http://www.alphapacificgroup.com/

Alpha Pacific Transport Group, Jalan Gunung Sahari Raya No 1 Blok B 7/8, Jakarta (2026)

30/04/2026

From Biofuel to Salt, Danantara Breaks Ground on $7 Billion Downstream Projects

Indonesia has launched six major downstream projects worth USD 7 billion, led by sovereign fund Danantara under CEO Rosan Roeslani. The initiative supports President Prabowo Subianto’s push to boost value-added industries and reduce reliance on raw exports.

Two key projects in West Kalimantan focus on strengthening the aluminium chain, from bauxite to finished metal. Other projects include a bioethanol plant in Banyuwangi and a biorefinery in Cilacap producing sustainable aviation fuel from used cooking oil, supporting energy independence and cleaner fuel goals.

The program also targets food and industrial resilience, with a poultry facility in Malang and a salt plant in Gresik using advanced technology to cut imports. Indonesia aims to end industrial salt imports by 2027.

These projects are part of a larger pipeline of 18 initiatives worth USD 38.6 billion. The government expects strong economic spillovers, from job creation to deeper industrial integration, as downstream investment continues to surge.

https://jakartaglobe.id/business/from-biofuel-to-salt-danantara-breaks-ground-on-7-billion-downstream-projects

29/04/2026

Indonesia to remove import duties on some plastic products and LPG for petrochemical industry

Indonesia will scrap import duties on certain plastic materials and LPG used by the petrochemical sector starting May 2026. Coordinating Economic Minister Airlangga Hartarto said the policy aims to ease pressure on manufacturers hit by supply disruptions from the Middle East conflict.

Domestic plastic prices have surged 50%–100% due to reduced naphtha supply, a key raw material. To stabilize costs, the government will cut import duties to 0%—from 5%–15%—on materials like polypropylene, LLDPE, and HDPE used in packaging production.

The move is temporary, lasting six months, and is designed to prevent broader inflation since plastics are widely used in food and beverage packaging. Without intervention, rising input costs could ripple through consumer prices.

Indonesia will also remove the 5% import duty on LPG for petrochemical use. The government plans to review the policy after six months, depending on market conditions and supply recovery.

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/indonesia-remove-import-duties-some-plastic-products-lpg-petrochemical-industry-2026-04-28/

29/04/2026

Humanoid robots to handle baggage in trial at Tokyo's Haneda Airport

Humanoid robots will soon be tested for baggage handling and other ground operations at Haneda Airport starting May 2026. The trial, led by Japan Airlines and GMO AI & Robotics, aims to reduce labour shortages and physical strain on workers.

Current airport ground handling relies heavily on manual labour in tight, complex environments. Traditional automation has struggled to adapt, so human-shaped robots are being tested for their flexibility and ability to work without major infrastructure changes.

The trial will run in phases until 2028, beginning with analysing workflows and gradually testing robots in realistic conditions. The goal is to build a safe, sustainable system where robots assist human workers in tasks like baggage loading and cabin cleaning.

Japan’s ageing population and rising tourism have created a labour crunch, especially for physically demanding and skilled airport roles. If successful, this trial could reshape airport operations and push wider adoption of humanoid robots in aviation.

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/east-asia/robots-baggage-handling-japan-tokyo-haneda-airport-6087891?cid=internal_sharetool_iphone_29042026_cna

28/04/2026

Huge gas discovery surfaces in Southeast Asian waters

Italy’s Eni has announced a major natural gas discovery offshore Indonesia, reinforcing the strategic importance of the Kutei Basin. The Geliga-1 well is estimated to hold around 5 trillion cubic feet of gas and 300 million barrels of condensate, signaling strong potential for both domestic supply and exports.

Drilled at a depth of 5,100 meters in deepwater conditions, the well revealed high-quality reservoirs. This discovery builds on earlier finds like Geng North and Konta-1, confirming the basin’s growing reputation as a key energy hub in Southeast Asia.

The development plan includes leveraging existing infrastructure such as the Bontang LNG plant, along with new floating production systems. Combined with nearby resources, output could reach 1 billion cubic feet of gas per day, boosting efficiency and reducing development costs.

Looking ahead, Eni plans further exploration while advancing a joint venture with Petronas under the new company Searah. With billions of barrels of oil equivalent in potential reserves, this move strengthens Southeast Asia’s role in the global energy landscape.

https://www.offshore-energy.biz/huge-gas-discovery-surfaces-in-southeast-asian-waters/

27/04/2026

Asia's clean power transition accelerates fall in global fossil-fuel use

Asia saw its sharpest decline in fossil fuel electricity generation this century. Fossil power output dropped by 0.9%, marking only the third time this century that fossil generation did not grow.

The decline was largely driven by major reductions in China and India, which together cut over 100 terawatt-hours of fossil electricity. These reductions outweighed smaller increases in other parts of the region.

Renewable energy played a decisive role. Wind and solar alone covered 94% of Asia’s growing electricity demand, while total clean energy generation exceeded demand growth entirely. Solar power surged by 36%, reaching 1,623 TWh and making up 10% of the region’s energy mix.

