Indonesia








Energy Markets

Oil & Gas

Crude Oil

The easing cycle of EM central banks is on shakier footing amid escalating Mideast conflict

Analysts say that the Middle East conflict and higher oil prices threaten to shift emerging markets towards a more "hawkish" policy. In the next two weeks, more than a dozen emerging market central banks will be meeting to discuss their monetary policies. Goldman Sachs analysts noted that "markets that have been under the most pressure are those that were owned by investors anticipating rate?cuts in CEEMEA, LatAm and Latin America) and that also tend to be highly sensitive to global supply side shocks." Global financial markets are gripped by fears of an oil price spike due to the U.S. -...

Crude Oil

Minister says Indonesia will import more crude oil as the Middle East conflict escalates.

Indonesia's energy minister said that the country will increase its crude oil imports from the United States to replace the Middle East supply amid an escalating conflict in the region. U.S.-Israeli air warfare against Iran has resulted in the deaths of scores of civilians, both inside Iran and Israel, and the chaos of global air travel. Oil prices have also risen after the closure of the Strait of Hormuz where one fifth of the world's oil trade passes along the Iranian coast. Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia stated that a quarter of Indonesia’s crude oil imports are from the Middle East....

Refined Products

Indonesia's Danantara Fund launches natural resource processing projects worth $7 Billion

The chief of Indonesia's sovereign fund, 'Danantara Indonesia,' announced that the fund launched six projects worth $7 billion in the 'natural resources processing' sector, including an energy refinery for green energy by Pertamina. Rosan Roeslani, CEO of the company, stated that other projects include construction of aluminum and alumina smelters as well as an ethanol plant. These projects are part of the '18 priority projects for the sector of natural resources processing that the government will launch this year, with a total investment amounting to 618 trillion Rupiah (US$36.7 billion). Roeslani stated during the launch that "the president stressed the...

Oil & Gas

Indonesian President inaugurates Balikpapan Refinery Upgrade worth $7.4 Billion

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto inaugurated on Monday the $7.4-billion?upgrade to Pertamina’s Balikpapan Refinery. This upgrade increased the facility’s capacity for refining from 260,000 barrels per day to 360,000, making it the largest refinery in the country. Pertamina, Indonesia's state-owned energy company, has spent years improving its refinery capacity and efficiency to meet the rising demand for energy in the country. Energy Minister Bahlil lahadalia stated that the upgrade would enable the refinery's production to increase of 92-octane and 95-octane?and 98?octane?gasoline. He said that private retailers will buy local products made by Pertamina. He did not give a timeframe. Bahlil stated...

Oil & Gas

Fuel and funds to aid flood-hit Indonesian areas are running low

The authorities battling the floods that hit Sumatra, an island in Indonesia, this week and killed around 800 people have asked for additional central government assistance to address shortages of food, fuel and funds. According to updated government figures, 463 people are missing in West Sumatra (North Sumatra), Aceh and West Sumatra. Local officials say that the lack of power and roads is preventing aid from reaching those who need it. Iskandar Al-Farlaky, the chief of East Aceh, stated that fuel had been limited in East Aceh for days and that aid was delivered by boat. Some people who lived...

Environment

Fuel and funds to aid flood-hit Indonesian areas are running low

The authorities battling the floods that hit Indonesia's Sumatra island this week, which killed 804 people, have asked for more help from the central government to address shortages in funds, fuel and food. Local government officials say that landslides and floods caused by cyclones have led to 634 deaths in the three provinces West Sumatra (North Sumatra), Aceh and West Sumatra. They also claim that power lines and roads were cut, preventing aid from reaching those who needed it. Teuku Raja Keumangan told Kompas TV that "people are getting sick" in Aceh where flooding has affected 25,000 people. Haili Yogi,...

Oil & Gas Refining

Chandra Asri receives $750 million in funding from KKR for the purchase of Exxon's Singapore petrol stations

Chandra Asri Pacific, based in Indonesia, announced on Monday that it had secured a bespoke financing package of $750 million from investment firm KKR for its purchase of ExxonMobil’s Esso retail fuel station network. The Indonesian conglomerate announced late October that it would retain the Esso brand, continue to source fuel from ExxonMobil and integrate its existing workforce. Chandra Asri has not disclosed financial details about the transaction until now. The deal includes almost 60 fuel stations and associated supply agreements. KKR Capital Markets will arrange the financing solution, which is anchored on KKR’s private credit and Insurance platforms. SJ...

