Getting Indonesia's slowing economy back on track

WHEN Indonesian President Joko Widodo first entered office in late 2014, there was widespread optimism within the local and foreign business community - voters were elated by the fact a politician not tied to the old elite was finally elected to higher office, and the national bourse climbed on the back of positive sentiment.

More than halfway through his five-year term, Mr Widodo has proved his political chops; despite the fact that he came from a small city in Central Java and had no experience in national politics, he has managed to win the grudging respect of Jakarta's movers and shakers and consolidate his power.

His ratings in popularity polls show, in fact, that he could easily win a second term in office in the 2019 presidential election. Still, presidential fates can change easily, and much of his electability will depend on the trajectory of the Indonesian economy over the coming few years.