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.
Those Indonesians (as well as expats living in Indonesia) who enjoy visiting places like Singapore for some quick shopping will be happy to learn that the Indonesian government decided to raise the maximum value of private goods - purchased overseas - that can be carried into Indonesia free of import duties and tax.
State-controlled construction company Waskita Karya obtained a syndicated loan of IDR 5 trillion (approx. USD $375 million) from a group of nine banks. Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) acts as sole mandated lead arranger and book-runner for the five-year loan, while the Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited Jakarta branch acts as mandated lead arranger.
The Indonesian government officially announced it will use the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) standard as the reference for the nation's local Indonesian National Standard (in Indonesian: Standardisasi Nasional Indonesia, or SNI) with regard to various automotive components.
Indonesia's private shipping companies have raised tariffs for container freight to the eastern region of Indonesia by 25 percent. Carmelita Hartoto, General Chairwoman of the Indonesian National Shipowner's Association (INSA), said shipping companies hiked these tariffs as the previous tariffs were set too low.