Asia also dominated global solar expansion, contributing two-thirds of total growth. China accounted for more than half of that increase, with India adding a smaller but significant share.

In Southeast Asia, fossil generation edged slightly lower despite still limited adoption of wind and solar. Hydropower remains the region’s primary renewable source, forming the backbone of its clean energy supply.

https://asia.nikkei.com/business/energy/asia-s-clean-power-transition-accelerates-fall-in-global-fossil-fuel-use?del_type=1&pub_date=202604211230000900&seq_num=4&si=0b4e1603-759f-4aa5-9f03-bc26d80126dd

26/04/2026

Danantara to tender six waste-to-energy projects as Indonesia targets 33,000 tonnes daily waste reduction

Indonesia is stepping up efforts to tackle its growing waste problem by planning six new waste-to-energy (PSEL) projects in 2026. Led by Danantara through PT Denera, the initiative aims to modernise waste management while cutting daily waste by up to 33,000 tonnes by 2029, around 22.5% of national output.

The projects will be located in major regions including Lampung, Bekasi, Medan, Semarang, Surabaya, and Serang, with a combined processing capacity of about 7,000 tonnes per day. The government hopes clearer project structures and stronger backing will attract private investment and improve ex*****on.

Indonesia currently produces around 140,000 tonnes of waste daily, with limited landfill capacity and low recycling rates. To address this, authorities are prioritising thermal technologies like incineration, especially in densely populated urban areas.

Beyond waste reduction, these facilities are expected to generate electricity, with each 1,000 tonnes of waste potentially producing about 25MW of power. The programme is also projected to create jobs, boost local investment, and support technology transfer.

Designated as a National Strategic Project, the first phase begins in June 2026, supported by incentives, tariff schemes, and public-private partnerships, signalling a shift toward integrating waste management with energy production.

https://indonesiabusinesspost.com/6536/energy-and-resources/danantara-to-tender-six-waste-to-energy-projects-as-indonesia-targets-33-000-tonnes-daily-waste-reduction

25/04/2026

Iran war spurs surge in palm oil exports from Southeast Asia

Global demand for crude palm oil has surged as tensions linked to the Iran conflict disrupt supply routes and push countries to stockpile essential commodities. This has driven exports from Southeast Asia to multi-month highs, tightening global supply and lifting prices.

Malaysia and Indonesia, which produce about 85% of the world’s palm oil, are seeing strong export growth. Malaysia’s shipments jumped 41% in March, while Indonesia recorded a 36.26% annual increase early in the year. Rising crude oil prices are also boosting palm oil demand as a biofuel alternative, with Indonesia’s upcoming B50 mandate set to divert supply for domestic use.

Trade flows are shifting fast, with exports to the Middle East, China, and the U.S. rising sharply. Prices are already climbing, with palm oil futures hitting their highest levels since late 2024. The Food and Agriculture Organization also reports increasing global food prices, especially for vegetable oils.

However, the outlook is tightening. Fertilizer costs have surged nearly 50%, climate pressures are hurting yields, and aging plantations limit expansion. With a possible El Niño ahead, production risks are rising, potentially driving cooking oil prices up to 20% and fueling global food inflation.

https://asia.nikkei.com/business/markets/trading-asia/iran-war-spurs-surge-in-palm-oil-exports-from-southeast-asia?del_type=3&pub_date=202604250930000900&seq_num=4&si=0b4e1603-759f-4aa5-9f03-bc26d80126dd

24/04/2026

As U.S. Brands Stumble, China Wins Over Young Indonesians

Chinese brands are rapidly gaining ground in Indonesia, especially among younger consumers who now see them as modern, high-quality, and innovative. This marks a clear shift from the past perception of Chinese goods as cheap and low-end. From electric vehicles to cosmetics and food chains, their presence in Jakarta has grown quickly and noticeably.

Many young Indonesians are drawn to Chinese products because they combine affordability with advanced features. Brands in sectors like automotive and beauty are particularly appealing, offering technology and design that rival or even surpass Western competitors. This has made Chinese products feel more relevant to local tastes and lifestyles.

The expansion appears almost sudden, with Chinese companies aggressively entering malls, streets, and online platforms. Their fast rollout and strong marketing have helped them connect with Indonesia’s growing middle class, which is eager for new and trendy options.

At the same time, some U.S. brands are losing momentum, struggling to maintain the same level of excitement and innovation in the eyes of younger buyers. As a result, China is not just competing—it is reshaping consumer preferences in one of Southeast Asia’s largest markets.

Read the full article on
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/23/business/china-brands-indonesia.html

24/04/2026

Honda to stop selling autos in South Korea at end of this year

Honda Motor will end its automobile sales in South Korea by the end of 2026, pointing to shifting market conditions both globally and locally. The company had operated in the country since 2004, selling models like the Accord and CR-V, but the market has remained small and increasingly difficult.

