Indonesia: Poisoned by plastic

The growth of Chinese investment into Latin America has been explosive. China is now the regions 2nd largest trading partner and has become a critical source of funding for infrastructure and energy projects. Can Chinese growth continue unabated especially as concerns of corruption and environmental degradation are rising. Has China underestimated the strength of the local populations?

An oil boom and projected economic growth rates of 84% annually will bring dramatic changes for the citizens of Guyana. However, the country only needs to look to its neighbors to see an oil boom can bring despair. Will Guyana go the way of Brunei and Qatar or the way of Nigeria and Venezuela?

Indonesia is being poisoned by plastic. Literally. Dioxin levels of recent egg levels are second only to areas in Vietnam where agent orange was used. The health impacts are profound and it seems there is no end in sight, especially for rural areas.

The contentious appointments of Prabowo as Indonesia's defense minister, will ensure may challenges and opportunities await. With this appointment what can be expected regarding the role of Indonesia's military. 

"Air pollution in Indian has reached critical levels in New Delhi, again. Across the developing world air pollution is a common occurrence, however, the pollution is now being linked to damage beyond the respiratory system. New studies point to air pollution causing a decline in mental development among children especially when the children are en utero."

Indonesia has put forward several economic policies to increase FDI, however, the unpredictable nature of the government and recent bans on exports prove contradictory. At a time when foreign investors are leaving China, Indonesia needs to do more to capture these companies.

Turkey has been able to act with impunity due to its NATO membership, while also courting Russian influence. Will its military campaign in Northern Syria cause the alliance to falter?

The recent events in Syria and Turkey have further expedited the on going trend of US disengagement across the Middle East

How do the events unfolding in Syria shape Indonesia's response to ISIS.

Indonesia is challenged to improve Foreign Direct Investment. Can it target specific value added industries and reduce regulations to attract new capital sources.