Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Search and explore over 322,688 Indonesian news articles from 1994 to 2026

Latest Articles

Change That Is (Deliberately) Not Returned

This article recounts a personal experience of a cashier shortchanging a customer by Rp200 at a minimarket, framing it as "micro-corruption" that erodes social trust and integrity. It explores the psychological impacts on customers and cashiers, linking such everyday dishonesties to broader cultural norms that perpetuate corruption in Indonesia. Proposed solutions include integrity training for employees, digital payment systems to ensure transparency, fostering a culture of polite accountability among consumers, and internal oversight mechanisms to safeguard fair transactions.

Plastic Prices Rise 40 Percent, Pramono Urges Residents to Switch to Banana Leaf Wrapping

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has encouraged residents to adopt traditional, eco-friendly alternatives like banana leaf wrapping amid a 40 percent surge in plastic prices triggered by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East disrupting global supply chains. The price hikes, ranging from 30 to 40 percent across various plastic types such as PET and PE, have been most pronounced in West Jakarta, exacerbating reliance on imports that cover 60 percent of Indonesia's plastic raw material needs. This development presents an opportunity for innovation and reducing plastic dependency, potentially easing economic burdens on households and businesses.

DPD Group Workshop at MPR Emphasises Women's Role in the Digital Era

The DPD Group in the MPR held a workshop highlighting the pivotal role of women in shaping national character amid digital transformation, portraying them as key educators and influencers in both family and public spheres. While commending women's increasing digital literacy and activism, the event addressed challenges such as online violence, discrimination, and algorithmic biases that undermine ethical discourse. It called for enhanced digital literacy, safe online spaces, and gender-inclusive policies to empower women as guardians of a healthy digital ecosystem in Indonesia's democratic landscape.

Chaotic Protest Leads to Sanctions! Panipahan Police Chief and Criminal Investigation Unit Head Removed

In response to a violent protest in Panipahan, Riau, which escalated into anarchy, Riau Police Chief Inspector General Herry Heryawan has dismissed the local police station chief, AKP Robiansyah, and the head of the criminal investigation unit, Aipda Rahmat Ilyas, as part of a comprehensive evaluation of public security failures. The swift action underscores the responsibility of police leaders to maintain stability and respond sensitively to social dynamics, with immediate interventions including dialogues led by the district police chief and deputy regent to de-escalate tensions. Further reinforcements by provincial police and local government officials aim to restore order and prevent broader conflicts, highlighting the state's commitment to public safety.

Optimising Palm Oil Mill Effluent Can Strengthen National Economic Resilience

Optimising the use of liquid waste from palm oil mills (LCPKS) could reduce Indonesia's reliance on imported chemical fertilisers and bolster national economic resilience, according to soil expert Basuki Sumawinata from IPB University. With Indonesia producing around 100 million tonnes of LCPKS annually from 50 million tonnes of palm oil, this waste contains essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, serving as a natural alternative to synthetic fertilisers. However, strict treatment standards that lower biological oxygen demand to below 100 mg per litre could eliminate its organic benefits, leading to wasted potential and continued dependence on costly imports.

Aboe Bakar Al Habsyi Apologises for Claiming No Prison is Free from Drugs

Indonesian MP Aboe Bakar Al Habsyi has apologised after visiting a Bali prison and finding it free from narcotics, contradicting his earlier assertion during a parliamentary meeting that all Indonesian prisons are hubs for drug trading. The visit to Lapas Narkotika Kelas IIA Bangli prompted him to praise the facility and call for collective efforts to combat drug issues in prisons. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Immigration and Correctional Services reports significant progress in reducing prison overcrowding to 85% and implementing rehabilitation programmes, with over 2,000 high-risk inmates, mostly drug-related, transferred to a secure island facility.

Condition of Andrie Yunus After 30 Days of Treatment at RSCM

Andrie Yunus, a human rights activist, continues to receive intensive treatment at RSCM in Jakarta following an acid attack by TNI intelligence personnel on 12 March, which has necessitated five skin and eye surgeries and left him with burns covering over 20% of his body, potentially risking blindness. He is expected to undergo further treatments and an additional eye operation in four months. Civil society groups, including the Advocacy Team for Democracy, reject the military court proceedings and demand the case be tried in a general court alongside the formation of an independent fact-finding team.

