Jakarta, Dec. 5 -- The President of Indonesia Joko Widodo has been named as the Straits Times Asian of the Year 2019, the Singapore-based newspaper announced in a written statement received here on Thursday.

"Every year, the editors of the Straits Times pick a person, a group or an institution that, in their judgment, has significantly impacted the Asian continent in the year past. This year, the editors are pleased to recognise and honour Mr Joko Widodo, Indonesia's seventh and current President, who won a resounding victory earlier this year to retain power," the English language broadsheet newspaper remarked.

According to the Straits Times, the 58-year old president "has in more recent times put Indonesia, widely regarded as the most...