A surprise first half from PAM Mineral
Shares of nickel miner PAM Mineral (NICL) ended higher by 2.7% to Rp1,135 on Monday (Jul 21), making it the best performing stocks in the past few weeks, among others due to strong financial performance in the first half of 2025 amidst downfall of nickel prices.
Anaplan’s strategy and the tug-of-war over digital sovereignty
The entry of Anaplan, a U.S.-based cloud planning company, into Indonesia through its planned data center investment is more than just a sign of growing foreign investor confidence in the country’s digital market. Beneath the surface lies a deeper policy dynamic—especially around fiscal incentives and the risk of growing dependence on foreign technology.
Serakahnomics in ICT Sector
President Prabowo Subianto popularized the term serakahnomics—a stinging critique of greedy business actors who exploit public resources to amass private wealth. Ironically, as this anti-vampire rhetoric gains momentum, two initiatives aimed at rural empowerment are drawing scrutiny: the Red-and-White Cooperative, a government-backed program, and the People’s Internet, a private venture owned by PT Solusi Sinergi Digital Tbk. (WIFI/Surge). While only one is state-sponsored, both operate using public infrastructure. But who truly benefits?
Prabowo-Riza Chalid-Anwar Ibrahim
Singapore authorities confirmed that Moh Riza Chalid, oil tycoon and co-owner of AirAsia Indonesia, is not in the city state. The businessman, known for his strong political connection, is now said in Malaysia.
Reality check on Prabowo’s claims
President Prabowo Subianto made a lot of claims in his speech at Congress of small party PSI recently. Pretty much defying general beliefs about economic slowdown, Prabowo insists that unemployment and absolute poverty level have declined and that full year 2025 target for investment has been achieved four months ahead of schedule.
Danantara indirectly boosts Bakrie’s ENRG
Shares of Energi Mega Persada (ENRG), an oil and gas firm controlled by Bakrie Family, ended significantly higher by 6.19% late last week (July 18). In contrast, Medco Energi (MEDC), an oil and gas company co-owned by Panigoro and Salim families, slightly down by 1.89%. At the last quoted price, (Rp480), Bakrie’s ENRG was worth Rp12.5 trillion.
Rice fraud: Pressure on Wilmar & Japfa
Looks like that minister of agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman managed to convince President Prabowo Subianto about the allegation of fraud in rice business. Prabowo used the last minutes of his speech at the Congress of Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) to address the fraud.
Airline industry update
Some start to question the future of AirAsia Indonesia (CMMP) after the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) named Riza Chalid, partner shareholder, a suspect in an oil and gas trading corruption investigation.
Digital Talent Gap
Indonesia’s software industry is undergoing rapid growth. From ERP implementations in MSMEs, a surge in cloud adoption across the public sector, to AI-powered business process automation—software has become the backbone of the nation’s digital transformation. Yet, behind this promising trajectory—projected to reach US$72.5 billion by 2030—Indonesia faces a sobering reality: a shortage of skilled digital talent.
Hajj Management Reform
The announcement by Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar that this year will be the last year the Ministry manages the Hajj marks a crucial turning point in Indonesia’s long-standing Hajj administration system. Beginning in 2026, operational responsibilities will be fully transferred to the newly established Hajj Management Authority (BPH). Is this truly institutional reform, or merely a repositioning of power?