Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 2 November 2026

Showing 1,351-1,400 of 1,515 articles

Garin Nugroho’s ‘Red Before Dawn’ at the Tokyo International Film Festival

Garin Nugroho’s Red Before Dawn premiered at the 39th Tokyo International Film Festival, where it is the sole Indonesian entry in the main competition. The director said the film’s emotional impact reflects years of anger and grief over violence and the suffering of victims, while Indonesia’s creative economy minister highlighted the international cultural and business potential of the country’s films.

Traffic Congestion at Several Points on Jakarta-Bound Toll Roads on Monday Morning

Heavy traffic affected several Jakarta-bound toll roads on Monday morning, including the Jakarta Inner Ring Road, Janger, Japek and Jagorawi. Jasa Marga cited high vehicle volumes, road repairs and an accident, while a contraflow was implemented near Halim towards Senayan.

Barus Camphor Fragranced the World

Barus camphor, harvested in Sumatra, was once a highly prized commodity that helped connect the archipelago with ancient trading societies and fostered cultural exchange. The article traces its historical and ecological significance, from its presence in Bogor Botanical Gardens since 1929 to current threats from deforestation, fire and logging, and argues for conserving the species and its genetic diversity.

Deputy MPR Speaker: Literacy Is the Foundation for Expression in the Digital Sphere

Deputy Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) Lestari Moerdijat says children need sustained digital literacy education to express and develop culture online critically and responsibly. She called for digital literacy to be embedded in families and schools, with a focus on ethical, safe and culturally grounded use of technology, as well as creating meaningful content.

Andrea Bocelli Concert Seen as Opportunity to Promote Borobudur to the World

A concert by tenor Andrea Bocelli at Borobudur has been described by an Indonesian legislator as an opportunity to raise the temple’s international profile and showcase the country’s cultural heritage. He said the event’s success should be measured not only by attendance but also by its tourism and local economic benefits, while stressing that conservation must remain the priority.

BMKG Weather Forecast: Light Rain in Jakarta and Bandung, Moderate Rain in Semarang, Hazy Conditions in Yogyakarta

BMKG forecasts light rain across much of Indonesia on Monday, with moderate rain expected in Semarang and parts of Papua, and thunderstorms possible in several regions. The agency also warns air travellers of cumulonimbus clouds in a number of areas and advises them to follow updates from airports and airlines.

From Asset Growth to the Transformation of the Islamic Finance Ecosystem

Indonesia’s Islamic finance industry has expanded to Rp3,131 trillion in assets, but its scale has yet to translate fully into productive economic activity and broader welfare. The article argues that stronger customer-focused services and coordination among commercial finance, social finance, government and local businesses are needed, with Makassar and South Sulawesi offering a potential model for integrated, locally rooted development.

On Taxing Sanitary Pads, Women’s Empowerment Minister Responds

Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Minister Arifah Fauzi says menstrual products are essential to reproductive health and calls for policies that ensure safe, adequate and affordable access, particularly for low-income women. Her comments follow renewed social media calls to abolish VAT on sanitary pads, which currently face an effective rate of 11 per cent under the applicable tax rules.

Semeru Lahar Flood Vibration Recorded for Six Hours

Monitoring officials recorded a six-hour lahar-flood vibration at Mount Semeru after heavy rain, alongside an avalanche event and 14 eruptions. The volcano remains at Alert Level III, with authorities warning residents to avoid designated areas and report of a breached embankment in Purorejo village as river levels rose.

Syrian Security Forces Foil Attack on Oil Refinery in Homs

Syrian security forces thwarted a planned attack on an oil refinery in the city of Homs, according to state news agency SANA, citing the General Intelligence Directorate. The foiled plot comes amid a series of recent sabotage attacks on oil and gas infrastructure across Syria.

Raffi Ahmad-Affiliated Issuer VISI Borrows Rp45bn Under Specific Conditions

PT Satu Visi Putra (VISI) has secured a Rp45 billion, short-term demand loan from Bank Ina Perdana to fund working capital, with repayment due by 28 January 2027. The facility carries conditions including a sinking-fund deposit and minimum shareholding levels for three shareholders; VISI says the loan is exempt from certain material-transaction requirements and will not materially affect its business.

IPB Expert Reveals Facts About Loud Booms in Bojonegoro: Meteor or Earthquake?

An IPB University geophysics and meteorology lecturer says the loud booms reported in Bojonegoro cannot yet be attributed to a meteor, earthquake or atmospheric event without scientific verification. He called for evidence from multiple sources—including camera footage, seismograph readings, lightning data and weather conditions—and urged the public not to circulate speculation as fact.

