5.8 Percent Economic Growth Realistic. Coordinating Minister Hatta Rajasa rate of economic growth target agreed between the government and the House of Representatives Commission XI of 5.8 percent in APBN-P 2010 is the number of moderate and realistic.

"The figure 5.8 percent is not something that pessimistic but realistic approach. But we could have missed but melesetnya upwards rather than downwards," said Hatta, on the sidelines of a press conference, at the office, Jakarta, Friday (23/4/2010 ).

In fact, many parties, such as the IMF predict economic growth in Indonesia will reach level 6 this year. According to Hatta, these predictions indicate that the world is increasingly positive view of economic conditions of Indonesia.

Himself judged that economic growth is not just sheer numbers, but also must be qualified. "High growth must be accompanied by equitable distribution, especially for certain areas that feel marginalized, both central and local funds," he said.

To sustain this economic growth will be obtained through exports and investment. Where exports have to grow 6-7 percent, and investment must grow 11-12 percent.

"For that we must increase exports and investment are very good trend, 6-7 percent to 11-12 percent of exports and investment," he said.

Danareksa Research Institute economist Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa proposed government should not negotiate with the House of Representatives on the tax ratio (the ratio of taxes). Because it concerns the performance in achieving the targets agreed upon with the assumption that the House of Representatives.

"The government has given the power to run the government. It is better to receipts submitted to the government not to discussions with the House. Later on when baseball on target then can there dimaki-maki (DPR), but do not negotiate on it," he said when met at the office of the Coordinating Economic Affairs, Jalan Banteng Square, Jakarta, Friday (16/4/2010).

In addition, he also advises not to try to raise the tax ratio determined this because the tax ratio based on the government's target has been achieved. If still want to be raised still need some time.

"Do we determine the numbers in the sky because it will be in the clouds. Other countries there are 20 percent, but please do not be achieved within one to two years, needs fundamental change," he said.

Earlier, experts from the input document of Commission XI of DPR RI Budget Simulation Macro-P Asumis cited okezone 2010, House Commission XI on forcing the government to increase the tax ratio to 13.5 percent of GDP this year to support the creation of 6.2 percent economic growth in order to keep the budget deficit remained 2.1 percent of GDP.

In the data, with the House Commission XI on calculating tax ratio 13 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) Rp6.050 trillion, the tax collection increased to Rp786, 5 trillion, bringing the total state revenues increased to Rp1.028 trillion.

With these assumptions, there are a number of scenarios that appear related to the correlation between the tax ratio, economic growth and budget deficits.

However, if spending is maintained at Rp1.104, 6 trillion, then state revenues potentially up to Rp1, 028 trillion, with a permanent record deficit Rp76, 55 trillion. If the budget deficit was kept Rp129, 8 trillion, or 2.1 percent, the state expenditure could be increased to Rp1.157, 8 trillion.

Meanwhile, if the government is able to raise the tax ratio to 14 percent of the required increase of 16 percent or a total of Rp847 trillion. If the tax ratio increase of 15 percent of the tax revenue needed Rp907, 5 trillion or an increase of 24 percent.

Even if, based on initial demand of the House of Representatives Commission XI tax ratio increase of 16 percent, the government needs to boost tax revenue rose by 32 percent or a total of Rp968 trillion.

In the meeting last night, the amount of tax ratio has yet to be decided and will be specifically discussed between the Government and the House of Representatives Commission XI on next week.

Danareksa Research Institute economist Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa believe economic growth in 2010 amounted to 6 percent may be achieved. This economic growth will be sustained by increased consumption, investment and exports this year. "There could be achieved, is still quite reasonable. In 2010, 6 pesen not too difficult to achieve," said economist Danareksa Research Institute Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa when found in the Office of Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Jakarta, Friday (16/4/2010).

According Purbaya, Indonesia's exports increased 12 percent in line with the improving global economy and demand for Indonesian market. It also encourages investment and soaring domestic consumption. Besides, he added, the benchmark rate of Bank Indonesia or BI Rate is set by the Bank amounted to 6.5 per cent is also a motivating factor in investing in Indonesia.

