i don't think circle K and indomaret have too much to worry about. they are among indonesia's best franchise stores. i'm certain they could match anything carrefour did through Alfa.

Padang (ANTARA News) - Some 100 investors from the United Arab Emirates (UEA) are expected to visit here late June to explore the possibility of investment, an official said. They would come to West Sumatra to see for themselves small islands off the provincial capital Padang, Padang Mayor Fauzi Bahar said here on Friday. They were expected to develop the islands into tourist resorts, he said.

The Business Competition Supervisory Commission, or KPPU, plans to investigate allegations of monopolistic practices by the local arm of French retail giant Carrefour SA, especially accusations that the retail giant charged the supermarket’s stall-holders “excessive” rental fees. The chain is also alleged to have gained an unfair advantage through its acquisition of mini-market retailer PT Alfa Retailindo Tbk.

The national economy may only grow by 3 percent this year because of problems caused by rapidly shrinking exports, which are expected to slump to record lows this year, two senior officials said on Friday. The comments are the lowest predictions so far about growth this year and provide yet another contrast to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s rosier hopes early in the month, when he projected the economy could grow by between 4.5 and 5 percent.

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesia underlined the need for a new international currency for international transactions to reduce the highly unsafe financial sector in view of the strong dependence on the US dollar. This remarks were made by Acting Coordinating Minister of the Economy/Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati and Bank Indonesia (BI) Governor Boediono in Jakarta Friday. "I believe that some day a discussion would be started on the statement of the Chinese central bank.