Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 2 November 2026

Showing 701-750 of 1,515 articles

Environment Minister Investigates Alleged Deliberate Land Fires to Damage Government’s Image

Environment Minister Moh Jumhur Hidayat says his ministry is examining intelligence reports alleging that some parties deliberately set fires to undermine the government’s image. The ministry is also investigating fires across concessions belonging to 335 companies, with findings to guide decisions on responsibility after the facts and evidence are verified.

Sunk Cost Fallacy: The Psychological Trap That Can Keep Investors Losing Money

Indonesia’s stock market downturn in 2026 has intensified the dilemma of whether to hold loss-making assets or move capital elsewhere. The article explains how the sunk cost fallacy—allowing past investments to dictate present decisions—can keep investors in unprofitable positions, and outlines psychological causes and ways to avoid it.

PBNU: Lack of Registration Is Not Proof of Pesantren Involvement in Terrorism

A senior Nahdlatul Ulama official has urged authorities to address unregistered pesantren through verification and guidance, rather than disproportionate force. He stressed that lacking an operating registration number is not evidence of terrorism or criminal activity, while acknowledging the importance of administration for oversight and student protection.

Could the Tax-Free Income Threshold Change in 2027? Deputy Finance Minister Weighs In

The government is still reviewing a possible increase to the annual tax-free income threshold, currently set at Rp54 million, and has not finalised either the new amount or its implementation date. Tax officials say they are preparing for the change and would seek to broaden the tax base to protect revenue if it goes ahead.

BMKG Forecasts Rain in Several Parts of West Java from 2 to 5 November

BMKG Bandung forecasts rain across parts of West Java between 2 and 5 November 2026, with locally heavy downpours, lightning and strong winds possible. The agency attributes the conditions to active atmospheric waves, warm sea temperatures and atmospheric instability, and urges residents to remain alert to potential hydrometeorological hazards.

House Commission III says Polri’s vape ban should be adopted by other institutions

Ahmad Sahroni, deputy chair of the House of Representatives’ Commission III, has urged other institutions to follow the National Police’s ban on vaping by its personnel. He also called on the Indonesian Ulema Council to issue a fatwa, citing concerns that vape devices could be used to consume dangerous substances such as etomidate.

Prices of Thousands of Food and Drink Products in Japan to Rise in November 2026

Prices of 1,477 food and drink products from 195 major manufacturers in Japan are expected to rise in November, nearly ten times the number recorded a year earlier. The annual total of items subject to price increases has surpassed 20,000 for the second consecutive year, though a Teikoku Databank official expects the pace to ease next year as companies gauge consumer reactions.

Transjakarta Bus Tyre Bursts in Central Jakarta After Nail Puncture

A Transjakarta bus suffered a burst tyre near Proklamasi bus stop in Menteng, Central Jakarta, after a nail became lodged in it. Passengers were evacuated and transferred to a replacement bus; the operator apologised and said its tyres meet safety standards and are inspected regularly.

Three Managers of Aceh Cannabis Farms Arrested; Landowner Sought

A joint police and National Narcotics Agency operation destroyed 122.86 hectares of cannabis crops in Aceh and arrested three people accused of managing the farms. Police are pursuing the alleged landowner, while investigators say one suspect also cultivated plants at home to monitor their growth.

Klaten Urges Children to Attend Early Childhood Education for a Year Before Starting Primary School

Klaten regency is promoting a year of early childhood education (PAUD) before children enter primary school as part of the 13-year compulsory education campaign. Officials say quality PAUD can support children’s development and readiness for further schooling, while a video competition is being used to encourage community outreach to parents.

South Jakarta District Court Orders AIA Financial to Pay Customers Rp15 Billion in Compensation

The South Jakarta District Court has ordered AIA Financial to pay two customers more than Rp15.3 billion in material damages after finding it unlawfully used their personal data to issue insurance policies without their consent. The ruling also voided the policies and related account debits by CIMB Niaga; the customers’ lawyers say they remain open to negotiations and hope the defendants will not appeal.

Police Praise Residents for Helping Uncover Case of Parents Who Allegedly Killed 20-Month-Old in South Jakarta

Police have named a 22-year-old stepfather and the child’s 19-year-old biological mother as suspects after residents’ reports helped uncover the death of a 20-month-old in Kebayoran Lama. Investigators say a preliminary autopsy found injuries suspected to have resulted from abuse, but the cause of death has not yet been established; they are examining whether violence was repeated or anyone else was involved.

Manpower Ministry strengthens protection and skills for music workers

Indonesia’s Manpower Ministry is providing vocational training and professional certification for 100 members of PAPRI, while developing national competency standards tailored to music-industry jobs. It also aims to expand workers’ access to social security and workplace protections, framing the measures as a way to recognise skills, uphold labour rights and promote fair employment standards.

