Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 2 November 2026

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Attorney General’s Office Hands Three PT PMM Corruption Suspects to Pangkalpinang Prosecutors

The Attorney General’s Office has transferred three suspects and evidence in an alleged corruption case involving PT PMM’s management of non-metallic mineral mining from 2018 to 2026 to the Pangkalpinang District Prosecutor’s Office. Prosecutors allege that the suspects manipulated mineral sampling and export documentation, allowing shipments to proceed despite laboratory findings of rare earth elements and radioactive substances.

Want to Grow Your Business and Keep the Profits Rolling In? Here Are Three Things You Mustn’t Overlook

Building a successful business depends not only on generating profits but also on earning the trust of customers and partners. The article highlights the importance of consistent quality, responsive communication and accurate results in sustaining customer relationships and long-term growth.

100 Mustahik Receive Job-Readiness and Soft-Skills Training in Lazismu–Ruang Amal Indonesia Partnership

Lazismu and Ruang Amal Indonesia are training 100 mustahik from Batang in sewing, weaving and soft skills, with support to secure jobs at companies in the Industropolis Batang Special Economic Zone. Government and programme representatives say success should be measured not only by training numbers, but by participants’ employment and ability to remain in work, amid a skills gap and local unemployment.

Creative Economy Ministry’s CreaFIN Programme Opens Financing Access for 50 Yogyakarta Creative Entrepreneurs

The Creative Economy Ministry has brought its CreaFIN financing-readiness programme to 50 creative economy practitioners in Yogyakarta, offering guidance on business models, investment strategies and financial management. The initiative, delivered with Bank Mandiri and local governments, aims to help creative businesses become more attractive to lenders and investors and support sustainable local growth.

PNM Promotes Ecosystem Recovery by Planting Endemic Trees

PT Permodalan Nasional Madani (PNM) has planted 5,850 tree seedlings across seven regions under its Green Impact programme, focusing on local vegetation and ecosystem restoration. At Mount Raung, 1,000 seedlings were planted, with the initiative also expected to protect water resources and provide potential economic benefits for nearby communities.

BSN stresses the importance of SNI and a quality culture for retail’s global competitiveness

Indonesia’s National Standardisation Agency (BSN) says stronger adoption of Indonesian National Standards (SNI) and a culture of quality can help retailers build consumer trust and improve the global competitiveness of domestic products. Trade Minister Budi Santoso said modern retail offers a strategic route for MSMEs to strengthen product standards, reach consumers and prepare for export markets, with MSME products making up about 80% of goods in modern retail outlets.

12 SMEs Take Part in Trade Expo Indonesia, with Export Potential of US$8.32 Million

Twelve SMEs supported by Bakti BCA generated 122 business-matching sessions and MoU signings at Trade Expo Indonesia 2026, with potential export deals estimated at US$8.32 million (Rp148.75 billion). The figure is 34.12% higher than the potential recorded at the previous year’s expo, as BCA seeks to prepare businesses for international markets through training, market access and banking support.

Indonesia urges nickel producers to curb output amid falling prices

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has urged nickel miners and industrial producers to restrain output as global prices fall to about US$15,000 per tonne amid an estimated 800,000-tonne surplus. He has directed officials to manage supply through tighter control of annual work-plan and budget approvals, arguing that production must be balanced against demand to protect the country’s finite resource wealth.

1945 Constitution Carries Heroes’ Legacy into Welfare, Says Social Affairs Minister

Social Affairs Minister Yusuf said Articles 31, 33 and 34 of the 1945 Constitution embody the heroes’ legacy by guaranteeing education, managing national wealth for public prosperity and protecting poor and neglected people. He cited the Sekolah Rakyat programme, which operates at more than 180 locations and serves about 45,000 students, with plans to expand enrolment to more than 100,000 next year and 300,000 in 2028.

