• Wiretapping Scandal Cools Relations between Indonesia and Australia

    Relations between Indonesia and Australia have cooled considerably after it became known that Australia's Intelligence Service agency tried to follow telephone conversations of various high positioned Indonesian politicians as well as their inner circle, including President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, his wife Kristiani Herawati and vice-president Boediono, for 15 days in August 2009. This information became known a few days ago due to leaked documents by whistleblower Edward Snowden.

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  • Income Tax on Imported Goods Raised to 7.5% to Limit Indonesian Imports

    In order to improve the country's trade balance (particularly to curb the large current account deficit), the government of Indonesia will raise income tax on imported products through the issuance of a new ministerial regulation (issued by the Finance Ministry). Currently, there are two income tax tariffs on imported goods (see below). According to Finance Minister Chatib Basri, goods that will fall under the new regulation are consumption goods (except for food products). The new income tax tariff is expected to be implemented next week.

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  • Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) Studying IPO Adjustments

    The Financial Services Authority of Indonesia (Otoritas Jasa Keuangan, abbreviated OJK) is studying the possibility to raise the minimum ratio of shares that has to be offered to the public for an initial public offering (IPO) to 30 percent. Currently, a company that conducts an IPO on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) needs to offer at least 10 percent of its enlarged capital to the public. Previously, the stock exchange had suggested to raise the minimum ratio to 20 percent. However, the OJK seems eager to push the boundary higher.

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  • Profile of Summarecon Agung: A Leading Indonesian Property Developer

    The company profile of Summarecon Agung (SMRA) has been added to our catalogue of Indonesian Companies in the Business Section. Summarecon Agung is an Indonesian real estate construction and development company. Having around 40 years of experience, the company is one of the leading property firms in Indonesia, particularly with regard to township development. Its projects include residential as well as commercial development (supported by infrastructure and facilities), shopping malls, hotels and golf courses.

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