INDONESIA

The Indonesian Government is striving hard to improve investment procedures in the future in order to stimulate a more favorable investment climate, which is one of the most important factors in driving economic growth.

Location

Southeastern Asia, archipelago between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean

Climate

Tropical, hot, humid, more moderate in highlands

Natural Resources

Petroleum, tin, natural gas, nickel, timber, bauxite, copper, fertile soils, coal gold, silver

Population

240,271,522 (July 2009 est.)

Ethnic Groups

Javanese 40.6%, Sundanese 15%, Madurese 3.3%, Minangkabau 2.7%, Betawi 2.4%, Bugis 2.4%, Banten 2%, Banjar 1.7%, other or unspecified 29.9% (2000 census)

Religions

Muslim 86.1%, Protestant 5.7%, Roman Catholic 3%, Hindu 1.8%, other or unspecified 3.4% (2000 census)

Languages

Bahasa Indonesia (official, modified form of Malay), English, Dutch, local dialects (the most widely spoken of which is Javanese)

National Holiday

17^th August

Currency

Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)

Fiscal Year

Calendar year

Agriculture products: Rice, cassava (tapioca), peanuts, rubber, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, copra; poultry, beef, pork, eggs

Industries: Petroleum and natural gas, textiles, apparel, footwear, mining, cement, chemical fertilizers, plywood, rubber, food, tourism

GDP growth has steadily risen this decade, achieving real growth of 6.3% in 2007 and 6.1% growth in 2008.   While the government has reduced its 2009 growth forecast to 4.2%-4.7%, given reduced global demand, the growth is forecast at 3.5%.