Bank Sampoerna identifies local food and beverage (F&B) and retail sectors as promising MSME segments despite economic challenges in 2025. The bank emphasizes the importance of digital adaptation and prudent lending practices while projecting continued pressure on MSMEs due to global interest rate uncertainty and commodity price fluctuations. Bank Sampoerna is preparing for these challenges through strategic fintech partnerships and personalized banking services.

Indonesia recorded 88,519 layoffs in 2025, with West Java being the hardest hit region at 21.26% of total layoffs [1][2]. The Ministry of Manpower reported that the number represents workers classified under the Job Loss Insurance program. This significant increase in layoffs highlights ongoing economic challenges in Indonesia's labor market.

In Jakarta's Jatinegara district, odong-odong (modified motorized carts) have become a vital source of income for residents struggling with limited job opportunities. Operators like Deni earn Rp 100,000 to Rp 400,000 daily after expenses, with fares ranging from Rp 2,000 for children to Rp 5,000 for adults. Starting an odong-odong business requires initial investment of Rp 15-20 million for vehicle modification.

Indonesian banks are becoming more cautious in extending credit to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (UMKM) due to increasing default risks and economic pressure. The growth of UMKM credit slowed significantly in 2025, with a 0.7% year-on-year contraction in November 2025. Bank Indonesia (BI) and the Financial Services Authority (OJK) are implementing measures to support UMKM financing, including new regulations and incentives [1][2].

The Indonesian Directorate General of Taxes (DJP) is facing a new bribery scandal as the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) investigates alleged corruption involving tax officials. The KPK has conducted raids on DJP offices, uncovering evidence of bribery related to tax payments and refunds. This latest scandal follows a history of corruption cases involving tax officials, including high-profile cases such as Gayus Tambunan in 2010.

The Financial Services Authority (OJK) has established a new department focused on UMKM development and sharia finance, aiming to enhance financial inclusion and syariah economic growth. This move is expected to improve access to financing for UMKM through various sharia-compliant schemes. Industry players welcome the development, citing potential for more integrated policy-making and increased financing opportunities for UMKM.

The Financial Services Authority (OJK) reported that used car financing grew by 0.42% year-on-year to Rp87.46 trillion while new car financing contracted by 4.65% to Rp142.59 trillion as of November 2025. The total financing in the multifinance industry reached Rp506.82 trillion, growing 1.09% YoY. OJK remains optimistic about used car financing resilience and potential growth in new car financing in 2026 [1].

The Indonesian Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) has successfully foiled massive illegal fish imports, seizing nearly 100 tons of frozen salem fish worth millions of dollars. The illegal shipment, imported by PT CBJ, lacked proper import approval and quota allocation [1][4]. The ministry uncovered a deliberate miscalculation of import quotas by the company, revealing a sophisticated smuggling operation [4].

Indonesian labor unions, led by Konfederasi Serikat Pekerja Indonesia (KSPI), are threatening further protests on January 15, 2026, after their demands for a higher Jakarta provincial minimum wage were not met. The unions are demanding an increase to Rp 5.89 million from the current Rp 5.73 million. The protests will focus on multiple issues including minimum wage, labor laws, and regional governance.

Grab Indonesia has launched the 'Grab untuk Indonesia' program with a Rp 100 billion commitment to support ojek online (ojol) drivers' welfare. The initiative includes continuing the Bonus Hari Raya (BHR) program, as requested by President Prabowo Subianto [1][2]. This move comes as the government also provides a 50% discount on JKK and JKM insurance premiums for ojol drivers and other transportation workers until 2027 [3].

The Indonesian government aims to stop importing solar fuel by mid-2026, following the inauguration of the Refinery Development Master Plan (RDMP) Kilang Balikpapan project [1]. This move is expected to reduce the country's dependence on imports and increase domestic production of solar fuel [2]. The RDMP project has a total investment of US$ 7.4 billion and is expected to create 24,000 jobs [3].

President Prabowo Subianto conducted his first visit to Nusantara Capital (IKN), East Kalimantan, reviewing development progress and discussing smart city development plans with key officials. The visit included a limited meeting with cabinet members to discuss IKN's progress and future development strategies, focusing on creating a sustainable and integrated smart city [3].

US President Donald Trump has announced plans to impose a 25% tariff on countries doing business with Iran, potentially straining global trade relations, particularly with China [1][2]. The move is seen as an attempt to economically isolate Iran, although details remain unclear. Experts warn this could disrupt global supply chains and impact countries with existing trade agreements with Iran.

