Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

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Economists Deem OJK Ineffective in Addressing Structural Issues in the Capital Market

Economists have criticised the Financial Services Authority (OJK) for its ineffective handling of structural challenges in Indonesia's capital market, including liquidity, free float, and market accessibility, according to a survey by LPEM FEB UI. The survey, involving 85 experts, revealed that 45 respondents rated OJK's efforts negatively, with improving corporate governance transparency and regulatory clarity identified as the most urgent priorities to boost investment appeal. These findings underscore the need for stronger regulatory credibility and enforcement to enhance market confidence and accessibility.

Ramadan Strains Finances: How Gen Z and Millennials Cope

A survey by Amar Bank reveals that 87% of respondents in major Indonesian cities experience increased spending during Ramadan, primarily driven by household necessities (86%) and Eid preparations (67.6%), with only 16.9% feeling financially comfortable. Gen Z tends to rely more cautiously on emergency funds (46%) for unexpected expenses, while facing tighter finances towards Eid, whereas Millennials adopt a flexible approach by combining emergency funds and loans to maintain cash flow. This highlights the role of short-term loans in bridging financial gaps for over half of respondents awaiting salaries or Eid bonuses, underscoring the need for better financial planning during the holy month.

Father Still Fasting, Child Already Celebrating Eid: A Story of Tolerance in One Family

In Jakarta, families like Syafira's and Hasna's are navigating differences in Eid al-Fitr celebrations due to varying interpretations between NU and Muhammadiyah groups, with some members fasting while others partake in festivities. These personal stories highlight a culture of mutual understanding and tolerance amid religious diversity, underscoring the importance of respecting individual practices without conflict. For Hasna, the occasion is bittersweet, marking the second Eid without her late father, yet she emphasises the value of empathy in such differences.

Yesterday: Prabowo-Megawati Meeting to 1,000 SPPG Units Suspended

Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto engaged in several key political activities yesterday, including hosting former President Megawati Soekarnoputri at Merdeka Palace to foster inter-leadership relations, and discussing current issues with journalists and experts at his Hambalang residence. He condemned the acid attack on activist Andrie Yunus as a serious criminal act akin to terrorism, urged firm government action against US-Israel aggression towards Iran, and revealed that over 1,000 SPPG units in the Free Nutritious Meals programme have been temporarily suspended to enforce stricter quality standards. These developments underscore Prabowo's focus on national unity, policy refinement, and assertive stances on domestic and international matters.

Prabowo and Megawati Hold Hands During Meeting at the Palace

President Prabowo Subianto met with former President Megawati Soekarnoputri at Merdeka Palace on 19 March, in a warm encounter that included Prabowo holding Megawati's hand as they ascended the steps, symbolising continued dialogue between national leaders. The two-hour discussion covered national issues, geopolitical challenges particularly in the Middle East, Indonesia's active independent foreign policy, and Megawati's recent visits to the UAE and Saudi Arabia. PDIP Secretary-General Hasto Kristiyanto emphasised that the meeting, attended by Puan Maharani and Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, reflects Indonesia's spirit of gotong royong for the benefit of the people and the nation.

Metro Jaya Police Traffic Directorate Urges Istiqlal Eid Prayer Congregants Not to Follow Instructions from Illegal Parking Attendants

The Metro Jaya Police Traffic Directorate has advised worshippers attending Eid al-Fitr prayers at Istiqlal Mosque on Saturday to ignore directions from illegal parking attendants to prevent traffic congestion on Jalan Juanda. Authorities will deploy officers to guide parking and ensure smooth flow, following the government's official declaration of 1 Syawal 1445 Hijriah on 21 March based on hilal sighting results. This measure aims to maintain order during the major religious observance, including security for Muhammadiyah congregations earlier in the day.

BRI KUR Table 2026: Loan of IDR 20 Million, Instalments Starting from IDR 300 Thousand per Month

The BRI KUR 2026 programme remains a top choice for Indonesian SMEs seeking affordable working capital, offering low interest rates and flexible tenors up to five years that allow monthly instalments to align with business cash flows. Simulations show that for loans ranging from IDR 1 million to IDR 10 million, longer tenors reduce monthly payments but increase total interest paid, with actual figures varying by bank branch policies and credit assessments. This initiative supports small business growth by providing accessible financing options amid Indonesia's push to bolster the microfinance sector.

