Wednesday, June 30, 2010
JCI Climbs Back; Rupiah on Five-Quarter Roll
The Jakarta Composite Index rebounded from a sharp decline in early trade to post a solid gain on Wednesday, outperforming most regional markets, while the rupiah capped five quarters of advances against the dollar. The JCI gained 20.31 points, or 0.7 percent, to close at 2,913.68. Some 2.9 billion shares worth Rp 2.64 trillion ($290 million) changed hands. Gainers outnumbered decliners by 132 to 66.

Indonesia Population Predicted at 238 Million
Indonesia statistics agency predicted the nation's population will be around 230 million at the end of the sixth national census today (30/6), which increased about 16 percent from the official population count in 2000 of 205.1 million. After month of time extension, head of Statistics Indonesia Rusman Heriawan predicted from incoming reports that "The number (of population) will not exceed prediction of around 238 million," revising its own initial projection of 234.2 million.

President: Humanitarian Missions to Gaza Must be Respected
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said the humanitarian missions to Gaza initiated by a number of humanitarian agencies from various countries should be respected. He made the statement in a press conference along with Turkish President Abdullah Gul after the two met at the Presidential Palace at 11am local time or 3pm Jakarta time here on Tuesday.

VP Sure Manufacturing Industry to Grow 2 Percent
Vice President Boediono said he was certain the manufacturing industry in the country would grow by 2 percent this year compared to last year`s figure. "We have significant competitiveness, for example, in ceramic industry with a wide range market segment," the vice president said at a function to open World Ceramic Forum 2010 here on Wednesday.

Indonesians 'Second-Most Confident' in World
Indonesians are the second-most confident people in the world about their job prospects and near-term financial futures, according to a global survey released on Tuesday by media and consumer research company AC Nielsen. Indonesia rose a point to 116 in the consumer confidence index, second only to India's 127 and just above Norway's 115.

Russian Bosses Eye Mining Investments in Indonesia
The trade volume between Indonesia and Russia have significantly increased in the past few years. "The economy continues to progress," said Indonesian Ambassador to Russia, Hamid Awaludin, during the 60-Year Commemoration of Indonesia - Russia Relations Seminar in Jakarta, today.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010
RI, US Presidential Bilateral Meeting in G20 Summit
Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono meets the US President Barack Obama to discuss comprehensive partnership on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Toronto, Canada.

World Bank: RI Economy to Continue Growing
The World Bank predicts Indonesia's economy will continue to grow although economic reports in the first quarter showed uncertainty in the world market.

Indonesia's Oil Production Increasing
The Upstream Oil and Gas Regulating Agency (BP Migas) said Indonesia`s crude oil and condensate production so far had continued to rise. Head of BP Migas R Priyono said in Jakarta on Tuesday that the average oil production until June 2010 was recorded at 960,203 barrels per day.

RI Still Has Potential to Attract Investors
Indonesia still has a good chance of attracting foreign investors as world trade has been improving. Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) for investment, transportation, information and telecommunication Chris Kanter said in Jakarta Monday that actually Indonesia has some special features which attracted foreign investors.

Government to Fund Forest Certification in 2011
The Forestry Department will fund companies that have the Forest Management Right (HPH) and Industrial Plantation Forest (HTI) to make a certification required for next year, 2011.

President to Speak on Cooperation in Turkish Parliament
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is scheduled to speak about Indonesia`s view on business opportunities at a session of the Turkish Parliament here on Tuesday evening. "Before the Turkish Parliament we will talk about what we can improve together in our bilateral cooperation in the fields of economy, religion, education, culture, and international policy," President Yudhoyono said in a briefing here on Monday night.

Monday, June 28, 2010
Yudhoyono and Obama Meets in G20 Summit
Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono meets the US President Barack Obama to discuss comprehensive partnership on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Toronto, Canada.

Obama Offers Education, Climate Change Cooperation With RI
US President Barack Obama has offered education and climate change cooperation with Indonesia as part of strategic cooperation between the two countries.