Government Sets Aside Rp2.6tn to Cut Mekaar Loan Interest to 8%

The government has earmarked Rp2.6 trillion to subsidise lower financing costs for women borrowers in the PNM Mekaar programme, with the stated aim of reducing interest from 25% to 8%. The rollout will begin this year but initially cover only some borrowers, following field trials and technical coordination; the government will fully fund the interest subsidy and insurance.

From PLN Director to Director-General of Electricity: Arsyadany’s Profile

Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has appointed Arsyadany G. Akmalaputri as Director-General of Electricity at the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry. Previously a director at state-owned utility PLN, she has built a career spanning distribution, planning, corporate communications and asset management, and is described as the company’s youngest female director.

BisKita Trans Depok to End Free Fares Next Year, with General Fare Set at Rp6,000

Depok Mayor Supian Suri said fares on BisKita Trans Depok’s Terminal Depok–Harjamukti LRT Station route will be introduced in 2027, at Rp6,000 for most passengers and Rp4,000 for older people and school pupils. The city plans to redirect the subsidy to help fund a second corridor between Bojong Sari and Terminal Depok, citing the Rp19 billion operating cost of the existing service in 2026.

Police Detail Case Involving Kediri Mayor’s Father, AKBP Edy, Who Is Being Questioned by Propam

The National Police say there will be no impunity for officers found to have committed crimes, including corruption, as an internal examination continues into former East Java police official AKBP Edy Herwiyanto. Reports allege abuse of authority and links to an organisation accused of backing street thuggery; Edy has been transferred pending the examination, while police have not yet disclosed the case’s substance.

Imports of Aviation Fuel and Other Petroleum Products Surge Through September 2026

Indonesia’s imports of crude oil, motor fuel and aviation fuel rose substantially in value during January–September 2026, according to Statistics Indonesia (BPS), amid higher energy commodity prices. Aviation fuel imports recorded the steepest year-on-year increase, up 76.43%, although monthly import values for all three categories fell in September.

Haley Stevens Defects to Back El-Sayed’s Opponent Amid Israel Dispute Ahead of US Election

A dispute over Israel has escalated into an open split among Michigan Democrats, with Congresswoman Haley Stevens endorsing Republican Mike Rogers against Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed. The rift follows controversy over an independent political advert linking the cost of living to US support for Israel, and comes days before a pivotal Senate election that could affect the balance of power in Washington.

Laptop Prices Rise 9.17% Amid US Dollar Exchange-Rate Increase

Laptop and notebook prices in Bali rose by 9.17% in October 2026, contributing 0.02 percentage points to inflation, according to the provincial statistics agency. BPS attributed the increase to the rupiah’s weakening against the US dollar; Bali recorded monthly inflation of 0.25%, also driven by food prices.

Concrete mixer truck crashes into Bekasi bus stop, killing six

A concrete mixer truck lost control on a road in Bekasi City and crashed into a bus stop, killing six people and injuring six others. Police have detained the driver for questioning as authorities investigate the crash and arrange for the wrecked vehicle to be removed.

Signs That Humans Are Being Replaced Are Growing Stronger in China

China’s embodied-AI sector attracted 93.5 billion yuan (about 254 trillion rupiah) in funding in the first half of 2026, five times the amount raised a year earlier, as companies move robots from demonstrations into factories and service businesses. The push is intensifying US-China technology competition, with firms training robots on human movement and targeting systems capable of performing complex tasks independently, although large-scale adoption still faces technical and export-control challenges.

Communications Ministry Explains Rules for Tackling Disinformation; Public Criticism Remains Protected

Indonesia’s Communications and Digital Ministry says two 2026 ministerial decrees set limits and procedures for action against digital content, focusing on disinformation and hate speech that meet specified criteria. The ministry says legitimate criticism and journalism are not targets, and content owners can challenge mistaken moderation and seek restoration.

KOCCA Returns to Jakarta Fashion Week, Celebrating a Decade of Collaboration with Indonesia

South Korea’s Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) has returned to Jakarta Fashion Week with two Korean labels, marking ten years of collaboration with the event and the Council of Fashion Designers of Korea. The partnership aims to deepen creative exchange and open broader international opportunities for fashion industry players in both countries.

Economist forecasts El Niño could add 4.38 percentage points to food inflation in 2027

Bank Permata economist Faisal Rachman estimates that a strong El Niño could lift food inflation by as much as 4.38 percentage points in 2027 without government intervention to stabilise supplies and prices. He also expects inflation to remain above 3% through at least the first half of 2027, with risks including energy prices, rupiah depreciation and geopolitical tensions.

