Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

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MP Hillary Brigitta Calls Amien Rais's Statement Slander, Not Part of Democracy

Indonesian MP Hillary Brigitta Lasut has condemned a recent statement by senior politician Amien Rais as slanderous and detrimental to healthy democracy, following his YouTube video alleging moral scandals involving Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya. The video, which has since been taken down at the government's request for containing hoaxes and hate speech, crossed ethical boundaries by making unsubstantiated personal attacks, according to Lasut. She urged public figures to uphold responsibility in discourse, emphasising that political competition should focus on ideas and contributions rather than divisive personal assaults.

Indonesia Expands Scholarship Access Cooperation to China, South Korea, and Japan

Indonesia's Education and Culture Attaché Offices at its embassies in Beijing, Seoul, and Tokyo are broadening networks for educational, research, and cultural cooperation in the region, emphasising education as a key instrument of soft power diplomacy. Through initiatives like co-funding with LPDP and scholarships such as China's CGS, South Korea's GKS, and Japan's MEXT, thousands of Indonesian students gain access to higher education abroad, with enhanced requirements and opportunities starting in 2025. These partnerships also foster student exchanges, joint research, vocational programmes, and industry-academia collaborations, positioning Indonesia to leverage global talent and technological advancements.

Sanglen Beach Tourism Deemed Compliant with UNESCO Conservation Standards and Secures Regional Government Permits

The development of Sanglen Beach tourism area in Yogyakarta has advanced with assurances from managers that it adheres to UNESCO Global Geopark conservation standards, prioritising environmental protection in the protected karst region of Gunungsewu. Legal processes, initiated in 2021, have culminated in approvals for Sultan Ground and Village Kas Land usage, ensuring compliance with regulations to prevent water crises and permanent damage. Transparent dialogues with local communities, including relocations with compensation, have been formalised in MoUs, supporting sustainable development through bureaucratic channels like the OSS system.

Only Two Hajj Pilgrims from Malinau Regency Departed

In Malinau Regency, North Kalimantan, only two residents who registered for Hajj in 2014 will depart for the 2026 pilgrimage season, as they are reserve pilgrims from the previous year under the provisions of Law No. 14 of 2025 on Hajj and Umrah Organisation. The Ministry of Religious Affairs official explained that there is no pure quota allocation for Malinau in 2026-2027, with future years showing gradual increases: nine in 2028, 24 in 2029, and 65 in 2030, except for elderly priorities. The pilgrims, Hasmiah Amiruddin Kile and Aries, expressed profound joy after a 12-year wait, highlighting the emotional significance of fulfilling this religious obligation at ages 50 and 39 respectively.

Trump Threatens to Withdraw 5,000 Troops, Germany Immediately Urges Iran to Open Strait of Hormuz

US President Donald Trump has threatened to withdraw over 5,000 troops from Germany amid strained bilateral relations, prompting a response from German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, who described the move as predictable and emphasised its mutual benefits for both nations. In a related development, German politician Johann Wadephul urged Iran to abandon its nuclear weapons programme and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, aligning with US demands. This sequence of events highlights escalating tensions in US-Iran relations and potential shifts in transatlantic military alliances.

IKKB Board for 2026-2031 Period Officially Installed

The board of the West Kalimantan Family Association (IKKB) for the 2026-2031 period was officially installed in Jakarta, attended by high-profile figures including the Governor of West Kalimantan, Ria Norsan, the Governor of DKI Jakarta, Pramono Anung, and the Minister of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, Maman Abdurrahman. Governors Norsan and Anung expressed hopes for IKKB to foster unity among ethnic groups in West Kalimantan and contribute to national development, while Anung pledged support for collaboration with the Jakarta provincial government, including aid for organisational facilities. The event underscores the association's role in promoting synergy between the diaspora community and regional governments, emphasising contributions to fiscal capacity and cultural preservation in West Kalimantan.

