Cinema Screens Expand, Economic Predictions Shrink, Seeking Alternative Export Markets

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The following is important information related to the development of the business universe that needs attention today based on the curation of the SUAR Team.

National Cinema Improving, Cinemas Ready to Expand in 2026

The management of the CGV Indonesia cinema network, PT Graha Layar Prima Tbk (BLTZ), at an expose on Thursday (02/10/2025), plans to expand in 2026. CGV Indonesia did not specify the number of cinemas and screens to be added, but hopes this expansion will improve the company's performance in the future and prioritize areas outside Java for expansion.
BLTZ is also paying attention to the food and beverages (F&B) business, which is considered to continue to show a positive trend. Usually, the addition of cinema screens will definitely be followed by sales of food and drinks. According to him, the quality of Indonesian films is increasing rapidly. This can be seen from the number of Indonesian films showing in a week reaching 3–4 films, while in a month it can be more than 15 films.

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Asia Pacific and Indonesian Economic Growth Forecast to Slow Slightly

The latest Asian Development Bank (ADB) research released in September 2025 on the economic outlook states that economic growth in the Asia Pacific region in 2025 will slow to 4.8% – from the previous prediction in April of 4.9%. Indonesia's economic growth in 2025 is also predicted to shrink to 4.9% after previously being predicted at 5.0% in April. Therefore, it is necessary to implement adaptive, appropriate and harmonious fiscal and monetary policies so that economic performance continues to run, as an effort to exceed these projected estimates.

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Indonesian Exporters Find Alternative Markets to the US After Trump's Tariffs

After United States (US) President Donald Trump imposed trade tariffs last August, Indonesia's exports to the US also decreased in that month compared to July. Data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) recorded that Indonesia's non-oil and gas exports to America in August fell 12.39% on a monthly basis. In July, Indonesia's non-oil and gas exports to the US were US$ 3.10 billion, falling to US$ 2.72 billion in August. Business actors have begun to look for alternative export markets besides the US. Listen to the success stories of exporters who have successfully found alternative markets besides the US.

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Indonesia-Kyrgyzstan Aim for Halal Industry Cooperation Opportunities

Indonesia is exploring opportunities for developing halal industry cooperation with Kyrgyzstan, opening new breakthroughs for exports to non-traditional countries. Based on data obtained from the Ministry of Trade, the trade value between Indonesia and Kyrgyzstan is still relatively small. Recorded in 2024, the value was US$ 1.8 million, while from the January-August 2025 period it reached US$ 1.4 million. Indonesia exports 19 HS (Harmonized System) code commodities, including palm oil and its derivatives, glycerol chemicals, cigarettes, bags, ginseng, garments, and others. Indonesia's exports to Kyrgyzstan are dominated by palm oil and its derivative products, which account for around 90% of total exports.

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Featured Video: BRIN to Hold Indonesia Palm Oil Expo 2025 to Encourage Innovation for Energy and Food Security

Exports to Malaysia Surge Amidst Global Turmoil

Indonesian exports remained stable, growing 0.86% after the enactment of President Trump's new tariffs. A number of countries are supporting the stability of Indonesia's export value, one of which is Malaysia. Exports to neighboring countries in August recorded the highest record of 1,051.4 million US dollars (up 7.80%), driven by a surge in downstream commodities such as processed palm oil. This figure is recorded as the highest figure this year. This increase underscores the importance of the ASEAN regional market, which as a whole is Indonesia's main non-oil and gas export destination with a share of 19.42%.
If we look in more detail, the main commodities of oil and gas and non-oil and gas exports to Malaysia in July and August 2025 experienced changes. In August, superior commodities such as liquid fractions of refined palm oil (HS code 15119037) experienced a significant jump from US$59.63 million to US$135.89 million, making it the second leading export commodity after coal. In addition, fuel oil (HS 27101979) also jumped to US$46.37 million, reflecting an increase in energy demand.

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Yogyakarta UMKM Go Export Seminar Event: Taking the theme "UMKM Strategy to Penetrate the Export Market", this business seminar organized by UMKM Go Export aims to thoroughly explore how to export. The seminar can be attended by those who don't even have their own products, and can be started with minimal capital. The seminar location is at the Harper Hotel, Yogyakarta, taking place on Friday, October 03, 2025, with two sessions: Session 1 (08.30 WIB–finished) and Session 2 (14.00 WIB–finished). Information regarding ticket purchases and how to participate can directly access the umkmgoekspor Instagram social media.

Wakatobi Wonderful Festival and Expo: Also known as Wakatobi WAVE 2025, this annual marine tourism and cultural festival is organized by the Wakatobi Regency Government. The aim is to promote the underwater beauty of Wakatobi and its cultural diversity. This event will be held for three days, starting from Friday, October 3 to Sunday, October 5, 2025, with a series of activities centered in the Marina Togo area, Wakatobi Regency, Southeast Sulawesi. The festival features conservation initiatives, lively cultural attractions, unique Bajo tribal cultural performances, decorated boat parades, and regional culinary exhibitions. As a tourism event included in the 2025 Charisma Event Nusantara (KEN) calendar, this event is open to the public and tourists or participants can participate and enjoy the entire series of events directly.