In 2013, the Indonesian economy was hit by series of global shocks, including the tapering of U.S. Quantitative Easing, China’s economic slowdown and the end of the commodity super-cycle. This pushed Indonesia to launch policy measures that were not easy politically. It also raised the perplexing question: Why do technocrats play an important role only when an economic crisis strikes? Muhamad Chatib Basri, former Indonesia Minister of Finance, will examine internal debates regarding the political economy of managing Indonesia’s economy in a difficult global context, as well as their relevance for other countries facing similar challenges. A reception will be held following the talk. This event is co-sponsored with I-House Global Forum.