Truck Bomb Explodes Near Colombian Military Base, Killing Four

A truck carrying explosives detonated near a military base in Planadas, western Colombia, killing at least four people, including a two-month-old baby. The blast damaged a hospital and nearby homes, while authorities have not yet identified those responsible and condemned the attack on civilians and military families.

DJP Clarifies GOTO-Lazada Tax Arrangements Starting on 9 November 2026

Indonesia’s Directorate General of Taxes says the Digital Foreign Transaction Tax Collection System is not a new tax or a change to the VAT rate, and will apply only to qualifying digital transactions. It has not confirmed that private banks and platforms such as Shopee, Lazada and GOTO will be appointed as collection issuers; six institutions have so far been named, while other candidates remain in a stabilisation period.

Jakarta Hotel Occupancy Rate Reaches 58 Per Cent in September 2026

Jakarta’s star-rated hotels recorded an occupancy rate of 58.18 per cent in September 2026, up 2.30 percentage points month on month and 5.15 points year on year. The figure was the second-highest nationally, while non-star hotel occupancy fell; Indonesian guests made up nearly 89 per cent of star-hotel visitors.

Ambulance Carrying Patient and Free Nutritious Meals Delivery Vehicle Trapped by Road Blockade in Bima

Residents blocked a road in Bima, trapping an ambulance carrying a patient and a vehicle delivering Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) to schoolchildren. The blockade, reportedly triggered by allegations that a village secretary had been attacked, was later dismantled by police and military personnel, allowing traffic to resume.

Sudirman Said: We Must Keep Striving to Overcome the Governance Crisis

Konferensi Republik chairman Sudirman Said says Indonesia is facing a governance crisis that threatens future generations, citing weakening institutions, nepotism and economic pressures. He points to an alleged corruption case involving disaster funds as evidence of the erosion of public ethics, and urges civil society to speak out rather than remain silent.

Ukraine Publishes List of 292 Indonesians Recruited into Russian Military; Immigration Minister Responds

Ukraine’s ‘I Want to Live’ project says 292 Indonesian citizens have been recruited into Russia’s armed forces, with at least 283 reportedly going to fight in the first nine months of 2026. Indonesia’s Immigration and Corrections Minister Agus Andrianto says his ministry is working with the National Police to expose recruitment networks and is stepping up public education and immigration checks to prevent Indonesians from being deceived into joining foreign forces.

12 People Hit by Lorry in Bekasi While Waiting for Bus; Could Bus Stop Be Relocated?

A concrete mixer lorry struck 12 people waiting at a bus stop on Jalan Cut Mutia in Bekasi, killing six and injuring six others. Police say they will discuss relocating the stop with the city’s transport agency because the site is considered hazardous, while investigating possible criminal offences and determining who may be charged.

Bahlil Opens Door to Raising Coal Production Quota

Coordinating Minister Bahlil Lahadalia says the government may raise coal production quotas as prices recover, while stressing that production approvals will be guided by the balance between supply and demand. He pointed to higher state revenue despite lower output, with coal non-tax state revenue reaching Rp66 trillion by 31 August 2026.

PPP Chairman Mardiono Removes Agus Suparmanto and Taj Yasin, Explaining Why

PPP chairman Mardiono says Agus Suparmanto and Taj Yasin Maimoen have been removed from their party leadership roles as part of an internal restructuring, citing their repeated absence from official activities and disputes over the legitimacy of party events. The political decision has been made, although the administrative process and appointments of replacements are still under way, with Mardiono saying the changes are intended to avoid disruption ahead of electoral verification.

Indonesia hosts regional seminar on Muslim society development

UIN Jakarta and the Ministry of Religious Affairs hosted a seminar as part of the 50th MABIMS meeting, bringing together representatives from Southeast Asian member countries to discuss models for developing a civilised Muslim society. The meeting, attended by observer countries including Timor-Leste, Thailand, the Philippines and Myanmar, is addressing youth development, education and religion, socioeconomic harmony, and regional cooperation to improve Muslim communities’ well-being.

Religious Affairs Ministry to safeguard Hamalatul Quran children’s right to continued education

The Religious Affairs Ministry says it will support the recovery and continued education of children at the Hamalatul Quran Qur’an memorisation centre in Sukoharjo, while stressing that all learners deserve protection regardless of whether their institution is formally registered. The ministry says the centre is not a pesantren under its supervision and lacks the required registration, as police separately review complaints concerning a search at the institution.

A look at proposed provisions in the Asset Forfeiture Bill

Indonesia’s House of Representatives is considering a range of proposals for its Asset Forfeiture Bill, which it aims to pass by 15 December 2026. Public debate has focused on illicit enrichment, non-conviction-based forfeiture, the offences covered, an independent asset-recovery body and compensation for victims.

