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Indonesia has had an eventful 2011 with many highs and a few lows. The country’s emergence on the global stage as well as continued robust economic growth will stand it in good stead as it pushes ahead.

This year was marked by a series of gatherings of world leaders and global entrepreneurs in the country. For the first time, the World Economic Forum held its annual Asian meeting in Jakarta, drawing world attention to the country. Almost unanimously, all the participants were impressed by what they saw and experienced.

This was followed by the Association of Southeast Nations Summit in November, when US President Barack Obama and other world leaders met in Bali to discuss solutions for global challenges. Again Indonesia impressed with its capacity to host such large global events as well as its ability to set the agenda.

As the chair of Asean in 2011, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono also displayed statesmanship and represented the country with distinction on the global stage. His management of the Burma issue in particular was brilliant, contributing to the fact that the once closed nation has now began to open up.

Economically, the country also did well in the face of a global economic slowdown while the markets held steady. The credit upgrade by Fitch Ratings was a real boost and sets up the country nicely for sustained growth in the new year. The passage of the Land Bill was also welcomed by both investors and the business community .

Politically, though there were ups and downs, no serious fissures emerged. The government was not seriously threatened despite some strong opposition by the legislature in the course of the year. The new cabinet lineup was also positively received despite a few misgivings.

Perhaps the only blot on the year was the number of high profile corruption cases brought into the public spotlight. Corruption remains a serious challenge and a possible threat to continued economic growth and social progress.

All in all, 2011 was a good year for Indonesia, and credit must go to the president and his government for creating the conditions that have allowed the private sector to flourish.