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Amy Sood
Reporter, Asia Desk
Amy joined the SCMP in 2022, having previously worked at Agence France-Presse and contributing to CNN and NBC News. Originally from India, Amy grew up in Indonesia and spent a few years studying in New Zealand. She holds a master's degree in journalism from the University of Hong Kong.
Amy joined the SCMP in 2022, having previously worked at Agence France-Presse and contributing to CNN and NBC News. Originally from India, Amy grew up in Indonesia and spent a few years studying in New Zealand. She holds a master's degree in journalism from the University of Hong Kong.
Areas of Expertise:
Southeast Asian affairs, Indian geopolitics and cultureLanguages Spoken:
English, Hindi, Indonesian.jpeg)
Amartha is helping women running small businesses in rural areas that remain locked out of traditional banking.
Amartha leverages technology to provide loans to women running small businesses in remote areas, but challenges such as lack of digital literacy remain.
With the current US$7.3 billion rail line not projected to break even for 40 years, analysts are urging caution on an extension.
As Asean aims to be the fourth-largest economy by 2045, it must tackle internal trade barriers, US tariffs and improve regional integration.
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Micro, small and medium enterprises account for over 60 per cent of Indonesia’s economy, and analysts say support for them is critical.
Fund managers are confident that India will benefit more from the US-China trade war, according to the Bank of America Securities survey.
As Singapore-based Grab reportedly eyes Indonesia’s prized GoTo in a potential US$7 billion deal, analysts predict a nationalist backlash.
From yarn to steel, India’s domestic industries say they’re being priced out as Chinese firms redirect exports away from the United States.
Despite being an oil producer, Indonesia’s low refining capacity leaves it heavily reliant on Singapore for fuel — but that may soon change.
The Indonesian government’s bid to boost state revenue and fund projects with higher mining royalties is being met with an industry backlash.
India is concerned about its food security and the livelihoods of its farmers if more US food imports are allowed.
Analysts expressed concerns that fiscal pressures, weak consumer spending, and the impact of US tariffs could worsen Indonesia’s economic outlook.
Indonesia is now appealing to companies seeking to relocate operations due to high US tariffs on Chinese solar firms in Southeast Asia.
Indonesia’s food self-sufficiency drive, spearheaded by President Prabowo Subianto, has raised environmental and Indigenous rights concerns.
Despite President Prabowo’s heartfelt words and promises of partnership, analysts question Indonesia’s commitment to the continent.
Seven decades after hosting a summit that birthed the Non-Aligned Movement, Indonesia prioritises pragmatic ties over grand gestures.
Indonesia pledges to buy more US energy and agricultural products, and unveil other trade concessions amid a looming 32 per cent tariff.
Facing reduced domestic demand and increasing trade barriers, Chinese manufacturers are turning to Southeast Asia to export their surplus goods.
Prabowo clarifies that recent reforms are misunderstood and promises greater communication but analysts say his responses are ‘misleading’.
The call by analysts comes as Asean countries are among the hardest hit by US President Donald Trump’s universal tariffs.
Analysts warn Indonesia may lose its competitiveness over the new regulation amid concerns about lack of market flexibility.
The state investment fund has reportedly bought a 10 per cent stake in the leading Indian food company for US$1 billion.
Investment chief Pandu Sjahrir is confident the new sovereign wealth fund can overcome market jitters and keep political meddling at bay.
The amended bill brought back bad memories of Suharto-era militarism, when lines between civilian and military spheres were blurred, critics said.
Jakarta is expected to send 600,000 domestic helpers and skilled labourers to Saudi Arabia, but rights groups are concerned about the move.
New Delhi is simultaneously pursuing agreements with the UK and the EU, driven by export-led growth ambitions and concerns over US policies.
The Jakarta Composite Index has underperformed relative to its regional peers amid investor fears over Indonesia’s financial position.
During a podcast, Modi acknowledged border disputes with China, but noted improved ties after meeting President Xi Jinping. He also praised Trump’s “America First” initiative.