UNNES GIAT 17 Students Promote OSS Business Registration for Fish Farmers

UNNES GIAT 17 students held a session in Tuntang, Semarang regency, to explain how fish farmers can obtain a Business Identification Number (NIB) through the Online Single Submission (OSS) system and strengthen their business groups. Formal registration can help small-scale operators access government guidance, financing and marketing partnerships, while organised groups may improve their bargaining power.

PLN EPI Secures LNG Supplies from the Masela Block for 18 Years

PLN Energi Primer Indonesia has secured a long-term supply of 2.5 million tonnes of LNG a year from the Masela Block, with deliveries targeted to begin in late 2030. The agreement is intended to support PLN power plants, underpin development of domestic gas resources and strengthen Indonesia’s energy security, alongside diversified supplies and expanded gas infrastructure.

AI Comic Drama Competition in East Java Aims to Strengthen Teachers’ Skills

Higgs Technology and East Java’s Education Office have held an AI comic drama competition as part of a programme to build teachers’ digital skills. After five weeks of online training, participants developed digital works based on local heroism, history and culture, while 15 selected teachers also received AI game-development training.

Jagorawi Toll Road Towards Bogor Still Congested Tonight Amid Bridge Repairs

Traffic on the Jagorawi Toll Road towards Bogor remained congested late on 2 November, with bridge repairs occupying the left and middle lanes between Dukuh and Cipayung. Jasa Marga said the works would continue until 6 November and urged drivers to proceed carefully; a contraflow had also been introduced earlier to ease congestion caused by rush-hour traffic.

Carrick Brushes Aside Future Speculation at Manchester United Ahead of Roma Clash

Michael Carrick says uncertainty over his future will not distract Manchester United as they prepare to face AS Roma in the Champions League. United are on a nine-match winless run and sit 17th in the Premier League, level on points with the relegation zone.

PHE Reports Oil and Gas Production of 945,000 Barrels of Oil Equivalent per Day

Pertamina Hulu Energi (PHE) reported production of 945,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day through September 2026, comprising 467,000 barrels of oil per day and gas output of 2,762 million standard cubic feet per day. The company also reported exploration and reserve gains, and says it will intensify drilling, production and well maintenance to meet its year-end operational targets while prioritising safety.

Governor: 49th Muhammadiyah Congress to Boost Regional Economy

North Sumatra Governor Bobby Afif Nasution says the 49th Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah Congress, scheduled for November 2027, is expected to stimulate the regional economy by drawing visitors from across Indonesia and abroad. The provincial government has pledged support, while organisers forecast up to one million visitors and plan an economic exhibition and international meetings.

Strengthening Synergy, Rai Wahyuni Backs Bali Posyandu Social Outreach in Tabanan

Ni Ketut Rai Wahyuni joined a Bali Posyandu social outreach in Tabanan, where 150 community health-post volunteers received food assistance and encouragement. Organisers stressed that strengthening volunteers’ capacity to deliver services across six Minimum Service Standards is vital to improving basic services, with Tabanan pledging to continue the programme for its 8,532 volunteers.

UNESCO: Number of Journalists Killed Rises 20%, Mostly in Conflicts

UNESCO says 189 journalists, media workers and social media content creators engaged in journalism were killed worldwide in 2024–2025, a 20 per cent increase on the previous period and the highest annual toll in eight years. Most deaths occurred in armed-conflict zones, with drone strikes implicated in a significant share; Palestine recorded the highest number of journalist deaths.

Former Sukoharjo Police Chief Examined by Police Internal Affairs After Removal Over Islamic Boarding School Raid

Central Java police confirmed that Sukoharjo Police Chief Andhika Dharma Sena and three other officers have been removed from their posts and are being examined by the National Police’s internal affairs division. The review follows a raid and search at Hamalatul Quran Islamic boarding school and is intended to establish objectively whether procedures were breached.

Women-led Regional SMEs Can Reach Wider Markets: What Needs Strengthening

Women entrepreneurs outside major centres have opportunities to expand their businesses, but stronger business networks, entrepreneurial capabilities and inter-regional cooperation are needed to help them reach wider markets. Newly elected IWAPI chair Tatyana Sentani Sutara has called on regional leaders to consolidate and work together as the organisation begins a new leadership term.

