Tag: investment landing

The Indonesia Investment Authority (INA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) worth CAD 825 million (US$594 million) with Canada’s export credit agency, Export Development Canada (EDC), to bolster bilateral investment opportunities. Under the agreement, EDC will allocate financing for Indonesia’s sovereign wealth fund, particularly for projects in priority sectors such as infrastructure, clean technology, renewable energy, agriculture, and food. The MoU outlines financing solutions and joint opportunities within an Indonesia–Canada nexus across these priority sectors, leveraging EDC’s global financing capabilities and INA’s deep local insight.

Ridha Wirakusumah, CEO of INA, said the partnership reflects the shared commitment of both institutions “to build a mutually beneficial platform between Canada and Indonesia.” The collaboration is expected to strengthen INA’s role in channeling investment into sectors critical to Indonesia’s long-term competitiveness, Ridha added. “Beyond financing, the collaboration is about structuring credible opportunities that attract global capital, bring innovation, and deliver tangible socioeconomic impact. In doing so, we aim to deepen trust and create lasting opportunities that drive shared prosperity for both countries,” she stated in a press release on Thursday.

Todd Winterhalt, Senior Vice President of International Markets at EDC, highlighted that Indonesia is one of the fastest-growing economies in the Indo-Pacific region and has become a major investment destination for Canadian exporters. “Our partnership with INA reflects EDC’s dedication to fostering robust socioeconomic growth in the country and the region. This collaboration aims to significantly enhance trade between our nations, especially in sectors where Canadian companies excel,” Todd said, as quoted in the same press release.

On Thursday, President Prabowo Subianto and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney signed the Canada–Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), marking Canada’s first bilateral trade agreement with an ASEAN country. The agreement, which will eliminate or reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers between the two nations, is set to take effect next year. In 2024, Indonesia was Canada’s largest export market and a major investment destination in Southeast Asia. In September 2023, EDC opened its Jakarta office to tap into the country’s “significant opportunities” for Canadian exporters and investors.

Meanwhile, INA was established in 2020 to attract foreign investors to domestic projects, with an initial capital of IDR 75 trillion (US$4.5 billion), and currently manages assets of around IDR 160 trillion. In July, the sovereign wealth fund reported capital deployment totaling IDR 4.5 trillion during the first five months of this year, together with its partners, increasing its overall disbursement from IDR 60.9 trillion in December 2024 to IDR 65.4 trillion as of May 2025. By the end of last year, INA had channeled IDR 24.9 trillion in cumulative capital, along with IDR 36 trillion from co-investors, across four national priority sectors: transport and logistics, green energy and transformation, digital infrastructure, and health care.

In 2024, INA secured IDR 8.2 trillion in investment from the United Arab Emirates’ Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) and APG Asset Management for the Medan–Binjai and Bakauheni–Terbanggi Besar sections of the Trans-Sumatra Toll Road. INA has also partnered with state asset fund Danantara in a deal with French miner Eramet to invest strategically in the nickel supply chain, as well as in the factory expansion of Chandra Asri Group, a publicly listed petrochemical giant.

September 25, 2025, The Jakarta Post

(https://www.thejakartapost.com/business/2025/09/25/ina-seals-594m-financing-deal-with-canadas-state-lender.html)

Prof. Hamdan Hamedan, Senior Expert at the Government Communications Agency (Bakom RI), assessed President Prabowo Subianto’s speech at the 80th United Nations (UN) General Assembly as significant, emphasizing not only Indonesia’s commitment to world peace but also its strategic role in ensuring global economic stability.

“Indonesia demonstrates a strong commitment to world peace through its active position in advancing internationalism and multilateralism,” Hamdan said in a written statement on Wednesday (September 24, 2025).

As a country that supports strengthening global institutions, Indonesia highlights the importance of collaboration to address interconnected challenges—conflict, climate change, and food insecurity—that directly influence global markets and economic growth. Prabowo’s address outlined Indonesia’s integrated vision: maintaining peace, achieving food sovereignty, and supporting sustainable economic development. Indonesia’s success in national food self-sufficiency becomes a foundation for global cooperation, enabling the nation to assist others—such as Palestine—through rice aid, while reinforcing supply stability and humanitarian diplomacy.

