Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 1 November 2026

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Travel Business, Not Just E-Commerce, Helps Boost Online Retailer’s Performance

PT Global Digital Niaga (BELI), which operates Blibli and tiket.com, reported consolidated net revenue of Rp22.24 trillion in the first nine months of 2026, up 46 per cent year on year. Its third-party retail segment, including online travel services, recorded higher revenue and gross profit before discounts, with the company citing stronger contributions, pricing optimisation and additional monetisation.

SMEXPO Regional Bekasi 2026 Features 50 SMEs and Launches PFpreneur Digital Catalogue to Expand Market Access for Local Products

Pertamina and Pertamina Foundation have brought 50 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from four regions to SMEXPO Regional Bekasi 2026, where they can showcase products and connect with consumers and potential business partners. The event also introduces a new Tenant and Mart format, while a PFpreneur digital catalogue aims to widen access to markets for local products.

Mother and Child Wade Through Floodwaters Inundating Homes in West Aceh

Flooding triggered by heavy rain and overflowing rivers has inundated hundreds of homes across 17 villages in West Aceh, with water reaching 50 to 100 centimetres. The flooding has disrupted residents’ daily activities and forced people to navigate submerged neighbourhoods.

Komnas HAM urges coordinated action against trafficking linked to online scams

Komnas HAM says trafficking cases linked to online scams rose to 7,628 in 2025, with Indonesian victims reportedly facing forced labour, torture and denial of medical care across several countries. It is urging ministries and law-enforcement agencies to coordinate on victim protection, repatriation and recovery, while strengthening prevention, digital investigations and cross-border cooperation.

PTBA Approves Dissolution and Liquidation of Subsidiary BMP

PT Bukit Asam has approved the dissolution and liquidation of PT Bukit Multi Properti, following agreement by its shareholders on 31 October 2026. The move forms part of a wider effort to streamline state-owned enterprise subsidiaries, while PTBA says it will not affect the parent company’s operations, legal position, financial condition or business continuity.

Seven Diving Spots in Nusa Penida Where You Can See Manta Rays and Sunfish

Nusa Penida offers seven diving and snorkelling sites, with opportunities to see manta rays, sunfish, turtles and diverse coral-reef life. The article outlines each spot’s conditions, depth and indicative prices, while warning that currents can be strong or change quickly and that visitors should choose sites suited to their experience. It also explains travel options from Bali, including fast boats from Sanur and ferries from Padang Bai.

Flooding Inundates 43 Villages in West Aceh, Disrupting Several Roads

Flooding triggered by days of heavy rain had spread to 43 villages across 10 sub-districts in West Aceh by Sunday night, with water levels averaging more than 30 centimetres. The floods damaged public facilities and infrastructure, including a road and school fence in Sikundo, as rivers overflowed.

Timeline: Cement Mixer Truck Hits Crowd, Killing Six in Bekasi

A cement mixer truck reportedly suffered brake failure and veered into a crowd on Jalan Cut Mutia in Rawalumbu, Bekasi, killing six people and injuring six others. Police said the truck was travelling from UNISMA towards Rawapanjang when the driver lost control.

Joint Task Force Searches for Bladed Weapons in Palu to Prevent Further Clashes

A joint team of police, military and municipal public order officers searched vehicles and passengers near Lalove Bridge in Palu following a recent clash. The operation aims to prevent further violence by stopping people from carrying bladed weapons or firearms and to reassure residents.

Ministry seeks to strengthen digital media industry amid rise of AI

Creative Economy Minister Teuku Riefky Harsya says the government is advancing policies to support the media and wider creative economy, including new business classifications and a 2026–2045 master plan that expands the sector’s subsectors from 17 to 21. The industry employs about 27.4 million people and contributes 7.38 per cent of GDP, while the minister also calls for action on the unequal distribution of economic value between content creators and major digital platforms.

Indonesia’s domestic investment nears Rp2,000 trillion under Prabowo

Kadin chairman Anindya Bakrie said domestic investment is approaching Rp2,000 trillion and is helping strengthen Indonesia’s economic resilience, with businesses able to play a larger role beyond public spending. He highlighted electric vehicles, renewable energy and data centres as promising areas for investment and local component production, while calling for stronger regional and medium-sized businesses.

Central Java Police Chief Urged to Face Review After Female Students Were Allegedly Intimidated During Sukoharjo Islamic Boarding School Raid

The World Mosque Youth group has urged Indonesia’s National Police Chief to review Central Java police leadership over alleged intimidation and procedural violations during a raid at an Islamic boarding school in Sukoharjo. The group has raised concerns about armed officers entering the school at night, the legality of searches and asset seizures, and the potential impact on children.

