Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 2 November 2026

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Airlangga Hartarto Pledges to Resolve Business Obstacles for US Investors in Indonesia

Coordinating Economic Affairs Minister Airlangga Hartarto has pledged to coordinate efforts across government agencies to address US companies’ operational challenges in Indonesia. The government is also seeking foreign investment that brings technology and expertise, while bilateral trade and realised US investment have risen; discussions on US Section 301 policy and excess capacity remain unresolved.

Oil King’s Paradox: Soaring Prices Put Saudi Arabia’s Economy at Risk of Recession

Saudi Arabia’s real GDP contracted for a second consecutive quarter in Q3 2026, despite high global oil prices, as conflict-related disruptions sharply curtailed oil production and exports. The IMF has cut its 2026 growth forecast from 1.7% to a 3.3% contraction, highlighting the kingdom’s continued dependence on energy even as it pursues economic diversification under Vision 2030.

Religious Affairs Minister Calls for MABIMS Meetings to Become Ongoing Programme

Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar has urged MABIMS member countries to make their cooperation continuous rather than limiting it to an annual meeting. He proposed establishing a collaborative centre and expanding joint research, academic exchanges and capacity-building to strengthen regional ties and promote a civilised Muslim society.

Projo and Gibranisti Reveal the Main Target Behind the Gibran Diploma Controversy: ‘It Is Not Our Voice’

Projo secretary-general Freddy Damanik claims the controversy over Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s education documents is ultimately aimed at President Prabowo Subianto. Gibranisti representative Ade Darmawan says the claim that Prabowo is the target came from online commenters, not Gibran’s supporters, while affirming that Gibran is only an intermediary target.

Andrea Bocelli to Perform in Jakarta; Pramono: We Will Follow the Central Government’s Decision

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung says the Jakarta administration will defer to the central government on Andrea Bocelli’s concert, whose plans have drawn objections. The promoter says the performances will proceed at Borobudur on 31 October and JIExpo Kemayoran on 3 November 2026, with a peace dedication and fundraising for children affected by conflict.

Yemeni military claims to have ‘neutralised’ 500 Houthi members

Yemen’s military says 1,272 operations over the past 24 hours neutralised nearly 500 Houthi fighters and field commanders, while destroying or damaging 169 vehicles, pieces of equipment and heavy weapons. The claims come amid an intensifying government offensive to retake territory and Sanaa, as fighting has displaced more than 250,000 people and deepened the country’s humanitarian crisis.

Mataram City Government Bans Stall-Rental Charges at Car-Free Day

Mataram City Government says vendors at the Udayana Car-Free Day event must not be charged unofficial stall-rental fees, and is preparing regulations to formalise the ban. The only permitted charge is a Rp5,000 weekly cleaning levy collected under a local regulation; officials say they will monitor compliance after vendors reported being asked for payments by an association.

OPPO Stores Offer Free Make Over Make-up for a Month

OPPO Indonesia and local beauty brand Make Over have launched a month-long campaign offering free make-up touch-ups alongside complimentary smartphone care at selected stores nationwide. The initiative combines retail, beauty and technology experiences as OPPO seeks to make its physical outlets more engaging and build closer relationships with consumers.

Red Chilli Prices in Bengkulu City Reach Rp90,000 per Kilogram

Red chilli prices in Bengkulu City have climbed to Rp80,000–Rp90,000 per kilogram, up from Rp60,000, amid limited supplies from local farmers; traders are bringing in produce from South Sumatra. To help maintain food availability and curb price spikes and panic buying ahead of Christmas and New Year, the city government has allocated Rp200 million for mobile low-cost market operations across 67 neighbourhoods in late November and early December 2026.

Breaking News: Indonesia Posts US$3.36 Billion Trade Surplus in September 2026

Indonesia recorded a US$3.36 billion trade surplus in September 2026, with exports of US$27.59 billion and imports of US$24.23 billion. The result was substantially above economists’ forecasts, which had anticipated a narrower surplus amid higher oil prices and recovering imports.