“This reflects Indonesia’s role as a nation with food sovereignty that contributes to global food security and economic resilience,” Hamdan continued.

Prabowo also emphasized Indonesia’s determination to mitigate climate change as part of its global responsibility—through the 2015 Paris Agreement, a net-zero target by 2060, and massive reforestation programs. These initiatives strengthen long-term economic stability by reducing environmental risks that threaten food production and energy resources. Indonesia’s consistent support for the two-state solution in the Palestine-Israel conflict is also part of its peace-driven economic diplomacy. By promoting justice and humanitarian assistance, Indonesia positions itself as a bridge between regions, supporting both political stability and trade cooperation.

At the 80th UN General Assembly in New York (September 23, 2025), President Prabowo became the third speaker, after Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and U.S. President Donald Trump. His speech was a key moment to affirm Indonesia’s strategic role in addressing global economic challenges, from security and energy to climate and trade.

Prabowo stressed that conflicts and inequality disrupt not only peace but also supply chains and economic equity. He called on the UN Security Council to actively safeguard global stability. Drawing on Indonesia’s historical experience, he stated that justice and equality are prerequisites for prosperity, while oppression leads to poverty. He reaffirmed confidence in multilateralism as a mechanism for fair economic cooperation and expressed readiness to send 20,000 peacekeepers to conflict zones—an investment in peace that supports regional market stability. He also offered Indonesia’s resources and technology to help solve food and environmental crises—linking peace with productivity and sustainable development.

By deconstructing Thucydides’ doctrine of power and Huntington’s clash of civilizations, Prabowo positioned Indonesia’s diplomacy on moral and cooperative economics—where justice, technology, and cultural understanding serve as the foundation of a stable global economy. This speech continues Indonesia’s tradition of peace-based diplomacy—from Sukarno’s 1960 call for a just world to SBY’s 2008 warning on financial crises—affirming that Indonesia’s vision of peace is inseparable from global economic resilience and shared prosperity.

September 24, 2025, detikNews

(https://news.detik.com/berita/d-8128218/pidato-prabowo-di-pbb-tegaskan-komitmen-indonesia-pada-perdamaian-dunia) (https://news.detik.com/kolom/d-8134771/pidato-prabowo-di-pbb-kemerdekaan-palestina-dan-pesan-perdamaian)

Indonesia and the European Union (EU) will sign the Indonesia-EU Comprehensive Economic Partnership (IEU-CEPA) trade agreement on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. This marks a government success after nearly a decade of intense negotiations. The agreement is a new strategy for both parties to mitigate the impact of U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff policies. The agreement, to be signed in Bali, brings Indonesia and the 27-member bloc into a broader economic relationship. It’s worth noting that the IEU-CEPA is the third trade agreement signed by the EU with Southeast Asian countries, after Singapore and Vietnam. Here are five things to know:

Urgency: Indonesia has been in talks with the EU since 2016. But negotiations for a trade deal initially showed little progress. However, in July, President Prabowo Subianto traveled to Brussels and announced with EU President Ursula von der Leyen that the two sides had reached a “political agreement” to finalize the deal after 19 rounds of negotiations. Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, said the uncertainty caused by “tariff wars and protectionism” between major economies is driving both sides “to seek certainty through stable bilateral agreements.”

“This agreement is expected to mitigate the risks from the impact of a global tariff war,” Airlangga said.

Tariffs Eliminated: Approximately 80% of Indonesia’s exports to the EU will be tariff-free once the agreement comes into force. This is expected to benefit Indonesia’s main exports to the bloc, including palm oil, footwear, textiles, and fisheries. Von der Leyen said in July that the agreement would open new markets. It would also help strengthen Europe’s supply chains of critical raw materials to support the clean and digital transition.

“We don’t just want secure supply, but we want responsible supply,” she said.