Gold Prices Plunge for Seven Consecutive Days: To US$4,600 - Lowest in Two Months

Global gold prices have fallen for seven straight days, closing at US$4,648.23 per troy ounce on Thursday, marking the lowest level since 16 January 2026 and erasing much of the gains from 2025. The decline is driven by escalating Middle East conflicts boosting energy prices above US$110 per barrel, heightening inflation risks and prompting expectations of prolonged high interest rates, which make non-yielding gold less attractive amid profit-taking by investors.

Vercel Appoints Mitchell Hashimoto, Co-Founder of HashiCorp and Creator of Terraform, to Its Board of Directors

Vercel, an agent-based infrastructure company, has appointed Mitchell Hashimoto, co-founder of HashiCorp and creator of industry-defining open-source tools like Terraform and Vagrant, to its board of directors. Hashimoto brings extensive experience from building HashiCorp—acquired by IBM for $6.4 billion in 2024—and launching the GPU-accelerated terminal emulator Ghostty, aligning with Vercel's mission to empower developers in AI-driven software development. This addition comes amid Vercel's strong growth, following a $300 million Series F funding round that valued the company at $9.3 billion and an 84% annual revenue increase to $340 million.

MP: WFH Policy Needs Comprehensive Review

Indonesian MP Muhammad Khozin has urged a thorough examination of the government's proposed work-from-home (WFH) policy, prompted by escalating tensions in the Middle East driving up global oil prices, emphasising the need to assess its effectiveness in public services, fuel efficiency, and economic impacts based on COVID-19 experiences. He advocates for data-driven decisions considering multiple aspects, such as starting implementations in high-mobility cities like Jakarta and enhancing public transport to reduce fuel consumption and pollution. Coordinating Minister Airlangga Hartarto outlined the flexible scheme allowing one WFH day per week for civil servants, private sector, and local government employees to promote efficiency amid rising oil costs.

Experience of Travelling Home by Electric Car: More Economical or More Complicated?

Indonesian travellers are increasingly opting for electric vehicles (EVs) during the Lebaran homecoming (mudik) period, highlighting the growing infrastructure for charging stations along major routes. Accounts from drivers like Sahil, Agus Hery, and Satrio reveal that EVs offer cost savings and convenience compared to conventional cars, with quick charging times at rest areas and sufficient battery range for inter-city trips. This trend underscores Indonesia's push towards sustainable transport amid expanding EV adoption and supportive policies.

Thousands of Muhammadiyah Worshippers Perform Eid Prayer in Bandung, Preacher Highlights West Java Social Issues

Thousands of Muhammadiyah followers gathered for Eid al-Fitr prayers at Lodaya Field in Bandung, where preacher Prof Hilman Latif addressed pressing social problems in West Java, including online gambling, unemployment, and high divorce rates. He urged the congregation to cultivate discipline, productivity, and personal excellence to benefit society and advance Indonesia as the world's largest Muslim-majority nation. The event, attended by 3,000 to 5,000 people from surrounding areas, proceeded smoothly and underscored the organisation's role in promoting communal values.

Mudik vs Balik Kampung: Why Indonesia's and Malaysia's Eid Traditions Are Similar Yet Different?

As Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah approaches in March 2026, millions in Indonesia prepare for the massive Mudik exodus while Malaysians gear up for Balik Kampung, both traditions symbolising a return to family roots despite fundamental differences. In Indonesia, Mudik derives from Malay origins meaning upstream river travel back to villages, on a colossal scale affecting over 143 million people, whereas Malaysia's more literal Balik Kampung extends to multicultural events like Chinese New Year and features public Open House gatherings that promote inclusivity across races and religions. These practices highlight shared values of familial bonds and community spirit in the two neighbouring nations, though varying in terminology, scale, and cultural expressions.