Output of G20 Summit to Decide Public Trust: President
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said that concrete result of the G20 summit would decide the public trust in G20`s roles in the face of the global financial crisis.

News Focus: RI Expects Commitment on Infrastructure at G20
Indonesia, which needs over Rp2,000 trillion to build its infrastructure and to achieve an economic growth of about 6-7 percent in the next five years, expects investment commitments from bilateral countries taking part in the current G20 summit in Toronto, Canada.

Resources of Indonesian Soft Power Diplomacy
Power, according to Joseph S. Nye (2004), is your "ability to influence the behavior of others". Soft power is your ability to become "attractive" so that you can "co-opt" others. The main resources of your soft power are your foreign policy, culture and value.

Chinese Eye $50b Stake in Indonesia
China is pledging to increase its direct investment in Indonesia, specifically in infrastructure, and to boost trade between the countries so that together the value reaches $50 billion by 2014, the top economics minister has said.

Government Extends Rp 1 Billion as Relief Aid for Papua Quake Victims
The government extended Rp1 billion in relief aid to quake victims in Yapen and Waropen, Papua, on Saturday. The aid was directly handed over by Coordinating Minister for People`s Welfare Agung Laksono in Angkaisera Distict, Yapen Island.

RI's Cigarette Exports to US Down
Indonesia's cigarette exports to the US has continuously dropped as of 2007, according to the trade ministry. In a press statement issued on Saturday, the ministry said exports of various kinds of cigarettes to the US in 2007 reached US$11,165,432 and dropped to US$9,703,991 in 2008 and US$8,338,419 in 2009.

Friday, June 25, 2010
Yudhoyono to Meet Obama on G20 Summit Sidelines
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono expects to have a bilateral meeting with US President Barack Obama on the sidelines of G20 Summit in Toronto Canada on June 26-27.

RI Hopes G20 Members to Implement All Agreements
Indonesia has made an appeal to all members of the G20 to implement all the agreements that have been made in the past three meetings.

Indonesian Stocks, Rupiah Up
Indonesian shares rose on Friday as investors bought banks on optimism about loan growth in a low interest rate environment while other markets in the region trod water amid global economic concerns.

USNS Mercy to Serve Ambon, Central Maluku
The United States Navy floating hospital USNS Mercy T-AH-19 will support "The Surya Baskara Jaya health operation services in Ambon and Central Maluku district.

Indonesia Plans to Establish Independent Coast Guard Soon
Former coordinating minister for the economy Dorojatun Kuntjoro Jakti said Friday that Indonesian needs a coast guard independent of the military to ensure that its current military resources are used for defense.

Tiger Forum to Convene in Bali Next Month
In this - the year of the tiger - a number of prominent environmentalists from around the world will meet in Bali next month to draft plans they hope will ensure the survival of one of the most highly regarded species on the planet.

Pride of Indonesia
On June 19, 18-year-old Chen Wen Hao, from Jiansu province, became visitor No. 2,000,000 to the Indonesia pavilion at the World Expo Shanghai China 2010. While the number of visitors was a good sign for the Indonesian delegation, the reasons for their visit may be a different matter altogether.

Thursday, June 24, 2010
World Bank Raises Indonesia's Economic Projection
The World Bank again raised its projection on Indonesia's 2010 economy. Previously, the World Bank predicted that Indonesia's economy would grow by 5.6 percent. They have now revised it to 5.9 percent, higher than the government's target, 5.8 percent.

VP : Creative Industry's Contribution to GDP to Grow 8 Pct
Vice President Boediono said the government has projected the national creative industry's contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP) to increase to 8 percent in 2015.

Yudhoyono Hopes Terrorist Suspect Arrest Cripples Cell
Indonesia's president said he hopes the arrest of the country's most-wanted terrorist suspect will help cripple a network accused of plotting a Mumbai-style attack targeting foreigners at luxury hotels and several high-profile assassinations.

G20 Also to Discuss Investment, Trade: Minister
Finance Minister Agus Martowardojo said the G20 meeting of state leaders to be held in Toronto, Canada, June 26-27 is also to discuss trade and investment.

