Country Profile
From The Report: Indonesia 2014
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With a population of approximately 247m made up of more than 300 different ethnic groups, Indonesia is the third-largest democracy in the world while also being the world’s most populous Muslim nation. The country has a total land mass of 1,904,569 sq km, spread over an archipelago of around 17,508 islands, some 6,000 of which are inhabited. Jakarta is the country’s most populated city, with more than 10.18m inhabitants living within an area of 740 sq km. A total of 15 parties are expected to contest the 2014 elections, vying for the votes of around 175m potential voters, 67m of whom will be voting for the first time. With the year ahead set to see the much-anticipated election of a new president and new national and regional legislatures, 2014 will likely be a time of great political activity in Indonesia.

This chapter contains viewpoints from President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono; and Xi Jinping, President of China; and an interview with Yasuo Fukuda, former Prime Minister of Japan.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Islands of diversity: A melting pot of cultures and ethnic groups, the nation holds a significant regional role
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While the Republic of Indonesia is less than seven decades old in its current form, the South-east Asian nation of more than 17,500 islands has had a much longer history under other names. In fact, the name “Indonesia” was first used in 1850 by British anthropologist James Richardson Logan as he referred to the extensive group of islands widely known as the Indian or Malayan Archipelago. History Archaeological evidence indicates that the ancestors of modern humans were present on the archipelago…

Viewpoint

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on promoting economic growth
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The rapid expansion of business has changed our 21stcentury economic landscape for the better. Governments will remain important in formulating economic policies but, without the help of the private sector, we might not be able to provide more jobs for our citizens. We know that whatever country one comes from, the top national and local agenda is going to be jobs. Already, global growth in 2013 is showing different dynamics. Advanced economies are experiencing recovery and showing positive growth,…

Overview

A crucial time: Parliamentary and presidential elections are set for 2014
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With the year ahead set to see the much-anticipated election of a new president and new national and regional legislatures, 2014 will likely be a time of great political activity in Indonesia. Some 15 parties (three just local to Aceh) will contest for the votes of approximately 175m potential voters, 67m of whom will be casting a ballot for the first time. The elections may also give rise to a new impetus for reform, as the country debates a range of issues – from how to tackle corruption to the…

Interview

Yasuo Fukuda, Former Prime Minister of Japan: Interview
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Interview:Yasuo Fukuda What are your projections for Japanese investments in Indonesia over the next 18 months, and how long can the bullish investment rate be sustained? YASUO FUKUDA: In cumulative terms, since 1990 Japan has been the largest investor in Indonesia after Singapore, with a particularly dynamic shift in 2011. In that year, foreign direct investment from Japan to Indonesia doubled from 2010, reaching $1.52bn and going on to reach $2.46bn in 2012. The 2013 figure had already…

Analysis

Coming together: Looking ahead to the introduction of the ASEAN Economic Community at the end of 2015
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Indonesia continues to be the dominant nation in South-east Asia both politically and economically. Its participation within ASEAN will likely determine the shape of regional integration, with the introduction of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) at the end of 2015 looming as the next major milestone. The AEC is expected to create new opportunities for investors in a region that boasts not only some of the world’s fastest-growing economies, but also a rapidly expanding middle class. “ASEAN…