By 2050, Indonesia is predicted to be the world’s fourth-largest economy. How will it achieve this?
Jet-lagged in Jakarta, I open the curtains and look out on the sleeping metropolis. The roads, chock-full of crawling traffic during the day, are empty at this time. And even through the double-glazed windows of the 56th floor of the Westin (the tallest hotel in the country), I can hear the 4am call to prayer rising up among the darkened tower blocks.
Indonesia has the world’s biggest Muslim population (87 percent of 252 million people), and there are hundreds of mosques all over the capital where devotees go to pray up to five times a day. The National Mosque is the largest in Southeast Asia, with space for 2,00,000 people. Jakarta has also been experimenting with “mosque-mobiles” to make worship during busy times, such as Ramadan, easier.
For many, attending mosques is as much a part of life as visiting the city’s 250 or so glitzy marble shopping malls. These are the new Meccas of consumerism built for the burgeoning middle class. There are now around 88 million Indonesians that fit into this demographic – that’s a lot of spending power.
Chris Wren, chief executive officer of the British Chamber of Commerce says, “Twenty years ago, there were only a few Indonesians that could afford to have a glass of wine in an international restaurant. Now the middle classes are wining and dining. The wealth is filtering down.” The presence of many familiar international brands – from M&S, Tesco, Debenhams, H&M and the Body Shop to Armani, Bose, Ralph Lauren, Nike and TAG Heuer – attest to investor confidence in consumer demand.
この記事は Business Traveller India の August 2017 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Business Traveller India の August 2017 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
Delectable Debuts
India's gastronomic scene is poised for a renaissance as a new wave of restaurants emerges, artfully blending innovative cuisine with the nation's rich culinary heritage
SHIPPING ONWARD
Unparalleled luxury on the world's best cruises redefining the art of travel.
PRIVATE ODYSSEY
A closer look at the privileges and experiences of private jet charters
Refined Renewal
Business Traveller India explores how luxury Indian hotels are redefining wellness, offering serene and opulent retreats that blend ancient traditions with modern indulgence
The Arabian Adventure
The magnetic allure of Abu Dhabi and Dubai
Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City
The 246 beautifully appointed rooms offer a tranquil retreat for discerning guests.
The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace
This is an exceptional destination for travellers seeking an upscale experience in Hyderabad.
Shangri-La Dubai
Shangri-La Dubai is the perfect starting point to explore the city's dynamic energy
Mandarin Oriental, Macau
Whether for business or leisure, a stay at this prestigious hotel is sure to leave a lasting impression of elegance and refinement.
The Abu Dhabi Edition
The Abu Dhabi Edition is an unrivalled waterfront sanctuary ushering in a new era in the bustling cityscape