Today’s Highlights

Economy/Business

📰 Economists Question Effectiveness of Indonesia’s Tax Holiday Policy - Jakarta Globe

Source: news.google.com/…/CBMioAFBVV95cUxOeTR3Nk1COWV4UkpaT…

Source Region: Other

Economists are raising concerns about the effectiveness of Indonesia’s tax holiday policy.

Why it matters: The debate centers on whether the policy is achieving its goals of attracting investment and stimulating economic growth.

Confidence: low

📰 Indonesias Danantara in talks on US access to critical minerals - ANTARA News

Source: news.google.com/…/CBMiowFBVV95cUxNc3VVb3ZfWVZUTjdUc…

Source Region: Other

Danantara of Indonesia is reportedly in discussions regarding US access to critical minerals.

Why it matters: This could have implications for the supply chain of critical minerals and the economic relationship between Indonesia and the United States.

Confidence: low

📰 Indonesia maintains secure food supply amid holiday demand surge - ANTARA News

Source: news.google.com/…/CBMipAFBVV95cUxNWV9QVVRzUjFROWY1e…

Source Region: Other

Indonesia has ensured a secure food supply despite increased demand during the holiday season.

Why it matters: Maintaining a stable food supply is crucial for managing inflation and ensuring economic stability during peak demand periods.

Confidence: low

📰 Indonesia-Eurasia Resmi Teken Perjanjian Dagang Bebas - CNN Indonesia

Source: news.google.com/…/CBMitwFBVV95cUxNUnpoZlBmTEFzdTdNc…

Source Region: Other

Indonesia and Eurasia have officially signed a free trade agreement.

Why it matters: This agreement is expected to boost trade and investment between Indonesia and the Eurasian Economic Union, potentially opening new markets for Indonesian businesses.

Confidence: low

📰 Perkuat Diplomasi Ekonomi, Indonesia Raih Pengecualian Tarif AS dan Buka Akses Pasar Eurasia - - Kementerian Koordinator Bidang Perekonomian Republik Indonesia

Source: news.google.com/…/CBMi0gFBVV95cUxOMHgtTVBfckZ6V0ViV…

Source Region: Other

Indonesia has secured tariff exemptions from the US and opened market access to Eurasia, strengthening its economic diplomacy.

Why it matters: These developments are poised to enhance Indonesia’s trade relations and create new economic opportunities.

Confidence: low

📰 Tawarkan Diskon hingga 75 Persen, BINA Indonesia Great Sale Targetkan Nilai Transaksi Rp30 T - Kompas.tv

Source: news.google.com/…/CBMixwFBVV95cUxPSWp0QzhZOGpYRmNaM…

Source Region: Other

BINA Indonesia Great Sale offers discounts up to 75 percent. The event targets a transaction value of IDR 30 trillion.

Why it matters: This event can boost consumption and economic activity.

Confidence: low

📰 マニュファクチャリング・インドネシア2025開催、来場者は前年比1割増(インドネシア、日本) | ビジネス短信 - jetro.go.jp

Source: news.google.com/…/CBMibkFVX3lxTE5CMEdrT2xva0wxWWV0U…

Source Region: Other

The Manufacturing Indonesia 2025 event was held with a 10% increase in visitors compared to the previous year. The event involves Indonesia and Japan.

Why it matters: This indicates growing interest and potential for collaboration in the manufacturing sector.

Confidence: low

📰 ビジネス機会創出を ベトナム・インドネシアに愛媛県が経済交流ミッション団派遣 - 日テレNEWS NNN

Source: news.google.com/…/CBMihwFBVV95cUxNajVUQnhRQVFKZUxNV…

Source Region: Other

Ehime Prefecture is sending an economic exchange mission to Vietnam and Indonesia. The aim is to create business opportunities.

Why it matters: This initiative can foster trade and investment between Ehime and these Southeast Asian countries.

Confidence: low

📰 トヨタの世界販売11カ月ぶり前年割れ、中国やインドネシア減速－11月 - Bloomberg.com

Source: news.google.com/…/CBMid0FVX3lxTE9XOEpuc0IzTkliLVR3N…

Source Region: Other

Toyota’s global sales fell year-on-year for the first time in 11 months in November. This is due to a slowdown in China and Indonesia.