Pegadaian Union National Coordination Meeting Discusses Strategies to Support 2030 Targets

Pegadaian’s workers’ union used its 2026 national coordination meeting to discuss strengthening employee skills, productivity and industrial relations as the state-owned pawnbroker pursues its 2030 goals. The union also highlighted fair implementation of collective agreements and workforce preparation for the company’s transformation under Danantara.

MP Proposes Independent Fact-Finding Team to Investigate Sukoharjo Islamic Boarding School Search

Abdullah, a member of Commission III of the House of Representatives, has called for an independent joint fact-finding team to examine a police search at the Hamalatul Quran Islamic boarding school in Sukoharjo. He says the team should assess accounts from both the school and police, complement the internal police inquiry, and ensure any procedural violations or other offences are dealt with under the law.

DTIIF 2026 Concludes, Delivering Strategic Partnerships for Industry

Danantara Indonesia’s three-day DTIIF 2026 drew more than 3,000 participants and generated agreements across research, energy, digital infrastructure, electric transport and other sectors. The forum’s partnerships are intended to bring research closer to industry and strengthen Indonesia’s technological capabilities, with Danantara pledging to oversee implementation.

Danantara Says It Did Not Sponsor TIME100 Next Gala

Danantara Indonesia says its logo appeared at the 2026 TIME100 Next Gala under a non-financial, in-kind arrangement with TIME, and that no sponsorship funding has been agreed. Discussions remain exploratory, with a proposed framework covering participation in nine international forums to promote Indonesia’s strategic sectors and investment opportunities.

Social Affairs Minister: Accurate Data Is Key to Targeting Social Assistance

Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf says accurate, regularly updated data is essential to ensure social assistance reaches those who need it, as the government rolls out a digital social protection system nationally in 2026. The system will use AI and linked government databases, while officials continue reviewing beneficiaries, including those with savings exceeding Rp50 million; Banyumas hopes the new approach will reduce data errors to no more than 3 per cent.

Pondok Bambu Residents Attend Social Protection and Welfare-Decile Information Session

Around 200 residents of Pondok Bambu, East Jakarta, attended a Ministry of Social Affairs outreach session on social protection, updating their socioeconomic welfare decile data and social assistance. The initiative aims to correct outdated or inaccurate records and help eligible residents access benefits, including the Family Hope Programme and non-cash food assistance.

Police Issue Circular Banning Personnel from Using Vapes

The Indonesian National Police has banned all personnel from using e-cigarettes, both at work and outside working hours, under a circular that took effect on 30 October 2026. The policy is intended to prevent the use of vape devices to disguise and distribute liquid narcotics, including etomidate, and violations will be sanctioned under applicable rules.

Gen Z Protests Turn Violent Across Germany, Triggering Looting

Protests organised by the GenZ Reglt! movement calling for political leaders to listen to young people were largely peaceful during the day, but violence and looting broke out in several German cities after dark. Frankfurt saw the most serious unrest, including the looting of a gun shop, while police reported injuries and hundreds of arrests across the country.

Social Affairs Minister Urges Neighbourhood Leaders to Improve Social Assistance Data

Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf has urged neighbourhood and community leaders to work with local governments to improve beneficiary records, after an evaluation found about 45% of recipients of the Family Hope Programme and staple-food assistance were incorrectly targeted. The government is integrating socioeconomic records into a single national database and expanding digital verification, while Banyumas officials say more accurate data is also needed for education and health programmes.

Police Issue Circular Banning Personnel from Using Vapes

The National Police have issued a circular banning all civilian and uniformed personnel from using vapes, both at work and outside working hours, effective 30 October 2026. The measure is intended to prevent the use of vaping devices to conceal and distribute liquid narcotics, and violations will be subject to applicable sanctions.

Bekasi lorry crash: Jasa Raharja to pay Rp50 million to families of those killed and up to Rp20 million in medical costs for the injured

Six people died and six were injured when a concrete-mixer lorry crashed on Jalan Cut Meutia in East Bekasi on 1 November 2026. State-owned insurer Jasa Raharja is coordinating with police and hospitals, with eligible next of kin entitled to Rp50 million and injured victims covered for medical costs of up to Rp20 million each.

Check Your Posture Using 3D AI Technology at PYM Physiotherapy Renon: Here Are the Prices

PYM Physiotherapy Renon in Denpasar offers AI-powered 3D postural analysis to identify potential imbalances, with the service priced at Rp300,000. The clinic also lists physiotherapy assessments and treatments ranging from Rp150,000 to Rp300,000, alongside home visits.