RI Producers Welcome New EC Policy on Palm Oil
Indonesian palm oil producers have welcomed the European Commission (EC)'s recent decision to remove palm oil and its derivatives from its list of dangerous chemicals.

RI to Continue Good Ties With Australia Under New PM
The Indonesian government will continue its good relations with the Australian government which is now led by Julia Gillard as the new prime minister, a presidential spokesman said. "President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono will continue to observe Indonesia's commitment to maintain friendship with Australia under its new prime minister," presidential spokesman Dino Patti Djalal said at Halim Perdanakusuma airport here Thursday.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010
RI's Current Population Estimated at 234.2 Million
The Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) has estimated that Indonesia's population now totals 234.2 million, up from 205.1 million in 2000.

Japan Provide 27 Billion Yen for Emission Reduction in Indonesia
The Japanese government unveiled today (23/6) a 27.19 billion yen loan for climate change and emission reduction programme for Indonesian government which should be repaid within 15 years with annual interest of 0.15 percent.

'Best City' Ubud to Host Celebration Next Month
Dubbed "The Best City in Asia" by US-based Conde Nast traveler magazine, Ubud will host a festival called Gempita Gianyar 2010 from July 2-3 to celebrate the honor.

VP Asks College Alumni to Support Entrepreneurship
Vice President Boediono has asked College Alumni Association to support the spirit of entrepreneurship in the country. "The alumni association has an important role to play in motivating and encouraging the next alumni to have the spirit of entrepreneurship," the vice president said here on Wednesday.

National Economic Committee Hopes to Complete Assignment on Time
Chairman of the National Economic Committee (KEN) Chairul Tanjung expressed hope the newly-established committee will be able to issue its recommendations on how to improve economic conditions in the country on time.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Finance Minister: Government to Keep Safeguarding Monetary System
Finance Minister Agus Martowardojo said the government would keep safeguarding the monetary and fiscal systems to smoothen the country's economic growth.

Government Wants Five Fully-Developed Economic Zones by 2014
The government expects Indonesia to have at least five fully-developed special economic zones (KEK) by 2014, a minister said.

Democracy Film Wins Director Trip to White House
A 21-year-old Indonesian will soon meet US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton at the White House after his film on democracy won a competition held by the State Department.

US, Indonesia Explore Uncharted Deep Sea
A deep-sea expedition by the United States and Indonesia sets off this week to explore one of the world's last frontiers, an adventure that researchers hope could lead to cures for diseases and help in predicting deadly tsunamis.

Indonesia Takes US Ban on Clove Cigarettes to WTO
Indonesia on Tuesday asked the World Trade Organization to investigate whether US tobacco control laws are illegally preventing imports of clove-flavored cigarettes to the United States.

Indonesian Scientists to Discuss Climate Change in Germany
Indonesian scientists and professionals will hold a conference on "Technology cooperation and economic benefit of reduction of GHG Emissions in Indonesia", in Hamburg, on November 1 and 2, 2010.

Trade Minister: RI May Take Advantage of CAFTA
Minister of Trade Mari Elka Pangestu said Indonesia is currently in a very good condition to take advantage of the implementation of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA).

Monday, June 21, 2010
Indonesian Stocks Open Higher on Global Bourse Gains
The Composite Stock Price Index (IHSG) at the Indonesian Stock Exchange (IDX) got off to a strong start here on Monday morning on global bourse gains.

Moody's Raises Indonesia Rating Outlook to Positive
Moody's Investors Service raised the outlook on Indonesia's local and foreign debt to positive from stable, underlining the country's ability to sustain strong economic growth and praising the stability and effectiveness of its fiscal and monetary policies.

President: No Plan to Develop Nuke Energy in Medium Term
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said the government still had no plan at least in the next five years to develop nuclear energy as an alternative to fossil fuel to generate electricity.

News Focus: Lake Sentani Festival Kicks Off
The much awaited cultural event of Lake Sentani Festival kicked off at Kalkhote beach resort in Sentani, some 30 km north of here.

