East Kalimantan Prepares New Tender For Lembuswana Mall Management

Ria Sartika    Friday, March 27, 2026    Comment   

East Kalimantan Prepares New Tender For Lembuswana Mall Management

East Kalimantan prepares a new tender for Lembuswana Mall Samarinda ahead of the 2026 contract end, aiming to boost regional revenue and modernize its business concept.

The Government of East Kalimantan Provincial Government is preparing a major transition in the management of Lembuswana Mall in Samarinda, as the current build-operate-transfer (BOT) agreement approaches its end on July 26, 2026.

At present, the shopping center is managed by PT Cipta Sumena Indah Satresna on land owned by the provincial government. Once the contract expires, all building and land assets will fully revert to government ownership.

Deputy Governor Seno Aji confirmed the plan, emphasizing that the transition will mark a new phase in the mall’s management. “Once the contract ends, all assets will return to the provincial government,” he stated.

Moving Beyond The Existing Partnership Model

The provincial government has made it clear that it will not simply extend the existing agreement. Instead, a new partnership model is being designed to deliver stronger financial returns, particularly in boosting Regional Original Revenue (PAD).

A key strategy involves engaging regionally owned enterprises (local public companies) to help structure a more profitable and sustainable cooperation scheme.

“We will ask regional enterprises to design a partnership model that maximizes contribution to regional revenue,” Seno said.

Open And Transparent Tender Process

To secure the best possible partner, the government will launch an open and transparent tender process. This approach ensures equal opportunities for private companies and investors.

Participants will be evaluated based on their proposals, with priority given to those offering the most beneficial outcomes for the region.

“Anyone can participate, as long as they provide the best offer for East Kalimantan,” he added.

Comprehensive Review Of Mall Concept

Beyond administrative preparation, the government is also conducting a comprehensive evaluation of Lembuswana Mall’s business concept.

The review includes:

• Current retail market trends

• Market potential in Samarinda

• Opportunities for functional redevelopment

• Strategies to increase visitor attraction

This evaluation is considered essential to keep the mall competitive amid shifting consumer behavior, including the rise of digital commerce and experiential retail.

Supporting Local Economy And SMEs

The provincial government aims to ensure that the mall continues to serve as an economic hub while supporting local businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

The future management scheme is expected to create broader economic impact, not just commercial profit.

“We want Lembuswana Mall to remain productive, competitive, and supportive of local economic growth,” Seno concluded.

The final decision regarding the new management scheme is still under internal discussion involving multiple government agencies.

FAQ

1. When will the Lembuswana Mall contract end?

The BOT agreement will officially end on July 26, 2026.

2. Who currently manages the mall?

It is currently managed by PT Cipta Sumena Indah Satresna (CSIS).

3. What happens after the contract ends?

All assets will return to the East Kalimantan Provincial Government and will be offered to new partners through a tender.

4. Can new investors participate?

Yes, the tender will be open to all qualified investors.

5. What is the main goal of the new scheme?

To increase regional revenue (PAD) and modernize the mall’s business concept.

East Kalimantan Palm Oil Prices Rise 0.43 Percent Early March 2026

Redaksi    Tuesday, March 17, 2026    Comment   

East Kalimantan Palm Oil Prices Rise 0.43 Percent Early March 2026

East Kalimantan palm oil FFB prices rose 0.43 percent to Rp3,266 per kg in early March 2026, driven by improved production quality and multi-sector pricing decisions. (Illustration image AI)

Samarinda – Fresh fruit bunch (FFB) prices for palm oil in East Kalimantan increased during the period of March 1–15, 2026. The rise was driven by improvements in production quality at the farmer level.

Acting Head of the East Kalimantan Plantation Office, Ahmad Muzakkir, stated that FFB prices reached Rp3,266.40 per kilogram (kg), marking an increase of Rp13.90 or 0.43 percent compared to the February 16–28, 2026 period, which stood at Rp3,252.50 per kg.

The price applies to FFB harvested from palm trees aged 10 years and above. Meanwhile, FFB from younger plantations is priced slightly lower.

Muzakkir explained that the price determination is conducted by a multi-stakeholder team involving the Plantation Office, farmer representatives, and palm oil companies. This approach aims to ensure a fair balance so that prices do not disadvantage either farmers or industry players.

“The pricing mechanism is designed collaboratively to maintain fairness for all parties,” he said.

He further emphasized that the official price applies only to plasma plantations or partnership-based farms, including independent smallholders who are affiliated with palm oil mills.

This policy aligns with Minister of Agriculture Regulation No. 01/Permentan/KB.120/1/2018, issued on January 2, 2018, which provides guidelines for setting FFB purchase prices to improve farmer welfare through structured partnerships.

