The role of foreign business in Indonesia has come under the microscope once again, as presidential candidates debate the merits of a more nationalistic economic policy. This sentiment has been gathering as the country's economy is affected by the global downturn, which originating from the near-collapse of developed nation's financial sectors (most notably the US) points to the need for Indonesia to focus more on the domestic economy and make steps towards independent.

While many industries are struggling to survive, franchises in Indonesia are surviving the test of times and have become a lucrative industry, generating close to Rp 50 trillion (US$4.96 billion) in sales annually. The industry has grown by double digits over the past few years, both in sales and in the number of outlets, said Anang Sukandar, chairman of the Indonesian Franchise Association (IFA).