Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 12 November 2026

Showing 1,451-1,500 of 1,659 articles

Manpower Minister: Cross-sector collaboration supports decline in open unemployment

Manpower Minister Yassierli says collaboration among ministries, institutions and other organisations has helped Indonesia’s open unemployment rate fall from 4.91% in August 2024 to 4.75% in August 2026. He also called for stronger vocational skills and competency-based recruitment, while welcoming the police’s new initiative to connect jobseekers with employment opportunities.

DPR Commission III Meets Police Chief to Discuss Alleged Illegal Tapping of Prabowo

DPR Commission III summoned National Police Chief Suyudi Ario Seto to explain alleged illegal interception targeting President Prabowo Subianto and other suspected activities linked to the case. Commission chairman Habiburokhman said investigators should examine allegations including unlawful surveillance and attempts to undermine government programmes, adding that proven conduct could constitute an offence under Article 160 of the Criminal Code.

Technology Stocks Under Pressure as Asian Markets Trade Mixed

Asian markets were mixed as renewed selling in Nvidia weighed on technology shares and US equity futures, despite gains on Wall Street in the previous session. Investors are balancing hopes for continued AI-driven growth against concerns about inflation, interest rates and regulatory uncertainty, with upcoming US economic data in focus.

Jakarta yesterday: MT Haryono Museum opening, tunnel breakthrough and landslides

Jakarta’s provincial government inaugurated the MT Haryono House Museum, while the MRT Jakarta Phase 2A tunnel excavation at Mangga Besar was completed. The day’s other developments included calls for buildings to improve energy and water efficiency and measures to address recurring landslides in Kemang and Pejaten Timur.

Police Chief Arrives at House Commission III for Meeting on Illegal Wiretapping

National Police Chief Suyudi Ario Seto attended his first meeting with the House of Representatives’ Commission III since taking office. The committee chair said the session would examine alleged illegal wiretapping involving former police chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo and other alleged actions, and urged police to disclose their findings.

Iran Says US Military Bases in Europe Could Be Targets

Iranian officials have warned that US military bases involved in any renewed attack on Iran could be targeted, including facilities in Europe. The threats come amid continuing tensions with Washington over sanctions, a US naval blockade and security arrangements in the Strait of Hormuz, which are impeding efforts to end the conflict.

KPK probes asset sale involving former tax official while questioning ex-Cabinet secretary

Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) questioned former Cabinet secretary DA about asset-sale transactions with MH, a former senior tax official suspected of accepting gratuities. Investigators allege MH received up to Rp20.7 billion from taxpayer companies, including payments made in foreign currency and money for sponsoring his child’s fashion show.

Sahroni Urges Listyo Sigit to Be Dismissed Too to Avoid Interfering with Legal Proceedings

DPR Commission III Deputy Chairman Ahmad Sahroni has called for active police chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo to be dismissed, arguing that his senior rank could interfere with the legal process in an alleged illegal wiretapping case. The call follows the police ethics panel’s decision to dismiss Inspector General Ahrie Sonta; several other senior officers, including Listyo, have been named suspects in the case.

Library Visits in Jakarta Rise

Jakarta recorded more than 5.12 million library visits from January to October 2026, according to the provincial Library and Archives Service. Users borrowed 112,185 items and returned 110,786, while also making use of collections by reading on site.

Jakarta Administrative Court to Hold Further Hearing Today in Lawsuit over Gibran’s High School Diploma Equivalency Certificate

The Jakarta Administrative Court is scheduled to hear the next stage of PT Mercy Toga Kirana’s lawsuit challenging the 2019 decision on the equivalency of Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s high school diploma. The company is seeking to have the decision annulled and removed from the state register, alleging substantive and procedural flaws; the government defendant is also asked to respond to its administrative clarification request.