US Provides Financing Facilities for 11 Indonesian Banks
The Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) has announced that it has given initial approval to 11 banks in Indonesia to receive financing as part of the banking facilities amounting to one billion dollars to support US exports to Indonesia.

Rising Prospect of Indonesian Automotive Industry
Johnny Darmawan is certainly not an ordinary man. Being the CEO of Toyota Astra Motor, he certainly has a full grasp of what is happening in the automotive industry and the way forward. His company enjoys the largest market share in the industry that makes him the ultimate representative of the Indonesian car manufacturing industry. He frequently speaks on behalf of the Indonesian Car Manufacturing Association.

BI: Yuan's Strengthening Positive for Indonesia
Bank Indonesia views the strengthening of Chinese currency (Yuan) would be positive for the country`s economy especially trade. "The appreciation of the yuan which is faster than the rupiah`s will certainly make Chinese products more expensive while our export products to China will be cheaper," the central bank`s director of research and monetary policy, Perry Warjiyo, said here on Monday.

Thursday, June 17, 2010
Indonesia Stock Values Set for 3-Year High, First State Says
Indonesia's equities are set to climb to their most expensive levels in three years as faster economic growth boosts corporate earnings, according to PT First State Investments Indonesia.

Finance Minister: First Semester Growth Looking Good
Finance Minister Agus Martowardojo said the national economy was showing steady growth in the first semester this year and this was reinforcing confidence the annual growth target of 6.1 to 6.4 percent will be achieved.

Aiming High for the Island of the Gods
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has an elusive dream - developing Bali as one of the world's art and cultural center.

BI Predicts Forex Reserves to Reach US$81 Billion
Bank Indonesia predicts the foreign exchange reserves would reach US$81 billion by the end of this year following continued improvement in the country`s economic growth.

RI, EU to Boost Exports and Investment in Five Sectors
Indonesia and the European Union will increase communication between their businessmen to boost exports and investment to and from the two parties in five priority sectors.

New BI Monetary Policies not to Restrict Free Capital Flow
Bank Indonesia (BI) Acting Governor Darmin Nasution said the monetary policies package the central bank had issued recently was not meant to put restrictions on the free foreign exchange or capital flows.

News Focus: Indonesia Hospital in Gaza for Gazans
In a meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Jakarta recently, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono spoke of Indonesia`s plan to construct a hospital in Gaza, Palestine.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Indonesian Stocks Close 36.550 Percent Higher
Jakarta - The Composite Stock Price Index (IHSG) at the Indonesian Stock Exchange (BEI) here, Wednesday noon, closed 36.550 points or 1.29 percent higher to the level of 2,866.723 points.

BI to Keep Key Rate at 6.5 Percent
Jakarta - Bank Indonesia (BI/the central bank) is expected to maintain its key rate at 6.5 percent even though the government is planning to increase basic power rates (TDL) and fuel oil prices, a banker said.

RI Needs Rp 2,000 Trillion in Investments Per Annum: BKPM
Palu, C Sulawesi - The Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) said Indonesia needs investments totaling Rp2,000 trillion per annum to achieve its annual economic growth rate target of 6.5-6.8 percent over the next five years.

Bank Indonesia Unveils Steps to Manage Capital Flows
Indonesia's central bank will reorganize its bill sales to encourage investors to keep their money in Southeast Asia's largest economy for longer, joining regional policy makers in seeking to reduce currency volatility.

RI's Exports Yet to be Affected by European Crisis
Indonesia's export performance has so far not yet been affected by the financial crisis that hit Europe, Indonesian Entrepreneurs Association (IEA) secretary Anton J Supit said.

RI to Join Planned Global Treaty on Mercury
The Indonesian government has unveiled its plan to join a mercury treaty, which is now being negotiated with the aim of phasing out the use and production of mercury that could risk human health and environment.

Update: At Least Two Killed After 7.1-magnitude Quake Hits Indonesia
A 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Indonesia on Wednesday, triggering a localized tsunami warning and panic as people fled their homes, officials and residents said.