Indonesia’s Exports Surge 11.87% to US$27.59bn in September, Led by These Commodities

Indonesia’s exports rose 11.87% year on year to US$27.59 billion in September 2026, driven by non-oil and gas shipments while oil and gas exports edged down. Vegetable and animal oils, copper products, and electrical machinery recorded strong gains, and manufacturing accounted for 87.36% of non-oil and gas exports.

Scams Impersonating Officials Are Jakarta’s Most Common Hoaxes, Says Official

Jakarta’s communications chief says scams involving fake invitations, phishing and impersonation of public officials are currently the city’s most widespread hoaxes. The provincial government is using community networks, schools and young Anti-Hoax Ambassadors to educate residents about misinformation, including false claims concerning social assistance, health and disasters.

Garuda Indonesia Group’s Transformation Programme Drives 13.2% Revenue Growth to US$2.71 Billion Amid High Jet Fuel Prices

Garuda Indonesia Group reported revenue of US$2.71 billion for the first nine months of 2026, up 13.2% year on year, while non-airline businesses grew 31.3% and contributed nearly a quarter of total revenue growth. Higher fuel costs pushed operating expenses up 15.7%, but the group recorded US$97.2 million in operating profit and narrowed its net loss by 3.0% to US$179.3 million, as fleet restoration and efficiency measures supported improved passenger numbers and on-time performance.

Jakarta Reveals Most Common Hoaxes: Fake Invitations and Social Assistance Scams

The Jakarta Provincial Government says fraud-related hoaxes, including fake invitations, phishing and messages impersonating officials, are the most widespread, followed by misinformation about government programmes such as social assistance, health and disaster response. It is expanding public education through local administrators and a youth-led Anti-Hoax Ambassador programme involving 356 students from 110 senior high schools.

Supreme Court Cancels Press Conference on Appeal over Gibran’s High School Equivalency Certificate

Indonesia’s Supreme Court cancelled a planned press conference on its ruling concerning Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s overseas high school equivalency certificate, saying it had not yet received the written decision. The Court has reportedly granted Subhan’s appeal, ruling that the certificate was invalid and void; it had been used by Gibran when registering as a vice-presidential candidate in 2024.

Defence Minister: Iran’s Smart Combat Capabilities Will Respond Without Geographical Limits

Iranian Defence Minister Mehrdad Akhlaghi Ketabchi says the country is rapidly enhancing its armed forces’ smart combat capabilities so they can respond without geographical limits, while warning that attacks will draw a firm response. His remarks come as Qatar and Pakistan seek to revive US–Iran talks amid continuing regional tensions and disputes over Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions and navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

Two-Storey Restaurant in Jatiluwih Sealed as Owner Calls for Fair Treatment

Tabanan authorities have sealed construction of a permanent two-storey restaurant in Jatiluwih, saying it violates spatial-planning rules and occupies protected green-belt land. The owner disputes the enforcement, says he relied on a moratorium recommendation concerning 13 buildings, and argues that his project has been singled out; he says the restaurant is intended to support his family.

Chaos in Germany: Why Are There Mass Riots and Widespread Shop Looting?

Thousands joined largely peaceful demonstrations organised by the Gen Z Regelt campaign, protesting school funding, the cost of living, government spending cuts and compulsory military service. Violence and looting later broke out in several cities as Germany’s economic stagnation and social pressures formed part of the backdrop; organisers have called for further protests on 14 November.

Landslides in Bali: Two Connecting Roads Collapse, Two People Trapped

Landslides hit several locations in Bali, with two visitors feared buried at a glamping site in Badung and roads collapsing in Gianyar and Bangli. Heavy rain has hampered rescue efforts and caused road closures, while authorities warn of further landslides and urge caution.

