Zero-Sum Game

Boeing vs Airbus

While Boeing struggles on 737 Max, its nemesis Airbus thrives – the European plane manufacturer has just signed a deal for 300 aircraft with state agency China Aviation Supplies Holding Company.

The general terms agreement was signed during the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping for 290 single-aisle A320 family planes and 10 units A350 Airbus (EADSF).

The deal was considered bigger than expected; Airbus said it reflected the strong demand in all markets from Chinese carriers, which include low-budget domestic, regional, and international flights.

Although there is no deal transaction reported in details, the deal worth not less than US$ 35 billion.

Airbus shares rose significantly in stock exchange trading Tuesday (26/3) in respond to the tens of billions of dollar worth of the Chinese order announcement.

Dept. stores vs E-commerce Online Shopping

While e-commerce struck higher sales volumes online; some malls in Jakarta witnessed Debenhams and Central closures due to operational losses and low visitations.

Micro to Macro Transient

Jakarta-Bandung toll road ignites West Java economy in global, while it somewhat tone down the long-time existence economy of Puncak area.

Indonesia vs Vietnam

The next particular case may differ from the main topic. Vietnam, considered as a new-born power in South East Asia, hardly comparable with Indonesia in so many ways. However, I could not stop to wonder why Vietnam seems to do better in many aspects compare to Indonesia, one of them is Export.

Exports in Vietnam decreased to 13910 USD Million in February from 22076 USD Million in January of 2019. Exports in Vietnam averaged 6521.51 USD Million from 1990 until 2019, reaching an all-time high of 23480 USD Million in August of 2018 and a record low of 537 USD Million in February of 1997.

Exports from Indonesia tumbled 11.33 percent from a year earlier to USD 12.53 billion in February 2019, worse than market consensus of a 4.5 percent drop and after a downwardly revised 4.3 percent decrease in the prior month. It was the fourth straight month of decrease in exports and the steepest annual decline since June 2017, as sales of non-oil and gas products dropped by 10.19 percent to USD 11.44 billion. Meanwhile exports of oil and gas slumped by 21.75 percent to USD 1.09 billion.

What does it tell us?

I see Vietnam is doing much better than us in strategy, hard work, and mentality. We have to reflect ourselves in how we do things, and be creative to adapt ourselves with the global changes.

The last thing we need is a setback.

We as ONE Nation, have to stop playing the blame game, condemning others. We simply cannot afford to accommodate a potential 4-year set back.

Let’s move forward as ONE, and be a better Nation in everything we do.

Bambang B Suwarso