"Investment last year was still slow because of high interest, low demand. When demand is strong world market slowly they will add production capacity and investment to rise," explained Purbaya. Previously, the government and the House of Representatives Commission XI agree on economic growth to 5.8 percent. This figure meningakat 0.3 percent from the initial assumption of government in the State Budget-P which amounted to 5.5 percent. For these additions, the Minister of Finance Sri Mulyani states needed additional revenue amounting to Rp 15 trillion.

According Purbaya, with the increase of the target there is a logical consequence to raise revenue. He stated the increase in revenue can be raised from the tax sector. However, it can go hand in hand with increased economic activity. "If economic activity rose by itself can increase taxes. It's who can cover the needs of the budget with the addition meingkatnya economic growth target," he continued.

Bright economic prospects in the Asian region join to boost currency countries in the continent. In fact, the record-a new record of Asian currencies against the U.S. dollar (U.S.) re-created. Yesterday (15.4.2010), the Korean won rose 0.41 percent to KRW 1107.55 per U.S. dollar. Won this is the highest position since 10 September 2008. Then, the rupiah also climbed 0.06 percent to Rp 9.008 per U.S. dollar, or its highest level since July 3, 2007.

If counted from the beginning of this year until yesterday, the ringgit Malaysia is still led the increase in Asian currencies amounted to 7.51 per cent, followed by the rupiah (5.15 percent), Indian rupees (4.69 percent), and Korean won (4.30 percent).

A number of positive news continues to flow from Asia. Government of China announced its economic growth in the first quarter this year reached 11.9 percent. This is the best position since the last two years. Fourth-quarter 2009 on China's economy grew 10.7 percent. Yesterday, China's yuan exchange rate was fairly stable at 6.826 per U.S. dollar.

Bank Mandiri economist, Muhammad Doddy, express, positive sentiment globally still color the strengthening of Asian currencies. For example, the financial crisis that struck the Greeks began to see a bright spot. Namely, the aid commitments from the IMF and the European Union. In addition, retail sales in the U.S. could still rise. Of course this is a signal that the economic recovery began to appear.

Doddy also saw yuan revaluation plan helped lift Asian currencies. "If these go ahead, for example, I think it could make Asian exchange rates continue to rise," he said.

Ruru Dyatmiko, money market observer, seeing an increasingly bright economic prospects so that Asian currencies are still attractive. "In addition rupiah, Korean won also worthy of collection," he said. Therefore, the currency strengthened if it has the potential to be realized yuan revaluation. He guessed, rupiah and the won could rise 20 percent this year.

Exchange Rate Today. Bank Indonesia (BI) gives the signal has to intervene to restrain the movement amount in order not too sharp shot to levels below Rp9.000. Acting Governor of BI Nasution said that strengthening Rupiah today to have time to penetrate below the level of Rp9.000 is the continued incursion of foreign capital flowing into investment portfolios.

"(Strengthening), this is because foreign capital continued to enter and affect the exchange rate, but remains on the BI market. In this situation, can only do our BI needs to be done but not all out. We see how far the situation (to) do what needs to be done, but should not be affected that the exchange was as though it will be (strong) hold. You see yourself Rupiah return it to Rp9.000, "Nasution said after attending a meeting at the House of Representatives Commission XI Jakarta, Monday (12 / 4).

Director of Economic Research and Monetary BI Warjiyo Perry added, in principle, BI to keep the movement amount fixed under conditions that are not sharp volatility. "BI guard for smoothing volatilition fixed amount so that the value in accordance with the macro economy," he added. Citing the middle rate of BI, Monday (12 / 4), the rupiah reached Rp9.003 per U.S. $ 1.

Swallow's Nest tax to China Still 17 Percent. Although the agreement of ASEAN-China free trade has been effective since January last. However, until now swallow nest exports to China are still taxable at 17 percent. Whereas the export potential of swiftlet nests Indonesia reaches 500 tons to 600 tons per year with a par of around Rp 7.5 trillion.

"Entry into the export tax by 17 percent to China is very regrettable the swallow nest farmers and traders. It's very ironic because the ASEAN member countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Thailand can export to China swiftlet nests without incurring taxes," said Chairman Swallow's Nest Traders Association of Indonesian Farmers (APPSWI) Wahyudin Husein, Friday (9/4/2010) in Surabaya.

