The ripple effects of MBG’s temporary suspension

Jul 9, 2026 | Market

Previously, one could only speculate about the consequences of a complete suspension of the MBG program. However, its temporary suspension during the school holidays has now provided a glimpse into how the market, MBG partners, and the government might respond if the...

Indosat–Hashim Deal and Governance Test

Jul 9, 2026 | Market

Last week, Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison completed the divestment of an 84.9 percent stake in its fiber infrastructure subsidiary, PT Infra Fiber Teknologi (IFT), to PT Nusantara Fiber Teknologi (NFT) for Rp11.71 trillion. The transaction forms part of a broader plan to...

Coal DMO, RKAB, and the blackouts (2)

Jul 9, 2026 | Commodities, Market

We have to blame the government for poor planning and execution of policies in the coal sector behind shortfall of supply to power plants. Substantial production cut (RKAB) without adjustment of domestic market obligation (DMO) policy was the main issue. As mentioned...

Coal DMO, RKAB, and the blackouts (1)

Jul 9, 2026 | Commodities, Market

Two companies—one trader and one coal miner—-have been indirectly blamed for short of coal supply to state electricity utility PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) behind the blackouts in various areas even if their combined volume is not even one percent of national...

Hidden Safes, Armed Guards and Public Trust

Jul 9, 2026 | Law, Market

Yesterday, the National Police’s Corruption Eradication Corps (Kortastipidkor), together with the Jakarta Police (Polda Metro Jaya), launched one of the most significant coordinated investigations in recent years. The operation spans alleged corruption, bribery...

Public trust demands more than legal compliance

Jul 9, 2026 | Law, Politics

The government’s explanation regarding Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo’s official trip to the United States may have answered the legal questions, but it has not resolved the ethical ones. According to the ministry, the minister’s wife was...

Building a Spaceport Is Easier Than Building a Space Industry

Jul 9, 2026 | Market

Indonesia’s plan to build a spaceport in Biak, Papua, has regained momentum, this time with India emerging as a key strategic partner. At first glance, the collaboration appears promising. India is one of the world’s most successful emerging space powers,...

External pressures resurfaced, net sell continues

Jul 8, 2026 | Market

Rupiah weakened to Rp18,066 per USD Wednesday (Jul 8) on the rise of Dollar Index (DXY) as market participants see higher possibility of Fed rate hike in September. Escalated tensions in the Middle East, meanwhile, lifted Brent crude oil futures to US$78 per barrel....

West Java, renamed as Tatar Sunda?

Jul 8, 2026 | Politics

For the longest time, Indonesians have known the three largest provinces on the island of Java as West Java, Central Java, and East Java. Their names are straightforward, reflecting their geographical positions on the map. Recently, however, a proposal to rename West...

Open networks need open governance

Jul 8, 2026 | Market

For years, Indonesia has searched for ways to help micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) expand beyond local markets while gaining better access to financing. Digital platforms have undoubtedly opened new opportunities, but they have also created a new...