Bank Indonesia also revealed that retailers project stronger demand during the upcoming fasting month, as reflected in the rising sales expectations subindex for the three-month outlook.

The latest data from Statistics Indonesia (BPS) shows that Indonesia continued to export more than it imported in January, but the trade surplus is narrowing.

Some analysts are warning of another contraction in the current quarter as weak demand in China, sluggish consumption and production halts at a unit of Toyota Motor Corp all point to a challenging path to an economic recovery.

The 72-year-old defence minister declared a "victory for all Indonesians" before jubilant supporters late on Wednesday after so-called quick ballot counts by independent pollsters - accurate in past elections - showed he had won nearly 60 percent of the votes. 

Foreign and local businesses have expressed confidence that the results of the presidential election held on Wednesday will support a smooth political transition and continuity for investment projects.

The Finance Ministry’s draft annual financial plan projects significant acceleration in GDP growth next year to surpass the 5 percent that has generally prevailed over the last decade, excepting the COVID-19 and post-pandemic era.

The Indonesian currency has strengthened in February and hit a monthly high on the eve of the presidential election.

Bank Indonesia said it reflects improved public expectations in the country’s economy.

Indonesia still faces obstacles in exporting fishery products to the European Union, including quality assurance requirements and high taxes, a fishery official said.

The country's miniscule battery production this year contrasts with its significant export of nickel, a key component in some types of EV batteries.

The reading will likely add to calls for officials to do more to breathe life into the economy.

Bank Indonesia (BI) expects the Indonesian economy to grow between 4.7 and 5.5 percent in 2024, based on quarterly and annual growth figures from 2023, BI spokesman Erwin Haryono said on Monday.

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo said on Tuesday that he planned to add Rp 14 trillion (US$890 million) to the Rp 26.68 trillion fertilizer subsidy budget for this year.

Indonesia racked up Rp 1.4 trillion (US$88.9 million) in FDI in the fisheries sector last year with China contributing Rp 370.74 billion, over 26 percent of the total, followed by Malaysia with Rp 240.47 billion and Switzerland with Rp 152.89 billion.

Indonesia’s economy expanded at a much slower rate last year, with weaker household spending and exports weighing on the country’s economic output.

The Covid-19 pandemic, Russia's war in Ukraine and more recently the Middle East conflict have made it tougher for experts to see clearly into their economic crystal balls.

Lower purchases by the world's biggest importer of vegetable oils could keep palm oil inventories elevated in top producers Indonesia and Malaysia and weigh on benchmark futures.

Indonesian economy expanded 5.05 percent, slightly above government projections but down from 5.3 percent in 2022, Statistics Indonesia said. 

The US national debt currently stands at more than $34 trillion, according to the US Treasury.

The 2023 tourism figure was nearly double the 5.9 million visits recorded in the year before, marking a continued recovery after a pandemic-induced nadir of 1.7 million visits in 2021.

The mall occupancy rate for 2024 is projected to hover at 80 percent, like last year, with some fearing it could drop below this.

Statistics Indonesia (BPS) announced on Thursday that the year-on-year consumer price index (CPI) growth in January had been recorded at 2.57 percent, well below the 5.28 percent yoy figure logged in January 2023.

Indonesian rubber producers fear that the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation will pile more pressure on an already ailing industry by hindering exports to EU countries and beyond.

The finance minister has pointed out that the 2024 state budget contains an allocation for social assistance in a bid to quell speculation that the program was being politicized to favor certain candidates in next month’s presidential election.

Indonesia's economy still battles rising prices of staple foods, which are expected to affect people amid the projected economic slowdown this year. 

China's factory activity contracted in January for the fourth consecutive month, official data showed Wednesday, as Beijing struggles to find ways to jumpstart its sluggish economy.

Creativity has to be nurtured, whether it is in the form of painting, photography or utilizing other mediums. At the core of it is the act of storytelling; looking at the simplest thing and creating a beautiful world around it, or unleashing something that is not usually visible to the naked eye.

The increased distribution of subsidized fertilizer has done little to improve agricultural production in the country, industry players and experts say, noting that other aspects must be enhanced for Indonesia to achieve agricultural self-sufficiency.

The creator economy may be booming and Indonesia's vast market is a huge draw, but aspiring content creators should take some tips before jumping in headfirst.

Fifteen US companies, including semiconductor firms, have expressed interest in investing $8 billion in Vietnam in clean energy infrastructure, contingent on the country's progress on renewable energy rules, a senior US official said on Friday.