JAKARTA, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia's industrial confidence index strengthened in August, supported by the expansion of 21 processing sub-sectors, a senior official said on Thursday.
Febri Hendri Antoni Arif, spokesperson of the Ministry of Industry, said the index climbed by 1.15 points year-on-year to 53.55 in August. On a monthly basis, it rose 0.66 points from 52.89 in July.
"Indonesia's industrial confidence index in August remains expansive, mainly driven by 21 processing sub-sectors. Their expansion strongly supports overall growth momentum," Arif told a press conference.
Among the 21 sub-sectors, transportation equipment as well as printing and reproduction of recorded media posted the highest confidence index in August, he said. In total, 23 sub-sectors were analyzed.
However, two sub-sectors recorded contraction, the metal goods industry (excluding machinery and equipment) and the machinery and equipment repair and installation industry.
Looking ahead, business players' optimism for the next six months remains relatively strong, Arif added. ■
