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XL Axiata and Smartfren Merge; Kennedy Backs Trump

1/12/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Indonesian mobile giants XL Axiata and Smartfren Telecom are set to merge, forming XLSmart Telecom Sejahtera, a powerhouse serving 94.5 million subscribers and capturing a 27% market share. In a surprising political twist, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has thrown his support behind Donald Trump, calling for a ban on pharmaceutical ads that could shake up TV ad revenues ahead of the presidential election.

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Story summary

Indonesian mobile giants XL Axiata and Smartfren Telecom are set to merge, forming XLSmart Telecom Sejahtera, a powerhouse serving 94.5 million subscribers and capturing a 27% market share. In a surprising political twist, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has thrown his support behind Donald Trump, calling for a ban on pharmaceutical ads that could shake up TV ad revenues ahead of the presidential election.