The Today's Headlines section of Indonesia Investments is a regularly updated section which contains the latest information with regard to topics that are currently causing headlines in Indonesia's media. Most of our headlines cover political, economic and social matters. As a consequence of their recent nature, these topics may not have crystallized fully yet and can, therefore, lack a profound analysis. For publications with a more in-depth understanding of subjects, we refer you to our News, Financial or Business columns.
So far this year Indonesia's "One Million Houses Program" is well on its way. Based on information from Indonesia's Public Works and Housing Ministry a total of 499,702 houses were constructed under the program in the first half of 2017, achieving 49.9 percent of the full-year target.
The development of four special economic zones (in Indonesian: kawasan ekonomi khusus, or KEK) that are supposed to become operational before the end of 2017 is not going according to plan and therefore there emerge serious doubts whether these KEKs can come online before the year-end. These four KEKs are (1) Maloy Batuta Trans Kalimantan, (2) Tanjung Api-Api, (3) Morotai, and (4) Bitung (see map below).
Many Indonesians were surprised to learn that well-known herbal medicine brand Nyonya Meneer is close to bankruptcy. Nyonya Meneer is one of the oldest companies in Indonesia, going back far into colonial times, and has strong brand awareness among Indonesians. However, there may come a restart as businessman (and former trade minister) Rachmat Gobel seems committed to save the company.
While competition has become increasingly fierce on the domestic bond market, two of Indonesia's state-controlled companies - but listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange - are studying plans to sell rupiah-denominated corporate bonds on the global market (so-called nasi goreng bonds, a reference to the famous Indonesian fried rice dish). The two companies that are studying these plans are toll road developer and operator Jasa Marga and construction company Wijaya Karya.
