Badan Pengusahaan Batam (BP Batam) has reported an investment realization of Rp 17.4 trillion in the first quarter of 2026, marking a 102.85 percent increase year-on-year (YoY) and 68.92 percent growth quarter-on-quarter. The performance signals a strong start to the year and reinforces Batam’s position as one of Indonesia’s most dynamic investment centers.

To capitalize on the potential shift, the government plans to accelerate the development of land connectivity to stimulate tourism flows.

Prabowo met Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin last week, where they discussed strengthening strategic partnerships, including in the energy sector, cabinet secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya said in a statement.

The credit rating agency noted that there was a risk the government might substantially relax its fiscal and monetary policies to achieve President Prabowo Subianto's ambitious ​8 percent growth target.

Efforts to frame an interim trade pact, including a proposal to lower US tariffs on Indian goods to about 18 percent, have been clouded by uncertainty following a US Supreme Court ruling although negotiations are continuing.

The rupiah was the worst-performing currency in the region, depreciating 0.61 percent by market close, followed by the Philippine peso and the Thai baht, which weakened by 0.6 percent and 0.55 percent, respectively.

The Foreign Ministry has issued a counterstatement emphasizing Indonesia's adherence to international law in all maritime policies after the finance minister's backtracked suggestion referring to Iran's transit levy in the Strait of Hormuz.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has rattled NATO and led Berlin to pour huge amounts into rebuilding its armed forces, sparking a business bonanza for weapons makers and manufacturers of dual-use goods.

Credit growth rebounded to 9.49 percent year-on-year (yoy) last month from the 9.37 percent logged in February. The latest figure, however, is still lower than the 9.96 percent yoy growth recorded in January.   

The central bank has decided to keep the BI-Rate unchanged at 4.75 percent to prevent the rupiah from spiraling ever downward amid the nearly two-month war in Iran as the currency hit a record low of Rp 17,193 per greenback on Wednesday, while experts pointed to a narrowing room for monetary policy in its aim to secure financial stability.

Beyond conventional materials, the government is encouraging the development of bioplastics derived from natural resources such as cassava and seaweed. 

Last year, the government also began issuing renminbi-denominated debt through so-called dim sum bonds, which are similar to panda bonds but are marketed mainly in Hong Kong.

The uncertainty weighed on investor sentiment, with the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) Composite Index slipping 0.46 percent on Tuesday, even as major Asian markets advanced on optimism that the Iran conflict may be nearing an end.

State-owned energy firm Pertamina previously increased prices for three non-subsidized products, Pertamax Turbo, Dexlite and Pertamina Dex, by between 48 and 66 percent.

With Pertalite access tightening and Pertamax prices moving at the same time, households need a predictable schedule to plan around when making decisions about vehicle choices, mobility patterns and monthly budgets.

Batam is rapidly transforming into a regional digital infrastructure hub, anchored by a landmark hyperscale data center expansion that underscores the island’s growing strategic relevance in Southeast Asia’s data economy.

Iran's military declared the Strait of Hormuz closed again on Saturday, prompting ships to abandon attempts to transit the waterway and President Donald Trump to warn Tehran against trying to "blackmail" the United States.

The move is part of the administration's effort to control global energy prices that have shot higher during the US-Israeli war on Iran.

However, some prospective buyers said they may hold off on purchasing an EV if incentives are reduced.

The government has announced that Indonesia will soon begin importing crude oil from Russia as part of a broader strategy to diversify energy supplies.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa said that S&P would come to Indonesia in June to reassess the country’s economy and budget “thoroughly”.

The government projects excess domestic supply of around 1.5 million tonnes in 2026, which could be allocated for exports.

The oil and gas shortage caused by the United States-Israeli war on Iran should drive demand for renewables, but Indonesia’s inadequate grid infrastructure means a long waiting list remains for rooftop solar installation.  

The International Monetary Fund and foreign investors see Indonesia as one of the world’s “bright spots” with strong economic fundamentals and resilience, despite the country’s vulnerability to global economic turmoil, according to Bank Indonesia.  

The tourism industry is beginning to feel the impacts of the Iran war, prompting the government to shift its strategy toward boosting regional and domestic travel.

China's economic growth topped expectations in the first quarter of the year, official data showed Thursday, even as the global economy reels from the fallout of war in the Middle East.

Foreign investors are selling Thai assets as an energy shock from the US-Israeli war on Iran threatens to snuff out hopes for an economic revival under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and exposes the policy paralysis that is gripping Bangkok.