U.S. President Joe Biden is scheduled to meet with Indonesian President Joko Widodo at the White House on Monday afternoon to discuss the war in Gaza and elevate diplomatic ties. The leaders have differing views on the conflict, with Biden offering unwavering support to Israel and Widodo demanding an immediate cease-fire and supporting a United Nations commission investigating war crimes. Widodo recently attended an emergency summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Saudi Arabia, where the group rejected Israel's justification for its actions in Gaza and called for an end to the war.

Widodo plans to deliver the OIC summit's resolutions to Biden during their meeting, emphasizing that Israel must take responsibility for the atrocities it has committed. Biden's administration is interested in hearing Widodo's perspectives and views following his discussions at the OIC summit and with other Arab and Middle East leaders. Although the two leaders have conflicting views on an immediate cease-fire, the United States is seeking to find common ground with Indonesia in the long term. As the largest Muslim majority country, Indonesia's opinions and actions carry weight in resolving the conflict and working towards peace.

Indonesia has a history of providing aid to Palestinians, including a hospital in Gaza that has been affected by Israeli airstrikes and is in dire need of supplies and fuel. Widodo's visit to the United States aims to develop comprehensive strategic partnership and repair relations after Biden skipped the ASEAN summit hosted by Indonesia in September. However, Widodo faces a delicate balancing act as he must represent the passions of the OIC while avoiding political damage at home, where anti-Israel and anti-U.S. demonstrations have taken place.

In addition to discussing the war in Gaza, Biden and Widodo are expected to address other important issues, including a deal on critical minerals and China's rising influence in the Indo-Pacific. Indonesia seeks a limited free trade agreement with the United States that will include its nickel exports under Biden's Inflation Reduction Act, which offers tax incentives for domestic electric vehicle manufacturing. As the country with the world's largest nickel reserves, Indonesia aims to become a global EV hub and is keen on such a deal. The Biden administration wants to secure a supply chain for its goal of increasing electric vehicle sales in the United States.

However, the United States has expressed concerns about Indonesia's reliance on Chinese investment in its mining industry and the labor and environmental practices associated with it. Both countries will announce a "work plan" to explore a partnership on critical minerals, ensuring that labor and environmental standards are met. Some in the U.S. mining industry have pushed back against this plan, as they are concerned about U.S. taxpayer funds going to Chinese companies involved in Indonesian mining without proper protections.

The meeting between Biden and Widodo is significant as it aims to elevate diplomatic ties and establish a comprehensive strategic partnership. Indonesia has already shared such a partnership with China, and the United States seeks to strengthen its relationship with the country. However, Indonesia is cautious of China's assertive claims in the South China Sea and has been strengthening military ties with the United States. Biden hopes to use his discussions with Widodo to gather regional perspectives on China before meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. They will also address the crisis in Myanmar, where the junta has carried out a brutal crackdown on opposition forces. Indonesia and other Southeast Asian nations have called for constructive dialogue and an end to violence in Myanmar.

The meeting between Biden and Widodo is expected to be delicate due to the sensitivity surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict. While Biden staunchly supports Israel, Widodo faces pressure at home to speak out against the humanitarian situation in Gaza. The Palestinian cause has a significant influence on political views in Indonesia, and support for Palestine is expected of any Indonesian president. However, any criticism of Israel that is too strong or supportive of Hamas could damage relations with the United States and the West. On the other hand, not being critical enough of Israel could harm Widodo's standing at home.

Overall, the meeting between Biden and Widodo is crucial for strengthening bilateral ties and addressing various issues of mutual interest. Despite their differing views on the Israel-Hamas war, the United States seeks to find common ground with Indonesia in the long term. The meeting will also provide an opportunity to discuss critical minerals, China's influence in the Indo-Pacific, and the crisis in Myanmar.