Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 10 November 2026

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Ali Sastroamidjojo Named National Hero for Diplomatic Contributions

President Prabowo Subianto has posthumously awarded M.R. Ali Sastroamidjojo the title of National Hero in recognition of his political and diplomatic contributions. The article highlights his role in organising the 1955 Asian-African Conference in Bandung, a landmark that strengthened solidarity against colonialism and advanced Indonesia’s international diplomacy.

Danamon Wins Best Customer Service Reputation Award at 8th The Iconomics IBFA 2026

PT Bank Danamon Indonesia received the Bank KBMI 3 – Best Customer Service Reputation award at the 8th Indonesia Best Financial Awards 2026. The bank said the recognition reflects its focus on customer-centred service, digital capabilities and tailored financial solutions, supported by collaboration within the MUFG Group.

Three workers die after inhaling toxic gas at Indian iPhone component factory

Three contract workers died after inhaling toxic gas while cleaning a wastewater-treatment tank at a Tata Electronics facility in Tamil Nadu, which supplies components for iPhones. Authorities have opened an investigation, and a senior district official said adequate safety measures were not in place during operation of the treatment plant.

10 Vice-Presidents Around the World Who Resigned, Including One Who Served for Just 31 Days

Indonesian Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has reportedly expressed an intention to resign to President Prabowo Subianto, although no official decision has been made. The article recounts five international cases of vice-presidents leaving office early, for reasons including political disputes, opposition to state actions and legal controversies.

Deputy House Speaker Explains Mechanism for Motion of Opinion on Gibran

Deputy House Speaker Saan Mustopa says the House leadership will assess any proposed Motion of Opinion concerning the controversy over Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s diploma, including its legal arguments and procedural requirements. Around 50 MPs have reportedly signed the proposal, which has been submitted to the leadership for consideration.

Six PDI-P Regional Leaders Present Their Waste Management Achievements

Six regional leaders from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) outlined local waste-management results at a national event, against the backdrop of Indonesia generating 56.98 million tonnes of waste annually and managing only about a third of it. Banyumas reported a 77 per cent management rate and said waste processing now generates revenue, while Banyuwangi and Surabaya highlighted their own programmes and facilities.

Health Ministry Says BPJS Kidney Disease Claims Have Risen to Second Place

Indonesia’s Health Ministry says claims to the BPJS Kesehatan health insurance scheme for kidney disease rose by nearly 108% in 2025, making it the second-largest category by claim volume. The ministry is urging the public to seek early screening through its Free Health Check programme, as kidney disease often has no symptoms in its early stages.

Saan: DPR’s right to express an opinion can proceed despite Gibran pursuing a PTUN route

Deputy Speaker of the DPR Saan Mustopa says parliamentary consideration of a proposed right to express an opinion can continue alongside Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s legal action at the Administrative Court (PTUN) over questions about his diploma. DPR leaders will assess the proposal’s arguments and relevant Constitutional Court and Supreme Court rulings before deciding whether to take it to the leadership meeting and the deliberative body.

Bali Student Executive Body Alliance Confronts Provincial Council with 21 Demands

A coalition of student executive bodies from across Bali presented 21 demands to the Bali Regional Legislative Council, covering education, infrastructure, the environment, employment and governance. Council leaders proposed forming a joint team and holding focused discussions to develop an action plan, while pledging to work with students on local problems and provide transparency on the 2026 regional budget discussions.

West Java Provincial Government Allocates Rp230 Billion for Roads in Majalengka; KDM Says Poorly Maintained Roads Are Not Provincial

West Java has allocated Rp230 billion for infrastructure development and maintenance in Majalengka, with Governor Dedi Mulyadi saying the province’s roads in the district should therefore be in good condition. He said any dilapidated roads would fall under the district’s responsibility, and noted that eight cleaning workers had been hired to help maintain roads, each earning Rp4 million.

Gibran Wants to Prove His Diploma Is Valid; Yusril Says Supreme Court Ruling Is Final

Coordinating Minister for Legal Affairs Yusril Ihza Mahendra says Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has no further legal avenue to challenge a dispute over his diploma because the Supreme Court has issued a final ruling on the same matter. Yusril says Gibran was not a party to the case and that the rulings do not automatically remove him from office; he would remain Vice-President unless he resigns or is removed through constitutional procedures.

Heroes’ Day: Merauke Youth Urged to Strengthen National Unity

Merauke’s acting head of the National Unity and Politics Agency, Sukito, urged young people to honour the spirit of the heroes through education, discipline and service to the community. At a public discussion, he highlighted the contributions of four Papuan national heroes and cautioned students about misinformation, intolerance and other digital-era threats to unity.

