Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

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Parliament Reveals Saudi Arabia Has Not Yet Announced Postponement of 2026 Hajj amid Middle East Conflict

Indonesia's parliamentary Commission VIII stated that Saudi Arabian authorities have not formally announced any postponement of the 2026 hajj pilgrimage, despite escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East following US-Israel-Iran conflict. The Indonesian government has prepared contingency plans, including the option of unilaterally postponing departures whilst protecting pilgrims' paid costs such as accommodation and transportation. The Hajj and Umrah Ministry emphasised the need for high-level negotiations with Saudi Arabia to preserve pilgrims' investments should Indonesia decide to cancel the 2026 pilgrimage.

War and Iran's Closure of the Strait of Hormuz Sparks Panic at the White House as Global Oil Prices Surge

The Trump administration has entered a state of panic following its military operations against Iran as global oil prices surged to over $120 per barrel, disrupting energy markets unexpectedly. Trump officials reportedly failed to anticipate that Middle Eastern military operations would trigger such market turbulence, though insiders suggest temporary price fluctuations alone will not prompt a reconsideration of the war decision. The White House has begun damage control efforts, reassuring oil traders about supply chain stability whilst managing concerns from Republican lawmakers worried that rising energy costs contradict their campaign messaging on lowering living costs.

Urine Testing Recommended to Aid Early Detection of Kidney Inflammation

The chairman of the Indonesian Nephrology Association has urged young people to undergo regular urine tests to detect glomerulonefritis (kidney inflammation) early, as the condition often presents no symptoms in its initial stages but can be identified through urinalysis. Early detection is crucial, as many young patients develop kidney failure due to undiagnosed kidney inflammation, which can be prevented through healthy lifestyles, regular health checks, and careful dietary habits.

Spain Withdraws Ambassador from Israel Permanently

Spain has announced the permanent withdrawal of its ambassador from Israel in protest against Israeli military operations in Iran and Gaza. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's government, one of Europe's strongest critics of Israeli actions, has instructed the termination of Ambassador Ana María Sálomon Pérez's appointment, with a chargé d'affaires to manage the embassy going forward. The decision reflects Spain's consistent opposition to the Gaza conflict and its recent condemnation of the US-Israel military campaign against Iran.

Unexpected Confession from Robber Who Killed JICT Pensioner

Police have revealed that Sudirman alias Yuda (28) attacked and killed retired Jakarta International Container Terminal employee Ermanto Usman (65) and his wife Pasmilawati (60) after being caught mid-robbery when the wife woke to a dawn prayer alarm. Panicked by being discovered, the perpetrator violently assaulted both victims with a crowbar before fleeing with mobile phones, a laptop, and jewellery; authorities confirm he had no specific target and some stolen goods were subsequently sold or used.

PT Len showcases combat management system as "brain" of locally-built warship

PT Len Industri has unveiled its Combat Management System (CMS) Mandhala Mk2, an advanced integrated system designed to serve as the central control mechanism for Indonesian Naval warships, demonstrating the nation's capability in defence technology modernisation. The system integrates sensors, radar, communications, navigation and weaponry into a unified platform, enabling real-time tactical decision-making during combat operations. The demonstration, observed by defence ministry officials, reflects Indonesia's commitment to developing indigenous defence capabilities and reducing dependence on foreign technology.

BPBD records 242 homes damaged by tornado in Cirebon

A severe tornado swept through two sub-districts in Cirebon Regency, West Java on 11 March, damaging 242 residential units and affecting 1,455 residents across 498 households. The extreme weather event, accompanied by heavy rain and strong winds, also caused approximately 20 trees to fall and damaged public facilities including schools and prayer rooms, though no casualties were reported.

Muzani Reveals Latest Presidential Directive from Prabowo on Sumatera Disaster Response

MPR Chairman Ahmad Muzani has disclosed President Prabowo Subianto's latest instructions regarding disaster relief operations in Sumatera, emphasising rapid assistance for affected communities. Prabowo has directed the Task Force Head and Interior Minister Tito Karnavian to coordinate across relevant ministries and regional governments to accelerate reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts in the disaster-affected areas.

Prabowo criticises regulations hampering audit of state-owned enterprise subsidiaries

President Prabowo Subianto has criticised regulations that prevent the auditing of subsidiary companies of state-owned enterprises (BUMN), whilst parent BUMN companies can be audited by the State Audit Board (BPK). Prabowo cited Pertamina's 200 subsidiary and sub-subsidiary companies as an example and expressed support for BUMN consolidation through Danantara as a mechanism to prevent deviations and potential loss of state wealth.

KPK: PT SMS Previously Involved in Corruption Cases Outside Rejang Lebong

The Indonesian Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has revealed that PT SMS was previously convicted of bribery-related corruption offences within the Bengkulu Provincial Government in 2017, ahead of new corruption allegations involving the company in Rejang Lebong Regency disclosed in March 2026. The KPK has urged state officials, particularly in Bengkulu, to cease awarding contracts to vendors with documented histories of corruption involvement.

