This marked the first decline in comparable data going back to 2010, according to a board official. Under President Joko Widodo, the government has promoted foreign-funded infrastructure development. But the ruling and opposition parties look increasingly likely to campaign on promises of a change in course to win public support. The threat of higher barriers to foreign capital has curbed companies' appetite for investment.
The softer rupiah is another source of concern. Foreign builders of power plants, for instance, normally sell the output in the Indonesian currency. A weaker rupiah means less revenue in their home currencies. To shore up foreign investment, the government is considering further expanding the tax holiday system for businesses that make large investments, such as building factories. It is expected to extend the break to a maximum of 50 years from the current 20.
But with opposition forces accusing the current government of letting foreigners steal jobs from Indonesians, the Widodo administration may find it difficult to carry out policies that could be seen as giving overseas companies special treatment.