OJK Strengthens Sharia Financial Literacy through Pelita Syariah

The Financial Services Authority (OJK) has launched Pelita Syariah, a programme that enlists religious leaders to promote understanding and use of Sharia-compliant financial services. Announced at the 2026 Sharia Financial Fair in Makassar, the initiative aims to extend financial education beyond urban areas, encourage informed consumer choices and help people avoid illegal financial practices.

Five Low-Cost Online Promotion Methods to Grow a New Business

Digital promotion offers start-ups an affordable way to reach customers as Indonesia’s e-commerce market continues to expand. Bank Indonesia recorded e-commerce transactions of around Rp487 trillion in 2024, up from Rp205.5 trillion in 2019; the article outlines five low-cost tactics, from social media and SEO to email, creator partnerships and giveaways.

French and Indonesian Foreign Ministers Discuss Comprehensive Partnership on G20 Atlanta Sidelines

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and his Indonesian counterpart, Arrmanatha Nasir, discussed implementing the countries’ Comprehensive Partnership during a bilateral meeting at the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting in Atlanta. They also reviewed defence cooperation and international issues, including Lebanon, Gaza and the importance of an open, secure and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

Ombudsman Stresses Public Safety as the Highest Law in Public Services

Indonesia’s Ombudsman says protecting the public must be the overriding principle in government services, including employment social security. It continues to receive complaints about extra requirements, weak complaint follow-up and unclear participant information, and plans to work with BPJS Ketenagakerjaan to improve service quality.

Jakarta PDDI promotes humanitarian values through blood donation drive

The Indonesian Blood Donors Association (PDDI) in Jakarta held its first school-based blood donation drive at SMK Kemala Bhayangkari Delog, aiming to foster humanitarian and social concern among students. The organisers hope the initiative will inspire other schools to hold regular drives and embed a culture of giving from an early age.

South Korea investigates leak of President Lee’s passport details

South Korea is investigating the disclosure of passport details belonging to President Lee Jae Myung and 167 others, and plans to reissue passports for Lee, his wife and affected officials. The Foreign Ministry said it treats the incident as a leak rather than a hack and is working with police to establish how the information was exposed and prevent further dissemination.

After NTT Child’s Death Linked to Inability to Buy Books, Laka Lena Pushes Social Welfare Bill

Following the death of a 10-year-old in Ngada, East Nusa Tenggara, reportedly amid his family’s inability to buy school supplies, Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena has proposed a regional bill to establish transparent community fundraising and distribution for poverty relief. He said the case underscored the need for earlier intervention and stronger protection for children and vulnerable families; the provincial government also addressed recovery needs for earthquake-affected residents in Flores.

Healthy Village Programme serves communities in remote parts of Mimika

The Amungme and Kamoro Community Empowerment Foundation (YPMAK) says its two-year Healthy Village Programme is bringing direct health services to remote communities in Mimika that lack government facilities. Working with local foundations, the initiative addresses malaria and stunting while complementing public services and supporting referrals for patients needing further treatment.

Indonesia shifts focus from wildfires to floods as rainy season begins

Indonesia’s disaster agency is moving cloud-seeding assets from provinces entering the rainy season to areas that remain dry and vulnerable to wildfires. It has also directed regional governments to prepare personnel, rescue equipment and community mitigation systems for floods and landslides during the 2026/2027 rainy season.

Officers Remove Car That Crashed into Road Barrier in Cengkareng

Eleven West Jakarta transport and public order officers removed an electric car whose axle broke after it hit a road barrier on Ring Road in Cengkareng, causing congestion. Jakarta’s transport agency reminded motorists that free towing assistance is available through its call centre.

