Author: admingentala

Indonesia and New Zealand have agreed to strengthen bilateral economic ties through a new cooperation roadmap, setting a trade target of NZ$6 billion (US$3.6 billion) by 2029 under the Indonesia–New Zealand Comprehensive Partnership Action Plan 2025–2029. The announcement followed a meeting between Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto and New Zealand’s Minister for Trade and Investment Todd McClay, during McClay’s official visit to Jakarta. The new target represents a significant increase from the previous goal of NZ$4 billion by 2024, reflecting the two countries’ optimism about deepening cooperation across multiple sectors.

Focus on Food Security and Dairy Sector. Food security emerged as a central theme in the discussions. Indonesia invited New Zealand to expand its investments in the country’s dairy processing industry, citing New Zealand’s international reputation in the sector. Minister McClay affirmed New Zealand’s readiness to continue supporting Indonesia’s dairy needs in a sustainable and mutually beneficial manner. In addition to dairy, cooperation will also cover agriculture, renewable energy—particularly geothermal—and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). These areas are expected to create long-term benefits and contribute to inclusive economic growth in both countries.

Trade Disputes and Global Integration. Both sides acknowledged ongoing trade disputes concerning horticultural products, livestock, and animal imports that are currently being reviewed at the World Trade Organization (WTO). Resolving these disputes, they noted, is crucial to creating a stable trade environment and ensuring the success of the new partnership framework. New Zealand also expressed support for Indonesia’s ambitions to join the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). According to Minister Airlangga, this support underscores confidence in Indonesia’s economic reforms and will help accelerate the country’s integration into global markets.

Regulatory and Business Climate Reforms. Airlangga reiterated Indonesia’s commitment to pursuing deregulation and business climate reforms, which are aimed at improving legal certainty, strengthening industrial competitiveness, and making the country more attractive for foreign investment. These reforms are expected to complement New Zealand’s increasing trade and investment interests in Indonesia.

Positive Trade Momentum. Data from the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs show that bilateral trade between the two countries reached US$963.23 million from January to June 2025, a rise of 21.56 percent compared to the same period in 2024. Indonesia’s exports to New Zealand stood at US$374.89 million, while imports amounted to US$588.35 million. This positive momentum, officials say, reflects the potential for both sides to achieve the ambitious NZ$6 billion target by 2029.

With the signing of the Indonesia–New Zealand Comprehensive Partnership Action Plan 2025–2029, both countries have signaled a stronger commitment to expand cooperation and build resilience in their economies. Officials emphasized that by focusing on food security, renewable energy, and SME development, the partnership could serve as a model for sustainable and inclusive bilateral cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.

August 8, 2025, CNBC Indonesia

(https://www.cnbcindonesia.com/news/20250808134710-4-656372/ri-selandia-baru-target-kerja-sama-dagang-nz-6-miliar-di-2029)

Indonesia’s economic growth in the second quarter of 2025 has significantly exceeded expectations, largely driven by accelerated infrastructure projects and state-sponsored incentives that boosted consumer spending. Statistics Indonesia (BPS) official Edy Mahmud announced on Tuesday that gross domestic product (GDP) expanded by 5.12 percent year-on-year (YoY), well above the market consensus of 4.8 percent. This marks a notable acceleration compared with 4.87 percent in the previous quarter and 5.02 percent in the same period last year. On a quarter-to-quarter basis, GDP grew 4.04 percent, signaling a strong rebound in domestic economic activity. Coordinating Economic Affairs Minister Airlangga Hartarto welcomed the development in a separate press conference, saying, “Thank God, GDP growth has bounced back to 5 percent,” while reiterating the government’s full-year target of 5.2 percent. A major driver of this expansion was gross fixed capital formation (GFCF), which reflects investment in fixed assets such as buildings, machinery, and equipment. GFCF rose 6.99 percent YoY, with machinery purchases showing the most significant growth. This represents a sharp recovery from just 2.12 percent growth in the previous quarter. Edy emphasized that government projects such as toll roads in Sumatra and Java, the next stage of the Jakarta MRT, the Bali MRT, the three million houses program, and the Jakarta sea wall were key contributors to investment growth. Spending on capital goods, a major component of GFCF, surged by 30 percent YoY, despite the fact that overall government expenditure contracted by 0.33 percent.

