RI's first SEZ off to a good start, more of the same expected Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government's newly established special economic zone (SEZ) that embraces Batam, Bintan and Karimun islands appears to be off to a good start, with seven initial investment projects worth US$566.4 million ready to break ground in the area. Of the projects, the largest by value -- $500 million -- will go to Karimun island, coming from South Korean Daeju Construction Engineering Co. Ltd.

Invest now for better gains, Kalla urges foreign investors Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Vice President Jusuf Kalla said Wednesday that Indonesia was stable and safe enough for foreign investors, urging them to invest now if they wanted to get better gains. "My concept is 'no risk, no gain, high risk, high gain'.

Autonomy going too far: SBY M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The central government believes excesses in the implementation of regional autonomy are scaring away foreign investment. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said Wednesday that local governments had imposed a slew of local taxes burdensome to investors since the onset of decentralization.

The Visit of Indonesian Minister of Trade to Australia to Increase Trade and Investment Australia still desires to increase trade and investment with Indonesia. That statement was the result of the meeting of the Indonesian Minister of Trade, Dr. Mari Elka Pangestu, with Australian Minister of Trade, Mark Vaile, and Australian businessmen during her visit to Australia, 8-15 August 2006.

Daeju invests U$500 million to build dockyard Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Daeju Construction Engineering Co.Ltd will invest around US$500 million to develop a dockyard in Karimun in the Indonesian province of Riau Islands.

VP says Sumatra should revive as "gum island" Jambi (ANTARA News) - Known in the past as "gum/rubber island", Sumatra should revive to regain its glorious time, Vice President Jusuf Kalla said here on Wednesday.

VEEP invites foreign investors to build infrastructure projects Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Vice President Jusuf Kalla has invited foreign investors to participate in the construction of infrastructure projects in Indonesia, including toll roads and power plants.