$IHSG – Index Harga Saham Gabungan
The Indeks Harga Saham Gabungan (IHSG), commonly known as the Jakarta Composite Index (JCI), is the main stock market index in Indonesia and serves as a benchmark to measure the overall performance of the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX). Introduced in 1983, the IHSG has evolved into a critical indicator for investors, analysts, and policymakers who seek to understand the state and direction of the Indonesian equity market.
The IHSG encompasses all stocks listed on the IDX, making it one of the most comprehensive indices in Southeast Asia. Because it tracks a broad range of sectors—such as banking, telecommunications, mining, and manufacturing—the IHSG provides an accurate reflection of the country’s economic activity at large.

How the IHSG Works
The IHSG operates as a market capitalization-weighted index. This means that companies with a larger market value have a greater impact on the index’s movements. For instance, major players like Bank Central Asia (BCA), Telekomunikasi Indonesia (Telkom), and Astra International often drive the IHSG’s direction due to their substantial market capitalizations.
The index is recalculated in real time throughout trading hours, which run from 9:00 AM to 4:15 PM local time with a midday break. Investors and financial professionals monitor the index for trends, short-term gains, and long-term investment strategies.
Factors Influencing the IHSG
Several internal and external factors play a role in the performance of the IHSG:
- Economic Indicators: Inflation rates, GDP growth, interest rates, and trade balances can significantly impact investor sentiment.
- Political Climate: Stability in governance and clear economic policies often attract or repel foreign investments.
- Global Markets: Because Indonesia is part of the global economy, movements in other major stock indices such as the Dow Jones or Nikkei can affect the IHSG.
- Commodity Prices: As a country rich in natural resources, fluctuations in oil, coal, and palm oil prices can shift the index valuation.


Why the IHSG Matters
Understanding the IHSG is important not just for individuals trading shares but also for stakeholders ranging from policymakers to students of finance. The index serves several key roles:
- Investor Benchmark: It provides a snapshot of overall market performance, enabling investors to compare the return of their portfolio against the broader market.
- Market Sentiment Gauge: Rapid increases or decreases in the index are often interpreted as signs of widespread investor optimism or caution.
- Economic Barometer: IHSG trends over months or years can indicate the general health of the Indonesian economy.
Over time, the IHSG has exhibited strong growth, particularly due to the rise of the Indonesian middle class, expansion of the digital economy, and increased participation from retail investors. Domestic ownership in the market has notably increased, empowering local movements of capital.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite its progress, the IHSG faces several challenges. Volatility due to political uncertainty or currency fluctuations often makes the market unpredictable. Additionally, external shocks—such as global pandemics, supply chain disruptions, or trade conflicts—can cause sudden market downturns.
However, the outlook remains positive due to Indonesia’s ongoing infrastructure development, young population, and consistent economic reforms. These factors, combined with greater technological integration in the trading ecosystem, pave the way for increased transparency and stronger market participation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the IHSG?
The IHSG, or Jakarta Composite Index, is a broad-based stock market index that includes all listed companies on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. - How is the IHSG calculated?
It is calculated using a market capitalization-weighted formula that reflects the total market value of all listed stocks. - What sectors are included in the IHSG?
The index covers multiple sectors, such as finance, transportation, infrastructure, agriculture, and mining. - Can foreign investors trade IHSG-related assets?
Yes, foreign investors can participate through various financial instruments, including mutual funds, ETFs, and direct equity purchases via brokers. - Is IHSG a good indicator for the Indonesian economy?
While no index is perfect, the IHSG is widely considered a reliable benchmark that offers insights into Indonesia’s overall economic health.
In conclusion, the IHSG serves as a vital financial indicator for Indonesia, reflecting its economic resilience and evolving market dynamics. As the country continues to grow, the IHSG will remain a focal point for both local and global investors seeking opportunities in Southeast Asia.