33 Indonesian SMEs Explore Market Expansion in Sabah, Malaysia

Thirty-three Indonesian micro, small and medium-sized enterprises showcased products at the Big Sabah Sale 2026, seeking new customers and business partners in East Malaysia. Business-to-business meetings helped nearly half of the participants begin discussions on local distribution, while the event also drew 100,000 visitors and featured Indonesian cultural performances.

Badung Motorbike Buyer Fakes Test Ride, Then Makes Off with the Vehicle

A man posing as a prospective buyer allegedly stole a motorbike in Badung after asking to take it for a test ride. Police arrested the suspect in a Denpasar hotel room; he has been charged under Indonesia’s 2023 Criminal Code, which carries a maximum five-year prison sentence.

Boboho Reveals Febrie’s Words After Receiving Money from Tan Kian: ‘Have You Got Yours?’

Ferry Yanto Hongkiriwang, known as Ferry Boboho, told a Jakarta court that former deputy attorney general for special crimes Febrie Adriansyah asked whether he had received his share after businessman Tan Kian handed over Rp55 billion. Febrie is accused of extorting Tan Kian through Ferry and faces separate money-laundering charges involving assets and funds worth hundreds of billions of rupiah.

Indonesia open to electricity exports at the right price, minister says

Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia says Indonesia may export electricity to Singapore only if the agreed price is commercially fair, while domestic power needs remain the priority. He has urged Danantara not to accept foreign pressure for discounted rates, as negotiations on green electricity exports continue and remain dependent on balanced pricing and adequate domestic supply.

Judge Asks About Watch in Photograph of Rp55 Billion Cash Pile; Boboho Explains

Ferry Yanto Hongkiriwang, known as Ferry Boboho, told a Jakarta corruption court that the Garmin watch photographed atop a Rp55 billion cash pile was his personal item, placed there as a keepsake and unrelated to the money. The cash is central to allegations that former Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes Febrie Adriansyah extorted businessman Tan Kian; prosecutors also accuse Febrie and others of laundering more than Rp346 billion and US$440,990.

Pertamina’s Independent Energy Villages Generate Rp26 Billion in Annual Economic Value

Pertamina says its Independent Energy Village programme generates about Rp26 billion in additional economic value each year and benefits approximately 283,000 people. The initiative combines renewable energy with local economic development, and the state-owned energy company plans to expand it from around 310 villages to 732 by 2030.

MIND ID Sets Out Four Foundations to Strengthen Mineral Downstreaming

Indonesia’s state-owned mining holding MIND ID has identified four priorities for strengthening mineral downstreaming: securing reserves and resources, developing higher-value processing, building centres of excellence for projects and operations, and adopting adaptable, innovative technologies. It is also pursuing global technology partnerships and mineral investments abroad to support future supply and make downstream projects more competitive in global markets.

China calls for Middle East dialogue in talks with Iran, Saudi Arabia and Oman

China urged Iran, Saudi Arabia and Oman to pursue dialogue and a political solution to the Middle East conflict, with Foreign Minister Wang Yi stressing regional energy security and the safety of shipping lanes. Beijing also announced plans to send a Middle East envoy to the three countries later this month as it seeks to ease tensions and promote peace talks.

Truck Carrying 343 Logs Suspected of Illegal Logging in Meru Betiri National Park Intercepted; Two Arrested

Forestry officials in Banyuwangi intercepted a truck carrying 343 logs believed to have been taken from the Meru Betiri National Park conservation area and bound for Bali, arresting two men suspected of controlling the timber and its distribution. Investigators are examining the logs’ origin and transport documents and will probe whether others were involved in the trafficking network.

Modern retail a stepping stone to MSME exports, says trade minister

Trade Minister Santoso said the presence of MSME products in modern retail—now accounting for about 80 per cent of the range—can help businesses meet quality standards and become more competitive for export markets. The government is supporting their expansion through export assistance, overseas trade-promotion networks and agreements, including efforts to finalise the Indonesia–EU CEPA.

