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elcome to the 2014 edition of The Jakarta Post'€™s annual Outlook. Since the first publication of the Outlook and its accompanying mid-year Review, the publication has become a telescope for decision-makers who need a predictive context of the ever-evolving landscape of Indonesian politics and economy.

We thank you for your support and we appreciate the contributions of our distinguished panel of writers in lending their foresight to this juncture.

This year can be summed up in one word: Elections!

It is unlikely that any gathering or discussion held in the next six months will not involve a talk on the elections.

The elections are more than just a popularity contest. And while the '€œnoise'€ of campaigns and pledges will be deafening in volume, the depth and substance can often leave a lot to be desired. That is why we at the Post are committed to engaging in key issues and keeping them high on the public agenda amid the din of dangdut and rabble-rousing speeches.

Apathy may prevail. And some will treat the ballot as a job opportunity. Yet we should never lose sight of the fact that the elections will lay the foundation for building a better nation in the coming five years.

The 2014 Outlook is a tool to focus on the substance of the year.

But we also recognize that, while the elections are the most important thing in 2014, they are not everything.

Businesses still need to move forward.

Hence a large portion of this publication presents an insight into doing business in an election year, along with discussions on key issues in the economy.

We encourage you to delve into these pages of wisdom and we are confident that they represent true value that will be enlightening to you, as readers.

Until our next special publication, I bid you a happy and safe 2014. Please use your democratic privilege wisely.

Meidyatama Suryodiningrat
Editor-in-Chief