Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 12 November 2026

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Political Observer Urges Elites to Preserve Unity Over Gibran’s Resignation

Social and political observer Karyono Wibowo has urged political leaders and the public to protect national unity and stability following Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s decision to resign. He warned that the political debate must not disrupt government or public programmes, as the MPR prepares to discuss the resignation and the process for filling the vice-presidential post.

Five Injured in Shooting at Washington DC Gym

A shooting at a gym near the White House in Washington, DC, left five people injured, while a witness said one victim died at the scene. Police said a suspect had barricaded himself nearby, prompting a large operation, school lockdowns and assistance from federal agencies.

Trisakti Institute of Tourism Prepares Hospitality Students for Industry Needs

Trisakti Institute of Tourism is giving first-year hospitality management students early, hands-on exposure to hotel operations through its Hospitality Familiarization 2026 programme. The initiative aims to build technical, communication and problem-solving skills, while connecting students with industry practitioners and future training opportunities in Indonesia and overseas.

Parhan the Cat Has Not Been Returned to Senayan City as Agreed; Where Is Citra Putri?

A Jakarta city councillor says Citra Putri failed to return Parhan, a cat taken from Senayan City, on the date agreed during mediation at City Hall. The dispute has prompted an appeal to honour the written agreement, while officials stress that concern for animals does not justify taking an animal without permission.

Elijah Wood Shares Memories of Playing Frodo in ‘The Hunt for Gollum’

Elijah Wood says returning as Frodo in Andy Serkis’s new Middle-earth film felt familiar and almost as if no time had passed, despite more than two decades since his previous portrayal. The film reunites several original cast members and is scheduled for a worldwide release on 17 December 2027.

Indonesia Aims to Complete China Trade Pact Talks by Early 2029, Hartarto Says

Indonesia hopes to conclude negotiations on a bilateral Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with China by early 2029, building on preparations agreed by officials in September 2026. The pact would expand cooperation beyond tariffs to include investment, as bilateral trade reached US$154.58 billion in 2025 and left Indonesia with a US$20.5 billion deficit.

Kadin chief calls for wider trade corridors amid global volatility

Kadin chairman Anindya Bakrie urged Indonesia to diversify trade partners, expand downstream processing and strengthen investment ties to bolster resilience and support the creation of 4 million to 5 million jobs annually. He cited the growth in nickel export value and backed broader trade agreements, while calling for earlier private-sector involvement in policymaking and greater participation by small businesses in global supply chains.

Delivering Prabowo’s Message, Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Says Indonesia Must Not Be Divided

President Prabowo Subianto has called on Indonesians to preserve unity amid diversity, warning against provocation and disinformation. In guidance delivered at a national prayer gathering, he outlined six priorities, including interfaith cooperation, action against religiously motivated violence, disaster assistance without discrimination and stronger support for young people.

Tulungagung SPPGs Have Yet to Cut Nutrition Programme Volunteers

Nutrition service units (SPPGs) in Tulungagung have not dismissed volunteers following the National Nutrition Agency’s operational staffing adjustments. Instead, some units are using two-shift schedules while awaiting further guidance, with staffing levels meant to reflect the number of beneficiaries served.

SPPG Staff Face the Prospect of Lay-offs

New National Nutrition Agency (BGN) rules tying operational funding and staffing levels to the number of beneficiaries have raised fears of lay-offs among Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme workers in West Nusa Tenggara. The rules could sharply reduce SPPG income, prompting calls for a review and proposals for shift-based work to keep volunteers employed.

Prabowo Says Education Was the Reason for Gibran’s Resignation as Vice-President

President Prabowo Subianto said Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s decision to resign as vice-president was linked to differences between overseas and Indonesian education systems and a court ruling concerning constitutional eligibility requirements. Gibran, however, said his resignation was a personal decision unrelated to his academic certificates, which he said were complete and had been submitted to the court.

Jasa Marga Partners with BSSN to Strengthen Cybersecurity for Toll Road Services

State-owned toll road operator Jasa Marga has signed an agreement with Indonesia’s National Cyber and Crypto Agency (BSSN) to strengthen cyber resilience and protect the continuity of toll road operations. The partnership covers information security, staff development, data sharing and cybersecurity awareness, reflecting the growing importance of digital protection in transport infrastructure.

Minister for Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Praises WIC Charity Bazaar as an Expression of International Friendship

Minister Arifah Fauzi praised the Women’s International Club (WIC) Jakarta’s 57th charity bazaar, saying it turns international friendship into social action. Funds raised at the previous bazaar supported hundreds of older people and children, cancer patients, university scholarships and humanitarian initiatives.

