Economic Direction in Minister Purbaya's Hands

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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.

Expect Fiscal Sustainability and Discipline in the New Finance Minister

President Prabowo Subianto's decision to appoint Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa as Minister of Finance marks a new chapter for the Indonesian economy after the last change of finance minister occurred nine years ago. From this sudden change, the business world and economists expect the new minister to maintain fiscal discipline, provide corrections if mistakes are found, while still maintaining the continuity of policies that greatly affect the business world and financial markets.

As an economist, Purbaya claimed to have observed the economic slowdown in the last two quarters. He has also heard the grievances of the people, which are summarized in the "People's Demands 17+8" submitted to the DPR. However, Purbaya stated that these demands are the voices of a small number of people who live in poverty, and that he will immediately address them.
"When I can create growth of 6 percent, 7 percent, it will disappear automatically, they will be busy looking for work and eating well instead of demonstrating. I would be lying if I said tomorrow economic growth will be 8 percent, but we will pursue the fastest growth, and we are moving there," Purbaya said before leaving the press conference area.

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A new atmosphere, this bookstore transforms into a storytelling space

This bookstore in the Melawai shopping center is usually filled with shelves with books neatly lined up jutting into the shelves. There are sections of various categories ranging from shelves for textbooks, discount books, magazines, to stationery.

Soft music is often played in the background, and the lighting is warm and not stifling, so visitors feel comfortable lingering to read and select books.

But now, Gramedia Melawai South Jakarta comes with a new face and a new name, Gramedia Jalma. Presented with the concept of retail experience, Gramedia Jalma presents a space that is not used only for book buying transactions, but also for living space and interacting with others.

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For the sake of labor-intensive industries, the business world asks for excise tariffs not to increase

The business world is asking the government not to increase excise rates next year. The aim is to protect labor-intensive industries that are currently under pressure. Labor-intensive sectors that are not doing well are the food and beverage (F&B) and tobacco products industries. The F&B industry is weakening due to unstable consumer purchasing power and high production costs due to raw material logistics.
Meanwhile, the tobacco industry is still facing a continued high increase in excise tax on tobacco products (CHT). If there is an excise tax increase next year, it will reduce the competitiveness of labor-intensive industries even though this industry absorbs a large number of workers. As a result, cigarette issuer PT Gudang Garam Tbk (GGRM) is facing challenges along with declining performance in the last five years. In addition, during this period, excise tax on tobacco products (CHT) routinely increased every year. GGRM is rumored to have conducted mass layoffs at one of its partner companies in Tuban, East Java.

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Soon to be finalized, these are the benefits of incentivizing the purchase of electric motorcycles

The government through the Ministry of Industry has prepared an incentive scheme for the purchase of electric motors to encourage the growth of electric vehicles in Indonesia, while offering more affordable motorcycle prices for the wider community.
First, encourage the domestic industry, especially in terms of the use of a higher level of domestic components (TKDN). Second, increasing the adoption of electric vehicles in Indonesia, especially making it easier for people to buy electric motors, whether through subsidies or VAT discounts. Third, saving fuel subsidies, the use of electric motorcycles can reduce fuel consumption thereby reducing the cost of fuel subsidies issued by the government.

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KUR continues to increase, UMKM must be able to accelerate

During the 2015-2025 period, government support for UMKM development was consistent through the distribution of People's Business Credit (KUR), which tended to increase. A significant increase in KUR disbursement was especially evident in 2022 where realization reached Rp 373 trillion, exceeding the target of Rp 365.5 trillion. Although it declined in 2023, the target was increased again in 2025.
The increase in KUR distribution cannot be separated from the government policy, which since 2020 has reduced the KUR interest rate from 7% to 6%. Meanwhile, the super-micro business sector is even only subject to an interest rate of 3%. Meanwhile, for micro and small-scale KUR debtors who receive credit again or upgrade are subject to a tiered interest rate increase.

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Bakery ASEAN Talk 2025 Jakarta: This event will be held on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, 09.00-17.00 WIB at Pastry and Culinary Arts Indonesia, The Flavor Bliss, South Tangerang. The event is an extension of Bakery China, the world's largest bakery and confectionary industry exhibition organized by Bakery China Exhibition Co Ltd, under the guidance of China Association of Bakery and Confectionery Industry. The exhibition is designed to build strategic relationships, expand market reach in Southeast Asia, and obtain the latest information on industry trends.

Seminar "UMKM Go Global: Business Scale-Up Strategies to Penetrate National and International Markets": The Financial Services Authority (OJK) Institute is organizing this webinar on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 09.00-12.00 WIB, which can be followed online through the Zoom platform. The event aims to provide an in-depth understanding of strategies for scaling up UMKM businesses, the role of government policies, and the utilization of e-commerce. This webinar invites officials and employees from various agencies, institutions, industries, associations, and universities.