RI economy to expand above 5 pct in Q1: BPS

Indonesia's economy may expand above 5 percent in the first three months this year on the back of stronger exports and investment, the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) said.

BPS head Rusman Heriawan said with a low baseline of growth components in 2009, an increase in the components would significantly drive the economy this year.

"So a small increase in exports will result in a high percentage. And those drive economic growth in the first quarter of 2010. I'm optimistic a 5 percent (growth) is achievable," he said before a meeting at the State Palace.

The central bank last week revised up its growth forecast in 2010 to between 5.5 percent and 6 percent, and 6 percent to 6.5 percent in 2011.