Bootcamp Graduates and the Reality of the Job Market
In recent years, coding bootcamps have surged in popularity across Indonesia as a fast-track solution for anyone seeking a career in tech. Hacktiv8, one of the pioneers, offers intensive programs lasting three to four months, claiming to transform even those from non-technical backgrounds into job-ready software developers. The cost isn’t cheap—reaching tens of millions of rupiah—with some programs offering an “Income Share Agreement” (ISA), allowing students to pay only after securing a job.
Digital banks: Aladin Syariah in red still
Bank Aladin Syariah (BANK), a digital sharia platform bank, booked net loss of Rp72.7 billion last year, dropped from Rp226.74 billion in 2023. The bank was still in red because of higher operational expenses.
Curious case of Sinarmas Group’s Berau Coal
If Bumi Resources (BUMI) was not bad enough, try reading financial report of PT Berau Coal Energy (BRAU), a company previously controlled by Bakrie Group but later on acquired by Widjaja Family (Sinarmas Group).
Curious case of Bakrie-Salim’s Bumi Resources
Shares of Bumi Resources (BUMI), the largest coal producer in Indonesia controlled by Bakrie Group and Salim Group, ended higher by 3.1% to Rp100 Monday (Apr 21). While the company reported 519% jump in net profit to US$67.5 million last year, it’s too small to...
Key takeaways from First Quarter External Trade
Indonesia’s export grew 6.93% to US$66.62 billion in the first quarter of 2025, thanks to higher volume of some key commodities, particularly palm oil and nickel. Higher purchase ahead of Trump’s reciprocal tariffs might have also contributed to the growth, particularly in some traditional commodities exported to the world’s largest economy.
LG Energy Solution’s withdrawal & the rise of LFP
MIND ID, local partner of LG Energy Solution’s US$7.7 billion nickel-to-EV battery project, claimed that withdrawal of the South Korean consortium is not a problem because it is now being offered to the United States as part of the deal to ease tariffs imposed by Trump. MIND ID, parent of Aneka Tambang (ANTM) and Vale Indonesia (INCO), two of nickel producers, provided no further details.
LG Energy Solution’s withdrawal from US$7.7 billion Indonesia battery project
South Korea’s battery manufacturer consortium that includes LG Energy Solution, LG Chem, LX International Corp, and other partners has decided to withdraw its US$7.7 billion investment to establish an electric vehicle (EV) battery supply chain in Indonesia. This is another major blow for Indonesian investment after last year’s decision from BASF and Eramet to abort US$2.8 billion nickel project.
Telkom: What went wrong?
Shares of Telkom Indonesia (TLKM), market leader in the telco industry, ended higher by 2.82% to Rp2,550 last Thursday (Apr 17) on broad market sentiment. The company, which is now controlled by the newly established sovereign wealth fund Danantara, reported lacklustre operational and financial performance in the past few years.
Free Meals Embezzlement
Yayasan Media Berkat Nusantara (MBN Foundation), a partner of the free nutritious meal (MBG) program, was recently reported to the police for an alleged embezzlement of funds amounting to nearly a billion rupiah. Ira Mesra Desiawati claimed that the MBN Foundation has not reimbursed a single penny for her expenses in providing food at the SPPG Kalibata kitchen since February. As a response, the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) asked the two parties not to involve the agency in this matter.
Coal: Further corrections
Newcastle thermal coal declined further by 1.3% to US$94.25 per ton, the lowest level since early May 2021, on ample supply and weaker demand in main importing countries, particularly China and India.