Indonesia-EU Economy, Islamic Bank Performance, Flexitime Work Productivity

Good morning, Chief...

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.

Exclusive Interview with Indonesian Ambassador to the UAE on Economic Cooperation between the Two Countries

Indonesia has close ties with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This is reflected in President Prabowo Subianto's frequent visits to the Gulf country. Since taking office last year, Prabowo has visited the United Arab Emirates three times. Through the Indonesia-United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IUAE CEPA), cooperation between the two countries covers various fields, such as investment in energy, oil and gas, petrochemicals and ports, the defense industry (cooperation with PT PAL, PT Pindad), as well as the development of halal products and education.
In January-August 2025, the total trade between the two countries reached US$ 3.83 billion, with Indonesia's exports to the UAE amounting to US$ 2.42 billion and Indonesia's imports from the UAE amounting to US$ 1.40 billion. To find out more about the direction of cooperation between the two countries in the future, SUAR journalists Sutta Dharmasaputra, Tria Dianti, Agung Mahesa and video reporter Ahmad Afandi had the opportunity to talk with Indonesian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary (LBBP) to the UAE Judha Nugraha at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Office on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.

Read the full story here.

Islamic Banking Financial Performance in the Third Quarter Surged Supported by Financing Growth

The financial performance of Islamic banking in the third quarter of 2025 showed a positive trend. This can be seen from the skyrocketing financing growth of PT Bank Syariah Indonesia Tbk (BSI), PT Bank BTPN Syariah Tbk, and PT Bank Aladin Syariah Tbk. PT Bank Syariah Indonesia Tbk (BSI) earned a net profit of Rp 5.57 trillion or grew 9.04% YoY. Meanwhile, PT Bank BTPN Syariah Tbk (BTPS) posted a consolidated net profit that grew by double digits, namely 23% YoY to reach Rp 945 billion. PT Bank Aladin Syariah (BANK) also recorded business growth by recording a profit of Rp 128.15 billion. This figure shot up 262.21% compared to the same period last year minus Rp 79 billion.

Read the full story here.

Banks Anticipate When Ojol is Categorized as UMKM

The government's discourse on including online motorcycle taxi (ojol) drivers in the category of micro, small and medium enterprisesUMKM) is being addressed carefully by banks. The national banking system is basically ready to accommodate ojol drivers as recipients of financing, provided that the expansion is carried out gradually and data-based. Banking resilience is currently quite strong with high capitalization and a low non-performing loan ratio. Banks have their own standards in lending, including to ojol drivers. Each bank already has a credit scoring system to assess borrower eligibility and can utilize alternative data such as total income.

Read the full story here.

Flexible Work Arrangements Boost Productivity of Working Parents

Research by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) in 2023 revealed that the loss of an average of 4 days per worker per year due to family care responsibilities has a loss equivalent to 1.7% of the company's total payroll burden. If this 1.7% is multiplied by GDP, this is also a loss opportunity for our country. The discussion onworking parents is particularly relevant in the Indonesian context, given that family care responsibilities are currently a factor that limits the mobility and productivity of workers, especially women. Among the various factors that affect worker productivity, the obligation to take care of vulnerable family members, both children and the elderly, is one of them. For this reason, flexible work arrangements can be one of the tips, in addition to the provision ofdaycare facilities.

Read the full story here.

Selected Videos: Realizing Asta Cita Through Indonesia-UAE Diplomacy

Indonesia's Great Potential to Dominate the Global Sharia Economy and Finance

Until this year, Islamic financial assets have recorded rapid growth, even projected to exceed IDR 9,529 trillion by early 2025. This sector has been prioritized in the National Long-Term Development Plan (RPJPN) 2025-2045. With a focus on strengthening the role of Islamic finance, optimizing Islamic social funds for poverty alleviation, and strengthening halal industries and UMKM , it is key to realizing Indonesia's ambition to dominate the global Islamic economy and finance.
The growth of Islamic financial assets in Indonesia shows a consistent positive trend from year to year. Based on data published by the Financial Services Authority (OJK), Indonesia's total sharia financial assets (including Sharia Banking, Sharia IKNB, and Sharia Capital Market) will reach IDR 2,884 trillion by 2024. When compared to the previous five years (2019), the total assets have increased significantly by 28.3% (from IDR 1,468.07 trillion). The highest increase occurred in 2020 with a growth of 22.70%(year-on-year). This indicates the growing public trust and interest in sharia services and products in the country.

Read the full story here.

The Indonesian Digital Economy Festival (FEKDI) 2025 together with the Indonesia Fintech Summit and Expo (IFSE) 2025. Bank Indonesia and the Financial Services Authority (OJK) are organizing this event again on October 30-November 1, 2025 at Hall B JICC Senayan, Jakarta. FEKDI is an annual event that serves as the main platform to showcase and discuss innovations, collaborations, and policies in Indonesia's digital economy and finance sector, including exhibitions, talk shows, competitions(hackathons), and announcements of government strategic initiatives. Information on how to join and the series of events can be accessed through FEKDI's official website.

PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (BRI)'s Q3-2025 Financial Performance Press Conference will be held virtually through the Zoom Meeting platform on Thursday, 30/10/2025, starting at 08.30 WIB. This event is fairly important because BRI is one of the largest banks in the country.