• IMF: Asia's Economic Growth Promising but Dangers Lurk in 2013

    Although the International Monetary Fund (IMF) retains its positive outlook regarding Asia's economic growth for the foreseeable future, the institution warns that the enormous influx of foreign capital in recent years can result in a new bubble due to excessive growth in lending and property prices. Despite these concerns, the IMF expects Asia to grow 5.75 percent in 2013 and calls Asia the leader of global economic recovery, followed by the US and, lastly, Europe.

    Read more ›

  • Indonesia's Subsidized Fuel Price Will Rise to Relieve Government Budget Balance

    This morning (30/04/13), president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono delivered a speech in which he announced that the price of subsidized fuel will increase to relieve mounting pressures on the government budget deficit. Yudhoyono refrained from mentioning a new price level nor did he announce when the new measure will be implemented. He said that cash compensation programs for the poor need to be prepared first before adjustment of the country's subsidized fuel price can be executed.

    Read more ›

  • Indonesian Banks Experience Continued Robust Growth in Quarter 1-2013

    The banking sector of Indonesia continues to post impressive double-digit growth amid the country's expanding economy and the people's increasing demand for consumer lending. A number of prominent Indonesian banks, which includes Bank Mandiri, Bank Central Asia, Bank Negara Indonesia, Bank Rakyat Indonesia, and Bank CIMB Niaga, have released strong Q1-2013 performance results. However, as the central bank's interest rate might be raised due to inflationary pressures, profits from lending can decline.

    Read more ›

  • Telekomunikasi Indonesia (Telkom) Plans to Conduct Stock Split This Year

    Telekomunikasi Indonesia (Telkom), Indonesia's largest telecommunication & network provider, plans to conduct a stock split this year with a ratio of 1:5. This step will make Telkom's shares more affordable and increases its liquidity. Analysts have good projections for the company as it holds a dominant market position in Indonesia's telecommunication sector, a high dividend ratio, and good corporate management. Its share price gained 25.7 percent this year.

    Read more ›