ASITA Urges Travel Agencies to Prioritise Safety During the Rainy Season

ASITA has urged travel agencies to strengthen safeguards for tourists during the Christmas 2026 and New Year 2027 holiday period, which is expected to fall in the rainy season. Measures include monitoring weather and destination access, coordinating with local operators, and preparing emergency procedures, first-aid supplies and alternative transport.

The Journey of Maluku’s ‘Jago Tua’ Sangadji to National Hero Status

President Prabowo Subianto has posthumously awarded Abdoel Moethalib Sangadji, a Maluku-born Sarekat Islam activist, the title of National Hero. Sangadji, known as “Jago Tua” for his oratory and ability to mobilise crowds, helped build the movement in East Kalimantan and mentored younger activists; the designation followed a multi-stage public nomination and review process.

West Java Governor Hopes Provincial Games Will Benefit Traders and Ride-Hailing Drivers

West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi hopes the 2026 West Java Provincial Sports Week will generate direct economic benefits for small traders, parking attendants and ride-hailing drivers. He also praised host city Bekasi’s cleanliness and infrastructure, and urged athletes from across the province to compete in a spirit of sportsmanship and unity.

Fatwa Declaring Vaping Haram Raises Industry Concerns

Vape businesses fear that an Indonesian Ulema Council fatwa prohibiting the use and trade of e-cigarettes could affect consumer demand and put the industry’s future at risk. An entrepreneur says the sector employs an estimated 100,000 to 150,000 people and is urging the government to weigh the economic and employment consequences before taking further action.

Jensen Huang Tells President He Had No Idea His ‘Girlfriend’ Was a Spy

Donald Trump says Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang denied knowing that Alice Huang, an executive at Chinese firm Megaspeed, was allegedly a Chinese intelligence asset. The allegations have prompted a class-action lawsuit against Nvidia and Huang, sent Nvidia shares down more than 9% in one session and led to a call for Huang to testify before US lawmakers.

Frans Seda: The Former Finance Minister Who Helped Restore Indonesia’s Economy Is Named a National Hero

Frans Seda, a former finance minister credited with helping stabilise Indonesia’s economy amid inflation of around 650 per cent, has been named a National Hero by President Prabowo Subianto. His public service also included roles in government, diplomacy, education and social and religious activities.

More Than Remembrance: How Communities Keep the Spirit of Heroes’ Day Alive

Communities across Indonesia marked Heroes’ Day with ceremonies, marches and educational activities, while also translating remembrance into practical acts such as blood donation and honouring veterans. The events promoted patriotism, national unity and service to others among both young people and the wider public.

ASEAN ‘cannot be neutral all the time’ amid growing geopolitical competition, says Thai foreign minister

Thailand’s foreign minister says ASEAN should avoid choosing sides in major-power rivalry but must make decisions in line with its own interests, while engaging a wider range of partners to strengthen its strategic autonomy. He also calls for a more responsive bloc on regional security and energy and food resilience, and says Myanmar’s return to high-level ASEAN meetings depends on developments in the country and a collective decision by member states.

Meta Launches Muse Ember, a New Low-Cost Lightweight AI Model

Meta has released Muse Ember, which it describes as its lightest and most cost-efficient AI model, designed for repetitive agent tasks and complex reasoning at scale. The company says Ember costs 10 cents per million input tokens and is intended to work alongside larger models, while supporting text, images and audio.

KH Abbas Buntet, the ‘Lion of West Java’, Named a National Hero

KH Abbas Abdul Jamil, a prominent cleric from Buntet Pesantren in Cirebon, has been officially named a National Hero for his role in mobilising santri fighters during the 10 November 1945 Battle of Surabaya. His family welcomed the honour and said efforts to secure the designation began about four years ago, with support from local residents, officials and clerics in West and East Java.

Golkar’s Doli Says Gibran Should Announce Resignation to the Public, with Process to Be Handled by Parliament

Golkar deputy chairman Ahmad Doli Kurnia says Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka should publicly announce any decision to resign, rather than submit it to President Prabowo Subianto. Doli argues that the Constitution gives the president no authority to approve or reject such a resignation and that Parliament would handle the matter once it was formally declared.

Riau Police to Revitalise Kampung Dalam, Residents to Be Assessed for Skills Training

Riau Police, the National Narcotics Agency and Pekanbaru city authorities have launched a community empowerment programme in Kampung Dalam to tackle drug trafficking and reduce the area’s stigma as a drug hotspot. Residents affected by drugs, particularly those without steady work, are to be identified for skills training, rehabilitation and support to develop legal livelihoods.

