With stability firmly planted after over 10 years of vibrant democratic rule, Indonesia's vast economic potential is ready to take off. The sound economy, an improving investment climate, a young and technically trained work force, and abundant natural resources are just a few of its salient strengths.
Sound economy
Indonesia is the third fastest growing economy in Asia and the largest economy in Southeast Asia. Its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate was 4.5 percent in 2009 and is forecast to climb to 5.6 percent in 2010 and further still to 6 percent in 2011, providing a case for Indonesia's inclusion in the so-called BRIC economies.
Improved investment climate
To attract foreign investment, the current administration has been taking various steps including enacting new Investment Law No. 25/2007 ensuring equal treatment to all investors.
Young and dynamic workforce
Of the 240 million people in Indonesia, more than 50 percent of them are under 29 years old, with the same percentage living in urban areas. This offers a dynamic labor market, growing at 2.3 million per year. A rapidly urbanizing population also provides strategic pools of labor force.
Abundant natural resources
Indonesia has abundant and diverse natural resources such as crude palm oil, natural gas, tin, copper, nickel, gold, coal, cocoa.
It is also a renowned market for resource extraction, seen as even a more attractive country than for instance, South Africa, Australia and Canada in terms of the prospect of minerals.
(Source: Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board)