Sales performance tells the story plainly. Honda sold fewer than 2,000 vehicles in South Korea last year, a drop of over 20 percent. Domestic giants like Hyundai Motor and Kia dominate the market, while China’s BYD is pushing aggressively into the region.

The pullout is part of a broader struggle across Asia. Honda is losing ground in key markets, with sales in China plunging to about 646,000 vehicles in 2025—down 60 percent compared to five years ago. The company is also shutting at least one joint venture plant in China to cut losses.

Declines are not limited to one country. Honda’s sales have also fallen in Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia, signaling deeper structural challenges. Competition is fiercer, EV strategies are costly, and late movers are paying the price.

https://asia.nikkei.com/business/automobiles/honda-to-stop-selling-autos-in-south-korea-at-end-of-this-year?seq_num=4&si=0b4e1603-759f-4aa5-9f03-bc26d80126dd

23/04/2026

Decarbonisation is making a comeback thanks to the Iran war. The test is whether it can be sustained

The Iran war has abruptly revived global interest in clean energy, as the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz triggered sharp spikes in oil and gas prices. What years of policy pressure could not achieve, geopolitical shock has done overnight: governments and companies now see renewable energy not just as a climate goal, but as a matter of energy security and independence.

The crisis has already slowed economic growth and raised fears of a global recession. Southeast Asian countries are reacting with short-term fixes such as fuel subsidies, tax cuts, and even reopening coal plants. These measures may stabilise supply now, but they do little to accelerate the long-term shift away from fossil fuels.

The region’s response mirrors past crises, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine, where energy shocks briefly pushed countries toward diversification before momentum faded. Despite earlier warnings, renewable energy deployment in much of Southeast Asia has remained slow, with only limited progress since 2022.

History suggests a pattern: crises trigger urgency, but once conditions stabilise, complacency returns. From the oil shocks of the 1970s to the 2008 global financial crisis and even the COVID-19 pandemic, lessons are often forgotten as normalcy resumes.

The key question now is whether this time will be different. If governments fail to sustain momentum after the Iran war subsides, the current push for decarbonisation may end up as just another short-lived reaction in a long cycle of repeated mistakes.

Read the full article on [https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/opinion-features/hock-lock-siew-decarbonisation-making-comeback-thanks-iran-war-test-whether-it-can-be-sustained]

23/04/2026

As MSCI review looms, Indonesia’s stock market reforms test investor confidence

Indonesia Stock Exchange plans to delist 18 companies by the end of 2026 as part of a broader effort to clean up the market and improve transparency. While the move is seen as necessary to remove weak and inactive firms, it may shake short-term investor confidence, especially among retail investors stuck in long-suspended stocks.

Most of the affected firms have minimal value due to years of inactivity, with some declared bankrupt and others suspended for over four years. Notable names include Sri Rejeki Isman and Sugih Energy. Authorities have allowed time for share buybacks before delisting takes effect in November.

The reforms come as MSCI reviews Indonesia’s market status, warning of a possible downgrade if transparency and accessibility do not improve. Although regulators say reforms are complete, uncertainty around the outcome continues to weigh on sentiment.

New rules, including raising the minimum public shareholding to 15 per cent, could reshape Indonesia’s corporate landscape, particularly among conglomerates with tightly held ownership. While some firms may face challenges, gradual implementation gives companies time to adapt.

Despite tighter regulations, Indonesia’s IPO pipeline remains strong, with dozens of companies preparing to list. In the long run, better governance and transparency are expected to improve market quality, even if the transition period tests investor confidence.

Read the full article on [https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/asean-business/msci-review-looms-indonesias-stock-market-reforms-test-investor-confidence]

18/04/2026

Singapore's March non-oil exports rise 15.3% on strong AI-driven electronics demand

Singapore’s non-oil domestic exports (NODX) jumped 15.3% in March 2026, marking the seventh straight month of growth. The surge was largely driven by strong global demand for AI-related electronics, alongside a low comparison base from the previous year. For the first quarter, exports rose 9.6%, exceeding expectations.

Electronics exports led the charge, soaring 74% year-on-year. Key components such as integrated circuits more than doubled, while disk media products and personal computers also recorded strong gains. Analysts expect this momentum to continue, supported by ongoing global investment in AI and demand for memory chips and servers.

However, risks remain. The electronics sector depends on critical inputs like helium, much of which comes from Qatar, making it vulnerable to Middle East disruptions. While tensions have not yet significantly impacted exports, supply chain concerns persist.

Meanwhile, non-electronic exports dipped slightly by 0.6%, dragged down by sharp declines in ship structures, food preparations, and pharmaceuticals. Trade performance varied across markets, with strong growth to China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, but weaker demand from the US, EU, and regional partners.

Total trade expanded 38.5% in March, as both imports and exports rose. Still, ongoing geopolitical tensions and tighter financial conditions could weigh on future growth, even as AI continues to fuel demand.

Read the full article on [https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/singapore-non-oil-exports-nodx-march-2026-ai-electronics-demand-4312346]

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