CATL, the world’s largest EV battery manufacturer, has filled a preliminary prospectus with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX). The listing in Hong Kong is interesting because CATL is among global players expected by Indonesian government to grow the EC ecosystem.

After facing various lawsuits for Suspension of Debt Payment (PKPU), with the threat of being delisted from the stock exchange since 2020, on October 2024, textile giant PT Sri Rejeki Isman Tbk (SRIL or Sritex) and its subsidiaries has been declared bankrupt, at last. The past four years have been apparently unbearable that even Sritex cannot escape from their responsibilities.  But what happened next was really interesting. The company’s failure to manage its finances was somehow used as an excuse to blame the Government, which was then forced to “save” the company, but for those who followed the problem from the beginning, this demand should be the responsibility of the company’s management. Therefore, the latest news from the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) was predictable, there is an allegation of corruption among the problems. 

Indonesian economy grew 4.87% in the first quarter of 2025 (year-on-year), lower than the previous quarter and the corresponding period last year. It’s a cross the board slowdown. Almost all economic sectors and regions experienced weaker growth. 

In Indonesia’s edutech landscape, two standout names represent contrasting approaches to solving the country’s education challenges: Ruangguru and Kipin (Kios Pintar Indonesia). Ruangguru has become the largest digital learning platform in the country, offering thousands of videos, quizzes, and live classes designed for urban students with stable internet access. In contrast, Kipin promotes an “offline-first” solution, providing devices such as Kipin Classroom and the Kipin PTO app, enabling students to access educational content without an internet connection—a technical solution specifically designed for underdeveloped and remote regions.

The Indonesian government has issued an immediate recall of nine processed food products containing porcine (pork) following the press release from the Halal Product Guarantee Organizing Body (BPJPH) on April 21, 2025. Seven out of nine have legally obtained halal certificates, while the other two haven’t despite having no porcine-derived ingredients listed on the labels. BPJPH, in coordination with the Food and Drug Authority (BPOM), will therefore tighten supervision of products sold in the market.

The Ministry of Defense is planning to build a factory to produce medicines domestically by utilizing the revitalized pharmaceutical laboratory owned by the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI). The news was conveyed by Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin in a meeting with Commission I of the House of Representatives (DPR) on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. This is a step taken in hopes of overcoming the high prices of domestic pharmaceutical products, as well as supporting the formation of “Koperasi Desa Merah Putih”, which will be launched in a couple of months.

Fitness-tech startups like DOOgether are treading a difficult path in an increasingly selective market that demands clear business direction. Although it recently joined the Zenith Accelerator 2025 program by Mandiri Capital Indonesia (MCI)—a signal that the company is still seen as promising—the fitness sector is far from easy. While demand may appear strong, operational and financial sustainability remain major hurdles for most players in this space.