Indonesia Morning News For October 5

External Conditions Influence Weakening of Rupiah
The weakening of the rupiah, which once touched IDR13,500 per US dollar, is said to be influenced more by external conditions and is temporary.
— Netral News

Indonesia has opportunity to benefit from soft commodities: Jokowi
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has said that as a country that produces commodities such as coffee, chocolate, coconut and spices, Indonesia has the opportunity to benefit from the increasing demand of the soft commodities offered by lifestyle businesses.
— The Jakarta Post

Government set to launch market operation on medium quality rice
The government has prepared to launch market operation on medium quality rice following the declining supply of the commodity, especially in Cipinang Wholesale Rice Market.
— Antara News

Indonesia’s Skilled-Labor Shortage Hinders Foreign Investment: Business Sweden
Anders Wickberg, Business Sweden trade commissioner to Indonesia, said an unreliable regulatory climate, lack of skilled labor and inadequate infrastructure are some of the obstacles hampering Swedish investment in the archipelago.
— Jakarta Globe

University in Surabaya claims they’ve developed an electric car that can sell for around US$6,000
While gas-guzzling, smoke-belching vehicles still dominate Indonesia’s roads, President Joko Widodo has ordered his ministers to draft regulations to support making electric cars a bigger part of the country’s future.
— Coconuts (video)

Indonesian electricity play imperils national economic goals
By 2030 the countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations will collectively represent the world’s fourth-largest economy.
— Nikkei Asian Review

Indonesia to construct 10 int’l yachts, cruise ship ports
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has said the government plans to build 10 international yachts and cruise ship ports within the next two years in a bid to bring in 20 million foreign tourists in 2019.
— The Jakarta Post

Green field investment takes too much time: SCG
Thailand’s Siam Cement Group (SCG) has said it would rather invest through merger and acquisition (M&A) to expand its business in Indonesia than start from scratch with a green field investment because of a licensing problem.
— The Jakarta Post

Is Indonesia’s daring, chain-smoking, fisheries minister doing good by sinking illegal vessels? The Jakarta Post columnist
After her shocking policy to drown ships found illegally fishing in Indonesian waters, it is time for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti to apply more far-reaching policies, such as empowering fishermen and boosting fish husbandry.
— The Strait Times

Indonesia, Tunisia Agree to Boost Cooperation in Economy, Counterterrorism
Indonesia and Tunisia agreed to increase bilateral cooperation across several areas, including in economy, counterterrorism and capacity-building when Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi met her Tunisian counterpart, Khemaies Jhinaoui, on Tuesday (02/10) in Tunis.
— Jakarta Globe

Report disputes Indonesian claims of improved rights in Papua
No progress has been made in improving the human rights situation in West Papua despite claims to the contrary by Jakarta, according to a recent report released by a coalition of faith and human rights groups.
— UCA News

Indonesia: Alpha JWC-backed Kredivo confirms Series A funding from Jungle Ventures, NSI
Indonesia-based online credit provider Kredivo announced today that it had raised a Series A round co-led by Jungle Ventures and NSI Ventures earlier this year.
— DealStreetAsia

Retail Market in Indonesia – Forecast to Grow at a CAGR of 14.9% During 2017-2021 – Research and Markets
The “Retail Market in Indonesia 2017-2021” report has been added to Research and Markets’offering.
— Global Indonesian Voices

PT Bank Woori Saudara Indonesia 1906 Tbk (SDRA.JK) Shares Dip Below Balance Step
Shares of PT Bank Woori Saudara Indonesia 1906 Tbk (SDRA.JK) are heading in a near-term negative direction as the most recent close of the company has stayed below the Balance Step.
— Buckeye Business Review

Abandoned by tourists, Bali town counts cost of Indonesia volcano
A Balinese town once bustling with holidaymakers has almost emptied of tourists after warnings that nearby Mount Agung could erupt at any time – a snapshot of the growing cost the rumbling volcano poses to Indonesia’s economy.
— Reuters

Indonesia, Jordan seek to enhance bilateral cooperation
Indonesia is seeking to enhance its bilateral cooperation with Jordan in several sectors such as in trade, strategic industry and counter terrorism.
— Antara News

Government will begin testing giving free entry to Ancol seaside recreation area on Oct 14
Ancol, the gated area of North Jakarta that contains beaches, amusement parks and other seaside attractions, is one of the few outdoor recreation areas in the capital.
— Coconuts

Timor Leste to revise air agreement: Indonesian Ambassador
Indonesian ambassador to Timor Leste, Sahat Sitorus, said here on Wednesday (Oct. 4) that the government of Timor Leste would soon revise its air agreement to support international flights in the country.
— Antara News

Giant python attacks Indonesian man before being eaten by villagers
A giant python attacked an Indonesian man, nearly severing his arm, before hungry villagers chopped up the reptile and ate it, a police chief said on Wednesday (Oct 4).
— Channel NewsAsia

Feature photo Frank Yuwono
Find our previous morning news feature photos in the AEC News Today Morning News Feature Photos gallery where you will find a pictorial display of daily life throughout the Asean Economic Community (AEC).

Indonesia morning news by AEC News Today is your one stop source for Indonesia news on matters of governance and policies affecting Asean business communities and is published M-F by AEC News Today: Governance, not government; policies not politics.