Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

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Bali Villa Shooting Case: Three Australians Sentenced to Prison for 2025 Killing

A Denpasar court sentenced three Australian men on 9 March for the fatal shooting of fellow Australian Zivan Radmanovic at a Bali villa in June 2025, with Mevlut Coskun and Paea-I-Middlemore Tupou receiving 16 years each for the killing and Darcy Jenson receiving 12 years for his role in organising the attack. The case drew significant attention as firearms are strictly controlled in Indonesia and violent crime is rare on the island, and all involved parties were Australian nationals. The verdict underscores Indonesia's firm prosecution of illegal firearms possession and premeditated violence, reinforcing the country's strict stance on security despite Bali's reputation as a major tourism destination.

Bantargebang Landfill Collapse: Deadly Waste Landslide Exposes Jakarta's Garbage Crisis

A catastrophic garbage landslide at the Bantargebang landfill in Bekasi killed at least five people and trapped others after heavy rain triggered a massive waste collapse at one of the world's largest open dumps, which serves Greater Jakarta's 14,000 daily tonnes of waste. Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq attributed the disaster to systemic waste management failures and cited a long-standing ban on open dumping that local authorities have failed to enforce, describing it as the "tip of the iceberg" of a broader crisis. The incident has intensified pressure on Jakarta's waste reform agenda, with President Prabowo pledging US$3.5 billion in waste-to-energy investment over two years to reduce reliance on overcapacity landfills and prevent future tragedies in Southeast Asia's largest metropolitan region.

TP Rachmat Divests 42 Million ESSA Shares, Pockets Nearly IDR32.9 Billion

Conglomerate TP Rachmat sold 42.23 million shares of PT ESSA Industries Indonesia Tbk (ESSA) on 5 March 2026 in seven separate transactions at prices ranging from IDR765 to IDR795 per share, generating approximately IDR32.96 billion. The divestment reduced Rachmat's ownership stake in ESSA from 7.11% to 6.86%, comprising 1.182 billion shares.

Indonesian Banking Performance Remains Solid Despite Rising Global Uncertainty

The Financial Services Authority (OJK) reported that Indonesian banking is expected to maintain solid performance in the first quarter of 2026, with the Banking Business Orientation Index at 56 (optimistic zone), supported by projected growth and effective risk management capabilities. However, banks remain cautious about macroeconomic conditions, with pessimism over weakening currency and rising inflation driven by seasonal factors and geopolitical tensions, though overall banking risks are perceived as manageable.

Series of Chromebook Weaknesses Revealed in Nadiem Makarim Court Hearing

A state civil servant from Banten's Education and Culture Office testified in the corruption trial of former Education Minister Nadiem Makarim, detailing critical weaknesses of Chromebook laptops procured for schools. The witness identified poor specifications for vocational schools, mandatory internet connectivity, and incompatibility with Windows-based applications as major obstacles preventing effective use in teaching and learning activities across Indonesian schools.

Pancasila Youth Leader Japto Soerjosoemarno Questioned by Anti-Corruption Commission

Japto Soerjosoemarno, chairman of Pemuda Pancasila (Pancasila Youth), was questioned by Indonesia's Anti-Corruption Commission (KPK) on 10 March as a witness in a graft investigation involving three coal companies in Kutai Kartanegara, East Kalimantan. The investigation is connected to former Kutai Kartanegara regent Rita Widyasari, who is serving a ten-year prison sentence for receiving over 110 billion rupiah in bribes and gratuities from mining permit applicants.

DKI Yesterday: Bodies of Bantargebang TPST Landslide Victims and Cart-Dwelling Families

Multiple incidents occurred in Jakarta and its surroundings on Monday (9 March), including the discovery of two additional bodies from a landfill collapse at the Bantargebang Integrated Waste Processing Facility (TPST) in Bekasi, which has now claimed four lives. The Jakarta Provincial Government has suspended operations at zone 4A of the facility and intensified food safety inspections at markets, whilst authorities conducted street operations to assist cart-dwelling families in South Jakarta.

Erwin Ko's Network Not Yet Dismantled: Two Associates Become Wanted Fugitives as Police Search Across NTB and Kalimantan

Indonesian police continue to dismantle the drug trafficking network of Erwin Iskandar (Ko Erwin) following his arrest whilst attempting to flee abroad. Two of Ko Erwin's associates, A Hamid alias Boy and Satriawan alias Awan, are now listed as wanted fugitives, with police conducting intensive cross-regional searches across Jakarta, NTB, Kalimantan, and North Sumatra to prevent their escape through illegal routes.

Homecoming Traffic for Lebaran 2026 in Eastern Indonesia Projected to Exceed 882,620 Passengers

PT Pelindo Regional 4 projects passenger numbers during the 2026 Lebaran homecoming period in Eastern Indonesia will reach approximately 882,620 travellers, representing a 5% increase from last year's 840,590 passengers. This growth reflects a consistent upward trend in maritime transport utilisation across the eastern Indonesian region, with Makassar, Balikpapan, and Ambon ports handling the largest passenger volumes. Pelindo has implemented comprehensive operational measures, including deployment of 19 vessels and activation of 20 passenger terminals to ensure smooth and safe services during the annual exodus.

Prabowo: Indonesia Must Prepare for Difficulties Caused by War

President Prabowo Subianto has warned Indonesians to prepare for economic and social difficulties stemming from escalating conflict in the Middle East, cautioning that great powers' rivalry could draw other nations into the crisis. Despite Indonesia's geographical distance, Prabowo emphasised that the Middle Eastern conflict will impact the nation and pledged to address the situation transparently with the Indonesian public. He reiterated Indonesia's non-aligned stance, stating the country remains on the correct path of free and active foreign policy.

