Investing in Indonesia 2002 READY-TO-USE FACTORIES: Many industrial estates offer ready-to- use factories to attract investors. Direct investment activities in Indonesia are still relatively low, despite a slight improvement in the economy.

Businesses commemorate the big day in their own way A festive and colorful atmosphere has descended on most parts of the country in recent days as many people prepare for the celebration of the 58th Independence Day. Patriotic people in both the kampongs and cities decorate their homes with red and white banners and flags while others hang colorful light bulbs to commemorate the day.

JP/Sendie The use of red and white red flags, combined with a variety of red and white banners, creates a patriotic ambience at some of the country's prominent buildings such as hotels and shopping malls.

Security and good PR essential for marketing Agus H. Canny Contributor Jakarta For healthy growth in investments or for businesses to flourish in any country, security is inarguably one of the most vital factors, especially in view of the current horrors spread worldwide by various terrorist attacks. The most recent is the bombing of JW Marriott Hotel in Jakarta, which has diluted investor enthusiasm, both foreign and domestic, for putting up money or opening new ventures here.

Denmark skips Indonesian Open JAKARTA: Denmark has withdrawn from the 2003 Sanyo Indonesia Badminton Open due to a travel warning issued by its government following the Aug. 5 bombing at the JW Marriott Hotel in Jakarta. "In its e-mail to the tournament's committee, the (Danish) team's coach, Steen Schleicher Pedersen, conveyed his apologies because they have had to withdraw from the event," the chairman of the tournament's organizing committee, Cahya, said on Saturday.

checked A Singularly Intense Experience in a Small Glass Customers in Indonesia can now enjoy a totally 'intense' taste experience with the introduction of Starbucks DoubleShot Iced Shaken Espreso. A distinctly unique ice cold coffee experience, Starbucks DoubleShot is hand-shaken and hand-crafted with a difference - a special treat for customers seeking a singularly bold infusion of espresso.

'Quo vadis' industrial estates in Indonesia? Jacky Mussry Contributor Jakarta In the last few years Indonesia has remained in the grip of an acute economic crisis, a situation that has led to a drastic drop of its economic growth rate. The government and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have set the growth rate of the country's economy at not higher than four percent. Part of this economic growth has come from domestic consumption.

Are we really independent? Debbie A. Lubis, Contributor, Jakarta "Are we really independent?" This sarcastic question is often heard these days, not only from the people in the street but also from almost all segments of society.

Slowly waking up from its slumber Burhanuddin Abe Contributor Jakarta The after-effects of the national economic crisis, the current unstable political situation and weak national security are some of the reasons behind the "wait and see" attitude of most foreign as well as domestic investors toward industrial estates. But the situation is not totally bleak.

Are we really independent? Debbie A. Lubis Contributor Jakarta "Are we really independent?" This sarcastic question is often heard these days, not only from the people in the street but also from almost all segments of society.

checked A Singularly Intense Experience in a Small Glass Customers in Indonesia can now enjoy a totally 'intense' taste experience with the introduction of Starbucks DoubleShot Iced Shaken Espresso. A distinctly unique ice cold coffee experience, Starbucks DoubleShot is hand-shaken and hand-crafted with a difference - a special treat for customers seeking a singularly bold infusion of espresso.