Ever since China decided to streamline its coal industry by limiting output (combating the local oversupply), global coal prices have jumped sharply. Indonesia's benchmark thermal coal price (known as the Harga Batubara Acuan, or HBA) - a monthly price that is set by Indonesia's Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry and is based on domestic and international coal indices - soared 22.9 percent (m/m) to USD $84.89 per metric ton in November 2016 (from USD $69.07 per ton in the preceding month).

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Between 50,000 and 100,000 protesters are expected to gather today (04/11) in Central Jakarta to express their anger at incumbent Jakarta Governor Basuki Cahaya Purnama (Ahok). This demonstration, which is organized by a coalition of several Islamic groups including hard-line group Islamic Defenders Front (FPI), is held as protesters accuse Ahok (a Christian of Chinese descent) of blasphemy by (mis)quoting Quranic verses during a speech in Kepulauan Seribu, off the coast of Jakarta, in early October.

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The Adonara Group, an Indonesian hotel operator, plans to open 20 new hotels up to the end of 2017. Before the end of this year it will see two new hotels opening its doors. Meanwhile the Adonara Group also seeks business expansion through the purchase of the international brand "Continent Hotel". Ruben Amor, Chief Executive Officer at the Adonara Group, said the 20 new hotels - all ranging between two and four star hotels - that are planned to be opened up to the end of 2017 will use the Adonara and Continent Hotel brands.

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Indonesia improved in the consumer confidence index that is compiled and released by market research agency Nielsen. With 122 points Indonesia was the third-most confident nation in the world (after India and the Philippines) in the 3rd quarter of 2016. Compared to one year ago, Indonesia's score improved six points. Indonesia's consumer confidence has improved each quarter so far in 2016 amid accelerating economic growth, controlled inflation at around 3 percent (y/y), and a stable - or actually stronger - rupiah exchange rate.

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