Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 2 November 2026

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DPR Commission III Deputy Chair Backs Police Chief’s Vape Ban for Officers, Citing Etomidate

Ahmad Sahroni, deputy chair of the House of Representatives’ Commission III, has backed a police directive prohibiting officers from using e-cigarettes, citing the risk that vapes can be used to circulate liquid narcotics such as etomidate. He urged the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) to issue a fatwa on vape use, while police say the ban is a precautionary response to evolving drug-trafficking methods.

Sosro Encourages Young People to Join Ancol Beach Clean-up

Sosro and Ancol are inviting young people to take part in a beach clean-up at Ancol on 28 October 2026, marking Youth Pledge Day. The event combines litter collection with education on waste sorting and recycling, including the conversion of carton waste into PolyAl for products such as school desks and rubbish collection boxes.

Central Java Regional Council Calls for a Just Clean Energy Policy

Central Java’s Regional House of Representatives is urging a more participatory and up-to-date revision of the province’s Regional Energy Plan, with a draft regulation scheduled for discussion in 2027. Lawmakers also want clearer public communication about planned geothermal development near Mount Ungaran, while the province considers how to realise its substantial renewable-energy potential amid grid constraints.

Chinese Electric Motorbikes Reap Profits in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh

Surging fuel prices linked to the US-Israeli war with Iran have accelerated demand for affordable Chinese electric scooters across South Asia, with exports to Pakistan and Bangladesh rising sharply. The trend offers consumers cheaper mobility and greater independence, particularly women, while raising concerns about the region’s reliance on Chinese components and the geopolitical implications of Beijing’s growing market presence.

Considering a USD Mutual Fund Investment? Don’t Give in to FOMO—Understand These 10 Key Points

USD-denominated mutual funds can help investors diversify and prepare for dollar-based expenses, but their performance still depends on portfolio assets, economic conditions, exchange rates and fees. The article outlines ten checks—from asset allocation and US monetary policy to currency risk, tax treatment and liquidity—that investors should make before investing.

Announcement: Indonesian Coal Benchmark Prices Rise on Average in November 2026

Indonesia’s Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry has set benchmark coal prices for the first half of November 2026, with all four calorific-grade categories rising from the second half of October. The ministry attributed the sustained gains in the medium- and lower-calorie grades to strong global energy demand; high-calorie coal was set at US$125.60 per tonne.

Islamic Organisations and Mosques Urged to Help Grow Islamic Banking

Muhammadiyah social, economic and religious observer Anwar Abbas has urged closer cooperation among regulators, Islamic banks, Muslim organisations and mosque administrators to lift Islamic banking’s market share, currently around 7.3 per cent. He identified weak public education, limited branch networks and uncompetitive financing margins as key obstacles, and proposed using Islamic microfinance institutions and community networks to broaden access and attract customers.

Pramono: Jakarta Government Fully Supports Police Crackdown on Drugs

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has pledged the provincial government’s full support for police operations against drug trafficking and called for the campaign to continue consistently. A joint raid in Kampung Bahari resulted in 29 people being detained and the seizure of suspected drugs, weapons and equipment linked to drug distribution or production.

Ecuador Imposes Curfew in Several Violence-Hit Areas

President Daniel Noboa has imposed an overnight curfew in five coastal provinces of Ecuador, alongside special anti-crime operations, as authorities seek to curb violence. It is the fourth curfew of the year and comes during a four-day national holiday, four weeks before local elections.

Environment Ministry Investigates Fires at 335 Company Concessions

The Environment Ministry is investigating fires across concessions held by 335 companies, verifying each affected site before assigning responsibility or pursuing enforcement. The inquiry is examining possible human causes, while officials also say emergency response and peatland restoration remain priorities.

BPS: Trade Surplus Supported by Non-Oil and Gas Commodities

Indonesia recorded a cumulative trade surplus of US$10.61 billion in January–September 2026, driven by a US$34.21 billion surplus in non-oil and gas trade that offset a US$23.60 billion deficit in oil and gas. Exports rose 5.58 per cent year on year, while imports increased more sharply by 19.67 per cent, with China remaining Indonesia’s leading export destination and source of non-oil and gas imports.

Halloween Weekend Shootings in the US Leave 76 Dead

At least 76 people were killed and 201 injured in firearm incidents across the United States over Halloween weekend, according to analysts cited by RIA Novosti. The incidents included shootings at parties, in apartment complexes and during domestic violence, as well as the killing of a sheriff’s deputy in Montana.

KPK summons Klaten BPKPAD chief as witness in Hamenang case

Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has summoned the head of Klaten’s regional finance, revenue and asset management agency to testify in a corruption investigation involving suspended Klaten Regent Hamenang Wajar Ismoyo. The case stems from an October 2026 sting operation and spans alleged bribery linked to an audit, procurement, mining permits and payments involving local government bodies.

