Given the prolonged rule of Suharto's New Order regime, the political and economic systems of Indonesia still have features of an oligarchic system, i.e. power is controlled by a small group of people usually distinguished by family ties and wealth. In the past, religious or military status also played a crucial role. However, as democracy continues to develop some of these features wane, while others still exist. President Joko Widodo, for example, is the first Indonesian president who does not belong to the traditional (political, religious or military) elite.

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Astra International, one of the largest diversified conglomerates and the dominating force in Indonesia's automobile industry, sold 268,072 cars in the first five months of 2013. Total car units sold in the same period stands at 497,670, which implies that Astra has a market share of 54 percent. Sales in January-May 2013 grew 8.47 percent compared to the same period in 2012. Astra's motorcycles sales grew 11.6 percent to 1,974,274 units. As such, Astra, which sells the Honda brand, has a 60 percent market share in Indonesia's motorcycle industry.

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