Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

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House of Representatives Commission VIII Supports Cancellation of Online Schooling to Maintain Education Quality

Indonesia's House of Representatives Commission VIII has endorsed the government's decision to cancel plans for online schooling, originally proposed as a response to global crises and energy efficiency, citing inadequate infrastructure readiness in many schools and the need to preserve educational quality and reduce learning disparities across regions. Deputy Chairman Singgih Januratmoko highlighted that face-to-face learning is essential for character development and conceptual understanding, particularly in madrasahs, while data from the 2024 National Assessment shows declines in numeracy and literacy competencies in areas with high online learning intensity. The commission proposes a blended learning approach, targeted internet subsidies for underprivileged students, and accelerated solar power installations in madrasahs to balance energy savings with long-term human resource investments.

Andrie Yunus's Recovery Process Estimated to Take Up to 2 Years

The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) has revealed that the recovery process for Andrie Yunus, an activist from KontraS who was the victim of an acid attack, could extend up to two years due to the complexity of the chemical burns sustained. Medical evaluations indicate ongoing surgeries for the next six months to two years, with the initial phase critical for stabilising the wounds, particularly affecting the right eye, where tissue thinning and ischaemia pose significant challenges. This case underscores the need for comprehensive physical and psychological support for victims of violent attacks on human rights defenders in Indonesia.

Way Kambas National Park pilot for innovative climate financing

Indonesia's Way Kambas National Park has been selected as the first pilot project for innovative climate financing mechanisms, including biodiversity bonds and carbon credits via the voluntary carbon market, enabled by Ministerial Regulation No. 27 of 2025. This blended finance approach integrates state budgets, international NGO support, and private sector involvement to create a sustainable funding system that empowers local communities and reduces reliance on limited government resources. The initiative aims to preserve critical habitats for endangered species like Sumatran elephants, rhinos, and tigers, while reinvesting proceeds from carbon offsets into park operations and ecosystem restoration, marking a significant shift in conservation management.

New Indonesian Navy Warship Arrives in Indonesia: Peek at the Specifications of the 'Sea Monster' KRI Prabu Siliwangi-321

The Indonesian Navy's latest warship, KRI Prabu Siliwangi-321, has entered national waters after a long transoceanic voyage, marking a significant boost to the country's maritime defence capabilities. This multi-mission vessel, built by Italy's Fincantieri, features advanced design elements like a wave-piercing bow for enhanced stability and efficiency, with dimensions of 143 metres in length, a top speed of 32 knots, and an operational range of 5,000 nautical miles. Its arrival underscores Indonesia's readiness to operate high-tech naval assets amid growing regional security challenges.

KPK Deputy's Response After Being Reported to Supervisory Board Over Yaqut's House Arrest

Asep Guntur Rahayu, Deputy for Enforcement and Execution at the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), welcomed a complaint filed against him by the Indonesian Anti-Corruption Society (MAKI) to the KPK Supervisory Board regarding the controversial switch of former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas to house arrest in a hajj quota corruption case. Asep described the report as a sign of public support and concern that would help accelerate the investigation, noting that the decision was an institutional one based on legal norms. MAKI also urged the House of Representatives' Commission III to form a working committee for external oversight of the matter.

ASDP Ketapang reminds returnees to avoid peak return traffic on 28-29 March

PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry reports that post-Eid return traffic on the Ketapang-Gilimanuk route remains manageable and gradual, with services operating optimally without congestion. As of 26 March, approximately 71% or 117,367 vehicles have yet to return to Bali, allowing for stable operations. On 25 March, ferry services handled 223 trips, carrying 44,898 passengers and seeing notable increases in two-wheeled vehicles and logistics trucks compared to the previous year.