Finding Places to Eat in Greater Jakarta Is Now Possible Through TikTok’s Must Eat

TikTok GO by Tokopedia has launched Must Eat, a community-based dining guide covering Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang and Bekasi. The feature ranks venues using community recommendations, popularity and distinctiveness—not simply views or likes—and TikTok says restaurants cannot pay to be included.

Vocational Education in Anhui Opens Career Paths for Indonesian Young People

A vocational programme run by Wuhu Vocational and Technical College in partnership with Anhui Conch Group has trained Indonesian students for roles at Conch companies in Indonesia. Its graduates, including Brayen Difan Makatiwo, have found employment, illustrating how industry-linked education can build local skills as Chinese companies expand overseas.

Unhas Patriot Expedition Team Supports Pupils at Parubela Primary School in Konawe with Learning and Drawing

Hasanuddin University’s Patriot Expedition Team has helped address a teacher shortage at Parubela Primary School in Konawe by assisting with classroom lessons and creative activities. The initiative offers pupils broader learning experiences while supporting local educators, in line with calls by national officials to develop practical solutions and strengthen human resources.

AKBP Edy Herwiyanto Questioned by Propam over Alleged Corruption; Police Say Kediri Mayor’s Father Is Not Above the Law

Indonesia’s National Police say Propam is examining AKBP Edy Herwiyanto over alleged corruption and that any officer found involved will receive no special treatment. Edy, the father of Kediri Mayor Vinanda Prameswati, has also been reassigned as a mid-ranking officer, while police say they will provide updates as the examination progresses.

Gibran Was Ready to Open Up About His Diploma, but the Plaintiff Withdraws

Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming says he had prepared documents to address questions about his educational qualifications in court, but the company that brought the case has withdrawn its lawsuit. The dispute concerned an equivalency letter recognising his studies at UTS Insearch in Sydney as equivalent to Indonesian vocational secondary-school education; Gibran says he respects the court process and hopes it will clarify the matter for the public.

Indonesia and Vietnam Pursue Shared Growth

Indonesia–Vietnam trade reached US$17.2 billion in 2025 and exceeded US$14.6 billion in the first nine months of 2026, with both countries aiming for US$18 billion by 2028. A forum in Vietnam highlighted the next challenge: turning growing trade into productive investment, joint manufacturing, technology cooperation and stronger supply-chain links.

Selected Photographs from the First Week of November 2026

This photo roundup captures humanitarian solidarity with Palestinians, Indonesia–Singapore cooperation on forest and land fires, and a range of local events and emergencies. Images also document drought and flood relief, the distribution of free nutritious meals to remote communities, volcanic hazards and public demonstrations, alongside cultural performances and traditions.

Indonesia and Vietnam Pursue Joint Growth

Indonesia and Vietnam are seeking to deepen their partnership beyond trade, with cooperation proposed in investment, manufacturing, technology, connectivity, education and halal supply chains. Bilateral trade exceeded US$14.6 billion in the first nine months of 2026, and both countries are targeting US$18 billion by 2028; forums and regional opportunities in Quang Ninh are intended to translate the partnership into joint production and value creation.

KPK Summons Seven Private Individuals and a Housewife in BNPB Corruption Case

Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has summoned seven private individuals and a housewife as witnesses in an alleged corruption case involving the National Disaster Mitigation Agency’s (BNPB) disaster-response funds. The investigation has already resulted in five suspects, asset seizures worth Rp5.47 billion and communication with military authorities over the alleged involvement of active soldiers.

RANS Carnival at Tasikmalaya Mall Cancelled, Management Says Move Is to Maintain Calm

RANS Carnival-Cipungland, scheduled for 14–15 November at Plaza Asia Tasikmalaya, has been cancelled. The mall’s operations manager said the event was removed from its November calendar to maintain a conducive atmosphere in the city, and that management had communicated with RANS.

Parents Accused of Killing Baby in South Jakarta Toilet Blame Each Other Over Wrapping the Body

A 22-year-old stepfather and a 19-year-old mother have been named suspects in the killing of their 20-month-old child, whose body was found in an empty plot in Bendungan Hilir. During a police reconstruction, the pair argued over who wrapped and tied the body in a plastic bag before it was dumped.

Raffi Ahmad’s RANS Posts 27.3% Profit Growth: Here’s Why

PT Rans Entertainment Indonesia (RANS), owned by entertainer Raffi Ahmad, reported a 27.34% rise in consolidated profit for the first nine months of 2026, to Rp35.06 billion. The increase was driven chiefly by lower operating expenses, despite a decline in gross profit as cost of revenue rose faster than revenue.

