• Indonesia's Palm Oil Exports to Fall on Biodiesel Program

    The Indonesian Palm Oil Board (DMSI) expects Indonesian crude palm oil (CPO) exports to drop 8.7 percent (y/y) to 21 million tons next year from an estimated 23 million tons in 2015. This decline in export is attributed to an increase in domestic CPO consumption amid the full implementation of the country's B15 biodiesel program. Domestic consumption of CPO is estimated to grow 37 percent (y/y) from 8.4 million tons in 2015 to 11.5 million tons in 2016. If the B20 biodiesel program will be implemented as well, then Indonesia's CPO exports may decline further.

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  • Growth of Indonesia's Fishery Sector Outpacing Overall Economic Growth

    Ever since Indonesian President Joko Widodo appointed Susi Pudjiastuti as Indonesia's Minister of Maritime Affairs in October 2014, this ministry has received plenty of attention from the media. When appointed, media were skeptical about Pudjiastuti, a businesswoman who is regarded eccentric for being a divorce, having a tattoo and being a smoker. However, she has survived cabinet reshuffles, turned into a media darling, and - most importantly - Indonesia's fishery sector has grown strongly under her leadership.

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  • Government of Indonesia Preparing 2016 Infrastructure Projects

    Although Indonesian President Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo pledged to boost infrastructure development across Indonesia, government spending on infrastructure projects was sluggish during his first year in office due to budgetary and organizational reforms (including cutting the energy subsidies). A positive sign, however, is that government spending on infrastructure development and the number of groundbreaking ceremonies for infrastructure projects rose in the second half of 2015 as reforms were completed.

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  • Indonesian Tire Sales to Remain Sluggish in 2016

    Growth of Indonesia's tire industry is expected to remain stagnant until at least the last quarter of 2016 as people's purchasing power is weak while the circulation of money is slow amid sluggish economic growth. Domestic sales of tires in Indonesia are expected to reach around 8.25 million tires in full-year 2016. Meanwhile, about 30 million tires are expected to be exported next year. As such, Indonesia's total tire sales are projected to reach around 38 million in 2016.

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