4 min read –
What to Expect in 2026 –
Happy New Year!
As we welcome the start of 2026, we extend our warmest wishes for a successful and fulfilling year ahead.
Explore our curated insights for 2026, focusing on:
– Indonesia’s political, economic, and business trends.
– Cintasia’s activities and upcoming projects.
But before, here is a little story about a Javanese mythological Queen.
In the 15th century, in the ancient kingdoms of Java, where emerald rice fields met the wild southern seas of the Gunung Kidul regency area (near Parangtritis Beach, see photo), a radiant princess named Kadita lived, daughter of a mighty king.
Her beauty shone like the sun, earning her the name Dewi Srengenge, but jealousy stirred in the palace shadows.
The king’s second wife, Dewi Mutiara, envious of Kadita’s grace and fearful that her own son might lose the throne, summoned a dark sorcerer to curse the young princess.
Overnight, Kadita’s flawless skin erupted in foul, itching sores, a terrible affliction that no healer could fix.
Heartbroken and misled by whispers of ill omen, the king banished his beloved daughter from the realm, driving her into lonely exile.
Wandering in despair along the rugged cliffs, Kadita reached the roaring southern ocean.
In a dream, a divine voice urged her to plunge into the waves to cleanse her suffering.
Without hesitation, she leaped into the foaming depths.
Miraculously, the sea embraced her, washing away every trace of the curse and restoring her beauty a hundredfold.
Yet she emerged transformed, not as mortal, but as an immortal spirit Queen, Nyi Roro Kidul, ruler of the vast underwater palace and all creatures of the southern waters.
Now, from her hidden realm, she guards the shores with fierce power, commanding waves and storms, sometimes claiming souls who venture too boldly, especially those dressed in her favored green.
To many Indonesians, particularly the Javanese and Sundanese, she is a revered goddess, protector of fishermen, bringer of bounty, and spiritual consort to ancient sultans, honored with offerings and rituals to ensure safe seas and prosperity, a timeless blend of awe, respect, and cautious fear.
Indonesian Political Outlook 2026
Under President Prabowo Subianto, Indonesia’s 2026 political landscape focuses on stability amid a “second honeymoon” boosted by post-protest stimulus measures.
A larger 9% budget increase supports ambitious reforms, but risks of mass protests loom if economic grievances escalate.
Diplomacy remains “free and active,” positioning Indonesia as an emerging middle power navigating global tensions.
Indonesian Economic Outlook 2026
GDP growth is projected at 5-5.4%, driven by recovering household consumption and targeted investments.
Global lower policy rates may aid commodity prices, but challenges include weakening demand, capital outflows, and external pressures like floods.
Long-term aim: 8% growth by 2029, though 2026 remains modest.
Indonesian Business Trends 2026
Business sentiment is optimistic yet cautious, with growth mirroring economic forecasts above 5%.
E-commerce surges, GMV (Gross Merchandise Value) exceeding USD 100 billion by 2026, fueled by digital retail expansion. GMW-wise, Indonesia is « only » in the world top 10 (behind China, USA, India, Brazil, Mexico, for example) but is number one in South East Asia, accounting for about 40% of the ASEAN region’s GMV of $230 billion.
Property development thrives in infrastructure corridors like Jakarta MRT (subway), while coal markets face policy uncertainties amid weaker demand.
Focus shifts to policy execution for sustained momentum.
One of the most difficult challenges for Indonesia in 2026 will remain how to trickle down the country’s wealth (GDP, growth) to the middle and working classes.
Cintasia in 2026
After the kick-off of 2 important partnerships in late 2025, we will focus on 2 activities :
1-Promoting and selling state-of-the-art filter press machines, used to filter slurries (or tailings), which are by-products of the mining process.
Some of the advantages are the recovery of water and the stop of environmental pollution (dumping waste into nature).
2-Supporting the establishment in Indonesia of a leading international provider of satellite telecommunication services.
The company is an international satellite service provider with a legacy spanning over three decades across multiple markets. Recognised among the top global partners for Starlink, delivering mission-critical connectivity solutions for both land-based and maritime applications. Provides satellite backup for terrestrial networks and supports digitalisation in remote regions worldwide.
Besides, we will keep :
-Covering events (exhibitions, seminars, fairs) to help you stay up-to-date with business trends.
-Exploring projects in energy, materials processing, medical equipment, metals refining, smart building, sustainable logistics, and industrial engineering in general.
-Promoting and delivering premium recruitment services following 2 models :
–Executive Interim Management Solutions, with our partner Asia-connect.
–Exclusive head-hunting for middle to top management roles, with our partner ESAP.
Stay Connected
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PS: If you missed our 2025 wrap-up post last week, get it here:
We are Cintasia, and we help you develop your sales and operations successfully in Indonesia.
We specialize in technology and industrial equipment.
Picture: The Cintasia Founders Team: the Queen, the Engineer, and the Mascot.
Photo taken on 29/12/2025 on the Parangtritis beach, south of Yogyakarta, in the middle-south of Java island.
Parangtritis stands as one of the most sacred gateways to the Nyi Roro Kidul Queen’s hidden underwater palace.