Today's Headlines in Indonesia

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.

  • Three Giant Businessmen Join Indonesia's Tax Amnesty Program

    The ambitious tax amnesty program of the Indonesian government received support from three influential Indonesian businessmen. The first, James Riady, Chief Executive of the Lippo Group (and son of Mochtar Riady, the founding father of this huge conglomerate), joined the program by handing over his tax declaration documents to Indonesia's Tax Office on Friday (02/09). This declaration took place in front of an audience consisting of Indonesian press and therefore may cause some momentum for the controversial program that experienced a sloppy start.

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  • Which Brands Dominate the Smartphone Market in Indonesia?

    According to a survey conducted by International Data Corporation (IDC), two brands controlled a combined 45 percent of the smartphone market in Indonesia in the second quarter of 2016. These two brands are Samsung (South Korea) and OPPO (China). On third position comes Asus (Taiwan), followed by the local Indonesian brand Advan and China's Lenovo. Data from IDC also show that smartphone sales in Indonesia grew 3.3 percent year-on-year (y/y) and 22 percent month-on-month (m/m) in Q2-2016. Unfortunately these data do not mention the exact sales volume.

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  • Sri Mulyani Indrawati's Thoughts about Indonesia's Economic Growth

    According to Indonesian Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati the economy of Indonesia will grow 5.1 percent (y/y) in 2016, slightly below the target that was set by the central government in the 2016 State Budget (5.2 percent y/y). This slightly less rosy view is caused by the decision to cut government spending by IDR 137.6 trillion (approx. USD $10.4 billion) this year in order to combat a widening budget deficit (that is mainly caused by weaker-than-targeted tax revenue). A cut in state spending means that the government has less funds to boost economic growth.

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  • Fiscal Update Indonesia: Can the 3% of GDP Budget Deficit Cap Be Widened?

    A commission in Indonesia's House of Representatives advises the government to replace a law that sets a maximum budget deficit limit of 3 percent of gross domestic product. This law was implemented in 2003 after Indonesia experienced the devastating effects of the Asian Financial Crisis in the late 1990s. Traumatic experiences made the government decide to prioritize prudent fiscal policies. Although it is unclear what the exact consequences are if the government would breach this cap (perhaps an impeachment bid could be launched), governments always respected the cap.

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