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.
Inflation continued to rise in Indonesia in May 2017 but at a slower pace than expected. According to the latest data from Indonesia's Statistics Agency (BPS), the annual inflation rate rose to 4.33 percent (y/y) in May, up from 4.17 percent (y/y) in the preceding month. The May inflation figure is the highest in 14 months. On a monthly basis Indonesian inflation was recorded at 0.39 percent (m/m) in May 2017.
Growth of manufacturing activity in Indonesia eased in May 2017. The Nikkei Indonesia Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) dropped to 50.6 in May from a reading of 51.2 in the preceding month. Last month manufacturing activity in Indonesia had hit a 10-month high, hence the lower reading indicates a loss of growth momentum for Indonesia's manufacturing sector. However, it remained comfortably above the boom-or-bust line of 50.0 that separates expansion from contraction.
According to a statement of Indonesia's Finance Ministry, Indonesia raised a total of 100 billion yen (approx. USD $901 million) from the issuance of three, five and seven-year Samurai bonds (yen-denominated bonds) on Wednesday (31/05). The issuance, Indonesia's first public sale of Samurai bonds, was led by Mizuho, Nomura and SMBC Nikko.
Sales of heavy trucks in Indonesia are showing an improvement in the first four months of 2017. Based on data from the Indonesian Automotive Industry Association (Gaikindo), a total of 4,762 heavy truck units were sold in the January-April 2017 period, up 91.86 percent year-on-year (y/y) compared to 2,482 sold units in the same period one year earlier.
