Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

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Gaspol Today: Iran's Business in the Black Market

Former Indonesian Ambassador to Iran, Dian Wirengjurit, has revealed how Iran sustains its economy despite decades of US sanctions by selling oil on the black market. With domestic needs met by 1.5 million barrels, the surplus is traded covertly through European brokers and openly imported by China, funding defence capabilities and essential public services such as housing, food, health, and education. This strategy underscores Iran's resilience in evading economic embargoes to support both military and civilian needs.

Indonesia seizes three vessels over illegal fishing

Indonesia's Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries has seized three foreign vessels caught using prohibited trawl gear in the Strait of Malacca, following patrols by surveillance ships Barracuda 01 and Hiu 01. The vessels, identified as PKFB 172, PKFB 1751, and PKFB 4790, were escorted to bases in Batam and Belawan for investigation, carrying mostly Indonesian crew with one having Myanmar nationals. This action underscores Indonesia's ongoing commitment to intensifying maritime surveillance to protect fisheries resources, sovereignty, and marine sustainability, having processed 39 vessels for violations from January to April 2026 and preventing losses of Rp69.9 billion.

House Commission IX Proposes Buffer Quota for PBI to Protect Vulnerable Groups

Indonesia's House of Representatives Commission IX has proposed allocating a buffer quota for Penerima Bantuan Iuran (PBI) under the national health insurance scheme to cover vulnerable middle-income groups in deciles 5-6, addressing gaps where around 24 million people in lower deciles remain uncovered despite existing quotas. This initiative highlights the dynamic nature of poverty, exacerbated by sudden job losses or catastrophic health costs, and aims to expand coverage to 120-140 million beneficiaries. The Social Affairs Minister supports the proposal, contingent on fiscal capacity, while ongoing data verification ensures aid targets the truly needy.

Supporting business ecosystem, Law Minister emphasises collaboration with notaries

Indonesia's Ministry of Law and Human Rights (Kemenkum) has underscored the crucial role of notaries in their respective legal jurisdictions during a training and knowledge refreshment session held in Batam, Riau Islands, on Wednesday (15/4). Law Minister Supratman Andi Agtas highlighted the importance of nationwide collaboration between Kemenkum and notaries to improve legal data and developments related to companies. This initiative aims to bolster the business ecosystem through enhanced legal accuracy and cooperation.

Sandiaga Uno says Indonesia has bright prospects in the green economy

Businessman and investor Sandiaga Uno has expressed strong optimism about Indonesia's green economy, viewing it as a key driver for future national growth through innovation, green financing, and policy reforms that transform climate risks into economic opportunities. He highlights the potential to create jobs in areas such as clean energy, environmental management, low-carbon technology, and sustainable tourism, with studies estimating a long-term value of Rp3,000 to Rp4,000 trillion from renewable energy, carbon economy, and sustainable resource management. Uno urges the government to develop comprehensive regulations and incentives to fully harness these untapped prospects, particularly in carbon markets and emissions monitoring technologies.

251 Students Visit Palace to Learn About History and Government System

A group of 251 students from SMP Negeri 115 Jakarta visited the Presidential Palace Complex as part of the "Palace for School Children" programme, aimed at fostering young people's understanding of Indonesia's national history and government system. During the visit, they received briefings on managing natural resources and demographic bonuses, alongside introductions to key government initiatives like the Free Nutritious Meals, People's Schools, and Garuda Elite Schools programmes, which seek to enhance educational access for all Indonesian children. The interactive tour of historical sites and official rooms inspired the students and educators, promoting patriotism and motivation for national development.

Road in Nyikambang, Cilegon, Damaged for 25 Years, Set to Be Repaired

Residents of Kampung Nyikambang in Cilegon have endured a severely damaged road for 25 years, exacerbating flood risks and causing accidents, including a tragic miscarriage. Banten Governor Andra Soni has committed to repairing the 1.3 km stretch under the Bang Andra programme, with a Rp3.4 billion budget from the provincial APBD, aiming to enhance safety, connectivity to markets, schools, and hospitals. The initiative also addresses neglected irrigation channels through coordination with central government agencies to prevent recurring floods.

"Dividend Hunting" for BBRI Ahead of Cum Date: What Are the Prospects?

