Following the collapse of the financial sectors in the U.S. and Europe, fear of a global economic slowdown has begun to spread. In spite of measures taken by the U.S. and European governments to help their financial sectors, the threat of a global recession remains prominent. This will result in the continued decline of prices of oil and other commodities due to slower demand. The commodity bulls at the beginning of the year made many believe Asia could decouple itself from the U.S.

Makassar (ANTARA News) - The government is optimistic that its foreign tourist arrival target of six million - seven million this year will be achieved, a senior tourism ministry official said.

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesia`s trade promotion at the 84th Marseille International Trade Show was successful in introducing Indonesian various commodities, tourism resorts, culture and food. During the trade fair, Indonesia`s stand coordinated by the Indonesian Consulate General in Marseille was crowded with visitors, according to a press statement of the Indonesian foreign ministry.

Which is in stark contrast to... "Feeling the heat from the global financial woes, the government has revised down budget assumptions for next year"

Originally Posted By: biznews Manpower and Transmigration Minister Erman Suparno said after the ASEM LEMC II opening ceremony, the global financial crisis does not affect Indonesia`s economical life because it is based on the strength of the people. note for newcomers: the position of indonesian minister for manpower is traditionally held by a certified moron.

Manado, N Sulawesi, (ANTARA News) - PT Celebes Minapratama will export fish heads to Australia following high demands from the buyers there, a spokesperson said here Tuesday. "Australian importers have expressed their interest in buying fish heads at Rp650,000 per kilogram which is higher than the local price of Rp100,000 per kilogram," Servie Kilis, PT Celebes Minapratama`s Human Resources and Public Relations Manager said.

Nusa Dua, Bali, (ANTARA News) - Manpower and Transmigration Minister Erman Suparno said after the ASEM LEMC II opening ceremony, the global financial crisis does not affect Indonesia`s economical life because it is based on the strength of the people.

The Jakarta bureau of capital investment and regional monetary management (BPM PKUD) is looking to open up participation in busway management to international investors. Hasan Basri Saleh, the bureau's head, said they were looking for prospective investors with interest in vehicle provision. "But they must cooperate with the existing busway consortia which still manages busway operations," he said.

Aditya Suharmoko, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Feeling the heat from the global financial woes, the government has revised down budget assumptions for next year -- including economic growth, Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati says.