Why it matters: This indicates potential challenges for the automotive industry in these key markets.

Confidence: low

🇮🇩 Menko Airlangga: UMP 2026 sudah Pertimbangkan Kondisi Ekonomi |Republika Online

Source: news.republika.co.id/…/menko-airlangga-ump-2026-sud…

Source Region: Indonesia

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto stated that the 2026 provincial minimum wage (UMP) formula considers economic indicators such as inflation and economic growth. The government has increased the alpha index in the UMP calculation formula to between 0.5 and 0.9. The minimum wage is intended to provide workers with income that meets daily needs and anticipates price increases. In certain economic zones, the sectoral minimum wage may be higher than the UMP.

Why it matters: The UMP is a critical factor in labor costs and worker welfare, influencing business competitiveness and consumer spending. The government hopes that businesses will promote productivity-based wages, especially in special economic zones and industrial areas.

Confidence: high

Politics/Society

📰 10 Most Polluted Regions in Indonesia This Morning (26/12) | Pusat Data Ekonomi dan Bisnis Indonesia | Databoks - Databoks

Source: news.google.com/…/CBMi0AFBVV95cUxNMHBaRnE1VlpPaUJoY…

Source Region: Other

A report lists the 10 most polluted regions in Indonesia as of this morning.

Why it matters: High pollution levels can impact public health and economic productivity in affected areas.

Confidence: low

📰 Bencana Sumatera dan Dilema Diplomasi Indonesia - Kompas.com

Source: news.google.com/…/CBMirgFBVV95cUxOZ1UxOXdXdWR1bTl2T…

Source Region: Other

The article discusses the disasters in Sumatra and the dilemmas of Indonesian diplomacy.

Why it matters: This may relate to how Indonesia handles disaster relief and international relations in the face of natural disasters.

Confidence: low

📰 Banten Most Polluted in Indonesia Tonight (26/12) | Pusat Data Ekonomi dan Bisnis Indonesia | Databoks - Databoks

Source: news.google.com/…/CBMixAFBVV95cUxPeC0tcmJFQl9FVUROM…

Source Region: Other

Banten is reported as the most polluted region in Indonesia tonight.

Why it matters: High pollution levels can have adverse effects on public health and the environment, potentially impacting local economies.

Confidence: low

📰 スハルト独裁政権への支持拒み、国籍喪失 ６０年代以降、欧州に散るインドネシア人 - 静岡新聞DIGITAL

Source: news.google.com/…/CBMiTkFVX3lxTE9ITVNTSExwNjF6X2tQW…

Source Region: Other

The article discusses Indonesians who lost their citizenship after refusing to support the Suharto dictatorship. They have been scattered across Europe since the 1960s.

Why it matters: This sheds light on the human cost of political repression.

Confidence: low

🇮🇩 Butuh Kerja Sama untuk Bangun Kehidupan Ekonomi di Tapanuli Tengah Pasca Bencana Banjir |Republika Online

Source: republika.co.id/…/butuh-kerja-sama-untuk-bangun-keh…

Source Region: Indonesia

The article reports on the need for cooperation to rebuild the social and economic life of the community in Central Tapanuli after the flood disaster. Danantara Indonesia - BP BUMN and BUMN Volunteers provided assistance to the affected areas. Bank Mandiri delivered 6,000 packages of groceries and children’s toys to thousands of families.

Why it matters: The support from various elements of the nation is important to accelerate the recovery process and rebuild the social and economic life of the community in Central Tapanuli.

Confidence: medium

🇮🇩 Pengibaran Bendera GAM, Pengamat Duga Ada Oknum Tunggangi Bencana, Beberkan Sejumlah Bukti |Republika Online

Source: news.republika.co.id/…/pengibaran-bendera-gam-penga…

Source Region: Indonesia

The article discusses the raising of the GAM flag in Aceh. A political observer suspects that certain elements are exploiting the flood and landslide disaster to incite the community. He says that the government needs to respond firmly but persuasively to prevent past traumas.