“That means respect for the environment, respect for local communities, and a clear focus on good jobs and the creation of local added value.”

Benefits: The EU is Indonesia’s fifth-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching US$30.1 billion (IDR 500 trillion) last year. The agreement will further open the EU’s access to the Indonesian market, which has a population of around 280 million.

“With the CEPA, it will be easier for them (the EU) to enter Indonesia,” said Deni Friawan, a researcher at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), emphasizing the size of the market and its economic growth, as reported by AFP.

Green Policy: It should be noted that relations between Indonesia and the EU have been tense. Several issues have caused tension, such as the EU’s proposed import ban on products linked to deforestation, which has angered Indonesia, a major palm oil exporter. Under EU deforestation regulations, exports of a wide range of goods — including soybeans, timber, palm oil, livestock, printing paper, and rubber — are banned if produced on land deforested after December 2020.

EU Trade Chief Maros Sefcovic has promised to provide “preferential treatment” regarding deforestation regulations for countries that have signed a trade agreement with the bloc. The EU has delayed the implementation of the rules until later this year after facing resistance. Brussels is reportedly pushing to include provisions on deforestation in the agreement, but details have not been made public.

Next Steps: After signing the agreement, both sides are expected to implement steps, including legal checks and translations of official documents. The agreement must then be ratified by EU members, the European Parliament, and the Indonesian parliament, and is expected to be implemented by 2027.

September 22, 2025, CNBC Indonesia

(https://www.cnbcindonesia.com/news/20250922134736-4-669093/top-prabowo-perjanjian-dagang-ieu-cepa-tanda-tangan-besok-di-bali)

PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy (PGE), a publicly listed subsidiary of state-owned Pertamina, has commenced construction of a green hydrogen project in Ulubelu, Lampung. With an investment of US$3 million, the pilot facility is designed to produce up to 100 kilograms of green hydrogen per day, operating at an efficiency rate of 82 to 88 percent. The project is expected to begin operations in 2025. Notably, the facility will be the first to integrate Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) electrolyzer technology with geothermal energy as a clean power source.

As a carbon-free fuel in both production and use, green hydrogen is regarded as a key solution for decarbonizing industries that are challenging to electrify, such as steel, cement, and transportation. PGE President Director Julfi Hadi emphasized that the project represents an important milestone in placing Indonesia within the global clean energy supply chain. He noted that Ulubelu could serve as a replicable innovation hub for other geothermal areas and outlined PGE’s broader strategy of utilizing green hydrogen as feedstock for derivatives such as green ammonia and methanol. These products are projected to become vital fuels and raw materials for future low-carbon industries. Pertamina Corporate Communications Vice President Fadjar Djoko Santoso further highlighted that the initiative contributes directly to Indonesia’s 2060 net-zero emissions target.

The Indonesian government views hydrogen as central to its decarbonization agenda. As Southeast Asia’s largest economy, the country seeks to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, strengthen energy security, and establish itself as a hydrogen export hub. Hydrogen functions as an energy carrier, storing and transporting energy from other sources, and can be used in fuel cells to generate electricity and heat. These attributes make it a promising option for low-carbon energy solutions. According to Goldman Sachs, the green hydrogen market could eventually reach a global value of US$12 trillion, attracting significant investment. Similarly, the International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that hydrogen development will create substantial employment opportunities while enhancing energy resilience.

In the domestic context, green hydrogen has the potential to replace natural gas and coal, while also serving as a future export commodity. To accelerate its adoption, Indonesia released the National Hydrogen Strategy (SHN) in December 2023, outlining policies to promote hydrogen production and consumption. In April 2024, the government followed with the National Hydrogen and Ammonia Roadmap (RHAN), which sets out detailed plans and action steps for scaling hydrogen and ammonia development nationwide.

However, challenges remain, particularly regarding production costs. Fabby Tumiwa, Executive Director of the Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR), observed that green hydrogen currently costs between US$6 and US$10 per kilogram, three to four times higher than hydrogen derived from natural gas. The elevated costs stem from expensive electrolyzer technology, renewable electricity prices, and the limited scale of renewable energy infrastructure. Despite these constraints, Fabby expressed optimism that the sector will become more viable as renewable energy capacity expands, lowering production costs over time.

