Country Profile

In a fast-changing political landscape, 2018 will be a key year for President Joko Widodo to take advantage of his high popularity ratings, majority in Parliament and consolidated Cabinet to accelerate the implementation of his administration’s strategic goals, which include infrastructure development, reducing bureaucracy and increasing transparency. In terms of greater regional involvement, the country remains ASEAN’s largest member and an increasingly influential one. In recent years Indonesia has continued strengthening its diplomatic relations with neighbouring countries, while also boosting long-term cooperation with Japan, China and South Korea.

This chapter contains an interview with President Joko Widodo; and viewpoints from Xi Jinping, President of China; and Mark Rutte, Prime Minister of the Netherlands.