Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Search and explore over 349,334 Indonesian news articles from 1994 to 2026

Latest Articles

Clever Strategies to Tackle the Plastic Price War

Escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have disrupted global supply chains, causing plastic prices to surge due to shortages of petroleum-based raw materials, leaving Indonesian traders and small businesses struggling with volatile costs. In response, companies like Alner are promoting circular economy solutions through refill stations and reusable packaging, offering cashback incentives to encourage consumers to reduce reliance on single-use plastics. This initiative not only addresses immediate economic pressures but also advances environmental sustainability by minimising plastic waste in Indonesia.

China bans compliance with US sanctions on five companies linked to Iran

China's Ministry of Commerce has issued a blocking order prohibiting Chinese companies from recognising, enforcing, or complying with US sanctions imposed on five Chinese firms accused of involvement in Iranian oil transactions. The order, aimed at safeguarding national sovereignty and legitimate interests, counters what Beijing views as unlawful extraterritorial application of US laws that violate international norms. This move underscores China's firm opposition to unilateral sanctions lacking UN authorisation and signals ongoing vigilance against foreign overreach in trade matters.

Bogor SPPG Increases MBG Beneficiaries After Obtaining Certified Chef

The Satuan Pelayanan Pemenuhan Gizi (SPPG) Jogjogan Silma 2 in Bogor Regency, West Java, has boosted its capacity to serve 2,916 beneficiaries of the free nutritious meal programme (MBG) following the certification of its chef by the National Professional Certification Agency (BNSP). This expansion not only ensures higher service quality but also fosters community engagement, with over 100 locals applying for volunteer roles, providing stable employment opportunities and enhancing local welfare. The initiative underscores the broader social and economic benefits of government nutrition programmes, with hopes for its continued expansion to support more children and families.

Trade Minister reveals economic value of songbird ecosystem reaches Rp2 trillion

Indonesia's Trade Minister Budi Santoso has highlighted the significant economic value of the songbird ecosystem, estimated at Rp1.7 trillion to Rp2 trillion, driven by the growing popularity of songbird singing competitions. This sector not only boosts related businesses such as breeding, feed production, and equipment manufacturing but also supports environmental conservation by focusing on bred birds rather than wild captures. The government is committed to promoting more such events to further enhance economic and ecological benefits.

From Skin to Bones: Tuna Becomes "New Gold" – Tuna Downstreaming Can Multiply Economic Value

Indonesia's tuna industry holds significant potential for economic growth through downstream processing, particularly by utilising non-prime parts such as skin, bones, and scales, which are currently under-exploited in conventional production chains. The Indonesia Tuna Consortium projects that tuna-based collagen alone could reach a global market value exceeding $9 billion by 2030, with derivative products like gelatin, bioactive peptides, and pharmaceutical ingredients offering even higher returns without increasing fishing volumes. However, challenges persist, including low employment absorption in the fisheries sector despite producing hundreds of thousands of graduates annually, underscoring the need for business model transformation to maximise value and sustainability.

NEXT Indonesia deems adjustment of non-subsidised fuel prices reasonable

Research institute NEXT Indonesia Center has stated that adjustments to non-subsidised fuel prices by private firms and state-owned PT Pertamina are reasonable, driven by rising global oil prices and a weakening rupiah exchange rate. Private fuel stations raised diesel prices significantly on 2 May 2026, while Pertamina has held steady since April but is expected to follow suit to avoid losses. Experts emphasise the need for competitive pricing to safeguard public purchasing power and the national economy, in line with existing regulations allowing monthly adjustments.

The Gig Economy Paradox: State Intervention Elevates the Dignity of Ride-Hailing Drivers

Indonesia's ride-hailing sector has boomed as a vital part of the grassroots economy, but drivers have long suffered from exploitative platform fees of up to 30%, leading to structural poverty and inadequate protections in the gig economy. In a landmark move, President Prabowo Subianto issued Presidential Regulation No. 27 of 2026, capping these fees at a maximum of 8% to ensure fairer income distribution and affirm workers' dignity. This intervention underscores the government's commitment to regulating digital platforms and providing social safeguards for online transport workers.