Supporting this trend, BPS revealed that imports of capital goods in June jumped 38 percent YoY, which Investment Minister Rosan Roeslani described as an “all-time high.” These imports are typically viewed as an indicator of business expansion, as capital goods are used to produce other goods and services. However, Economist Intelligence Unit researcher Wen Chong Cheah cautioned that the trend should not be overinterpreted, noting that imports may reflect delayed investment decisions or government-driven infrastructure procurement rather than private sector confidence.

On the consumption side, household spending, which represents the largest portion of GDP, rose 4.97 percent YoY, slightly higher than the 4.93 and 4.95 percent recorded in the two previous quarters. Consumer stimulus measures introduced during the summer holiday period, such as transportation discounts, also played a role in boosting demand. These programs helped lift the transportation and warehousing sector, which grew 8.52 percent, while the “other services” category expanded by 11.31 percent, both benefiting from a surge in tourism during school holidays and collective leave days. At the same time, manufacturing grew 5.69 percent, trade 5.37 percent, and construction 4.98 percent YoY, with these three sectors together contributing more than 40 percent of national output.

The financial markets reacted positively to the upbeat data. The IDX Composite Index rose 1 percent in morning trading to 7,536.61 points before easing slightly to close at 7,515.18, up 0.68 percent overall. Even so, analysts urged caution about the outlook. Permata Bank chief economist Josua Pardede warned that global uncertainties could weigh on growth in the second half of the year, citing trade tensions and China’s export pivot toward Southeast Asia, which may increase imports into Indonesia and dampen GDP momentum. He argued that Indonesia will need to rely on accommodative fiscal and monetary policy alongside continued stimulus to maintain momentum, projecting full-year growth between 4.7 and 5.1 percent. Similarly, Bank of America economists Kai Wei Ang and Rahul Bajoria called the second quarter figures a “surprise,” noting their forecast had been 4.8 percent, based on expectations that domestic policy reforms would temporarily slow growth in the near term.

August 5, 2025, The Jakarta Post(https://www.thejakartapost.com/business/2025/08/05/gdp-growth-surprises-to-upside-thanks-to-construction-projects.html)

Indonesia’s trade performance remains resilient amid global uncertainties, recording another surplus in June driven by moderate export growth, primarily buoyed by crude palm oil (CPO). According to Statistics Indonesia (BPS) Deputy Pudji Ismartini, the country posted a US$4.1 billion surplus for June—the 62nd consecutive month of trade surplus since May 2020—reflecting sustained export strength despite weakness in the manufacturing sector. For the first half of 2025, the cumulative surplus stood at $19.5 billion, underscoring Indonesia’s continued trade resilience.

The United States emerged as Indonesia’s largest bilateral surplus partner, contributing over $8.57 billion, followed by India at $6.6 billion and the Philippines at $4.4 billion. Key export commodities driving the surplus included electrical machinery, clothing, and footwear, with notable growth in export value. In particular, CPO exports surged to $11.4 billion in the first half, up 24.8% from the previous year, driven mainly by a 22.2% increase in prices despite volume growth of just 280,000 tonnes. Conversely, coal exports declined by 21%, reflecting ongoing commodity market fluctuations.

On the import side, June figures increased 4.28% year-on-year (YoY) to $19.3 billion. While exports of raw materials and intermediate goods contracted slightly by 2.74%, imports of capital goods soared 38%, signaling strong investment activity. This uptick in capital goods imports is often viewed as an indicator of business confidence and future growth. Despite this, Indonesia’s manufacturing PMI remains in contraction territory, with S&P Global reporting a July PMI of 49.2—improving from 46.9 in June but still below the threshold of 50 that signals expansion.

Josua Pardede, chief economist at Permata Bank, interprets the rising capital goods imports as a proactive measure by firms preparing for increased production and demand in the coming months. He suggests that these investments typically result in higher output within a three-to-six-month window. Looking ahead, Pardede projects Indonesia’s current account deficit may widen but remain manageable, likely below 1% of GDP. External factors, notably the ongoing global trade tensions, could further influence the balance of payments, potentially increasing the deficit by 0.3 to 0.6 percentage points, with a full-year estimate of 0.87% of GDP.

