With President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo having entered the second half of his term, it seems it could be difficult for him to achieve the desired objectives of his economic agenda by the end of his term in 2019. Then, economic growth would be hovering at around 5 percent, and given current conditions, there is no way it could expand to 7 percent in 2019, as he set in his Nawacita (nine goals) campaign platform. Investment growth remains weak. Foreign direct investment totaled only US$2.5 billion in the first quarter of 2017, less than half of the figure recorded in the third quarter of 2016. The construction of many infrastructure projects has moved slowly, been delayed or is being reviewed. Electricity generation may fall short of the additional 35,000 MW target. With a lack of interest from private investors, a shortage of funding would bedevil Jokowi’s signature...

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post.