Why it matters: The observer believes that maintaining peace means closing all spaces for the resurgence of symbols of past conflicts.

Confidence: medium

🇮🇩 Mendagri Minta Pemda Siapkan Lahan Huntap yang Clear and Clean |Republika Online

Source: news.republika.co.id/…/mendagri-minta-pemda-siapkan…

Source Region: Indonesia

Minister of Home Affairs Muhammad Tito Karnavian has requested local governments to prepare accurate data on disaster-affected communities and ensure the readiness of clear and clean land for permanent housing construction. He emphasized that the speed of huntap construction depends on the readiness of the regions, especially in providing victim data and clear and clean land. The government, along with various parties, is working together to build 2,600 huntap units for disaster victims in North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and Aceh. President Prabowo Subianto has ordered that post-disaster management utilize government-owned land.

Why it matters: The construction of permanent housing is crucial for the recovery of disaster-affected communities, and the readiness of local governments is essential for the timely completion of this process. The involvement of the central government and various organizations highlights the importance of collaboration in disaster management and could spur economic activity in the affected regions.

Confidence: high

🇮🇩 21,2 Juta Warga Jabar Lakukan Perjalanan saat Nataru |Republika Online

Source: rejabar.republika.co.id/…/212-juta-warga-jabar-laku…

Source Region: Indonesia

The West Java Transportation Department predicts 21.2 million people will travel during the Christmas 2025 and New Year 2026 holiday period, with 60 percent traveling for tourism. The five most popular destinations are Bandung Regency, Bogor Regency, Bandung City, Garut Regency, and Tasikmalaya Regency. Pangandaran and Bandung are expected to be the most popular tourist destinations. Private cars are expected to be the primary mode of transportation.

Why it matters: The large number of travelers will significantly impact the tourism sector and local economies in West Java. Authorities are focusing on monitoring seven congestion-prone areas and restricting certain modes of transportation to manage traffic flow.

Confidence: high

🇮🇩 Klarifikasi GBN MI: Ayu Aulia Dilantik di Kemenhan, Bukan Tim Kreatif Kemenhan |Republika Online

Source: news.republika.co.id/…/klarifikasi-gbn-mi-ayu-aulia…

Source Region: Indonesia

Gerakan Bela Negara Membangun Indonesia (GBN MI) clarified that the inauguration of Ayu Aulia at the Ministry of Defense (Kemenhan) was an internal organizational agenda and not related to Kemenhan structurally or institutionally. GBN MI is a state defense organization formed and recommended by the Directorate General of Potential Defense of the Ministry of Defense. Ayu Aulia is part of GBN MI’s internal creative team and receives no compensation or official status from Kemenhan.

Why it matters: The clarification addresses public confusion regarding Ayu Aulia’s involvement with the Ministry of Defense. It highlights the role of non-governmental organizations in supporting state defense programs.

Confidence: high

International/Other

📰 Indonesia Nominated for President of UN Human Rights Council for 2026 - Tempo.co English

Source: news.google.com/…/CBMipAFBVV95cUxQR1o4N0JUcHlQQnl0X…

Source Region: Other

Indonesia has been nominated for the President of the UN Human Rights Council for 2026.

Why it matters: This nomination could enhance Indonesia’s role in global human rights discussions.

Confidence: low

📰 Indonesia Repatriates Citizens Exploited in Cambodia Online Scam Operations - RRI.co.id

Source: news.google.com/…/CBMiugFBVV95cUxPM2NvQnIta1lHR2dYW…

Source Region: Other

Indonesia has repatriated its citizens who were victims of online scam operations in Cambodia.

Why it matters: This highlights the ongoing challenges of human trafficking and online scams affecting Indonesian citizens abroad.

Confidence: low

Source: news.google.com/…/CBMixwFBVV95cUxNMktJZ3hVUE5sb2p6c…

Source Region: Other

Indonesia is advocating for the establishment of an international legal framework concerning digital royalties.

Why it matters: Such a framework could impact how digital content creators and distributors are compensated globally, potentially affecting the digital economy.

