Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

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Police Dismantle Illegal Drug Distribution Ring Disguised as Mobile Phone Shops and Grocery Stores

The Metro Jaya Police Directorate of Narcotics Reserse has dismantled an illegal hard drug distribution network operating from two locations disguised as a mobile phone shop and a grocery store. Three suspects were arrested and a total of 2,351 schedule G narcotic tablets were seized from raids in South Jakarta's Jagakarsa district and Depok's Cimanggis area.

South Korea considers Trump's request to send ships to Strait of Hormuz

South Korea's presidential office stated it will carefully consider President Donald Trump's request to send naval vessels to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil shipping route in the Persian Gulf that Iran has blockaded amid escalating tensions with the United States and Israel. Trump has called on South Korea and other affected nations to dispatch ships to keep the strait "open and safe" to address global oil supply concerns. Seoul emphasised that maritime security and freedom of navigation are in the interests of all nations and protected under international law.

Business Expansion Supported by Modern Operations, BTN Ensures Full Banking Services Delivery

PT Bank Tabungan Negara (BTN) is expanding its business through operational modernisation, branch upgrades, and digital service development as part of its 2025–2029 strategic vision to become the "Primary Partner in Indonesian Family Financial Empowerment". The bank is strengthening its sustainable funding engine, enhancing product propositions and cross-selling strategies, and transitioning from a mortgage-focused institution to offering comprehensive full banking services including payroll, credit cards, investments, and working capital financing.

Flood Victims at Twin Bridge Receive Aid from German Resident

A 51-year-old German woman, Cornelia Fey, has distributed humanitarian aid totalling 930 million rupiah to 31 families affected by devastating flash floods at Twin Bridge (Jembatan Kembar) on the border between Padang Panjang and Tanah Datar district in West Sumatra. The funds were raised from German donors after Fey shared the scale of the disaster with friends back home, providing cash assistance ahead of Eid celebrations as the region continues to grapple with one of its worst flooding disasters, which has claimed over 230 lives and affected nearly 300,000 people.

South Kalimantan Provincial Government to Recruit Reserve Component Volunteers

The South Kalimantan Provincial Government plans to form and recruit 50 Reserve Component (Komcad) volunteers to strengthen the Indonesian National Armed Forces' defence capabilities during emergencies or military crises. The recruitment, costing approximately Rp2 billion (Rp40 million per person), is currently being deliberated by the provincial parliament and is expected to expand across 13 other districts and cities in the province, complementing the central government's existing recruitment efforts.

Intertwining industrial and community growth in village

A convenience food factory in Mekargalih, Garut has created a model of sustainable economic development by integrating industrial operations with local community benefits, employing over 90 per cent local workers and generating opportunities for small businesses and MSMEs. The factory addresses environmental concerns through land replacement, waste management, and reforestation whilst supporting social initiatives, demonstrating how industrial growth can empower communities rather than disrupt them.

Free Homecoming Programme Surges with Public Uptake, Central Java Emerges as Top Destination

Cermati Fintech Group has launched the #MAUDIKBersama free homecoming programme in response to high demand during the Eid holiday season, successfully deploying 225 passengers across five bus routes from Jakarta on 14 March 2026. The initiative, which generated over 570 registrations within the first hour despite limited social media promotion, reflects broader efforts by both government and industry to address transportation accessibility challenges ahead of the 2026 exodus, when an estimated 143.9 million Indonesians are expected to travel home.

Homebound Traffic Surges, Vehicle Queues Stretch at Gilimanuk Port

With six days remaining until Eid al-Fitr 1447 H, traffic through Gilimanuk Port in Bali has become severely congested as the volume of homebound travellers increases substantially. Vehicle queues on the Denpasar-Gilimanuk route stretch between 30 and 40 kilometres, with police and K9 units deployed to ensure security and facilitate the smooth passage of traffic across the Java-Bali strait crossing.

Indonesia bolsters trade partnerships with Singapore and Malaysia

Indonesia's Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry held bilateral meetings with Singapore and Malaysia at the 32nd ASEAN Economic Ministers Retreat, reaffirming commitment to strengthening trade cooperation and regional economic growth. Trade volumes have shown robust growth, with Indonesia-Singapore bilateral trade reaching US$19.32 billion in 2025 and Indonesia-Malaysia trade totalling US$24.22 billion, whilst both nations discussed advancing negotiations on regional frameworks including the CPTPP and RCEP, and enhancing investment ties through joint committees.

Farmers urged to use adaptive rice varieties as dry season looms

Indonesia's Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman has instructed regional governments to implement anticipatory measures ahead of an earlier-than-usual dry season, directing farmers to adopt drought-resistant rice varieties such as Inpago 4-13 and Inpari 38-46 to maintain production levels. The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency has predicted early dry season onset across multiple Indonesian regions including Sumatra, Java, and Sulawesi, prompting the Ministry to promote optimised water management and accelerated planting schedules to strengthen national food security and agricultural resilience against climate change.