In sum, PGE’s green hydrogen pilot project represents both a technological breakthrough and a strategic step in Indonesia’s energy transition. By leveraging geothermal resources and advanced electrolysis, the initiative underscores the nation’s ambition to decarbonize its economy, strengthen energy security, and capture opportunities in the emerging global hydrogen market.

September 10, 2025, The Jakarta Post

(https://www.thejakartapost.com/business/2025/09/10/pertamina-breaks-ground-on-3m-green-hydrogen-project.html)

The Indonesian government has announced the establishment of six new special economic zones (SEZs) targeting a range of industries, including halal products and electric vehicles (EVs). According to Susiwijono “Susi” Moegiarso, Secretary to the Coordinating Economic Minister, the zones are awaiting the issuance of government regulations before becoming operational. Among them, the Sidoarjo SEZ in East Java is set to specialize in halal products, aiming to integrate Indonesia into global halal supply chains. Another SEZ, located in Subang, West Java, will focus on strengthening Indonesia’s EV ecosystem, with interest from Chinese manufacturers such as BYD. Details on the remaining four SEZs will be disclosed once the relevant regulations are enacted.

As of June 30, Indonesia operates 25 SEZs across industries including manufacturing, digital technology, tourism, wellness, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services. These SEZs span 23,798 hectares nationwide, with seven on Java and 18 outside the island. Collectively, they attracted IDR 40.48 trillion (US$2.46 billion) in realized investment in the first half of 2024, accounting for 48.2 percent of the annual target and representing a 29 percent year-on-year increase. The zones also generated employment for 28,094 people.

Susi emphasized that developing SEZs is aligned with national priorities to advance downstream industries, enhance the value of domestic natural resources, expand exports, and reduce reliance on imports. A prominent example is the Gresik SEZ in East Java, home to PT Freeport Indonesia’s smelter, described as the world’s largest, which will strengthen the national copper industry while supporting gold production of 52 tonnes annually.

Other SEZs highlight Indonesia’s efforts to position itself in global supply chains. The Sei Mangkei SEZ in North Sumatra has become a key hub for downstream palm oil, with exports valued at IDR 2.7 trillion in 2024. The zone is also expected to attract an additional US$20 million in investment from PT Unilever Oleochemical Indonesia for expansion. In Central Java, the Kendal SEZ is contributing to the global EV supply chain through exports of battery anodes to the United States. Its battery plant has an annual capacity of 80,000 tonnes, enough to support production for approximately 1.5 million EVs.

Meanwhile, the Nongsa SEZ in Batam, Riau Islands, is bolstering Indonesia’s digital economy by securing IDR 5.8 trillion in investment from leading global data center operators, including China’s GDS, Hong Kong’s Gaw Capital, Singapore’s Princeton Digital Group, and New Zealand’s BWDigital Infra Indonesia. In addition, the Galang Batang SEZ in Bintan, also in the Riau Islands, currently exports 2 million tonnes of smelter-grade alumina annually and plans to double capacity to 4 million tonnes per year.

Overall, the planned new SEZs reflect Indonesia’s strategy to deepen industrial downstreaming, attract foreign investment, and enhance its participation in global value chains. By combining diverse focuses—ranging from halal products and EVs to palm oil, digital infrastructure, and mineral processing—the government seeks to ensure sustainable growth, job creation, and stronger economic resilience.

September 10, 2025, The Jakarta Post

(https://www.thejakartapost.com/business/2025/09/10/new-economic-zones-to-invite-ev-firms-halal-products-industry.html)

Indonesia has embarked on an ambitious initiative under President Prabowo Subianto to significantly expand its dairy industry by importing one million Holstein-Friesian cows over five years at an estimated cost of nearly US$3 billion. The program is intended to support the government’s flagship free meals scheme for 83 million children and expectant mothers, while also reducing reliance on imported milk powder from Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. Currently, Indonesia’s dairy herd stands at around 220,000, and the plan aims to more than quadruple that number.