VKTR Revenue Rises 49% in 9M26 as Electric Vehicle Contribution Continues to Grow

PT VKTR Teknologi Mobilitas reported revenue of Rp1.06 trillion in the first nine months of 2026, up 49% year on year, with electric vehicle sales rising 91%. Net profit increased 47% to Rp12.1 billion, while the company’s auto-parts manufacturing business remained its largest revenue contributor.

Salvage of KM Virgo Transport 8: Waiting for Godot?

Forty-nine days after the ferry sank near Masalembo, the salvage operation has yet to begin, leaving around 50 bodies trapped in the wreck. The author argues that the operator may lack wreck-removal insurance, citing the prolonged negotiations and an industry source who says the vessel was not covered by Indonesia’s wreck-removal insurance consortium.

Private jet crashes in Florida residential area, killing nine

A Learjet 60 carrying nine people crashed in a residential area near Cresthaven, Florida, killing everyone on board. US authorities have launched an investigation into the cause, which has not yet been determined.

Why the National Police Chief Has Banned Police Personnel from Using Vapes

Indonesia’s National Police has banned all personnel, including civilian employees, from using e-cigarettes both at work and outside working hours, with violations subject to disciplinary sanctions. The force says the measure is intended to prevent vapes from being used to conceal and distribute liquid narcotics, including etomidate, and to reinforce discipline within the institution.

New Chapter in Gibran Diploma Controversy After Supreme Court Annuls Equivalency Certificate

Indonesia’s Supreme Court has granted an appeal challenging the high-school equivalency certificate used by Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka to register for the 2024 presidential election, declaring it invalid. The ruling has prompted sharply divided political reactions over its implications for Gibran’s position, with some parties and figures calling for his resignation or parliamentary action, while his lawyer argues it cannot be enforced retroactively.

Good News at the Start of November: Indonesia’s Manufacturing PMI Hits an Eight-Month High

Indonesia’s manufacturing PMI rose to 54.0 in October, its highest reading since February, as domestic demand strengthened and export orders recorded their fastest growth since the survey began in 2011. Output accelerated, but falling finished-goods stocks, rising input costs and only modest job creation point to capacity and cost pressures amid the expansion.

No Na and Shopee 11.11 Big Sale Jingle Attracts 46 Million Viewers

Shopee’s 11.11 Big Sale campaign advert featuring music group no na has attracted a combined 46 million views across TikTok, YouTube and Instagram. Its bilingual jingle, energetic choreography and references to Indonesian products and food form part of the retailer’s promotional strategy, with the campaign running until 11 November 2026.

Official: Pertamina Fuel Prices at Petrol Stations Effective 2 November 2026

Pertamina kept the prices of both subsidised and non-subsidised fuels unchanged in November, the company said. In Jakarta, Pertamax remains at Rp15,950 per litre, while Pertalite is Rp10,000 and subsidised diesel Rp6,800 per litre.

Hailstorm Hits West Lampung, Damaging Four Houses

A hailstorm accompanied by heavy rain and strong winds struck six areas in Balik Bukit, West Lampung, damaging at least four homes and a pre-school building. The incident highlights the damage caused by the extreme weather, with roofs, walls and structural supports affected.

Indonesia’s Trade Surplus Forecast to Narrow in September as Oil Weighs

Economists expect Indonesia to retain a trade surplus in September 2026, but forecast it will shrink sharply from US$3.55 billion in August as higher oil prices push up imports. They warn that a thinner surplus could constrain foreign-exchange support and add pressure to the current account, even as stronger imports partly reflect a recovery in manufacturing and investment activity.

MKNT Enters Waste-to-Energy Business as Two Subsidiaries Pass Stage 3 PSEL Screening

Two MKNT subsidiaries, each in a consortium with SUS Indonesia Holding Limited, have qualified for the third-stage list of selected providers for Indonesia’s waste-to-energy projects. The qualification is a pre-qualification step, not a project award, but allows participants to enter the partner-selection process and marks MKNT’s planned expansion into renewable energy.

Government Disburses Rp900,000 Wage Subsidy: Eligibility Criteria

Indonesia’s Manpower Ministry has issued rules for the 2026 Wage Subsidy Assistance programme, setting eligibility requirements and a maximum wage threshold. Eligible workers are due to receive Rp300,000 a month for three months, paid as a lump sum of Rp900,000, although the technical arrangements are still being prepared with the Finance Ministry.

Galeri 24, UBS and Antam Retro Gold Prices Today, 2 November 2026

Pegadaian’s gold prices at Galeri 24 were unchanged on Monday, with one-gram bars from Galeri 24, Antam, UBS and Antam Mulia Retro all holding steady against the previous trading day. Antam was the most expensive at Rp2,564,000 per gram, while Galeri 24 was the least expensive at Rp2,443,000.

