"More Jakarta, less Geneva"

Indonesia is South-East Asia's largest economy and, arguably, one of the most promising. Lying not far behind from emerging economies Russia and China, Indonesia “has been showing continuous robust macroeconomic growth for almost a decade”, having fully recovered from the Asian Financial Crisis of the late 1990s.

Australia's recently elected Prime Minister, Tony Abott, promised '"more Jakarta"'/'"less Geneva"' in his election campaign and as been delivering, making Indonesia his foreign visit since taking office. The Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA) aims to facilitate and encourage trade between the two nations. Foreign powers would be well advised to follow suit. Whilst Australia is clearly keen to develop bilateral relations with Indonesia, and has been taking positive steps to do so, it remains clear that many foreign investors are yet to discover the true economic potential of this rising power, Indonesia.

According to the Indonesian Petroleum Association, in the Asia Pacific region, Indonesian oil production is second only to China, and its gas production is second to none. Lukman Mahfoedz, president of the Indonesian Petroleum Association and CEO of Medco Energi, the country’s largest private oil-and-gas firm, believes that the Indonesian Oil and Gas Industry, worth almost $70 billion annually, needs the expertise and capital of foreign firms to realise its full potential. Whilst foreign investors may have been spooked by recent events, including corruption scandals and accusations of resource nationalism, Indonesia's president, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, has proposed fiscal incentives to aid firms in covering deep drilling and enhanced oil recovery costs, suggesting that he too wishes to encourage foreign investors. Vowing to cut bureaucracy and improve '"clarity, certainty and consistency (in the legal framework)"', he has set up a task force to come up with initiatives to incentivise investment in Indonesia's Oil & Gas sector. 

The Indonesia Energy, Oil & Gas Summit 2014, 20th & 21st March, being held in Nusa Dua, Bali,  is the perfect platform to explore the latest investment opportunities within the Indonesia Energy and Oil & Gas industry, and discover the latest regulatory changes, technological advancements, innovations and techniques. Click here for further information.

Africa Security & Counter-Terrorism covered

International Defence companies are said to have begun targeting Africa markets…What do we attribute that to?

The recent energy boom in Africa has been one of the main contributors to the huge increase in spending, military spending is expected to exceed $20 billion in the next 10 years in Africa. Terrorism and and security issues is not confined to national borders. Somalia’s security problems, for instance affect Uganda, Ethiopia and Kenya, whilst North Africa Security Issues can have significant global implications.

The rise in security issues and terrorist attacks over the last few years have encouraged many countries to adopt a more vigorous strategy when dealing with security issues. The US and EU defence markets are suffering from drastic spending costs. It has long been argued that instability hinders Africa's continued success development.

We are seeing a turn around in African states (beginning to take a serious stance on security) are they doing enough? What more needs to be done?

Terrorism is constantly evolving in Africa, the state strategies and solutions need to be developing year by year to combat the challenges.

I think now it is a case of bringing together state police, the government and the people of Africa to work together to tackle these issues. Then International companies come in with their technologies and expertise and it can

Nigerias president Goodluck Jonathon has proposed for International cooperation to help combat terrorism,

The African states need to meet with international service providers to and technology companies to find out what they have to offer and how the state can respond to terrorism threats and security issues.

TheAfrica Security and Counter-Terrorism Summit( what is it all about)

The Africa Security and Counter-Terrorism Summit 2014 will assess the most pertinent security issues affecting Africa’s Governments and people. Over the two-day conference talks will examine key threats and challenges and look at the most cutting edge technologies available to governments for use in a wide range of environments.

The current nature of global conflict and the array of threats currently facing African Nations requires new solutions and a pooling of ideas to form a comprehensive and conclusive response. The Africa Security and Counter-Terrorism Summit 2014 is an exclusive opportunity for international security professionals to meet, discuss and learn about one of the world’s fastest developing regions.

This event will include a two day conference including extensive presentations on all aspects of the African Counter-Terrorism and Security spectrum, an exhibition where the world’s leading companies meet to engage their key audience, and a networking evening where delegates can relax, network and form valuable business relationships. All attendees will leave with lasting knowledge of Africa’s security issues and a wealth of new contacts in one of the most important regions on the planet.

Various Africa states are facing a major challenge in attempting to contain the threat of terrorism. The challenge lies in the lack of resources and training necessary to strengthen the country’s capacity to respond effectively…Will this conference provide solutions as to what direction should be taken to counter these challenges.

We will be bringing all of the ministers of defence to the conference, as well as major international solution providers, this will give the ministries a chance to learn of the latest and most developed solutions for the terrorism and security issues.

As well as the chance to network, the conference will be covering some of the latest issues such as;

• Africa & The global security context
• Crowd and riot control
• local counter-terror strategies
• Piracy and Kidnapping
• New security technologies
• The fight against terrorism: North Africa
• protection of oil and gas pipelines in Africa

Some of our speakers include:

• Head of INTERPOL Regional Bureau Harare/ SARPCCO Coordination Office
• Lt Gen Mwaniki , who is a former Kenya Army commander/ Current Commandant National Defence College
• Tony Smith, UK Border Force CBE Former general Director of the UK Border Force
• Chatham House Alex Vines, OBE Research Director, Area Studies and International Law; and Head, Africa Programme
• The European Centre for Information Policy and Security ( ECIPS ) Ricardo (Baron) Baretzky President