Given the tax rate of 17 percent, the farmers and traders were forced swallow nest swiftlet nests exported through Hong Kong. Exports through Hong Kong's nest swiftlet thinking about the consequences of reduction in price of about Rp 2 million per kilogram.

Prices range from clean swallow nest USD 16 million to $ 19 million per kilogram. Because Hong Kong's past, this price cut to Rp 2 million per kilogram to an average of USD 14 million per kilogram to Rp 17 million per kilogram. "If there is no export tax, the price actually swallow nest would be more expensive if directly exported to China. But, until now China still insists on applying the tax rate on the product by reason of Indonesian swiftlet nests have not been free from bird flu virus," he said.

Wahyudin worry, swiftlet nests export mechanism that must pass through Hong Kong became a political tool of trade for China's government. Export swiftlet nests from Indonesia to Hong Kong will automatically provide foreign exchange income for Hong Kong.

Currently, most raw materials Indonesian swiftlet nests are given the label of products of Hong Kong. In fact, most of the swiftlet's nest from Indonesia.

Addressing this problem, APPSWI requested the Ministry of Commerce to fight in order to export to China swiftlet nests not taxed like other export products. "We also hope that Indonesian trade attache in China can communicate with the association of swallow nest farmers and traders to resolve this issue," he said.

If the export of swiftlet nests finally freed from taxes, the farmers and businessmen expect the government to impose rules or restrictions swallow nest was exported in raw form.

The reason, the process of swiftlet nest processing of raw materials to absorb a large workforce to 200,000 people per day. "If there is no such restriction, then the people of China will be more freely take the raw materials into Indonesian swiftlet nests and severity of many workers who have lost due to processing of raw materials moved to China," he said.

Bank Indonesia (BI) to reveal if the Indonesian foreign exchange reserves up to the end of first quarter-2010 reached USD71, 8 billion, equivalent to 5.8 months of imports and government foreign debt payments.

This was revealed Nasution Acting Governor of BI Board of Governors Meeting (RDG) BI, in BI Building, Jakarta, Tuesday (6/4/2010).

Figures such as the strengthening of reserves for the domestic economy continuing global economic performance supported a more conducive. Development until the first quarter-2010 showed the global economic recovery, especially in the United States (USA, China and India, is faster and stronger than previously thought.

"Meanwhile, the Greek settlement of the debt crisis has so far responded positively by economic actors and only a limited impact on financial markets," he said.

Global economic recovery coupled with the risk perception has driven the increasingly strong optimism in the financial market and commodity markets as reflected by the indicators of capital market, commodity prices and increasing world trade volume is higher than original estimates. Likewise the increase in global capital flows to emerging markets, including Indonesia.

In addition, strengthening the domestic economy is reflected in the development of an improved external side, a stronger exchange rate, price stability is maintained, and the prospect of higher economic growth

Indonesian economy in 2010, should have a better chance to grow in the growth of mediocrity. Although domestic consumption still remains, a key driver for market share is still dominant, its growth will increase over the previous year by 4.5 percent.

"Indicators of private consumption as reflected in the sales of motorcycles and cars, power consumption and imports of consumption goods, and government transfers over the public through a variety of populist programs should be able to increase consumption growth above five percent," said Senior Economist INDEF M Fadhil Hasan, the dialogues Economy Politics, State Budget-P 2010: Commitment to Economic Development, the Building BPPT, Jakarta.

Moreover, he explained, if the government continued its program of fiscal stimulus in 2010 which was still required. Meanwhile, investment is also expected to experience growth that is much better than in 2009 amounting to 3.32 percent.

"Improving the investment climate, infrastructure development which began to focus and began to start the decline of interest rates are factors that encourage higher investment BKPM head've set yourself a growth of 15 percent," he said. Similarly, with international trade. Indonesian exports will be improved, especially in the runway by the economic recovery, the increase in prices of commodities and the impact of free trade aggrement treatment (FTA).

"As such exports should be able to grow above 10 percent, with a brief description of the above, can economic growth above 5.5 percent," he concluded.

Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati has asked that all levels of the Directorate General of Taxation while maintaining tax revenues following the disclosure of the case of Gayus Tambunan, tax officials are involved in a case a broker. This was conveyed by Minister of Finance when found after a leadership meeting at the Tax Directorate General Taxation Directorate Office, Jakarta, Monday (5/4/2010). The minister said, Rapim held starting at 09:30 was attended by all Echelon II and Echelon III Directorate General of Taxation.

"Earlier we were consolidated for the entire leadership of the Regional Office of Echelon II, III, head of the office to remain focused on efforts to guard the tax revenue," said Minister of Finance. According to the Minister of Finance, to date tax compliance remains high. Similarly, the tax revenue growth recorded over the previous year.

"(Acceptance) is still good. We still see the tax return (annual notification) tax in April of this month is also critical, since the end of April is the deadline for submission to corporate taxpayers," he explained.

Gayus case was indeed tarnished the name of the Ministry of Finance because it occurs in the middle of Bureaucratic Reform, initiated by the institution. Some time ago, the Minister of Finance admitted the case of Gaius cheated.

"Why could not we detect more early? We have no security system, but this is why baseball is the sound in the case of Gayus?" Finance Minister said in his office, some time ago.

He said, now it continues to perform corrective measures to reorganize the Ministry of Finance so that this problem will not recur. "We do while performing the correction steps are credible," he said.

Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) Indonesia recommends that the new body established under the Ministry of Finance to implement the legislative and executive functions of the Directorate General (DG) Taxes. This new body set up to injustice in serving taxpayers (WP) can be cut and to increase taxpayer compliance.

This was conveyed by Vice-Chairman of the Fiscal and Monetary Affairs and Public Policy Haryadi B Sukamdani Chamber of Commerce during a press conference at Menara Kadin, Jakarta, Wednesday (31/3/2010).

Sukamdani Directorate General of Taxation stating that the power is still too large because it covers three functions simultaneously, namely the executive, legislative, and judiciary. "Consequently, the handling of tax objections filed by WP tend not fair and right for employees to pursue the tax burden as the current revenue target," said Sukamdani.

Therefore, the Chamber proposed that the functions of the Directorate General of Taxation is limited only executive function is to collect taxes and monitor tax compliance. As for the legislative and judicial functions should be separated and created a new agency under the Ministry of Finance.

"These three functions must be separated, but not in relation to corruption. Directorate General of Taxation burdened by the withdrawal of such a vast empire. The function of the executive, should it be. The others remain under the Minister of finance, but not under the Directorate General," he said.

As known, the tax legislative function under the authority of the Directorate General of Taxation to issue regulations implementing the tax laws and provide an interpretation of tax regulations. The judicial function is to handle an objection against an assessment. "With this new body there is no burden of obligation to pursue such revenue target this time," he said.

Director General of Taxation Mochamad Tjiptardjo asserted, "Surat Pemberitahuan Tahunan" (SPT) of 15 thousand employees of the Directorate General of Taxation (DGT), which allegedly is prone to corruption will be checked immediately. Such data will also be compared with data owned by the Central Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis (INTRAC).

"All the past three years tax returns will be checked," he said after reviewing the submission of annual returns in KPP Sudirman, Jakarta, Wednesday (31 / 3).

Cooperation between the Directorate General of Taxation with INTRAC was included to forward this report to the Committee for Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). Previously, Tjiptardjo say, of the 15,000 employees of the Indonesian Directorate General of Taxation which is susceptible to corruption of tax officials who generally work in the field of inspection, account representative, bailiffs, and reviewers objected.

Currently, the number of employees of the Directorate General of Taxes is estimated to reach approximately 32 thousand. Tjiptardjo also believe, not all employees of the Directorate General of Taxation problematic as Gaius Tambunan.

"It's called greedy (as Gaius), because until now remained remuneration. What good is still much, much ordinary life, too, if we clean the naughty-naughty," he said.

Economic observers from the Institute for Development Economy and Finance or INDEF, Aviliani, saying that disclosure of the case did not affect the Tambunan Gaius Halomoan tax revenue target this year.

According Aviliani, in Jakarta, Wednesday (31/3/2010), Gaius cases this will actually increase tax revenue this year. "Employees and taxpayers would be scared that there is no 'conspiracy' (flirting) and thereby increase revenue," he said.