Profile: KH Wasyid, the Cleric Who Led the 1888 Cilegon Revolt and Was Named a National Hero

The government has named Banten cleric KH Wasyid a National Hero, renewing attention to his role in the 1888 Cilegon Revolt against Dutch colonial rule. The article highlights his influence in uniting local communities and leading resistance, in which he was killed on 30 July 1888.

Bawaslu partners with Unmul to strengthen digital-based election monitoring

Indonesia’s Election Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu) has partnered with Mulawarman University through its Bawaslu Campus Connect programme to promote digital election monitoring and greater student participation. The initiative will support risk mapping and digital literacy, while Bawaslu says stronger regulation and cooperation with digital platforms are needed as election oversight moves beyond conventional methods.

Soekarno-Hatta Airport Police Bust Cross-Border Synthetic Tobacco Lab

Police in Tangerang say they have dismantled a synthetic-cannabis production and distribution network allegedly directed from China, arresting three suspects and seizing 177g of the drug alongside precursor chemicals. Investigators say the suspects operated a clandestine laboratory in an apartment in Cibubur and had been producing the drug since 2025, with estimated profits of Rp300 million.

Saudi Strike on Yemeni Petrol Station Kills One and Injures Three

A Saudi air strike on a petrol station in Houthi-controlled Sanaa killed one civilian and injured three others, according to Yemen’s Health Ministry. The incident comes amid reports of 103 Saudi air strikes across six provinces in 24 hours, while the Saudi-led coalition said it had destroyed facilities producing missile components and related materials.

EU Council Agrees to Expand Military Presence in Ukraine

The EU Council has extended its military assistance mission for Ukraine by two years, through 15 November 2028, and opened the door to training Ukrainian troops inside the country for the first time since the conflict began. The extension carries a budget of nearly €300 million, while the number and composition of any European personnel deployed in Ukraine have yet to be decided.

Family Says President Prabowo Admires General M Jusuf

The family of former Indonesian defence and armed forces chief General M Jusuf says President Prabowo Subianto personally regarded him as a leader, an idol and a hero. Jusuf was among 19 figures awarded the title of National Hero on Heroes Day 2026, following a multi-year nomination process that the family says began in South Sulawesi.

Soengkono’s Role in the Battle of Surabaya Earns Him National Hero Status

President Prabowo Subianto has posthumously awarded retired Major General Soengkono the title of National Hero for his role in organising resistance during the Battle of Surabaya and defending Indonesia’s sovereignty against Dutch military aggression. The award was conferred alongside 18 other figures under a presidential decree, with the government saying it should inspire younger generations to serve the country.

Often Find It Hard to Say ‘No’? Understand the Psychology Behind It

People-pleasing can lead individuals to accept requests despite having little time or energy, often because they fear rejection, conflict or being seen as selfish. Psychologist Ritika Aggarwal says repeatedly putting others’ needs first can erode mental wellbeing and cause emotional exhaustion.

Crowd in the Jalan Merdeka Selatan area disperses

A demonstration in central Jakarta ended on Tuesday evening, and Jalan Medan Merdeka Selatan was reopened to traffic after being temporarily closed. Police remained at the scene while cleaning crews cleared litter; the protest had begun near the National Monument earlier in the afternoon.

Prabowo confers national hero title on Kiai Modjo

President Prabowo Subianto has posthumously named Kiai Modjo, a cleric and key commander in Prince Diponegoro’s Java War, a national hero. The honour was granted to his heirs alongside those of 18 other figures at a ceremony at the State Palace on National Heroes Day.

Amien Rais Sees Signs Jokowi Is Being Abandoned After Three PSI Elites Resign

Amien Rais says the resignation of three PSI figures serving in President Prabowo Subianto’s Cabinet suggests that former president Joko Widodo is losing political support. The departing officials say they want to focus on government duties, while an analyst links their decisions to political controversies involving Jokowi and his family and suggests they are prioritising ties with Prabowo.

Hashim Calls for Global Investors and Scientists to Work Together on Climate Change

Presidential Special Envoy for Climate and Energy Hashim Djojohadikusumo has urged businesses, investors, financial institutions, scientists and international communities to work with Indonesia on projects addressing the global climate crisis. At the opening of the Indonesia Pavilion at COP31 in Antalya, he said the pavilion would help mobilise resources and turn discussions into long-term partnerships and practical climate solutions.

Communications Minister appoints new officials, calls for measurable performance

Communications and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid has appointed senior officials and urged them to turn the ministry’s 2025–2029 strategic plan into concrete action and measurable results. She said communication is central to ensuring the public receives comprehensive information about government programmes and policies, describing the appointments as part of organisational renewal.

Two Cows Suspected of Dying After Dog Bites in Jembrana Test Positive for Rabies

Laboratory tests have confirmed rabies in two cows that died in Jembrana after suspected bites from a stray dog. Local authorities have searched for and taken action against stray animals, while arranging emergency vaccination and medical follow-up; Jembrana recorded 88 positive rabies cases by the end of October 2026.

