Local computer manufacturers have urged the government to scrap import duties on IT components, as they are competing against imported finished products from countries that have free-trade agreements with Indonesia, particularly China. Indonesian Computer Entrepreneurs Association (Apkomindo) chairman Suhanda Wijaya said the government should adjust its policy on component imports to provide a more level playing field for local computer manufacturers.

As part of its commitment to its comprehensive economic partnership with Indonesia, Australia is set to share its expertise in the mining sector during the two-day Ozmine conference, which starts on Tuesday.

Bali Governor Poised to Implement and Enforce the 2009 Zoning Law. Despite resistance and refusals from regents and mayors in Bali to his 2009 Zoning Law (RTRW), governor Made Mangku Pastika has reaffirmed that he will soon be consistently and rigorously implementing the law. Speaking at an open forum at the provincial House of Representatives (DPRD-Bali) held on Friday, March 25, 2011, Pastika depicted the RTRW as central to saving Bali's natural environment.

By Camelia Pasandaran Thailand-based polyester producer Indorama Ventures plans to invest as much as $5.2 billion in the energy sector and establish a new factory in Indonesia, its chief executive said on Monday. “We want to make a new investment in Indonesia. We’re looking at possibilities in coal gasification, oil and gas,” Sri Prakash Lohia, chairman of Indorama Ventures, said after a meeting with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in Jakarta.

It is reported that Indonesia could see upwards of USD 10 billion in investment from an unexpected source as French companies expressed interest in participating in infrastructure and energy projects. French investment only played a minor role in the country in recent years. According to data from the Investment Coordinating Board, its investment in Indonesia only amounted to about USD 307 million from 2006 to 2009.

"If they have not paid any tax, we'll ask for its collection" VIVAnews - Indonesian Finance Minister Agus Martowardojo said in a statement that he would probe allegations that Blackberry producer Research in Motion (RIM) did not pay tax to the Indonesian government. "I've yet to receive any report on the issue. If they have not paid any tax, we'll ask for its collection," he said in Jakarta last night.

TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta:State electricity company PT PLN will optimize wind power to be the energy source of power plants. This year, PLN is targeting alternative power development in three areas. “The areas are Singkil, Sumba, and Sukabumi," said Nasri Sebayang, PLN’s planning and technology director, in Jakarta yesterday. The new technology requires locations with at least 2 – 3 meters per second of wind speed as the energy source for wind-generated power plants (PLTB).

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The government is preparing two million house connections of drinking water with an investment of Rp10 trillion in 2011, Drinking Water Development Director of Urban Directorate General of the Public Works Ministry Danny Sutjiono said here Tuesday.

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Australia`s mining expertise will be on show at OZMINE 2011, Austrade`s largest international mining exhibition and conference in Asia, which will be held in Jakarta at the Shangri La Hotel on 29 - 30 March 2011.

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Cabinet Secretary Dipo Alam said President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) strongly supported sustainable palm oil business operations. "President SBY strongly supported palm oil business operations," Dipo Alam said in a press statement received here Friday.

RI`s per capita income 600 pct up in 10 years Brebes, C Java (ANTARA News) - Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Hatta Rajasa said here Friday per capita income in Indonesia has risen 600 percent in the last 10 years, noting that economic conditions had been much better these days. "Economic conditions are clearly better these days compared to 10 years ago when per capita income was no more than 500 US dollars," Minister Rajasa said when visiting this Central Java town.

Manado, N. Sulawesi (ANTARA News) - North Sulawesi province would have exported 25 tons of coconut flour to Australia in March, a local government official said here Monday. "The total worth of coconut flour export is expected to reach US$45,920," Head of North Sulawesi province`s foreign trade, industrial and commercial office Hanny Wajong said. The coconut flour was exported to meet the needs of Australian market for food ingredients.