Markets and Finance
RI holds off on additional fuel imports due to pending U.S. negotiations: Bahlil
Indonesia is delaying plans to escalate fuel imports until negotiations with the United States are concluded, Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Minister Bahlil Lahadalia confirmed last week.
Phytosanitary, import duty issues threaten MSME exports
The phytosanitary policy imposed by the Quarantine and Customs Office is considered sudden and not well socialized to exporters as it has hampered delivery of export goods, resulting in the accumulation of containers at ports and airports.
Craft industry pushes for export diversification, digital transformation
Amid rising concerns over the U.S. reciprocal tariff policy targeting Indonesian goods, the Indonesian Handicraft Exporters and Producers Association (ASEPHI) held a leadership meeting on Monday, April 28, 2025, to address the impact of international trade dynamics on the country’s labor-intensive creative sector.
Government debt projected to reach 40.1 percent of GDP in 2025: World Bank
Indonesia’s public debt is expected to rise significantly to 40.1 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2025, up from an estimated 29.2 percent in 2024, the World Bank said in its April 2025 report.
Auto industry faces sales slump in 2025 amid EV transition, weak consumer demand
As 2025 unfolds, Indonesia's automotive industry is facing a series of challenges that have led to a decline in domestic four-wheeled vehicle sales, reflecting broader economic and structural shifts within the sector.
Government's trade strategy in the spotlight as current account deficit may widen
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected that Indonesia's current account deficit will widen to 1.5 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2025 and increase to 1.6 percent in 2026, signaling a weakening trend in the country's external resilience amid the government's strategy of increasing imports from the United States in order to ease President Donald Trump's trade tariffs.
BCA CEO stresses effects of global uncertainty, Trump's policy as Stocks corrected
President Director of PT Bank Central Asia (BCA) Jahja Setiaatmadja responded to the recent downward trend in banking sector stock prices, citing correction has not only been experienced by BCA shares, but also other large banks − both state-owned and private.
PAJK touted as key to inclusive, safer investment via People's Credit Bank integration
The Indonesian Fintech Association (AFTECH) assesses that Financial Services Aggregation Providers (PAJK) can encourage financial inclusion while also being an alternative investment for the community amidst fluctuating investment market conditions, such as through a digital platform connected to the People's Credit Bank (BPR).
BI cuts 2025 growth below 5.1 percent outlook amid escalating U.S.-China trade tension
The Indonesian Central Bank (BI) has cut its projection for Indonesian economic growth in 2025 to be below 5.1 percent amid uncertainty due to the U.S.-China trade war.
Indonesia and Qatar set up US$4 billion joint investment fund
Indonesia and the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) have agreed to establish a US$4 billion joint investment fund as a direct result of President Prabowo Subianto’s recent visit to Qatar.
BI maintains benchmark interest rate amid threat of global economic slowdown
The Board of Governors Meeting of the Indonesian Central Bank (BI) on April 22-23, 2025 decided to maintain the benchmark interest rate (BI Rate) at 5.75 percent over consideration of increased uncertainty amidst U.S.-China trade tariffs war and threat of slowing global economic growth.
Economists praise Indonesia’s trade talks with U.S.
Indonesia’s recent negotiations with the United States are seen as a strategic move aimed at safeguarding national economic interests rather than signaling a geopolitical shift away from China, said Fithra Faisal Hastiadi, Chief Economist at Samuel Sekuritas Indonesia.