Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 2 November 2026

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Be Alert: Coastal Flooding Possible from 2 to 17 November; See the Areas Affected

BMKG has warned that coastal flooding, or tidal inundation, could affect coastal areas across Indonesia between 2 and 17 November 2026. The new moon on 9 November may raise maximum sea levels, and the agency advises coastal communities and port users to monitor marine weather updates and prepare for disruption.

Neighbour Hears ‘It Hurts, Oh God’ as Grandmother Burns Granddaughter in Depok

A 17-year-old girl was left with burns covering 80 per cent of her body and is in a coma after her grandmother allegedly set her alight in Depok. Neighbours say they heard her cries for help and broke into the locked house; the suspect faces charges under domestic violence and child protection laws, carrying a maximum 10-year prison sentence.

Foreign Tourists’ Spending in Indonesia Rises to Rp24.95 Million

Average spending by foreign visitors in Indonesia rose to US$1,374.48 per visit in the third quarter of 2026, up from US$1,285 in the previous quarter, according to Statistics Indonesia (BPS). Accommodation accounted for the largest share, followed by food and drink; spending increased in nearly all categories, with vehicle hire and health and beauty the exceptions.

Young Investors Need to Understand the Risks of Crypto Assets

Indonesia had 22.93 million crypto investors as of July 2026, underscoring the need for stronger financial literacy among young people. Experts say investors should set financial goals, build a sound personal finance foundation and understand crypto’s high-risk characteristics before committing funds.

Shell Completes Sale of Its Petrol Station Business in Indonesia: Assets Transferred

Shell has completed the transfer of its Indonesian petrol station business to SEFAS Group under a revised sale and purchase agreement. The deal covers about 200 stations, fuel supply and distribution operations, and a fuel terminal in Gresik, while the sites will retain the Shell brand under a licensing agreement and Shell’s lubricants business remains outside the transaction.

BPS Data: Indonesia’s CPO Exports to Israel Reach US$14.6 Million Through September

Statistics Indonesia (BPS) data show that Indonesia exported US$14.6 million worth of crude palm oil (CPO) to Israel in January–September 2026, following exports valued at US$21.6 million in 2025. The figures have attracted attention amid anti-Israel sentiment and online allegations naming Wilmar and Sinar Mas as suppliers, although the companies have not commented and the report does not establish the claims.

Telkom Posts Rp113.5 Trillion in Revenue, Driven by Four Main Business Segments

Telkom Indonesia reported consolidated revenue of Rp113.5 trillion for the first nine months of 2026, up 3.5% year on year, with data, internet and IT services providing the main contribution. The company is advancing its TLKM 30 transformation, including streamlining its portfolio and transferring most of its network assets to InfraNexia, while investing in connectivity and data-centre capacity.

Free University Tuition Deemed Highly Achievable, JPPI Raises Several Key Concerns

Indonesia’s Education Monitoring Network (JPPI) says free tuition at state universities is achievable, provided the government prioritises funding and designs an adequate financing model. It also warns that without fairer access to admissions, the subsidy could disproportionately benefit students already better placed to enter state universities, while poorer students remain excluded.

Foreign tourist visits top 12 million as average spending also rises

Indonesia recorded 12.01 million foreign tourist visits in January–September 2026, up 5.01% year on year, according to Statistics Indonesia (BPS). September arrivals fell month on month but remained higher than a year earlier, while average visitor spending also increased.

Modular Buildings Attract International Buyers at Linyi Sourcing Fair

Modular buildings and prefabricated accommodation drew interest from international buyers at the Fourth Linyi Mall International Buyers Conference in Shandong. Growing tourism and hospitality investment in Southeast Asia is creating demand, while ChinaMarket is positioning its integrated sourcing and trade services as a way to help overseas buyers navigate suppliers, specifications and logistics.

Bahlil Officially Appoints Arsyadany as Energy Ministry’s Director-General of Electricity

Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has appointed Arsyadany Ghana Akmalaputri as director-general of electricity at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources. Arsyadany joins the ministry after serving as PLN’s director of distribution, bringing two decades of experience across electricity distribution, planning and corporate roles.

Gibran’s Increasingly Strategic Position Seen as a Political Attack

Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka is seen as retaining political leverage because of his office, high public profile and potential future electoral prospects, despite facing sustained criticism. Polling cited in the article shows his presidential electability rising to 8.4 per cent in October 2026, while an analyst cautions that loud social-media criticism does not necessarily reflect majority opinion.

20 MBG Kitchens in Bima Are Built but Not Yet Operating

The free nutritious meals (MBG) programme has yet to reach Lambitu, one of Bima Regency’s 18 districts, while none of 20 kitchens serving remote and frontier areas has begun operating. Officials say eight facilities were appraised in April 2026, seven in May, two are ready for appraisal and three remain under construction.

