JAKARTA (JP): Local furniture firms are seeking new overseas markets to address declining demand in the face of a possible economic meltdown in the United States, the country's largest buyer of wooden furniture. The gloomy economic forecast could trim furniture exports to the world's largest economy by at least 5 percent, Ambar Tjahyono, chairman of the Association of Indonesian Furniture and Handicraft Manufacturers (Asmindo), said recently.

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia has seen a rise in natural and man-made disasters which means insurance firms are likely to profit from an increase in business this year as more people seek disaster cover. The finance ministry's head of insurance bureau IsaRahmatarwata said the high number of disasters in the country had raised people's awareness of the importance of buying insurance.

Legislator Claims New Apartment Complex Does Not Meet Residential Zoning Rules. Local Official Begs to Differ. (2/9/2008) Bali Post has drawn attention to the construction of a new apartment complex on Jalan Majapahit in Kuta. Quoting a member of the Badung House of Representatives (DPRD) from nearby Legian, IGN Sudiarsa, the Bali Post questioned the building of the large apartment complex in an area zoned for residential purposes.