Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 3 November 2026

Showing 951-1,000 of 1,557 articles

Forestry Ministry Foils Shipment of 343 Logs from Meru Betiri National Park

Indonesia’s Forestry Ministry has stopped the attempted shipment of 343 logs suspected of originating in East Java’s Meru Betiri National Park, which were bound for Bali, and detained two people for questioning. Investigators say they are examining not only the logs’ origin and transport documents but also who organised the trade and benefited from it, as the ministry steps up conservation-area enforcement.

East Java Gerindra to Process Replacement of Three MPs Involved in Drug Case

Gerindra’s East Java branch says it will move to replace three regional MPs expelled after they were arrested at a Surabaya hotel on suspicion of using drugs. The party says the legislative replacements will proceed while it considers whether the former MPs merit internal rehabilitation; meanwhile, seven police officers involved in the arrest have been transferred and are under investigation for alleged procedural violations.

As Clean Water Becomes Harder to Access, PNM Helps Sustain Communities’ Hopes

PT Permodalan Nasional Madani (PNM) says it has distributed 427,500 litres of clean water to 5,379 people affected by drought, across 11 provinces. The state-owned company also supports water-storage facilities, wells and sanitation, framing access to basic services as part of its wider community-empowerment work.

PM Anwar Ibrahim: Israeli Intelligence in Neighbouring Countries Threatens Malaysia

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim told Malaysia’s Parliament that foreign intelligence operations in neighbouring countries, including those linked to Israel, are viewed as a potential threat to national security. The government is also assessing cyber and hybrid threats worldwide, their implications for possible nuclear escalation, and the resilience of Malaysia’s administrative systems.

Viral Video Shows Unofficial Porters Pressuring Passengers at Lombok Airport

Passengers at Lombok’s Zainuddin Abdul Madjid International Airport have complained that unofficial porters offer unsolicited help and then pressure them to pay, sometimes using abusive language. The airport operator says security officers have dealt with the individual involved, warned him not to repeat the behaviour and urged passengers to use identifiable, uniformed porters or report incidents.

KKP to Offer 116 Civil Service Posts for Harbourmasters: Qualifications

Indonesia’s Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) plans to propose 116 civil-servant positions for harbourmasters at fishing ports, requiring relevant D4 vocational degrees and ANKAPIN certification. The recruitment is intended to staff major fisheries initiatives, including the construction of 5,000 Red and White Fishermen’s Villages and the distribution of 4,582 fishing vessels, while the ministry also reforms vocational education to meet evolving industry needs.

Former German Chancellor Merkel to Help Elect New President

Angela Merkel is set to serve as a delegate in Germany’s Federal Convention, which will elect the country’s next president in January 2027. Schleswig-Holstein’s CDU plans to nominate her after the party lost its representation in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the state that put her forward in 2022; Merkel has previously called for a woman to become president.

Dony Oskaria Ensures Children at Senen Temporary Housing Have Access to Quality Education

Dony Oskaria has pledged to ensure children living at the Senen temporary housing complex in Central Jakarta can access good-quality education, including through the Sekolah Rakyat programme. He said officials would address residency-document and zoning obstacles that could prevent some children from enrolling, stressing that administrative rules should not limit educational access.

Trade Ministry Partners with Canadian TFO to Boost Export Competitiveness of SMEs

Indonesia’s Trade Ministry has partnered with Canada’s Trade Facilitation Office through a five-year programme to build the export capacity of 200 Indonesian small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly in crafts and furniture. The initiative aims to secure new Canadian buyers and market agreements, helping address Indonesia’s trade deficit with Canada as the ICA-CEPA agreement is set to open further export opportunities.

Government Hands Over Agricultural Equipment and Machinery

Central Java has distributed 1,507 units of agricultural equipment and machinery to regency and municipal governments for use by farmer groups. The provincial government says the support will modernise pre- and post-harvest facilities, boost efficiency and productivity, and strengthen the province’s role as a national food-producing hub.

East Lombok to Host Southeast Asian Food Technology Exhibition in 2026

East Lombok will host a Southeast Asian food technology seminar and exhibition on 11–12 November, bringing together academics and experts, including a professor from Japan. Local officials hope the event will spur value-added processing of local crops and help develop products for domestic and regional markets, while stressing that research must lead to practical innovation and commercialisation.

Wira’s Playroom offers education tailored to each child’s needs

Wira’s Playroom, an inclusive education centre in South Jakarta founded by Rahayu Saraswati Djojohadikusumo and Reshma Wijaya, designs learning around each child’s individual needs and abilities. The centre combines early-years and primary education with therapy and developmental support, with its founders hoping the approach can eventually reach other parts of Indonesia.

Content Creators Involved in Preserving Cirebon Batik

A batik workshop in Cirebon brought together 20 local influencers and content creators to learn traditional techniques and share the experience online. The initiative aims to introduce batik to younger audiences, while the article notes that the tradition’s future also depends on artisan regeneration, active workshops and a sustainable market for local batik.

PLN and Australia Strengthen Energy Transition Cooperation, with Electricity Infrastructure in Focus

State-owned utility PLN and the Australian Government have signed an MoU to expand cooperation on energy transition, technology, skills development, and financing as Indonesia pursues its 2060 net-zero target. Priorities include potential Australian export finance for grid upgrades in East Java and Bali, renewable-energy integration technologies, and climate-resilience training.