Head of Asprindo's Expert Council Highlights Implementation of Soemitronomics in Prabowo's Policies

Prof Didin S Damanhuri, Chairman of the Expert Council of the Asprindo association, has observed that President Prabowo Subianto is incorporating elements of Soemitronomics—economic principles derived from his father Soemitro Djojohadikusumo—into his policies over the past year. This approach emphasises popular sovereignty in the economy, active state regulation to maintain a healthy market, and a balance between state, private sector, and cooperatives, mirroring social democratic systems in Scandinavian countries while aligning with Article 33 of the 1945 Indonesian Constitution. Didin stresses the need to combat rent-seeking practices and bolster indigenous SMEs, which comprise over 99% of the national business structure, to foster genuine economic development free from colonial mindsets.

Why Conversion to Electric Energy is Key to Strengthening Energy Resilience?

Ferdinan Hutahaean, Executive Director of Energi Watch Indonesia, stresses the urgent need to accelerate the shift to electricity-based energy in households and transportation to reduce LPG and fuel consumption, absorb excess national electricity supply, and cut substantial government subsidies. He highlights that converting one million households could save millions of LPG cylinders monthly and billions in subsidies, with even greater impacts on a massive scale, while promoting electric vehicles through incentives would enhance energy efficiency and sustainability. This electrification push is crucial for curbing import dependency, bolstering national energy security, and preventing escalating economic risks from unchecked subsidies.

Trump: Iran Must Not Levy Fees in the Strait of Hormuz

US President Donald Trump stated that Iran should not impose fees on commercial ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, amid reports that Iran has begun charging up to $2 million per vessel. This comes in the wake of escalating tensions, including US and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets and subsequent retaliatory attacks, leading to a de facto blockade of the vital oil shipping route. The situation has disrupted oil exports from the Gulf region and contributed to rising global energy prices.

Higher Education Urged to Prepare Students for the Workforce

Intense competition for limited spots in Indonesian state universities highlights the need for higher education to focus on career readiness amid high graduate unemployment rates, as revealed by BPS data. Experts and university leaders, including Binus University's Rector Dr. Nelly, emphasise integrating practical experiences like internships and global networks into curricula to ensure students' long-term employability. Government officials underscore commitments to skill development programmes to address these challenges and reduce unemployment.

PDI Perjuangan Secretary General Attends CALD Forum in Manila

PDI Perjuangan Secretary General Hasto Kristiyanto attended the opening of the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD) forum in Manila, Philippines, emphasising the party's commitment to strengthening democratic institutions in Indonesia and Southeast Asia. He is scheduled to speak on political party institutionalisation and strategic campaigns during a policy roundtable, while the delegation will also participate in electing new CALD leadership for 2026-2028. The event addresses key democratic challenges, including violence against women in politics, highlighting regional efforts to bolster democratic resilience.

Jakarta North City Government Requests Protocol Routes Remain Functional During Tidal Floods

The Deputy Mayor of North Jakarta, Fredy Setiawan, has urged authorities to ensure that all main protocol routes in the area continue to operate optimally during predicted tidal floods in April 2026, as forecasted by the BMKG. He emphasised the importance of preventing blockages in drainage systems and maintaining access roads to minimise social and economic impacts on residents. Preparations include mapping vulnerable areas, constructing and raising embankments, dredging canals, installing emergency barriers, and deploying pumps and personnel for water management.

Strengthening Waste Management Governance, West Java Bapemperda Visits West Bandung

The West Java Provincial Legislative Council's Body for Regional Regulation Formation (Bapemperda) conducted a working visit to the West Bandung Regency DPRD to synchronise waste management policies and enhance local legislative functions in response to community needs. Led by Chairman Sugianto Nangolah, the visit focused on discussing best practices for waste management in areas like West Bandung, which serves as both a buffer zone and tourist destination, to enrich the drafting of a strategic environmental regulation. This collaboration aims to produce comprehensive, applicable regulations that promote sustainable, community-based waste processing and environmental protection across West Java.