Supreme Court to Hold Press Conference Today to Explain Ruling on Gibran’s Diploma Equivalency Certificate

Indonesia’s Supreme Court will explain its decision to uphold a lawsuit challenging the validity of Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s high-school diploma equivalency certificate. The ruling comes after the Constitutional Court found no convincing evidence of a qualifying foreign diploma but said it could not remove Gibran from office through an election-dispute case.

Deputy House Speaker: Education is a way to break the cycle of poverty

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Saan Mustopa said education can break the cycle of poverty and improve the social and economic prospects of families. He urged parents not to let financial hardship prevent children from continuing their education, describing schooling as a long-term investment whose benefits may be felt by future generations.

Sultan Najamudin Outlines Tangible Achievements Over the Past 22 Years

DPD RI chairman Sultan Baktiar Najamudin will discuss the chamber’s work representing regional interests, including 13,519 public and regional aspirations handled, seven legislative proposals and 25 oversight activities in the 2025–26 session year. The discussion is also expected to examine whether these efforts have influenced national policy and delivered solutions, and how follow-up and public accountability can be strengthened.

Regions from Sumatra to Papua Forecast to Receive Light Rain on Monday

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) forecast light rain across many parts of Indonesia on Monday, with moderate rain and thunderstorms possible in several locations. It also warned air travellers and airlines to monitor cumulonimbus clouds across a number of regions and follow the latest updates from airports and carriers.

Deputy House Speaker: Asset Forfeiture Bill Must Restore Victims’ Losses

Deputy House Speaker Sari Yuliati says the Asset Forfeiture Bill should ensure that proceeds from crime can be returned to victims, not merely confiscated by the state. She argues that stronger asset-tracing powers must be balanced with human rights, legal certainty and public participation.

History Is More Than a Parade Through the Streets

Surabaya’s 2026 Parade Juang drew about 170,000 spectators and brought together participants to commemorate the city’s role in Indonesia’s struggle for independence. The article argues that the event’s historical spectacle should be paired with accurate context and sustained educational materials so that collective memory leads to deeper understanding and civic engagement.

Trump and Israel Discuss Strikes on Iran as Khamenei Issues Angry Warning

Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu have reportedly discussed the timing of possible renewed military operations against Iran, with Netanyahu pressing for swift action and Trump favouring continued negotiations. Iran’s leaders have warned of an expansive response to any new attack, while the conflict’s disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has driven up global energy prices and become a political liability in the United States ahead of midterm elections.

Five Giants Dominate Indonesia’s Toll Road Business, with Jasa Marga Holding 42% of National Network

Five major business groups dominate Indonesia’s toll road industry, which has 3,100 kilometres of operational roads across 76 sections and total investment of Rp779 trillion. State-owned Jasa Marga is the largest operator, running about 1,318 kilometres—roughly 42% of the national network—and reported Rp15.6 trillion in operating revenue and Rp2.7 trillion in net profit through the third quarter of 2026.

Vietnam Set to Overtake Indonesia as GDP per Capita Forecast to Rise by 8.9%

Vietnam’s nominal GDP per capita is forecast to reach US$5,259 in 2026, narrowly exceeding Indonesia’s projected US$5,153, as foreign investment and exports fuel rapid growth. The article highlights Vietnam’s manufacturing expansion and ambitious growth targets, while noting questions about the sustainability of its momentum and the gap between government goals and international forecasts.

Five Signs of Psychopathy in Children That Can Be Detected at an Early Age

Researchers say certain behavioural traits associated with callousness and lack of emotion may be observable in children as young as two, although psychopathy is not an official mental-health diagnosis. The article outlines five early warning signs and explains how clinicians may assess psychopathic traits in young people, while noting that no single test can diagnose the condition.

Five Houses Collapse After Heavy Rain and Strong Winds in Grobogan, Central Java

Heavy rain and strong winds over two consecutive afternoons damaged a village cooperative outlet and five homes in Gabus district, Grobogan. The damage included a collapsed teak-wood house and four homes that fell in Keyongan village, with losses at one property estimated at tens of millions of rupiah.

Pertamina SMEXPO Bekasi 2026 Features 50 MSMEs to Expand the Market for Local Products

Pertamina and Pertamina Foundation have brought 50 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) from four regions to a three-day expo in Bekasi, combining retail-style displays, a digital product catalogue and business-matching sessions. The event aims to widen market access and partnerships for local businesses, with Pertamina targeting transactions of at least Rp2.5 billion.

