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The province of East Java is governed from Surabya, a major industrial and port city, and is subdivided into nine cities and 29 regencies. It has a population of 37.5m and contributes around 15% of national GDP. With much infrastructure and economic muscle already in place, the potential for growth in East Java is great, as are the investment opportunities. The province is well positioned to take advantage of national economic master plan projects, as well as to capitalise on local organic development trends. With regulatory and infrastructure pieces falling into place, growth may be about to accelerate in many ways. East Java, then, has much success and prosperity to reward the efforts of its investors. This chapter contains an interview with H Soekarwo, Governor, East Java Province.

As a nation of 245m people, spread over three time zones and about 17,500 islands, Indonesia has always been a country of great diversity – economically, politically, culturally and ethnically. Since the return to democracy, this diversity has been increasingly recognised, with a policy of decentralisation handing more power to the regions. Redressing old imbalances between the centre and the outlying areas has taken on greater importance in recent times as well, with the government’s latest development plan based on six geographically defined economic corridors. Thus, Indonesia is very much a country of regions, with major implications for investors, foreign and local, given this decentralised approach. Now that the political agenda has given rise to an economic one, efforts to spread wealth around the nation are driven by the regions and by the central government. This chapter contains an interview with Oesman Sapta, Founder, OSO Group.

With a vibrant TV and print media sector, in addition to a growing online presence, Indonesia presents a wide spectrum of platforms and styles for advertisers and media investors. There is also an increasing sense of confidence and creativity in the industry, which is expanding on the back of robust economic performance and an increasingly wealthy, growing population, anxious to try out new products and lifestyles. As retail surges so too do media and advertising, with much to expect from both in the years to come. This chapter contains an interview with Rudy Tanoesoedibjo, President Director, MNC Skyvision; and a viewpoint from Shoeb K Zainuddin, Group Editor-In-Chief, BeritaSatu Media Holdings.

With the country gearing up for the start of a universal health care coverage scheme, Indonesia has made great progress in addressing many of the historical issues concerning its public health sector. Major new developments in state and private health care are taking shape, with a number of new hospitals under construction and the prospect of a more open market for foreign health professionals also being discussed. Several challenges remain, however, if the sector is to be reformed in a speedy and effective manner. Education represents an opportunity and a challenge for educators, policymakers and investors alike, with the sector going through an overhaul and expansion. Indeed, major programmes of new school and college construction, new teaching requirements and a new outlook, aimed at bringing academia and business closer together, my transform the landscape over the next few years. There is a role for the private sector and for high-quality foreign education outfits. With an expanding population of 245m, future demand is also set to keep increasing. This chapter contains interviews with Dr Grace Frelita, Vice-Chairman, Strategic Health Care Committee, Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and Nancy Soemawinata, Managing Director, Putera Sampoerna Foundation.

With some 17,500 islands featuring diverse landscapes that range from volcanoes to white sandy beaches, as well as major cities with international-standard conference and entertainment facilities and a highly hospitable population, Indonesia has much to offer its visitors. In recent years, the economy has experienced rapid growth leading to the emergence of a new middle class that is looking to travel, which has contributed to a dynamic and expanding domestic tourism sector. Figures from Statistics Indonesia indicate that in 2011 a total of 7.65m foreign visitors came into the country, spending an average of $1118 each per visit and staying an average of 7.84 days. Tourism development is a central plank of the government’s national development strategy. The challenge for sector professionals will be in creating a critical mass to help Indonesia realise its huge tourism potential. This chapter contains an interview with Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, Governor, Yogyakarta Special Region.

The third-largest contributor to Indonesia’s national economy behind the oil and gas sector and industrial manufacturing, Indonesia’s agricultural sector maintains a crucial role in supplying the nation’s domestic market as well as providing an attractive supply of exports. As the country’s economy continues to expand and diversify, the agriculture industry is shifting away from being an exporter of principally raw material towards being a value-added base for global agro-industry. An integral part of the social and economic fabric, the agriculture sector should continue to play a role in the economy even as it continues to transform into an industry with a more value-added downstream-oriented focus.