The government also encourages farmers to form institutions such as cooperatives, farmer groups, or village-owned enterprises (BUMDes). By organizing and partnering with processing mills, farmers can strengthen their bargaining position and avoid price manipulation by middlemen.

FFB Price Breakdown by Tree Age

The detailed FFB prices for the March 1–15, 2026 period based on plantation age are as follows:

• 9 years: Rp3,228.61 per kg

• 8 years: Rp3,160.65 per kg

• 7 years: Rp3,137.34 per kg

• 6 years: Rp3,118.18 per kg

• 5 years: Rp3,084.55 per kg

• 4 years: Rp3,064.31 per kg

• 3 years: Rp2,875.21 per kg

The price increase signals a positive trend for the palm oil sector in East Kalimantan, although the growth remains moderate. Stability is expected to continue as production quality improves and farmer institutions become stronger.

SME Loans in Indonesia Keep Dropping – Here’s Why It Matters

Ria Sartika    Sunday, February 08, 2026    Comment   

SME Loans in Indonesia Keep Dropping – Here’s Why It Matters

SME Loans in Indonesia Keep Dropping – Here’s Why It Matters. (Illustration Image)

Hey, small business owners and finance watchers, here’s the scoop: SME loans in Indonesia are on a downslide, and it’s catching everyone’s attention. You’d think with all the government programs and bank schemes, getting a loan would be easier, right? Turns out, it’s not that simple.

Recent numbers show that in 2025, total loans for small and medium enterprises barely grew, and for some segments, they even dropped. Micro businesses saw a 4.7% decline, medium-sized businesses dropped by around 2%, and only small businesses edged up slightly by 6.8%. When you look at the bigger picture, the share of SME loans in total banking credit shrank from 20.5% in 2023 to 17.5% by the end of 2025. That’s a clear sign banks are tightening their lending.

So, what’s causing the slowdown? Banks are playing it safe. The risk of lending to SMEs is higher than before, and banks are more selective about who gets credit. It’s a bit like dating—if the risk seems too high, they swipe left. This means many businesses, especially smaller ones, struggle to get the cash they need to grow.

But don’t panic just yet. The central bank expects overall banking credit to grow 8–12% in 2026, thanks to a solid economic foundation. So opportunities for SMEs are still there—if you know how to play it smart.

For SME owners looking to grab some loans, here’s the game plan:

1. Keep your finances clean and transparent – banks love seeing a clear money trail.

2. Tap into government-backed programs – lower interest rates and guaranteed loans can make a huge difference.

3. Build a strong business reputation – a reliable track record makes you a safer bet for banks.

Even though SME lending is facing challenges, there’s still hope. Smart planning, understanding bank risk concerns, and leveraging government programs can keep your business moving forward. Loans can still be your fuel for expansion, hiring more people, and boosting Indonesia’s economy.

Bottom line: SME credit is down, but with the right strategy, your business can still thrive. Don’t let declining loan numbers scare you—think smarter, prepare better, and keep growing.

Foreign Funds Might Flee But BI Keeps Rupiah and Inflation in Check

Ria Sartika    Sunday, February 08, 2026    Comment   

Foreign Funds Might Flee But BI Keeps Rupiah and Inflation in Check

Foreign Funds Might Flee But BI Keeps Rupiah and Inflation in Check.

Lately, everyone’s talking about foreign money that could suddenly pull out of Indonesia. The buzz started after Indonesia’s bond outlook got a downgrade, and naturally, the market felt the heat. The rupiah dipped a bit, and investors sold off some government bonds, mostly short- and medium-term.

But don’t panic. Bank Indonesia (BI) is on it. They promise to keep the rupiah stable and inflation under control. Their approach? Growth-friendly, meaning they want the economy to keep moving even when global pressures hit. According to BI, their stress tests show the financial system is solid and banks have strong capital.

Why does this matter to you? Stable currency and low inflation aren’t just numbers—they affect your wallet. When the rupiah is stable, everyday prices don’t spike unexpectedly. Inflation under control keeps your buying power safe. So, BI’s actions trickle down straight to daily life.

For investors, this is a reminder to stay smart. Diversifying your portfolio can help minimize risks during volatile times. For regular folks, keeping an eye on economic trends helps manage household budgets better and avoid surprises when prices shift.

Overall, even if some foreign money leaves, BI’s steps make sure the rupiah holds and inflation stays manageable. The key takeaway? Stay informed, manage your money wisely, and don’t freak out over market swings. Indonesia’s economy has buffers, and with the right mindset, your finances can stay safe too.