Unlike conventional state-funded programs, this initiative relies heavily on private sector participation. The Ministry of Agriculture has pressed over 200 businesses, including multinational corporations, to commit to importing at least 20 cows per year from 2025 to 2029. By May, 196 businesses had pledged participation, though many had no prior experience in dairy farming. Reports suggest companies felt compelled to comply, fearing potential obstacles in securing import licenses for their core operations, such as frozen meats and milk powder, if they refused. In one case, government approval of an import license was expedited only after a company increased its cattle commitment to the ministry’s “minimum” threshold.

Progress has been slower than anticipated. Since the scheme’s December launch, only 11,375 dairy cows had been imported by July—well short of the 200,000 targets for 2024. Most imports so far have come from Australia. The sluggish pace has raised concerns about the feasibility of scaling up both the cattle program and the promised free meals initiative, which was central to Prabowo’s election campaign.

Cooperatives such as Laras Ati in West Java are at the forefront of implementation, managing cattle purchased by private investors with limited livestock experience. For example, members of the Indonesian Association of Animal Protein Entrepreneurs (APPHI), primarily engaged in cold chain distribution, collectively purchased hundreds of cows now housed in cooperatives. Businesses are expected to invest around IDR 45 million (US$2,800) per cow, covering purchase, transport, feed, and vaccines, with returns projected in approximately three and a half years through shared revenue with cooperatives.

While the government has presented this approach as an opportunity for investment and self-sufficiency, critics question its design and sustainability. Industry experts have expressed doubts about the capacity of inexperienced firms to manage livestock effectively, as well as the adequacy of Indonesia’s infrastructure to handle large-scale imports. Animal welfare and disease management are also pressing concerns, particularly after a devastating foot and mouth disease outbreak in 2022 reduced cattle populations in some regions by half.

Analysts warn that without stronger oversight and more realistic planning, the program risks failing to deliver the promised results. Rochadi Tawaf of the Cattle and Buffalo Breeders Association emphasized that success requires proven expertise in dairy management, not inexperienced firms compelled by government pressure. Similarly, foreign exporters, such as Dairy Livestock Exports in Australia, have highlighted deficiencies in Indonesia’s facilities to ensure animal welfare on such a scale.

Overall, the initiative reflects Indonesia’s broader push for food security and self-sufficiency. However, its heavy reliance on reluctant, inexperienced private investors, slow progress, and structural weaknesses in infrastructure and management cast uncertainty over its long-term viability and the government’s ability to meet both nutritional and economic goals.

September 9, 2025, The Jakarta Post

(https://www.thejakartapost.com/business/2025/09/09/dairy-duty-indonesia-presses-businesses-to-find-a-million-cows.html)

The rapid adoption of digital payment systems in Indonesia reflects not only technological advancement but also a profound cultural transformation in how society interacts with money. From purchasing daily necessities via QRIS (Quick Response Indonesia Standard) to executing instant interbank transfers through BI-FAST, digital payments have increasingly become part of everyday life. This evolution highlights a broader shift in behavior, where convenience, incentives, and habit often outweigh rational cost-benefit considerations, as explained through Behavioral Economics theories. Cashback rewards, transaction speed, and accessibility have made digital payments the default option for many Indonesians.

Statistical data underscores this momentum. As of July 2025, QRIS transactions rose 163 percent year-on-year, while BI-FAST recorded 414.6 million transactions, up 38 percent, with a total value of IDR 1 quadrillion—nearly half of Indonesia’s annual card transactions. Overall digital payments, including internet and mobile banking, reached 4.44 billion transactions, reflecting a 45 percent annual increase. Adoption is also expanding beyond urban centers, driven by initiatives like QRIS Tuntas, which enables withdrawals, transfers, and deposits, along with expanding financial infrastructure. Merchant participation has surpassed 38 million nationwide, with notable growth in regions outside Java, including Kalimantan (24 percent), Sulawesi-Maluku-Papua (24 percent), Sumatra (19 percent), and Bali-Nusa Tenggara (16 percent).

