Indonesia's Inflation Rate Stood at 1.57% in Dec-24

MACROECONOMY
Indonesia's Inflation Rate Stood at 1.57% in Dec-24 
Indonesia's inflation rate was 1.57% in Dec-24, slightly above November's 1.55% and below the expected 1.6%, staying within the central bank's 1.5%-3.5% target. Food (1.90%), health (1.93%), and accommodation (2.48%) led price increases, while transport costs dropped (-0.30%) and communication prices declined further (-0.27%). Core inflation held at 2.26%, a 16-month high, just shy of the  2.28% forecast. Monthly inflation rose 0.44%, the highest in nine months, matching predictions. (Trading Economics)
 

INDUSTRY 
Philippines Aims for Nickel Dominance with New Mining Reforms The Philippines, aims to revitalize its nickel industry through proposed reforms to the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, which include a new four-tier royalty system ranging from 1.5% to 5% and enhanced environmental and stakeholder considerations. These reforms, pending Senate approval, seek to boost domestic production and processing, positioning the country as a leader in the global nickel market. The government is also digitizing permit processes to expedite approvals and plans to collaborate with international partners for advanced smelting technologies. (Carboncredits.com)

COMPANY 
Sido Muncul (SIDO) Targets Growth 2025 by Expanding Domestic Reach and Global Market Presence 
SIDO is focusing on domestic market penetration by expanding distribution to target Gen Z and millennials through digital platforms. The Co plans to launch new herbal-based products and grow its international presence in regions like the Arabian Peninsula, ECOWAS, and Indochina. SIDO aims for exports to contribute 9%-10% of total sales in 2025. Backed by a capex allocation of IDR 150-175 bn, SIDO will invest in production maintenance and digitalization to boost operations and marketing. Key growth drivers include the Herbal & Supplement segment, led by Tolak Angin and Esemag, and the F&B segment with KukuBima Ener-G!. (Kontan)