Gibran and MSCI Rattle Markets: Airlangga Responds

Co-ordinating Economic Affairs Minister Airlangga Hartarto said he hoped domestic political developments would not undermine investment or Indonesia’s economic prospects, describing political shifts as sentiment-driven rather than fundamental. Investors are watching both the parliamentary move concerning Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka and MSCI’s November index review, which removes two Indonesian stocks from its Global Standard index and seven from its Small Cap index.

Türkiye Develops AI Weapons Dome That Shoots Down Drones with a ‘Metal Cloud’

Türkiye’s Drone Kalkanı autonomous counter-drone system, unveiled at the BAMEX 2026 defence exhibition in Mali, uses sensors, AI and two semi-automatic 12-gauge weapons to detect and engage small drones. Its developer says the system is about 95 per cent complete, but operational readiness and performance across different conditions remain unproven; the article also highlights the safety and oversight requirements for autonomous weapons.

Seeking Low-Cost Funds, Bank NTB Syariah Expands into Jakarta

Bank NTB Syariah has opened a Jakarta branch, replacing its previous Surabaya office, to attract lower-cost deposits and broaden its reach in the national market. The bank plans to target mid-sized corporates, private-sector clients and pension institutions, while the NTB governor has urged it to maintain a clear commercial focus and operational efficiency.

Israel Bombs Nasser Hospital in Gaza, Killing Six, Including Doctor and Patients

An Israeli air strike hit the surgical section of Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis, killing six Palestinians and injuring more than 20, including medical staff and patients, according to Gaza’s Civil Defence. The attack adds to repeated strikes on the hospital and comes amid a continuing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with local sources reporting tens of thousands of deaths and mass displacement since October 2023.

Maruli Visits Sebatik to Identify RI-Malaysia Border Issues

BNPPDT chief General Maruli Simanjuntak visited Sebatik Island to review border demarcation issues and the planned operation of the Sebatik State Border Crossing Post. He said the agency’s mandate also includes improving the welfare of remote border communities, linking public services and development with national defence and identity.

Rosan Assures No Lay-offs After Merger of Four State-Owned Investment Managers

Danantara chief executive Rosan Roeslani says the merger of four state-owned investment management firms into Danareksa Investments will not result in job cuts, with all employees retained. The combined company has about 280 staff and Rp172.5 trillion in assets under management, positioning it to expand its investment management capacity.

Eramet Responds to Haji Isam’s Reported Bid for Its Stake in Weda Bay Mine

Eramet says it is considering the sale of its indirect stake in Indonesia’s Weda Bay Nickel mine and has received interest from potential investors, but has not identified them. Reports say Indonesian businessman Haji Isam may be considering a purchase; discussions are ongoing and no final decision has been made. The planned divestment is part of Eramet’s efforts to reduce group debt, while Weda Bay’s nickel ore sales have fallen sharply following a temporary suspension of mining.

If Gibran Officially Resigns as Vice-President, What Happens to the DPR’s Motion for an Inquiry?

Reports that Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has submitted his resignation have raised questions about a motion for an inquiry (Hak Menyatakan Pendapat, or HMP) submitted by 120 members of the House of Representatives (DPR). A DPR member says the motion would no longer be relevant if Gibran’s resignation is official, while the Constitution provides for the MPR to elect a replacement within 60 days.

Today, Gibran Faces a Test of Political Legitimacy in Senayan

A proposal signed by 120 MPs from all eight parliamentary factions to bring Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s educational qualifications before the House plenary has narrowed his political room for manoeuvre, the article argues. It follows court rulings concerning the documentation used to certify his secondary education, prompting broader questions about candidate verification and accountability ahead of future elections.

Venture Capital Indonesia Represents ASEAN at Japan Forum

Living Lab Ventures (LLV) represented ASEAN venture capital at a forum hosted by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, highlighting opportunities for Japanese firms to invest and expand in Southeast Asia. Indonesia’s investment inflows and strategic position were presented as advantages, while LLV’s new Innolab programme aims to help global companies assess and enter the Indonesian market through local partnerships and staged validation.

