Trans-Sumatra & Growing Investments
Some toll roads in Sumatra Island are getting closer to completion and full commercial operation. The Medan-Binjai toll road in North Sumatra, for example, progressed well with construction progress of 83.56%, while Palembang-Indralaya toll road in South Sumatra has reached 80.4%. These toll roads should enter full commercial operation in the coming months.
Infrastructure Politics
President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo has decided to temporarily suspend phyiscal construction of some elevated sections of toll roads pending review of safety aspects following series of accidents in the past few months. His opponents will likely continue to exploit this issue ahead of next year’s election.
Investments: Walk The Talk (2)
President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo led a cabinet meeting discussing stimulus package for investments at the State Palace Tuesday (Feb 20). The meeting also reviewed the existing policies on tax allowance and tax holidays, which failed to attract significant investments in the past 10 years or so.
Those Continue to Expand in F&B: Wilmar
Wilmar International Ltd, one of the world’s largest players in agricultural products with market capitalization of S$19.3 billion, plans to further expand its business in Indonesia beyond palm oil and derivatives (oleochemicals and biodiesel), sugar, and flour.
Investments: Walk The Talk!
After three years of infrastructure push all over the archipelago, the government is now required to spend more energy in boosting investments for job creation. That was the main topic of discussion between President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo and finance minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati Monday (Feb 19) at the State Palace.
Emerging Tourism Destinations: Labuan Bajo
National media reported in the past few days that Victor Laiskodat, politician from NasDem Party, who is also candidate of governor for East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), has expressed his interest to acquire Komodo airport in Labuan Bajo, NTT, which is now the fastest growing tourism destination. The airport is one of 10 airports offered to private sector for further developments.
Cash For Work & Digital Disruption
Ministry of transportation has started implementation of cash-for-work program in the sector to follow two other ministries (public works & housing and village affairs). The ministry kicked off the program in Cakung Station, East Jakarta with total project of Rp50 billion.
Those Continue to Expand
Two weeks ago, Italian aerospace company Leonardo announced that it has received orders for two light intermediate AW169 helicopter for corporate transport roles, which are planned to be delivered by the end of this year. The Company is also scheduled to deliver one additional AW139 to Travira for offshore operations and two AW119Kx for firefighting and medevac to NUH.
Investments in Healthcare Industry
A country with over 250 million population, Indonesia continues to attract investors in healthcare industry. Marubeni Corporation, for example, joined forces with Lippo Group, which controls Siloam Hospital, in laboratory testing. Toyota Tsusho Corp, meanwhile, develops clinical laboratory testing business in partnership with Kalbe Group, one of the largest healthcare groups.
Bakrie’s Petrochemical Drive
Some news outlets reported recently about a plan from PT Energi Mega Persada Tbk (ENRG), an oil and gas company controlled by Bakrie Family, to work with Reignwood Holdings, a company controlled by Thailand-based businessman, in the production of purified therephthalic acid (PTA), key raw material for the production of plastics and textile fibers. Really?