Rest areas urged to install waste management facilities by May

Indonesia's government has mandated that all rest areas along toll roads must install waste processing facilities by May 2026 as part of the "Low-Waste Homecoming" program, with non-compliant operators facing formal enforcement orders. The directive addresses significant environmental concerns, with toll road rest areas generating nearly half a ton to one ton of waste daily, whilst the broader waste crisis sees only 34.56 per cent of the nation's 25.84 million tons of annual waste being properly managed.

Free homecoming journey with ANTARA at Pasar Senen Station

ANTARA News Agency distributed 140 free Gumarang train tickets to Semarang and Surabaya through its Corporate Social Responsibility programme at Jakarta's Pasar Senen Station. The initiative, themed "Safe Journey, Shared Hope", aimed to assist members of the public during the homecoming season.

United States and China Begin Trade Negotiations Ahead of Trump-Xi Meeting

The United States and China have commenced high-level trade negotiations in Paris over two days in preparation for a summit between Presidents Trump and Xi Jinping scheduled for late March in Beijing. The negotiations, led by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, represent the sixth round of discussions as the two nations continue efforts to manage their trade relationship and address broader strategic issues including Taiwan and regional security.

BGN Conducts Surprise Inspection of Nutrition Service Unit in Central Lombok

Indonesia's National Nutrition Agency (BGN) conducted a surprise inspection of a free nutritious meal kitchen in Central Lombok's Praya District and found severe facility deficiencies failing to meet operational standards. The inspection revealed critical hygiene and infrastructure violations including inadequate washroom facilities, mould-infested walls, waterproofing issues, and poor ventilation, prompting BGN to recommend suspending operations to protect beneficiaries. The facility's manager, who also serves as the district coordinator, is now under evaluation for failing to maintain proper standards.

Minister of Women's Empowerment Ensures Mudik Facilities at Pasar Senen Station Are Women and Child-Friendly

Indonesia's Minister of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection, Arifah Fauzi, inspected Pasar Senen Station on 13 March to verify that mudik (homecoming) facilities for Eid 2026 are safe and comfortable for women and children. The station has been equipped with prayer rooms, nursing facilities, children's play areas, and health services, reflecting the government's commitment to inclusive and family-friendly public transport during the peak travel period. The minister urged travellers to remain vigilant during their journeys and report any incidents to authorities.

Director of Narcotics Investigation Suspended and Placed on Special Duty Over Alleged Extortion by NTT Police

The East Nusa Tenggara Police (Polda NTT) has suspended Kombes ATB from his position as Director of Narcotics Investigation following allegations that he and six other officers extorted approximately Rp375 million from two drug trafficking suspects involved in an illegal poppers distribution case. The officer has been placed on special duty whilst undergoing investigation by the Police's Professional and Security Division (Divpropam), with potential disciplinary sanctions including dismissal without honour if professional conduct violations are substantiated.

Malaysia allocates RM2 billion monthly for fuel subsidies

The Malaysian government is allocating 2 billion ringgit (approximately Rp8 trillion) per month to maintain RON 95 petrol prices at 1.99 ringgit per litre amid global uncertainties and Middle East geopolitical tensions. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim highlighted that the subsidy programme remains essential despite potential oil price volatility, with crude oil currently trading at 104 US dollars per barrel, whilst the government continues to monitor misuse of subsidised fuel.

Viral Video: Thug Tito Kobra from Pakenjeng, Garut, Threatens to Kill Police Chief after Reprimand for Drinking During Ramadan

A video showing Pakenjeng Police Chief Iptu Muslih Hidayat subduing a local thug named Tito Kobra, who allegedly threatened to kill the officer and others after being reprimanded for consuming alcohol during daylight hours in Ramadan, has gone viral on social media. The incident stemmed from an earlier police patrol where eight youths were caught drinking illegally near a hydroelectric power plant; Tito Kobra bore a grudge and confronted the police chief, escalating into a physical altercation during which officers found a small machete on him. The police chief chose to pursue rehabilitation rather than formal legal action against the suspect.

Bogor City Administration Proposes Running Competitions in Every District as Youth Development Platform

The Bogor City Administration is considering organising running competitions in each of the city's districts following the success of an inaugural pre-dawn running race held jointly with Bogor Police on 14-15 March 2026. The proposed initiative aims to provide youth with an outlet for their potential whilst also creating economic opportunities for local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in each district.

Israeli Attack Strikes Police Vehicle in Gaza, Eight Dead

Israeli military launched an attack on a police vehicle in Zawaida, central Gaza Strip, killing eight officers including the central Gaza police chief Colonel Iyad Abu Yousef. The strike occurred as Hamas delegations were negotiating in Cairo and amid ongoing violations of the ceasefire agreement that has been in place since 10 October, with both sides regularly accusing each other of breaches.

Archive Statistics

288,560
Total Articles
1012
News Sources
1994-2026
Coverage Period