Dear Readers,

The dispute between Freeport-McMoRan and the Indonesian government has dominated news headlines in recent weeks. The situation captures the attention of expats in particular who work for the mining behemoth – and therefore are getting laid off and sent home – but also those who have other business dealings in the archipelago. The drama leaves many foreigners outside the mining game to wonder if their sector is perhaps the next one ripe for regulations and rollbacks on foreign ownership and taxation. On the other hand, many see Indonesia’s policy plays as smart and needed to prevent western imperialism in the country. Whichever narrative you are inclined to favour, one thing is certain: this case will set a new precedent for foreign investor interest in Indonesia.

We’ve got some great stories for you this time around. Our team has put together an informative piece on government policies toward hiring expats and our new freelancer Melati Kartini takes an in-depth look at why investor confidence is diminishing as a result of the country’s mining industry woes.

Nadya Joy Gozon Ador interviews the CEO of a global payments company in Indonesia, while Bali-based Stephanie Brookes highlights the island’s top five treetop hotels. May Tien visits Royal Kitchen for a culinary review and Grace Susetyo sheds light on the struggles and development of one of Indonesia’s oldest whale hunting cultures. Kenneth Yeung shares the raw facts on a Bali resort scam that involves two foreigners. Amina Ghazi opines on the fossil fuel industry’s effects on the country’s famous tourist destination and Hans Rooseboom shares an interesting story on traditional Chinese medicine versus western treatments.

enjoy!

Leighton Cosseboom