China, Japan, United States, India, Singapore.

Indonesia, Southeast Asia's largest economy, has chartered impressive economic growth in recent years with its GDP per capita reaching US$3,877 in 2018. Services account for 45% of the GDP with tourism bringing in a significant amount of revenue. As Indonesia is rich in natural resources, its industry sector is also vibrant and contributing to its GDP.

Indonesia is the world's fourth most populous nation and the world's 10th largest economy in terms of purchasing power parity. This middle-income country has continued to make remarkable gains in terms of poverty reduction and has cut the poverty rate to more than half since 1999, to 9.8% in 2018.

Domestic demand has continued to be the main driver of Indonesia's economic growth. The country's economic planning follows a 20-year development plan, spanning from 2005 to 2025. The current medium-term development plan, which runs from 2015 to 2020, seeks to attract foreign investment, focuses on infrastructure development, and to improve the country's business environment and social assistance programs relating to healthcare and education.

The biggest challenges facing Indonesia currently include poverty as about 25.9 million Indonesians still live below the poverty line and long-standing rules governing trade and foreign investment in extractive sectors. The quality of schools and health clinics is uneven by middle-income standards, contributing to alarming figures, especially in health. Around one in three children under the age of five suffer from stunting, which reflects impaired brain development that will affect children’s opportunities in the future.

Long-sleeved batik shirts are regarded as formal wear (equivalent to dark business suits). Trousers, shirts and ties are also common business attire. Revealing clothing, such as sleeveless shirts, is not appropriate. You should avoid using the left hand, which is considered unclean, to pass or receive anything, including business cards and gifts. Business cards are widely used, and it is polite to take great interest in any card that you receive. If you are being introduced to several people, it is customary to introduce yourself to the eldest member of the group, and it is acceptable to shake hands with women. Patience is required when doing business in Indonesia, and companies may not respond very promptly to emails. Business relationships are based on trust and familiarity, so networking and making personal contacts are important.

Business hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1700 or 0800-1600.
Government office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1600.