TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta: Retail industry activities until next year are regarded as not yet prospective because consumers’ purchasing power is still weak. The retail business is still categorized as a business of high costs and low profits. “In spite of growth, it hasn’t been profitable for business players,” said Surjadi Sasmita, Daily Chairman of Indonesian Garment and Accessories Suppliers Association (APGAI), yesterday (8/11).

The US$1.25 billion East Kalimantan-Java gas pipeline project handled by PT Bakrie Brothers Tbk is apparently on the verge of collapse after energy minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro declared the project is not feasible, Kompas reported. The very same minister initially endorsed the project. What's up? Purnomo said before parliament members that the project was initiated by Infrastructure Development Acceleration Committee (KPPI) for Infrastructure Summit I. The project, he said, is too costly.

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesia's consumer confidence index rose to 98.1 points in October, its highest mark in 14 months, up from 96.1 points in September, a central bank survey showed Wednesday. The confidence index, which indicates respondents' optimism about the economy, last stood above 100 points in June last year. The two components of the index -- the present condition index and consumer expectation index -- both rose in October.