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.