Update on BI’s CSR corruption case
When the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) officially named two members of parliament as suspects in the alleged corruption of Bank Indonesia’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds—known as the Bank Indonesia Social Program (PSBI)—many weren’t surprised. Not because they had insider information, but because they’ve long suspected that government-run social funds are often a political playground.
The 250% tax crisis in Pati
A wave of public outrage is sweeping through Pati Regency, Central Java—not because of a national political scandal, but over a local decision that citizens believe to be arbitrary and oppressive: a 250% increase in the land and building tax (PBB-P2). This drastic policy has triggered mass protests and opened up broader questions about local governance, public accountability, and the growing disconnect between elected leaders and the people they are meant to serve.
LG-Sinarmas in data center
LG Sinarmas Technology Solutions, a joint venture between South Korea’s LG CNS and Sinarmas Group, has signed a business contract with Kuningan Mas Gemilang to build a hyperscale artificial intelligence (AI) data center with a ground level of 11-story building or around 46,281 square meters.
Ongoing pressures on conventional media industry
It is hard to convince media people that Indonesian economy improved as claimed by the government. PT Media Nusantara Citra (MNCN) Tbk, parent of RCTI and MNCT TV, was forced to cut 10.8% or 589 employees in the first six months of 2025 as sales and profitability eroded further, among others due to disruption by digital platforms.
Rethinking Indonesia’s game violence policy
The government is once again considering restrictions—or even a total ban—on games deemed to contain violent content. This time, the spotlight is on Roblox, a globally popular platform criticized by Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Abdul Mu’ti for allegedly exposing children to violent actions like body slamming or foul language. State Secretary, Prasetyo Hadi added that the government may block the platform if it is proven to pose harm to children. While well-intentioned, such a blanket approach oversimplifies a complex issue and risks stifling creativity and innovation in the country’s digital landscape.
Should we trust Rosan’s numbers (4), and, accordingly BPS?
Netizens harshly commented economic data from BPS. They mostly do not believe the data presented, some accusing the agency of fabricating the numbers to please the President. In the previous article, we have shown the combined declining sales of tire producers listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX), and that they added only 26 new staffs in the first six months of the year.
Should we trust Rosan’s numbers (3), and, accordingly BPS?
Thanks to data about unexpectedly high growth of investment from Rosan P Roeslani (minister of investment) in the second quarter, the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) issued a surprising verdict: GDP expanded by 5.12% in the quarter. More questioned these sets of data.
Palm oil profits soar, but more workers dismissed
The Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) claimed Indonesian GDP growth of 5.12% in the second quarter (year-on-year), far above most predictions (around 4.8%), pointing to expansion of government spending, higher investment, and stronger export. While most economic sectors were under pressure, agriculture, particularly palm oil, recorded strong performance.
Integrated poultry in first half: Margins squeezed, but expansive
Three integrated poultry players listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) reported substantial decline in operating profit on overall lower sales and squeezed margins. They, however, spent more for investments and hire more workers in the first half of 2025.
Behind the presidential decree for doctors in remote areas
The recent issuance of Presidential Regulation (Perpres) No. 81/2025 by President Prabowo Subianto marks a bold move in Indonesia’s healthcare landscape. The regulation provides a Rp30,012,000 monthly allowance for specialist doctors deployed to frontier, outermost, and underdeveloped regions (DTPK), targeting an initial group of around 1,100 doctors.