15 July 2019 (closed)
USD/IDR (13,949) +24.00 +0.17%
EUR/IDR (15,637) -42.02 -0.27%
Jakarta Composite Index (6,418.23) +44.89 +0.70%
The Today's Headlines section of Indonesia Investments is a daily updated section which contains the latest information with regard to topics that are currently causing headlines in Indonesia's media. Most of our headlines will 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.
It was a welcome surprise to see Indonesia recording a trade surplus of USD $540.2 million in March 2019, extending the monthly trade surplus to two (straight) months, which is something we had not seen in more than a year. However, when we take a look at the first quarter of 2019, then Indonesia’s overall trade balance still shows a deficit of USD $193.4 million.
Rabobank Indonesia (short for PT Bank Rabobank International Indonesia) has announced that it is to phase out its operations in Indonesia starting per direct. The decision was made by the bank's shareholders. Fierce competition in Indonesia's banking industry, which particularly hurts the smaller banks, is believed to be the main reason behind the decision.
On 17 April 2019 the people of Indonesia went to the ballot boxes to vote in the country's presidential and legislative elections. Shortly afterwards, the General Elections Commission (in Indonesian: Komisi Pemilihan Umum, or KPU) started to count the results.
Activity in Indonesia’s manufacturing sector grew in March 2019 on the back of solid domestic demand. The Nikkei Indonesia Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) accelerated to a reading of 51.2 in March, from 50.1 in the preceding month (a reading above 50.0 indicates expansion in the manufacturing sector, while a reading below 50.0 indicates contraction). It also meant that Indonesia managed to outperform its regional peers as the average PMI in the ASEAN counties stood at 50.3 in March. Overall, survey data show a marginal expansion in Indonesia’s manufacturing economy during the first quarter of 2019.
