This was impressive, but not sufficient to cut underemployment while absorbing the 2.3 million workers annually entering the labor force. Foreign investment has boosted manufacturing output and exports in recent years. The economy's growth is driven by continuing expansion of nonoil exports. Industrial output is based on diverse natural resources, including crude oil, natural gas, timber, metals, and coal.
Japan remains Indonesia's most important customer and supplier of aid.
Growth in 1996 was led by industry, transport, and tourism. Strong growth should continue in 1997 assuming no sharp rise in political uncertainty.