5 tips from Bank DBS Indonesia for business owners to be successful in navigating economic and political dynamics in 2025 | Bahasa
In this situation, business players should be calm, adaptive, and quick to take action. Market volatility is inevitable, but new opportunities will emerge for those who are observant enough to seize them.
Therefore, to keep your business going and growing, consider these tips to inspire your future strategic moves.
Maintain Liquidity & Finance Costs
DBS Group Research data shows that in the first half of 2025, Indonesia's economy grew by an average of 5 percent year-on-year (yoy), driven by high-value services, capital goods imports, investment, and holiday consumption. In the second half, growth is expected to remain positive thanks to increased government spending, lower interest rates, stable inflation, and the inflow of foreign direct investment (FDI). Overall, the economy is projected to grow 4.9 percent in 2025 while growth in 2026 is expected to remain stable at around 4.9 to 5.0 percent. However, the risk of a slowdown remains, especially in the event of global turmoil, a decline in government spending, or commodity price correction.
For businesses, this situation underlines the importance of maintaining liquidity and financial efficiency. Bank Indonesia's (BI) recent decision to cut the interest rate by 25 basis points (bsp) to 4.75 percent has opened up opportunities for debt refinancing or working capital strengthening at a lower cost. However, it should be noted that the interest rate cut may put pressure on the rupiah. Therefore, if businesses have dollar-denominated debts or imports, they should prepare hedging strategies early on.
Furthermore, to counter a potential slowdown, companies should prepare adequate cash reserves and avoid excessive expansion without financial buffers. With these measures in place, businesses can remain agile in the face of uncertainty and be ready to seize opportunities from government stimulus and foreign investment flows.
Diversification into More Resilient Sectors
Global uncertainty, commodity price fluctuations, and declining purchasing power have made several business sectors more vulnerable than others. However, the service sector, basic necessities, and the digital economy have proven to be more resilient in the face of pressure. DBS Group Research predicts that Indonesia's digital economy will reach USD95 billion in 2025, supported by e-commerce, fintech, and the increasingly widespread adoption of technology. In addition, demand for food products and daily necessities remains stable, driven by the government's plan to increase the social protection budget by 9 percent in 2026 and a free nutritious meal programme that will cost Rp335 trillion.
For owners of large businesses, this is a signal to not only rely on sectors that are sensitive to economic cycles, such as automotive or commodities, but to start allocating investments to more resilient sectors. Diversifying portfolios into basic necessities, digital services, and technology infrastructure will help maintain income stability while opening up new growth opportunities. Using this strategy, companies can be better prepared to face volatility and align themselves with future economic trends.
Follow Government Spending Trends
In the 2026 State Budget Draft (RAPBN), the government allocated a large budget for various priority sectors, including Rp757.8 trillion for education, Rp402.4 trillion for energy, Rp335 trillion for the free nutritious mean programme, and Rp530 trillion for investment. This budget allocation reflects a clear fiscal policy direction, namely a focus on human development, energy security, improving welfare standards, and strengthening long-term investment.
For business owners, this spending direction opens up opportunities for collaboration and strategic projects. Companies can position themselves as government partners in the provision of educational infrastructure, renewable energy, food distribution, and investment support services. By aligning themselves with the government's spending focus, businesses not only strengthen their growth potential but also gain support from a stable flow of state funds.
Maintain Balance between Foreign and Domestic Capital Dependence
The Indonesia capital market is still heavily influenced by foreign capital flows, meaning that global capital flows can cause market volatility. However, support from domestic investors is now increasingly important for maintaining stability. Companies can employ strategies such as share buybacks or encouraging the participation of local institutional and retail investors to maintain share prices when faced with foreign capital outflows.
This year, the JCI was supported by illiquid stocks, an indication that the market is still vulnerable to short-term sentiment. Going forward, a shift to quality stocks with strong fundamentals is expected to be more sustainable. For large business owners, maintaining a balance between dependence on foreign capital and local investor support will strengthen the company's resilience while boosting market confidence.
