Indonesia car sales set to stay sluggish in 2016
By: Ardi Wirdana Indonesian car sales in 2015 was unsatisfactory, to say the least. The automotive industry recorded 1.01 million car sales last year, which is…
Indonesia prepares for 2016 Franchise Frenzy
By: Ardi Wirdana Indonesia is projected to be home to the biggest franchise industry in the region in 2016, according to research consultancy firm Spire. In…
After first year, Jokowi needs to balance low profile with ‘people instinct’
For President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, 2015 served as a whirlwind introduction to the national political stage and all of its intricacies. In his first six…
Jakarta bomb will cause slight dip in economy, nothing more
By: Ardi Wirdana As Indonesia trended the hashtag #KamiTidakTakut (we are not afraid) on social media, the country’s economy seems to be showing the same spirit…
Bomb explosions and gunshots shake Jakarta
A series of explosions, suspected to be bombs were heard and scenes captured on camera, in Sarinah, Central Jakarta just after 11.00 am. Gun shots were also heard in…
Indonesia e-commerce bracing for a year of regulatory debates and continued growth
By: Ardi Wirdana As far as Indonesian e-commerce is concerned, the big question on everyone’s lips in 2016 will revolve around the issue of foreign capital….
‘Indonesia tourism is much more than Just Bali’
By: Ardi Wirdana Indonesia will stop over-relying on “oversold” Bali and will look to create 10 new world class tourist destinations as part of a serious…
Indonesia debates English proficiency concern ahead of AEC
By: Ardi Wirdana As the official language of ASEAN, English is likely to serve as the working language of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). English, to…
On-demand ride-sharing apps slowly seeing off early roadblocks in Jakarta
By: Ardi Wirdana The buzz surrounding ride-sharing apps in Indonesia has not died down despite serious setbacks. In fact, the regulatory and social roadblocks have arguably invited…
Indonesia banking on mobile to bank the unbanked
By: Ardi Wirdana Banks in Indonesia have always faced an enormous challenge of reaching out to the unbanked. Being in an archipelagic country that is geographically…