The Indonesian Composite Index (IHSG) experienced a 2.37% intraday drop to 8,715.41 on Monday due to massive profit-taking in energy stocks [1], but recovered to close at 8,884.72, down 0.58%. The index rebounded on Tuesday morning, rising 0.42% to 8,921.61 [2]. Trading volume on Monday reached 74.40 billion shares worth Rp 40.10 trillion.

Indonesian gold prices have surged to a new record high of Rp2.895 million per gram [2], continuing the upward trend observed in recent weeks. The Antam gold price has increased by Rp32,000 compared to the previous day [2]. The buyback price also rose to Rp2.493 million per gram [2]. This price movement follows a previous record high of Rp2.652 million per gram reported earlier in the week [1].

The Indonesian rupiah opened weaker at Rp16,874 against the US dollar on Tuesday, influenced by escalating geopolitical tensions between Iran and the US, as well as political uncertainty in Washington [1]. The dollar index rose 0.10% to 98.95, while most Asian currencies also depreciated. Major Indonesian banks including **Bank Mandiri (BMRI), BNI (BBNI), BRI (BBRI), and BCA (BBCA) updated their dollar exchange rates accordingly.

Former Indonesian Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati has been appointed to the Board of Directors of Gates Foundation, a global philanthropic organization founded by Bill Gates. Mulyani brings her extensive experience in global finance and economic policy to the foundation's efforts to address critical global challenges. The appointment is seen as significant as Gates Foundation has committed to spending its endowment over the next two decades on three main goals: preventing maternal and infant mortality, ensuring the next generation grows up free from life-threatening infectious diseases, and lifting millions out of poverty [1].

Indonesia's cryptocurrency market showed significant growth in 2025, with Tokocrypto's reserves reaching Rp 5.8 trillion and total crypto transactions hitting Rp 482.23 trillion. The number of crypto investors grew to 19.56 million by November 2025, up from 19.08 million in October 2025. The Financial Services Authority (OJK) reported these figures while introducing new regulations to strengthen governance and risk management in the digital asset sector.

The Indonesian government is preparing to continue its economic package in 2026, following its success in 2025 in maintaining people's purchasing power and creating jobs. Five major programs are expected to continue, including the National Internship Program and tax incentives for MSMEs. Meanwhile, the government remains silent on the continuation of the Rp600,000 wage subsidy program for 2026.

Major global investment banks have revised their projections for the Federal Reserve's interest rate policy amid persistent economic uncertainty. J.P. Morgan now predicts a 25 basis point rate hike in Q3 2027, while Macquarie forecasts a rate increase in Q4 2026. The shift in projections comes as recent data shows a robust US labor market, leading some institutions to delay or reverse their previous rate cut predictions [1][2].

Chairman of the National Economic Council (DEN) Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan has denied any involvement with PT Toba Pulp Lestari (TPL), a company accused of causing environmental damage in Tapanuli, North Sumatra. Luhut claims he has been opposed to TPL's operations since 2001 due to environmental concerns and has suggested that President Prabowo Subianto reclaim the land managed by TPL [1].

US stocks declined on Monday as the Trump administration renewed its criticism of the Federal Reserve, sparking concerns about central bank independence. The administration also proposed a one-year cap on credit card interest rates, pressuring financial sector stocks. The Dow Jones fell 0.01% to 49,499.67, while the S&P 500 dropped 0.32% to 6,944.12, and Nasdaq Composite declined 0.40% to 23,576.88 [2].

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is investigating private Hajj operators (PIHK) and travel agencies regarding the alleged corruption in the distribution of additional Hajj quotas in 2024. The investigation includes examining the role of these operators in influencing the quota allocation at the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Key figures from Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) have been questioned as witnesses [1].

Indonesia has inaugurated the Refinery Development Master Plan (RDMP) in Balikpapan, marking a significant step towards reducing fuel imports. The project is expected to increase domestic production of diesel and jet fuel, with plans to stop importing industrial diesel in the second half of 2026 and aviation turbine fuel (avtur) by 2027 [1][3]. Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia stated that private fuel stations will be required to purchase from Pertamina, supporting the government's goal of enhancing energy self-sufficiency.

The Indonesian Directorate General of Taxes (DJP) recorded 126,796 taxpayers filing their annual tax returns through the Coretax system between January 1-12, 2026. The majority of submissions came from individual salaried taxpayers. This significant uptake demonstrates growing adoption of the digital tax filing platform during the 2025 tax year reporting period.