Investment and Downstream Minister Rosan Roeslani views the increase in capital goods imports as a positive indicator of improving foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows in the latter half of 2025. While FDI accounts for over half of total investment, recent quarterly data shows a 6.95% YoY decline in FDI, which represented roughly 42.3% of total investment in Q2. Commentary from Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) researcher Wen Chong Cheah underscores the nuance in interpreting capital goods data—they can signal expansion plans, yet are also influenced by delayed investments, government infrastructure projects, or imports driven by public procurement rather than private sector sentiment.

Overall, Indonesia’s trade landscape indicates resilience amid challenging global conditions, with robust exports, increasing investment intent, and a cautious outlook on the current account, positioning the country to navigate the evolving macroeconomic environment with a degree of agility.

July 31, 2025, The Jakarta Post(https://www.thejakartapost.com/business/2025/08/01/ri-maintains-trade-surplus-despite-spiking-capital-goods-imports.html)

Investment realization in Indonesia throughout the first half of 2025 reached IDR 942.9 trillion. This figure represents a 13.6% year-on-year (YoY) increase, while simultaneously absorbing more than 1.2 million workers. Minister of Investment and Downstream Development/Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), Rosan Perkasa Roeslani, stated that this achievement represents 49.5% of this year’s total investment target of IDR 1,905.6 trillion.

“Investment realization in the first half of 2025 reached IDR 942.9 trillion, an increase of 13.6%, and this is very much in line with our plan,” Rosan stated in a press conference at the Ministry of Investment Office in Jakarta on Tuesday (July 29, 2025).

Domestic Direct Investment (PMDN) dominated the total realization, accounting for IDR 510.3 trillion, or 54.1%. Meanwhile, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) was recorded at IDR 432.6 trillion, or 45.9%.

In terms of investing countries, Singapore remains the largest contributor of FDI, reaching US$8.8 billion. This is followed by Hong Kong at US$4.6 billion, China at US$3.6 billion, Malaysia at US$1.7 billion, and Japan at US$1.6 billion.

Meanwhile, West Java was the province with the largest investment value, reaching IDR 141.0 trillion, or 15% of the national total. This was followed by DKI Jakarta at IDR 140.8 trillion (14.9%), East Java at IDR 74.7 trillion (7.9%), Central Sulawesi at IDR 64.2 trillion (6.8%), and Banten at IDR 60.7 trillion (6.4%).

“And again, the most important thing I want to highlight is the employment rate. This is 1,259,868 people,” said Rosan.

Rosan stated that foreign investor confidence in Indonesia has increased significantly due to President Prabowo Subianto’s active role in building relationships with various countries.

“The President’s visits to many countries have boosted the confidence of many parties abroad,” Rosan added.

This increase in foreign capital inflows is expected to accelerate national economic growth and expand employment opportunities, in line with the government’s target of attracting quality and sustainable investment. This positive achievement demonstrates Indonesia’s increasingly strong economic growth and growing investor confidence in the country’s investment climate.

July 29, 2025, detikFinance(https://finance.detik.com/berita-ekonomi-bisnis/d-8034401/investasi-ri-tembus-rp-942-9-t-di-semester-i-2025-serap-1-2-juta-pekerja)

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) maintained its projection for Indonesia’s economic growth at 5.0% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2025 and 5.1% in 2026, according to its latest report, the Asian Development Outlook July 2025. As is known, Indonesia’s economic growth slowed to 4.9% in the first quarter of 2025 due to post-election impacts, particularly on investment and government spending.

“Private consumption remains the main driver, while investment growth slows,” the report stated, quoted Wednesday (July 23, 2025).

To maintain growth, the government raised its 2025 fiscal deficit target to 2.8% of GDP and launched several stimulus packages, such as food aid, cash assistance, and transportation discounts. Meanwhile, the government’s flagship free food program is being accelerated to reach 82.9 million people. Furthermore, Bank Indonesia has begun easing interest rates as a form of monetary relief. As is known, Bank Indonesia has lowered interest rates three times throughout 2025. These were in January, May, and July, each by 25 basis points (bps).

Along with the central bank’s interest rate cut, bank lending rates have also gradually decreased, reaching 9.16% as of June 2025, from 9.20% in January 2025.

