Jakarta, Indonesia
For a country with almost 230 million people residing in more than 18,000 islands, Indonesia is the fourth most populated country in the world. Among them, more than 107 million make up the working force. Indonesia is growing in the past decade after the Asian Financial Crisis. The GDP jumped from US$ 95 Billion in 1998 to US$ 540 Billion in 2009. With its open market system, Indonesia is a giant market in South East Asia for consumer products and investment.
Indonesia is one of a small group of countries in the world that enjoys steady economic growth, amid the global financial crisis. In fact, Indonesia is growing slightly under China and India with 4.5% solid GDP growth. In 2011, Indonesia is targeting 6.5% economic growth, relying on manufacture and mining & energy industry, as well as services and tourism.
The target is also supported by the growing number of middle class in Indonesia. More than 10% of the population is the growing middle class in Indonesia, which translates into 23 million of domestic market with dispensable income.
Suramadu Bridge, East Java
Indonesia has abundant natural resources outside Java including crude oil, natural gas, tin, copper and gold. Despite being the second largest exporter of natural gas, Indonesia recently has become a net importer of crude oil. The agriculture products of Indonesia include rice, tea, coffee, spices and rubber.
The major trade partners of Indonesia are Japan, the United States of America and neighboring countries namely Malaysia, Singapore and Australia.
IMF economists said Indonesia had emerged strongly from the global financial crisis due to robust domestic consumption and investment, and greater exports.
Indonesia is likely to experience accelerating economic expansion, with 6 percent growth predicted for 2010 and 2011. The country’s strong performance has attracted foreign investors in various field, such as mining and energy, services and manufacture, where Indonesia hosts some of the largest manufacture companies in the world.