Oil & Gas

The palm oil industry in Indonesia is gripped by fear as the military seizes plantations

In late June, Indonesian soldiers wearing fatigues entered a palm oil plantation in Borneo and displayed a sign declaring that the estate was under government control. The Melati Hanjalipan Plantation is a perfect example of a military-backed takeover which has shocked the 16 million-strong workforce and the world's largest palm oil producer. Agrinas Palma Nusantara is the new state-owned palm oil firm that has a land area of 9.1 million acres. Nearly half was transferred to it, making it the largest palm oil company in terms of size. This crackdown, ordered by the President Prabowo Subianto, is the largest structural...

Oil & Gas

US deploys 200 troops to Gaza Task Force without any operations on the ground

Two senior U.S. government officials announced on Thursday that the United States would deploy 200 troops to Gaza as part of a task force for stability. There will be no Americans present on the ground. According to the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity with reporters, the 200 people would form the core of a taskforce that would also include representatives of the Egyptian military, Qatar and Turkey, as well as the United Arab Emirates. Officials said that the exact location of U.S. forces had not yet been determined. They would create a joint command center and integrate the...

Oil & Gas Refining

Pertamina, Indonesia's petroleum company, offers to supply Shell and BP stations

Pertamina, Indonesia's largest oil company, has offered to provide a cargo of gasoline that arrived in this week to Shell & BP-AKR due to petrol shortages. Shell, BP AKR – the operator of BP’s fuel stations – and other companies ran out of supply in this month after more customers sought them out following a report on the quality of Pertamina’s gasoline. In order to alleviate the shortages, the government has allowed private retailers to import additional fuel via Pertamina. Roberth Dumatubun, the corporate secretary of Pertamina Patra Niaga, said that the company was awaiting a response from the private...

Oil & Gas

Sources say Indonesia will sign a $8 billion refineries deal with a US company amid tariffs agreement.

According to two sources with knowledge of the matter, and a presentation from the economic ministry, Danantara, Indonesia's sovereign wealth fund, plans to sign a $8 billion contract with U.S. engineering company KBR Inc. to build 17 modular refining plants. The contract was part of the trade agreement between Indonesia and the United States last week, which led to the reduction in threatened tariff rates from 32% to 19%. Airlangga Hartarto of Indonesia, who is the chief negotiator for the deal, revealed the modular refinery design during a briefing held behind closed doors on Monday night with Indonesian business leaders....

Oil & Gas

New York Times Business News - July 17,

These are the most popular stories from the New York Times' business pages. These stories have not been verified and we cannot vouch for the accuracy of these reports. After an extended year of negotiations, marked by dramatic turns and twists, Alimentation Couche-Tard announced that it would abandon its multi-billion-dollar bid to purchase the owner of 7-Eleven convenient stores. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto confirmed Wednesday that the general outline of a new trade agreement between the United States and Indonesia was agreed. Under the agreement, U.S. goods exported to Indonesia will not be subjected to tariffs while Indonesian products in...

Fossil Fuels

Fossil Fuels

Russell: Compounding errors, narrow self-interest and narrow ROI threaten global fuel shortage

The current conflict in Iran could turn into a global crisis if major countries like the United States and China continue to make miscalculations, and retreat to narrow interests. The price of crude is a major focus of media attention. Brent crude futures, the benchmark, jumped as high as 20%, to $111.04 per barrel, the highest level since July 2022. The price of refined fuels like gasoline, diesel and jet fuel has risen even more than crude oil, but this is still not as alarming to consumers. Jet fuel was the main driver of the explosive increase in refined products...

