We cannot ignore China. No country can. The size of its economy is now second only to the United States, and still growing rapidly. Increasingly we need China more than they need us, but China is helping us to face the world. We have no better choice than to embrace free trade with China and make it work for Indonesia.

The objections from some quarters about the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA) are understandable in the shortterm. But if we look at the longer-term, free trade will surely benefit all parties, with more trade and better welfare for our people. (more…)