Mitigating Business Risks: People Analytics as a Strategy for Companies Facing Economic Uncertainty

Economic uncertainty and pressure to control operating costs are prompting companies to manage their workforces more strategically. The article explains how people analytics can help employers identify turnover risks, make better training-budget decisions and anticipate workforce needs without undermining productivity.

Pasuruan Tobacco Industry Player Expands Market Through Partnership

Pasuruan-based PT Santoso Jaya has expanded from a family tobacco-trading business into a hand-rolled kretek cigarette producer, with products now distributed across dozens of Indonesian regions. A 2025 partnership with PT Niaga Nusa Abadi has supported marketing and sales, while the company says adapting to differing regional consumer preferences remains a key challenge.

Germany Wants Indonesia to Cut Tariffs and Expand Investment in Downstream Industries and Energy

German Ambassador Ralf Beste says lower trade tariffs could encourage more German companies to invest in Indonesia, particularly in industrial downstreaming, critical minerals and renewable energy. The Indonesia-EU Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, expected to take effect next year, is set to eliminate nearly 89 per cent of tariff lines and could also help address non-tariff barriers and improve the investment climate.

Yusril Ready to Vet Vice-Presidential Candidates’ Documents to Prevent a Repeat

Coordinating Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra says he is willing to check the qualifications and documents of any vice-presidential candidates proposed to replace Gibran Rakabuming Raka. Under the process he outlined, President Prabowo Subianto has up to 14 days to submit two candidates to the People’s Consultative Assembly once it declares the vice-presidential office vacant; the president has full discretion over the nominees, and the office may remain vacant in the meantime.

WhatsApp Tests Floating Navigation Bar on Android

WhatsApp is testing a redesigned navigation bar in the latest Android beta, with rounded corners, icon-only tabs and a compact floating mode that appears as users scroll. The change aims to make the interface feel more modern and less cluttered; a wider release may follow if the trial receives a positive response.

KPK Also Targeted in Alleged Wiretapping by Listyo Sigit and Others: Who Were the Intended Targets?

Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) says it will support the police investigation into alleged illegal wiretapping involving former National Police chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo and three other suspects. The KPK says it has not been told which of its leaders or employees may have been targeted, and stresses that being monitored does not necessarily mean a person is suspected of involvement in a criminal case.

Komnas HAM Inspects Protest Sites from DIY Regional Council to UGM Roundabout

Indonesia’s National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) has conducted an initial inspection at three sites where clashes occurred during a Heroes’ Day demonstration in Yogyakarta. It is investigating reports of violence, arrests and the use of water cannon and tear gas, and plans to gather CCTV footage and meet university and civil society representatives.

Former Customs Intelligence Deputy Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison and Ordered to Pay Rp9.7bn

Former Customs and Excise intelligence deputy Sisprian Subiaksono has been sentenced to seven years in prison for corruption involving bribes and gratuities from PT BlueRay Cargo. The court also ordered him to pay Rp9.7 billion in replacement money and imposed a Rp1 billion fine; two other customs officials involved in the case have received or are awaiting sentences.

Witnesses in Prabowo Wiretapping Case Seek LPSK Protection

The Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) has received eight protection requests from witnesses in the alleged illegal wiretapping case involving President Prabowo Subianto, up from six earlier in the week. The applications are under review, with LPSK assessing threats and protection needs in coordination with police investigators; police have named four people as suspects.

TNI upgrades 2,000 metres of road under TMMD 130 in Southeast Aceh

The Indonesian Military (TNI) has completed a 2,000-metre road upgrade and rehabilitated five uninhabitable homes in Southeast Aceh under its 130th Village Development Programme (TMMD). The programme also delivered drainage and clean-water infrastructure, alongside food-security initiatives, in a bid to support local development and livelihoods.

Mataram Education Office Asks Public Order Officers to Detain Students Caught Buying Cigarettes

Mataram’s Education Office has asked municipal public order officers to detain students found buying cigarettes during school hours and return them to their schools. It has also urged school principals to strengthen on-site security and monitor nearby stalls and street vendors, which officials say students use as places to skip lessons.

Residents detain three suspected milk thieves at West Jakarta minimart

Residents detained two women after they were allegedly caught concealing tins of milk at a minimart in Kebon Jeruk, West Jakarta; a male associate was also taken into custody. Police confirmed the incident and said the case remains under investigation, with preliminary questioning indicating the milk was stolen for daily needs.