Retail investors are flocking to buy shares in PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (BBRI) ahead of the cum date to capture its substantial dividend payout of Rp 346 per share for the 2025 fiscal year, totalling Rp 52.10 trillion. This practice, known as dividend hunting, raises questions about whether it represents rational strategy or mere short-term market euphoria, as highlighted by experts from Mirae Asset Sekuritas. While the interim dividend of Rp 137 per share was paid in January 2026, the final dividend of Rp 209 per share is scheduled for May 2026, underscoring BBRI's appeal in Indonesia's banking sector amid ongoing investor interest in high-yield stocks.

Plastic Raw Material Prices Become a Spectre for Industry, Industry Minister Responds Thus

Rising global energy prices are driving up the cost of plastic raw materials, posing significant challenges to Indonesia's industrial sector, particularly small industries vulnerable to production cost fluctuations. Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita emphasised that the key issue is pricing rather than availability, pledging government efforts to stabilise prices through negotiations with producers and exploring alternative supplies. This intervention is crucial amid global supply chain disruptions exacerbated by Middle East conflicts, which could halt production without prompt action.

DKI Provincial Government to Conduct Mass Cleanup of Sailfin Catfish in Jakarta Rivers

The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government is set to launch a simultaneous mass removal of invasive sailfin catfish from the city's rivers across five administrative areas on Friday morning, prompted by lab findings revealing dangerous levels of heavy metals in the fish that pose health risks to humans. The operation, announced by Governor Pramono Anung, also aims to repair damaged river structures caused by the fish's destructive habits and to protect native species by eliminating threats to their eggs. In addition to targeting the invasive species, the initiative includes dredging sediment and normalising water channels to enhance the overall waterway system in Jakarta, building on previous successful captures in areas like Kali Cideng and Kali Ciliwung.

Rising Avtur Prices Drive Up Airfares, Bali at Risk of Losing Tourists

The surge in avtur fuel prices has led to higher airfares, posing a threat to Bali's tourism sector as visitors may delay or cancel trips due to increased travel costs. PHRI Bali highlights additional pressures from Middle East flight disruptions caused by the Iran-Israel-US conflict, which could reduce foreign tourist arrivals from key hubs like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. To counter these challenges, the industry is adjusting prices to remain competitive while intensifying promotions targeting major markets such as Australia and the domestic sector, aiming for 16 million national visitors.

Indonesia's Ministry of Youth and Sports Ranks in Top 5 for Best Performance, Public Appreciates Flagship Programmes

Indonesia's Ministry of Youth and Sports (Kemenpora RI), led by Minister Erick Thohir, has been ranked among the top five best-performing ministries according to a national public opinion survey by Cyrus Network conducted in April 2026. The survey, involving 1,260 respondents across 38 provinces, highlights public satisfaction with Kemenpora's programmes aimed at empowering youth potential and enhancing national sports achievements. Minister Erick Thohir expressed gratitude for the recognition, committing to further improvements in public services and strategic initiatives to foster a patriotic and competitive younger generation on the global stage.

Pramono Reshuffles Officials, Asep Kuswanto No Longer Head of DKI Environmental Agency

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has inaugurated 11 high-ranking echelon II officials in a reshuffle aimed at filling strategic positions and enhancing government performance. Notably, Dudi Gardesi Asikin replaces Asep Kuswanto as Head of the DKI Jakarta Environmental Agency, with Kuswanto reassigned to Assistant Deputy Governor for Spatial Planning. The appointments, decided through discussions among Pramono, Deputy Governor Rano Karno, and Jakarta Secretary Uus Kuswanto using the civil servant talent management system, seek to eliminate acting positions and optimise administrative efficiency.

Securing 15 Global Awards, Indonesia's Environmental Innovations Garner Worldwide Acclaim

PT Pertamina EP, a subsidiary of Indonesia's state-owned energy giant, has achieved remarkable success by winning 15 international awards at The Green World Awards 2026 for its outstanding social responsibility and environmental programmes implemented across its Tambun, Subang, and Jatibarang fields. The awards, which include 10 Global Gold, 4 Global Silver, and 1 Commended recognition, highlight innovative initiatives such as community-based circular energy, sustainable water management, oil spill control using natural absorbents, agricultural empowerment for food security, and cultural heritage preservation. This accomplishment underscores Pertamina EP's leadership in sustainable practices, outshining dozens of multinational companies and reinforcing Indonesia's commitment to global environmental standards in the energy sector.

