NUSA DUA, Bali (JP): Indonesian Trade Minister Mari Pangestu called on Indonesian and Australia business people to try to diversify the type of goods and services exchanged between the two countries as their two governments are exploring to establish a free trade agreement. Acknowledging that export and import figures with Australia are booming this year, she told the Indonesia Australia Business Council (IABC) that goods and services traded have remained relatively unchanged.

Businesses are cautiously welcoming the government's plan to provide incentives for industries willing to convert from oil to using other alternative sources of energy amid high oil prices, which seem to be on course to breaking the US$100 mark a barrel.

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesian consumers were mixed in their outlook on the economy in two surveys in October, with some being bullish about the improving economic and employment outlook while others were downbeat about rising inflationary pressures. A central bank survey on Friday showed consumers turned optimistic in October, the first time in nearly a year.