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Mergers and acquisitions have served as a primary strategy for global banking consolidation over the past three decades, including in Indonesia, which is currently undergoing one of its most massive consolidation waves—one notable example being the emergence of Bank Syariah Indonesia. This article aims to provide a narrative review of the literature on the operational impacts of mergers on bank performance, with a particular focus on implications for the Indonesian context. Based on a systematic search of the Scopus database, 52 peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2025 were analyzed using a narrative thematic synthesis approach. Five main themes were identified: cost efficiency, service quality, risk management, human resource and cultural integration, and information systems and technology integration. The key findings indicate that although 73.1% of studies report post-merger improvements in cost efficiency, these benefits are highly contingent upon the quality of post-merger integration especially in the areas of human resources, organizational culture, and information technology with IT integration failure rates reaching as high as 75%. Domestic mergers consistently achieve efficiency gains more rapidly than cross-border mergers, whereas risk implications depend heavily on the type of merger and the quality of integration. Policy implications include the need for the Financial Services Authority (Otoritas Jasa Keuangan) to monitor post-merger integration quality, provide integration guidelines for smaller banks, take into account the specific characteristics of Islamic banks, and ensure a streamlined, non-burdensome licensing process. Further research particularly empirical studies on banking mergers in Indonesia—is urgently needed to test the generalizability of global findings to the local context.

The tempe chip industry in Sanan Village, Malang City, represents a culturally embedded small and medium enterprise (SME) cluster that has contributed to the local economy for decades. However, intensifying intra-cluster competition, soybean price volatility, and shifting consumer behavior have placed increasing pressure on the competitiveness of businesses in this area. This study aims to analyze the marketing strategy implemented by Keripik Tempe Dua Karunia — one of the pioneering enterprises in Sanan Village that has been operating since 1980 — and to identify the marketing strategy factors that contribute to enhancing its competitive advantage. A qualitative descriptive approach was employed through field observation, in-depth interviews with the business owner, and documentation analysis. The analysis is grounded in the 4P marketing mix framework — Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. The findings reveal that Dua Karunia builds its competitiveness through four strategic pillars: (1) product differentiation through multi-flavor diversification and consumer-driven customization; (2) cost-based pricing that is adaptively managed through shrinkflation tactics in response to raw material price fluctuations; (3) multi-channel distribution that integrates direct outlet sales with digital platforms (Shopee and WhatsApp); and (4) long-established word-of-mouth reputation-based promotion reinforced by active e-commerce presence. This study concludes that the consistent integration of all four marketing mix elements, supported by family-based operational flexibility and the cultural heritage value embedded in the product, constitutes the primary source of sustained competitive advantage for Dua Karunia amid increasingly intense cluster competition. These findings carry practical implications for similar SMEs seeking to design adaptive, competitiveness-oriented marketing strategies.

Global economic issues have significantly impacted national economic progress in recent decades, especially for developing countries such as Indonesia.  Currency exchange rates are one of the main variables that influence this economic process.  The performance of a country's external sector is largely determined by the exchange rate, which also affects a number of other macroeconomic factors.  The purpose of this study is to see how much Indonesia's economic growth is affected by the exchange rate between 1980 and 2023. Data from government agencies including the Central Bureau of Statistics and Bank Indonesia are used in this quantitative approach using a literature study approach.  The findings show that changes in the value of the rupiah, especially when depreciation occurs, have a significant influence on a number of economic factors, such as imports, exports, inflation, domestic investment, and consumption.  The competitiveness of Indonesian export goods in the global market increases with the depreciation of the exchange rate. At the same time, however, it also leads to higher prices for imported goods, increases the burden of foreign debt, and depresses people's purchasing power and domestic investment activity. The last five years of data reflect the fluctuating pattern of Indonesia's international trade, which is closely related to exchange rate conditions and global economic dynamics. Exchange rate instability creates economic uncertainty, which can hamper long-term growth. Therefore, stabilizing the exchange rate and strengthening the export sector are important strategies, supported by monetary and fiscal policies that are adaptive to global changes.