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 upstream textile industry of Indonesia urges the Fiscal Policy Office (in Indonesian: Badan Kebijakan Fiskal, or BKF) to exempt local raw materials - supplied by local manufacturers - from VAT. Redma Gita Wirawasta, Secretary General of the Indonesian Synthetic Fiber Producers Association (APSyFI), said he has discussed this proposal during several recent meetings with the BKF.
Steel manufacturers are concerned that the recent surge in steel prices may disrupt domestic infrastructure development projects. Purwono Widodo, Director International Relations at the Indonesian Iron & Steel Industry Association (IISIA), said the price of steel - particularly hot rolled coil - has continued to increase, especially in the last two months.
On Friday (01/09) markets are closed in Indonesia as the people celebrate Idul Adha, the day of sacrifice. On this public holiday people commemorate a story that is known in both Muslim and Christian circles, namely Ibrahim (Abraham)'s willingness to sacrifice his son, Ismael, to God. At the last moment, however, God intervened and told Ibrahim to sacrifice a sheep instead of Ismael. Ibrahim's act proved his commitment to God.
Construction of the Warnasari terminal in Cilegon (Banten province) commenced. Indonesian Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi laid the first stone at the groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday (30/08). Zamhari Hamid, President Director of port operator Pelabuhan Cilegon Mandiri (PCM), said the Warnasari terminal is designed to have a loading capacity of 12 million tons in the first phase, which estimated to be completed in October 2019, established on a land area of 45 hectares.
