Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi) is weighing a new idea that could reshape the country’s second-hand phone market: a “balik nama” system, or ownership transfer, for used mobile phones — similar to the process of registering a motorbike.

Dato Tahir from Mayapada Group is among Indonesian conglomerates subscribing the so-called ‘Patriot Bonds” issued by sovereign wealth fund Danantara. He is listed in the ‘Tier-2’ conglomerates, those subscribing between Rp1 trillion and Rp1.6 trillion alongside James Riady (Lippo Group) and Tommy Winata (Artha Graha Group).

Coal and nickel producer PT Harum Energy Tbk (HRUM) have decided to buyback up to 751.8 million shares (5.56% of the total subscribed and paid-up share capital) from the market to shore up the price, which has been under pressure for quite sometime. 

Indonesia and Vietnam both have a target to become high income country by 2045. While Indonesia has been struggling to grow above 5%, Vietnam’s government claimed on Sunday that its economy grew at an annual rate of 8.22% in the third quarter of 2025, thanks, among others, to faster growth of tourism industry.

Shares of Sampoerna Agro (SGRO), controlled by Sampoerna Family (used to be the wealthiest family in the country), surged 7.8% to Rp5,075 on Friday (Oct 3). At this price, Sampoerna Agro was worth Rp9.2 trillion, about 1.5 x equity. 

In response to the rising MBG food poisoning incidents, the government now requires each SPPG kitchen to hold three certificates; Hygiene and Sanitation (SLHS), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), as well as halal certificate. BGN has also touched on the idea of establishing a new independent certification body in order to expedite the certification process, which is expected to be completed within a month. It leaves us wondering whether the certification requirement is a solution or just a delayed prevention.

Shares of PT Fast Food Indonesia (FAST) Tbk, operator of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) outlets, gained more than 100% in the past three weeks. Nothing compared to Haji Isam’s Pradiksi Gunatama (PGUN), which gained over 300% in the same period.

When the House of Representatives passed the fourth amendment to the State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) Law, few expected that the most visible outcome would be the dissolution of the Ministry of SOEs. In its place, the government is creating the Badan Pengaturan BUMN (BP BUMN)—a regulatory body directly under the President’s authority.

Sudirman Andi Arsyad AKA Haji Dirman is a businessman to watch in the current political landscape because he is younger brother of Haji Isam (Jhonlin Group), one of businessmen close to President Prabowo Subianto.

Haji Andi Arsyad Syamsuddin, popular as Haji Isam, is undoubtedly among the most powerful non-Chinese businessmen in the country at the moment, thanks to his close relationship with President Prabowo Subianto and some key cabinet members.