Indonesian consumers now demonstrate increasingly sophisticated payment behavior, selecting methods based on context. E-wallets are favored for small purchases, QRIS for face-to-face vendor transactions, and BI-FAST or virtual accounts for large-scale transfers. Despite this progress, challenges persist. Cybersecurity threats, data breaches, scams, misleading promotions, and limited digital literacy among the elderly and rural populations remain significant risks. By May 2025, the Financial Services Authority (OJK) received 18,339 consumer complaints, of which 38 percent were linked to fintech platforms and 37 percent to banking services. Strengthening trust will require robust regulation, improved cybersecurity, transparent fee disclosures, and comprehensive literacy programs.

Indonesia’s long-term digital finance agenda is framed by initiatives such as the Payment System Blueprint 2025 and ASEAN QRIS Cross-Border Payments. These programs aim to ensure secure, transparent, and inclusive adoption. Emerging innovations like biometric authentication, voice payments, and embedded finance are anticipated to shape the future, but policymakers emphasize that inclusivity must remain central. Efforts such as subsidized smartphones, affordable internet in rural areas, and community training programs are seen as necessary to bridge the digital divide.

At the international level, Indonesia is advancing QRIS expansion through cross-border partnerships. Following its launch in Japan in August 2025—coinciding with Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day—Bank Indonesia is preparing to pilot QRIS in China next month. This initiative, conducted in collaboration with China’s UnionPay International and the People’s Bank of China, will begin with an interconnection trial aimed at facilitating bilateral trade, especially for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), while also supporting tourism.

QRIS already operates in Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore, with Malaysia recording the highest number of transactions outside Indonesia—4.31 million valued at IDR 1.15 trillion since May 2023. Thailand and Singapore follow with nearly 1 million and 238,000 transactions, respectively. Future expansion targets include India and Saudi Arabia. These partnerships also complement Indonesia’s Local Currency Settlement (LCS) framework with trading partners such as Japan, which seeks to reduce reliance on third-party currencies and strengthen regional financial stability.

Overall, Indonesia’s digital payment ecosystem is evolving rapidly, symbolizing a cultural shift from cash to cashless and from traditional banking to digital-first solutions. The domestic adoption surge and cross-border expansion of QRIS underscore Indonesia’s ambition to position itself as a leader in digital finance. The challenge ahead lies not in whether people will adopt digital payments, but in ensuring that the system remains secure, transparent, and inclusive so that no community or demographic is left behind.

August 26, 2025, The Jakarta Post

(https://www.thejakartapost.com/business/2025/08/27/digital-payments-in-indonesia-a-cultural-shift.html) (https://www.thejakartapost.com/business/2025/08/26/qris-to-pilot-in-china-next-month-as-expansion-continues.html)

The annual Pacu Jalur boat race in Riau, Sumatra, has experienced an unprecedented surge in global attention and tourism, largely driven by the viral fame of 11-year-old Rayyan Arkan Dikha. Known for his distinctive dance performed on the prow of traditional longboats, Rayyan’s movements have captivated millions on social media, transforming a centuries-old cultural festival into an international spectacle.

This year’s competition, which culminated on Sunday, saw significantly larger crowds compared to previous editions. Authorities estimate that an additional 100,000 spectators attended, bringing the total audience to around 1.5 million people, including an increasing number of foreign visitors. The economic impact has also been substantial, with projected revenue reaching up to US$4.6 million, a considerable rise from last year’s US$2.5 million.

The boy’s viral popularity began with a 20-second clip that rapidly circulated online, inspiring celebrities and sports figures such as Formula One driver Alex Albon and MotoGP champion Marc Márquez to imitate his now-famous moves. The trend has fueled domestic and international interest in Pacu Jalur, with tourists like Australian visitor Duncan McNaught and Indonesian spectator Yuyun Kurnia traveling long distances specifically to witness the event.

