Indonesia Morning News For February 16

Indonesia cbank holds rates, sees economy improving but eyes volatile markets
Indonesia’s central bank kept its policy rate unchanged on Thursday as expected, as it looks to maintain stability in the struggling rupiah currency following an unexpected spike in global volatility.
— Reuters

Imported rice starts arriving at various ports
Imported rice has started arriving in a number of ports across Indonesia as the commodity price remains above the ceiling set by the government.
— The Jakarta Post

Indonesian mangoes, dragon fruit to enter Australian market
Indonesia will soon export mangoes and dragon fruit to Australia, a decision made during the 21st meeting of the Working Group on Agriculture, Food and Forestry Cooperation (WGAFFC) between Australia and Indonesia, held in Melbourne from Feb. 14 to 15.
— The Jakarta Post

Indonesia imported a record volume of Russian wheat
According to preliminary information of market participants, Russia exported roughly 4.2 MMT of wheat in December 2017, or 74% more than in December 2016.
— Hellenic Shipping News

Top Indonesian bank eyes $50bn assets stashed in Singapore
A commodities rebound, record profits and cozy ties with the government is not stopping Kartika Wirjoatmodjo, the chief of Indonesia’s largest bank by assets, from hunting for new customers.
— Nikkei Asian Review

Analyst: Increase in credits indicates acceleration in economic growth
Research Analyst if FXTM Lukman Otunuga said increase in bank credits is an indicator of acceleration in the country`s economic growth.
— Antara

Jokowi cements ties with Indonesia military in political shift
Standing before thousands of soldiers, Air Chief Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto delivered a blunt message intended to resonate far beyond the army’s strategic command headquarters in East Java.
— Today Online

Emtek’s KMK to acquire majority stake in digital media firm KLN
Kreatif Media Karya (KMK), a subsidiary of media conglomerate Emtek, announced that it will acquire a majority stake in local digital media firm KapanLagi Network (KLN) as part of a strategic partnership.
— DealStreetAsia

Indonesia ICT Investment Market Examined in New Industry Research Report
The report illustrates the core technologies that enterprises are investing in, including business intelligence, IoT, cloud computing, and network services.
— Industry Today

Johor Port seals deal with PT Pelabuhan Indonesia
Johor Port Bhd, a member of MMC Group, has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with PT Pelabuhan Indonesia I (PELINDO I) to establish Roll on Roll Off (RORO) activities and shipping connectivity.
— New Straits Times

Financial authority allows AJB Bumiputra to operate
The Financial Services Authority (OJK) has allowed insurance company PT Asuransi Jiwa Bersama Bumiputra (AJB Bumiputra) to resume operations after the OJK canceled its restructuration plan to save the company.
— The Jakarta Post

These Entrepreneurs Turn Garbage to Profit
The high level of public consumption has left a new problem, namely garbage. Garbage continues to be generated from households, offices, restaurants and industries.
— Netral News

Indonesia`s trade balance records deficit of US$676 million
Indonesia`s trade balance recorded a deficit of US$676.9 million in January 2018, the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) said.
— Antara

BI maintains key rate at 4.25 percent
Bank Indonesia (BI) has decided to maintain its benchmark rate on the back of the macroeconomic and financial system stability as well as to support the domestic economic recovery.
— The Jakarta Post

Campaigning kicks off in Indonesia’s crucial local elections
Campaigning kicked off in Indonesia on Thursday for local elections that will have a significant bearing on President Joko Widodo’s bid to retain the presidency next year.
— Nikkei Asian Review

Nigeria-Indonesian trade investment hits $3bn
Nigeria-Indonesian trade investment has hit $3 billion, out of which $400 million worth of non-oil exports was transacted by the end of December, 2017.
— Daily Trust

The EU – Indonesia CEPA negotiations
What drives the negotiations for an Indonesia-Europe Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in relation to investment? What would be the merits of the alternative investment protection frameworks as proposed by Indonesia? Will it be more effective in promoting a more equitable and sustainable development?
— TNI

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