Anticipate Global & Commodity Price Fluctuations
Energy and commodity prices continue to fluctuate sharply with a direct impact on business operating costs. The price of Brent crude oil, for example, has fallen to USD 67.48 per barrel, or nearly 12 percent since June 2025, while other commodities such as CPO, coal, and nickel are also highly volatile. Projections indicate that Brent crude oil prices will stabilise at around USD65-70 per barrel in 2026 while assumptions project that CPO prices will average at IDR13,050/kg in 2025.
On the other hand, global monetary policy direction is becoming increasingly complex. The Fed cut the key interest rate by 25 basis points in September 2025, marking the start of a new cycle of monetary easing. However, DBS Group Research believes that there are risks of higher inflation due to a number of factors: tariff absorption, a tight labor market due to restrictions on immigration, the impact of stimulus from tax cuts, a surge in AI-related energy demand, strong household and corporate balance sheets, and a booming equity market. All of these factors combine to put upward pressure on long-term interest rates.
This condition is a signal for business owners to be more prudent in setting product prices and managing supply chains. One way to do this is to lock in prices through long-term contracts to prevent a sudden hike in the costs of raw materials. Using this anticipatory measure, companies can maintain their profits and be better prepared to face changes in the global economic uncertainty.
As a trusted partner for business growth, Bank DBS Indonesia consistently provides financial literacy education and expert insights. One such initiative is the ‘Smart Talk’ programme for customers aimed at helping customers become more financially literate, capable of making sound financial decisions, and able to take advantage of business growth and investment opportunities more effectively.
“In view of the increasingly complex business dynamics, what sets successful businesses apart is not merely their ability to survive but their ability to read trends faster than their competitors. As a trusted partner in wealth and business management, Bank DBS Indonesia is here to help businesses identify new opportunities, such as changes in consumer behaviour or growing sectors so that business strategies can be more effective at reaching targets,” said Consumer Banking Director Bank DBS Indonesia Melfrida Gultom.
With the right strategy, businesses can not only survive but also thrive amid economic dynamics. Apply the tips above to make your business more resilient and competitive!
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About DBS
DBS is a leading financial services group in Asia with a presence in 19 markets. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, DBS is in the three key Asian axes of growth: Greater China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The bank's "AA-" and "Aa1" credit ratings are among the highest in the world.
Recognised for its global leadership, DBS has been named “World’s Best Bank” by Global Finance, “World’s Best Bank” by Euromoney and “Global Bank of the Year” by The Banker. The bank is at the forefront of leveraging digital technology to shape the future of banking, having been named “World’s Best Digital Bank” by Euromoney and the world’s “Most Innovative in Digital Banking” by The Banker. In addition, DBS has been accorded the “Safest Bank in Asia” award by Global Finance for 16 consecutive years from 2009 to 2024.
DBS provides a full range of services in consumer, SME and corporate banking. As a bank born and bred in Asia, DBS understands the intricacies of doing business in the region’s most dynamic markets.
Established in 1989 as part of the Singapore-based DBS Group, PT Bank DBS Indonesia (Bank DBS Indonesia) is one of the banks with the longest history in Asia. Currently operating 1 Head Office, 13 Branch Offices, 16 Assistant Offices, 1 Functional Office and 3,011 active employees in 15 Major Cities in Indonesia, Bank DBS Indonesia provides comprehensive banking services that focus on the customer experience to 'Live more, Bank less'. We also see a purpose beyond banking and are committed to supporting our customers, employees, and the community towards a sustainable future.
PT Bank DBS Indonesia is licensed and supervised by The Indonesian Financial Services Authority (OJK), and an insured member of Indonesia Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS).
DBS is committed to building lasting relationships with customers, as it banks the Asian way. Through the DBS Foundation, the bank creates impact beyond banking by uplifting lives and livelihoods of those in need. It provides essential needs to the underprivileged, and fosters inclusion by equipping the underserved with financial and digital literacy skills. It also nurtures innovative social enterprises that create positive impact.
With its extensive network of operations in Asia and emphasis on engaging and empowering its staff, DBS presents exciting career opportunities. For more information, please visit www.dbs.com.