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.
The Indonesian rupiah rate appreciated modestly in September 2019. The currency started the month at the level of IDR 14,237 per US dollar and ended the month at IDR 14,174 per US dollar (data taken from Bank Indonesia’s benchmark Jisdor rate). In other words, the rupiah strengthened 0.44 percent against greenback in the month of September 2019.
The central bank of Indonesia (Bank Indonesia) showed that it is willing to lend a helping hand to try and boost Indonesia’s economic growth by cutting its benchmark interest rate again. On 19 September 2019 – the last day of its two-day monthly policy meeting – Bank Indonesia cut its BI 7-day reverse repo rate by 25 basis points (bps) to 5.25 percent, while the deposit facility and lending facility rates were lowered (by 25 bps) to 4.50 percent and 6.00 percent, respectively.
On Monday (07/10) Indonesia Investments released the September 2019 edition of its monthly research report. The report aims to inform the reader of the key political, economic and social developments that occurred in Indonesia in the month of September 2019 and also touches upon key international developments that impacted on the Indonesian economy.
Quite similar to the events in Hong Kong – where protesters have been demonstrating for months to express their objection to an extradition bill that would have given more power to China (and considering protests did not stop when the Hong Kong government announced it suspended the controversial bill, the movement has morphed into something much larger) – there have been several straight days of protests in Indonesia, especially in the bigger cities on Java and Sumatra.
