Global Scans · Indonesia · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Indonesia's GDP is forecast to grow at 5% a year over 2016-2020, supported by strong growth in consumer demand and infrastructure investment. She is likely to be among the star economic performers for at least the next decade but at the same time faces great challenges to overcome past political and social issues.

• [New] Gas supply momentum is building, led by Malaysia, with Indonesia and Vietnam expected to follow, while Asian national oil companies increase M&A to secure long-term growth and resource options. Rystad Energy
• [New] Indonesia will be the worst affected in Asia, with 5.9 million people flooded out each year by 2100. MorungExpress
• [New] A long-gestating, and somewhat contentious, arrangement with South Korea to co-develop the KF-21 fighter jet is reaching some type of conclusion that will probably see Indonesia operate a version of the South Korean fighter in the years ahead. The Diplomat
• [New] The first of 42 Rafale fighter jets ordered from France's Dassault as part of an $8 billion deal will start arriving in Indonesia in 2026. The Diplomat
• [New] International Subscriber Acceleration: Breaking through in key markets like India, Indonesia, and Nigeria would unlock enormous growth potential. Deep Research Global
• [New] Indonesia may emerge as the fourth largest economy in 2050, followed by China, India and the United States. The Financial Express
• [New] Indonesia has stopped importing rice, building up record stocks of 3.7 million tonnes, which is significantly higher than the usual level of 2 million tonnes and guarantees that domestic demand will be fully met. TV BRICS
• [New] The instability in Thailand and Myanmar, democratic backsliding in Indonesia, and tensions between Cambodia and Thailand all pose risks to regional stability and economic certainty. Asia Media Centre | Helping New Zealand media cover Asi
• [New] Policy changes by the Indonesian government and weak nickel prices could pose risks to supply growth. Informist Media
• [New] All eyes will be on the progress of high-profile, high-speed rail projects across Southeast Asia, notably in Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia. PhocusWire
• [New] Indonesia temporarily blocked Elon Musk's Grok chatbot on Saturday due to the risk of AI-generated pornographic content, becoming the first country to deny access to the AI tool. The Guardian
• [New] Indonesia's Ministry of Communications said it is temporarily suspending access to Grok to protect women, children, and the entire community from the risk of fake pornographic content generated using artificial intelligence technology. Business Insider
• [New] Indonesia has become the first country in the world to block Elon Musk's Grok chatbot over the risk of fake, AI-generated pornographic content. Al Jazeera
• [New] Proposed measures, expected to take shape in 2026, include financial verification for travelers, closer monitoring of visitor activities and length of stay, as well as potential minimum spending requirements and visitor quotas. / Indonesia Trawick International
• [New] Asia will take the lead on mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence legislation in 2026, with bills in play in Indonesia, South Korea and Thailand. JD Supra
• [New] On the supply side, Indonesia is expected to drive global production growth and remain the top refined nickel producer for a longer period of time. Informist Media
• [New] E-commerce is forecast to expand by around 20% annually, with retail e-commerce revenue potentially reaching $70 billion by 2030 - ranking third in Southeast Asia after Thailand and Indonesia. https://vir.com.vn/
• [New] The large population coincides with Indonesia's demographic dividend, projected to peak between 2020 and 2030. Antara
• [New] Indonesia's vast farmland and marine resources create strong potential for agribusiness and aquaculture. Lets Move Indonesia

Last updated: 19 January 2026