• Child Sex Offenders in Indonesia to Face Death Penalty & Castration

    Indonesian President Joko Widodo has signed a controversial decree that introduces tougher penalties for child sex offenders in Indonesia. By replacing a 2002 law, Indonesia now introduces various new consequences for those who have been found guilty of sex offenses against children. The new penalties comprise the death penalty, chemical castration, life-long prison sentences, electronic monitoring (after release from prison), and the publicly announcement of the identity of the child molester.

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  • Fitch Ratings Affirms Indonesia's Sovereign Credit Rating at BBB-/Stable

    Global credit rating agency Fitch Ratings maintained Indonesia's sovereign credit rating at BBB-/stable outlook in May 2016. BBB- is the lowest notch within the investment grade category. In a statement released on Tuesday (24/05) Fitch Ratings expressed that Indonesia's low public debt (at 26.8 percent of gross domestic product), limited risks in the banking sector, and the economic growth outlook at 5.1 percent (y/y) in 2016 amid global challenges were all factors that supported the decision of the credit rating agency to keep Indonesia on investment grade status.

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  • Indonesia Targets 50% Increase in Motorcycle Exports in 2016

    The Indonesian Motorcycle Industry Association (AISI) says Indonesia's motorcycle exports should rise by 50 percent (y/y) to around 342,000 units in 2016. Gunadi Sindhuwinata, General Chairman of the AISI, stated that Indonesia's motorcycle exports have been impressive so far this year, rising 76 percent (y/y) to 97,778 units in the January-April 2016 period. This impressive export performance is supported by the choice of several global motorcycle manufacturers to make Indonesia their production hub for specific motorcycles.

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  • Infrastructure Development in Indonesia: $450 Billion Required

    It is estimated that Indonesia will need some USD $450 billion in funds to finance the government's infrastructure development plans for the 2015-2019 period. However, through the state budgets the government can only deliver USD $230 billion, or roughly 50 percent of required funds. The remainder should originate from the private sector (30 percent of total funds) and state-controlled enterprises (20 percent). However, is it likely that the private sector (both foreign and domestic) is to come up with USD $141 billion for investment in infrastructure up to 2019?

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