A decree by President Joko Widodo that is set to take effect this month will simplify Indonesia’s procedures for issuing work permits to foreigners, but buried inside the order is a section requiring all expatriate workers to undergo formal Indonesian language training, an apparent first for any nation in South-east Asia, according to the New York Times. The government has not explained the reasoning behind the language requirement. But it may be an attempt by Widodo, who is running for re-election next year, to placate political rivals amid growing criticism over the influx of migrant workers from China. The anti-China and anti-Chinese campaign in Indonesia started even before Widodo became president, but became more intensive after he was elected, writes Leo Suryadinata for The Straits Times.