Muhammadiyah Eid Prayer Speaker in Bogor Urges Muslim Unity, References Iran's Fate

During the Muhammadiyah Eid al-Fitr prayer in Bogor, Ustaz Deni Lubis called on Muslims to unite, criticising the lack of support from neighbouring Islamic countries for Iran amid attacks by the US and Israel. He emphasised the dangers of division as warned in the Quran and urged the community to build not only spiritual strength but also knowledge, economic power, and defence capabilities. Ustaz Deni highlighted that national progress depends on human quality and resource management rather than abundant natural wealth alone.

Eid Holiday 21-22 March 2026: LRT Ride for Just Rp 1 Ticket

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) will implement a special Rp 1 fare for all LRT Jabodebek routes during the Eid holidays on 21 and 22 March 2026, aiming to make public transport more accessible and encourage its use for family gatherings and tourism. This initiative, announced by KAI President Director Bobby Rasyidin, includes comprehensive preparations such as enhanced security, health services, crowd management, and ticketing adjustments to ensure smooth operations. The policy underscores KAI's commitment to providing safe, comfortable, and integrated urban mobility solutions, potentially boosting ridership during the peak holiday period.

No Crowds or KRL 'Wars' – Tanah Abang Station Feels Relieved This Morning

Tanah Abang Station in Central Jakarta was unusually quiet on the morning of 20 March 2026, the day before Eid al-Fitr, with fewer than six passengers entering through the main gate and sparse activity on the platforms. This contrasts sharply with typical weekdays, where crowds jostle during rush hour, allowing for a smoother experience for those travelling home for the holiday. Commuters like Agustin opted for affordable KRL trains, costing just Rp 8,000 to Rangkasbitung, highlighting the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of public transport during the festive period aligned with government schedules.

Bogor Botanical Gardens to Be Transformed into Eid Prayer Site for 2026

The Bogor Botanical Gardens will once again host the Eid al-Fitr prayer in 2026, organised by BRIN and the Bogor City Government to provide an open worship space and enhance the social function of this conservation area. The event, scheduled for Saturday morning, will feature BRIN Head Arif Satria as the sermon giver and MUI Bogor Chairman TB Muhidin as the imam, expecting around 3,000 attendees in a serene natural setting. This annual tradition underscores the gardens' role as a multifunctional public space for social and religious activities in Bogor.

Yesterday: Ministry Budget Cuts to Government WFH Scheme

Indonesia's government is implementing efficiency measures amid global economic uncertainties, including direct determinations of budget cuts for ministries by Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa and discussions on institutional efficiencies led by President Prabowo Subianto with key ministers. Infrastructure updates include assurances from Coordinating Minister Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono that the Trans-Java Toll Road is in prime condition for the 2026 Eid exodus, alongside Ministry of Public Works support for a bridge in Penajam Paser Utara connecting to the Nusantara Capital (IKN). In response to rising oil prices, Coordinating Minister Airlangga Hartarto announced preparations for a flexible work-from-home scheme to optimise work hours and mitigate impacts.

Mind-Boggling: The Figure Whose Wealth Exceeded the National Treasury

The article recounts the infamous corruption of Heshen, a Qing Dynasty official in China, whose rapid rise to power and immense wealth symbolised the era's governmental mismanagement. Estimated at 1.1 million taels of silver—equivalent to 15 years of imperial revenue—Heshen's fortune highlighted systemic corruption that contributed to the dynasty's decline. This historical anecdote serves as a cautionary tale about unchecked power and greed in governance.

Gus Ipul: PBNU Prepares for the 35th Muktamar in Mid-2026

The General Secretary of Nahdlatul Ulama's Central Board (PBNU), Saifullah Yusuf, known as Gus Ipul, has stated that the organisation is concentrating on internal consolidation to prepare for its 35th Muktamar, scheduled for mid-2026, likely in July or August. Preparations include administrative verification for participants and seeking blessings from senior ulama through silaturahim visits to pesantrens in East Java. The location remains undecided, with options being considered both in Java and beyond, to be finalised through organisational meetings.

Archive Statistics

294,979
Total Articles
1012
News Sources
1994-2026
Coverage Period