Ten Foreign Currency Exchange Outlets in Tegallalang, Gianyar, Found to Be Operating Illegally

Gianyar authorities found that 10 of 13 money changers inspected in Tegallalang were operating without the required permits, following public complaints. The outlets were marked as illegal and their exchange-rate boards removed; officials warned that businesses continuing to flout the rules could face closure.

Hashim Says Digital Tax to Begin on 9 November; Airlangga: ‘We’ll See’

Economic Affairs Coordinating Minister Airlangga Hartarto said the proposed digital transaction tax, which presidential special envoy Hashim Djojohadikusumo says will begin on 9 November 2026, still needs further discussion with the Finance Ministry. The government has yet to clarify its collection mechanism or whether QRIS payments will be affected, while Hashim argues that better tax and customs collection could unlock up to Rp1,500 trillion in additional revenue.

Prudential Mobilises Volunteers to Clean the Banks of the Ciliwung River

Prudential Indonesia volunteers collected more than 361kg of rubbish along the Ciliwung River in Depok, while providing environmental, health and financial-literacy education to 50 pupils. The initiative highlights the health and flood risks associated with river pollution and forms part of the company’s sustainability work with local organisations.

DPR Commission III Deputy Chair Praises Police Chief’s Review of Officers over Sukoharjo Islamic Boarding School Incident

DPR Commission III Deputy Chair Moh. Rano Alfath has praised National Police Chief Suyudi Ario Seto for removing Sukoharjo Police Chief Andhika Dharma Sena following complaints over a search at Hamalatul Quran Islamic boarding school. Rano called for a thorough, objective inquiry, support for affected students and closer engagement between police and pesantren to restore trust and prevent a recurrence.

Tulungagung Police Uncover Methamphetamine Network Allegedly Run from Kediri Prison

Tulungagung Police say they have uncovered a suspected methamphetamine network allegedly directed by an inmate at Kediri Class IIA Prison, following the seizure of 418.4 grams from a courier and a further 7.64 grams inside the prison. Six inmates tested positive for methamphetamine, while investigators have also arrested a woman suspected of involvement in the proceeds of the drug trade.

MP Calls for Forest Restoration to Follow Law Enforcement over Forest and Land Fires

Rina Saadah, a member of the House of Representatives’ Commission IV, says prosecutions for forest and land fires must be accompanied by a clear plan for restoration and compensation. She argues that responsible parties should bear the costs rather than affected communities or the state, as police report naming 245 people and 20 companies as suspects.

BP Batam Pushes for Natural Gas Subsidies to Boost Competitiveness

BP Batam is urging the government to lower natural gas costs or provide subsidies, saying affordable energy is essential to sustaining existing industries and attracting new investment. The issue has also arisen in talks with Pupuk Indonesia over a proposed ammonia plant in Batam, which could support alternative maritime fuels and employ up to 8,000 workers during construction.

Indonesians Recruited as Russian Soldiers Promised Rp 400 Million Contracts and Rp 50 Million Salaries

Indonesian police have uncovered trafficking networks that recruited Indonesians to serve as mercenaries in Russia, promising contracts worth hundreds of millions of rupiah and monthly pay of up to Rp 50 million. Police identified 12 victims in one investigation, including one reported death, and arrested five suspects; a separate case involved seven male victims, four of whom were sent to Russia.

Eka Lestari Sinaga Calls for the Next Generation of Energy Leaders

Eka Lestari Sinaga, chair of the 2026 Energy Leadership & Business Conference, says cross-sector collaboration and youth participation are vital to Indonesia’s energy transition. The conference aims to bring together government, industry, universities and young people, while strengthening leadership succession and translating strategic discussions into practical cooperation and action.

Sumbawa People’s School Tender Targeted to Begin in Late November

Sumbawa regency plans to begin tendering for a multi-year People’s School project in late November 2026, after preparing access roads, clean water and a 15-hectare site. The school is designed for up to 3,000 pupils, with an initial intake of about 2,200; local officials have also called for building designs that account for the hot, coastal climate and provide green space.