At a time when other regions are struggling, Indonesia is enjoying an unexpected boost in
economic activity, according to a report released by Cushman & Wakefield, the world’s
largest privately held real estate consulting firm.
Indonesia- At the Crossroads, another in the firm’s Asia Report series, delves into
the reasons behind Indonesia’s relatively insulated current growth despite the ravelling of a
global economic crisis. The report goes on to discuss how Indonesia can sustain this growth
into the future.
"Though a bright star in the cluster of Asian economies, Indonesia’s growth could
improve dramatically over its current levels if certain institutional reforms are implemented
improving the country’s perception in the international investor community”, says Dr. Megan
Walters, Chief Economist for Cushman & Wakefield in Asia Pacific, and the author of this
report.
A recent study by the Asian Development Bank found that markets in Asia post 1997 crisis are
increasingly interdependent in equity markets and intra-regional trade. Dr. Walters foresees
this to be the key to the island nation’s sustained growth.
“Indonesia, embattled with issues like bureaucracy, low investor confidence, archaic labour
and land laws, would benefit greatly if it aligns itself with future pan Asian regulatory
bodies modelled on the European Union. It will not only help alleviate issues that are holding
back Indonesia’s growth, but will also enable far flung regions of Indonesia to trade with
nearby countries as part of broader trade agreements and macroeconomic policies,” commented Dr.
Walters.
Indonesian real estate remains relatively inexpensive. The new investment law which
enshrined the right for all investors – both foreign and local to be treated the same, could
further stimulate investment activity in the property sector.
Dr. Walters concludes, “For investors who are prepared to take a long term view, Indonesia
has a great deal to offer. It is a low cost base from which to operate, and is expected to
continue to be cheaper than neighbouring countries. Clearly it’s a risk - return equation, but
the point is that there is about to be a shift in global balance, and Asia is about to benefit.
At the heart of South-East Asia, Indonesia could and should be one of the winners.”
For further information, please contact:
The Press Office
Cushman & Wakefield
Tel: + 65 6232 3232
Visit Cushman & Wakefield’s Knowledge Centre at www.cushmanwakefield.com to access
this and other reports on leading real estate issues, trends and market statistics from around
the world.
Note to Editors:
1. Cushman & Wakefield is one of the world’s largest commercial real estate services
firms. Founded in 1917, the firm has 227 offices in 59 countries, and 15,000 talented
professionals. Cushman & Wakefield delivers integrated solutions by actively
advising, implementing and managing on behalf of landlords, tenants, lenders and investors
through every stage of the real estate process. These solutions include representing
clients in the buying, selling, financing, leasing and managing of assets. The firm also
provides valuation advice, strategic planning and research, portfolio analysis, and site
selection and space location assistance, among many other advisory services. To find out more
about Cushman & Wakefield, visit www.cushmanwakefield.com
2. In Asia Pacific, C&W’s Research and Business Analytics Group is lead by Dr Megan
Walters. Dr Walters is a Chartered Surveyor with 20 years experience in real estate and holds
an MSc from the University of Reading and a PhD from the University of Hong Kong.