Brave predictions that Indonesia would emerge as the “Middle East of Biofuel” have evaporated. The industry faces testing times and opening the local market appears the only way to survive.Biofuel went big globally with a slick public relations package in 2005.

The recent Indonesia Regional Investment Forum 2008 brought together more than 200 international investors with a shared objective: to explore investment opportunities in one of the fastest growing economies in Asia.

PETALING JAYA: When domestic growth dwindles or when a company plans for expansion, going overseas seems like a smart move. For Malaysian companies, Indonesia presents good opportunities because of its large population, low labour cost and vast natural resources.