Non-populist policies pose risks for politicians. Prabowo Subianto, who has claimed victory in the Indonesian presidential elections, is looking at creating five million green jobs, but stops short of pledging to phase out fossil fuels subsidies.
Southeast Asia is highly dependent on a volatile global supply of synthetic fertilisers. Local fertiliser production by natural means, through novel innovations, offer more sustainable alternatives worthy of policy action.
The withdrawal of United States industrial gas company Air Products and Chemicals from planned state-linked facilities in Indonesia highlights cost challenges.