Jakarta, July 17 -- Indonesia's manufacturing sector remained in expansion in the second quarter, with the central bank forecasting stronger momentum in the current quarter as production, orders and inventories continue to support industrial activity.

Bank Indonesia (BI) said its Prompt Manufacturing Index (PMI-BI) stood at 51.43 in the second quarter, easing from 52.03 in the previous quarter but remaining above the 50 threshold that signals expansion.

BI Communications Executive Director Ramdan Denny Prakoso said Friday that most key components remained in expansion, led by production volume, finished goods inventories and total orders.

Those components posted readings of 53.81, 53.00 and 52.77, respectively.

Across industries, mach...