Labour friction, politics stoke anti-Chinese ire in Indonesia

Jakarta

A BITTERLY fought election to govern Indonesia's capital that has fanned religious tensions has also thrown the spotlight on anti-foreign sentiment, as conspiracy theories swirl about an influx of illegal Chinese workers spurring vigilantism.

Foreign direct investment from China hit a record high of US$2.67 billion last year after President Joko Widodo rolled out the red carpet to Chinese investors, who are typically willing to take on risks for infrastructure and other big projects.

But the cheap fund…