“As a support measure, the monetary authority is gradually easing policy amid relatively small risks to price stability. Import data in April and May suggest a possible increase in domestic demand,” the report stated.

However, sluggish industrial production, weak formal job creation, and sluggish private investment could weigh on the outlook. Furthermore, new external risks could also potentially add to pressure.

July 23, 2025, CNBC Indonesia

(https://www.cnbcindonesia.com/news/20250723114931-4-651483/adb-tetapkan-proyeksi-pertumbuhan-ekonomi-ri-50-tahun-2025)

Indonesia, despite being ASEAN’s largest economy, faces significant challenges that hinder its financial deepening. Its capital markets remain shallow relative to regional peers due to entrenched structural, institutional, and socioeconomic issues. Overcoming these hurdles is crucial for channeling the country’s substantial savings into productive, long-term investments to unlock its full economic potential. One recent development in Indonesia’s financial sector is a tightening of banking liquidity. This is driven by multiple factors, including a risk-on sentiment amid the escalating trade war, which caused capital outflows. Domestically, issues such as loan growth surpassing deposit growth, increased competition for third-party funds, and the government’s financing needs have also contributed. However, regulators and the government are actively working to stabilize the system and address these pressures.

Indonesia’s finance system is predominantly bank-centric, with banks holding about 75% of all financial assets. This legacy of state-led finance limits access to long-term capital, as short-term deposits mainly fund banks, resulting in a small corporate bond market that accounts for only roughly 2% of GDP. Developing a robust capital market requires a larger base of domestic institutional investors, which currently stand at just 5.2% of GDP. Unlike developed nations, where pension funds are significant long-term capital sources, Indonesia’s pension participation is limited, and investment strategies tend to be conservative, restricting diversification and long-term returns.

The country’s stock market is also underdeveloped relative to its size. Liquidity remains limited, with trading concentrated among blue-chip stocks and many large companies, including SOEs, holding low proportions of free-floating shares. Recent policy measures, including the introduction of liquidity providers, aim to improve market liquidity. Notably, retail investor participation has surged, with over 17 million investors—nearly double from five years ago—highlighting the importance of improving financial literacy. An educated retail investor base can foster sustained market activity, deepen market liquidity, and make Malaysian and Singaporean markets stronger competitors in the region.

In comparison, Singapore remains the leading financial hub among ASEAN nations. Its high market capitalization, liquidity, and strong regulatory environment make it a key gateway for regional and international capital flows. Thailand and Malaysia have more mature markets with higher participation from domestic retail and institutional investors. Thailand boasts the highest non-financial corporate debt-to-GDP ratio among Asian countries, whereas Malaysia is positioning itself as a leader in Islamic finance, with Shariah-compliant securities constituting over 64% of its market capitalization in 2023.

The Indonesian corporate bond market, although expanding, remains underdeveloped with the total outstanding value reaching approximately US$402 billion by December 2024. Corporate bonds account for a tiny share of the economy, around 2% of GDP, as companies predominantly rely on bank loans. Domestic investors favor shorter-term bonds, creating reluctance toward longer-term debt, which constrains the growth of a liquid bond market. To stimulate this sector, easing issuance processes, reducing costs, and providing guarantees or ratings could help attract more issuers and investors, ultimately fostering a more vibrant secondary market.

Despite global economic volatility and uncertainties, Indonesia is poised to remain a significant driver of long-term global growth. Strategic fiscal and monetary measures are expected to mitigate the impact of external shocks. Moving forward, domestic demand—bolstered by private-sector activity and consumer spending—will be crucial in sustaining economic momentum and fostering deeper capital markets. These developments are essential for Indonesia to leverage its economic potential fully and integrate more effectively into regional and global financial systems.

July 23, 2025, The Jakarta Post

(https://www.thejakartapost.com/business/2025/07/23/how-deep-is-indonesias-capital-market.html)

After a decade of negotiations, Indonesia and the European Union have finalized the Indonesia-EU Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IEU-CEPA), unlocking one of the most significant trade opportunities in Indonesia’s modern history. This deal positions Indonesia as a serious global player, integrating its economy with the EU, one of the world’s largest, wealthiest, and most regulatory-advanced markets. For Indonesian businesses, IEU-CEPA is not just a trade pact, but a platform for growth, competitiveness, and long-term sustainability.

