What's Driving Indonesia's Growth in the Economy? A Foreign Student' Prespective

A view of Sidorajo from my apartment.

As an international student studying in Indonesia, I have gotten this close contact with Indonesia that many of my peers would envy. Coming from a different background, I have always been fascinated by how Indonesia has been developing and evolving over the years. It is no secret that Indonesia boasts one of the largest economies in Southeast Asia; what makes it more interesting is the diversity of factors propelling it.

Most people make Indonesia the reason for having an economy success, such as the natural resource it has, the large population, or even a big-scale infrastructure project. Indeed they play roles, I, however, as a student have discovered that there is more behind. From villages with small technology adoption to young grooming entrepreneurs making creative solutions and the balancing act local communities do to reach a certain point in growth and sustainability, Indonesia's economy has been influenced by people at every social level.

Let me share with you what I have learned and observed during the time I have been here.

Interms of tech life-change in Villages, before I arrived in Indonesia, I had this impression that the economy of the country was more directed in big cities like Jakarta or Surabaya. However, living here has opened my eyes to the incredible changes happening in rural areas.

Through programs like "Digital Villages" (Desa Digital), the real aims now even the tiniest villages can be connected to the internet and digital tools. And it has completely changed the way they work and earn. What I noticed was, for example, farmers use apps to have anti-middlemen prices but sold crops directly instead, gaining some profit. Artisans who produced traditional crafts like batik are now capable of reaching online customers from across Indonesia and even beyond.

For me, this was surprise and inspiration. That was the message that technology was not for big cities but is indeed becoming a tool for everyone, including the most remote areas. These initiatives boost the incomes of individuals and enrich the economy.

Picture of classroom and study material in one of my campus.

Furthermore, when taking deep dive into innovations of young people, It is naturally observed that as a student, they share time with young people and from here I just learned how ambitious and creative are the Indonesian kids. If more than half of the population under the age of thirty, young Indonesia stands up to form a solution to carnival of real-world problems.

I have used Gojek, young Indonesians' development applications, for example, too frequently. Whether I require a ride, food delivery, or a package delivery, this is the application that most easily carries out such tasks in my life. It has created employment for thousands of drivers and deliverymen as well.

Students and young professionals too can be witnessed establishing businesses within agriculture, education, and fintech (i.e. financial technology). Some of them are enabling farmers with an online market for their produce, whilst others focus on building applications that eliminate the need for knowledge of banks for the public in banking and payments. That phase is not only an interest but a major push toward the economic growth of Indonesia. Here are just some of the indications.

You get to see a lot of environmental awareness as well among Indonesians during your stay here. Although the country has had its bouts with forest destruction and pollution, many of these communities devise ways of coexisting with nature without abandoning the economy.

For instance, Bali promotes Eco tourisms and reduces the plastic waste through local business. I have been to some restaurants and cafes where plastics are avoided, and "biodegradable" packaging is used-somehow making me feel my travels tothe country would have a smaller footprint. More than adding to nature, these somehow attract eco-sensitive tourists increasing local income.

I've read of other states that have communities converting to renewable sources of energy such as solar and wind in Indonesia. It shows that energy projects give jobs and reduce fossil fuel reliance, proving that economic growth and environmental protection can flourish together.

I took a picture of Indonesian Commadly used Computer Line while i ride.

Being a foreign student highly posses the reliance on applications and digital facilities for the sustenance of life here in Indonesia, and the nation's digital economy provides a lifeline for survival. From shopping online through portals such as Tokopedia, Shopee, and Bukalapak to simplified and cashless daily transactions with the help of payment applications like OVO and Dana.

What fascinates me most is the way these platforms have further expanded the reach rather than just extending their activities to the few urban users such as me, but also extends beyond them. Previously small shop owners in a rural area can now market their products to clients far away. This is an example of leveling the field with respect to online platforms and supporting small businesses, which accounts for a significant part of Indonesia's economy.

Foreign investments have come into the country, and the digital economy is creating 'thousands of jobs among Indonesians'. For people like me, who come from an economy with scope in the digital market, it is good to see Indonesia taking precedence.

There is one more thing that I like and probably love most about Indonesia: Their strong sense of community. Whether it's through traditional practices such as gotong royong (mutual cooperation) or through modern ones, Indonesians genuinely care about helping each other succeed.

I have captured this spirit of community very well during my time here. For example, when small businesses face challenges, communities band together to raise funds and support them. I have seen student-led initiatives raising funds for education or health programs targeting rural areas. Such a concerted effort shows just how much Indonesians appreciate working together to find solutions.

It is a reminder that togetherness is highly inspiring, that growth of an economy is not only by government policies or large corporations, but also people helping each other kind of to make a better future.

In conclusion, As a foreign student in Indonesia, I have been able to witness the growth of this country, and it is very evident to me that Indonesia is a nation that cannot be just defined by its natural resources or by its buildings-it is by its people.

From rural villagers adopting technology to young entrepreneurs who drive innovation, from communities protecting the environment to rapid digital economy growth- Indonesia has a big, rich and varied growth story. It brings forth the idea that economic progress would not come merely from some obvious places