The course will be conducted online to facilitate distance learning and to fit the busy schedule of executives around the world. Our experts are highly experienced at delivering online learning, and the course will be highly interactive. A package of course materials will be provided to you and will be an ongoing source of useful material as you step forward in your work in and interactions with Indonesia.

Course outline

Module 1: Introduction to the Indonesian economy

This module will provide a general and accessible introduction to the Indonesian economy. It will examine and explain the country’s socio-economic performance, the drivers of economic development, structural change, international orientation, and living standards. Episodes in economic development, comparative dimensions, historical context, and key contemporary challenges will also be emphasised.

Learning outcomes:

Gain a broad understanding of the Indonesian economy and its development dynamics.

Module 2: Introduction to the political, historical, and cultural context of Indonesia

This module offers an accessible overview of Indonesia’s history, it’s politics and contemporary culture. It will examine the main political phases since WWII and then explain the features of Indonesia’s current democratic system and the character of the Joko Widodo administration. In addition, it will look at the rapid change within Indonesian society and culture and how these impact on economic behaviour and policy making.

Learning outcomes:

Gain a broad understanding of the political, historical and cultural context within which to think about economic issues in Indonesia.

Module 3: The public sector and economic policy making

This module provides an overview of the public sector in Indonesia, focusing on how policies are designed and implemented at central and local levels. The module pays particular attention to central-local relations and political economy dimensions of decision making.

Learning outcomes:

• Understand the structure of public sector in Indonesia
• Understand policymaking at central and local levels
• Understand the political economy dimensions of policymaking

Module 4: Trade and investment

This module provides an overview of trade and investment in Indonesia. It consists of three main parts, namely 1) review of relevant theories of trade and investment, 2) review of trade and investment policies from New Order period to Jokowi administration, and 3) analysis and discussion of the emerging and future challenges to trade and investment in Indonesia (with an emphasis on global supply chain and domestic political economy of trade).

Learning outcomes:

• Understand why open trade and investment policy is important.
• Understand the dynamics of Indonesia’s trade and investment policies in historical context.
• Understand the pros and cons of open policies, e.g. the tension between joining the global value chain and protecting domestic industries.

Module 5: Resources and environment

This module provides an overview on the political economy underlying the development of policies for accelerated resource extractions during the New Order period and environmental issues in Indonesia. The module then discusses the impact of environmental activism, decentralisation and democratisation on environmental policy changes. Finally the module describes the state of resource and environmental issues in the country and outlines near future challenges the country face in the areas of resources and environment.

Learning outcomes:

• Understand the key issues in resource and environmental management in Indonesia.
• Understand the political economy underlying policies in the areas of resources and environment.
• Be able to critically analyse the main resource and environmental issues during the New Order.
• Be able to communicate some reforms needed in the areas of resources and environment in Indonesia.

Module 6: Labour market

This module discusses important features of the Indonesian labour market, the policy framework government uses to regulate and stimulate the labour market, and the challenges the labour market faces in the current environment.

Learning outcomes:

• General understanding about what’s unique about Indonesia’s labour force and labour market
• General understanding about the labour regulations in Indonesia
• General understanding about the challenges faced by the Indonesian labour force and labour market and possible contributions foreign aid and foreign businesses can make

Module 7: Health system challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic

This module discusses the issues and policy aspects of the health systems in Indonesia with a focus on COVID-19 pandemic responses. The first part of the module discusses the health, nutrition, and epidemiological transitions experienced by Indonesia in recent decades. The second part discusses and assess the building blocks of the Indonesian health system: governance, financing, physical and health workforce and how health services are provided. The third part discusses the country’s responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and the outcomes of these responses.

Learning outcomes:

• Understand the health, nutrition, and epidemiological transitions experienced by Indonesia in recent decades
• Understand the health system challenges in Indonesia
• Understand Indonesia’s COVID-19 responses and outcomes

Module 8: Gender issues

This module discusses the legislative and policy frameworks that shape gender relations and the position of women in Indonesia, and the implications for women’s social, political, and economic status and contribution. The first part of the discussions will map the position of women in Indonesia over time, and recent policy developments and debates. The second part of the module explores the implications of those developments and debates, focusing in particular on women’s political representation and women’s economic empowerment. Finally, there will be brief discussion of the gendered impacts of COVID-19.

Learning outcomes:

• Understand the key policies and laws relating to gender and women’s status.
• Understand the challenges in achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment.
• Understand the opportunities for achieving greater gender equality and women’s empowerment.
• Knowledge of the gendered impacts of COVID-19.