Equity Policy in Action: Outside Java Infrastructure (1)
President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo told Tempo Media Group last Friday that he would proceed with infrastructure development outside Java even if it cost him politically. “It is easier to get political gain by developing infrastructure in Java Island, but that’s not what I’m looking for. The gap (with outside Java) is just too big,” he said.
Dairy Business & Prabowo-Hashim’s ‘White Revolution’
Hashim Djoyohadikusumo, brother of Prabowo Subianto (leader of Gerindra Party), continued his safari to promote the so-called ‘White Revolution’ with a meeting with health minister Nila Moeloek in Jakarta last Friday. The movement basically promotes milk consumption among Indonesians, especially the children.
Revisiting Fisheries
The wildly popular minister of fisheries Susi Pudjiastuti frequently claimed higher stock of fish in the archipelago following her endless fights against illegal fishing. What companies listed on Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) told us from their financial performance in the first nine months of the year?
Equity Policy in Action: Social Forestry (3)
President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo wasted no time to push implementation of social forestry program. On Saturday (Nov 4), the President handed over license to use 1,890 hectares of forest area to 1,685 families in Boyolali Regency, Central Java province. This is the third in a week.
Connectivity Outlook Improved
Financials of Jasa Marga (JSMR) and Waskita Karya (WSKT) are expected to improve significantly with scheduled commercial operation of their respective toll roads this month. Waskita Karya will get a boost from first section of Bekasi-Cawang-Kampung Melayu (Becakayu) in Greater Jakarta, while Jasa Marga will be lifted by Sepanjang-Krian toll road in Surabaya, East Java.
Equity Policy in Action: Social Forestry (2)
Pretty much as predicted, President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo has accelerated the so-called social forestry program. On Thursday, Nov 2, the President handed over license to use 2,000 hectares forest area of state-owned company Perhutani to local community in Maron sub-district, Probolinggo regency, East Java.
Resilient Telco Sector & Gadget
Number of cell phones may have significantly surpassed total population, but Indonesians continue their love affair with gadgets. Data from four companies listed on Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) pointed to total spending of Rp19.9 trillion for cell and smart phones in the first nine months of 2017.
Major Companies: Investments & Job Market
State-owned electricity provider PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) has grown its workforce by 3,400 people in the first nine months of 2017 to make a total of 54,555 employees by September 30, 2017. Smaller than Astra International (ASII), which added 3,938 workers to 218,773 people or Alfamart (+5195 employees), but its energy infrastructure projects have clearly contributed to the job market.
Bright Spot of the Economy: Tourism
Indonesia recorded 1.21 million visits of foreign tourist in September, an increase of 20.47% year-on-year. In the first nine months of 2017, the country welcomed 10.46 million visits, an increase of 25.05% from the corresponding period last year, making it one of the bright spots of the economy.
New Players Force Old Cement Establishments to Adjust
Aggressive marketing from new players have likely hurt old players. Combined sales revenue of four cement companies listed on Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) inched up 1.5% only to Rp38.95 trillion in the first nine months of 2017. Their combined net profit also crashed 61.8% to Rp2.3 trillion where Holcim Indonesia’s loss expanded by 305% to Rp648 billion.