Wendy Atkins in Bali reports on the expansion of Indonesia’s microcredit operations that have proved to be resilient depositories for the poor in times of economic crisis.

The Banker invites CEOs from around the world to discuss the economic climate in their country and institution, and their hopes for the future

The upgrade of Indonesia’s sovereign rating gave momentum to a ground-breaking securitisation transaction that could be followed by others in Asia.

Boosting profits at a mid-size bank in an often turbulent market is not easy. But, with Indonesia on an upswing during a smooth political handover in 2004, Bank Internasional Indonesia (BII) discovered many opportunities to raise its game. The result was a 101% increase in Tier 1 capital to $383m and net profit almost doubled.

Indonesia’s banks are going back into private hands as the government continues with its economic reform plans, despite the huge post-tsunami rebuilding task it faces. Simon Montlake reports on progress.

Market players are once more eyeing up Indonesia’s banks, indicating a return of confidence but, as Tim Johnston reports from Jakarta, the long-term outlook is by no means certain.

Indonesia is looking forward to growth this year, but this depends on whether the government can reduce corruption and achieve political and economic stability, writes Peter Janssen in Jakarta.

Since the Asian crisis, Indonesia’s banking system has been shaken up and streamlined. Despite this, scandals still occur. Tim Johnston assesses progress so far, and discusses what the priorities must be for the recovering industry.

Some companies are already reaping the rewards of a bold decision to invest in Indonesia’s banking sector, but one investor is asking how long they will be able to operate before the big banks decide to move in.

When Indonesia graduated from the IMF programme at the end of last year, it brought to an end a traumatic six-year relationship, but since then the country has emerged stronger and more fiscally disciplined.