Mardiono: PPP North Sumatra Cadres Must Unite and Strengthen Electoral Work

Muhamad Mardiono, Chairman of the United Development Party (PPP), has urged party cadres in North Sumatra to foster unity and enhance their electoral efforts ahead of the 2027 election verification stages. Speaking after opening the PPP Provincial Branch Conference in Serdang Bedagai, Mardiono emphasised the need to complete party structures at the grassroots level and shift focus from social media to tangible fieldwork to regain public support. He highlighted the province's past political successes and called for strong strategies to boost legislative seats in future elections.

Journalists key to truth amid fast information flow: minister

At the 2026 World Press Freedom Day event in Central Jakarta, Minister Meutya Hafid stressed that journalists must prioritise accuracy and public interest over speed in the digital age, viewing accurate information as a constitutional right under Indonesia's 1945 Constitution. She highlighted the shared responsibility of government and press to combat misinformation, particularly in live broadcasts. Press Council Chairman Komarudin Hidayat noted rising public demand for quality journalism amid information overload, urging stakeholders to enhance media standards within responsible press freedom.

Ambassador: Belitung now just 50 minutes by flight from Singapore

Indonesian Ambassador to Singapore, Hotmangaradja Pontas Pandjaitan, has hailed the launch of direct Scoot airline flights from Singapore to Belitung Island, which take just 50 minutes, as a major boost for the region's tourism potential. He praised the comfortable flights and excellent airport services at H.A.S. Hananjoeddin International Airport, noting that this connectivity will attract not only Singaporean but global visitors to the Indonesian destination. The ambassador expressed optimism that the route will enhance Indonesia's international links and drive economic growth through tourism in Bangka Belitung Islands Province.

Iran to Trump: Choose the Impossible Operation or a Bad Deal

Iran's Revolutionary Guard has presented US President Donald Trump with a stark choice amid stalled negotiations: an 'impossible' military operation or a 'bad deal' with the Islamic Republic. Tehran submitted a 14-point proposal via Pakistan, including timelines to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, end the US naval blockade, and permanently cease wars in Iran and Lebanon, but Trump dismissed it, insisting Iran must pay a heavy price for past actions. With time running out, Iranian officials emphasise that the decision lies with Washington to pursue diplomacy or confrontation.

Indonesia's police to build smart headquarters in Yogyakarta with data systems

Indonesia's National Police is launching a smart headquarters project in Yogyakarta, featuring a control center for real-time data aggregation to enhance operational responses. The initiative includes social listening tools for monitoring public sentiment on social media, a cybersecurity center to counter digital threats, and systems to convert data into actionable insights. This integrated approach aims to enable police leaders to make more informed, accurate, and sustainable decisions, bolstering public safety and operational efficiency.

Extortion Case: NTT Attorney General's Office to Examine Medan Chief Prosecutor Tomorrow

The High Prosecutor's Office in East Nusa Tenggara (Kejati NTT) has scheduled an examination of Medan Chief Prosecutor Ridwan Sujana Angsar on Monday morning over allegations of extorting contractor Hironimus Sonbay, a defendant in a corruption case involving school renovations in Kupang. Ridwan's lawyer, Fransisco Bessi, is also set to be questioned as a witness in the internal probe into suspected disciplinary violations by prosecutors. If the allegations are substantiated, the officials could face sanctions ranging from mild to severe, highlighting ongoing efforts to address misconduct within Indonesia's prosecutorial ranks.

Founder of Islamic Boarding School in Pati Rapes Dozens of Female Students Using Doctrine as Pretext

The founder of a pondok pesantren in Tlogowungu, Pati Regency, Central Java, identified as AS, has been named a suspect in the alleged rape of dozens of female students since establishing the school in 2021. AS, who is not part of the school's formal management structure despite holding its operational permit, allegedly used religious doctrines claiming descent from the Prophet to justify his actions and brainwash students into submission. An ex-student recounted years of exploitation, including unpaid labour and financial deceit, highlighting the manipulative tactics that enabled the abuses to persist until reports surfaced in 2024.

