As foreign investors continue to swarm Indonesia, local businesses assisting them in the process of setting up shop have also seen their businesses boom. Security and business intelligence firms, lawyers and management consultants are reaping the benefits as foreign firms go through them to seek out reliable local partners and navigate licensing and tax processes. Indonesia has become a magnet for investors who want to leverage on its natural resources and general political stability.

TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta:The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) chairman, Suryo Bambang Sulisto, says the government’s decision to lower interest rates shows it is serious about developing infrastructure. The national loan interest rate in Indonesia is the highest in ASEAN and a disincentive for investors. Long-term project require monetary and fiscal incentives, said Suryo.

TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta:Supreme Energy has prepared US$ 200 million to explore three geothermal mining working areas (WKP). “I hope the contract can be signed in April or May,” said Supreme Energy CEO, Supramu Santosa, yesterday. The two working areas are located in Liki Pinawangan, Muaralabo, West Sumatra and Mt. Rajabasa, Lampung. To work on the two areas, Supreme Energy is working with Sumitomo and GDP-Suez. The negotiation price was set at 9.4 cents for the West Sumatra project and 9.

TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta:The Indonesian Cocoa Association chairman Zulhefi Sikumbang has called on the government to revise cocoa duties to Rp500 to support local farmers and exporters. "Only major companies such as Cargill and Olam can compete with progressive tariff rates," said Zulhefi yesterday. Based on his calculations, the industry can still profit from setting tariffs at Rp500 per kilogram. Last year, cocoa powder exports were valued at 60,000 tons and imports were 30,000 tons.

TEMPO Interactive, Kediri:Brown sugar businessmen in Kediri, East Java, have lost their orders from Japanese importers following the tsunami last Friday. It is unknown when the situation return to normal. “Deliveries have stopped completely,” Achmad Rubai, a businessman in Kediri, told Tempo yesterday. Exports to Japan, said Rubai, had become uncertain after earthquakes and tsunami hit the country. Japanese importers have called off brown sugar deliveries indefinitely.