VP: Bureaucratic Reform Not Just Rhetoric
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Vice President Boediono has said bureaucratic reform was not just a rhetoric or discourse but was a serious thing that had to be done.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Thirty-Three Provinces Sign MoU on Women's Empowerment
Jakarta - Thirty-three provinces Monday signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry for Women`s Empowerment and Child Protection on harmonizing and synchronizing the central and regional governments` programs in the fields of women`s empowerment and child protection.

Yudhoyono Hopes G20 to Discuss Financial Crisis in Europe
Jakarta - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono hoped the European financial crisis would be addressed in the G-20 summit in Toronto, Canada, later this month with regard to preventing it from spreading to other regions.

Government to Direct Agricultural Investment to Downstream Sector
Jakarta - The Agriculture Ministry and the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) have agreed to direct agricultural investment to the upstream sector or processing industry.

Government to Keep 72 Million Hectares of Forest, Peat "Untouched"
Indonesia has pledged to stop converting more than a half of its forest area as a result of a new moratorium agreement signed with Norway government and domestic regulations linked to spatial planning issues.

Indonesia Named President of SPLOS Meeting
The United Nations, New York - The twentieth Meeting of State Parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (SPLOS) has named Indonesian diplomat Arif Havas Oegroseno as president of the Meeting for the period of 2010-2011.

Monday, June 14, 2010
BEI Index Closes 18.34 Points Higher
Jakarta - The Composite Stock Price Index (IHSG) at the Indonesian Stock Exchange (BEI) here on Monday noon closed 18.34 points higher.

Indonesia's Rupiah Climbed for a Fifth Straight Day on Optimism that the Global Economic Recovery is Intact.
The currency rose to its highest level since June 3 as the MSCI Asia Pacific Index of shares gained. Consumer confidence in the US, among Indonesia's biggest export markets, advanced to the highest level in two years, data on June 11 showed.

RI's High Fishery Potential Produces only 10 Million Tons
Denpasar, Bali (ANTARA News) - Indonesia while having a very high fishery potential, its output reached only 10 million tons last year.

Papuan Arts and Cultures Need Preserving: Vatican Ambassador
Vatican Ambassador to Indonesia Mgr Leopoldo Girellin urged Papuan people, including the Catholics, on Monday to help preserve local traditional arts and cultures through the Sentani Lake Festival to be held from June 19 to June 23, 2010.

Free-Electricity-for-Poor Proposal Needs Further Study: Minister
Chief economic minister Hatta Rajasa said the idea raised by state electricity company PLN president director Dahlan Iksan to free poor people from electricity bills needed to be further studied.

World Bank Provides PLN with US$750 Million
The World Bank has approved a new investment of US$750 million for Indonesia to help increase the government`s and state power company PLN`s programs in the manpower and training sector, and regional administration investment programs.

Friday, June 11, 2010
BEI Index Opens Higher, Passes 2,800 Points
Jakarta - The Composite Stock Price Index (IHSG) at the Indonesian Stock Exchange (BEI) got off to a strong start here Friday morning, and passed the level of 2,800 points.

Rupiah Strengthens 15 Points Against US Dollar
Jakarta - The rupiah strengthened 15 points against the US dollar in the Jakarta interbank spot market here Thursday afternoon, on profit taking moves.

RI, China Discuss Cooperation Under G-20
Jakarta - Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Marty Natalegawa and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Cui Tiankai met here Friday to discuss matters related to cooperation within the G-20 framework.

Government Considering Tax Holiday to Boost Investment
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The government is considering to give a tax holiday to lure investors, a minister said.

Creative Economy Brings in Two Advantages: President
Jakarta - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said that creative economy could bring in two advantages at the same time, namely pro-people economic growth and reinforcement of cultural identity which would enrich concrete national identity.

President: Government Closely Monitoring Global Economic Developments
Jakarta - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said the government was continuously monitoring the economic problems in Europe to anticipate their possible impact on the national economy.

Bioprospecting: A priority for Indonesia
The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) commemorated World Environment Day on June 5 with the theme: "Many Species, One Planet and One Future", reflecting the urgent need to conserve the dwindling biodiversity of life on our planet.

