"INDONESIA"

Heavy rains and floods remain the biggest threats for Indonesia in 2025 due to the impact of the La Niña phenomenon, according to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB).

Indonesia is planning to lower trade tariffs with the US as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to implement a universal tariff policy.

Indonesia plans to impose an excise tax on sugary packaged beverages starting July 2025, aiming to curb excessive sugar consumption and address rising health concerns, the country’s Finance Ministry announced.

The Indonesian government is set to draft a more detailed and comprehensive regulation on the use and control of artificial intelligence (AI).

Indonesia aims to send at least 425,000 workers abroad in 2025, a move expected to boost the nation’s economic growth by 0.52% and generate over 300 trillion IDR (18.5 billion USD) in foreign exchange earnings, according to Minister of Migrant Worker Protection Abdul Kadir Karding.

Brazil's government said in a statement on January 6 that Indonesia is formally joining BRICS as a full member, further expanding the group of major emerging economies, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has allocated 4.7 trillion IDR (around 303.2 million USD) for the Free Health Check-up Programme, which will target 60 million Indonesians this year.

The Indonesian government is preparing to implement the mandatory 50% biodiesel (B50) programme in 2026 to stop diesel imports, according to Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia.

The National Counter-Terrorism Agency (BNPT) of Indonesia is planning to set up the National Preparedness Centre in West Jakarta this year, according to head of the agency's general affairs bureau Fanfan Infansyah.

The Indonesian middle class has been shrinking over the past five years, the Jakarta Post reported on December 31.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto called on authorities to take stronger action against the smuggling of textile products into the country, describing it as a threat to Indonesia's sovereignty.

The Indonesian Ministry of Health revealed on December 17 that other countries' efforts to increase cigarette excise can reduce consumption by 10-15%, with increasing the Retail Selling Price (HJE) of cigarettes and e-cigarettes deterring young smokers from purchasing them.

Indonesia will offer a sales tax incentive on Government-borne Luxury Goods (PPnBM DTP) of 3% for hybrid cars from next year.

V-GREEN, a private firm owned by billionaire Pham Nhat Vuong, and Prime Group, a multi-sector conglomerate, on December 11 announced a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop a network of charging stations for VinFast electric vehicles (EVs) in Indonesia, with a projected total investment of up to 1.2 billion USD.

The Southeast Asia Parliamentarians against Corruption (SEAPAC) called on parliaments throughout Southeast Asia to engage youth in anti-corruption efforts, emphasising the profound impact of corruption on the region's younger population.

Indonesia and Canada have signed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), marking a milestone in strengthening economic relations between the two G20 countries.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto discussed economic and defence cooperation during a bilateral meeting on November 19 with French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Antara reported.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has urged US business leaders to prioritise environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles when investing in his country.

The Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (VGDMC) of Indonesia reported on November 11 that the Lewotobi volcano in East Nusa Tenggara province has erupted again, spewing a column of ash up to 2.5 km towards the west and northwest.

Indonesia has presented three key elements in the development of smart cities in the country as well as ideas for the integration of ASEAN smart city development.