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.
One of Indonesia's largest banks, Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI), reported a 20.1 percent year-on-year (y/y) increase to IDR 13.62 trillion (approx. USD $1.0 billion) in consolidated net profit in full-year 2017. This strong growth pace came on the back of a 12.2 percent (y/y) increase in credit growth to IDR 441.3 trillion (approx. USD $32.9 billion).
Indonesian manufacturers of four-wheeled motorized vehicles need to adjust to the Euro-4 emission standard. In March 2017 the Indonesian government ordered this through the issuance of Environment and Forestry Ministry Regulation No. P. 20/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM. 1/3/2017 on the Standard Exhaust Emission of Euro 4-Type Motor Vehicles. These European emission standards define the acceptable limits for exhaust emissions of new vehicles.
Indonesian retail company Ace Hardware Indonesia reported a 33 percent month-on-month (m/m) increase in sales to IDR 647 billion (approx. USD $48.3 million) in December 2017. On an annual basis, the company's sales rose 18 percent (y/y) in the last month of 2017.
Indonesia's government debt reached IDR 3,938.7 trillion (approx. USD $294 billion) at the end of 2017, up IDR 423.3 trillion from its position of IDR 3,515.4 trillion at the end of 2016. Despite rising, Indonesia's public debt is still safe at 29.2 percent of gross domestic product (GDP).