Yudhoyono to Open Islamic Conference
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is scheduled to open the Muhammadiyah national congress next month, in a sign that relations between the country's second-largest Islamic organization and the government remain strong despite recent differences, says the group's chairman.

US Maintains Ban on Indonesian Special Forces Soldiers
Indonesia and the United States said on Thursday they had signed a defense framework arrangement to pave the way for further cooperation in military training, defense procurement and maritime security.

Thursday, June 10, 2010
RI, US Sign Defense Framework Arrangement
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian Ministry of Defense and the United States Department of Defense on Thursday signed a framework arrangement on cooperative activities in the defense field.

IMF Puts Indonesian Growth at 6 Percent in 2010, 2011
The International Monetary Fund on Thursday forecast Indonesia's economic growth will accelerate this year amid improving investment and said the central bank may need to adjust its monetary policy if price pressures rise.

BI : Bank Credits Grew 18 Pct Until Early June
Jakarta - Bank Indonesia (BI) Deputy Governor Muliaman D Hadad said growth of bank credits had reached 18 percent until early June.

Jakarta Proposes Formulating MDGS' Strategic Partnership
London (ANTARA News) - Indonesia has called for the formulation of a global strategic partnership to support the attainment of the millennium development goals (MDGs) amid the global financial and food crises that hamper developing nations' efforts to achieve them.

President: Development Must Be Environmentally Friendly
Jakarta - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has said the government must prioritize green economic development strategy which is environmentally friendly in order to prevent ecosystem degradation that demands big rehabilitation cost.

Lines of Business Closed to Investment
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The government has declared certain lines of business closed to investment under Presidential Ruling No 36 of 2010 as of May 25, 2010, Chief Economic Minister Hatta Rajasa said here on Wednesday.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Rupiah Gains on US Recovery Signs, Bumi Leads Stocks Up
Indonesia's rupiah gained the most in a week on optimism an improving US economy will help sustain global expansion as European governments boost taxes and curb spending to tackle a debt crisis.

Tax: RI Ranked as Implementing International Information Standards
Jakarta - Indonesia is now ranked in the category of jurisdictions that have substantially implemented internationally agreed tax standards, according to the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)'s report received by ANTARA here Wednesday.

Ten Orangutans to be Released into Jambi Forest
Jambi - Ten Sumatran orangutans (Pongo Abelii) will be released into their natural habitat in Bukit Tigapuluh forest, Jambi Province, an environmentalist said.

News Focus: Indonesia Hopes Peace Process Initiated in Korean Peninsula Soon
Jakarta - The Indonesian government has called on South Korea and North Korea to exercise restraint and seek a peaceful solution amid growing calls of the international community to punish Pyongyang for the sinking of a South Korean navy ship in March.

RI Committed to Continuing Struggle for Independent Palestine
Jakarta - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said on Tuesday the Indonesian government was committed to continuing its struggle for an independent and sovereign Palestinian state.

FSC and LEI Strive to Jointly Advance Responsible Forest Management in Indonesia
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Indonesian Ecolabelling Institute (LEI) have launched an 18-month collaboration to explore potential areas of cooperation regarding responsible forest management and forest certification in Indonesia.

Government Launch Industry Decentralization Measure
The Industry Department and Education Department have signed a cooperation agreement which will serve as the precursor to speed up industrialization outside Java, which has been the centre of economy and political hub in the 65 year history of the nation.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010
BEI Index Closes 21.567 Points Stronger
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - A strengthening of regional bourses bolstered positive sentiments for the Composite Stock Price Index (IHSG) at the Indonesian Stock Exchange (BEI) on Tuesday noon.

Rupiah Gains on Intervention, Stocks Up Early
Indonesia's rupiah strengthened on speculation the central bank intervened to stem losses after the currency on Monday dropped the most in two weeks.

President: RI to Preserve Environment More Seriously
Jakarta - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said Indonesia today and tomorrow would preserve the environment more seriously.

RI Calls for Redoubled Efforts to End Israeli Occupation
Jakarta - Amid the global outrage following the Israeli attack on the Mavi Marmara of the Gaza-bound Freedom Flotilla, the Indonesian government has called for redoubled efforts to end the Israeli occupation of Palestine.

