Barito Renewables: The undeserved king
Barito Renewables (BREN) undeservedly led Indonesian Stock Exchange (IDX) for quite sometime before losing significantly last week. Still, at the last quoted price the geothermal power producer remains among the most expensive stocks in the market.
Redistribution of wealth
Minister of state secretary Prasetyo Hadi said on Tuesday (Mar 17) that free ‘nutritious’ meal (MBG) and the Red-and-White Village Cooperative (KDMP) programs will not be adjusted if the government should take measures preventing budget deficit for crossing the lawful cap (3% GDP). Pretty much in contrast to suggestions from economists.
The politics of village economies
Government’s plan to recruit 30,000 university graduates to manage village cooperatives under the Koperasi Merah Putih program may appear to be a bold attempt to address rural economic stagnation and graduate unemployment. However, the decision to place the Ministry of Defense at the center of this initiative raises deeper questions about the evolving role of the state in economic and social landscape.
Power, permits and the politics of floods
In political system, defiance rarely comes from within. Yet in Bogor, a regent from the ruling party has done just that—openly challenging the Environment Minister over flood management and environmental enforcement in the Puncak highlands.
Quiet (mass) layoffs (13)
Personal care manufacturer PT Mandom Indonesia Tbk (TCID) is among major companies quietly dismissed over 10% of its workforce last year amidst stiff competition that squeezed margins.
Quiet (mass) layoffs (12)
Two more consumer financing companies opted to cut workforce significantly last year amidst squeezed margins, while one oil and gas supporting services company slashed 12.5% its workforce despite improvement in the bottom lines.
‘Tax fines’ on some conglomerates
Some rich families have reportedly agreed to pay ‘tax fines’ to the State, which can be installed several years to come, related to ‘underpayment’, ‘transfer pricing’, ‘tax avoidance’ schemes in the past.
Salim vs Satgas PKH
The powerful Satgas PKH (forest area enforcement task force) has on Friday (Mar 13) seized 1,601 hectares of land to be developed by PT Mutiara Intan Permai, subsidiary of Agung Sedayu Group, into a tropical coastland township.
CKG Program Expansion
Screening results from the Free Health Check (CKG) program for the 2025-2026 period indicate that around 10 percent of 7 million children in Indonesia are experiencing mental health problems, highlighting a growing concern about youth well-being. In response, the Ministry of Health plans to expand screening coverage to reach 25 million children while accelerating efforts to address the country’s limited number of clinical psychologists.
Purbaya vs economist
Economic debate has taken an unusual turn. Instead of technical discussions in academic forums or policy seminars, the latest clash unfolded in the cabinet room—and on TikTok.