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.
Many Indonesians were surprised to learn that well-known herbal medicine brand Nyonya Meneer is close to bankruptcy. Nyonya Meneer is one of the oldest companies in Indonesia, going back far into colonial times, and has strong brand awareness among Indonesians. However, there may come a restart as businessman (and former trade minister) Rachmat Gobel seems committed to save the company.
While competition has become increasingly fierce on the domestic bond market, two of Indonesia's state-controlled companies - but listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange - are studying plans to sell rupiah-denominated corporate bonds on the global market (so-called nasi goreng bonds, a reference to the famous Indonesian fried rice dish). The two companies that are studying these plans are toll road developer and operator Jasa Marga and construction company Wijaya Karya.
Although in local media Indonesian property developer Lippo Cikarang is aggressively advertising its ambitious Meikarta project to the consumer, there is uncertainty whether the developer indeed collected all necessary permits required to construct the new township. Meikarta is marketed as a 500-hectare property development project with 100 hectares of open green space, 250,000 units of prime residential property, and 1,500,000 m2 of prime commercial space.
After macroeconomic growth was rather disappointing at 5.01 percent year-on-year (y/y) in the second quarter of 2017, the Indonesian government will soon release a new economic policy package, specifically aimed at boosting investment in Indonesia. However, Indonesia's business world urge the government to first evaluate the effectiveness of preceding policy packages before implementing a new deregulation package. Moreover, some say it would be better to focus on improving confidence among consumers.