Inter-city Bus Crashes into Pandeglang Resident’s House, Destroying It

A Murni Jaya inter-city bus crashed into a house in Cikedal, Pandeglang, on 1 November, reportedly after the driver lost control due to a steering fault. No one was injured, but the house owner said the front of her home was destroyed and called for it to be repaired.

KND Selection Committee Receives Public Feedback on Candidates

The selection committee for the National Commission on Disabilities (KND) has received public endorsements and comments on candidates’ records during its open selection process. The committee also highlighted regional disparities in applicants and a shortage of candidates with intellectual disabilities as challenges to meeting the commission’s prescribed composition.

Pertamina strengthens financial and business skills of South Sumatra MSMEs

Pertamina Patra Niaga’s Sumbagsel regional unit has trained 131 partner micro, small and medium-sized enterprises through its 2026 UMK Academy, focusing on financial management and business-to-business collaboration. The programme aims to improve their competitiveness and long-term sustainability by teaching cost calculation, pricing, financial record-keeping and collaborative supply-chain practices.

Indonesia and Myanmar Forge Cooperation on Higher Education and Pilot Training

Indonesia and Myanmar have agreed to expand cooperation in higher education and pilot training, including a university partnership covering research, community engagement and student exchanges. The agreements, announced at Indonesia Expo 2026 in Yangon, are intended to lead to implementation plans, potential undergraduate scholarships for Myanmar students and cultural exchange programmes.

MP urges TKA invigilators to act quickly to prevent cheating

A member of the House of Representatives has urged invigilators overseeing the Academic Ability Test (TKA) to respond promptly to suspected cheating, with planned violations potentially leading to results being cancelled and invigilators sanctioned. The Education Minister has also warned that students caught cheating will receive zero marks and dishonest invigilators will be barred from future tests, as authorities seek to uphold integrity and transparency.

Shenzhen Unveils Theme Song and Music Video for Host City of APEC China 2026

Shenzhen has released a theme song and music video ahead of its role as host city for APEC China 2026. Featuring everyday residents and scenes from across the city, the production presents Shenzhen as an open, welcoming city and highlights the public’s enthusiasm for hosting the regional forum.

SME Ministry warns small businesses against rushing into IPOs

The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises says businesses should pursue an initial public offering only when their operations, governance and finances are ready, stressing that IPOs are a strategic choice rather than a shortcut or obligation. Its Go Public Academy for SMEs, developed with the Indonesia Stock Exchange, will prepare about 200 companies, while 42 SME issuers on the exchange’s Acceleration Board have raised around Rp2 trillion in total.

Indonesia Confirms Citizenship for 133 Settlers in Bitung City

Authorities in North Sulawesi have granted citizenship decrees to 133 undocumented residents of Filipino descent in Bitung after verifying their eligibility. The move is intended to provide legal certainty, improve access to public services and population administration, and offer legal aid to recipients seeking to establish businesses.

Police say AKBP Edy is being investigated by Propam, vow no impunity

The National Police say former East Java police official AKBP Edy Herwiyanto is being investigated by its Propam division over alleged corruption, and that no officer will receive special treatment if found guilty. Edy has been removed from his post and reassigned as a middle-ranking officer while the investigation proceeds.

Political Parties in Parliament Respond to the Gibran Diploma Controversy

Indonesia’s political parties in the House of Representatives have taken differing positions after the Supreme Court annulled the certificate recognising Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s secondary-school education. Some parties have called for parliamentary scrutiny or political action, while others say they are still reviewing the rulings or await further direction; the dispute now centres on the legal and political consequences of the court decisions.

Jusuf Kalla Urges Unpatti Graduates to Create Jobs in Maluku

Former vice-president Jusuf Kalla has urged Pattimura University graduates to become job creators as well as jobseekers, citing the increasingly challenging employment market. He said Maluku’s natural resources—including spices, fisheries, mining and energy—offer opportunities for entrepreneurship and economic growth, and called on young people to take an active role in developing them.

Man Attacked by Several People at His Home in Bogor; Police Investigate

Police in Gunung Putri, Bogor, are investigating after a video circulated showing a man being attacked at his home by several people. The victim’s family contacted police, and the victim has since filed a report at the Bogor Police headquarters after officers’ attempt to mediate failed.

Indodax Confirms Members’ Funds and Data Are Safe After System Anomaly

Indodax says its investigation found no loss of assets, unauthorised transfers or member data leaks after detecting unusual system activity on 29 October 2026. The cryptocurrency exchange has begun restoring deposits and withdrawals in stages, following security assessments and mitigation measures.