Indonesia’s exports soared by 54 percent year-on-year during the first quarter, and 13 percent during March, providing further evidence that the economic recovery is gaining ground, analysts said. The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) reported on Monday that total exports reached $35.4 billion during the first quarter, up from $23.03 billion during the year-earlier period. Imports surged 57 percent during the first quarter to $30 billion, from $19.09 billion during the same quarter last year.

Import of Goods from Singapore Down 4.17 Percent Tuesday, May 4, 2010 06:18 AM | Economy & Business | Business Tanjung Pinang - Imports from Singapore to Riau Islands Province (KEPRI) decreased by 4.17% during February 2010 compared to the previous month, authorities said. The head of the Indonesian Statistics Department (BPS) Of Riau Islands, Hangaputua Gultom, said Tuesday, the Riau Islands is largest importer of Singaporean goods with imports totaling S461.83 million U.S.

At least 15 companies from China have planned to enter power generation business in Batam, Riau Islands, with combined investment commitments amounting to US$618 million. “The investors also look for other fields,” Batam Mayor Ahmad Dahlan said Monday after receiving a visit from China Ambassador to Indonesia Zhang Qi Yue in his mayoral office as quoted by tempointeraktif.com.

JAKARTA, May 3 (Reuters) - Strong growth and political stability made Indonesia Southeast Asia's most attractive investment destination last year, but the outlook is threatened by a struggle between reformers and powerful vested interests. For the moment, the reformers appear to have the upper hand, but a major setback could rattle Indonesia's markets and hurt prospects for a credit rating upgrade with Indonesia now rated just one notch below the coveted investment grade by Fitch.

Dumai (ANTARA News)- Up to the end of last year investment in Dumai city, Riau, reached Rp 14 trillion, including Rp 4.49 trillion domestic investment, and Rp 9.695 trillion foreign investment. The favorable development had a positive effect on per capita income both in terms of prevailing and fixed prices of nonoil/gas commodities in the same year increasing respectively from Rp9.5 million to Rp17.19 million and from Rp5.71 million to Rp6.74 million.