• Water Pollution in Indonesia Causes Higher Demand for Water Purifiers

    One of the solid growing markets in Indonesia that remains untapped is the water purifier market. Although Indonesia holds six percent of the world’s fresh water resources, the quality of Indonesia’s public piped water is inadequate (contaminated with E. coli, fecal coliforms and other pathogens). Moreover, roughly 80 percent of the Indonesian population lacks access to piped water hence relying on river water for drinking, washing and bathing. However, the water of most Indonesian rivers do not meet drinking water requirements.

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  • Mandatory Use of Local Components for 4G Smartphones in Indonesia

    Starting from January 2017, 4G smartphone manufacturers in Indonesia will be required to use at least 30 percent of local content in domestically-sold smartphones and at least 40 percent for base transceiver stations (BTS). Earlier this year the Indonesian government had issued a draft regulation on this subject and last week it was signed by Indonesia’s Communications and Information Minister, the Trade Minister and the Industry Minister. What is the impact of this new rule on Indonesia’s smartphone industry?

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  • Business in Indonesia: Investment Growth Solid but Bottlenecks Persist

    The World Investment Report 2015 states that inflows of foreign direct investment (FDI) into Indonesia grew 20 percent (y/y) to USD $23 billion in 2014. As such FDI growth in Indonesia outpaced FDI growth recorded in Singapore (+4 percent y/y to USD $68 billion) and Vietnam (+3 percent to USD $9.2 billion), causing optimism that Indonesia - Southeast Asia's largest economy - will continue to form a lucrative investment destination in the Asian continent for foreign investors in the years ahead.

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  • Negative Equity: Indonesian Airlines’ Operating Permits May Be Suspended

    While Indonesia is still mourning for the lives that were lost in the military plane crash in Medan (North Sumatra) on Tuesday (30/06), the Indonesian Transportation Ministry threatens to suspend operating permits of 13 Indonesian airlines that are being plagued by negative equity, raising concerns about these airlines’ safety practices. The Transportation Ministry reviewed audited financial reports of 60 local carriers. These airlines will have time until 31 July 2015 to adjust their balance sheets.

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The views expressed in these business columns are the views of the authors or the interviewed persons only and therefore do not necessarily reflect the views of Indonesia Investments. The authors are free to ventilate their opinions about the Indonesian business climate. Facts presented in these columns are the result of the author's own research or indicated sources, read disclaimer
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