Labour Minister Reveals Strategies to Enhance the Quality of Indonesia's Digital Talent

Indonesian Labour Minister Yassierli has outlined strategies to address the shortage of digital talent, emphasising government programmes, industry collaborations, and curriculum development to boost competitiveness in the rapidly growing digital economy. He highlighted that Indonesia's digital economy is projected to reach nearly $100 billion by 2025, making it the largest in Southeast Asia, and stressed the importance of e-commerce and content-driven commerce skills. Additionally, Yassierli urged workers to adopt a growth mindset for continuous learning amid evolving industries, supported by national vocational training and internship initiatives to bridge the skills gap between education and industry needs.

To Save Local Industry, Electric Vehicle Policies Need Evaluation

A senior researcher from the Bandung Institute of Technology's Centre for Sustainable Transport Systems has urged the Indonesian government to dynamically evaluate its electric vehicle policies, as the growth of battery electric vehicles is not sufficiently supporting the domestic industrial base and risks undermining existing ecosystems. Current incentives and domestic component requirements favour new entrants without deeper investments, potentially leading to market cannibalisation of legacy internal combustion engine producers, especially amid declining consumer purchasing power. Drawing lessons from Thailand's challenges and successes in India and Vietnam, the expert emphasises that policies must evolve beyond initial adoption phases to enhance national automotive competitiveness.

Higher Education Minister Requests Transparency in Investigation of Sexual Harassment Case Involving UI Law Faculty Students

Indonesia's Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Brian Yuliarto, has urged transparency and accountability in investigating allegations of sexual harassment involving 16 students from the University of Indonesia's Faculty of Law. The case, which gained traction on social media through explicit group chats, has prompted the university to condemn the behaviour and commit to potential sanctions, including expulsion, while coordinating with authorities if criminal elements are found. This response underscores the government's push for robust anti-violence task forces in universities to protect victims and ensure ethical standards in academia.

Iranian Embassy Thanks Indonesian People for Donations

The Iranian Embassy in Indonesia has expressed profound gratitude to the Indonesian public for raising over Rp9 billion in humanitarian donations to support the Iranian people. This initiative, which began on 17 March 2026 and will continue until 30 April 2026 via Bank BRI, has seen participation from 24,369 individuals, reflecting Indonesia's strong values of humanity and solidarity. The funds will be channeled through the Indonesian Red Cross to the Red Crescent Society of the Islamic Republic of Iran, underscoring the deepening bilateral ties through compassionate efforts.

BPOM Highlights Nutri-Level, ATMP in Health Policy Committee Coordination Meeting

Indonesia's National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) has spotlighted key health issues during the 9th Coordination Meeting of the Health Sector Policy Committee, including the implementation of Nutri-Level labelling to educate the public on limiting sugar, salt, and fat intake amid high rates of non-communicable diseases. Officials addressed the misuse of certain drugs like trihexyphenidyl and tramadol, particularly among youth, and the potential of natural medicine in the National Health Insurance system, while emphasising the need for synchronisation between central and local governments to enhance preventive healthcare. This meeting underscores ongoing efforts to tackle public health challenges through regulatory measures and multi-sectoral collaboration.

HIKMICRO Accelerates Expansion in the Industrial Instruments Market Segment Through the Launch of the LRG10 Series Radar Level Meter

HIKMICRO, a Chinese technology firm, has launched the LRG10 series radar level meter to bolster its presence in the global industrial instruments market, targeting sectors such as water management, food and beverages, petrochemicals, and pharmaceuticals. The device features advanced 80 GHz FMCW radar technology for high-precision measurements up to 120 metres, with AI-based false echo suppression ensuring reliability in challenging environments like dusty or volatile conditions. This release underscores HIKMICRO's commitment to affordable, high-performance solutions that support digital transformation in industrial operations, showcased at Hannover Messe 2026.

Archive Statistics

327,266
Total Articles
1012
News Sources
1994-2026
Coverage Period