Mount Karangetang Erupts Again, Glowing Lava Flows Up to 1 Kilometre

Mount Karangetang on Siau Island, North Sulawesi, erupted on 1 November, sending incandescent material into the air and lava flows as far as one kilometre. Authorities have maintained the volcano at Alert Level II and urged residents and visitors to stay clear of hazard zones while preparing for possible lava flows, hot avalanches and rain-triggered flooding.

Emergency Crews Battle to Extinguish Fire at Degayu Landfill in Pekalongan

A fire broke out in rubbish piles at Degayu landfill in Pekalongan, Central Java, on 1 November 2026, affecting the southern and eastern sections. Seven fire engines and a combined team of firefighters, military and police personnel, and volunteers were deployed to contain the blaze and stop it spreading to other waste piles.

Business Confidence, Investment and Indonesia’s Path to Prosperity

Domestic investment reached nearly Rp2,000 trillion during President Prabowo Subianto’s first two years in office, representing more than half of total national investment, according to Kadin chairman Anindya Bakrie. The article argues that Indonesia must turn this momentum into productive capacity and broadly shared prosperity by strengthening links between projects, developing local capabilities and MSME suppliers, and improving governance and accountability.

Flooding spreads across West Aceh, inundating 43 villages

Flooding has affected 43 villages across 10 districts in West Aceh, with water levels averaging more than 30 centimetres after days of heavy rain. The flooding has damaged homes, roads and public infrastructure, including a suspension bridge, while no deaths have been reported so far.

Nickel Downstreaming Said to Be Moving Towards Electric Vehicle Battery Production

Indonesia is seeking to shift nickel investment beyond smelters and intermediate products towards battery materials, battery cells and finished stainless steel. The government says this could increase domestic value-added, employment and technological capability, while considering restrictions on new smelters that produce only semi-finished goods.

PFII Investors to Receive Corporate Income Tax Discounts of up to 100%

Indonesia’s International Financial Centre (PFII) will offer eligible businesses a corporate income tax reduction of up to 100%, under Law No. 26 of 2026. The exemption also applies to the bodies managing and supervising the zone, which is intended to attract financial institutions and investment while supporting domestic economic development.

Prabowo asks Kadin to be government’s ‘strategic partner’

President Prabowo Subianto has urged the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) to act as a strategic partner in national economic development, contributing through productive investment, export growth and job creation. Presidential Advisory Board member Bambang Soesatyo said Kadin could also help spread investment and economic growth more evenly across regions by developing industries based on local potential.

Bekasi Police Detain Lorry Driver After Crash Kills Six

Bekasi police have detained a cement-mixer lorry driver after a crash at a bus stop in Rawalumbu killed six people and injured six others. The driver is being questioned as a witness, while investigators examine evidence, the vehicle’s roadworthiness and braking system; his status could be changed to suspect if sufficient evidence is found.

Manufacturing Workforce Management Must Become More Measurable

Industry representatives at the Staffinc Industry Executive Forum 2026 said manufacturers need to manage workers not merely by headcount, but by measurable contributions to operational targets. The discussion highlighted cost pressures, changing production needs, workforce readiness, and the role of data and technology in aligning performance with business objectives.

FBI Reveals How North Korean Hackers Stole Rp114 Trillion in Assets from Binance

The FBI has linked North Korean hacking group TraderTraitor to the theft of virtual assets worth US$6.3 billion from Binance, and warned virtual-asset service providers to block transactions connected to the laundering operation. Binance says it has replaced 90% of the stolen assets using company funds and aims to cover the remainder, while withdrawals are expected to resume on Sunday.

Colourful Costumes Bring Magelang Ethno Carnival 2026 to Life

Magelang Ethno Carnival 2026 featured a parade of costumes inspired by Indonesia’s flora, arts and cultural heritage, with 40 contingents taking part. The event also serves as a platform for local creative expression and a means for the city government to promote cultural tourism and attract visitors.

Mixer Truck Driver Arrested After Crash Kills Six in Bekasi

A mixer truck struck a group of people on Jalan Cut Mutia in Bekasi, killing six and injuring others; police have arrested the driver and seized the vehicle. Investigators are examining the scene, witness accounts and CCTV footage, with a specialist team due to reconstruct the crash as part of a scientific investigation.

Six Killed as Concrete Mixer Truck Ploughs into Crowd at Bekasi Bus Stop

A concrete mixer truck struck 12 people waiting at a bus stop in Bekasi, killing six and injuring six others. Police said the driver lost control after the brakes failed while travelling downhill, but the cause remains under investigation.

IPW Backs Police Probe into Sukoharjo Noodle Stall Arson, Urges Accountability

Indonesia Police Watch (IPW) has backed Central Java Police’s investigation into the burning of a pork noodle stall in Sukoharjo, while stressing that searches and witness examinations must follow legal procedures and protect human rights. The group also urged investigators to assess any potential links to terrorist networks and ensure that any parties implicated are held accountable on the basis of evidence.

