Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

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11 Defendants in Fictitious Lithium Battery Project Case Sentenced to 6-14 Years in Prison; Prosecutors Appeal

Eleven defendants involved in a corruption case concerning fictitious procurement projects at PT Telkom Indonesia, including a lithium battery initiative, have been convicted by the Jakarta Corruption Court, receiving prison sentences ranging from 3 to 14 years, along with fines and restitution orders totaling billions of rupiah. The schemes, executed between 2016 and 2018 through Telkom's subsidiaries and affiliated vendors, resulted in state losses exceeding Rp464 billion due to unexecuted projects outside the company's core telecommunications business. Prosecutors have appealed the sentences for four defendants, one of whom is also appealing, underscoring ongoing efforts to combat corporate graft in Indonesia's state-owned enterprises.

Japanese Diplomatic Document Angers North Korea, What's Going On?

North Korea has accused Japan of serious provocation following Tokyo's annual diplomatic document, which reiterated its opposition to Pyongyang's nuclear programme and expressed concerns over North Korea's military support to Russia in Ukraine. The document also downgraded Japan's assessment of China amid worsening bilateral ties, particularly after indications of potential Japanese military intervention in a Taiwan conflict. This escalation highlights ongoing tensions in East Asian geopolitics, with North Korea defending its nuclear arsenal as an unchangeable path for self-defence.

MPR Chairman and Ulama Meet Saudi Ambassador, Discuss Hajj to Middle East Situation

The Chairman of Indonesia's People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), Ahmad Muzani, along with several ulama, met with the Saudi Ambassador to Indonesia to discuss preparations for the Hajj pilgrimage amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Muzani highlighted the economic challenges faced by Indonesians due to prolonged conflicts in the region and expressed concerns over the smooth conduct of this year's Hajj. He reaffirmed Indonesia's commitment to active diplomacy for peace in the Middle East, noting President Prabowo's communications with Arab and Iranian leaders, while thanking Saudi Arabia for its resolve to ensure the pilgrimage's success.

Expired Operational Certificate for Terra Drone Office Since 2020

In a trial for negligence leading to a fatal fire at PT Terra Drone's office in Jakarta, a witness from the DKI Jakarta Public Works, Spatial Planning, and Land Agency testified that the building's Operational Fitness Certificate (SLF) had expired since August 2020 and had not been renewed. The fire on 9 December 2025 resulted in 22 employee deaths, exacerbated by inadequate fire safety measures, including the lack of emergency exits, fixed windows, and fire extinguishers. This case highlights critical lapses in building safety compliance and corporate responsibility in Indonesia's regulatory framework.

Commission IX Questions Social Affairs and Health Ministers on Impact of Reactivating 2 Million BPJS Health PBI Participants

The House of Representatives' Commission IX engaged in a heated debate with Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin and Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf over the reactivation of only 2.1 million out of 11 million previously deactivated PBI BPJS Health participants. Deputy Chairman Charles Honoris criticised the government for leaving approximately 9 million individuals without access to healthcare services, urging alignment on the prior agreement to reinstate all 11 million beneficiaries. This confrontation underscores ongoing concerns about equitable access to Indonesia's national health insurance programme and the government's commitment to social welfare provisions.

Name of Former NTB Governor Zulkieflimansyah Implicated in MXGP Samota Land Corruption Case

The name of former NTB Governor Zulkieflimansyah has surfaced in the prosecution's allegations in a corruption case involving the purchase of 70 hectares of land for the MXGP Samota circuit in Sumbawa, where he allegedly promised to buy the land after the 2022 event. The land, owned by former East Lombok Regent Ali Bin Dachlan, was lent free of charge for the international motocross event and later acquired by the Sumbawa Regency government for Rp 52 billion, resulting in a state loss of Rp 6.7 billion that has since been returned. The case involves former Central Lombok Land Agency head Subhan and appraisers Pung Saifullah Zulkarnaen and Muhammad Jan, highlighting irregularities in the land acquisition process for public sports infrastructure.

