In the next couple of days, Indonesia will be electing its next president. The country has seen slow economic growth in the past year, but experts believe it is growing at the right pace. Will the general elections have an impact? CGTN's Silkina Ahluwalia tells us more from Jakarta.

Elections are often seen as one of the major influence that affects a country's economic growth. Indonesia is no different. Businesses here are usually extra cautious during this time. Investors tend to take a step back to wait and see economic conditions after the voting day. 

Although the country's economy has seen a slower growth compared to previous years, economists are saying it's nothing to worry about.

FAJAR BAMBANG HIRAWAN ECONOMIST "We need to show that our economy is strong on the global front, so investors will not panic. We already have a strong fundamental economy. Our growth is small but still of quality because we are able to tackle social issues such as unemployment, poverty, and economic inequality. Those are very important points."

Since President Widodo took office in 2014, he has successfully constructed many infrastructure projects within big cities and villages on the outskirts of the country. His administration has been praised for his vision to ease connectivity between islands, provinces and cities by developing seaports and airports across Indonesia.

SILKINA AHLUWALIA JAKARTA, INDONESIA "This is the second time President Joko Widodo and Prabowo Subianto are going head-to-head. The two have always had competing views when it comes to key economic issues involving infrastructure, energy, natural resources and environment."

Both candidates also have opposing views when it comes to food security, an important topic in Indonesia.

Prabowo is looking to stop food imports such as rice and sugar, whereas Widodo believes in strengthening the country's import and export industry, at the same time maintaining solid relationship with the international community.

TITI ANGGRAINI EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR PERLUDEM, ASSOCIATION FOR ELECTIONS AND DEMOCRACY "If we take a look at the recent debate that focused on international issues, both candidates agreed to focus more on infrastructure projects within the country and to make sure our natural resources are not being exploited by other countries. But again, both understand that international relations are important to the growth of Indonesia's economy. I personally believe that whoever wins, it would not drastically change Indonesia's relationship with the international community."

Experts believe while building a strong physical economy is crucial for Indonesia's future, in the next five years, the country's leader should also begin the development of human resources by increasing vocational education and developing the country's digital industries. Silkina Ahluwalia, CGTN, Jakarta.