When Indonesia first announced its ambition to implement B50—biodiesel with 50 percent palm-based content—by 2026, the policy was hailed as a bold statement of the country’s energy transition. Yet recent signals from the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry (ESDM) suggest that the target may not be met on time. Instead, the government is now weighing the possibility of B45 as a transitional step.

We do expect new minister of finance Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa will do what his predecessor Sri Mulyani Indrawati seemed not determined enough: looking into discrepancies in short-term tax payables of some corporations. 

Minister of finance Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has given one week to around 200 taxpayers to settle around Rp60 trillion of payments in arrears or seeing their life ‘miserable’. He provided no detail about who those taxpayers are, and whether they include politically connected people/companies.

After nearly one decade of negotiations, Indonesia and the European Union are scheduled to sign a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in Bali Island today (Sep 23). It will take sometime to be implemented, pending ratification by EU members, the European parliament, and the House of Representatives (DPR).

Sovereign wealth fund Danantara has been operational few months, but the government and lawmakers decided to deliberate new law specific for the agency. At the same time, they also propose revision of the law on state-owned enterprises, whose ministry is now basically left without significant power and jobs. 

The government plans to splash Rp72 trillion or US$4.3 billion for the development of fishery sector, including the so-called Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih/KNMP (Red-and-White Fishermen Village) to mirror the Co-Op (Koperasi Desa Merah Putih/KDMP) project. Like other ambitious projects launched by Prabowo administration, KNMP is expected to create jobs for 568,000 people.

Indonesia today stands at a paradox. With more than 220 million internet users—the third largest online population in the world—the country should be reaping the benefits of a digitally empowered society. Yet, according to the Speedtest Global Index, Indonesia’s fixed broadband speed ranks 116th worldwide, only slightly faster than Myanmar within ASEAN. Mobile internet fares only marginally better. The reality is stark: millions of Indonesians pay comparatively high monthly fees for internet services that remain among the slowest in the region.

For nearly a decade, Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE) in BSD City has stood as the country’s premier venue for large-scale meetings, exhibitions, and concerts. Its reputation has been cemented by flagship events such as GIIAS, multinational corporate gatherings, and high-profile music performances. Yet, a new player has entered the scene with an ambition to redefine Indonesia’s event geography: NICE PIK 2.

Anggito Abimanyu, deputy minister of finance, has on Monday (Sep 22) been elected new chief commissioner of the Indonesian Depositors Insurance (LPS) for the period of 2025-2030, briefly ending speculation about his appointment as minister of State Revenues (BPN). 

By August 31, 2025, the State collected Rp1,638.7 trillion of revenues, down 7.8% from the corresponding period last year to confirm contraction in the economy. It was dragged down by 8.7% decline in revenues from corporate income tax and 11.5% fall in VAT and luxury taxes.