Minister of Public Works pushes for acceleration of Surabaya Phase II People's School completion in June

The Minister of Public Works, Dody Hanggodo, has urged the acceleration of the Phase II Sekolah Rakyat construction in Surabaya to meet the target completion date of 20 June 2026, with current progress at 45% and overall quality deemed satisfactory. This initiative, a presidential priority programme aimed at eradicating extreme poverty through quality education for underprivileged children, includes comprehensive facilities such as classrooms for primary to high school levels, dormitories, and sports amenities on a 6.6-hectare site. The ministry is committed to enhancing coordination and supervision to ensure timely delivery and optimal benefits for the community.

The Nation in Peril: Indonesia's President Received Meagre Pay and Lived Frugally

In the turbulent early days of Indonesia's independence, President Soekarno faced severe financial constraints, with his monthly salary set at just f.1,000—equivalent to US$200—barely sufficient to cover his family's basic needs amid a fragile economy marked by hyperinflation and war. Accounts from Soekarno's autobiography and his wife Fatmawati's memoirs reveal the hardships even at the highest level of government, as the nation grappled with economic blockades, damaged infrastructure, and the fight against Dutch forces. This historical episode underscores the profound economic challenges that shaped the republic's formative years and the personal sacrifices of its founding leader.

Next Week's Sentiment: Markets on Edge Awaiting News from China and the US

Indonesian markets are poised for a volatile week starting 13 April 2026, with investors closely monitoring key economic data from China and the US, alongside domestic indicators from Bank Indonesia that could sway the rupiah, IHSG, bonds, and commodity prices. Highlights include China's trade balance and GDP figures, which are crucial for Indonesian commodity exports, and US producer price index, potentially influencing Federal Reserve policy and emerging market currencies. These releases come amid lingering global uncertainties from high interest rates and trade tensions, underscoring the interconnectedness of international economic health with Indonesia's growth.

IPB Expert Highlights Potential of Palm Oil Mill Effluent to Reduce Import Dependency

An expert from IPB University has emphasised the significant potential of liquid palm oil mill waste (LCPKS) to serve as a natural fertiliser, potentially reducing Indonesia's reliance on imported chemical fertilisers amid annual production of around 100 million tonnes of this waste. By managing the waste scientifically to maintain a Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) level of 3,000 to 5,000 mg/l, it can retain essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, supporting soil health and long-term plantation productivity while aligning with circular economy principles. Over-processing the waste to extremely low BOD levels would eliminate its economic value and exacerbate import dependency, posing risks to environmental sustainability and national agricultural self-sufficiency.

DKI Provincial Government to Install AI Photo Detection Feature in Jaki

The Jakarta Provincial Government plans to enhance the Jaki complaint application by adding stricter photo validation and AI detection features to prevent manipulation, following a scandal in Kalisari sub-district where officials allegedly used AI-generated images to fake responses to citizen reports. The governor has ordered an investigation, resulting in the suspension of the local head and disciplinary actions against involved staff, underscoring efforts to maintain the system's integrity amid high report volumes in 2025 and early 2026. This initiative aims to bolster public trust through improved oversight, feedback mechanisms, and sanctions for fraud.

Predicted Godzilla El Niño: Why Is It Still Raining? Expert Explanation

Experts from IPB University explain that ongoing rainfall in Indonesia amid predictions of a severe Godzilla El Niño is normal due to the transitional season, or pancaroba, where weather patterns vary across regions. Rising sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific signal the development of El Niño, potentially leading to a prolonged dry season of about six months, starting earlier than usual, especially in Java. This phenomenon could reduce cloud formation and rainfall during the typical rainy season, highlighting the importance of monitoring climate dynamics for agricultural and economic planning.