Regent of Rejang Lebong Suspected of Accepting Bribes from Project Funds for Holiday Allowances to Citizens

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) alleges that the Regent of Rejang Lebong, Muhammad Fikri Thobari, solicited bribes or fees of approximately 10-15 per cent from project contractors to cover holiday allowance distributions (THR) ahead of Lebaran. The KPK suspects the regent lacked legitimate income to fund the traditional practice of distributing THR to local residents, prompting him to resort to extracting fees from public works projects.

Metro Police Chief Launches School-Community Police Partnership Forum at 11 Schools to Combat Bullying

Jakarta's Metropolitan Police Chief Irjen Asep Edi Suheri has launched the School-Community Police Partnership Forum (FKPMS) across 11 schools in Jakarta to strengthen efforts in preventing bullying, detecting problems early, and resolving issues in educational environments. The initiative comes in response to significant challenges including violence, harassment, gang fights, and negative social media influences, with police data showing approximately 2,706 cases of violence against women and children in Jakarta during 2025. The forum seeks to foster communication and coordination between police, schools, parents, and the community to create safe, orderly, and conducive learning environments.

KPK suspects Rejang Lebong regent repeatedly received money for project contracts

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has identified a systematic pattern of bribery in Rejang Lebong Regency, where regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari allegedly received repeated payments from contractors in exchange for project awards, totalling Rp775 million. The KPK suspects the corrupt practice extended across fiscal years 2025 and 2026, and may have involved other government offices beyond the Public Works Department, potentially serving as a gateway for broader investigations into the local administration.

Parliament invites media to build human rights civilisation narrative in Indonesia

The Chairman of Parliament's Commission XIII, Willy Aditya, has called on the media to play an active role in building public narratives to advance human rights civilisation in Indonesia. Whilst acknowledging the Ministry of Human Rights' initiative to develop human rights civilisation through media collaboration, Aditya emphasised that this cannot be achieved through legislation and institutions alone, requiring instead long-term cultural change and active public participation grounded in critical awareness and civil society engagement.

Regent of Rejang Lebong arrested in anti-corruption operation; KPK seizes Rp756.8 million

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has seized Rp756.8 million in cash following the arrest of Rejang Lebong Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari and 12 others in a sting operation on 9 March 2026 over alleged bribery in municipal government projects. Five suspects have been formally named, including the regent, the head of the public works agency, and three private sector figures from contracting companies operating in Bengkulu's Rejang Lebong district during the 2025–2026 budget year.

Minister Pigai: Press Is a Pillar of Human Rights Civilisation Development

Indonesia's Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai has urged the press to serve not only as a pillar of democracy but also as a crucial instrument for developing human rights civilisation in the country. Pigai emphasised that the media plays a vital role in delivering justice in public discourse, particularly for marginalised communities facing inequality and legal injustices, whilst announcing government support for press freedom as part of strengthening human rights protection.

Noodle Factory Using Formaldehyde Raided in Central Java, Producing 1.5 Tonnes Daily

Police raided an illegal noodle factory in Boyolali, Central Java, that had been producing wet noodles adulterated with formaldehyde as a preservative since 2019, with daily output of 1–1.5 tonnes. One suspect identified as WH was arrested following the operation, which also uncovered a formaldehyde storage warehouse; rapid testing of market samples confirmed the presence of the toxic chemical.

Ministry of Finance Still Examining Plans for New Layer in Cigarette Tax Structure

Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is continuing technical and legal assessments of plans to add a new tier to the tobacco excise tax (CHT) structure, whilst simultaneously cracking down on illegal cigarette distribution. The government is also considering whether to allow previously illegal operators to transition to legal status by meeting proper tax obligations, whilst enforcement actions against illegal cigarettes have more than doubled in the first two months of 2026.

15 Legal Experts Assert Pertamina Matter Is Purely Commercial Relationship, Not Corruption Offence

Fifteen legal experts from various Indonesian universities have concluded that allegations of corruption in PT Pertamina's crude oil and refinery product management during 2018-2023 constitute a purely commercial relationship rather than a criminal corruption offence. The experts examined the court case against three defendants (Muhamad Kerry Adrianto Riza, Dimas Werhaspati, and Gading Ramadhan Joedo) concerning ship leasing and fuel terminal rental, concluding that these transactions do not meet the elements of corruption under the Criminal Code.

Director of LKBN ANTARA Appreciates Ramadhan Short-Term Islamic School in Bogor

The Director of LKBN ANTARA, represented by Hermanus Prihatna, has praised the Ramadhan Short-Term Islamic School (Sanlat) initiative organised by the Jabodetabek Journalists Community in Bogor, West Java, which aims to prepare young Indonesians to become pillars of national progress. The event, themed "Welcoming Indonesian Youth 2045: Intelligent, Virtuous, and Quranic-Spirited," featured speakers covering topics ranging from artificial intelligence to wildlife conservation, emphasising the importance of equipping youth with both secular knowledge and Islamic values.

Archive Statistics

282,398
Total Articles
1012
News Sources
1994-2026
Coverage Period