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.
This is a sad day for Indonesia. Incumbent Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (better known by his nickname Ahok) was found guilty of blasphemy by the North Jakarta District Court and sentenced to two years in prison. After the verdict Ahok was immediately taken into custody, implying Deputy Governor Djarot Saiful Hidayat now replaces Ahok until the end of his term in October 2017.
Sugeng, Deputy Governor of Indonesia's central bank (Bank Indonesia), confirmed on Monday morning (08/05) that his institution has recently been intervening in the foreign exchange market in an effort to limit sharp rupiah appreciation. So far in 2017 the Indonesian rupiah has appreciated 1.11 percent against the US dollar with most of the rupiah's advance stemming from the first month of the year.
It should be a great day for Indonesia's benchmark Jakarta Composite Index on Monday (08/05). Several factors are pushing Indonesian (as well as Asian and global) stocks further into green territory. Firstly, Emmanuel Macron's victory in the French presidential election removes concern about stability of the European Union (EU). Secondly, strong US jobs data indicate further US economic growth ahead. Thirdly, the crude oil price is showing a steep recovery so far today. Lastly, Japanese stocks - after ending last week's holiday - are surging, hence being a good reference point for other Asian markets.
On 7 May 2017, Indonesia Investments released the latest edition of its newsletter. This free newsletter, which is sent to our subscribers once per week, contains the most important news stories from Indonesia that have been reported on our website over the last seven days. Most of the topics involve economy-related matters such as Indonesia's Q1-2017 economic growth, initial public offerings on the Indonesia Stock Exchange, inflation, manufacturing activity, investment scams, and more.
