Markets and Finance
Industry pushes back as govt reaffirms plan to impose excise tax on SSBs
The government’s renewed commitment to impose excise tax on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) this year has sparked concern and resistance from industry players as the policy could severely affect an already weakened sector and miss its public health target.
PT Timah admits struggles with illegal mining surge following corruption scandal
President Director of State miner PT Timah, Restu Widiyantoro, has acknowledged that the state-owned mining company is facing serious difficulties in curbing illegal mining activities, which have intensified significantly across its operational areas following a high-profile corruption case involving several individuals, including Harvey Moeis.
Income stagnation undermines purchasing power: CORE Indonesia
Amid relatively stable inflation, Indonesia’s declining purchasing power is being primarily driven by stagnating income levels, according to Mohammad Faisal, Executive Director of the Center of Reform on Economics (CORE) Indonesia.
Beverage industry calls for policy synergy amid economic slowdown
The Indonesian soft drink industry has called for coordinated policy measures to maintain sectoral stability in 2025, as early signs of an economic slowdown and weakening consumer demand pose significant challenges to the food and beverage sector.
U.S. crude may not be compatible with Pertamina’s refineries: Expert
An energy expert has warned that the Indonesian government’s plan to redirect its crude oil and fuel imports from Singapore to the United States would solve one problem, but create several new ones.
Experts, industry player optimistic of room for Indonesia to maneuver amid global uncertainty
A senior economist, a diplomat and an industry player are confident that there is still room for Indonesia to maneuver amid global uncertainty and instability that have particularly been triggered by economic policies of U.S. President Donal J. Trump.
RI–U.S. trade projected to soar to US$80 B following tariff negotiations: Kadin chief
Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), Anindya Novyan Bakrie, has projected that trade between Indonesia and the United States could reach US$80 billion (Rp1.321 trillion) following successful negotiations on reciprocal tariffs.
Indonesia asked to rethink export-led growth as U.S.-China trade deal reached
The latest trade agreement between the United States and China announced on May 12, 2025 marks a significant shift in global economic dynamics, ending years of escalating tariffs that disrupted global supply chains and triggered financial uncertainty.
Indonesia and Laos solar exports surge to U.S. as tariffs hit SE Asian rivals
Solar panel manufacturers in Indonesia and Laos − many of which are owned by Chinese companies − have been rapidly gaining market share in the United States, following Washington’s imposition of steep tariffs on imports from Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, and Cambodia.
Indonesia to ease green financing for manufacturers as part of net zero roadmap
The Indonesian Ministry of Industry is preparing a new regulation aimed at improving access to green financing for manufacturers looking to transition toward more sustainable, environmentally friendly operations.
Consumer goods growth slows in Q1 2025: Kantar
The fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry in Indonesia experienced a slowdown in growth in the first quarter (Q1) of 2025.
U.S. tariff policy threatens Indonesian competition, SMEs: KPPU
The Business Competition Supervisory Commission (KPPU) has raised concerns over the economic impact of the United States' new 32 percent reciprocal import tariff on Indonesian goods, warning that the policy could severely disrupt domestic competition and threaten small and medium enterprises (SMEs).