BNPB outlines eight rainy-season preparedness measures for regions

Indonesia’s disaster agency has instructed regional governments to prepare for the 2026/2027 rainy season through risk mapping, emergency readiness, improved warnings, stronger coordination and community education. The measures follow forecasts of staged seasonal rainfall and risks including floods, landslides, strong winds and high waves.

Iran Warns Trump: A New War Could Last Longer

Iran has warned the United States that any renewed conflict could last longer than the previous fighting, amid stalled peace efforts and repeated threats of fresh US and Israeli strikes. The warning follows Donald Trump’s claim that remaining Iranian targets, including suspected nuclear sites, could be destroyed within minutes; Tehran says it remains prepared for both defence and diplomacy.

Rupiah Closes at Rp 18,140 per US Dollar

The rupiah weakened 0.11% to Rp 18,140 per US dollar on Monday, despite a softer dollar index, as global investors awaited the US midterm elections. Indonesian inflation eased to 3.23% in October while manufacturing activity strengthened, but persistent price pressures and global uncertainty continued to weigh on market sentiment.

Accountability for Court Judgments and the Role of the Judicial Commission

The article argues that judicial independence must be balanced by accountability, and that the Judicial Commission should be able to oversee judges’ professional conduct as reflected in their judgments. It traces legal limits on the Commission’s oversight and contends that ethical scrutiny safeguards, rather than undermines, an independent judiciary and fair trials.

Danantara and TIME Explore Nine International Forums: What Are the Opportunities for Promotion?

Danantara Indonesia says its logo appeared at the 2026 TIME100 Next Gala through non-financial, in-kind support from TIME, not paid sponsorship. The arrangement is part of discussions about cooperation across international forums, but transparency about the terms and evidence of economic benefits will be important in assessing its value to Indonesia’s investment promotion.

Airfares Rise in 24 Provinces, with These Areas Hit Hardest

Airfare inflation was recorded in 24 provinces in October 2026, after the government set a 40% fuel surcharge at the start of the month. South Kalimantan saw the steepest monthly increase at 15.73%, followed by Bengkulu and Papua, with regional differences reflecting domestic routes and flight frequencies.

Octrado: Gulf Economies Braced for Significant Contraction as Strait of Hormuz Closure Enters Eighth Month

The World Bank now forecasts that Gulf Cooperation Council economies will contract by an average of 4.3% in 2026, a sharp reversal from its January growth projection, as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed amid the war with Iran. The disruption is also hitting Asian energy importers, with Qatar and Kuwait facing the steepest downturns and LNG prices near their highest levels since late 2022.

Indonesian tuna and octopus attract US$29.2 million in potential deals in Spain

Indonesian seafood suppliers generated Rp522 billion (US$29.2 million) in potential transactions at a trade exhibition in Spain, showcasing products including tuna and octopus. ITPC Barcelona plans to pursue buyer leads, while officials stressed that exporters must meet EU health, food-safety and certification requirements to turn interest into contracts and expand market access.

Phapros Profit Surges 311% as Higher Sales and Efficiency Provide Support

Phapros reported net profit of Rp31.60 billion for the first nine months of 2026, up 311.58% year on year, while sales rose 15.07% to Rp786.57 billion. Improved operating efficiency helped lift margins and cash flow, with the pharmaceutical company citing tighter cost controls and product portfolio development as key drivers.

KUR Disbursement in West Kalimantan Reaches Rp4.51 Trillion, Up 40.32%

People’s Business Credit (KUR) disbursement in West Kalimantan reached Rp4.51 trillion through September 2026, up 40.32% year on year, and served 51,401 borrowers. By contrast, Ultra-Micro (UMi) financing fell 36.14% to Rp90.08 billion, although both schemes are expected to strengthen access to capital for local micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.

AllianzGI: Strong fundamentals support Indonesia’s bid to remain an emerging market

Allianz Global Investors Indonesia says the country’s economic fundamentals, sizeable domestic market and growth prospects support its continued inclusion in MSCI’s emerging-market classification. MSCI is consulting on a possible move to standalone-market status, citing concerns over ownership transparency and trading practices; Indonesian authorities and the stock exchange are pursuing reforms ahead of a decision expected by June 2027.

PT Poso Energy releases 1,000 eel juveniles to protect Lake Poso’s ecosystem

PT Poso Energy has released about 1,000 juvenile marbled eels into Lake Poso as part of its second restocking programme of 2026, aiming to support the recovery of the endemic species and preserve the lake’s ecological balance. The company also operates a fishway at its hydroelectric dam to help eels migrate, while emphasising that sustained conservation requires cooperation among government, academics, businesses and local communities.

