State Firm Reveals Big Plans for Subsidized Housing

State-owned construction company Perum Perumahan Nasional said on Thursday that it is planning to build as many as 30,000 inexpensive, subsidized houses and apartments across Indonesia and that it had secured Rp 1 trillion ($109 million) in government funding to help it do so.

Developing World Driving OiI Demand

Emerging markets are driving unexpectedly strong growth of global oil demand this year, with a big boost from China, despite a fall in advanced economies, the International Energy Agency said on Friday.

New Profit Models In Mobile Devices

Media companies longing to bring a paid-for culture to the Internet might just get what they want if they pay more attention to the smartphone revolution that is changing the way people access the Web.

Experts Cast Doubt on Indonesia’s Targets for Geothermal Power

As Indonesia prepares to host an international conference on geothermal energy next month, experts are questioning whether the government will be able to meet its ambitious target to boost the amount of electricity generated from geothermal sources.

Two More Indonesian Billionaires Join Forbes’ List of the World’s Wealthiest

Seven Indonesia tycoons made it onto Forbes magazine’s annual list of the world’s billionaires, up from five last year. They range from the Hartono brothers, with their combined $3.5 billion Djarum cigarette fortune, to 47-year-old Chairul Tanjung, a new entrant whose diversified interests are worth a cool billion dollars.

Higher Power Bills Called a Threat to Indonesian Industries

Business groups on Thursday came out against the government’s plan to raise electricity rates by an average of 15 percent, arguing that the increase would hurt manufacturers as they try to cope with the recently implemented Asean-China Free Trade Agreement.

Banks’ Plans Reveal Bullish Outlooks on Indonesian Economy, Lending Growth in 2010

In a reflection of growing optimism about the economy, domestic lenders are targeting an average increase in 2010 loan growth of 24 percent, higher than the central bank’s forecast of 17 percent to 20 percent.

India Seeks Indonesian, Australian Coal Deals

Indian companies are showing a renewed interest in securing coal resources in Indonesia and Australia to meet the power needs of the world’s second-most populous country, according to Australia & New Zealand Banking Group.

Indonesia Turning to Shale-Based Natural Gas to Meet Needs

To boost domestic output and address the country’s shortage of natural gas, the government plans to open shale-based reserves for exploitation through a relatively new extraction process that has never been tried in Indonesia before, a senior Energy Ministry official said on Thursday.

Indonesian Construction Firms Eye Improved Profits in 2010

State construction companies PT Wijaya Karya, PT Adhi Karya and PT Pembangunan Perumahan, the nation’s top builders, said late on Wednesday that they expected higher revenue and profits this year as the infrastructure and construction sector starts to grow at a robust pace again.

Medco Warns Revenue May Fall 50%

Credit Suisse Named Agent in Bakrieland’s $150m Debt Sale

Mitsubishi to Close Gresik Copper Smelter for Tune-Up

Govt to Name $1.1b Samurai Bond Underwriter ‘Near April’

Chubu to Pay More Than Sempra for Tangguh LNG

Major Anti-Austerity Rallies in Greece Erupt in Violence

Malaysian Group May Sell 20% Stake in XL Axiata

Asia Billionaires Leading World, Doubling Fortunes

Mandiri’s $731m Profit Revealed by Bank Indonesia

Investment Risk Rises With Tensions in Thailand