted since the Covid-19 pandemic.

"Three months ago, His Excellency (Jokowi) visited Beijing as the leader of the first friendly country that the Chinese side received separately since the Covid-19 pandemic broke out," said Xi Jinping.

Xi Jinping also said that the results of the strategic cooperation between Indonesia and China were real achievements that had a positive impact on both countries, regionally and globally. According to Xi, this can serve as an example for fellow developing countries to jointly establish mutually beneficial cooperation.

Jokowi's welcome to Xi Jinping was also quite warm within the G20. Jokowi expressed his appreciation for Xi's presence at the Bali G20 Summit, which was also his first overseas visit after being re-elected as secretary of the ruling party in China. "I would like to welcome President Xi Jinping to Bali," he said in a press release received by CNBC Indonesia.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan appreciated President Joko Widodo and Indonesia for successfully holding the G20 Summit in Bali. Erdoğan thanked everyone for the hospitality that was given to him and his delegation while in Bali.

"I congratulate Indonesia for successfully carrying out the tenure of the G20 Presidency. I express my appreciation to all those who have tried, especially President Widodo, for the hospitality they have shown me, my partner, and the Turkish delegation while here," said Erdogan. in his press conference, Wednesday, November 16, 2022, as quoted by CNBC Indonesia.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also expressed his appreciation for President Joko Widodo for successfully holding the G20 Summit in Nusa Dua, Bali.

"I think the president [Joko Widodo] and his staff deserve extraordinary credit for the leadership they have shown over the year," quoted from a video press conference shared by the British Embassy on Wednesday, November 16, 2022, as quoted by CNBC Indonesia.

Sunak assessed that Indonesia succeeded in holding the meeting with satisfactory results at a time when the global situation was full of challenges, namely the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

He also welcomed the declaration from the G20 Summit in Bali, despite the great skepticism. According to him, the results of the declaration were quite substantive, comprehensive, and oriented toward direct action.