Malang City Government Submits Four Regional Regulation Drafts to City Council

The Malang City Government in East Java has submitted four draft regional regulations (raperda) to the local DPRD for discussion, covering drug prevention, green open spaces, investment, and road traffic and transportation. These drafts, pending since 2023-2025, aim to provide legal frameworks for local policies, including aligning investment rules with the national Job Creation Law to combat drug circulation, preserve ecosystems, and address traffic congestion. The DPRD plans to form special committees and incorporate public input before forwarding the agreed regulations to the provincial government for synchronization and final enactment.

Flood-Prone Since 2011, Tangsel to Build 150-Metre Retaining Wall in Citra Prima Serpong

South Tangerang City Government plans to construct a 100 to 150-metre retaining wall in Citra Prima Serpong, Kranggan, Setu, to combat recurrent flooding that reaches up to two metres, exacerbated by housing developments since 2011 that reduced natural water absorption areas. Deputy Mayor Pilar Saga Ichsan has instructed the Water Resources, Roads, and Construction Agency to normalise drainage channels and repair vulnerable spots, with construction targeted to begin this year to alleviate residents' fears during rainy seasons. Additional measures include ensuring functional water pumps, though a retention pond remains dependent on available land.

Telecommunications tower collapses in Kembangan, police await Puslabfor results

A telecommunications tower collapsed onto two rented houses in Kembangan, West Jakarta, due to strong winds, prompting police to await forensic laboratory results to determine if criminal elements are involved. Authorities found no public harm or demands from affected residents, who settled the matter amicably, but the West Jakarta Building and Land Agency issued a warning to the tower owner for lacking required building permits and community approvals. This incident underscores the importance of regulatory compliance in infrastructure projects to prevent potential hazards in urban areas.

Indonesia Begins to Abandon the US Dollar, Here's the Proof!

Indonesia is actively reducing its reliance on the US dollar through bilateral currency swap arrangements and local currency transactions, providing additional buffers against global financial volatility. Chief Economist at BCA, David Sumual, highlights agreements worth US$90-100 billion with countries including China, Japan, Australia, and South Korea, which serve as secondary liquidity sources during market pressures. These initiatives, including QRIS Cross Border implementations, aim to foster a regional transaction ecosystem less dependent on the dollar, enhancing financial resilience.

479th Anniversary Celebration of Semarang City Focuses on Services for the Community

The Semarang City Government has launched the 479th anniversary celebrations with an emphasis on providing direct benefits to residents through free services in transportation, health, and education, rather than grand ceremonial events. Initiatives include complimentary BRT rides with breakfast provisions, free dental scaling and women's health screenings, expanded access to private schools and homeschooling for special needs children, and support for local SMEs via fisheries expos and culinary festivals. The events also promote environmental care through plastic bottle exchanges for incentives, aiming to enhance community welfare and quality of life in Semarang.

JCI Rebounds, Climbing to 7,750 Level Driven by US-Iran Sentiment

Indonesia's Composite Stock Price Index (JCI) opened higher on Wednesday, gaining 0.98% to reach 7,750.90, buoyed by positive market sentiment from potential US-Iran agreements amid Middle East tensions. The IMF warns that prolonged conflict could slow global growth to 3.1% in 2026 and risk recession, while domestically, the Financial Services Authority (OJK) unveiled strategic roadmaps for 2026-2030 to deepen derivative and sustainable capital markets.

US Proposal for Air Transit Permissions, Indonesia Still Considering

The Indonesian government is carefully reviewing a US proposal to grant unrestricted overflight clearance for American military aircraft through its airspace, stemming from a recent meeting between Presidents Prabowo Subianto and Donald Trump. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang emphasised that national interests, sovereignty, and Indonesia's active non-aligned foreign policy remain paramount, amid concerns that such access could draw Jakarta into South China Sea conflicts. While several European nations have rejected similar requests, the proposal is not central to broader Indo-US defence cooperation.

Ahmad Luthfi Reviews Mobile Animal Health Services Programme in Sragen

Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman, known as Ahmad Luthfi, inspected the mobile animal health services programme in Sragen, Central Java, ahead of Iduladha to ensure the health of over 6.3 million livestock, including projections for 593,000 animals needed for sacrifices. The 'Healing' initiative by the Central Java Agriculture and Livestock Department provides free on-site veterinary services such as vaccinations, disease checks, and ultrasounds, significantly reducing outbreaks like foot-and-mouth disease to just 10 cases by mid-April 2026. This programme supports rural farmers, prevents disease spread through border controls, and highlights government commitment to the livestock sector following severe past epidemics.

