In late 2012, the local Jakarta government decided to increase the monthly minimum wage to IDR 2.2 million (US $229), a 44 percent increase from the previous standard. This rigorous change was one of the first policy changes of the newly elected Joko Widodo administration. Joko Widodo (often referred to as Jokowi) enjoys huge popular support and, similar to Barrack Obama at the start of his reign, provides hope to Jakartans, who have high expectations of his administration.

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A new World Bank report, entitled "Indonesia's Global Workers: Juggling Opportunities & Risks", discusses the attractive opportunities for Indonesian workers to decide to migrate and work abroad. However, the report also notes that it is important for Indonesian authorities to reform its labor migration system to allow those Indonesians who want to work abroad can access better paid jobs, while their protection can be improved.

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Foreign exchange earnings are important assets for a national economy. Therefore, many nations have recently been taking a much more protectionist approach vis-à-vis trade in an effort to strengthen their trade positions, generate trade surpluses, hence see the inflow of more foreign exchange earnings. Foreign exchange assets support a stable local currency as well as economy.

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The month May is a memorable month for Indonesia in terms of historic significance. On 21 May 1998 former president Suharto - who ruled the country for more than three decades through his authoritarian New Order regime - resigned after having become politically isolated after Jakarta had turned into a bloody battlefield. This was one of the largest events in the political history of Indonesia, causing structural changes in the political system. Other key days in May are International Labor Day (1 May), National Education Day (2 May), and National Awakening Day (20 May).

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