Infobip and Yamaha strengthen conversational customer engagement in Indonesia’s automotive sector

Infobip has supported Yamaha Indonesia for more than two years in integrating WhatsApp into its digital customer engagement ecosystem, with over 75% of Yamaha’s consumers using the platform. The partnership uses personalised conversations and interactive activations to improve lead capture, follow-up and remarketing, and plans to expand automation and chatbot experiences across the automotive customer journey.

Thousands of Pairs of Shoes from Ngawi Ready to Break into the European Market

PT Sintec Industri Indonesia has made its first export shipment to Belgium, sending 12,914 pairs of Skechers sports shoes worth US$167,336.88. The company’s bonded-zone licence, investment of Rp610.7 billion and workforce of about 2,500 are cited as examples of how customs support can help boost regional manufacturing and exports.

US firms eye billions in additional investment in Indonesia, USABC says

US technology companies already operating in Indonesia are willing to invest billions more, with data centres and AI infrastructure emerging as key opportunities, according to the US-ASEAN Business Council. The council says regulatory clarity, workable local-content rules and smoother import procedures could help turn that interest into investment as Indonesia pursues its 8% economic growth target by 2029.

Indonesian National Police bans e-cigarettes for all personnel

The Indonesian National Police has prohibited all personnel and civilian employees from using e-cigarettes and vapes, on or off duty, effective 30 October 2026, with disciplinary sanctions for violations. The police say the measure is intended to prevent drug abuse and distribution through vape devices, including liquids containing etomidate, and to strengthen discipline and professionalism within the force.

Semeru Cold Lava Flood Sweeps Through Homes in Lumajang

A cold lava flood from Mount Semeru inundated roads and homes in parts of Lumajang, with Jatiroto, Pronojiwo and Tempursari among the worst-affected districts. Authorities say heavy rain triggered the flow and are urging residents, sand miners and transport workers to leave river channels and observe exclusion zones while Semeru remains on Alert Level III.

Transport Ministry Tightens Bus Operator Compliance to Improve Safety

The Transport Ministry is stepping up oversight of intercity bus operators at 115 Class A terminals, after inspections found suspected violations in more than half of recorded departures and arrivals between January and October 2026. Route deviations were the most common breach, alongside expired roadworthiness tests and operating permits; the ministry says the findings will inform operator evaluations and efforts to improve passenger safety.

PSI Hits Back at Jansen Over Gibran’s High School Certificate Ruling: Does He Want AHY as Vice-President?

PSI executive Bestari Barus has criticised Democratic Party deputy secretary-general Jansen Sitindaon for calling on Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka to resign or face removal after the Supreme Court ruled that his high school equivalency certificate was invalid. Barus questioned whether the ruling had been officially published and accused the Democrats of rushing to respond, suggesting they wanted Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) to become vice-president; Jansen argues the ruling means Gibran no longer meets the requirements for office.

Analyst: Danantara’s Presence at TIME Forum Promotes Indonesian Investment

A senior public relations practitioner says Danantara Indonesia’s appearance at a TIME-organised international forum in New York can raise the profile of Indonesia’s investment potential and help it reach global stakeholders. He stressed that exposure must be backed by credible performance and governance, and should lead to stronger investor relationships and concrete investment opportunities.

PFII Law Offers Up to 100% Corporate Income Tax Relief: Who Qualifies?

Indonesia’s Law No. 6 of 2026 on the Indonesia Financial International Centre (PFII) provides corporate income tax relief of up to 100% for businesses operating there. Eligibility covers 18 financial-sector activities, supporting professional services and seven other business areas, with further activities potentially designated by the PFII Council.

Customs Seize Boat Carrying 10 Million Illegal Cigarettes off North Aceh

Customs authorities seized a wooden motorboat suspected of carrying about 10.85 million cigarettes without excise stamps in the waters off Tanjung Jambo Aye, North Aceh. Five crew members were detained for initial questioning, while the vessel and other evidence were taken to the Customs operations base in Lhokseumawe for further handling.