Confidence: low

📰 Cikal Bakal Gempa di Asia Tenggara, Ada di Indonesia - CNBC Indonesia

Source: news.google.com/…/CBMitwFBVV95cUxNc1NPV01vVGYwQUxwc…

Source Region: Other

Indonesia is identified as the origin of potential earthquakes in Southeast Asia.

Why it matters: This highlights the region’s vulnerability to seismic activity and the importance of disaster preparedness.

Confidence: low

📰 ｢日本の新幹線｣を売らずによかった…｢貸した金が返ってこない｣習近平がハマったインドネシア新幹線の泥沼 - PRESIDENT Online（プレジデントオンライン）

Source: news.google.com/…/CBMiWEFVX3lxTE1OT3l3N1p2eEtNQTM4N…

Source Region: Other

The article discusses the Indonesia high-speed rail project. It says that China is involved and there are issues with the loan repayment.

Why it matters: The project faces financial challenges.

Confidence: low

📰 【インドネシア豪雨１カ月】無数の流木、消えた集落 嘆く住民「避難いつまで」 - 新潟日報

Source: news.google.com/…/CBMiXkFVX3lxTE5NYmpUV1FCOEZoVFZVb…

Source Region: Other

The article reports on the aftermath of the floods in Indonesia. Residents are lamenting the loss of their villages and are wondering when they can return home.

Why it matters: The disaster has caused significant displacement and hardship.

Confidence: low

📰 李大統領「インドネシアは中国の違法漁船を撃沈したというが…」政府にも強い対応要請（ハンギョレ新聞） - Yahoo!ニュース

Source: news.google.com/…/CBMif0FVX3lxTE1MQkJwMlh6R25CNHdUd…

Source Region: Other

The article discusses Indonesia’s actions against Chinese illegal fishing vessels. It mentions that the former president Lee Myung-bak is urging the government to take strong action.

Why it matters: This highlights the ongoing issue of illegal fishing and its impact on international relations.

Confidence: low

📰 小泉防衛相がトップセールス、インドネシアへの艦艇輸出は「多国調達」の壁を破れるか - 新潮社 Foresight

Source: news.google.com/…/CBMiT0FVX3lxTE9yU3ZkYVY4cXJKZ01DN…

Source Region: Other

The article discusses Defense Minister Koizumi’s efforts to promote the export of Japanese naval vessels to Indonesia. It explores the challenges posed by Indonesia’s “multi-country procurement” policy.

Why it matters: This highlights the competition in the defense industry and the strategic importance of Indonesia as a market.

Confidence: low

🇮🇩 Tiga Kontribusi Filsuf Muslim al-Farabi |Republika Online

Source: khazanah.republika.co.id/…/tiga-kontribusi-filsuf-m…

Source Region: Indonesia

The article discusses three contributions of the Muslim philosopher al-Farabi (870-950). First, he combined the thoughts of Plato and Aristotle. Second, he had philosophical ideas about building an ideal city with competent leadership. Third, he wrote a book about music.

Why it matters: Al-Farabi’s work has inspired many scientists, both Islamic and Western, to develop political science and state administration.

Confidence: medium

🌍 Collecting Iskandar Jalil ceramics in Singapore: ‘You don’t just buy one’

Source: cnaluxury.channelnewsasia.com/…/iskandar-jalil-cera…

Source Region: International

Dennis Tan, a regional CEO of a global life insurance company, has amassed a collection of at least 100 works by celebrated Singaporean potter Iskandar Jalil. Collectors are drawn to the meditative quality and artistry of Jalil’s sculptural vessels, lighting, and furniture. Tan’s collection extends beyond ceramics to include vintage Danish furniture and Singaporean and Southeast Asian art. He views owning an Iskandar Jalil piece as owning a piece of Singapore’s intellectual and cultural fabric.

Why it matters: The article highlights the passion for collecting local art and the importance of preserving Singapore’s cultural heritage. It also touches on the growing recognition of Singaporean artists and their contribution to the country’s identity.