Danareksa Says Merger of Four State-Owned Investment Managers Will Not Disrupt Competition with Private Firms

Danareksa Investments says the consolidation of four state-owned investment managers will not undermine competition, arguing that each has its own captive market and that the sector remains far from market dominance. The company cites Indonesia’s large, underdeveloped mutual-fund investor base and targets assets under management of Rp192 trillion to Rp200 trillion by 2027.

BSM Introduces High-Yield DxP Sriwijaya VIR Oil Palm Variety

PT Binasawit Makmur has introduced DxP Sriwijaya VIR, a virescens oil palm variety developed through research and field validation from 2015 to 2024. It can produce up to 30.4 tonnes of fresh fruit bunches per hectare and an estimated 8.7 tonnes of crude palm oil per hectare annually, with BSM targeting 1.9 million seedlings for commercial distribution in its first year.

Coal Prices Rebound After Seven-Day Slump, Soaring in a Sudden Recovery

Coal prices rose 3.31% to US$141.95 a tonne on Wednesday, ending a seven-session losing streak in which prices had fallen nearly 10%. The rebound comes amid mixed signals across Asian markets: colder weather is supporting Chinese prices, but rising inventories and weakening import demand are limiting gains, while low river levels in Kalimantan continue to disrupt Indonesian shipments.

House of Representatives asks National Police Chief to disclose all facts about illegal wiretapping at working meeting

Commission III chair Habiburokhman has urged National Police Chief Suyudi Ario Seto to disclose all findings about an alleged illegal wiretapping case at an upcoming parliamentary working meeting. He said investigators should also examine other alleged activities linked to the suspects, while the police have named four officers as suspects and dismissed one of them from the force.

Yesterday’s legal roundup: GRIB chairman questioned, brokers warned of tough action

The KPK questioned the chairman of GRIB Jaya as a witness in an alleged corruption investigation involving the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency. Other developments included scrutiny of government influencer contracts, a police denial over officers entering a university campus, calls for asset forfeiture legislation to prioritise victims’ recovery, and a directive to crack down on job-placement brokers charging illegal fees.

House to Hold Plenary at 2pm to Discuss Motion on Vice-President Gibran

Indonesia’s House of Representatives is scheduled to hold a plenary session at 2pm, with an agenda that includes announcing a proposal to exercise members’ rights. The proposal has been submitted by 120 MPs from eight factions and concerns Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s eligibility following questions over his school-leaving certificate; it is not yet clear whether the session will decide on the motion.

Von der Leyen: World at a Critical Juncture in Climate and Energy Crises

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that energy supply disruptions and worsening climate impacts have brought the world to a global critical juncture. She outlined the EU’s emissions, electrification and international partnership priorities, including targets for 2030, 2040 and 2050, and said the bloc provided more than €32 billion in climate finance to developing countries last year.

Panel Barus Resigns from Projo Membership: The Organisation’s Response

Projo says it respects Panel Barus’s decision to leave the organisation and focus on his role at the Ministry of Cooperatives. Secretary-General Freddy Alex Damanik stressed that Projo is a movement built on collective effort and will continue despite the departure.

PDIP Comments on Gibran Resignation Reports: ‘Yesterday He Was Still Boasting He Would Fight’

PDI Perjuangan (PDIP) says reports that Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has resigned show that parliamentary pressure through a proposed right of inquiry has been effective. The party says legal questions over his secondary-school certificate remain unresolved and urges that any replacement be appointed in accordance with the Constitution; Gibran’s resignation has reportedly been confirmed by Projo chairman Budi Arie Setiadi.

East Manggarai Man Arrested While Preparing for Wedding

A 33-year-old man from East Manggarai has been arrested at his fiancée’s home on suspicion of defrauding a buyer of Rp250 million in a lorry sale. Police say the victim transferred the money in March 2022 for a Fuso Canter dump truck that was never delivered; the suspect had allegedly kept promising it was on its way.