HNW Praised for Championing Srengseng Sawah Community Hall’s Renovation

Hidayat Nur Wahid (HNW) was praised by local officials and residents after a renovated community hall in Srengseng Sawah, South Jakarta, was officially opened. The renovation was supported by a Ministry of Social Affairs programme, with residents contributing labour and other resources, and the hall is set to host a range of community activities.

Supreme Court Ruling, the Ethics of Power and the Constitution

Indonesia’s Supreme Court has upheld an appeal concerning Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s education-equivalency certificate, but the ruling does not automatically determine his constitutional status or establish personal wrongdoing. The article argues that authorities should disclose and clarify the case while respecting due process, public ethics and the Constitution’s prescribed removal procedures.

Farmers’ Pockets Get Fatter in October, with Red Chillies and Tomatoes Providing Support

Indonesia’s Farmer Terms of Trade (NTP) rose in October 2026 as prices received by farmers increased faster than the prices they paid. Horticulture led the gains, buoyed by red chillies, tomatoes and bird’s eye chillies, while livestock and fisheries recorded declines and fishers’ terms of trade fell amid weaker prices for tuna and skipjack.

Amran Praises Residents for Reporting Police Bust of 20 Tonnes of Adulterated SPHP Rice

Agriculture Minister and National Food Agency chief Andi Amran Sulaiman praised residents who alerted police to the alleged repackaging and resale of around 20 tonnes of subsidised SPHP rice in Pasuruan, East Java. Police arrested four suspects, and the government warned that anyone abusing the programme will face legal action.

Autumn Lighting Fair, Outdoor and Tech Light Expo and Eco Expo Asia draw around 62,000 buyers

Three Hong Kong trade fairs attracted around 62,000 buyers from 152 countries and regions, including Indonesia, with exhibitors reporting strong international leads in lighting and green technologies. A survey found 63% of respondents expect lighting sales to rise over the next two years, while the events also fostered cross-border partnerships and showcased ASEAN participation in the green sector.

How to Check Whether Your NIK Qualifies for the 2026 Wage Subsidy at bsu.kemnaker.go.id, and What Are the Requirements?

Indonesia’s Ministry of Manpower says the 2026 Wage Subsidy Assistance (BSU) will be paid in November–December, with eligible workers receiving Rp900,000 in a lump sum. The official portal’s NIK-checking feature is not yet operational, but eligibility rules have been set out in a ministerial regulation.

Semen Baturaja (SMBR) to Absorb Its Subsidiary: The Reason

Semen Baturaja has signed a conditional merger agreement to absorb its subsidiary, Baturaja Multi Usaha, as part of a streamlining plan. The merger will take effect subject to required approvals, with Semen Baturaja as the surviving entity; the company says it will not materially affect business continuity.

Prosecutors to Call 103 Witnesses in Febrie Adriansyah Trial, Including Tan Kian and Ferry Boboho

Prosecutors have listed 103 witnesses and five experts to support their case against former Attorney General’s Office deputy attorney general for special crimes Febrie Adriansyah and two co-defendants in an alleged extortion and money-laundering case. Property tycoon Tan Kian and Ferry Yanto Hongkiriwang, known as Ferry Boboho, are among the witnesses, as the trial proceeds to the evidentiary stage.

Jakarta to Follow Central Government’s Decision on Andrea Bocelli Concert

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung says the provincial administration will defer to the central government’s decision on Andrea Bocelli’s 3 November concert at JIExpo Kemayoran. The event promoter has reportedly secured permits from the Tourism Ministry, police, immigration authorities and the venue, while Jakarta’s PKS faction has sought a written response from the provincial government by 2 November.

A Timeline of Lawsuits Related to Gibran’s School Certificate

Indonesia’s Supreme Court has ruled that Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s certificate equating his overseas secondary education with Indonesian qualifications was invalid, while his lawyer says the decision does not affect his position. The ruling is the latest in a series of legal challenges over his educational credentials, including cases at the Constitutional Court and administrative courts; another lawsuit remains pending at the Jakarta State Administrative Court.

