Markets and Finance
Middle East conflict pushes oil prices higher, shakes economic fundamentals
Minister of Finance Sri Mulyani Indrawati has sounded the alarm over rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, warning that the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel has begun to reverberate through the global economy with oil prices surging and market volatility rising.
Balinese handicraft exporters adapt to shifting global trade, consumer trends
Once a consistent foreign exchange contributor, Bali’s woodcraft export industry is now navigating choppy waters in line with the cautious “wait-and-see” mode taken by American buyers following the increased import costs imposed by the United States government although the North American country has remained a major market for Balinese handicrafts.
World Bank poverty line revision classifies 68.3 percent of Indonesians as poor
The World Bank has introduced a new global poverty threshold for upper-middle-income countries (UMICs), classifying Indonesians earning below US$8.30 (about Rp135,000) per day in 2021 PPP per month as poor and therefore suggesting 68.3 percent of the country’s population falls under the poverty line.
Israel-Iran war sends oil prices soaring, pressures Indonesia’s economy: Expert
The outbreak of war between Israel and Iran in June 2025 has triggered a dramatic spike in global oil prices, surpassing US$100 per barrel, sending shockwaves through energy-importing nations like Indonesia, placing immense pressure on the country’s State budget and simultaneously threatening inflation and currency stability, an expert says.
Without clear funding scheme, investors will "smile, nod, then flee”: Sri Mulyani
Minister of Finance Sri Mulyani Indrawati has highlighted a critical gap in Indonesia’s infrastructure development − the lack of credible funding plans −which she says is the main reason private investors remain hesitant to engage in large-scale national projects.
PT Garam aims to solve quality challenges as RI moves to end industrial salt imports
State-owned salt producer PT Garam is addressing concerns from the food processing industry over the quality of locally produced salt, following multiple failed trials that led to damaged products as the issue lies not solely in the salt itself, but also in the technology used by processing plants.
RI downgrades clean energy ambitions in new RUPTL, bets big on fossil fuels
Indonesia’s newly released electricity supply roadmap (RUPTL) 2025–2034, outlines a stark pivot back to fossil fuel reliance, undermining previous clean energy goals and raising concerns among environmental analysts and energy transition advocates.
Rote Ndao to become salt industry powerhouse as RI will end salt imports by 2028
Indonesia is set to transform Rote Ndao in East Nusa Tenggara into a key hub for salt production with the development of the 10,000-hectare (ha) National Salt Industry Zone (K-SIGN) aimed at supporting the country’s salt self-sufficiency program and aligning with the government’s plan to halt industrial salt imports by 2028.
S. Sulawesi lures investment as Oceva Indonesia sets sights on seaweed processing hub
The South Sulawesi Provincial Administration is determined to attract investment in the maritime industry sector, particularly on seaweed processing.
Expert warns regulatory gaps threaten crypto, forex investment climate in Indonesia
A legal expert has raised concerns over ongoing regulatory gaps upon the implementation of Law No. 4/2023 on the Development and Strengthening of the Financial Sector, warning that these gaps pose serious risks to the rapidly growing cryptocurrency and forex industries in Indonesia.
MedcoEnergi completes US$461.52 M bond buyback, launches new US$400 M notes
Oil and gas company PT Medco Energi Internasional (MEDC) has approved a final dividend payout of US$37.95 million during its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (AGMS) on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, raisingthe company’s total dividend distribution for the 2024 fiscal year to US$63.29 million.
Indonesia eyes seaweed-based biofuel as key to US$12 B green economy
Indonesia is setting its sights on seaweed downstreaming as a strategic measure toward building a green energy economy, with the potential to turn the marine commodity into third-generation biofuel.