Traffic Congestion on Several Jakarta-Bound Toll Roads This Morning

Several toll-road sections leading into Jakarta were congested this morning, including the Jagorawi, Janger, Jakarta Inner Ring Road and Japek routes. Congestion was caused by high traffic volumes, an accident response near TMII and a broken-down crane truck near Tambun; a contraflow was also introduced in Kebon Jeruk.

US Struggles to Close Iran’s Remaining Land Trade Routes

The United States has sought to persuade Türkiye, Iraq and Pakistan to shut their land crossings with Iran as part of efforts to intensify economic pressure on Tehran. The countries have resisted, citing economic losses and the risk of social unrest, while the initiative has reportedly increased frustration among Washington’s regional allies.

Batang Special Economic Zone Explores Partnership on Energy-Efficient European Computing Technology

Industropolis Batang Special Economic Zone has signed an MoU with European chip-design company Axelera to explore energy-efficient computing accelerator technology for industrial use. The indicative value of potential technology, systems and services is €20 million to €50 million for 2027–2030, but the agreement is exploratory and does not represent a capital investment commitment.

If Gibran Resigns, What Happens to Parliament’s Right to Express an Opinion?

PKB legislator Muhammad Khozin says a parliamentary motion to exercise the House of Representatives’ right to express an opinion on Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka would become moot if he resigns, since it would have no subject. The motion, backed by more than 120 MPs, is scheduled to be announced in a plenary session; if the vice-presidential post becomes vacant, the Constitution provides for the MPR to elect a successor within 60 days.

EU authorises its military mission personnel to serve in Ukraine

The European Union has formally authorised personnel from its EUMAM Ukraine military mission to operate inside Ukraine, extending a mission previously limited to EU member states where Ukrainian troops were trained. The change is intended to enable closer coordination with Ukrainian military authorities and international partners, while Moscow has warned that Western military personnel in Ukraine could be viewed as legitimate targets.

Danantara Stresses Equal Partnerships to Help MSMEs Break into Global Markets

Danantara Indonesia says local micro, small and medium-sized enterprises need fair partnerships, wider market access and sustainable supply chains to compete internationally. It argues that support must extend beyond exhibitions and become part of a structured business ecosystem.

Yesterday’s political developments: Gibran’s reported resignation and the ‘Dark Indonesia’ narrative

Projo chairman Budi Arie Setiadi confirmed a report that Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka had resigned, while government communications chief Syahganda Nainggolan said President Prabowo’s administration was operating normally. Other developments included calls for stronger real-time cyber-threat monitoring after 1.6 million attacks were detected, and Prabowo’s condemnation of the ‘Dark Indonesia’ narrative as malicious.

Bali Immigration Deports 15 Malaysians Working as Online Loan Administrators

Ngurah Rai Immigration deported 19 foreign nationals between 31 October and 6 November, including 15 Malaysians found operating in the online lending business while misusing their visitor permits. Separately, Denpasar Immigration deported five other foreign nationals and transferred two to its detention centre for immigration or other alleged violations, as authorities reiterated that foreigners must comply with Indonesian law.

Danantara Forms Danareksa Investments, Targeting Rp350 Trillion in Assets Under Management

Danantara Indonesia has created Danareksa Investments by combining four state-linked investment management firms, giving it Rp172.5 trillion in assets under management (AUM), the largest total in Indonesia. Danantara CEO Rosan Roeslani has set a more ambitious target than management’s five-year plan: doubling AUM to Rp350 trillion within three years, while stressing investment performance and sound governance.

2026 Sets Five-Year Record for Stock Delistings

The Indonesia Stock Exchange delisted 18 companies on 10 November, bringing the number of delisted shares this year to 19, the highest annual total in five years. The exchange cited listing rules that allow delisting for severe business problems, failure to meet listing requirements or prolonged trading suspensions, while stressing that issuers’ debt repayment and disclosure obligations remain in force.