Hanura Calls on Prabowo to Review Cabinet After Vice-President Gibran Resigns

Hanura deputy chairman Patrice Rio Capella says Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s resignation as vice-president presents an opportunity for President Prabowo Subianto to consolidate his government and overhaul the cabinet. He advocates a full reshuffle centred on professional experts, arguing that a stronger cabinet could rebuild public and investor confidence with only two effective years remaining before the political year.

Jensen Huang Steps Down as NVIDIA CEO Amid China Spying Scandal

NVIDIA says Jensen Huang has resigned immediately as president, chief executive and board member, as an independent investigation examines reports that he was targeted in a foreign intelligence operation. CFO Colette Kress will serve as interim CEO while the board searches for a permanent successor; Huang has also acknowledged having an affair and said he will co-operate with the inquiry.

Marking Father’s Day, Ibas Shares the Values SBY Taught His Family

Edhie Baskoro Yudhoyono urged fathers, particularly younger fathers, to see National Father’s Day as an opportunity to strengthen family life and contribute to the nation’s future. At a dialogue in Jakarta, he stressed emotional presence in children’s lives and highlighted the economic and employment pressures facing young families.

Garment Factories Shut en Masse as Workers Demand Rp4.3 Million in Pay

Hundreds of garment factories in Bangladesh have shut amid renewed worker protests over minimum wages, with workers demanding a monthly 30,000 taka (about US$240). Employers are considering withholding wages for workers who do not work, while the prolonged unrest threatens a major export industry and could undermine confidence in Bangladesh’s supply-chain security.

West Jakarta administration reports alleged vandalism of public asset facilities to police

West Jakarta’s Parks and City Forest Sub-agency has reported a woman to police over alleged damage to a fence and a provincial government asset sign in Kembangan Utara. Officials say the land is a social and public facility donated by a private bank to the city administration, and that its legal ownership is supported by a land-use certificate and transfer documents.

Japan’s METI Strengthens Global South Partnerships as Living Lab Ventures Highlights Investment Opportunities

Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry convened the NEXUS Japan-Global South Forum in Tokyo, where Living Lab Ventures represented ASEAN venture capital and discussed opportunities for Japanese companies in Indonesia and the wider region. Indonesia’s investment inflows and strategic position make it an attractive gateway, while speakers emphasised that successful expansion depends on local partnerships and a strong understanding of the market.

Klungkung Regency Sets Aside Rp10 Billion in Contingency Funds for Hydrometeorological Disasters

Klungkung Regency has allocated Rp10 billion in contingency spending for emergency disaster response during the 2026 rainy season, alongside prevention and mitigation measures. Authorities have mapped risks across all districts and are strengthening early warning, river management and landslide protections, although limited funding means some vulnerable areas remain beyond full coverage.

Forestry Ministry Completes Investigation into Protected Birds in Surabaya

The Forestry Ministry has completed its investigation into the alleged illegal transport of 26 protected birds discovered at Jamrud Port in Surabaya. Prosecutors have declared the case file complete, allowing legal proceedings against a 51-year-old suspect from Malang Regency to continue under Indonesia’s wildlife conservation laws.

Child Dies After Being Tied Up During Robbery at Home in Malang

A 10-year-old girl died after being found bound and gagged during a robbery at her family’s home in Wagir, Malang Regency. Police confirmed the incident as a violent theft and said a mobile phone, a Toyota Kijang Super and a television were believed to have been stolen.

Indonesia and Oman Strengthen Business Partnership, Target Investment Opportunities

Indonesia and Oman are seeking to deepen bilateral economic ties, with opportunities spanning trade, investment, industry and aviation. Indonesian firms Medco Energi, Bukaka Internasional and the newly established Oman GMF Technic illustrate the expanding business presence, including potential cooperation in aviation-related industries.

Cirebon City Government Steps Up Normalisation of 13 River Channels Ahead of Rainy Season

Cirebon’s Public Works and Spatial Planning Agency has intensified maintenance and normalisation at 13 river locations ahead of the rainy season to help water flow unobstructed downstream. Work combines mini excavators at four sites with manual labour at nine others, including vegetation clearance, sediment removal and riverbank repairs.

Trump Caught Out as US Efforts to Block China Prove Ineffective

A Chinese university subject to US sanctions bought two restricted Nvidia H200 AI chips through a domestic supplier, according to procurement records reviewed by Reuters. The purchases highlight how restricted chips and computing access continue to reach Chinese institutions, including those with defence links, despite US export controls.

East Java MSME programme lending rises 27.99%, supporting productive sectors

Government programme lending to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in East Java reached Rp44.99 trillion by 30 September 2026, up 27.99 per cent year on year, while the number of borrowers rose to nearly one million. Trade and agriculture accounted for about 68 per cent of financing, underscoring the programme’s role in supporting regional commerce, food supply chains and economic activity.

