Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Jakarta Stock Exchange (BEI) stated that it hoped more state-owned enterprises (SOEs) would launch initial public offerings (IPOs) in 2012, which would ensure the continued growth of the country's stock exchange industry.

"We hope many more SOEs will launch an IPO this year to help boost the development of the stock exchange," Eddy Sugito, Director for Company Assessment of BEI, said here on Monday.

He noted that even though BEI maintained this hope, it would still depend on SOE Minister Dahlan Iskan because of his deep understanding of the challenges faced by SOEs. "After all, no one can force a company to go IPO," Sugito said.

He noted that this year, PT Semen Baturaja is the only firm, thus far, to announce its readiness for an IPO.

Sugito said BEI was convinced it could reach its target to have 25 companies launching an IPO this year. Yet so far this year, only three companies have registered with the BEI, despite the BEI's target. The three companies that launched an IPO this year are PT Minna Padi Investame (PADI), PT TiPhone Mobile (TELE) and PT Surya East Perkasa (ESS).

Sugito noted that the predicted strong growth of Indonesia`s economy in the future would serve as a prime motivator for many more companies -both state and private firms- to float their shares in the stock exchange.

"We are convinced that the number of firms launching an IPO this year will reach 25," he said.
(Uu.A014/KR-BSR/INE)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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