The Today's Headlines section of Indonesia Investments is a regularly updated section which contains the latest information with regard to topics that are currently causing headlines in Indonesia's media. Most of our headlines 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.
Stakeholders in Indonesia's food and beverage industry expect to see a 15 percent increase in sales during the Ramadan month and Idul Fitri celebrations (compared to normal conditions). Although the Ramadan is Muslims' fasting month, it is also a period when household consumption tends to rise sharply in Indonesia, specifically spending on food and drinks as well as clothes, bags and shoes grows significantly.
Cement sales in Indonesia rose 6.6 percent year-on-year (y/y) to 15.7 million tons in the first quarter of 2018. While the Indonesian Cement Association (ASI) initially expected cement consumption to be flat in March, consumption actually rose 3.4 percent (y/y) to 5.21 million tons in the third month of the year, hence pushing the overall Q1 figure to 15.7 million tons. A country's cement sales are a good indicator to measure its property and infrastructure development.
Exports of Indonesian fruit rose 6.13 percent year-on-year (y/y) to 325,236 tons in the first quarter of 2018 amid strengthening global demand for tropical fruit, specifically growing demand for mangosteen, bananas and pineapples. Largest demand for Indonesian fruit stems from China, Japan, Singapore, Australia and the United States (USA).
Krakatau Bandar Samudera, a subsidiary of Indonesia's largest steel manufacturer Krakatau Steel, got the green light from shareholders to conduct an initial public offering (IPO) on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. Tonno Sapoetra, President Director of Krakatau Bandar Samudera, said the company plans to offer its shares to the public in November 2018.