Pacu Jalur itself holds deep historical significance. Dating back to the 17th century, the traditional wooden boats, known as “jalur,” were originally used for transporting goods and people before evolving into competitive vessels. Today, the races are held annually every August, coinciding with Indonesia’s Independence Day celebrations. In 2025, more than 220 teams from local villages and districts participated, competing for prizes totaling approximately IDR 900 million (US$55,000).

The five-day event from Aug. 20 to 24 generated an estimated economic impact of IDR 100 billion (US$6.5 million). The influx of visitors led to packed hotels, high flight bookings and record sales in food and souvenirs. Local businesses, from boat rental operators to food vendors and homestay owners, reported unprecedented earnings during the century-old festival.

Local residents expressed pride that the boy’s newfound celebrity has elevated the festival to international recognition. Young spectator Naysila Ayunita Sari described Rayyan’s ability to create a personal brand through his dances as “super cool,” while veteran attendee Frima, aged 35, highlighted the courage required to perform at the tip of a racing boat. The role of the “boat dancer” is not only symbolic but also intended to motivate the rowers during the strenuous race.

Authorities have seized the opportunity to improve the event’s organization and environmental management. Efforts included enhanced riverbank facilities and measures to curb illegal gold mining near the Kuantan River to reduce pollution. According to Roni Rakhmat, head of Riau’s tourism agency, the newfound global exposure is a breakthrough, as foreign spectators had rarely attended in previous years.

For the local community, the rapid transformation of Pacu Jalur into a world-recognized event is both surprising and gratifying. Long-time resident Frima reflected, “I never would have thought that all eyes are on this small place on the western side of Riau. I’m grateful Pacu Jalur is now known worldwide.”

August 24, 2025, The Jakarta Post

(https://www.thejakartapost.com/indonesia/2025/08/24/childs-viral-fame-draws-tourists-to-boat-race-in-riau.html)

(https://www.thejakartapost.com/business/2025/08/30/local-tourism-surges-on-viral-aura-farming-pacu-jalur-video.html)

Indonesia has achieved a historic milestone in sustainable aviation by launching Pelita Air’s inaugural Jakarta–Bali flight powered by Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) derived from used cooking oil (UCO), locally known as jelantah. This initiative, led by PT Pertamina (Persero) in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, aligns with President Prabowo’s priority program Asta Cita, which emphasizes energy security, independence, and clean energy transition.

According to Dadan Kusdiana, Secretary General of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, SAF represents not only an environmentally friendly solution but also a step toward strengthening national energy self-sufficiency. Pertamina stated that UCO-based SAF can reduce carbon emissions by up to 84 percent compared to fossil aviation fuel, offering the aviation industry a concrete pathway to lower its carbon footprint without compromising safety or performance standards.

The SAF, developed at Pertamina’s Cilacap Refinery Unit IV, meets both national standards outlined in Decree No. 70/2025 and international benchmarks ASTM D1655 and Defstan 91-091. To ensure reliable feedstock, Pertamina has established 35 collection points across strategic locations, encouraging public participation in UCO recycling by offering financial incentives. This community-based model not only supports sustainability but also improves waste management practices.

Pertamina’s journey toward SAF innovation began in 2021 in collaboration with the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB). Early trials included a test flight with a Dirgantara Indonesia CN235-200 FTB aircraft on the Bandung–Jakarta route, followed in 2023 by a Garuda Boeing 737-800 test on the Jakarta–Solo–Jakarta route. These successful trials paved the way for today’s commercial application, confirming SAF’s readiness for broader use in Indonesia’s aviation sector.

KPI President Director Taufik Aditiyawarman emphasized that this development symbolizes a tangible step in Indonesia’s clean energy transition, proving the nation’s ability to produce future-ready aviation fuel domestically. He noted that Pertamina SAF, produced using co-processing technology with the locally developed Merah Putih Catalyst, not only meets but also exceeds global aviation safety requirements. For instance, its freezing point performs better than international standards, ensuring fuel stability even in extreme flight conditions.