Tariff Elimination Opens Export Channels: the agreement removes nearly all tariffs on goods traded between Indonesia and the EU. This allows Indonesian exports—from textiles and footwear to electronics, automotive components, and processed food—to enter the European market with reduced costs and higher margins. With over 400 million consumers and high demand for quality goods, the EU presents a scalable opportunity for Indonesian manufacturers and exporters.

Strategic Alignment in Resources and Regulation: IEU-CEPA also resolves long-standing trade friction, particularly around palm oil and nickel. Palm oil will continue to enter the EU market if it meets environmental standards, turning sustainability compliance into a market entry tool. Meanwhile, the EU’s demand for critical raw materials like nickel—vital for its clean energy and battery industries—aligns with Indonesia’s strategic resource base. This opens doors for foreign investment in sustainable mining and downstream processing.

Beyond Goods: Digital and Services Opportunities: the agreement extends into digital trade, services, and investment. As Indonesia’s digital economy rapidly expands, alignment with EU standards on data protection and interoperability enhances the appeal for European investors and tech companies. Local fintechs, e-commerce platforms, and creative industries will benefit from smoother access to European partners and customers.

Sustainability as a Business Advantage: IEU-CEPA is deeply rooted in sustainability. The EU’s Green Deal requires partners to meet strict environmental and labor criteria. For Indonesian firms, this is a signal to invest in renewable energy, eco-friendly production, and sustainable logistics. Complying with ESG (environmental, social, governance) standards will no longer be optional but a requirement for market access and competitiveness. The agreement also enables Indonesian businesses to tap into EU funding, expertise, and technology for green transition projects, ranging from solar energy and clean water systems to sustainable waste management.

Execution and Readiness Are Key: to fully capitalize on the IEU-CEPA, Indonesia must focus on execution. Government institutions and trade agencies must be prepared to navigate complex EU regulations and streamline export procedures. For businesses—especially SMEs—readiness will be critical. Companies must upgrade quality control, improve sustainability practices, and ensure regulatory compliance to meet EU standards. Support through financing, training, and digital tools will be essential. Industry associations and business chambers should play an active role in facilitating this transition.

A Long-Term Competitive Advantage: compared to other trade agreements Indonesia has signed—with South Korea, Australia, and Chile—IEU-CEPA offers deeper integration across 21 cooperation areas, including IP rights, digital governance, and climate policy. It is not only a trade deal, but a framework to elevate Indonesia’s global trade profile. With implementation expected in Q3 2025, now is the time for Indonesian businesses to prepare. IEU-CEPA represents a rare strategic opportunity to access a premium market, attract investment, and drive innovation.

July 17, 2025, The Jakarta Post

(https://www.thejakartapost.com/opinion/2025/07/17/indonesiaeu-cepa-a-strategic-leap-toward-global-trade-leadership.html)

United States (US) President Donald Trump has agreed to reduce import tariffs on Indonesian goods from 32% to 19%. This decision comes at a cost to President Prabowo Subianto’s government, with several conditions imposed. Andalas University economist Syafruddin Karimi said Trump’s 19% tariff reduction is not good news. Instead, it is considered a serious obstacle to the competitiveness of Indonesian products.

“President Trump’s 19% tariff reduction on Indonesian exports is not good news. Behind this seemingly lower figure compared to the previous threat of a 32% tariff, structural pressures are hidden that jeopardize Indonesia’s position in global trade,” Syafruddin told detikcom on Wednesday (July 16, 2025).

Syafruddin said this agreement places Indonesia in an unbalanced position. This is understandable, considering that while Indonesia is subject to a 19% tariff on all goods entering the US, American goods will not be subject to any tariffs upon entry into Indonesia.

This imbalance paves the way for US products to dominate the Indonesian market and undermines the competitiveness of domestic products. “When imported goods become cheaper due to tariff-free policies, local businesses will face significant pressure, and the space for national industrialization will shrink,” said Syafruddin.

Furthermore, Indonesia is also burdened with significant purchasing commitments: US$15 billion for US energy products, US$4.5 billion for US agricultural products, and the purchase of 50 Boeing aircraft.