OMRON Healthcare starts full-scale production at its first factory in India

OMRON Healthcare has begun full-scale production of blood-pressure monitors at its first factory in India, near Chennai, with five lines supplying models designed for the local market. The company says the facility will strengthen domestic supply and preventive cardiovascular care, while plans call for production capacity to increase tenfold by 2028 and for nebulizer manufacturing to be introduced.

Maritime Affairs Ministry Collects Six Tonnes of Waste in SEBASAH Clean-up at Nizam Zachman Port

The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries and hundreds of participants collected six tonnes of rubbish during a clean-up at Nizam Zachman Ocean Fishing Port in Jakarta. The ministry said the initiative would be expanded to other regions and paired the campaign with a pyrolysis machine donation to support community waste management and broader efforts to prevent marine pollution.

SKYWORTH Solar Launches Solavita, a Smart Microgrid Solutions Brand for Global Markets

SKYWORTH Solar has launched Solavita, a global brand bringing together smart microgrid solutions and services for residential, commercial, utility-scale and portable energy needs. The move comes amid growing demand for flexible electricity systems and is backed by engineering facilities, digital monitoring tools and local partnerships intended to support long-term system performance.

Indonesia’s Annual Inflation Reaches 3.23% in October, Nearing BI-Government Target Ceiling

Indonesia’s annual inflation rose to 3.23% in October 2026, approaching the upper limit of the 1.5%-3.5% target set by Bank Indonesia and the government. Food, transport and personal care were the main contributors, while volatile food prices recorded the highest inflation among the expenditure components.

Witness Says Cement Mixer Truck Hit Crowd in Bekasi at Speed Without Sounding Horn

A motorcyclist who witnessed the fatal crash in Bekasi said a cement mixer truck swerved at speed into a crowd waiting at a bus stop without sounding its horn. Six people, including children, were killed and six others injured; the truck is suspected to have suffered brake failure.

Police Investigate Shooting That Left Ciputat Mosque Loudspeaker Horns Riddled with Holes

Police in South Tangerang are investigating damage to four loudspeaker horns at a mosque in Ciputat, which are suspected to have been hit by an air rifle. Officers have questioned three mosque committee members and are seeking to establish who was responsible and why, while urging residents not to be provoked and to maintain public order.

Low-Income Tenants to Qualify for Home Renovation Aid, Says Maruarar Sirait: Support Is Not for Landlords

Housing Minister Maruarar Sirait says low-income residents renting uninhabitable homes will be eligible for government-funded renovations, even when they do not own the property. Landlords must agree to keep the same tenants and not raise rents for three years after the work, as the government targets renovations to 400,000 homes nationwide.

AI Performs Surgery Autonomously Without Human Intervention

Researchers say an AI agent planned and carried out gene therapy surgery on a live laboratory rat without human decisions, selecting the treatment, brain target and injection parameters. The system halted after detecting a calibration problem, highlighting both the potential of autonomous medical AI and the risks and limits of delegating control to it.

Rajiv Rallies Volunteers, Optimistic NasDem Can Win Two Seats in 2029 Election

NasDem MP Rajiv has brought together the Baraya Rajiv volunteer network and thousands of residents from Bandung and West Bandung regencies, expressing confidence that the party can secure two legislative seats there in the 2029 election. He urged volunteers to maintain unity and long-term engagement with residents, while describing his current term as the foundation for a future campaign.

South Korea’s president vows bold AI investment in record budget push

President Lee Jae Myung has proposed investing 21.3 trillion won in AI and related projects next year, as part of a record 820.9 trillion won budget designed to strengthen South Korea’s technological competitiveness. The plan also includes a 162.3 trillion won Future Response Fund, while the country’s chip-driven export boom brings annual exports of US$1 trillion within reach.

JCB Partners with Hanoi Metro to Introduce Contactless Payments

JCB and Hanoi Metro plan to launch contactless fare payments in early 2027, allowing cardholders to tap JCB cards or compatible devices at metro gates. The service is intended to make travel easier for international visitors and support the expansion of cashless public transport in Vietnam.