Refined Products

Finmin: Indonesia will absorb the shock of oil price increases using its state budget

Indonesia's Finance Minister?said? on Monday that the country will absorb the shock of a rise in oil prices by increasing the allocation to fuel subsidies and using the state budget. Indonesia has budgeted 381.3 billion rupiah (22.50billion dollars) for energy subsides and to compensate Pertamina, the state energy company and PLN, the utility company for their efforts to maintain some fuel and electricity prices at an affordable level. The budget is based on assumptions that Indonesian crude oil prices will average $70 per barrel in 2026 and the average rupiah rate of exchange for dollars will be 16,500. Oil prices...

Heating Oil

Russell: Compounding errors, narrow self-interest and narrow ROI threaten global fuel shortage

The United States, China and other major countries are making miscalculations, and retreating to their narrow interests, which threaten to turn the conflict in Iran into an international crisis for the supply of refined oil products. The media focuses a lot on the price for crude oil. Brent crude futures, which are the benchmark, jumped up to 20% in the early Asian trading on Monday, reaching $111.04 per barrel. This is the highest level since July 2022. The price of refined fuels, such as gasoline, jet fuel and diesel, has risen even more than crude oil. These are the fuels...

Mining

Mineral Resources

Mineral Resources

Indonesia's Agincourt claims it can resume its operations at Martabe Gold Mine after the government lifts sanctions

Agincourt Resources, an Indonesian gold miner, announced 'on Thursday' that the 'environmental?ministry has given it permission to resume operations at their Martabe mine. The mine was closed after allegations of environmental violations. Agincourt is one of 28 companies whose permits have been revoked after the government claimed that the firm was responsible for the environmental damage which worsened the floods last year in Sumatra. At least 1,200 people were killed. Astra International is the parent company of Agincourt. Astra's largest shareholder is Jardine Matheson. Agincourt spokesperson Katarina Sibirian said, "The company welcomes the decision of the Environment Ministry relating to...

Mineral Resources

Weekly gain is driven by the Mideast war, not aluminium.

Aluminum fell on Friday as the dollar gained strength, but shipping disruptions due to the ongoing Middle East conflict kept it on track for a weekly rise. Open outcry official activity showed that benchmark three-month aluminum?on London Metal Exchange was?down by 0.9% to $3,485.50 a metric ton. The metal was set to finish the week with a 1.3% gain after reaching a near four-year high Thursday. Last week, the metal jumped 10%. Tom Price, Panmure Liberum's analyst, said that the dollar was "the biggest mover." The dollar rose to its highest level in more than three months on Friday, as...

Mineral Resources

INSTANT VIEW: China's imports of crude oil and iron ore in the first two months have surged.

Customs data showed that China's exports grew faster in January and February, keeping it on track to surpass the $1.2 trillion record trade surplus by 2026. Imports of crude oil and?iron ore also increased in the first half of 2026, compared to a year ago. China combined import data from January and February in order to reduce the impact of the Lunar New Year, which was a week long holiday that fell in February. Table of preliminary data on commodity trade Here are some comments from analysts about the commodity data: PEI HAO is an analyst at?FREIGHT INVESTOR SERVICES in...

Mineral Resources

Copper and other base metals are lifted by China factory data

On Wednesday, copper prices recovered from two sessions of losses due to better than expected private factory data from China, the top metals consumer. The aluminium price rose to its highest level in more than a month, on the back of supply concerns resulting from the escalating conflict in the Middle East. This region is a major producer of this metal. The benchmark three-month copper price on the London Metal Exchange rose 1.5%, to $13,150 per metric ton at 1030 GMT. LME copper has fallen 3% in the last two sessions due to fears that the Mideast conflict will hinder...

Mineral Resources

Aluminum prices rise as Middle East conflict fuels concerns about supply

Aluminum prices rose Tuesday, as traders were 'alert' to the supply risks in the Middle East due to the U.S.-Israeli air war on Iran that spilled over into neighboring countries. Benchmark Aluminium on the London Metal Exchange rose 2.1% to $3,260 per metric tonne in open-outcry official trading, after reaching a month-high of $3,315. Middle East exports aluminium via the Strait of Hormuz, which accounts for 8 percent of global capacity. Iran threatened to attack any ship that tried to cross the Strait on Monday. Aluminium producers have halted premium offers for Japanese buyers in the second quarter. Norsk Hydro...

