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.
Domestic cement consumption in Indonesia rose 5.2 percent year-on-year (y/y) to 4.79 million tons in February 2018, supported by significantly rising cement demand on the islands of Sumatra and Kalimantan. Widodo Santoso, Chairman of the Indonesia Cement Association (ASI), said most provinces on Sumatra showed rising appetite for cement last month with the exception of West Sumatra and Bengkulu.
Indonesian exports of textile and textile products could soar threefold if the government of Indonesia finally manages to sign a free trade deal with the European Union (EU). Achmad Sigit Dwiwahjono, Director General for Chemicals, Textiles and Miscellaneous industry at the Industry Ministry, said a major obstacle for Indonesian textile exports at the moment is the weak competitiveness of Indonesian textile companies as compared to their Vietnamese counterparts.
With Donald Trump in office there exists huge volatility in terms of politics, foreign diplomatic relations, and trade-related policies. One day the US is on the brink of a "fire and fury" war with North Korea, then the next day Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un agree to meet for talks. One day the US shocks the world by announcing steep steel and aluminum import tariffs, the next day trading partners are invited to negotiate lower tariffs. One day Rex Tillerson is US Secretary of State, the next he is fired by Trump through Twitter.
Wahana Vinyl Nusantara, an Indonesia-based pipe-producer (the hollow cylinder type for fluid conveyance), plans to conduct an initial public offering on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in the first half of 2018. Stephen Widjaja, President Director of the company, said Wahana Vinyl Nusantara will offer a maximum stake of 20 percent (of the company's total share equity) to the public.
