FILE PHOTO: Indonesian President Joko Widodo (2nd L) and the general manager of China Railway Corp. Sheng Guangzu (C) stand next to a train model as they attend a groundbreaking ceremony for the Jakarta-Bandung fast-train railway line in Walini, West Java province, Indonesia January 21, 2016. REUTERS/Garry Lotulung/File Photo
JAKARTA (Reuters) - A bitterly fought election to govern Indonesia's capital that has fanned religious tensions has also thrown a spotlight on anti-foreign sentiment, as conspiracy theories swirl about an influx of illegal Chinese workers spurring vigilantism.
Foreign direct investment from China hit a record high of $2.67 billion last year after President Joko Widodo rolled out the red carpet to Chinese investors, who are typically willing to take on risks for infrastructure and other big projects.But the cheap funding comes at a price: Chinese companies often bring in their own workers and machines, creating friction with locals, according to interviews with labour groups, company executives and government officials.
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