LPG Imports Expected to Soar 97 Pct This Year
Jakarta - State oil and gas company PT Pertamina has predicted that the country's liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) imports this year will soar 91 percent to 2.009 million metric tons from a year earlier.

News Feature: Preserving Papua's Culture, Traditional Arts
Jakarta - Indonesia`s easternmost province of Papua is blessed with an abundance of natural resources and unique culture and traditional arts.

AIA to Expand to Syariah Market
The life insurance company, AIA Financial, a subsidiary of the AIA Group, has announced that it is ready to expand to the Syariah business market in Indonesia.

Monday, June 7, 2010
KADIN Eyeing US$5 Billion in Singaporean Investment
The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) intends to attract five billion US dollar in investment from Singapore this year.

RI Trade Minister Meets ASEAN Counterparts in Sapporo
Minister of Trade Mari Elka Pangestu met her ASEAN counterparts who are also members of APEC ini Sapporo, Japan on JUNE 5 and 6, 2010, for an excange of views on economic strategic issues in the two areas.

RI Rejects Inhumane, Unjust Acts Against Palestinian People
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said Indonesia strongly rejected any party's inhumane and unjust acts against the Palestinian people.

Green Concept Compulsory for All Development Projects: Minister
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Hatta Radjasa said all development efforts in Indonesia must be carried out based on a green concept to balance economic growth with environmental conservation.

Economy May Grow 8 Pct with Good Tax Revenue
>Finance Minister Agus Martowardojo said Indonesia's economy may grow by 8 percent if the government could boost tax revenue.

Angklung Promotions Abroad Ease Down
Angklung (Indonesian traditional musical instrument made of bamboo) promotions abroad are easing down this year.

Friday, June 4, 2010
RI's Excise Revenue Until May Rp 26.44 Trillion
Indonesia's excise revenue in the year ended May 31 totaled Rp26.44 trillion, accounting for 44.6 percent of the target set in the revised 2010 state budget, an official said.

Muhammadiyah to Organize World Peace Forum
Jakarta - Muhammadiyah central executive board will organize the third World Peace Forum (WPF) in Yogyakarta from June 30 - July 2, 2010.

Nineteen US Peace Corps Volunteers Confirmed in Malang
Jakarta - US Ambassador to Indonesia Cameron Hume swore in 19 Americans as Peace Corps volunteers in Malang, East Java, on Thursday.

Indonesia to Ensure Relief Aid to Reach Gaza
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian government will join other countries in ensuring that humanitarian aid sent through the freedom flotilla mission will reach the Gaza Strip, a presidential spokesman said.

Obama Again Postpones Indonesia Visit
Jakarta, June 4 (ANTARA News) - US President Barack Obama has rescheduled his visit to Indonesia to either before or in November this year instead of June, presidential spokesman Dino Patti Djalal said here on Friday.

Indonesia Property Market: Opportunity in Global Crisis?
Since the beginning of the year, interest from foreign investors to Indonesia has been seen strengthening. Rising optimism and growing investor confidence helped support the tremendous growth in the domestic stock market over the past several months, leading the Indonesian Stock Exchange (ISX) to become the best performer in Asia.

Indonesia Maintains Ban on Foreigners Buying Property
Hopes for a change in Indonesia's restrictive rules on foreign ownership of property were dashed when a major conference of real estate agents on Bali ended last week without an expected government announcement.

Thursday, June 3, 2010
Government Providing Rp 100 Trillion for Small Businesses
Denpasar, Bali - The government has set a target to provide micro, small and medium-sized businesses (UMKM) with Rp100 trillion in small-holder`s credits in the coming five years, a deputy minister said.

RI to Develop Green Economy: President
Jakarta - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said Indonesia would develop a green economic concept in an effort to improve the welfare of the people and overcome the threat of climate change.

Free Aceh Hero Honored in Death
He was long considered an enemy of the state and was forced to spend three decades in exile. But Tengku Hasan Muhammad di Tiro was lauded by the president and other top officials on Thursday after dying earlier in the day in his native Aceh.