“This is not just a trade agreement, but a unilateral purchase package that undermines the foundation of national economic independence. Within the framework of this agreement, Indonesia is seen as a passive consumer market, not an equal and sovereign trading partner,” criticized Syafruddin.

Similarly, Bhima Yudhistira, Executive Director of the Center of Economic and Law Studies (CELIOS), said the news poses more risks than benefits to Indonesia’s trade balance.

“A 19% tariff on Indonesian exports to the US, while the US can get a 0% tariff, actually poses a high risk to Indonesia’s trade balance. So, the risk is greater because the US gets a 0% tariff on imports to Indonesia,” said Bhima, contacted separately.

Bhima believes the results of Trump’s tariff negotiations remain detrimental to Indonesia’s position. He suggested the government encourage market access to Europe as a form of market diversification after the Indonesia-European Union Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IEU-CEPA) is ratified.

“Similarly, the intra-ASEAN market can be encouraged. We shouldn’t rely too heavily on exports to the US, as the results of the tariff negotiations will still be detrimental to Indonesia’s position,” Bhima said.

July 16, 2025, detikFinance

(https://finance.detik.com/berita-ekonomi-bisnis/d-8013692/trump-pangkas-tarif-ri-jadi-19-kabar-gembira-atau-petaka)

The administration of Samosir regency in North Sumatra plans to build a Lake Toba beach tourism spot by developing 22 kilometers of beach on Samosir Island, a plan that has received support from North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution.

“The concept is a long beach, which is expected to generate economic activities for the Samosir people. The North Sumatra provincial administration is ready to support it,” Bobby told Samosir Regent Vandiko Timotius Gultom in Samosir on Sunday, as quoted by Antara news agency.

Samosir Island is located in Lake Toba and has an area of 640 square kilometers. Six out of nine districts in Samosir regency are located on the island, with the remaining three districts on mainland Sumatra Island. Lake Toba was formed by a supervolcanic eruption approximately 74,000 years ago, creating a vast caldera that is now filled with water, with Samosir Island at its center.

Bobby said that collaboration and synergy between the regency administration, provincial administration, and the central government were needed to materialize the beach tourism. The 22 km tourism beach will span from Tano Ponggol in Pangururan to Simanido Port on Samosir Island. However, the plan needs to consider many issues, among them the acquisition of land that is currently privately owned.

“Collaborative steps are needed, and all stakeholders need to provide their support so the project can go well,” Bobby said.

He added that the long beach grand design must consider management, maintenance, and the appearance of the beach tourism area. Long-term analysis was also needed so that each point becomes a tourism destination that attracts visitors, both domestic and international.

“Not only buildings, but we must also understand how to maintain every spot in the future. There must be a concept so that the project is beneficial,” said Bobby, who is also the son-in-law of former president Joko “Jokowi” Widodo.

Lake Toba is one of five super priority tourism destinations in Indonesia, sometimes also known as the “New Balis”. The other destinations are Borobudur temple in Magelang, Central Java; Likupang in North Minahasa, North Sulawesi; Mandalika in Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara; and Labuan Bajo in West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara. Samosir Culture and Tourism Agency recorded 1.77 million visitors to the island in 2024. Most were domestic visitors at 1.76 million, while the number of foreign tourists stood at 15,705. The number of visitors increased by 56.7 percent from some 1 million in 2023.

Other than supporting the long beach project, Bobby also requested Samosir regency administration help with the review process on Toba Caldera’s geopark status by UNESCO assessors, which will be held on July 21-25.

“There are several important geosites on Samosir. So, we hope the long beach arrangement could help Samosir to regain its green card for the Toba Caldera Geopark,” Bobby said.

The Toba Caldera was named a UNESCO Global Geopark during the 209th meeting of the UNESCO executive board on July 2, 2020. However, Toba Caldera received a “yellow card” from UNESCO during its Global Geopark meeting in Morocco on Sept. 4-5, 2023. While no sanctions were imposed, the Toba Geopark was given two years to make improvements. The warning cited low public awareness and appreciation of geosites, poor coordination among managing stakeholders, inadequate visitor facilities, and limited research and public education related to geology, biodiversity, and cultural heritage.

July 11, 2025, The Jakarta Post

(https://www.thejakartapost.com/indonesia/2025/07/11/samosir-to-build-22-km-beach-tourism-area-on-lake-toba.html)