Services and Tourism Support West Java’s Economy in Third Quarter of 2026

West Java’s economy grew by 5.89% in the third quarter of 2026, outpacing national growth of 5.47%, with tourism, services and government spending providing key momentum. Government consumption rose 28.34%, while accommodation and food services recorded the fastest growth among the listed sectors, at 14.54%.

Hundreds Surround DIY Governor’s Office, Criticising Thuggery, Low Wages and Illegal Mining

Hundreds of protesters from the Jogja Memanggil Alliance gathered outside the Yogyakarta governor’s office to press the regional government to address alleged thuggery, low wages, criminalisation of demonstrators and illegal mining. They also criticised President Prabowo Subianto’s leadership and said democratic space in Yogyakarta remained under threat, citing alleged intimidation during recent demonstrations.

Business Opportunities Between Indonesia and China Expand, with These Sectors in Focus

Growing trade ties between Indonesia and China are creating opportunities for businesses to expand into new markets and build partnerships across technology, healthcare, manufacturing and services. Shanghai Fair Indonesia 2026, scheduled for 11–12 November in Jakarta, will bring together hundreds of Shanghai-based companies and industry associations through an exhibition, forums and business-matching programmes.

Syahganda outlines the multi-stage process for naming 19 National Heroes

Government Communications Agency chief Syahganda Nainggolan says the 19 National Hero titles were awarded after a structured process of public nominations, research and review, culminating in a recommendation to the President. The awards, presented on Heroes’ Day, also highlight values including patriotism, unity and continued service to the nation.

Bali youth embrace electric buses as a cleaner way to travel

Bali’s trial of 11 electric buses is attracting young commuters who say the service offers a quieter, lower-cost and more sustainable alternative to private vehicles and ride-hailing. Backed by a Rp50 billion grant partnership with South Korea, the provincial programme supports Bali’s 2045 net-zero target and aims to strengthen public transport and the island’s green-tourism credentials.

Supreme Court: No Evidence Gibran Holds an Overseas Qualification Equivalent to Senior High School

Indonesia’s Supreme Court has ruled that the certificate equating Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s overseas education with senior high school was unlawful and void. The court said the documents relied upon showed attendance and academic records, but did not prove he had completed an overseas qualification equivalent to senior high school.

Heroes’ Day is an opportunity for young people to develop AI innovations

Crustea founder Roikhanatun Nafi’ah says Heroes’ Day can inspire young Indonesians to develop AI and other technologies, rather than rely solely on imported solutions. She highlighted AI’s potential to improve aquaculture productivity and support food security, while urging women to take a greater role in STEM and innovation.

Hoegeng Awarded National Hero Title for Bureaucratic Reform

President Prabowo Subianto has named retired police general Hoegeng Iman Santoso a National Hero, recognising his contribution to bureaucratic reform and the professionalisation of the Indonesian National Police. The honour, set out in a presidential decree dated 10 November 2026, also recognises his commitment to equality before the law, honesty and integrity.

DPR Deputy Speaker Says MPs May Proceed with Motion to Express an Opinion on Gibran

DPR Deputy Speaker Saan Mustopa said Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s effort to challenge the controversy over his academic credentials through the State Administrative Court can proceed alongside MPs’ proposed motion to express an opinion. The House leadership will follow constitutional procedures and act on any proposal that meets the requirements, while the dispute concerns the validity of documents previously addressed in Constitutional Court and Supreme Court rulings.

Industry Minister: Bina Campaign Supports Domestic Industry

Industry Minister Muhammad Sarmuji said the Belanja di Indonesia Aja (Bina) campaign can boost consumer spending, widen market access and increase the uptake of Indonesian-made products. The government and retail association Hippindo are using the initiative to promote domestic products ahead of the BINA Indonesia Great Sale on 16 December 2026.

Dompet Dhuafa Builds Healthy Toilets for Jakarta’s Coastal Residents

Dompet Dhuafa has provided a toilet and septic tank to a family in North Jakarta’s Teluk Gong neighbourhood, where space, poverty and local conditions make access to safe sanitation difficult. The initiative also aims to help shift residents away from open defecation, a problem that persists across five mainland administrative cities in Jakarta.

Riau Police Hunt Supplier of 10.06kg of Methamphetamine from Malaysia

Riau Police have arrested two men in Pekanbaru and seized 10.06kg of methamphetamine believed to be linked to a Malaysian supply network. Investigators are pursuing a suspected supplier identified as U, who is believed to be in Malaysia, while examining the suspects’ roles and the alleged use of airsoft guns to guard the drugs.