Education Dilemma
It is undeniable that Indonesia still lags far behind in overall digital competitiveness and technological advancement, even among ASEAN countries. Over the past few years, the government has undertaken numerous initiatives to address this issue, from increasing the quota for STEM scholarships to encouraging domestic universities to expand their STEM study programs. The question remains: is the problem rooted solely in the lack of quotas and availability? A little spoiler: no. Not really.
The revoked permits (3): Toba Pulp
Permit of the controversial pulp producer PT Toba Pulp Lestari Tbk (INRU) has reportedly been revoked by President Prabowo alongside 27 companies operating in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra, three provinces hit by landslide and floods killing over 1,000 people in late November 2025.
The revoked permits (2): Astra’s Martabe Gold
Martabe is the third largest gold mine in Indonesia behind Grasberg (PT Freeport Indonesia) and Batu Hijau (PT Amman Mineral). It is operated by PT Agincourt Resources, subsidiary of United Tractors (UNTR), member of Astra International (ASII). PT Agincourt is one of 28 companies, whose permits have reportedly been revoked by President Prabowo Subianto.
The revoked permits (1): SDIC’s North Sumatera Hydro Energy
President Prabowo Subianto, upon listening to report from the powerful Satgas PKH (the Forest Area Enforcement Task Force), has reportedly decided to revoke permits of 28 companies, including 22 forest concessions covering over one million hectares of areas and six non-forest business permits in three provinces hit by landslide and flood in late November 2025.
When blood ties test Bank Indonesia’s independence
Rumors of a “seat swap” between Bank Indonesia (BI) and the Finance Ministry would normally be dismissed as routine elite circulation in Jakarta. But this one is different. The prospect of Thomas Djiwandono moving from his post as Vice Finance Minister to become a deputy governor at BI has triggered a deeper unease — not because of his résumé, but because of his last name.
What M7 Reveals About Indonesia’s Esports Economy
As Jakarta hosts the M7 World Championship, the pinnacle of competitive Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Indonesia once again proves it can stage a global esports spectacle. From packed arenas at XO Hall and Tennis Indoor Senayan to millions of online viewers, the tournament projects confidence: Indonesia is not just a market, but a meeting point for the world’s mobile gaming elite. Yet beneath the fireworks lies a familiar paradox—Indonesia hosts the world, but still rents its own market.
Nickel production cut: Who gets how much? (2)
Credibility of a policy pretty much depends on its transparency. Energy and mineral resources ministry talked about a policy to cut production of nickel starting January 2026, but nearly one month is gone, most are still left in the dark about how the policy is or will be implemented.
Junk Rally: RMK Energy & Transcoal Pacific
Shares of coal mining and trading/logistic company RMK Energy (RMKE) were traded flat below Rp530 since initial public offering (IPO) in late 2021 to mid July 2025. Since late July 2025, however, the stock has gained 1,385% to close at Rp7,875 on Monday (Jan 15).
More pressures on nickel processing centre IMIP
After weeks of conflicting statements from President Prabowo Subianto’s inner circle related to operation of an airport in the Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park (IMIP), the largest nickel processing centre in the country, other State institutions issued another warning signs to the flagship of China investment in the country.
Junk Rally: Moratelindo = 10 x TOWR
Shares of telco infrastructure company PT Mora Telematika Indonesia Tbk (MORA), whose CEO was implicated in a corruption scandal, declined slightly by 1% to Rp13,400 this morning, but its almost 3,000% gain since early October 2025 contributed to new record of the composite index (IHSG).