Grand Mosque of Baiturrahman Designated as National Cultural Heritage, Aceh's Culture and Tourism Office Strengthens Religious Tourism

The Grand Mosque of Baiturrahman in Banda Aceh has been officially designated as a national cultural heritage site by Indonesia's Ministry of Culture, a move celebrated by Aceh's Culture and Tourism Office (Disbudpar) for bolstering the province's position as a key religious tourism destination. Disbudpar plans to intensify preservation efforts, promote the mosque through events like the Ramadhan Festival, and integrate it into primary tourism packages to attract more domestic and international visitors. This designation underscores the mosque's historical and iconic status, featuring modern amenities inspired by the Prophet's Mosque in Medina, and is expected to boost visitor numbers, particularly during holidays such as Eid al-Fitr.

Police Arrest Two Liberian Nationals in Black Dollar Counterfeit Money Scam Case

Jakarta Barat Metro Police have arrested two Liberian nationals suspected of involvement in a counterfeit money scam using the "black dollar" method, where they allegedly use a chemical process to alter paper into fake US dollars. The suspects, identified by initials SDT and I, were apprehended in an apartment in Meruya, Kembangan, while eating, with police seizing a suitcase containing a bundle wrapped in brown paper believed to hold the black dollar liquid. This operation highlights ongoing efforts to combat international fraud schemes targeting Indonesia, with the suspects now under investigation by the local police criminal unit.

Education Budget Not Reduced, Strengthened Through School Revitalisation

The Presidential Chief of Staff, Muhammad Qodari, has affirmed that Indonesia's education budget remains intact and is being bolstered via school revitalisation programmes and the construction of People's Schools. These initiatives not only aim to enhance educational quality but also generate broader economic benefits. By 2025, the revitalisation has exceeded targets, reaching 16,167 educational units, while the People's Schools programme prioritises access for the most vulnerable populations, planning to serve 540,000 underprivileged students annually by 2029.

KPK Views Discourse on Yaqut's House Arrest as Public Support

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has interpreted public discussions surrounding former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas's house arrest in a corruption case involving Hajj quotas as a form of widespread support for its anti-corruption efforts. Deputy for Enforcement and Execution Asep Guntur Rahayu expressed gratitude for this backing, noting it counters previous vocal opposition from Yaqut's supporters during pre-trial proceedings and detention. The case, which involves state losses exceeding Rp622 billion, highlights ongoing public engagement in high-profile corruption investigations.

Annual Flooding at Semper Public Cemetery, Management Requests Drainage Repairs and Land Elevation

Annual flooding continues to plague the Semper Public Cemetery in North Jakarta, with managers resorting to temporary pumping measures amid poor drainage and low-lying terrain exacerbated by extreme weather. The head of operations has called for urgent land filling in specific vulnerable areas and improvements to water channels, plans for which were proposed in 2023 but remain unrealised. Surrounding land use for container depots highlights broader urban infrastructure challenges in flood-prone zones.

Use of Public Transport for Civil Servants in Jakarta Effectively Reduces Fuel Consumption

A member of the Jakarta DPRD Commission B has advocated for civil servants (ASN) to utilise the city's integrated public transport system, such as MRT, LRT, and Transjakarta, as an effective means to curb fuel (BBM) consumption amid rising global oil prices, rather than implementing a weekly Work From Home policy. He stressed the need for a comprehensive data-based study on the cost-benefit analysis of WFH, including potential savings on fuel versus risks to public service quality. Jakarta's provincial government has indicated it will follow central government decisions on the matter, which remains undecided post-Eid holiday.

Jembrana Civil Registry: Migrants Must Have Clear Purpose and Guarantor in Bali

Authorities in Jembrana, Bali, have intensified checks at Gilimanuk Port ahead of the 2026 Lebaran return peak, requiring incoming migrants to present valid identification, a clear purpose, and a guarantor such as family or employer to prevent unregulated population influxes. Those without these essentials will be immediately repatriated, though some tolerance is extended for technical issues with physical IDs if digital proofs are available. This measure, involving coordinated efforts from civil registry, police, military, and transport officials, aims to maintain order and security during the high-traffic period from 26 to 29 March 2026.

Archive Statistics

300,907
Total Articles
1012
News Sources
1994-2026
Coverage Period