2007 forex reserve may reach US$56.655 billion

"Early in the year when the world oil price was assumed at US$62 per barrel, the state`s foreign exchange reserve amounted to US$54.3 billion. With the change of the average oil price to US$69.8 per barrel (BI`s prediction), the foreign exchange reserve reached US$56.655 billion," she said at a hearing with the House of Representatives here Tuesday.

The increase in world crude oil prices raised Indonesia`s balance of payment surplus in 2007 higher than expected, she said, adding that the surplus was also caused by the increase in commodity prices and capital and financial transactions expected to give positive impact.