PDI-P Responds to Prabowo's Directive on Ojol Fee Cut to 8 Per Cent: A Struggle After One Year

The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) has welcomed President Prabowo Subianto's announcement to reduce the commission fees charged by ride-hailing apps to drivers from 20 per cent to 8 per cent, attributing it to their advocacy efforts over the past year. PDI-P officials, including Charles Honoris and Mercy Chriesty Barends, praised the move during Labour Day events but urged the government to implement it swiftly rather than letting it remain a mere promise. This development highlights ongoing political efforts to improve conditions for gig economy workers in Indonesia.

West Jakarta Water Resources Agency Explains Flooding Caused by Water Gate Construction

The West Jakarta Water Resources Sub-Department has clarified that temporary flooding in RW 06, Cengkareng Barat, stems from the ongoing construction of a water gate as part of the Polder Pedongkelan project aimed at flood control. Officials noted that the construction method involves temporarily damming part of the river and pumping out upstream water to facilitate work under the bridge, with measures underway to mitigate the impact on local residents. While residents support the project for its long-term benefits, they have raised concerns about the three-week-long pooling of water up to 20 cm deep, particularly during heavy rain, prompting coordination with project authorities for swift resolution.

China's Drones Give US a Crushing Defeat on the Battlefield

China has gained a significant edge over the United States in military drone technology, dominating production and supply chains that extend to conflicts like those in Ukraine and the Middle East, according to defence analysts. The US is responding with a $1.1 billion Drone Dominance programme to boost domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on Chinese components, though experts warn that overcoming China's cost advantages and scale could take a decade or more. This rivalry highlights broader tensions in global technology and defence trade, with implications for national security and industrial policy.

Police Bust Clandestine Laboratory Producing Narcotic-Infused Vape Cartridges in West Jakarta Boarding Room

Jakarta police have dismantled an illegal laboratory in a Tamansari boarding room, West Jakarta, where 38-year-old suspect S was producing vape cartridges containing the class II narcotic etomidate. Authorities seized 34 ready-to-distribute cartridges, 49 refilled ones, production materials, and equipment during the raid prompted by intelligence. This operation underscores the ongoing efforts to combat drug production and distribution, with police urging the public to report suspicious activities via the 110 hotline.

Iran Allows Trump to Choose: Accept Proposal or Impossible Military Operation

Iran's Revolutionary Guard has presented US President Donald Trump with a stark choice between an "impossible" military operation or a "bad deal" with Tehran, amid stalled negotiations following a ceasefire on 8 April 2026. Tehran submitted a 14-point proposal via Pakistan as mediator, proposing a one-month deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, end the US naval blockade, and permanently cease wars in Iran and Lebanon, but Trump dismissed it, insisting Iran has not paid sufficiently for past actions. With time running out, Iran warns that the US decision space is narrowing, ready for either diplomacy or confrontation.

Ministry of Culture Strengthens Borobudur Preservation Through Relic Relocation Ritual

Indonesia's Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, attended the Ritual Ageng Boyongan Mbah Bhelet, marking the relocation of the Unfinished Buddha statue to a more accessible site at the Borobudur Temple complex in Central Java. This initiative, involving consultations with local artists, cultural figures, and religious leaders, aims to enhance cultural and spiritual values while promoting easier access for tourists and pilgrims. The move underscores the Ministry's commitment to sustainable cultural preservation, with completion targeted before the 2026 Tri Suci Waisak celebration, highlighting Borobudur's role in national heritage and identity.

Mexican Governor Resigns After US Reveals Ties to Cartel

Ruben Rocha Moya, the Governor of Sinaloa in Mexico, has stepped down temporarily following US prosecutors' revelations of his alleged collusion with the Sinaloa Cartel, involving bribery for legal immunity. Despite previous denials and support from Mexican leaders like outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum, the accusations have divided public opinion between those demanding accountability for corruption and those opposing US interference. Political analyst Viri Rios suggests that Sheinbaum could use this case to demonstrate her commitment to tackling corrupt politicians, potentially strengthening her administration amid concerns over further US indictments under the incoming Trump government.

Archive Statistics

349,638
Total Articles
1012
News Sources
1994-2026
Coverage Period