Kosovo Woman Warned Authorities Three Days Before Murder; Police Chief Resigns and Prosecutors Suspended

Arlinda Zekaj, 49, was killed after repeatedly seeking protection from alleged domestic abuse, including warning prosecutors of threats to her safety three days before her death. The case has prompted protests and an institutional investigation: Kosovo’s police chief has resigned, 11 officers have been suspended, and two prosecutors face disciplinary action amid findings of delays and failures to implement protection orders.

Complete List: 38 Parties and 11 Securities Firms Sanctioned by OJK

OJK imposed sanctions on 38 parties in capital-market cases during 2026, with total fines of Rp2.14 trillion, according to 10 documents published by 31 October. The largest penalty was Rp1.5 trillion against PT Sinar Mas Tunggal; sanctions also included written warnings and the suspension of two underwriters’ representative licences.

Singaraja Prison Inmate Suspected of Running Methamphetamine Trade Using Smuggled Mobile Phone

Singaraja Prison has acknowledged a major security lapse after an inmate was suspected of directing methamphetamine distribution from inside the facility using a mobile phone allegedly smuggled in by a family member. The phone was discovered after police arrested a 16-year-old courier, prompting an internal investigation and a review of visitor screening procedures; officials say staff found negligent could face sanctions.

Gold Rebounds After Falling to Its Lowest Level: What Is Driving the Market

Gold prices rose on Monday after a sharp sell-off pushed spot prices to their lowest level since October 2025, although they remained below US$4,000 an ounce. Weaker oil prices eased inflation concerns, while investors weighed Federal Reserve officials’ comments on interest rates and the potential market implications of the US midterm elections.

Apple Reportedly Set to Launch Three New iPads in 2027

Apple is reportedly preparing to launch updated iPad Air, iPad Pro and entry-level iPad 12 models in the first half of 2027. Expected upgrades include OLED displays for the Air, vapor-chamber cooling for the Pro, and an A19 chip, Wi-Fi 7 and a more power-efficient Apple modem for the iPad 12.

Large Block of Ice Smashes Through Bantul House Roof Despite No Rain; BMKG Weighs In

A large block of ice, around 20 centimetres in diameter, fell onto an unoccupied house in Pandak, Bantul, damaging its roof and interior but causing no injuries. BMKG said radar data showed no rain at the location at the time and that a possible atmospheric disturbance linked to the Madden–Julian Oscillation requires further analysis; its cause remains unconfirmed.

Bogor Police Chief Meets District Military Commander, Reaffirms Cooperation to Maintain Regional Security

Bogor Police Chief AKBP Arfan Zulkan Sipayung and Bogor District Military Commander Lt Col Inf Rizal Dwijayanto discussed security-sensitive locations and closer coordination between the police and military. They said the partnership would help maintain public safety and support the implementation of government programmes in Bogor Regency.

81 HSC Stocks Removed from the JCI, Increasing the Weightings of These 10 Companies

The Indonesia Stock Exchange has removed 81 stocks with high shareholding concentration (HSC) from the Jakarta Composite Index (JCI), representing about 18% of the index’s weighting and 30% of the market’s capitalisation. Their weightings have been redistributed among the remaining constituents, boosting the shares of major banks and other large listed companies, while the exchange says the change is not expected to cause a sharp index move.

Trump Makes Final Campaign Push Before Tuesday’s Midterm Elections

Donald Trump campaigned in Iowa and Kansas in a final effort to mobilise Republican voters ahead of the US congressional midterm elections. He urged voters to retain Republican control of Congress and backed Senate candidate Roger Marshall and gubernatorial candidate Ty Masterson; control of both chambers was at stake, with all 435 House seats and 35 Senate seats contested.

Bahlil Says Indonesia Cannot Yet Export Electricity

Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia says Indonesia cannot export electricity in the near future because domestic demand remains high. He warned Danantara against lobbying over any prospective exports, stressing that export permits fall under the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry; Indonesia and Singapore have previously been negotiating terms for a green electricity trade deal.

Five Train Services Disrupted by Track Erosion in Daop 9

Track erosion near Ledokombo-Sempolan in Jember disrupted five train services, prompting cancellations, replacement buses and lengthy delays. KAI offered full refunds for two cancelled services and said safety inspections would determine when trains could resume running through the affected section.

Propam Steps In After Sukoharjo Islamic Boarding School Raid; Number of Officers Under Investigation Remains Unknown

Propam at National Police headquarters and the Central Java Police are investigating officers involved in a raid on the Hamalatul Qur’an Islamic boarding school in Sukoharjo, but officials have not disclosed how many personnel are being examined. The raid followed an investigation into the burning of a pork noodle stall and led police to seize an array of weapons and other suspicious items from several boarding-school premises.

