Highlights From Local News Wires

Below is a collection of news wires reports from English versions of Indonesian Newspapers and some other major news outlets.

Politics: “Ganjar and Prabowo remain in statistical dead heat: SMRC” – Jakarta Globe (link)

• If the 2024 Presidential election was to be between Central Java Governor Ganjar (PDI-P) and Defence minister Prabowo (Gerindra) then there would almost be a tie with the latest SMRC poll showing them on 42.2% and 41.9% respectively. Prabowo is yet to announce his candidacy.

Politics: “Vice President Ma’ruf won’t pursue 2^nd term” – Jakarta Globe (link)

Politics: “Finally, Jokowi confirms Nasdem no longer in gov’t coalition” – Jakarta Globe (link)

ASEAN: “’Quiet diplomacy’ doesn’t mean we are doing nothing: Indonesia on Myanmar” – Jakarta Globe (link)

Economy: “Minister optimistic Indonesia to reach economic growth target” – Antara News (link)

• Economic Affairs Minister Airlangga has said that he believes the 5.3% 2023 growth target will be achieved. The economy is expected to remain strong given the robustness of indicators. The government is planning to revise regulations to keep export earnings in Indonesia to defend the IDR and achieve the growth target.

Economy: “Events drive up economic growth in Q1: BPS” – Antara News (link)

Economy: “Retailers threaten to sue gov’t over $23.4m unpaid cooking oil subsidies” – Jakarta Globe (link)

• The retailers’ association is saying that the government still needs to pay palm oil producers IDR 344bn for 40mn litres sold in January. The government set the price for cooking oil last year.

Trade: “Singapore ready to import pig carcasses from Indonesia: Ministry” – Antara News (link)