The Indonesian government plans to cease gasoline imports by the second half of 2027 following the commissioning of the Refinery Development Master Plan (RDMP) Balikpapan [1]. Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia stated that the new refinery will increase domestic production capacity, particularly for RON 92 and above gasoline [1][2]. The government will still allow imports if domestic production remains insufficient [1].

Indonesia's Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa revealed that 40 steel companies, including both Chinese and Indonesian firms, are evading Value Added Tax (VAT). The ministry plans to conduct sudden inspections on two major offenders soon. The total number of companies involved includes both large and smaller players in the steel industry, raising concerns about widespread tax evasion practices.

PT Pegadaian is aggressively promoting its digital gold investment platform, Tring, targeting 70% customer adoption. The platform has already reached 5 million users since its launch in September 2025 and currently manages 33.7 tons of gold. Pegadaian is enhancing user experience through digital innovations including Cicil Tabungan Emas (Gold Savings Installment) and plans to expand its digital presence.

Indonesia's Minister of Home Affairs, Tito Karnavian, revealed that 90% of regions (493 areas) still have weak fiscal capacity, relying heavily on central government transfers. Only 5% (26 regions) have strong fiscal capacity while another 5% (27 regions) have moderate capacity. The minister emphasized the need for regions to achieve fiscal independence by increasing their Pendapatan Asli Daerah (PAD) or local revenue.

Recent natural disasters in Sumatra have severely impacted Indonesia's agriculture and fisheries sectors, with 107,324 hectares of rice fields affected and 30,723 hectares of fish ponds damaged. The government is seeking Rp 6.6 trillion for recovery efforts, with Rp 1.49 trillion allocated for 2026. The disasters have caused significant losses, including 820,000 livestock and damage to agricultural infrastructure [2][3][1].

As we enter 2026, Indonesian traders are adopting sophisticated trading strategies leveraging AI-powered platforms and multi-asset trading apps. The shift is driven by global market volatility and the need for advanced risk management tools. Platforms like Pluang are emerging as leaders, offering integrated trading solutions with access to over 2,000 global assets and innovative features like Aura AI for market sentiment analysis.

The Indonesian Composite Stock Price Index (IHSG) has surged past the 9,000 level, closing at 9,032.584 and setting a new all-time high. This milestone reflects growing investor confidence in Indonesia's economy, supported by government policies maintaining economic stability. The achievement comes as part of a broader trend where Indonesia's capital market recorded 24 record highs in 2025 and saw significant growth in investor numbers.

The Indonesian government is taking significant steps to strengthen the national textile industry through the formation of a new state-owned enterprise (BUMN) focused on textiles and comprehensive supply chain revitalization. The initiative, supported by President Prabowo Subianto, aims to enhance the sector's competitiveness and achieve US$40 billion in textile exports within 10 years [2]. Key measures include improving domestic upstream capacity to reduce reliance on imported raw materials while maintaining necessary imports to support production continuity [1].

Indonesia's Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has threatened to relocate tax officials involved in misconduct to remote areas or even place them on leave following a recent corruption investigation by the KPK. The move comes after the KPK raided tax offices and arrested several officials from the Jakarta Utara Tax Office. Purbaya emphasized that only those showing good faith would be considered for reassignment rather than punishment.

The Financial Services Authority (OJK) is strengthening regulations for P2P lending through new rules, including mandatory use of escrow accounts and enhanced credit scoring [1]. These measures aim to address rising default rates and protect consumers in Indonesia's rapidly growing fintech lending sector. The outstanding P2P lending balance reached Rp94.85 trillion in November 2025, with a 4.33% TWP90 rate for 24 platforms [1].

The Indonesian rupiah opened 0.06% stronger against the US dollar at Rp16,867 per USD on January 14, 2026, despite global financial pressures [1]. Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa predicts the rupiah will strengthen further in two weeks as economic fundamentals improve [2]. Bank Indonesia (BI) attributes recent weakness to global geopolitical tensions and Fed policy uncertainty [3].

Former Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati has joined the Gates Foundation Board of Directors, as the philanthropic organization embarks on an ambitious 20-year spending plan announced by Bill Gates. The foundation will focus on global health initiatives, poverty reduction, and economic empowerment through its endowment, projected to be fully utilized by 2045. Sri Mulyani's financial expertise is seen as crucial for the foundation's strategic direction during this critical period.

PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk (BMRI) distributed Rp9.3 trillion in interim dividends to shareholders on January 14, 2026. The dividend payment of Rp100 per share reflects the bank's solid financial performance and adequate liquidity. As of November 2025, Mandiri's loans reached Rp1.452 trillion while third-party funds stood at Rp1.584 trillion, maintaining a healthy Loan-to-Deposit Ratio of 91% [1][3].

The Jakarta government has commenced the demolition of abandoned monorail pillars along H.R. Rasuna Said street in South Jakarta. The Rp 254 million demolition project will be conducted at night to minimize traffic disruption [4]. The pillars, remnants of a Rp 193 billion project halted in 2008, have stood for over 15 years. Following demolition, the government plans a Rp 100 billion infrastructure revamp including road repairs and landscaping [4].

The Indonesian government is preparing a Rp331.8 trillion credit program for 2026 to support economic growth of 5.4%, with a focus on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that contribute about 60% to national GDP. The credit program includes Rp295 trillion for Kredit Usaha Rakyat (KUR), Rp300 billion for agricultural machinery credit, Rp500 billion for labor-intensive industry credit, and Rp36 trillion for housing credit [1]. Achieving the growth target requires effective fiscal policy implementation and timely budget disbursement, with the government emphasizing the importance of quick spending to stimulate growth [2].

PT MRT Jakarta is developing a new pedestrian bridge connecting MRT, LRT, and KRL stations in Dukuh Atas, with groundbreaking planned for May/June 2026 [1]. The project aims to enhance transport integration and boost public transport ridership. In related developments, MRT Jakarta has opened a new retail space called Tahilalats Station, featuring local merchandise and F&B options [2].

Indonesian micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are facing significant credit challenges as banks adopt a more cautious lending approach amid economic uncertainty. Credit growth contracted by 0.64% YoY in November 2025 [1]. The banking sector is prioritizing asset quality while MSMEs struggle with weak domestic demand and rising operational costs. State-owned enterprises like Jamkrindo are strengthening risk management to support government credit programs.

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.

The Prabowo government is maintaining momentum in developing Nusantara as Indonesia's new capital, with strong commitment from key officials. Minister of Public Works Dody Hanggodo confirmed that IKN development will continue under Prabowo's leadership, with a focus on making it the country's political capital. President Prabowo's first visit to IKN since taking office demonstrates the administration's commitment to sustainable development and strategic infrastructure planning.

Gold prices surged to an all-time high of Rp2,692,000 per gram on Wednesday, driven by escalating geopolitical tensions between major world powers. The price increase was observed across various gold trading platforms, including Galeri24 and UBS, with prices reaching Rp2,676,000 and Rp2,727,000 per gram respectively. The rise in gold prices is attributed to investors seeking safe-haven assets amid global uncertainties.

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.

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 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].