The Indonesia Stock Market’s Trading Halt
On March 18, 2025, the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) imposed a temporary trading halt after the Jakarta Composite Index (JCI) experienced a sharp decline of more than 5% in one trading session. Trading was halted at 11:19:31 WIB and reopened after 30 minutes at 11:49:31 WIB, following applicable regulations. The decline in JCI was triggered by significant selling pressure from investors, influenced by concerns about domestic and global economic conditions. Several sectors experienced a sharp decline, with stocks such as DCI Indonesia and Chandra Asri Pacific recording significant price declines. According to the Decree of the Board of Directors of IDX Number: Kep-00024/BEI/03-2020, a trading halt is imposed if the JCI experiences a more than 5% decline in one trading day. If the deterioration exceeds 10%, the IDX can carry out further trading halts or suspensions. Although a trading halt can indicate market instability, this step also allows investors to reassess their positions and respond to market conditions more rationally. As market analysts explain, the trading halt aims to provide time for market players to respond to significantly volatile market conditions. Overall, although the trading halt reflects market instability, it also shows the control mechanisms in place to maintain the integrity of the Indonesian capital market.
Furthermore, the U.S. tariff policies introduced in 2025 have significantly affected Indonesia’s financial markets, leading to increased volatility and investor uncertainty. On April 8, 2025, Indonesia’s stock market opened with a sharp 9.2% drop, prompting a 30-minute trading suspension. The main index reached its lowest point since June 2021, ending the day with an 8.5% decline. Concurrently, the rupiah weakened by 1.8%, hitting a record low of 16,850 per U.S. dollar, surpassing levels seen during the Asian Financial Crisis. Introducing a 12% value-added tax (VAT) in 2025 has further strained consumer purchasing power, adversely affecting sectors reliant on domestic consumption, such as retail, automotive, and property. Increased tariffs on Indonesian goods, including a 32% levy by the U.S., have raised concerns about the competitiveness of Indonesian exports, potentially impacting key sectors like manufacturing and commodities.
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