The Today's Headlines section of Indonesia Investments is a daily updated section which contains the latest information with regard to topics that are currently causing headlines in Indonesia's media. Most of our headlines will 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.
Indonesia's tobacco production, prepared from the leaves of the tobacco plant, heavily depends on weather conditions. If weather conditions are normal in 2018, then Indonesia should be able to produce up to 200,000 tons of tobacco. However, if there occurs unconducive weather (a prolonged rainy season or short dry season), then it is difficult to predict Indonesia's 2018 tobacco production.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) released a new report about the Indonesian economy - released on 6 February 2018 - in which the Washington-based institution paints a positive picture of the prospects for economic growth in Indonesia. Indonesia's real GDP growth is projected to rise gradually to 5.6 percent year-on-year (y/y) over the medium term, led by robust domestic demand.
After a good year in 2017, sales of commercial vehicles in Indonesia are expected to accelerate further in 2018 on the back of accelerating economic growth, growing activity in the mining and agriculture sectors, and the Gaikindo Indonesia International Commercial Vehicle Expo (to be held between 1-4 March 2018 in the Jakarta Convention Center).
Unilever Indonesia, one of Indonesia's biggest consumer goods companies, recorded IDR 7 trillion (approx. USD $515 million) in net profit over full-year 2017, up 9.6 percent year-on-year (y/y) from net profit in the preceding year. These figures are unaudited. The audited FY-2017 corporate earnings are expected to be released toward the end of February 2018.
