INDONESIA - MICRO FINANCE - US in cooperation with BMI

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA - The U.S. Embassy in Jakarta to establish cooperation with Muamalat Indonesia to develop microfinance. Through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. would provide a guarantee about 50 percent or Rp 5 billion of total financing to micro-channeled Muamalat PT Family Business Partners for 1.15 million U.S. dollars, or about USD 10 billion.

According to the U.S. Ambassador, Scot Marciel, the U.S. government is committed to alleviating poverty in Indonesia. "Our micro sector is regarded as one of the ways to improve the welfare of the community," he said in a press conference and signing memoratorium USAID Muamalat, Tuesday (23 / 8). (source)

INDONESIA - MICRO FINANCE - Headlines U.S. Assists Indonesian Female Entrepreneurs - MoU with Bank Muamalat

VIVAnews - The U.S. Embassy Jakarta signed an agreement today with Indonesia’s oldest sharia bank, Bank Muamalat, to provide financing for women micro-entrepreneurs. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) will guarantee $1.15 million in micro-loans to low-income Indonesian women to run their own businesses.

“With these funds, women will be able to start their own business, earn an income, provide for their family, and ultimately have the opportunity to live a better life,” said U.S. Ambassador Scot Marciel in a statement to VIVAnews. (source)

EVENTS - USA California - Dr Antonio Syafii - Islamic Economics, Banking, and Finance – The Indonesia Experience - May 12, 2011

Islamic Economics, Banking, and Finance – The Indonesia Experience

Dr. Antonio Syafii

Lecture

Date/Time/Location

Thursday, May 12, 2011

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Home Room International House

More about this event hereunder

GENERAL - US courts Indonesia with inaugural talks

The United States and Indonesia on Thursday launched inaugural talks aiming at broadening cooperation to a global scale, part of a US drive to court the largest Muslim-majority nation.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, just back from a peacemaking mission to the Middle East, was to meet Friday with Indonesian Foreign minister Marty Natalegawa as part of a first "Joint Commission" between the countries.

Lower-ranking officials opened talks on Thursday. US officials said they wanted to find ways to expand on earlier agreements -- including on climate change and education -- and also to reach beyond bilateral concerns.

BANKING - BSM Refused to Provide Financing Without Collateral

Jakarta (26/8) the new regulation of Kredit Usaha Rakyat  (KUR)/micro financing for the amount of IDR 20 million without collateral is not unanimously agreed by Islamic bankers. Bank  Syariah Mandiri (BSM) refused to facilitate financing without collateral, as explained by Andri Vendredi Subardi, head of micro-financing program of BSM, he said that the bank will be at high risk to distribute financing without collateral.