News Focus: More Tourists to Visit Papua for Lake Sentani Festival
Jakarta - More foreign as well as domestic tourists are expected to visit Indonesia's easternmost province of Papua this year for the Lake Sentani Festival (LSF).

Finance Minister to Take Part in G-20 Confab in Busan
Jakarta - Finance Minister Agus Martowardojo will be representing Indonesia at the finance ministerial meeting of G-20 in Busan, South Korea, from June 3 to 5, 2010.

RI Has Potential to Develop Into World Glass Products Manufacturer
Jakarta - Indonesia has the potential to become a main player in the business of glass products in the world because the country has mastered the technology, the Indonesian Flat and Safety Glass Makers Association spokesman said.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010
RI Urges UN to Take Action Against Israel
Jakarta - Indonesian will continue to urge the United Nations (UN) to take the strongest possible action against Israel over the Monday`s storming of Gaza-bound aid ships.

RI Proposes International Fact-Finding Team to Probe Israeli Attack
Indonesian has proposed the initiation of an international fact-finding mission for an independent and credible investigation into the Israeli military attack on the Gaza-bound "MV Mavi Marmara."

Ten Indonesian Volunteers Released After Israeli Aid Raid: President
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said 10 Indonesian volunteers had been released from Israeli detention Wednesday following the Israeli raid on the Gaza aid flotilla.

Minister : Non-Oil/Non-Gas Exports May Surpass Target
Jakarta - Trade Minister Mari Elka Pangestu predicts Indonesia`s non-oil/non-gas export growth in 2010 would reach 8 to 9 percent or higher than the target of 7 - 8.5 percent.

VP Launches "Oil Palm for People"
Vice President Boediono here on Wednesday launched an Oil Palm for the People Program designed to improve the oil palm industry`s structure from upstream to downstream.

Rupiah Expected to Strengthen to 8,800 at Year End
A Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) economist said the rupiah's exchange rate is likely to strengthen to Rp8.800 per US dollar by the end of 2010 despite the economic crisis in Eruope.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010
One Indonesian Injured, 11 Others Detained After Israeli Military Attack on Aid Flotilla: Government
One Indonesian was injured and another 11 taken into custody during the deadly raid by Israeli forces on a Gaza aid ship on Monday morning, the Indonesian government said on Tuesday.

RI Government Strongly Condemns Israeli Attack on Humanitarian Convoy
Jakarta - The Indonesian government had strongly criticized the Israeli government's action of attacking a convoy of humanitarian ships Freedom Flotilla in the Mediterranian on Monday morning.

RI Urges UN to Investigate Attack on "MV Mavi Marmara"
Jakarta - The Indonesian government has urged the United Nations to fulfill its obligations by taking Israel to account over its attack on the humanitarian-aid-carrying ship "MV Mavi Marmara" on Monday.

Yudhoyono to Discuss Israeli Attack with Obama
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is to take up the Israeli attack on the Freedom Flitilla early on Monday at his meeting with President Barack Obama when the latter visits Jakarta later this month, a presidential spokesman said.

RI's Industrial Product Exports Up 36 Pct
Jakarta - Indonesia`s industrial product exports in the first four months of 2010 jumped 36.66 percent to US$28.68 billion from the same period last year, the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) said.

FM, BI Prepare New Crisis Protection Regulation
The Finance Ministry with the central bank are preparing a new regulation-in-lieu-of-law to protect Indonesia from a threat of crisis amid the Euro debt crisis, Finance Minister Agus Martowardojo said.

President: Stop Debating Pancasila as State Ideology
Jakarta - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono Tuesday called for a halt to debates on Pancasila as the basic principles of the state saying it had served as the basic values of the Indonesian nation since the country proclaimed its independence.

RI to Maintain Export Market Share in Europe
Jakarta - Trade Minister Mari Elka Pangestu said Indonesia would continue maintaining its export market share in Europe despite fears the financial crisis in Greece would spread to other countries in the region.