Mineral Resources

CORRECTED - Aluminum hits a one-month high, as attention turns to Middle Eastern supply

Aluminum?prices jumped to their highest level?in over a month?on Monday, after U.S.-Israeli strikes in Iran fueled concerns about a prolonged conflict in the Middle East. Iran is a major producer. Benchmark aluminium prices on the London Metal Exchange were up 3.1% to $3,236 per metric ton by 1050 GMT, after reaching $3,254 at its highest level since January 29. Investors closely monitor developments in the Strait o'Hormuz. This important trade route for commodities was disrupted when Iran attacked U.S. bases in the region. Neil Welsh, Britannia Global Markets said: "Base metals have risen this morning on the back of concerns...

Mineral Resources

Copper reaches four-week peak, on course for seventh consecutive monthly increase

Prices of copper hit a 4-week high on Friday and are on course for a 7th consecutive monthly gain. Demand optimism has outweighed worries about stocks piling up in warehouses registered at major exchanges. The benchmark three-month copper price on the 'London Metal Exchange' rose by 1.3% in open-outcry official trading to $13,482 per metric ton after reaching $13,527, its highest level since January 30. After a wave speculative purchases, the metal used for power and construction reached a record high on January 29, reaching $14,527.50. One metals trader stated that base metals were also supported by the?investment need for...

Mineral Resources

Copper prices fall from two-week highs as stocks rise and temper demand optimism

The price of copper fell on Thursday, after reaching a two-week high in the previous session. A stronger dollar and rising inventories dampened expectations about a recovery in demand from China, the top consumer of the metal in the world. In official open outcry, the benchmark?three-month?copper price on the London Metal Exchange fell 0.3% to $13,286 a metric ton. The metal had reached $13,350 during the previous session. This was the highest level since February 11. Shanghai Futures Exchange also saw a similar high overnight. The Chinese have returned to the market since the first day of the Lunar New...

Mineral Resources

Copper reaches two-week high after US tariffs strike down

The copper price rose to a two-week high on Wednesday, as growth and demand optimism dominated. This was after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that President Donald Trump could not impose sweeping'reciprocal tariffs. At 1706 GMT, benchmark copper on the London Metal Exchange was?up 1.1% to $13,318 per metric ton after reaching $13,335 in the previous session. This is the highest level since February 11. The U.S. Supreme Court struck down last week tariffs that Trump imposed under a law intended for use during?national emergency'. David Wilson, BNP Paribas commodities analyst, said that the Asian markets benefitted from the Supreme...

Mineral Resources

As China returns from its holiday, copper prices hit their highest in over a week

The copper price rose on Tuesday to its highest level in more than a month, fueled by a positive mood and a stronger demand from China, the world's largest metal consumer, after markets reopened following a holiday. Benchmark?copper for three months on the London Metal Exchange?had gained 2.4% by 1700 GMT to $13,182 per metric ton after reaching its highest price of $13,196 since February 12. LME copper fell 0.7% on Sunday, but has gained 22.5% over the last three months. However, it is still well below its record high of $14,527.50, set on January 29. Alastair Munro is a...

Mineral Resources

Copper falls from a one-week peak as inventories increase, and confusion surrounds tariffs

Prices of copper fell on Monday as inventories continued to rise. Investors were also unsure about the future of U.S. Tariffs and Chinese Trading ahead of reopening following a holiday. Benchmark three-month Copper on the London Metal Exchange fell 0.9% to $12,843 per metric tonne by 1700 GMT. It had earlier reached a session high of more than $13,050. LME copper is up about 3% in the last four sessions but still far below its record high of $14,57.50 on January 29, which was reached. The fact that there is more inventory outside the U.S. may be a little dampener...

Mineral Resources

Indonesia Stock Exchange to release $11 billion in shares amid global scrutiny

According to an IDX official and an analysis of publicly available data, nearly one third of the companies listed on 'the Indonesia Stock Exchange', including its largest listings, could be affected by capital markets reforms promised by Jakarta. This could potentially unleash over $11 billion of new share supply. Indonesia has announced a number of capital market reforms after index provider MSCI warned in late January that the country could be downgraded to frontier status by May due to the opacity on the market, which'may have enabled price manipulation. The plan includes a key component of raising the minimum level...