Confidence: high

🌍 Morocco held to a draw by Mali to end record winning run

Source: channelnewsasia.com/…/morocco-held-draw-mali-end-re…

Source Region: International

Morocco’s record 19-game winning streak ended after a 1-1 draw with Mali in the Africa Cup of Nations. Brahim Diaz scored a penalty for Morocco, while Lassine Sinayoko equalized for Mali, also from a penalty. Morocco leads Group A with four points. The draw leaves Morocco still looking unconvincing despite their status as runaway favorites.

Why it matters: The result impacts Morocco’s standing in the Africa Cup of Nations and raises questions about their performance under pressure. The match also highlights the importance of VAR in modern football.

Confidence: high

🌍 Thai defence minister to attend truce talks with Cambodia, PM says

Source: channelnewsasia.com/…/thailand-cambodia-truce-talks…

Source Region: International

Thailand’s defence minister will join truce talks with Cambodia on Saturday (Dec 27) following continued border clashes. The aim is to reach an agreement in line with a previous pact brokered with the help of US President Donald Trump. The ceasefire broke down in early December, resulting in casualties and displacement. China has also urged both sides to end the fighting.

Why it matters: The ongoing conflict impacts regional stability and trade between Thailand and Cambodia. A successful truce could lead to improved relations and economic cooperation.

Confidence: high

🌍 The Guardian view on adapting to the climate crisis: it demands political honesty about extreme weather | Editorial

Source: theguardian.com/…/the-guardian-view-on-adapting-to-…

Source Region: International

The editorial discusses the increasing frequency of extreme weather events due to global heating and the lack of adequate climate adaptation measures. It highlights the need for richer nations to support poorer countries in adapting to the climate crisis. The piece argues that adaptation cannot be left to market forces and requires state intervention to protect communities from climate risks. It calls for political honesty and public understanding of climate risk.

Why it matters: The article underscores the economic and social costs of climate change and the importance of investing in adaptation measures. It also points to the need for international cooperation and government leadership in addressing the climate crisis.

Confidence: high

📰 China Focus: Beijing firms bring tech to Belt and Road countries

Source: xinhuanet.com/…/c_136263471.htm

Source Region: Other

The article discusses how Beijing-based technology companies are expanding into countries along the Belt and Road Initiative. Companies like Nuctech, a security inspection equipment producer, and OriginWater, a water treatment solution provider, are finding increased business opportunities through the initiative. The article highlights the importance of understanding local markets and partnering with successful Chinese companies in foreign markets. It also mentions the popularity of Xiaomi’s MIUI operating system in countries like Russia and Indonesia.

Why it matters: The article illustrates how the Belt and Road Initiative is facilitating the international expansion of Chinese technology companies. This expansion can lead to increased trade, investment, and technology transfer between China and other countries.

Confidence: high

📰 Feature: A Thai student dreams of selling rice to China

Source: xinhuanet.com/…/c_136224369.htm

Source Region: Other

Nontipa Kla-ngam, a Thai student in China, aims to leverage the free trade agreement (FTA) between Thailand and China to sell Thai rice in the Chinese market. She believes there is significant market potential due to the duty exemption on agricultural products under the FTA. Nontipa is studying at Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University in Yangling, Shaanxi Province, and plans to start her business there. She hopes to contribute to the Belt and Road Initiative and ASEAN cooperation.

Why it matters: The article highlights the opportunities created by the FTA between Thailand and China for agricultural trade. It also showcases the role of students in promoting economic cooperation between countries along the Belt and Road.

Confidence: high

📰 Chinese vice premier meets Thai princess

Source: xinhuanet.com/…/c_136191136.htm

Source Region: Other

Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli met with Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand in Beijing. Zhang expressed appreciation for Sirindhorn’s work in strengthening China-Thailand friendship. He stated that China is ready to synergize development strategies and deepen pragmatic cooperation with Thailand. Sirindhorn thanked China’s support and hoped to enhance cooperation in science, education, and agriculture.

Why it matters: The meeting underscores the strong relationship between China and Thailand and the commitment to further cooperation. The focus on science, education, and agriculture suggests potential areas for future collaboration and investment.

Confidence: high