Danantara CEO Rosan Roeslani Hopes More MSMEs Will Move Up the Business Ladder

Investment Minister and Danantara CEO Rosan Roeslani said Indonesia should aim to reduce the number of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) by helping more of them grow into medium-sized and large businesses. He cited a government partnership programme involving about 1,000 MSMEs and worth around Rp20 trillion, while stressing that stronger businesses can improve national competitiveness and join global supply chains.

Data Breach Affects 5.7 Million Customers; Fore Reports Incident to Communications Ministry

Fore Kopi Indonesia has reported unauthorised access to a data-management platform to Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, with an initial investigation indicating that about 5.7 million customer accounts may be affected. The company says it secured the system, commissioned an independent forensic review and is advising affected customers to change their PINs, while stating that payment-card and national identity data were not stored on the platform.

Tragic: 20-Month-Old Killed by Mother and Stepfather Who Said They Could Not Afford to Raise the Child

Police say a 20-month-old child was killed by the child’s mother and stepfather in South Jakarta, who cited financial hardship as their motive. The suspects were arrested; the child’s body is undergoing an autopsy, while the three-year-old sibling has been placed in temporary care with the Social Affairs Office.

Jakarta urges Moscow to halt military recruitment of Indonesians

Indonesia has formally asked Russia to stop recruiting Indonesians for its military and to exempt Indonesia from any official foreign recruitment scheme, citing concerns that recruitment could amount to human trafficking. The request follows reports that an Indonesian national was killed after being deployed to fight in Ukraine; Jakarta’s embassy in Moscow is verifying the individual’s identity and status.

Why the Rohingya refugee crisis continues nearly a decade after the 2017 exodus

Nearly a decade after the 2017 exodus, more than 1.2 million Rohingya refugees remain in Bangladesh, while worsening conflict and abuses in Myanmar make safe return unlikely. The article traces the crisis to decades of exclusion and statelessness, and says durable repatriation requires citizenship, safety, freedom of movement and accountability for past abuses.

Mixer Truck That Killed Six in Bekasi Suspected of Brake Failure

A mixer truck that struck people waiting at a bus stop in Bekasi is suspected to have suffered brake failure, killing six and injuring six others. The driver has been detained as police investigate the cause of the crash, which occurred on a downhill road near BSI University.

Bahlil Reprimands Oil and Gas Companies, Urges Them to Execute Stalled Projects

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has urged oil and gas contractors to move ahead with approved upstream projects, warning that idle concessions should be returned to the state. He also called for faster tenders for new blocks and transparent licensing, as Indonesia’s oil output of about 600,000 barrels per day falls far short of demand of 1.5–1.6 million barrels per day.

27 People Detained in Raid on Suspected Drug Den in Kampung Bahari

Around 1,800 officers from several police and anti-narcotics agencies raided a suspected drug-trafficking site in Kampung Bahari, North Jakarta, detaining 27 people suspected of drug misuse. The operation also highlighted the personal impact of enforcement, as one suspect was seen saying goodbye to their child during the raid.

Government Targets 7% Investment Growth in 2027, Calls on Businesses to Play Their Part

The government is targeting 7 per cent investment growth in 2027 to help lift national economic growth to 6 per cent, and says private-sector participation will be crucial. Finance Deputy Minister Suahasil Nazara urged businesses to work with the government and Danantara, while highlighting support for MSMEs and the need for a stronger, more predictable business climate.

Israeli Protesters Call for an ‘Alliance’ to Defeat Netanyahu

After Israel’s 2026 election produced no clear majority, protesters urged opposition parties to join forces with Arab-led parties, a potential alliance that could command 67 of the Knesset’s 120 seats. Opposition leaders remain divided over cooperation, while Benjamin Netanyahu’s supporters reject the prospect and accuse Arab parties of backing Hamas.

KP2MI Facilitates Selection Interviews for Prospective Migrant Workers for Türkiye’s Hotel Sector

Indonesia’s Ministry for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (KP2MI) has facilitated direct interviews between prospective workers and Turkish hotel employers. The initiative, part of the SMK Global programme, aims to match candidates’ skills with employers’ needs while emphasising transparent recruitment, worker protection and readiness for overseas employment.

Prasasti Economist Forecasts Indonesia’s Q3 Growth at More Than 5%

Piter Abdullah of the Prasasti Center for Policy Studies expects Indonesia’s economy to have grown by more than 5% in the third quarter of 2026, with household consumption, exports, investment and government spending supporting activity. He cautioned that aggregate growth figures mask uneven conditions: upper-middle-income households continue to spend, while lower-income groups face pressure and may rely on social assistance, savings or debt.