Motorcyclists Urged Not to Turn Vehicles into 'Moving Warehouses' During Mudik Travel

The Jakarta Metro Police Directorate of Traffic (Dirlantas Polda Metro Jaya) is warning motorcyclists not to overload their vehicles with excessive baggage whilst travelling during the mudik (homecoming) period, as this violates traffic regulations and poses safety risks. The police will monitor checkpoints and enforce regulations, whilst also urging citizens to consider free mudik programmes and alternative transport options such as train services for motorcycles, which offer greater comfort and safety.

Police Raid Kiosks Suspected of Selling Tramadol at Pasar Rebo Market After Residents Throw Firecrackers

East Jakarta Metro Police conducted raids on three kiosks suspected of illegally selling the controlled drug Tramadol in Pasar Rebo district on Monday evening, following residents' frustration with unheeded police complaints. The suspected dealers had closed their shops two days prior after a viral video showed unknown individuals throwing firecrackers at the kiosks, but police still managed to seize hundreds of pills including 150 Trihexyphenidyl tablets and 250 yellow pills suspected to be Tramadol during the operation.

Crime Roundup: Woman Embezzles Friend's 300 Million Rupiah Over Predatory Loans, Man Falls from Third Floor of Pondok Indah Mall

Jakarta police have made several significant arrests and clarifications in recent criminal cases, including a 42-year-old woman who embezzled 300 million rupiah from her friend whilst trapped in predatory loan debt, and investigations into a murder in Depok and a fatal fall at Pondok Indah Mall 2. The cases span accusations of theft, homicide, and a suicide, with authorities confirming no foul play in the mall incident where a 31-year-old man jumped from the third floor.

Advanced Technology for Jasa Marga to Monitor Eid Holiday Traffic Flow

PT Jasa Marga has deployed advanced monitoring technologies including radar systems, intelligent traffic cameras, water level sensors, and digital message signs to manage vehicle congestion during the Eid holiday exodus. The toll road operator's comprehensive traffic control centre can monitor road conditions in real time and disseminate information to drivers via the Travoy application and roadside displays to ensure safer and smoother travel.

Bali Begins to Outpace Dubai, Moving Towards Global Capital Safe Haven

Amid Middle Eastern geopolitical tensions affecting Dubai and the Gulf region, Bali has emerged as an increasingly attractive investment destination, with property yields remaining high whilst geopolitical risks are significantly lower. Recent data shows Bali's hospitality sector maintaining strong occupancy rates of 68-72 per cent with 63,000 hotel rooms operational, whilst international retail brands continue expanding into Seminyak and Canggu, though new local regulations are beginning to tighten controls on land conversion and foreign ownership.

Oil Price Breaches US$113 Per Barrel, Purbaya Opens Door to 2026 State Budget Revision

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has opened the possibility of revising Indonesia's 2026 state budget in response to soaring global oil prices exceeding US$113.68 per barrel, driven by escalating tensions between the United States and Israel against Iran. The ministry will monitor oil price movements over the coming month before deciding on any budget adjustments, having already conducted stress tests showing that if annual average crude oil prices breach US$92 per barrel, the budget deficit could rise to 3.6% of GDP, above the safe threshold of 3%. Purbaya stressed there are no visible disruptions to domestic economic activity yet and cautioned against premature conclusions about sustained high oil prices.

Indonesia's Disaster Risk Vulnerability: Insurance Protection Remains Inadequate

Indonesia faces a significant protection gap in disaster insurance coverage, with natural hazards such as earthquakes and climate-related flooding posing ongoing risks to the population. The Indonesian General Insurance Association estimates claims at approximately 1 trillion rupiah, whilst actual economic losses from ecological disasters reach 60 trillion rupiah, highlighting the disparity between insured and uninsured losses. Policy options under discussion include establishing pooled insurance funds and potentially mandating disaster insurance, though the government faces budgetary constraints in addressing the catastrophic impact of disasters.

Alert Issued as Parliament Warns of Potential Unrest from Global Oil Price Rises

Indonesia's Parliament has warned regional heads to prepare contingency measures amid potential civil unrest during the Eid al-Fitr holiday period (14-28 March 2026), citing rising global oil prices that have touched USD100 per barrel due to escalating Middle East tensions. The Interior Ministry has issued a directive prohibiting regional leaders from travelling abroad during this period to ensure they remain focused on security, economic stability, and public services. Officials fear that higher fuel prices will trigger inflation in essential goods and necessitate budget adjustments at both national and regional levels.

Antam Gold Price Increases by Rp8,000 to Rp3.047 Million per Gram on Tuesday

Antam gold prices rose by Rp8,000 on Tuesday to reach Rp3.047 million per gram, with buyback prices increasing to Rp2.802 million per gram. The article provides detailed pricing for various gold denominations and outlines the applicable tax regulations under PMK No. 34/PMK.10/2017, including income tax (PPh 22) rates for both NPWP holders and non-NPWP individuals.

Oil Price Volatility Shakes Fuel Markets in Europe as US Faces Mounting Pressure to End Conflict

The Group of Seven has signalled readiness to release emergency strategic petroleum reserves amid escalating Middle Eastern tensions, as crude oil prices surge and rapidly transmit to European fuel and gas markets. Petrol and diesel prices have risen sharply across Europe—with Lithuania experiencing increases of 7.3 per cent and 17.6 per cent respectively—while natural gas futures surged 11.59 per cent, reflecting widespread market volatility. G7 finance ministers and the International Energy Agency have indicated they are prepared to deploy strategic reserves if necessary to stabilise global energy markets, though such action is not yet deemed essential.

Archive Statistics

278,617
Total Articles
1012
News Sources
1994-2026
Coverage Period