OPINION : Indonesia Needs Overseas Investors - Indonesia Sharah Stock Index ISSI

As international investor interest in Indonesia rises, the country faces a hectic few months ahead. A host of international conferences are planned for Jakarta in the coming weeks, giving the government and private business a great opportunity to showcase their achievements....

... The Doing Business 2011 report, released by the International Finance Corporation earlier this year, ranked Indonesia 121st out of 183 countries in terms of ease of doing business, down six places from last year. (full story)


This is not acceptable. Investors are excited about the opportunities in Indonesia but they will not park their money here unless they are convinced they will earn a good return.

This also applies to the government’s efforts to boost Shariah investments. The Indonesia Stock Exchange next week plans to launch its first index of companies that comply with Islamic law, called the Indonesian Shariah Stock Index, or ISSI. The hope is that the new index will attract more investment from the Middle East, but this alone is not sufficient. Investors must feel confident that Indonesia’s policy makers are serious in their intentions to make the country more attractive, but so far their actions do not match their words.

Source : http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/opinion/editorial-indonesia-needs-overseas-investors/439003 - May 4, 2011