Furthermore, Pertamina SAF has secured ISCC CORSIA international sustainability certification, validating it as the first Indonesian-produced sustainable bioavtur made from UCO. Plans are already underway to expand SAF production at Pertamina’s Dumai and Balongan refineries, broadening supply capacity.

Despite this milestone, challenges remain, particularly in advancing bioethanol development and strengthening inter-agency collaboration. While Indonesia has established itself as the world’s leading biodiesel producer, further innovation is required to replicate similar success in other bioenergy sectors.

Overall, the launch of SAF-powered flights demonstrates Indonesia’s leadership in sustainable aviation within Southeast Asia. It marks a significant stride toward reducing carbon emissions, enhancing energy independence, and positioning the country at the forefront of the global green energy transition.

August 23, 2025, detikFinance

(https://finance.detik.com/energi/d-8073578/pertama-di-indonesia-minyak-jelantah-jadi-bahan-bakar-pesawat)

(https://finance.detik.com/energi/d-8075020/sejarah-maskapai-ri-terbang-pakai-bahan-bakar-olahan-minyak-jelantah)

Lake Toba has reaffirmed its position as a premier destination for international water sports with the successful hosting of two world-class events in August 2025. Following the Aquabike Grand Prix of Indonesia, which concluded with a victory by West Papua’s Boanerges Ratag in the Endurance category, the spotlight shifted to the F1 Powerboat Championship held from August 22 to 24 in Balige, North Sumatra. Ratag’s achievement not only demonstrated Indonesia’s athletic potential but also motivated organizers to enhance preparations for upcoming global competitions.

The F1 Powerboat 2025 was organized by InJourney through its subsidiary, the InJourney Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), with operational support from InJourney Aviation Services (IAS). IAS played a central role in managing cargo logistics, hospitality, and facility services for international racers and teams. Seventeen containers, totaling more than 91,000 kilograms, were transported from Belawan Port to Balige by land and carefully processed through customs inspections. Beyond technical support, IAS incorporated “local heroes” from nearby communities to deliver services infused with Indonesian warmth and hospitality, ensuring a memorable experience for participants and spectators.

IAS Commissioner Danang Parikesit emphasized that this involvement reflects a broader mission to support sustainable tourism development in Lake Toba. By combining international-standard services with community participation, the event sought to enhance both visitor experience and local economic impact. This initiative aligns with the government’s vision of strengthening Lake Toba’s role as a Super Priority Tourism Destination (DPSP).

The event also showcased the synergy between global achievement and national identity. The influx of tourists and international attention highlighted Lake Toba’s natural beauty, cultural richness, and potential as a hub for sports tourism. Organizers stressed that hosting such large-scale events not only promotes tourism but also contributes to local economic growth, providing direct benefits to communities around the lake.

International racers expressed admiration for the event and its setting. Defending champion Rusty Wyatt described Lake Toba as a special venue, noting that he enjoyed exploring the area beyond the competition itself. Similarly, 24-year-old racer Alberto Comparato praised the extraordinary hospitality of North Sumatra’s people, underscoring that the event’s appeal extends beyond the race to include cultural and scenic experiences.

Chairman of the Lake Toba GP Aquabike & F1 Powerboat 2025, Troy Warokka, highlighted notable improvements in preparation, organization, and public engagement compared to previous years. According to him, positive feedback from racers and teams serves as valuable capital for enhancing future editions of the event.

Overall, the Aquabike and F1 Powerboat competitions in August 2025 demonstrated Lake Toba’s growing reputation as an international sports tourism destination. The combination of world-class event management, strong community involvement, and the lake’s unique cultural and natural appeal positions it as a stage where Indonesia can showcase its global competitiveness while strengthening local economic resilience.

August 23, 2025, detikSport and detikSumut

(https://www.detik.com/sumut/wisata/d-8075782/pebalap-f1-powerboat-puji-keindahan-danau-toba)

(https://sport.detik.com/sport-lain/d-8073165/danau-toba-gelar-event-kelas-dunia-lagi-giliran-f1-powerboat)