• Bank Indonesia Regulation ‘Mandatory Use of Rupiah’ Came into Effect

    On 1 July 2015, Bank Indonesia’s BI Regulation No. 17/3/PBI/2015 regarding the Mandatory Use of the Rupiah in Indonesia came into effect. This BI Regulation, signed on 31 March 2015, restricts the use of foreign currencies in transactions conducted in Indonesia with the aim to deepen the domestic rupiah market, stabilize the rupiah (which has been depreciating against the US dollar), and foster economic expansion. A previous law (Law No. 7/2011) allowed for involved contract parties to agree using another currency (than the rupiah) for payments.

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  • Manufacturing Activity Indonesia Slowed for 9th Straight Month in June

    Indonesia’s manufacturing activity continued to contract in June. It was the ninth consecutive month that the country’s manufacturing sector contracted. The Nikkei/Markit purchasing manager's index (PMI) rose slightly to 47.8 in June 2015 from 47.1 in May, implying that the sector contracted at a slower pace but remained well below the level of 50 that separates contraction from expansion. Contraction continued due to persistent declines in new orders and production. Meanwhile, inflationary pressures (7.26 percent y/y in June) persist.

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  • Inflation Indonesia Update June: Consumer Price Index Up 0.54% m/m

    Indonesia’s inflation accelerated to 7.26 percent year-on-year (y/y) in June 2015 on higher food prices triggered by the start of the Ramadan month (the Islamic fasting month). The seasonal Ramadan and subsequent Idul Fitri celebrations always cause inflationary pressure in Indonesia as consumers increase spending. Despite Indonesian purchasing power having declined in recent months, reflected by slowing car and motorcycle sales, cheaper consumer goods such as food, clothes, shoes and bags are popular.

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  • Aviation Indonesia: Military Plane Crash in Medan (North Sumatra)

    On Tuesday (30/06), an Indonesian military airplane (C-130 Hercules) crashed into a densely populated residential area in the city of Medan in North Sumatra. The aircraft, en route from the military airport in Medan to Tanjung Pinang (capital of Indonesia's Riau Islands), crashed shortly after take-off and probably carried 122 people. A government spokesman said that at least 141 people have died. This figure is likely to rise. According to local media, the pilot of the military aircraft requested to return to base due to engine trouble.

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