Indonesia is beginning a new chapter in its illustrious history and is optimistic about its prospects. This optimism is warranted. It is deservedly a giant: a giant in population size, a giant in wealth of natural resources, a giant expanse of sheer potential. This potential is widely known.

Yet the successive governments that have propelled Indonesia closer to its potential have been challenged by time. With each passing year, the nation’s challenges deepen in complexity. Consider, for example, its urgent task for the next two decades: to generate enough prosperity to avoid the middle-income trap. 

This is an ambitious goal. Realizing it will require sustained high growth and job creation, as well as reduced inequality. Can Indonesia achieve this goal and rise above the middle-income malaise, to become truly prosperous and equitable?