Yogyakarta (ANTARA News) - Bank Indonesia (the central bank/BI) has predicted the domestic economy may expand by a range of 6-6.5 percent in 2011 and 6.1-6.6 percent in 2012.

"The relatively high economic growth will be fueled by growing exports," Bank Indonesia Deputy Governor Ardhayadi said here on Friday.

The balance of payment was expected to record a surplus of US$16.4 billion and foreign exchange reserves was projected to increase to US$112.6 billion from US$96.2 billion previously, he said.

"The investment which began to show an upward trend in 2010 is expected to continue, making the structure of economic growth more balanced," he said.

Imports were likely to grow sharply in line with rising investment and consumption although the socio-political crisis in the Middle East and North Africa had the potential to impede global oil supplies, he said.

"This will lead to uncontrollable global oil price hike. Even global oil and food commodity prices are expected to continue until 2012," he said.

If the increase in global commodity price could not be kept in check it would cause an upheaval to the money market and stock exchange, he said.

"The spectacular upheaval may cause panic to global market players. The market players` panic that will engulf many countries may lead to a crisis," he said. (*)

Editor: Kunto Wibisono
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