Spotify, Royalties, and Digital Transparency in Music Industry
As Indonesia’s creative economy grows increasingly dependent on digital platforms, Spotify has emerged as a critical gateway for local musicians. It has enabled composers and performers to reach global audiences without needing backing from major labels. For independent artists, Spotify offers both visibility and a revenue stream.
Grab-Goto merger & the ‘nationalism’ narrative
National and international media outlets quoted unidentified sources pointing to possible entry of the newly established sovereign wealth fund Danantara into GOTO Gojek Tokopedia (GOTO) ‘in the name of preventing domination of foreign interests’ related to possible acquisition of GOTO by competitor Grab.
Fraud at Woori Bank
The Financial Services Authority (OJK) has confirmed reports about US$78.5 million fraud committed by one debtor at Bank Woori Bersaudara (SDRA), Kontan business paper reported late last week. Details were not provided, but until now the bank, controlled by South Korean giant, yet to issue any public disclosure.
Nickel-EV Journal
Nickel inched up to US$15,400 per ton on Wednesday (Jun 4) in the London Metal Exchange (LME). The commodity down 17% year-on-year due to persistent oversupply issue from Indonesia despite reports about production cut.
Illusion of continuation
Loyalists and supporters of Jokowi, including major business groups financing campaigns, opted to support Prabowo-Gibran in the 2024 presidential election on the back of a promise ‘to continue what the country’s seventh president had done well’. Now they found the word ‘continuation’ is an illusion.
Steam: The Global Game Showcase That Dictates the Market and Developer Creativity
In the world of digital gaming, Steam is more than just a store—it is a main stage, a global showcase, and a gateway that determines the fate of millions of games. Owned by Valve, this platform is not only the top choice for global gamers but also serves as a success barometer for developers, including those from Indonesia.
ITSEC Asia and the Urgency of a National Cybersecurity Roadmap
In the midst of Indonesia’s digital surge, companies like PT ITSEC Asia Tbk (IDX: CYBR) exemplify a growing urgency: the need for a strong, structured, and sustainable cybersecurity ecosystem. ITSEC Asia is not the answer in itself—but its presence is proof that private sector players are capable of responding to strategic vulnerabilities that the government has yet to fully address.
A more active M&A market
Merger and acquisition have increased significantly in the past few weeks despite global economic uncertainties. Rentokil Initial Indonesia, for example, completed the acquisition of Pest Terminator, a leading pest control company in the country, on May 1st.
A Wake-Up Call for Reforming Indonesia’s Non-Quota Pilgrimage System
The cancellation of thousands of Indonesian pilgrims registered under the Furoda Hajj scheme in 2025 has dealt a heavy blow to many. What was supposed to be an alternative for those hoping to bypass Indonesia’s long hajj queue has turned into an administrative mess, financial disaster, and a collective emotional toll.
Lack of competitiveness of tourism industry
Kompas, the largest newspaper in the country, published a headline about downfall of occupancy rates of hotels across the nations, which forced operators to lay off workers. In the cultural city Yogyakarta, according to the paper, around 5,000 hotel staffs have been sent home, while in Jakarta, majority of hotels have laid out similar plans.