The Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) is seeking an extra budget of about Rp 100 billion (US$11 million) this year to finance programs aimed at improving the business climate. BKPM deputy head Yus’an said in Jakarta on Wednesday that additional funds which would increase the agency’s total budget to Rp 465 billion from Rp 365 billion would be needed to help cope with negative impacts resulting from the full implementation of ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA).

A subsidiary of the Para Group, which is chaired by powerful businessman Chairul Tanjung, has acquired a 40 percent stake in Carrefour stores in Indonesia and will add two well-known former security officials to the company’s board. The move puts a well-connected Indonesian face atop a company that has been plagued by legal troubles and allegations of monopoly practices in the fiercely competitive retail sector.

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Bank Indonesia (the central bank/BI) believes the country will reach the investment grade next year thanks to its improved economic indicators. "We are optimistic that Indonesia will reach the investment grade next year. Indonesia`s economic prospects are considered positive by World Bank standards," Deputy Bank Indonesia International Director Dian Ediana Rae said here on Friday.

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Capital Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Chief Gita Wirjawan expressed optimism investment in Indonesia will grow 10 percent to 15 percent in the first quarter of this year. "We are optimistic growth will be above 10 percent, between 10 percent and 15 percent," he said after an expose at the Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference here on Friday. He said Indonesia`s economy was viewed positively by investors.