Jakarta giving private sector priority for infrastructure projects

Jakarta

NEEDING some US$450 billion for Indonesia's infrastructure by 2019, new President Joko Widodo has ordered ministers to give private investors first pick of money-making projects rather than let state agencies grab them as they usually do.

Mr Joko will have to change entrenched attitudes at government ministries and state-owned enterprises, who have a vested interest in keeping the best projects for themselves.