Economy

The country’s urban areas have grown rapidly in recent decades, with Jakarta’s population more than doubling since the 1970s, driven by an influx of rural migrants seeking better opportunities. This growth has not been without consequences, as municipal governments struggle to absorb new residents, and infrastructure and employment gaps pose significant challenges to smooth...

Though not as significant as in the Philippines, remittances to Indonesia from overseas foreign workers (OFWs) are crucial for thousands of families in the country. Remittances have shown strong growth in recent years, providing valuable opportunities for Indonesia’s sizeable excess labour force. Strong recent growth and new banking regulations have been a boon to the industry...

The rising attractiveness of Indonesia as a regional destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) has been highlighted by its growing trade relationship with China, with leaders from both nations announcing over $60bn in potential new investments and financing in early 2015. Indonesia’s planned wave of national infrastructure projects is expected to gain from competition...

Indonesia is currently in the process of transforming from a resources- and consumption-based economy to a more manufacturing- and investment-oriented one, working to build an industrial base that will allow it to reduce its dependence on imports and keep more value within the economy. It is a vital transition, one that recognises the new realities of the global economy and at...

With full-year realised foreign direct investment (FDI) hitting a new record in 2014, Indonesia’s trade and investment flows have improved considerably over the last 10 years. The capital account deficit was brought back under 3% that year, and at the end of 2014 and in early 2015 the country reported a trade surplus after years in the red. Due to stronger economic growth and...