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Indonesia Stock Market Poised for $37 Billion Share Sale

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  Published in Stocks and Investing on Sunday, February 22nd 2026 at 17:03 GMT by The Straits Times
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JAKARTA - The Indonesian stock market is poised for a potentially transformative period as companies rush to meet a new regulatory mandate demanding a minimum 15% free float of shares. This requirement, implemented by the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX), is triggering an anticipated surge in share sales, potentially amounting to a record US$37 billion (approximately S$50.4 billion), according to sources familiar with the matter. The deadline for compliance - early 2025 - is fast approaching, prompting a flurry of activity amongst Indonesian corporations.

The core of this shift lies in the concept of 'free float', which represents the proportion of a company's shares readily available for trading on the open market. Historically, many Indonesian companies have maintained lower free float percentages, often held by controlling shareholders or government entities. The IDX's new rule aims to address this, fostering increased market liquidity, enhancing transparency, and ultimately, attracting greater foreign investment.

Several prominent companies have already signaled their intent to comply. Bank Jago, a rapidly growing digital lender backed by Indonesian billionaire Michael Hartono, is actively preparing a share sale. State-owned construction giant, Adhi Karya, is also exploring various options to increase its free float. These are just the initial movers; a wider range of listed entities are expected to follow suit in the coming months.

Why the Push for a Higher Free Float?

For years, the Indonesian stock market has been characterized by relatively low trading volumes compared to regional peers. This limited liquidity can discourage foreign investors, who often prefer markets where they can easily buy and sell shares without significantly impacting prices. A higher free float ensures a larger pool of tradable shares, thereby improving liquidity and making the market more attractive. Furthermore, increased transparency resulting from a wider shareholder base aligns with international best practices and promotes investor confidence.

The rule change isn't without potential challenges. The sheer volume of shares expected to hit the market could create significant downward pressure on stock prices in the short term. This is a natural consequence of increased supply, and analysts anticipate a period of volatility. However, many experts believe this temporary dip could present lucrative opportunities for long-term investors to acquire shares at discounted rates.

Navigating the Share Sales: Block Trades vs. Public Offerings

Companies are employing different strategies to meet the free float requirement. Block trades, involving the sale of large chunks of shares to institutional investors, are expected to be a common approach. This method offers a quicker and more discreet way to increase free float, minimizing potential disruption. However, some companies may opt for traditional public offerings (IPOs), allowing them to raise additional capital alongside achieving the mandated free float.

Potential Impact on the Indonesian Economy

The implications of this regulatory shift extend beyond the stock market itself. Increased foreign investment, driven by improved market accessibility, could boost Indonesia's overall economic growth. Furthermore, a more vibrant stock market can provide companies with greater access to capital, enabling them to fund expansion projects, innovation, and job creation.

However, the success of this initiative hinges on careful management. The IDX and market participants will need to closely monitor trading activity and address any potential instability. A coordinated approach, coupled with effective communication, will be crucial to mitigating risks and maximizing the benefits of the increased free float.

"This is a big undertaking, and it will be interesting to see how the market reacts," commented a local fund manager who preferred to remain anonymous. "It will likely create some volatility in the short term, but in the long run, it should benefit the market." The manager further added that effective investor education regarding the long-term benefits of a more liquid and transparent market will be essential in sustaining positive momentum.

The coming months will be a critical test for the Indonesian stock market. While the surge in share sales presents challenges, it also offers a unique opportunity to establish Indonesia as a more attractive and sophisticated investment destination in the Southeast Asian region. The outcome will undoubtedly be closely watched by investors and analysts worldwide.