Tax credits for zakat need fiscal answers
Indonesia is once again debating whether zakat should become a tax credit rather than merely a tax deduction. The proposal, recently revived during discussions surrounding the revision of the Zakat Law, has immediate political appeal. It promises to eliminate what many Muslims perceive as a double financial burden: fulfilling religious obligations while also paying income tax. But, can Indonesia afford it, and is it fair to every taxpayer?
BGN Chief Resigns
Nanik S Deyang, chief of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), which administers Prabowo’s flagship free meal (MBG) program, has tendered her resignation on health issues. Nanik, whose name has also been implicated in the ongoing corruption investigation in the free meal program, was not seen Tuesday (Jul 21) when BGN announced newly appointed executives.
Fajar Paper in H1/26: Improved, but cut 9.5% workforce
PT Fajar Surya Wisesa Tbk (FASF), a paper manufacturer controlled by Thailand’s Siam Cement Group, booked net profit of Rp87.7 billion in the first half of 2026 against net loss of Rp491.7 billion in the corresponding period last year.
MBG: Three weeks of evaluation, same old problems
Just a week after the MBG program resumed following a three-week suspension for evaluation, familiar problems have already begun to reappear. Dozens of students were reported to have suffered food poisoning, while the SPPG responsible for distributing the meals later came under scrutiny over compliance issues.
Counting entrepreneurs or creating them?
Government’s plan to classify ride-hailing drivers as micro-entrepreneurs through a new presidential regulation may appear to be a progressive recognition of the digital economy. By placing millions of drivers under the umbrella of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the government argues they will gain better access to financing, training and business development programs.
Those continue to expand: Nanshan Group
Yicai Global reported last week that Chinese integrated logistic firm Hengtong Logistics plans to invest up to US$295 million to develop a smart logistic industrial park in the Karakang Batam Economic Special Zone on Bintan Island.
Fore Coffee in H1/26: More outlets, smaller margins
Shares of Fore Coffee (FORE) ended higher by 1.6% to Rp620 on Monday (Jul 20) as some investors responded positively the company’s financial report for the first half of 2026, where its net profit jumped by 34.5% to Rp56.5 billion.
PTPP in H1/26: Weaker operations, mysterious miscellaneous
State EPC firm PT Pembangunan Perumahan Tbk (PTPP) booked net profit of Rp193.5 billion in the first half of 2026, surged nearly 200% from the corresponding period last year, but the company’s operations actually weakened.
Charged Tech vs Blitz Electric
PT Charged Tech Indonesia has just filed a lawsuit against PT Blitz Electric Mobility for default to the South Jakarta District Court last week. This is a battle between two startups in the electric vehicle ecosystem/mobility.
Oil trading: New persons, institutions, and terms
Reading statements from Yuliot Tanjung, vice minister of energy and mineral resources (ESDM), about Russian oil arriving in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, we’re forced to learn more new terms, persons, and institutions involved in oil trading.