Indonesia to cut automobile import by 700 million USD
The Indonesian Ministry of Industry has set the goal to reduce automobile import value by about 700 million USD this year from 3.3 billion USD in 2017 through import restrictions, especially targeting luxury cars.
The Indonesian Ministry of Industry has set the goal to reduce automobile import value by about 700 million USD this year from 3.3 billion USD in 2017 through import restrictions, especially targeting luxury cars. (Source: en.antaranews.com)
Jakarta (VNA) –𒅌 The Indonesian Ministry of Industry has set the goal toreduce automobile import value by about 700 million USD this year from 3.3billion USD in 2017 through import restrictions, especially targeting luxurycars.
Directorof Maritime Industry, Transportation and Defence Equipment at the IndustryMinistry Putu Juli Ardika said the import reduction target was the result ofthe government’s policy to temporarily halt the import of over-3000cc cars duringthe last two months, when the rupiah had started to weaken. Thedecision to stop the import of luxury cars was aimed at maintaining thecountry’s trade balance. They are not primary goods and Indonesian people canuse domestically produced vehicles, he explained. However,the Industry Ministry will continue to consider import licences alreadysubmitted to the ministry, and the import can be continued under someconsiderations, including agreement with manufacturers to increase exports andexpand its business. Theimport of below 3000-cc cars will also be under control to check which ones shouldbe included in the import control measures. In related news, theGovernor of Indonesia’s central bank Perry Warjiyo said on September 5 that the country has spent 11.9trillion rupiah (about 796.7 million USD) in total through several marketoperations to reduce the pressure from depreciated value of the nationalcurrency against the USD. Perry said in a hearing at the parliamentthat the operations aim to stabilise the foreign exchange market. The value of the Indonesian currency hasdrastically dropped to around 15,000 rupiah per 1 USD. The bank governor saidthe sharp currency value depreciation in Indonesia was generated by externalfactors that include the global economy downturn, coupled with rising tradetensions.-VNA
The central banks of Indonesia and Australia have agreed to extend the Bilateral Local Currency Swap Arrangement, which is due to expire in December 2018.
Indonesia’s 2018 crude palm oil output is set to climb by 4-6 million tonnes from last year to 40-42 million tonnes, said an official from an industry association.
Police in Bali island of Indonesia have tightened security against infiltration of terrorists to the island, where the next annual meeting of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank (WB) will take place in October this year.
Indonesia has spent 11.9 trillion rupiah (about 796.7 million USD) in total through several market operations to reduce the pressure from depreciated value of the national currency against the USD, the governor of the country’s central bank said on September 5.
Total trade between Indonesia and New Zealand in the first half of 2025 reached 963.23 million USD, an increase of 21.56% compared to 792.39 million USD in the same period last year. Of this amount, Indonesia's exports to New Zealand totaled 374.89 million USD, while imports 588.35 million USD
Malaysia, as ASEAN 2025 Chair, marked the bloc’s 58th founding anniversary on August 8 with a vibrant celebration in Cyberjaya, blending an official ceremony with a colorful cultural festival.
Vietnam plays an important role in Southeast Asia’s economic growth and is a key partner of her country in realising the shared vision of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region, said Robyn Mudie, First Assistant Secretary of Office of Southeast Asia (OSA) – Southeast Asia Regional and Mainland Division at Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
The 2025 ASEAN Business Community Development (ABCD) Forum, themed “Empowering ASEAN's Next Leap: Digital, Sustainable & Entrepreneurial Transformation” brought together ministers, CEOs, and top industry experts to discuss key regional economic priorities.
The DES Ministry will seek cooperation from social media platforms to prevent the spread of fake news and monitor accounts related to such activities, he told reporters after chairing a meeting of the newly established Anti-Fake News Centre (AFNC).
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking identified the US tariff reduction as a significant driver behind the improved economic outlook for Thailand.
Financial institutions and financial technology (fintech) players are intensifying their focus on expanding across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), adopting tailored strategies to strengthen their presence in the region’s digital financial services landscape.
Featuring a permanent exhibition area, the ASEAN Hall will function both as a cultural showcase and as a dynamic venue for ASEAN-related events and programmes. Its inauguration on ASEAN Day added symbolic weight, marking a fresh milestone in ASEAN–RoK relations.
Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce and rice exporters are devising strategic plans to boost rice exports amid global market fluctuations, focusing on key markets and adjusting output.
The focus of the upcoming ASEAN Summit in October will be on strengthening economic relations through intra-regional trade and investment, as well as regional initiatives on energy networks and connectivity.
Indonesian Ambassador Rina P. Soemarno, who currently serves as Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Prague, emphasised the spirit of regional solidarity and cooperation, and the importance of enhancing ASEAN–Czech Republic relations.
The Indonesian Government is determined to seize opportunities to enhance the competitiveness of national agricultural products, an official has said, adding that it always strives to promote exports at the highest possible level, based on a mutually beneficial foundation.
Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira has outlined a six-point strategy to promote innovation, support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and push for Thailand's removal from the US Trade Representative (USTR)’s special 301 Watch List regarding intellectual property rights protection among trading partners.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Israel Ly Duc Trung emphasised ASEAN’s central role in regional mechanisms such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the East Asia Summit (EAS), highlighting its significant contribution to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in Southeast Asia.
The consumer index of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), fell to 51.7 in July from 52.7 in the previous month. The sluggish economy and the trade war, as well as high living costs, continue to undermine confidence, the university said.
Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly Istvan Jakab expressed his hope for further deepening Hungary’s ties with ASEAN countries and called for their support for Hungary’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.
The 30-storey tower crumbled seconds after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit neighbouring Myanmar on March 28. The partially built high-rise, meant to house the State Audit Office (SAO), was the only building in Thailand to collapse, killing 89 people on the site, mostly construction workers.
Indonesia’s waste generation is projected to exceed 50 million tonnes in 2025. Of the total, more than 20 million tonnes could potentially enter the ocean through rivers, coastal areas, small islands, ports, and marine activities, and thereby, pose a risk to coastal ecosystems and marine biota.
Indonesia is accelerating plans to increase lithium imports, particularly from Australia, in a bid to fill gaps in the electric vehicle (EV) battery supply chain and realise its ambition of becoming a global EV manufacturing hub.
The Indonesian Ministry of Industry has set the goal to reduce automobile import value by about 700 million USD this year from 3.3 billion USD in 2017 through import restrictions, especially targeting luxury cars. (Source: en.antaranews.com) 
