Jokowi marching on to new goals

Jakarta

DURING the first months of this year, President Joko Widodo was an embattled leader grappling with Indonesia's most serious political and religious tensions in two decades. Now, he has come through the storm looking stronger than ever.

His popularity is near record highs and, thanks to deft manoeuvres against foes trying to exploit a blasphemy case against one of his allies, Mr Joko has stamped his authority on the ruling coalition, Parliament and the security forces.