The election of the 2014-2019 leaders of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) was a dramatic process for the Red-and-White coalition. One of its members, the United Development Party (PPP), decided to jump ship after being denied its share of power in the leadership of the MPR.
Read MorePrabowo Subianto’s Red-and-White opposition is only going to get stronger in Senayan. Having taken over the leadership of the House of Representatives (DPR), and the leadership of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR), the opposition is now setting its eyes on securing the leadership of all the working commissions and the legislative bodies known as the AKD (Alat Kelengkapan DPR). The question is, with their complete grasp of the parliament, what is the opposition’s end game?
Read MoreBisnis Indonesia reported this morning that PT Archi Indonesia, controlled by tycoon Peter Sondakh, plans an initial public offering (IPO) of 10-20% shares to raise US$700 million. That means Archi Indonesia, parent of some gold producing and exploration assets, is valued between US$3.5 billion and US$7 billion. That much?
Read MoreBaskin-Robbins is known as one of the oldest premium ice cream brand in Indonesia. The brand was brought into Indonesia by PT Naryadelta Prarthana of Mrs. Alien Lim in 1991. Baskin-Robbins Indonesia opened its first stores in Plaza Indonesia and Blok M Plaza in Jakarta. In 2007, CT Corp of Chairul Tandjung acquired PT Naryadelta Prarthana and changed its name to PT Trans Ice.
Read MorePresident Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s Democratic Party and Aburizal Bakrie’s Golkar Party have joined hands with Prabowo Subianto’s Red-and-White coalition to dominate the House of Representatives (DPR) and the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR). But they should brace themselves given that the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is likely to drag down more key figures from both parties, including the President’s youngest Edhi “Ibas” Baskoro Yudhoyono and the South Sumatra Governor Alex Noerdin.
Read MoreAsian stocks opened mostly in green this morning to tracking substantial gains in the Wall Street last night, where Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) gained 1.64%, while Nasdaq composite surged 1.9%. Less than two weeks into inauguration of Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo as president, market participants might start to bet on Indonesian stocks. Why?
Read MoreIt’s war. That’s the conclusion many have drawn upon reading Hashim Djojohadikusumo’s recent comments in the Wall Street Journal and Reuters. Prabowo’s brother did not hesitate to clearly state that the Red-and-White opposition’s goal is to harm Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s administration. It’s very daring of Hashim to openly promise hostility, especially to the man who will soon be the sitting President of the Republic. I’m not sure if it’s a good idea for anyone to antagonize the man in whose hands will rest the full force of the law enforcement and intelligence apparatus. But Hashim seemed to think it’s not a big deal.
Read MoreTower Bersama Infrastructure (TBIG) acquired 2500 towers from Indosat (ISAT) in mid 2012 for US$406 million when rupiah was Rp9400/USD or about Rp1.52 billion per tower. Two weeks ago, Solusi Tunas Pratama (SUPR) acquired 3500 towers from XL Axiata (EXCL) for Rp5.6 trillion or Rp1.6 billion per tower. Some believe the latest deal benefits EXCL more than SUPR. Why?
Read MoreCoking coal market remains oversupplied, and prices have just hit a five year-low. Softening in steel industry, including in China, is the main issue. World Steel Organization recently released crude steel statistics for August 2014, which pointed to an aggregate growth of 1.4% in 65 countries, wherein China inched up only 1%.
Read MoreThe Red-and-White Coalition, which dominates the House of Representatives (DPR), proudly revealed its plan to amend hundreds of laws considered overtly favoring foreign investments. Looks like that this is more of a revenge for Prabowo’s defeat in the presidential race than protecting the interests of Indonesian people. Why?
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