Jensen Huang Steps Down After Affairs Scandal; Nvidia Names Interim CEO

Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang has resigned after reports of two affairs, including one involving a woman alleged to be linked to Chinese intelligence. CFO Colette Kress will serve as interim CEO, while the board searches for a permanent successor; Nvidia shares fell more than 10 per cent in pre-market trading following the announcement.

Pulau Harapan Subdistrict Teaches Pupils About Oral Health

Pulau Harapan Subdistrict and the University of Indonesia’s Faculty of Dentistry held an oral-health education session for 36 participants, including school health volunteers and teachers. The programme aims to build healthy habits among children and equip participants to share health information with the wider community.

Housing Liquidity Facility Disburses Rp1.69 Trillion, Helping 14,155 East Java Residents Buy Homes

Indonesia’s Housing Financing Liquidity Facility (FLPP) disbursed Rp1.69 trillion in East Java by 9 November 2026, supporting 14,155 subsidised homes for low-income residents. The programme relies on nine distributing banks and 673 developers, with three banks accounting for more than 88 per cent of financing.

Beijing Urges US to Stop ‘China Spy’ Narrative Over Nvidia Chief

China’s Foreign Ministry has called on the United States to stop invoking alleged Chinese espionage in connection with reports about Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang and former Megaspeed executive Alice Huang. The dispute comes amid allegations about advanced-chip shipments, an internal Nvidia investigation and a shareholder class action accusing the company and Huang of misleading investors.

Gibran Resigns: What Are the Allowances for a Former Vice-President’s Official Residence?

The article outlines the residence and other state facilities that Indonesian law provides to former presidents and vice-presidents, following the stated resignation of Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka. Under the relevant rules, a former vice-president’s home may sit on up to 1,500 square metres of land in Jakarta, with total building floor area capped at 1,500 square metres, subject to location, safety and suitability requirements.

Gunungkidul SPPG Suspends Operations After 36 Volunteers Resign Amid Budget Cuts

The Kedungpoh nutrition service unit in Gunungkidul has temporarily halted operations after 36 volunteers resigned following changes to staffing, work arrangements and incentives under a national budget-efficiency policy. The closure disrupts free nutritious meal provision for 1,316 beneficiaries, prompting the Sleman nutrition service office to coordinate a staffing and operational review before services can resume.

LMI and Bank Mandiri Loyalty Programme Runs at 43 Malls Until September 2027

Lippo Malls Indonesia and Bank Mandiri have launched Stylesfinity Rewards II across 43 malls, with the programme running until 30 September 2027. Shoppers who pay with Bank Mandiri EDC terminals and upload receipts through the Styles app can earn prize-draw coupons, while the partnership is intended to boost repeat visits and create more opportunities for mall tenants and MSMEs.

Leonardo DiCaprio Again Highlights Indonesia’s Forests: What Did He Say This Time?

Leonardo DiCaprio has praised Indonesia’s decision to use degraded land for agricultural development rather than clear forest areas. He says the shift could spare around two million hectares of forest and that the Merauke project in South Papua may become a major environmental restoration programme instead of one of the world’s largest planned deforestation schemes.

DPD RI Legislative Affairs Body Urges Harmonisation of Central and Regional Regulations

The DPD RI’s Regional Legislative Affairs Body (BULD) has called for closer harmonisation of central and regional regulations, while stressing that this must respect regional autonomy rather than impose uniform rules. Speakers at a Yogyakarta forum said regulatory conflicts stem from structural problems and called for better-quality regional legislation, public involvement, and binding follow-up to BULD recommendations.

Five Chinese Dramas About the Struggle to Build a Business

Five Chinese dramas portray people building businesses from scratch, from pursuing careers in investment to developing family enterprises and launching an AI-powered medical venture. Their stories highlight the persistence and challenges involved in turning entrepreneurial ambitions into success.

Demonstrators Clash with Police in Anger over Housing Crisis

Thousands of people joined a 24-hour national strike across Spain, demanding higher wages to make housing more affordable amid soaring rents and house prices. Protests in Barcelona and Madrid turned tense, with clashes, fires and damage to public facilities and property.

Data Centre Capacity Set to Surge, Driving Demand for Skilled Professionals

Indonesia’s data centre IT capacity is forecast to rise from about 580 MW in the first half of 2026 to 3.5 GW by 2030, fuelling demand for professionals with internationally recognised design and operations expertise. DCI and the Uptime Institute have launched an accredited training programme to help address the shortage of local specialists as cloud computing, AI and data-sovereignty policies accelerate infrastructure growth.