Imported Steel Threatens Indonesia's Local Steel Industry
The Indonesian Iron and Steel Industry Association (IISIA) warns that imported steel has seriously threatened the development of the domestic steel industry. Data shows that in 2024, Indonesia's steel imports reached 8.72 million tons, far exceeding exports of 5.96 million tons, causing domestic capacity utilization to fall below 40%, a historic low. Currently, imports of hot-rolled steel, cold-rolled steel, and coated products have surged, with the average capacity utilization of domestic steel mills below 40%. Imports of Pre-Engineered Buildings (PEB) reached 712,000 tons, squeezing the local construction steel market. The industry calls for following Canada's example by implementing a transparent quota system to
Nickel Prices Rise After Partial Confiscation of Weda Bay Nickel Mine
China's Economic Influence on Indonesia Reaches 41.2%
China-Indonesia Cross-Border QR Code Payment Two-Way Trial Run
Indonesia Issues New Regulation to Simplify TKDN Certification Process
Indonesia Plans to Add 6 New Special Economic Zones
The Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs recently announced plans to add 6 new Special Economic Zones (KEK), including a halal industry SEZ in Surabaya, East Java. Key projects include KEK Sidoarjo as a global halal industry chain hub, integrating the entire supply chain from raw materials to finished products. Also included are KEK Subang as a manufacturing base for BYD electric vehicles, with an investment of IDR 134.59 trillion, expected to create 95,000 jobs; and KEK Patimban as an industrial zone focusing on petrochemicals, EV batteries, and semiconductor manufacturing. The relevant plans await
Multiple Chinese Companies Plan to Move Production Bases to Deltamas Industrial Zone
PT Puradelta Lestari Tbk (DMAS) confirmed that due to the impact of US tariff policies, multiple Chinese manufacturers plan to relocate their production bases to the Greenland International Industrial Center (GIIC) in Cikarang, West Java. The US reciprocal tariff policy has prompted Chinese companies to seek production bases in Southeast Asia. The industrial zone currently houses 170 tenants, mainly Japanese companies (such as Suzuki, Mitsubishi, etc.). In the first half of 2025, the industrial zone recorded revenue of IDR 613.35 billion (down 49% year-on-year
Chinese Food Trays Will Not Be Suspended Due to Lard Controversy
The head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) recently stated that although imported Chinese food trays have been alleged to potentially contain lard, the government will not suspend imports because domestic production capacity cannot meet demand. Domestic capacity is only 11.6 million trays per month, yet 80 million trays are needed by the end of 2025, with domestic supply only able to provide 45 million. The main source of imported food trays is China. The Ministry of Industry will be responsible for quality testing, the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) for hygiene standards, and the Halal Certification Agency (BPJPH) for verifying ingredient composition. BGN plans
8 International Retail Brands Officially Enter Jakarta's High-End Malls
In September 2025, eight international retail brands announced their entry into high-end malls in Jakarta, covering food, fashion, lifestyle and other sectors, reflecting international brands' confidence in Indonesia's consumer market. The brands and their locations are: Korean food brand Samyuga at Lippo Mall Puri, American footwear brand Red Wings Shoes at Lotte Mall Jakarta, and high-end luggage brand Samsonite Black Label at Plaza Indonesia.
Geely's Farizon Auto Officially Enters Indonesian Market
PT Arista Auto Elektrindo, part of the Arista Group, recently signed a distribution agreement with Farizon Auto, a subsidiary of Geely Holding Group, officially introducing the Chinese new energy commercial vehicle brand to the Indonesian market. The partnership focuses on heavy-duty trucks, light-duty trucks, mini trucks, light commercial vehicles (LCVs), and electric buses. The brand emphasizes clean energy technology, supporting the green transformation of Indonesia's logistics and transportation industry. The brand is considering establishing a local assembly production line in Indonesia in the future. The Arista Group will leverage its 20
Indonesia Invites Investors to Participate in Giant Sea Wall Project Financing
The Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development recently announced that the government is seeking private sector investment to participate in the construction of the Giant Sea Wall project. The project aims to protect the northern coastal areas of Java Island from land subsidence and tidal flooding. The project financing adopts a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model and does not rely entirely on the state budget. The government estimates that the protection scope will cover the northern coast industrial zones and Special Economic Zones, ensuring the safety of 15 million residents, and is capable of addressing annual land subsidence of 5-10 cm and frequent tidal flooding. He stated that discussions have been held with several domestic and foreign investors
Kendal to Become World's Largest Electric Vehicle Battery Production Base
The Secretary of the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs recently announced that the Kendal Special Economic Zone (KEK Kendal) is developing into a global production center for electric vehicle battery materials. As of the second quarter of 2025, the zone has attracted IDR 90.12 trillion (approximately USD 5.8 billion) in investment, created 66,000 jobs, and hosted 128 companies. Annual anode material production capacity is 160,000 tons (the world's largest, surpassing China's 120,000 tons), supplying automakers such as Tesla in the United States; while cathode material production capacity is 120,000 tons of Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) material per year, the largest in Southeast Asia.