Indonesia is scaling back a controversial proposal to centralize the export of its strategic commodities, after buyers and exporters raised concerns, The Straits Times has learned.

A submarine cable connection linking Batam and Singapore is also expected to be completed by year-end.

Fresh worries about the Middle East ceasefire and the prospect of a US interest rate hike hit stocks and oil prices Thursday, following a rollercoaster week for markets that has sent shivers through trading floors.

The investment arm of Danantara has launched a US dollar bond in five- and 10-year tranches and is targeting about US$500 million for each tranche, three sources with knowledge of the matter said on Thursday.

Avoiding use of the US dollar, Indonesian companies recently signed countertrade deals with Philippine business partners worth $350 million. Jakarta encourages cross-border barter as a way to tackle exchange rate risks, but the measure will do little to help the ailing rupiah, experts note.

The merger was exercised amid the increased needs for brands on a more integrated marketing solution. 

'Oversold' markets expect concrete improvement in policies, not rhetoric. 

Prices for subsidized Pertalite and Biosolar, however, remain unchanged.

The company reported that, within two months of opening its first international branch in the Timor-Leste capital of Dili on March 30, it had processed more than 600 transactions, generating total financing disbursements of US$ 329,882.

Industry players welcomed the government's decision, viewing it as a positive step toward ensuring stability and investment certainty in the sector.

Amid rumors that he might be restored to his former post as finance minister, Chatib has pointed to investor confidence in the government's fiscal management as the key issue at present.

One year into a government internship program placing fresh graduates in subsidized roles across the country, many of its participants are struggling to secure permanent jobs, citing intense competition in a tightening market.

Bank Indonesia (BI) has increased the benchmark interest rate outside the routine schedule to shore up the rupiah after a hefty hike at the last Board of Governors' meeting and other measures failed to arrest the currency’s depreciation.

The world's leading banks ramped up investment in fossil fuels last year to the overall tune of US$900 billion, up 8 percent on 2024, a group of NGOs said Tuesday in a joint report.

17-year old Russell James Young finds purpose through his initiative Beatkeepers Collective in an effort to decrease death rates in emergency situations related to cardiovascular-related events, fostering a new generation of first aid responders.

Indonesia’s plywood industry, which accounts for a significant share of exports, has further growth potential but also faces numerous challenges. Enhancing the competitiveness of domestic producers requires integrated strategic measures.

In February, the Jakarta Customs and Excise Directorate General shut down three Tiffany & Co outlets across Jakarta shopping malls, including Plaza Senayan, Plaza Indonesia and Pacific Place, over allegations of illegal imports.   

Bank Indonesia (BI) has increased the benchmark interest rate outside the monthly schedule to shore up the rupiah after the currency has seen months of depreciation amid a strong United States dollar.

Government estimates the final tariff burden on Indonesian goods exported to the US could reach about 18 percent, including a 10 percent tariff tied to forced-labor concerns.

A battering from the global energy shock and a number of unorthodox decisions - from centralizing commodity exports under a sprawling sovereign fund that reports directly to Prabowo, to new jobs and growth mandates for the central bank - have rocked investor confidence.

The government says changes to the final income tax regime are aimed at preventing abuse by larger firms, but business advocates warn the new rules could create fresh challenges for genuine small enterprises.

The government said export activities would continue as usual until the end of the year, before being fully transferred to the state-owned DSI.

The government plans to launch a new exchange for minerals and strategic commodities next year. The initiative will allow Indonesia to establish benchmark prices and is hoped will strengthen the country’s position as a key global mineral producer, as well as enhance transparency in commodity trading.        

Seoul's Kospi stock index dived more than 8 percent to lead a rout across Asia on Monday as tech firms were hammered and strong US jobs data fueled bets on a Federal Reserve interest rate hike.

The limited supply of subsidized gas priced at US$7 per MMBTU has forced many manufacturers to source additional gas at prices ranging from $11.5 to $15 per MMBTU.

China and Hong Kong stocks slid to their lowest levels in two months on Monday, tracking a global tech selloff, but pared losses by midday with some investors using the correction as a buying opportunity.

The dollar was perched near a two-month high on Monday after a blowout US jobs report sent traders ramping up bets on a Federal Reserve rate hike this year, while the yen teetered further into the intervention zone.