Biden hails ‘new era’ of ties between US and Indonesia
By CHRIS MEGERIAN and JOSH BOAK
Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden and Indonesian President Joko Widodo have formalized closer ties between their countries at the White House. Biden described it as a “new era” in the relationship. Indonesia is the world’s third largest democracy and a heavyweight player in Southeast Asia. The United States has been jockeying with China for influence in the region. Biden’s meeting Monday with Widodo comes days before Biden is scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a summit of Asian leaders in San Francisco. During the meeting, Widodo also said the U.S. should push for a ceasefire in the war between Israel and Hamas.