Minister of Agriculture imposing a series of regulation which limits the number of entry ports for fresh vegetables and fruits from 14 to four, namely: Tanjung Perak port, Belawan port, Soekarno-Hatta airport, and Makassar port. It is important to note that it is no longer allowed to import these products through Jakarta's main port Tanjung Priok as of 14 March 2012. Although these regulations aim to protect national agriculture from the threat of harmful organisms the implementation of the regulations creates significant negative impact to fruits and vegetables importers, and it is feared that the regulations will trigger price increases. Crops Importers Association in Indonesia (GISIMINDO) together with Indonesian Consumer Organization (YLKI) have raised their objection to these regulations arguing that it will create further price increase and thus negatively affect domestic consumers. EuroCham shares a similar view on this and has raised concern to Minister of Trade Gita Wirjawan.

The EuroCham Annual Golf Tournament preparations were launched with an informal cocktail reception 100 days before the actual tournament, giving all the players ample time to prepare for the tournament. We were at Hotel Indonesia Kempinski, one of Jakarta's top hotel venues and it was an evening of golf drinks, golf games, and a fair amount of golf talk as well. The acutal Golf Tournament will be held on Friday, 11th May 2011 at one of the most scenic golf courses in Indonesia.  Presented by Endress+Hauser, this event is primarily designed as a way for EuroCham members, their guests and other selected golfers from the business communities and Government to meet and mingle over a casual day of golf and at the same time to mark the day of the 8th Birthday of EuroCham in Indonesia. Following the golf game, the afternoon programme will focus on eating and drinking well, combined with socializing and mingling amongst the golfers. For more information and to register, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

The Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) has confirmed that the Indonesian economy grew 6.5 percent in 2011. Export was reported as the main contributor to the GDP growth. Export grew by 13.6 percent, while import grew by 13.3 percent in 2011. Household and government consumption was also increased by 4.7 and 3.2 percent respectively. Additionally, all sectors in the economy reported to exhibit positive growth. The manufacturing sector contributed for 24.3 percent of the GDP growth; agricultural sector contributed 14.7 percent and domestic trade, hotel & restaurant grew by 13.8 percent.

Indonesia's total exports in 2011 amounted to a total of USD 179.25  Billion. Imports reached USD 153,7 Billion. As a result, similar to last year, Indonesia experienced surplus on trade balance. The trade balance for 2011 grew by approximately 15.4 percent.