Economy and Business

Indonesia has successfully concluded a pivotal business forum with China, securing an impressive US$2 billion (equivalent to approximately Rp 35.87 trillion, based on an exchange rate of Rp 17,936 per US dollar) in new business agreements. This significant achievement, announced following a high-level forum held at the office of the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs on Thursday, July 23, 2026, …

Many vehicle owners operate under the common assumption that utilizing gasoline with a higher Research Octane Number (RON) automatically translates to improved fuel efficiency and lower consumption. While this belief holds a kernel of truth, it is not universally applicable to all types of vehicles or engine designs. The reality is far more intricate, with the ultimate efficiency of fuel …

Coordinating Minister for Food, Zulkifli Hasan, has set an ambitious target for the Village/Sub-district Merah Putih Cooperatives (Kopdes Merah Putih, or KDMP) to commence the centralized distribution of government social assistance (bansos) by September 2026. This significant announcement follows a limited cabinet meeting convened by President Prabowo Subianto at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Thursday, July 23. The initiative …

Jakarta, VIVA – Minister of Finance Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa announced on Thursday, July 23, 2026, that his ministry is slated to hold a crucial meeting with the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) to deliberate on the critical matter of budget efficiency for the ambitious Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program. This meeting comes in response to BGN’s reported plan to streamline the …

Jakarta – PT Pos Indonesia, one of Indonesia’s venerable state-owned enterprises (SOEs), is embarking on a comprehensive overhaul, a critical initiative being closely monitored by the State-Owned Enterprise Management Agency (BP BUMN) in collaboration with Danantara. This intensive restructuring follows a significant report from PT Pos Indonesia’s new management, detailing an audit that necessitated a staggering Rp9 trillion accounting adjustment …

Jakarta’s bustling streets, like many across Indonesia, frequently see vehicle owners grappling with the ever-present challenge of rising fuel costs. In an effort to mitigate operational expenses without, they hope, compromising performance, a common practice has emerged: blending two different types of gasoline, Pertamax and Pertalite, in their vehicle tanks. While seemingly a pragmatic solution to achieve a desired octane …

The Indonesian Ministry of Finance (Kemenkeu) has identified a significant number of regional administrations across the archipelago facing substantial financial difficulties, prompting the central government to formulate comprehensive plans for targeted fiscal intervention. Speaking at a press conference on "APBN Kita" (Our State Budget) at the Ministry of Finance headquarters in Central Jakarta on Tuesday, July 21, 2025, Minister of …

Starting a business often conjures images of significant capital investment, elaborate business plans, and daunting financial risks. However, a growing number of successful entrepreneurs are proving that substantial initial funding is not always a prerequisite for success. With meticulous planning, strategic market research, and the selection of appropriate business models, a modest capital outlay of approximately IDR 5 million (equivalent …

Jakarta, July 22, 2026 – Sudaryono, the recently appointed Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), has publicly expressed his support for the potential establishment of a Supervisory Board within the institution, a development that has emerged following the resignation of his predecessor, Nanik S. Deyang. Speaking at a press conference held at the BGN office in Central Jakarta, Sudaryono …

The Allure of Year-End Spending: A Deep Dive into Consumer Behavior One of the most frequently observed financial pitfalls at year-end is the dramatic and often unwarranted surge in spending. Unlike the more predictable and relatively stable expenditure patterns seen in regular months, the closing months of the year, particularly from November to December, witness a proliferation of additional financial …