Surabaya City Government Wins Award for Optimising Zakat

Surabaya Mayor Eri Cahyadi has received a 2026 Grand BAZNAS Award recognising his support for zakat, after the city encouraged civil servants to contribute and strengthened the collection and distribution of religious charitable funds. The city’s BAZNAS collects an average of Rp3 billion to Rp4.5 billion monthly, and officials say improved data coordination and independent, accountable management will help direct support to those most in need.

KPK Summons Pemalang Deputy Council Speaker and Six Witnesses in Pemalang Case

Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has summoned Pemalang Deputy Regional Council Speaker AI and six other witnesses in an alleged extortion case involving suspended Pemalang Regent Anom Widiyantoro. The investigation stems from a July 2026 sting operation and involves two alleged extortion schemes, including claims that Anom’s associate collected Rp1.98 billion and that information about a KPK case was used to solicit money from him.

Khofifah strengthens health protection for workers

East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa is urging businesses to comply with their obligations under the National Health Insurance (JKN) programme and register workers for coverage. The provincial government received a 2026 Satya JKN Award for its commitment to enforcing business compliance, and will continue working with BPJS Kesehatan and employers to protect workers’ healthcare rights.

BBMKG issues early warning for heavy rain in Bali from 2 to 4 November

BBMKG Denpasar has issued an early warning of heavy to very heavy rain in parts of Bali from 2 to 4 November 2026, with strong winds also possible in several districts. The agency has separately warned of waves of at least two metres in waters south of Bali and forecast the rainy season to peak in February 2027.

Global Food Crisis Fears Grow: Indonesia’s Rice Stocks Assessed

Agriculture Minister Amran Sulaiman says Indonesia is relatively well placed to withstand global supply-chain disruption, citing an estimated 25 million tonnes of rice availability. This includes government reserves, crops nearing harvest and stocks held by the hotel, restaurant and catering sector, against monthly domestic demand of about 2.5 million tonnes.

Singapore and Malaysia Lead the Largest AppliedEdu ASEAN Rankings to Date

The 2027 AppliedEdu rankings assess 316 universities across nine ASEAN countries, drawing on more than 100,000 student responses and verified institutional data. Singapore’s National University of Singapore retains the top public-university position, while Malaysia dominates the leading private and public university places; Indonesia has the largest national representation, with 102 institutions ranked.

East Java Police Uncover Subsidised Fuel Abuse at 22 Sites, 21 People Named as Suspects

East Java Police have named 21 suspects over the alleged misuse of subsidised fuel and LPG at 22 locations, with the activity said to have caused losses worth billions of rupiah. Authorities seized thousands of litres of fuel and hundreds of LPG cylinders, as investigators linked the schemes to repeated refuelling and shortages affecting the public.

Construction Continues as Klungkung Bali Cultural Centre Project Closes to the Public

The Bali Cultural Centre site in Klungkung will be closed to the public from 15 November 2026 until further notice as construction proceeds, with local customary leaders pledging to help explain the measure to residents. The Rp1.3 trillion multi-year project is expected to be completed by December 2027 and is intended to host major cultural events currently held in Denpasar.

Motorola Signature 27 Price Leak Suggests It Could Cost More Than Rp30 Million

A Portuguese retailer has reportedly listed Motorola’s upcoming Signature 27 at €1,594 (around Rp32 million) for the 12GB RAM and 512GB storage model, ahead of its expected 5 November 2026 launch. The article also cites premium specifications and a separate listing for the Razr Flex 27, suggesting Motorola is preparing another high-priced foldable device.

Two Thieves at Coach Justin’s Padel Court Arrested; Their Roles Revealed

Police have arrested two suspects over a burglary at KOCI Padel House, owned by Coach Justin, in South Jakarta. One allegedly broke in and sold the stolen electronics, while the other planned the theft and kept watch; the loss is estimated at Rp12 million, and the stolen devices have yet to be recovered.

Prosecutors Question Ferry, Associate of Former Jampidsus Febrie, About ‘Boboho’ Nickname

Ferry Yanto Hongkiriwang told a Jakarta corruption court he did not know where the nickname ‘Boboho’ came from, while testifying in the alleged extortion and money-laundering case involving former Jampidsus Febrie Adriansyah. Febrie is accused of extorting Rp55 billion from businessman Tan Kian and laundering more than Rp346 billion, as well as US$440,990, through asset purchases.

Sudan Lodges Complaint Against Ethiopia with UN and African Union over ‘Drone’ Attacks

Sudan has complained to the UN Security Council and the African Union over alleged drone attacks launched from Ethiopian territory, saying they targeted civilian sites and power plants and caused civilian casualties. Ethiopia denies supporting the attacks, which Sudan attributes to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, as the country’s war continues to drive mass displacement and a worsening humanitarian crisis.