Labour Bill Yet to Be Passed, Ribka Tjiptaning Questions the State's Bias

PDI-P executive Ribka Tjiptaning has criticised the government and DPR for failing to pass the Labour Bill, arguing that this inaction demonstrates a lack of concern for workers' rights and welfare. Speaking at a rally in Jakarta, she likened the situation to living under VOC rule, emphasising that workers seek only justice and prosperity, which the state has not provided. The event was attended by several PDI-P leaders, highlighting the party's support for labour issues.

Police Chief Reveals Prioritisation of 4 Smart City Concepts in Mapolda DIY Development

Indonesian National Police Chief General Sigit has outlined four key smart city concepts to be integrated into the development of the Special Region of Yogyakarta Provincial Police Headquarters (Mapolda DIY). These include a Data-Driven Policing Hub for real-time decision-making, a Social Listening & Sentiment Intelligence System to monitor public opinion on social media, a Cyber Security Defense Center to protect against digital threats, and a Decision Intelligence and Knowledge System to process data into actionable insights for leadership. This initiative aims to transform Mapolda DIY into a modern facility that aligns policing functions with contemporary technological advancements, enhancing efficiency and responsiveness.

Joint Efforts to Advance Villages through Kopilaborasi

The Sidoarjo Regency Government in East Java has launched the Kopilaborasi programme, a collaborative initiative organised by the local Communications and Informatics Office in partnership with the DPRD Commission B and the Sidoarjo Journalists' Forum, to harness village potentials through informal discussions over coffee. The first event highlighted youth-led efforts to promote local tourism, such as the viral social media content showcasing Jogosatru's traditional Legi Market, which has helped transform the village's image from negative stereotypes to a positive economic hub. Subsequent sessions focused on sport tourism, emphasising the professional management of village football fields under BUMDes entities, which have improved facilities and generated revenue for community development, reflecting broader policy shifts in direct village funding.

Holding Limited Meeting Over the Weekend, Prabowo Highlights Worker Protection to Higher Education Quality

President Prabowo Subianto convened a limited cabinet meeting in Hambalang, Bogor, on Saturday, focusing on worker protection and the optimisation of higher education's role in national development. The discussions addressed aspirations from labour unions following International Labour Day, emphasising policies to safeguard and empower workers, while urging technical faculties in regional universities to directly contribute to local infrastructure projects. This strategic session, attended by key military and government officials, underscores the administration's commitment to inclusive policies that protect, educate, and prosper all segments of Indonesian society.

US Levels Cybercrime Accusations, North Korea Rejects Them

The United States has accused North Korea of escalating its cyber warfare programme, which has stolen billions in virtual assets to fund its nuclear and weapons programmes amid heavy sanctions. North Korea vehemently denies these claims, labelling them as politically motivated slander aimed at tarnishing its image. Recent US actions include sentencing two Americans for aiding North Korean IT workers in securing remote jobs with US firms, potentially compromising national security, while UN estimates highlight over $3 billion stolen in cryptocurrencies since 2017 to support weapons of mass destruction development.

NTB Governor: Conservation is the top priority in managing Rinjani Geopark

The NTB Provincial Government has reaffirmed its commitment to prioritising conservation in the management of the Rinjani Geopark on Lombok Island, emphasising its role as a global heritage site with profound ecological, geological, and cultural value. Governor Lalu Muhamad Iqbal highlighted the inauguration of the Rinjani Geopark Information Centre in Sembalun as a key step towards integrated knowledge sharing and sustainable development, while retaining the UNESCO Green Card status until 2030 demonstrates balanced environmental protection and economic growth. Strategies include empowering local communities through eco-tourism, international events, and support for SMEs to ensure prosperity without compromising the site's integrity.