Regarding the threat of not paying taxes on this Gaius case, economic observers believe that it does not happen because it could dipidanakan. However, he thinks the government should make changes to the tax payment system so it does not happen again for tax evasion.

This Wednesday, all the tax office will provide a longer service time than usual. Section, the Directorate General of Taxation or the Directorate General of Taxation to give instructions to all tax offices throughout Indonesia to provide service up to seven in the evening.

"The deadline for submission of Surat Pemberitahuan Pajak (SPT)an individual's date of March 31, so (opening hours) office was extended to seven nights," said Executive Director Extension Office, Service, and Public Relations Directorate General of Taxation, Wind Prayitno.

Service time for the taxpayer intended to provide an opportunity for taxpayers who have not submitted tax returns for fiscal year 2009.

Since yesterday, the tax service office, one of the Tax Office Primary Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta crowded with taxpayers who pay individual tax returns. According to one officer there, returns an individual who not only remitted directly by the taxpayer in question but there is also a co-ordinated by the office where the taxpayer works.

Bank Indonesia (BI) projects a surplus balance of payments reached U.S. $ 12.5 billion in 2010 or stagnant compared with the previous year. Surplus is derived from the surplus of current account and a surplus of capital transactions.

This was disclosed by the Director of the Directorate of Economic Research and Monetary Policy Bank Indonesia Perry Warjiyo diGedung Bank Indonesia, Tuesday (30/03/2010).

"Balance of payment will be a surplus of U.S. $ 12.5 billion, consisting of the current account export or import of U.S. $ 5 billion and capital transactions and finance of U.S. $ 7.5 billion," said Perry.

Perry admitted surplus of total payments is similar to the acquisition in 2009 and then, but its composition was different.

Central Bank also estimates the rate of Foreign Direct Invesment (FDI) will reach U.S. $ 6 billion in 2010.

"To Portfolio investment ie, stocks and securities will reach U.S. $ 6.7 billion," he emphasized.

BI recorded a surplus balance of payments Indonesia (NPI) during the year 2009 jumped sharply to reach U.S. $ 12.506 billion. That number jumped sharply compared to the year 2008 the deficit amounted to U.S. $ 1.945 billion.

Plan the acquisition of PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia Tbk (BRI) to PT Bank Agroniaga language is still blocked by a third party, the party who helped conduct the negotiations. However, BRI's management of agricultural bank takeover target process can be completed before the third quarter-2010.

This was conveyed by President Director of PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia Tbk Sofyan Basyir when found in his office building BRI II, Jalan Jenderal Sudirman, Jakarta, Tuesday (30/3/2010).

"It continues our negotiations, It depends on external parties. Not sure, if I can finish before the third quarter," he explained.

He added, Agro bank takeover is the realization of expansion in the agricultural sector which was initiated by the company. Especially for agricultural retail, the company will continue to remain focused with a maximum credit disbursed Rp 5 billion.

"That's a maximum of Rp 5 billion. A total of USD 200 million dong retail already," said Finance Director BBRI Sudaryanto Sudargo after the annual public exposure of the company.

Previously the Bank Agroniaga never asserted a due diligence process or has completed the acquisition due diligence conducted by PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia Tbk (BRI). The Company currently mengunggu confirmation from the controlling shareholder of the Fund Retirement Estates (Dapenbun).

According to President Director of Bank Agroniaga Boxed M Arief, plan to seek a strategic investor in Bank Agroniaga it is a controlling shareholder of corporate actions in this case Dapendun. In connection with the acquisition plan, company performance is not expected to be affected.

"But it was likely affect the performance of shares on the Stock Exchange of Agro Bank Indonesia," he said.

He continued, efforts have been made regarding the company's plans, among others, provide an explanation to the relevant parties and still carry out banking activities in accordance with bank business plan has been submitted to Bank Indonesia (BI).

Previously, BRI has set aside Rp 2 trillion for the acquisition of two banks this year. One source of funding obtained by the BRI is through issuance of subordinated bonds that had been held at the end of last year.

Early last month, Bank of SOEs began to conduct due diligence of the bank. Bank management will seek approval to the shareholders in general meeting in May in the extraordinary shareholders (EGM) to run the corporation's action.