DLHK Pulang Pisau Strengthens Oversight of Kitchen Waste Management at SPPG

The Pulang Pisau Environment and Forestry Service (DLHK) in Central Kalimantan is intensifying supervision of waste and wastewater management at the Nutrition Fulfilment Service Unit (SPPG) to ensure compliance with health standards. Primarily household waste from the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme requires proper sorting into organic and inorganic categories, with organic waste processed using decomposer microorganisms to accelerate breakdown and reduce odours. This initiative, targeting 40 volunteer housewives, aims to foster sustainable practices and promote cleaner, healthier communities in the region.

Mataram Court Holds First Hearing on Corruption Case Involving MXGP Samota Land

The Corruption Court at Mataram District Court has commenced the initial hearing for a case involving the alleged corrupt purchase of 70 hectares of land for the MXGP circuit in Samota, Sumbawa, during the 2022 fiscal year, with three defendants facing charges. Prosecutors detailed multiple irregularities, including improper verification of ownership claims that did not match the physical land conditions, unauthorised appointments in the procurement process, and alterations to land data without proper checks, resulting in a state financial loss of Rp6.7 billion, which has since been refunded by the land seller. The defendants are accused of violating anti-corruption laws, highlighting systemic issues in public land acquisition procedures.

Indonesian police arrest six for Komodo dragon smuggling

Indonesian authorities have arrested six individuals for smuggling endangered Komodo dragons from East Nusa Tenggara province to Thailand, with the suspects having traded at least 20 of the reptiles since January last year for a profit of around US$33,000. The arrests followed the initial detention of two suspects in Surabaya in February with three live Komodo dragons, leading to further investigations that uncovered the smuggling network. This operation highlights the ongoing threats to the vulnerable species from poaching and illegal trade, as Komodo dragons are found only in Indonesia's Komodo National Park and neighbouring Flores island, facing risks from human activity and climate change.

Debate in DPR's Commission IX with Health Minister and Social Affairs Minister Over BPJS PBI Meeting Agreement

Members of Indonesia's DPR Commission IX clashed with Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin and Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf during a working meeting over the government's failure to fully implement a February agreement to provide health services to 11 million deactivated BPJS PBI participants for three months. While the ministers insisted that all 11 million individuals would receive care if they sought it, parliamentarians highlighted discrepancies, noting only about 2 million had been reactivated, leaving around 9 million without access and urging adherence to the written accord to uphold constitutional healthcare rights. The debate underscores ongoing tensions between the legislature and executive on social welfare implementation, with Commission Chair Felly Estelita Runtuwene mediating to ensure field-level compliance amid reports of hospitals not providing services.

Ministry of Forestry Appreciates South Kalimantan's Conservation of Endemic Plants in Tropical Rainforest

The Ministry of Forestry has praised the South Kalimantan Forestry Service for its effective management of the Indonesian Tropical Rainforest Park (TH2TI) in Banjarbaru, highlighting its role in conserving endemic Kalimantan plants and promoting environmental education. Innovations such as converting leaf waste into compost exemplify sustainable practices that support national forest rehabilitation goals and circular economy principles. This effort underscores the provincial government's commitment to biodiversity preservation, with similar initiatives at sites like Zwagery Island, strengthening central-local synergies for tropical forest sustainability.

20 Komodo Dragons from NTT Smuggled to Thailand, Valued at Rp10 Billion

East Java Police have dismantled an international syndicate trafficking protected wildlife, including 20 Komodo dragons smuggled from Nusa Tenggara Timur to Thailand, with an estimated total value of Rp10 billion. The operation uncovered multiple clusters involving Komodo dragons, cuscus, pangolin scales, and other endangered species, leading to the arrest of several suspects and highlighting the significant economic incentives driving illegal wildlife trade. This bust underscores the ongoing threats to Indonesia's biodiversity and the enforcement challenges posed by lucrative black market networks.

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326,944
Total Articles
1012
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1994-2026
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