UN Maritime Chief Deems Iran's Fees on Strait of Hormuz Illegal

The head of the UN's International Maritime Organization has declared Iran's attempt to impose fees on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz as illegal under international law, urging the global community to reject it to avoid setting a harmful precedent for global shipping. This statement comes amid fragile ceasefire talks between Iran and the United States in Pakistan, which ended without agreement due to disputes over Iran's nuclear programme and control of the strait. US President Donald Trump has floated the idea of a joint venture for fee collection, while Iranian media accuses Washington of excessive demands.

Perbanas Warns of Risks Behind PNM's Plan to Become an SME Bank

The National Banking Association (Perbanas) has cautioned against the potential risks in transforming PT Permodalan Nasional Madani (PNM) into a dedicated bank for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), emphasising the importance of expanding SME financing access without disrupting the existing ecosystem. Perbanas Chief Economist Dzulfian Syafrian advocates optimising current infrastructure, such as that of Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI), rather than creating new entities that could lead to bureaucratic overlaps and inefficiencies. He stresses the need for stringent risk management in SME lending, including schemes like KUR, to ensure repayment capacity and business support, preventing future fiscal burdens and systemic financial risks.

Japanese PM pushes for swift constitutional amendment

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has called for the immediate amendment of Japan's pacifist constitution, adopted in 1947, to formally recognise the Self-Defence Forces and potentially revise Article 9, which renounces war. Speaking at the annual Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) convention, she aims to submit a revised draft to parliament by 2026, leveraging the coalition's supermajority in the lower house following their February election victory. The proposals also include revisions to the Imperial Household Law to ensure stable succession amid concerns over dwindling family members, while maintaining male-line inheritance.

Analyst Predicts Gold Price to Break Rp 3 Million Next Week

Director of PT Traze Andalan Futures, Ibrahim Assuaibi, forecasts that gold prices could surge to Rp 3.1 million per gram next week, driven by global gold reaching US$5,138 per ounce amid escalating geopolitical tensions, including potential US-Israel conflicts with Iran and US political instability under President Trump. Key factors influencing volatility include geopolitical conditions, US politics, impending Federal Reserve leadership changes favouring interest rate cuts, and global central banks' shift towards gold reserves due to fears of World War III. Additionally, the rupiah is expected to weaken further, remaining above Rp 17,000 per US dollar, exacerbating economic pressures in Indonesia.

Street Vendor Stalls Around Bogor Town Square Rebuilt After Demolition by Mayor

Street vendor stalls around Bogor Town Square, demolished by Mayor Dedie A. Rachim on 10 April 2026, were observed being rebuilt two days later, prompting the Central Bogor sub-district head to plan an inspection and issue a written warning. The incident follows a confrontation between the mayor and a vendor whose stall obstructed the pavement and electricity supply, highlighting ongoing tensions over urban order and informal trading regulations in the city. This event underscores challenges in enforcing municipal bylaws while balancing the livelihoods of small traders.

KAI Accelerates Final Phase of JIS Station, Targeted to Operate in June 2026

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) is hastening the final stages of constructing the Jakarta International Stadium (JIS) Station, a strategic project in collaboration with the Directorate General of Railways under the Ministry of Transportation and the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government, aimed at enhancing accessibility and providing more efficient transport solutions to northern Jakarta. The station is expected to offer direct access to sports and residential areas while alleviating traffic congestion in the capital, with operations strengthening KRL services on the Tanjung Priok line amid rising passenger volumes. This initiative underscores the growing preference for rail transport and promotes better intermodal integration in Jakarta.

Unej and BIG to Oversee Implementation of One Map Policy in Tapal Kuda Region

Universitas Jember (Unej) is partnering with the Geospatial Information Agency (BIG) to support the implementation of Indonesia's One Map Policy in the Tapal Kuda region, spanning districts from Banyuwangi to Probolinggo. This collaboration focuses on transforming tabular data into visual geospatial representations to enhance precision in spatial management, particularly in agriculture, and to assist local governments without direct coordination with BIG. Initiatives include AI-driven mapping of commodities like cocoa in Banyuwangi, aiming to improve data accuracy, public information dissemination, and regional development potential.

Archive Statistics

322,688
Total Articles
1012
News Sources
1994-2026
Coverage Period