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.
The central bank of Indonesia (Bank Indonesia) stated on Thursday (28/12) that it expects to see Indonesia's economic growth at 5.05 percent year-on-year (y/y) in full-year 2017, up modestly from 5.02 percent (y/y) in the preceding year. Bank Indonesia Governor Agus Martowardojo said the Indonesian economy is recovering unevenly yet gradually.
Indonesia's largest heavy equipment distributor United Tractors, a unit of the Astra Group, is one of the leaders on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. So far this year its shares have surged 62.8 percent to IDR 34,600 a piece. The company is also one of foreign investors' favorites. So lets zoom in closer on United Tractors.
Indonesia will not only raise excise duties on tobacco products per January 2018 but it was also announced that the import tariff on tobacco will be raised as well. Although the exact amount remains unknown, Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Darmin Nasution confirmed the step would be taken in 2018.
Despite generally thin trading in Asian markets, Indonesian shares rose further in record-high territory on Wednesday (27/12) supported by a rally in commodity prices (particularly crude oil and metals prices), and the announcement that Japan's Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group plans to buy a majority stake in Bank Danamon Indonesia, Indonesia's fifth-largest lender.
