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MINT - The Next Economic Giants

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MINT - The Next Economic Giants: MINT - The Next Economic Giants: Indonesia - Commodity Curse

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Indonesia - Commodity Curse

BBC World Service - MINT - The Next Economic Giants, MINT - The Next Economic Giants, Indonesia - Commodity Curse

Can Indonesia break its old reliance on exporting raw materials?

Can Indonesia break its old reliance on exporting raw materials to realise the potential of a huge, growing and rapidly urbanising population?

Indonesia has enjoyed a boom created by its exports of raw materials to China, India and other growing economies. But commodity prices are notoriously volatile and the world's fourth largest nation needs to create a more stable economy as it expands even further and urbanises rapidly. International investors are queuing up to exploit this major market, but as Jim O'Neill discovers, the Indonesian story is complex - poverty, poor infrastructure and a historical aversion to foreign interference could all threaten the dream of joining the world's economic A-list. 

(Picture: A conductor waits near his bus as a police officer halts the traffic to clear jams during rush hour at the main business district in Jakarta, Indonesia. Credit: AP/Dita Alangkara)

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