Indonesia Set to Boost Nickel Mining Quotas

Indonesia Set to Boost Nickel Mining Quotas

Indonesia is poised to raise nickel mining quotas, known as RKABs, to 360mn tons in 2026 from around 260mn tons approved in 1H26, according to people familiar with the matter. The increase would ease ore shortages that have constrained domestic smelters after tighter quota allocations earlier this year. The plan remains subject to approval by Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia and could still change. The prospect of higher supply pressured LME nickel prices, which fell as much as 2.7% on Wednesday. The move would mark a sharp reversal from Indonesia’s earlier efforts to tighten nickel output and could weigh on global prices, given the country accounts for about 60% of worldwide nickel production. (Bloomberg)

UAE Oil Export Supply Returned Near Normal Levels

The UAE's oil exports have recovered to near pre-conflict levels following earlier disruptions caused by tensions involving Iran and the Strait of Hormuz. According to the IEA, UAE crude exports reached 4.3 mbpd in early Jun-26, equivalent to 85% of pre-conflict levels and up from 1.9 mbpd in Mar-26. The recovery was supported by the UAE's pipeline network linking inland oil fields directly to Fujairah Port, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz, as well as the use of 42 mn-barrel underground storage facilities in Fujairah to maintain export continuity. The UAE also increased shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, while ADNOC continued crude oil and gas exports by utilizing smaller vessels to mitigate operational risks during the period of heightened regional tensions. (Kontan)

Indonesia's SUN Auction Saw Improved Demand Quality as Yields Declined

Indonesia's 23 Jun-26 SUN auction showed improving investor sentiment, with the govt. increasing awarded bids to IDR 30 tn from IDR 26.35 tn in the previous auction despite total incoming bids remaining relatively stable at IDR 46.58 tn. The improvement was reflected in lower yields across key benchmark series, with the 5-year FR0109 yield falling 22 bps to 7.21% and the 10-year FR0108 yield declining 20 bps to 7.19%, allowing the govt. to secure funding at lower costs. Allocation for FR0109 increased to IDR 9.25 tn from IDR 6.95 tn, while FR0108 rose significantly to IDR 8.25 tn from IDR 1.8 tn previously. The stronger auction outcome was supported by easing Middle East tensions, which improved risk sentiment and renewed investor appetite for emerging market bonds. (Bloomberg Technoz)

Mitra Adiperkasa (MAPI) Planned to Reintroduce ACE Hardware in Indonesia

MAPI plans to bring the ACE Hardware brand back to Indonesia after the brand ceased operating under Kawan Lama Group. According to Vice President Director V.P. Sharma, the opportunity emerged after ACE Hardware International sought a new local partner, with MAPI selected to reintroduce the brand to the Indonesian market. The co. is preparing to open its first ACE Hardware store, intensifying competition in Indonesia's home improvement and modern retail sector. (Kontan)