Chinese Investment and Indonesia’s Election: CNBC

Emerging economies throughout Asia initially welcomed Chinese investment, but questions emerge during election campaigns. Indonesians vote on Wednesday, and surveys report 53 percent express favorable views of China. “During his term, President Joko Widodo actively courted Chinese investment to push through large infrastructure projects in the sprawling archipelago that is Indonesia,” reports Huileng Tan for CNBC. “Criticisms of deals with Chinese firms include excessive foreign interest, debt and a lack of local employment from the projects.” Projects include high-speed railway and power plants, and the current administration in Indonesia has taken steps to improve regulatory procedures. Widodo, also known as Jokowi, is running against Prabowo Subianto, a retired army general, who criticizes foreign direct investment even though his family businesses have joint ventures with foreign firms. The candidates also assert differences over religion with Prabowo, supported by hardline Islamist groups, describing himself as a defender of Islam. Some analysts express concern about secular democracy in Indonesia. Note: Joko Widodo won re-election. – YaleGlobal

Chinese Investment and Indonesia’s Election: CNBC

The specter of Chinese investment and religion loom over Indonesia’s election, won by incumbent Jokowi
Huileng Tan
Tuesday, April 16, 2019

Read the article from CNBC about issues in the April 17 Indonesia election.

Huileng Tan is a reporter for CNBC.

Read the article from the Guardian about the reelection of Joko Widodo.

© 2019 CNBC LLC. All Rights Reserved.