South Korean army sergeant dies at frontline unit with external injuries

A South Korean army staff sergeant has died after suffering external injuries at a frontline unit near the North Korean border, with investigators examining the circumstances. The death comes amid heightened border tensions following landmine explosions that wounded three South Korean soldiers in September, although no link between the incidents has been established.

Criminal Investigation Agency Finds 25-Hectare Cannabis Plantation in North Aceh

Indonesia’s National Police Criminal Investigation Agency, the National Narcotics Agency and Aceh Police uncovered a cannabis plantation covering about 25 hectares in North Aceh. It was the second site found by the agency’s narcotics directorate in the area; an earlier operation had identified a plantation of around 18 hectares, and the plants are to be uprooted and burned.

Higher Education Ministry Studies Free Tuition at State Universities

The Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology is assessing how to implement free tuition at state universities, including its budgetary implications and whether the programme should be phased in. The study follows President Prabowo Subianto’s instruction to prepare the policy promptly while taking account of implementation stages and the state’s fiscal capacity.

How to Identify Unknown WhatsApp Callers and Avoid Scams

WhatsApp has introduced three security features designed to give users stronger account protection and more control. They include biometric or device-lock passkeys, more robust two-step verification passwords, and additional information about unknown callers on Android to help users assess potential scams.

Early November Sees Red Bird’s Eye Chillies Reach Rp124,000 per Kilogram

National retail food prices remain high, with red bird’s eye chillies reaching Rp124,400 per kilogram on 2 November 2026, according to Bank Indonesia’s PIHPS data. The figures also show elevated prices for other staples, including rice, onions, meat, eggs, sugar and cooking oil.

HSBC to open Hong Kong AI institute after Singapore launch

HSBC plans to establish an artificial intelligence and emerging technology institute in Hong Kong in the first quarter of 2027, partnering with the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and later moving the centre to the Northern Metropolis. The announcement follows its plan to recruit more than 100 AI specialists in Singapore, while Hong Kong’s monetary authority is preparing a framework to support AI agents in finance and expand trials of tokenised bills.

Food Cartels Must Be Stopped: Protect the Public and Uphold the State’s Authority

The article warns that alleged diversion and repackaging of subsidised SPHP rice, alongside misleading fortification claims, undermine affordability, consumer trust and the purpose of public food programmes. It calls for end-to-end investigations, digital traceability, coordinated inspections, stronger consumer protections and fair enforcement, amid rising rice production and substantial government food-security spending.

Persis: No Officers Must Humiliate Female Students During Search of Hamalatul Qur’an in Sukoharjo

Persis has called for the protection of women and children after police searched the Hamalatul Qur’an girls’ Islamic boarding school in Sukoharjo on 27 October 2026. The organisation condemned allegations that officers broke down dormitory doors, intimidated students and pointed long-barrelled firearms at them, saying any such conduct would be unacceptable.

What Happens If the MK and MA Rulings on Gibran Are Not Implemented?

A constitutional law expert has warned that failure to act on Constitutional Court (MK) and Supreme Court (MA) rulings concerning Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s education records could undermine the courts’ legitimacy. He said prolonged inaction would also raise questions about respect for the constitution and the integrity of Indonesia’s elections.

Riau Police Chief Warns Officers: Involvement in Drugs Will Lead to Dismissal

Riau Police Chief Inspector General Arman Achdiat has warned officers that drug users could face a three-year demotion, while dealers may be dismissed dishonourably. He said enforcement must begin within the police force and urged professional conduct, with the internal affairs division tasked with monitoring and disciplining violators.

Vice-President Inspects Construction of Kondosapata Regional Hospital in Mamasa

Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming visited the Kondosapata Regional Hospital project in Mamasa, West Sulawesi, to check that construction is progressing smoothly and review its facilities. The hospital is part of the government’s health-focused Quick Best Results Programme, intended to improve healthcare capacity in the region, where limited facilities have forced some patients to seek treatment elsewhere.

Komnas Perempuan urges government to review VAT on menstrual products

Komnas Perempuan has called on the government to reconsider VAT on menstrual sanitation products, arguing that the tax fails to account for women’s reproductive health needs and adds an unavoidable financial burden. The commission links affordability and access to menstrual products to period poverty and Indonesia’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, including ending poverty.

Amran: Rice Fraud Disrupts the Economy; Consumers Must Be Protected

Agriculture Minister and National Food Agency head Andi Amran Sulaiman said rice distribution fraud can disrupt food markets and harm the public, urging law enforcement to investigate alleged fraud involving fortified rice and government-subsidised SPHP rice. He stressed that enforcement is needed to protect consumers from paying more for products that do not meet promised standards, while government pricing policies support producers and keep prices fair for consumers.