Indonesia's manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) climbed to 52.2 in September 2021 from 43.7 the previous month, surpassing the indices of several countries, including China, according to the Industry Ministry. Indonesia's PMI was higher than several other Asian countries, including China (50) and Japan (51.5), and was the highest among ASEAN nations such as Singapore (52.1), Malaysia (48.1), Thailand (48.9), the Philippines (50.9), and Vietnam (40.2). Given how the manufacturing sector has expanded, it seems that the industrial growth target of 5 percent will be met in 2022.
The results of the HIS Market survey show that the increase in manufacturing PMI in Indonesia has been due to the leeway given during social restrictions in Indonesia, he noted. The leeway was given due to the declining number of COVID-19 cases. In September 2021, both output and new orders increased after two months of sharp declines, the minister disclosed. Demand for the manufacturing industry returned after the public health situation improved and restrictions on movement were relaxed so as to support economic activity.
Industry players in Indonesia remain optimistic about production for the next 12 months, with the expectation that the COVID-19 situation will improve.
(Source: Antara News)