Corruption investigations at PGN (1)
On May 8, 2014, we published an article titled “PGN and US Shale Gas Investment”, where some of our sources criticized PT Perusahaan Gas Negara Tbk (PGAS) or PGN’s acquisition of Fasken shale gas block in Eagle Ford, Houston, Texas (USA) from Swift Energy. That time, PGN agreed to pay US$175 million for 36% working interest in the block.
Preserving redundancy and inconsistency
Very soon, ministry of state-owned enterprises (MSOEs) will be abolished and replaced by a new agency called BP BUMN, said regulator for state companies. Sovereign wealth fund Danantara, meanwhile, acts as operator. Why state companies need a separate regulator if there are so many regulators on specific sectors in place?
The ‘Patriots’
A list of over 40 Indonesian conglomerates subscribing ‘Patriot Bonds’ issued by sovereign wealth fund Danantara has been widely circulated last week. As predicted, the list as of September 19, 2025 pointed to subscription of Rp51.75 trillion worth of bonds, more than the issued size (Rp50 trillion).
Free meal: Safety first, not politics
Upon his return from overseas visits, President Prabowo Subianto scheduled a meeting with Dadan Hindayana, Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), and concerned ministers to address MBG issues. While the plan is necessary, his remark about “not politicizing” the rising food poisoning incidents raised a few eyebrows. To some people, it shows where Prabowo’s priority actually lies: Not the lives of many children at stake, but his own political career.
Prabowo’s kitchen
Minutes after landed home from overseas trips to New York (US), Canada, and the Netherlands, President Prabowo Subianto addressed public demand to review his signature free meal program (or project?) with instructions to upgrade the so-called central kitchen (the nutrition fulfilment service unit/SPPG).
Why importing foreign experts for fixing Coretax is a costly mistake
When Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa announced his intention to bring in foreign IT experts to fix Coretax—the tax administration system that underpins Indonesia’s fiscal machinery—he framed it as an urgent rescue. After repeated downtime and complaints from taxpayers, Purbaya’s promise of a “one-month fix” seems designed to restore confidence. Yet beneath the surface, this decision raises deeper questions: is the problem really technical, or political? And more importantly, is it worth the cost?
The Supreme Court rules against Wilmar et al
So, the Supreme Court has on September 15 annulled lower court’s ruling, which favoured Wilmar International, Musim Mas, and Permata Hijau. The Supreme Court sided with the Attorney General’s Office (AGO), ordering the three companies to pay a combined Rp17.7 trillion (US$1.06 billion) of loss compensation to the State.
Playing the game, losing the industry
Indonesia’s gaming sector presents a paradox. With more than 192 million gamers and a market worth US$2.5 billion, the country ranks among the world’s largest consumer bases. Yet almost none of this wealth stays at home.
Submarine cable system
The demand for international telecommunications is expected to continue accelerating with the rapid advancement of generative artificial Intelligence (AI) and the internet of Things (IoT). Submarine cable system is key infrastructure in that context.
Further pressures on Merdeka Battery
As if the first quarter was not bad enough, nickel producer Merdeka Battery Materials (MBMA) reported a weaker performance in the second quarter, where sales and net profit crashed year-on-year due to a combination of falling volume and average price.