Indonesian economy on the mend

Indonesia has posted a robust monthly trade surplus while inflation eased in April, data showed Friday, in a sign Southeast Asia's top economy is on the road to recovery. The country was hit hard in 2013 as trade plunged to record deficit, the currency dived and inflation spiralled, but all three indicators have improved in recent months. Trade stood at a surplus of $673.2 million in March -- narrowing from the higher-than-expected $785 million posted in February thanks to a jump in palm oil prices and a slowdown in imports, but staying well out of trouble. March exports rose 1.24 percent year-on-year, while imports fell 2.34 percent. Inflation also eased in April to 7.25 percent year-on-year from 7.32 in March as the price of gold fell and the harvest season boosted food supplies, statistics agency chief Suryamin, who goes by one name, told reporters, according to AFP.