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 Batam Indonesia Free Zone Authority (in Indonesian: Badan Pengusahaan Batam) is currently preparing the Batam-Bintan Bridge project. This could become the area's first public-private partnership (PPP) project. Batam and Bintan are two islands that are located in Indonesia's Riau Islands province, just south of Singapore. While Batam is a major industry hub, Bintan is being promoted as the new Bali.
The Indonesian government aims to provide affordable housing for the nation's poorer (low-income) households through the One Million Houses program, a program that was launched in mid-2015 by Indonesian President Joko Widodo. However, property developers complain that in most regions it is tough to obtain all necessary permits to construct the houses.
During the Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono administration (2004-2014) the Indonesian government presented public-private partnerships (PPPs) as solution to infrastructure development in Indonesia. However, there was limited enthusiasm as investors remained hesitant due to the nation's complex investment climate (including the difficult land acquisition process, regulatory uncertainty and doubts about the economic feasibility of certain projects).
Sariguna Primatirta, Indonesia's listed bottled water producer, plans to open three new factories soon. The company, which sells its bottled water under the Cleo Pure Water brand, is eager to expand its manufacturing and distribution networks across the Archipelago. Sariguna Primatirta, which was established in 2003, conducted its initial public offering (IPO) on the Indonesia Stock Exchange earlier this year.