Inflation in North Sulawesi Hits 8.07% in October 2026, While Jakarta Records the Lowest Rate

Indonesia’s annual inflation reached 3.23% in October 2026, with North Sulawesi recording the highest provincial rate at 8.07% and Jakarta the lowest at 2.52%. Food, transport and personal care costs were key drivers, while headline inflation moved closer to the upper limit of the government and Bank Indonesia’s target range.

Six Killed in Concrete Mixer Truck Crash in Bekasi, Including Two Children

Six people, including two children, were killed and six others injured when a concrete mixer truck struck a crowd on Jalan Cut Mutia in Bekasi. Police said the truck’s brakes failed before it veered into the group and hit a building wall.

MP urges Banyumas and Cilacap IKM to integrate with tourism

Siti Mukaromah, a member of the House of Representatives’ Commission VII, has urged small and medium industries (IKM) in Banyumas and Cilacap to link their businesses more closely with tourism, widening markets for local products and supporting the regional economy. A three-day training programme covered six vocational fields, with the aim of helping participants build sustainable businesses, create jobs and strengthen local economic independence.

Police Urge Public to Monitor Officers for Vaping and Report Any Violations

The National Police have asked the public to report officers who use vapes, whether on or off duty, as part of efforts to enforce a new internal ban. Violations may draw disciplinary action, while vape liquids found to contain narcotics could lead to criminal prosecution; the policy is intended to help prevent the concealment and use of liquid-form drugs.

BPS Says Rice Production Falls Due to El Niño

Indonesia’s rice harvest area and production fell sharply in September 2026, with the statistics agency attributing further expected declines to a stronger El Niño. BPS forecasts lower rice and maize output in the final quarter of the year, raising concerns about agricultural supply.

Police Chief Says Officers Who Breach Vape Ban Will Be Disciplined

Indonesia’s police chief says officers who violate the force-wide ban on e-cigarettes will face disciplinary action, while use of vape cartridges containing narcotics could lead to criminal prosecution. Police say the ban is intended to prevent liquid narcotics from being concealed and consumed through vaping devices, and the public is being urged to report violations.

Long-Distance Train Timetables Cause Confusion as Names and Routes Match but Departure Times Differ

Passengers have complained that KAI’s revised long-distance train names have left trains with identical names and routes but different departure times and fares, raising concerns about booking or boarding the wrong service. KAI says passengers should check their train number and ticket details, and that the 2026 timetable changes are intended to improve service, safety and operational reliability.

Rice prices rise at all levels, with retail reaching Rp15,765 per kg

Statistics Indonesia (BPS) reported that average rice prices rose across retail, wholesale and milling levels, with retail prices averaging Rp15,765 per kg in October 2026. The figures came as Indonesia recorded monthly inflation of 0.22 per cent and annual inflation of 3.23 per cent.

SMEs Ministry and IDX prepare 200 SMEs for the capital market

Indonesia’s Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and the Indonesia Stock Exchange are preparing about 200 small and medium-sized enterprises for a programme designed to help them raise funds through the capital market. The initiative builds on a pool of 42 SME issuers that have raised a combined Rp2 trillion from investors, demonstrating the market’s potential as a source of business financing.

Bantul Disaster Agency Says There Is No Ice Factory Near Home Struck by Ice Block

Bantul’s disaster management agency says there is no ice factory near the house in Pandak damaged by a large falling ice block, and reports that there was no rain or strong wind at the time. The agency is treating the incident as a phenomenon while coordinating with the meteorological agency to determine its cause; no one was injured.

Semeru Lahar Floods Batter Lumajang, Affecting 1,100 Residents

Heavy rain triggered cold-lahar flooding and landslides across several parts of Lumajang, affecting an estimated 1,100 people and isolating about 117 households. A bridge linking Malang and Lumajang and several roads were rendered impassable, while separate landslides in Pronojiwo killed a father and his nine-year-old daughter; East Java province has pledged building materials, food parcels and bereavement assistance.

Food and beverages drive Jakarta’s annual inflation in October 2026

Jakarta recorded annual inflation of 2.52 per cent in October 2026, the lowest rate among Indonesian provinces, with food, beverages and tobacco making the largest contribution. Chicken, rice and cooking oil were the main drivers in that group, while transport costs—particularly petrol—also contributed; monthly inflation stood at 0.13 per cent.

OJK Launches Islamic Finance Blueprint: What It Contains

Indonesia’s Financial Services Authority (OJK) has launched a cross-sector blueprint to accelerate the development of the country’s Islamic finance industry, spanning Islamic banking, capital markets and non-bank finance. The plan prioritises product diversification and stronger capital, as OJK seeks to build an industry that can grow faster and contribute more to the national economy.