China’s ambitious mega project called the BRI (Belt and Road Initiative) is an opportunity for Indonesia to get new sources of funding for infrastructure development. However, the bigger long term benefit will likely be seen in the latter’s tourism industry, rather than in trade.Under the initiative, the Chinese government, assisted by multilateral funding agencies that are also affiliated to China, will provide loan financing to developing countries that are aggressive in building infrastructure.Ongoing infrastructure development in emerging Asian countries, like Indonesia, has to anticipate urbanization, middle class growth and achieve an economic growth target. For Indonesia, there is one more factor that is no less important, namely to improve it competitiveness when it comes to international trade.The quality of ports, airports and inter-connecting roads will certainly reduce th...