Trump Raises European Car Import Tariffs to 25 Percent

US President Donald Trump has announced plans to increase import tariffs on European vehicles to 25 per cent, effective next week, citing the European Union's non-compliance with trade agreements. This move aims to pressure European automakers into shifting production to the US, potentially generating billions in revenue and boosting domestic investment, though new facilities may take years to operationalise. European officials have strongly condemned the policy, viewing it as unacceptable and reinforcing perceptions of the US as an unreliable partner, amid broader political tensions including criticisms over Iran.

Video: Extreme Drought Threatens Food Production, What Should the Government Do?

The Indonesian Meteorological, Climatological, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) has warned of a potential Super El Niño phenomenon that could lead to severe drought, forest fires, disruptions in food production, and clean water crises across Indonesia. Agrifood Analyst Emanuella Bungasmara Ega Tirta highlighted a 60% probability of this event, emphasising its risks to rain-dependent staple crops like rice and maize, though the palm oil sector may be less affected. The discussion explores the impacts on the food sector and the anticipatory measures the government should implement.

Workers Still Doubtful About Prabowo's Promise to Build Daycare Facilities in Industrial Areas

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto's plan to establish daycare facilities in industrial zones has elicited mixed reactions from labour unions, with some viewing it as a positive step to support working mothers while others demand thorough assessments on safety and funding. Union leaders like Tarman from GSPMI express conditional support, emphasising the importance of parental proximity, whereas Totong from SPLLI prefers parental involvement in child-rearing and calls for further review. Concerns over security, highlighted by Alfiana from GSBI referencing past abuse cases in Yogyakarta, underscore the need for robust guarantees before implementation, reflecting broader labour priorities in family support policies.

Up to Rp50 Million Per Trip, Indonesians Hunt for Clinics Abroad

Indonesian citizens are increasingly travelling abroad for medical and beauty treatments, spending an average of US$3,340 per trip, significantly higher than expenditures on holidays or business travel, according to BPS data. This segment shows the fastest growth in spending, driven by pre-scheduled procedures, with Malaysia as the top destination due to its affordability and similarities to Indonesia. The trend highlights a recovering outbound tourism sector post-Covid-19, with high expenditures concentrated on healthcare services.

Deputy Minister of Basic and Secondary Education: National Education Day a moment to strengthen the direction of education transformation

Deputy Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, Fajar Riza Ul Haq, highlighted that National Education Day serves as a pivotal moment for reflection to bolster the national education transformation, emphasising education's role beyond knowledge transfer to humanising individuals, building character, and preparing generations for contemporary challenges. Under the theme 'Strengthening Universal Participation to Realise Quality Education for All', the observance underscores the need for collective involvement to ensure equitable and high-quality educational services, coinciding with the 56th Earth Day and 30th Regional Autonomy Day. Aligned with the President's AstaCita framework, the government prioritises enhancing teacher competencies and welfare as key investments for a competitive, resilient human resource base.

BNI Consistently Promotes Equitable Education Through This Programme

PT Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) is reinforcing its commitment to improving education quality in Indonesia by providing scholarships to over 1,000 talented and needy students from primary to higher education levels through its BNI Berbagi initiative, spanning from 2025 to April 2026. This effort aligns with National Education Day and supports government goals for equitable access to education, including financial literacy and character building, with plans to expand to remote and underdeveloped regions. The programme aims to foster a competitive generation equipped for future economic challenges.

Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education Strengthens Inclusive Education in Special Schools through 7 KAIH

The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education is enhancing inclusive education in Special Schools (SLB) by implementing the 7 Habits of Great Indonesian Children (7 KAIH) to foster independence and character development among students with special needs. This initiative was highlighted during a webinar series that shares innovative practices and experiences from various educational units across regions. Officials emphasised the need for adaptive approaches, cross-sector collaboration, and a holistic educational ecosystem to ensure equitable and quality services for students with disabilities, supported by growing public awareness and government policies.

Archive Statistics

349,334
Total Articles
1012
News Sources
1994-2026
Coverage Period