An Iron Fist to Maintain Optimism

Optimism is evident in Jakarta's financial markets, be it stocks, bonds or the rupiah currency. The Jakarta Composite Index rose 4.8 percent since the start of the year. In dollar terms, the rise has even reached a high 9.7 percent. Rupiah is also appreciating. Until last week, the selling price for US dollars quoted by Bank Indonesia has dropped 5.9 percent in the first two and a half months of 2016.

Indeed, global investors have limited choice investing in emerging markets. China is still limp. Its 2016 February exports fell by 25.4 percent, compared to a year ago. Meanwhile, India's economy, which grew 7.5 percent in 2015, seems to have peaked. Investors need alternatives, and it looks like Indonesia is once more on their radar screen.

March 15, 2016