Indonezja – szanse i wyzwania

Indonesia – the prospects and challenges

Indonesia is the fourth most populous nation on Earth, a major producer of natural gas, coal, copper and other resources, has fertile soil, rich fauna and flora, and many tourist attractions. It is also the most populous nation of the Islamic world and at the same time heir to vigorous pre – Islamic traditions and complex cultural heritages with the diverse but related linguistic and ethnic communities of large archipelago, which make up a modern nation and the present-day Republic of Indonesia.
After over 300 years of being a Dutch colony, on the 17th of August 1945, Indonesia proclaimed independence. On the turn of the 20th century, after a long and difficult process, Indonesia became one of the biggest economies and the third largest democracy in the world. The 2014 presidential election was won by Joko Widodo, who is widely known as Jokowi. He entered politics as a refreshingly honest candidate from a modest circle and finally came to power, promising reforms including a lot of sensible things such as boosting infrastructure, reducing subsidies, starting true maritime policy and attracting foreign investment. Jokowi also promised to return Indonesia to about 7% growth. His record after 2 years in power is rather positive but he faces the powerful forces of old elites and the bad habitude of old protectionism. President Joko Widodo must be attentive for “old demons” of contemporary Indonesia like corruption, Islamic radicalism and terrorism, separatism and also the danger of the ambiguous role and ambitions of the armed forces. His five – year cycle could give us information if Indonesia will become a new power in Asia and even on a global level, or if it will stay as before - the country which is always only promising a bright future.