Police Deny Arresting Firli While He Was Playing Badminton, Say They Only Asked Former KPK Chief to Attend Questioning

Jakarta Metro Police denied reports that former Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) chairman Firli Bahuri had been arrested at a badminton venue. Officers said they visited him after he missed two summonses in an alleged extortion case involving former agriculture minister Syahrul Yasin Limpo, and that Firli said he would attend the next questioning session.

Reports of Gibran’s Resignation Emerge as Impeachment Motion Moves Forward

Reports that Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has submitted his resignation to President Prabowo Subianto surfaced as parliament began processing an impeachment motion. Lawmakers backing the motion say it will continue until the resignation is formally finalised; 120 MPs from eight parliamentary factions have signed the proposal.

Indonesia and Republic of Congo Position Themselves as Key Guardians of the World’s Tropical Forests

Indonesia and the Republic of Congo have discussed strengthening forestry cooperation, including market recognition for sustainably sourced timber, supply-chain traceability, and peatland and mangrove management. Deputy Forestry Minister Rohmat Marzuki said the two countries share a distinctive global responsibility and should turn it into sustainable, mutually beneficial economic opportunities.

Neighbourhood Watch: Keeping Communities Safe

Surabaya’s mayor has urged residents to revive neighbourhood watch patrols following an alleged assault on two teenagers, while the city works with police to investigate and address youth involvement in risky groups. The article argues that effective community safety requires regular patrols and clear reporting channels alongside law enforcement, family and school support, and safeguards against vigilantism and discrimination.

NTB Regional Council: AMNT’s Rp90 Trillion Investment Must Improve Sumbawa Residents’ Welfare

An NTB provincial legislator says PT Amman Mineral Nusa Tenggara’s planned Rp90 trillion belt-conveyor project must deliver tangible benefits to communities in Sumbawa and West Sumbawa, not merely support the company’s industrial operations. He urged the company and local governments to prioritise local jobs and suppliers, community programmes, transparent planning, and safeguards for residents’ rights and the environment.

Asset Forfeiture Bill: No Conviction Required to Seize Assets Worth at Least Rp1bn

A proposed asset-forfeiture bill would allow authorities to seek confiscation without a criminal conviction where assets are worth at least Rp1bn, including in cases where suspects have fled, died or become permanently incapacitated. Lawmakers say the non-conviction-based process must remain a last resort, be subject to court approval and protect bona fide third-party owners.

Pertamina Prepares Low-Carbon Business Growth Strategy

Pertamina is developing three scenarios for Indonesia’s future energy system to inform its long-term strategy and support the country’s target of net-zero emissions by 2060. The scenarios underpin a dual-growth approach: maintaining conventional energy businesses while expanding low-carbon activities such as biofuels, geothermal power, hydrogen and carbon capture.

If Gibran Officially Resigns, MPR Has 60 Days to Choose a New Vice-President

Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has reportedly submitted his resignation, according to Projo chairman Budi Arie Setiadi. Constitutional procedures described by Coordinating Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra say the MPR would elect a successor within 60 days after receiving the President’s proposal of two candidates.

Jakarta Police Say Firli Bahuri Will Co-operate if Recalled for Questioning

Jakarta Metropolitan Police say former Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) chairman Firli Bahuri has promised to attend a future questioning as a suspect in an alleged extortion case involving former agriculture minister Syahrul Yasin Limpo. The investigation has stalled amid repeated missed summonses and prosecutors’ claims that police failed to complete case-file instructions, with the Jakarta prosecutors’ office returning the notification of the investigation’s start in 2025.

Mystery Surrounds Monk’s Robe Worn by Mosque Attacker in East Jakarta

Police have named and detained a suspect after three worshippers were injured in a stabbing and attack at a mosque in East Jakarta. A Buddhist community organisation is urging authorities to establish whether he is a monk and whether religious clothing was used to disguise his identity or provoke interfaith tensions; police say he may have a mental health condition and are investigating his motive.