Police Raid Kampung Bahari, Seizing Drugs and Firearms

A joint operation in North Jakarta’s Kampung Bahari detained 29 people and seized suspected narcotics, firearms, bladed weapons and equipment linked to drug production and distribution. Jakarta Metro Police chief Dadang Hartanto said enforcement must be accompanied by social and environmental improvements, with cooperation from local authorities, railway officials and residents to prevent the area being used for drug trafficking.

List of 12 Victims of Fatal Cement Mixer Truck Crash in Bekasi

A cement mixer truck struck a crowd on Jalan Cut Mutia in Bekasi, killing six people and injuring six others. Police said the truck’s brakes failed as it was travelling from UNISMA towards Rawapanjang; the driver was detained for questioning.

Sanitary Pads Are Not Exempt from VAT, Tax Office Explains

Indonesia’s Directorate General of Taxes says sanitary pads remain taxable goods and are not covered by the VAT exemption, with an effective tax burden of 11%. The agency says the tax is part of the general consumption-tax system, while any proposal for tax relief would need to be assessed for its social and fiscal effects.

OJK Says Savvy Investors Buy Shares When Prices Plunge

OJK official Agus Firmansyah said investors who remain calm during market corrections may use falling prices to accumulate shares in companies with strong fundamentals. Although foreign investors recorded net selling of about Rp97 trillion from January through October, daily transactions still included foreign buying, underscoring that the sell-off did not mean all foreign investors had left Indonesia’s market.

New Scam Targets Crypto Wallets, with Indonesians Among Those at Risk

Singapore police are investigating two crypto-wallet thefts involving Ledger hardware wallets allegedly fitted with malicious components, with reported losses of S$3.5 million. Ledger suspended sales across South-east Asia, including Indonesia, as investigators warn users never to disclose their private keys or recovery phrases.

Plane Crashes Near Trump’s Florida Residence, Killing Nine

A Learjet 60 crashed in a residential area of Palm Beach County, Florida, killing all nine people on board. The aircraft had departed Austin, Texas, bound for the Bahamas; US aviation authorities will investigate the crash, which occurred less than seven miles from Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort.

Thousands Join UMS 68th Anniversary Fun Walk, with Hundreds of Prizes on Offer

Thousands of participants took part in a 3.4-kilometre fun walk marking the 68th anniversary of Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta (UMS), bringing together university members, alumni, partners and nearby residents. Organisers offered hundreds of prizes, while the rector framed the event as an opportunity to promote health, strengthen community ties and advance the university’s theme of collaboration, impact and sustainability.

IMF: Vietnam’s GDP per Capita Projected to Overtake Indonesia This Year

The IMF projects Vietnam’s nominal GDP per capita will reach US$5,259 in 2026, edging past Indonesia’s US$5,153, a reversal of its earlier forecast. Vietnam’s rapid growth is being supported by high-tech manufacturing and public investment, although Indonesia is expected to remain Southeast Asia’s largest economy by total GDP.

JCI Falls 7% in a Week as Foreign Investors Sell These 10 Stocks

The Jakarta Composite Index (JCI) fell 7.03% over five trading sessions, closing at 5,057.050 on Friday, 30 October 2026. Foreign investors recorded net sales of Rp4.20 trillion across the market, with Telkom and Bank Mandiri among the most heavily sold stocks.

CFD Seen as Promoting Waste Sorting Habits as Well as Curbing Pollution

Jakarta officials say the city’s Car Free Day (CFD) events can help reduce pollution while encouraging residents to sort waste at home and adopt more environmentally friendly habits. They also highlighted the role of integrated public transport and inclusive facilities in making CFD a welcoming public space for older people and people with disabilities.

Private Jet Crashes in Residential Area, Breaking Apart; Nine Killed

A Learjet 60 crashed in a residential area near Cresthaven, Florida, killing all nine people on board. The US National Transportation Safety Board has taken over the investigation into the cause of the fatal crash.

Glamping Site in Badung’s Pelaga Swept Away by Landslide; Two People Missing

A landslide triggered by hours of heavy rain struck Pelaga Eco Park in Badung, Bali, sweeping away one glamping building and collapsing three others. Twenty-one of the 23 guests have been evacuated, while two people remain missing as rescue efforts are hampered by blocked road access.

OJK Boosts Islamic Finance Inclusion as SYAFIF 2026 Records 10,598 New Accounts

The Financial Services Authority (OJK) says its SYAFIF 2026 event in Makassar generated 10,598 new accounts and Rp230.94 billion in funding transactions. The three-day fair brought Islamic financial products and services to the public through exhibitors and educational activities, as OJK seeks to turn greater literacy into broader access and improved public welfare.