Breaking: JCI Plunges 3% — Here’s Why

Indonesia’s Composite Stock Price Index (JCI) fell 3.03% to 4,942.31 by 1.45pm, with heavy selling in basic materials, property and energy shares. Investors were also weighing US midterm elections, a sharp drop in oil prices, an upcoming Financial System Stability Committee briefing and Chinese manufacturing data.

Forest and Land Fires: Environmental Damage, with Communities Bearing the Consequences

Forest and land fires in several parts of Indonesia have produced haze and pose a health threat, particularly to children, older people and those with respiratory conditions. The article calls for stronger enforcement and monitoring, alongside prevention and public cooperation, arguing that recurring fires are a health and safety issue as well as an environmental one.

NOC chief insists no achievement is worth an athlete’s life

Indonesian Olympic Committee (NOC Indonesia) chair Raja Sapta Oktohari said no sporting achievement or medal can outweigh an athlete’s life, following the deaths of two young athletes during the 2026 Central Java Provincial Sports Week. He called for athlete safety, protection and welfare to be treated as non-negotiable foundations of a safe and inclusive sporting environment.

Man Arrested over Theft of Two Box Trucks in East Jakarta; Two Suspects Still at Large

Police have arrested a 23-year-old suspect over the theft of two Isuzu box trucks in Duren Sawit, East Jakarta, while two alleged accomplices remain at large. The vehicles, owned by two companies, were valued at a combined Rp525 million; the suspect faces up to seven years in prison if convicted under Indonesia’s Criminal Code.

Airlangga University FEB Dean Forecasts 5.3% Growth for Indonesia’s Economy in Q3 2026

Airlangga University economist Rudi Purwono forecasts Indonesia’s economy will grow 5.3% year on year in the third quarter of 2026. He cites strong investment lending, expanding manufacturing and digital payments, as well as rising consumer expectations, exports and tourist arrivals, as signs supporting the outlook.

Online Transport Business Is About More Than Fares: How Companies Are Expanding Their Role

Online transport services are broadening their role beyond everyday journeys, with inDrive providing transport for families and descendants of figures associated with the Youth Pledge commemoration at the Youth Pledge Museum in Jakarta. The initiative highlights how mobility companies can support access to transport for social and cultural events as well as routine travel.

When Children’s Voices Go Unheard: The Challenge of Applying Pancasila Values in the Family

The article examines how children’s opinions can be dismissed as disobedience in some families, limiting healthy communication and participation in decisions. It argues that Pancasila’s principles of human dignity and deliberation can guide more respectful family discussions, while recognising parents’ responsibility to provide guidance and set boundaries.

Health Ministry: 22 Countries Collaborate to Address Health Workforce Challenges

Indonesia’s Health Ministry and the Asia Pacific Action Alliance on Human Resources for Health convened a conference in Bali, bringing together a 22-country network to tackle shortages and unequal distribution of health workers. The conference is expected to produce policy recommendations on workforce planning, staff welfare and digital innovation, as Indonesia reports significant gaps in staffing at community health centres and regional hospitals.

Australian Army Chief Speaks Out on Plan for Military Training Facility in Morotai

Australian Army Chief Lieutenant General Susan May Coyle says the proposed Indonesia–Australia facility in North Maluku will be used solely for joint training and remain under Indonesian control, with no plans for a permanent base or troop deployment. The project stems from the Jakarta Treaty signed in February 2026, while detailed arrangements are still under discussion; the two armies also reaffirmed their commitment to expanding defence cooperation.

Dony Oskaria Says Senen Temporary Housing Is Giving Residents a Better Life

Dony Oskaria says the Senen temporary housing complex offers former railway-side residents a healthier and more suitable living environment. The 250-unit site has so far accommodated 69 households, while officials consider adding public facilities and are assessing other railway-side communities for possible relocation.

Extreme Weather Topples Tree in North Sumatra’s Dairi, Killing One

Extreme weather in Dairi, North Sumatra, caused a tree to fall on a house, killing one resident and injuring another. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) also reported flooding in parts of North Sumatra and East Java, with residents displaced, homes and infrastructure affected, and authorities responding as the rainy season begins.

Two Helicopters Collide in Mountain Tourist Area, Killing One

Two helicopters collided while attempting to land in a snow-covered area of Nepal’s Solukhumbu District, killing one foreign national and injuring another. The incident highlights the risks of flying in the country’s challenging Himalayan terrain and rapidly changing weather, despite helicopters’ important role in tourism, mountaineering and emergency evacuations.

Australian INOVASI Programme Accelerates Education Priorities in Central Lombok, Says Regional Secretary

Central Lombok says support from Australia’s INOVASI programme is strengthening teachers, improving classroom practice and helping raise children’s literacy and numeracy. The local government plans to continue and expand the programme’s good practices as part of long-term investment in education and human development.

National Police Chief’s Message on the 75th Anniversary of Police Public Relations: Uphold ‘Police with the Community’

At a ceremony marking the 75th anniversary of the National Police Public Relations Division, Police Chief General Suyudi Ario Seto urged officers to embody the “Police with the Community” tagline in their words and conduct. The division said the event also reaffirmed its role in protecting the force’s reputation and strengthening ties with the press, while honouring five journalists for objective reporting.

KPK Rejects Claims Djarum Case Was Fabricated, Says Investigation Warrant Issued in September

KPK chairman Setyo Budiyanto says the investigation into alleged kickbacks involving PT Djarum and customs officials began months before it became publicly prominent, with an investigation warrant issued in September. The case concerns alleged payments related to cigarette excise stamps and has led to searches at Djarum’s office and a customs office in Kudus.

Opening North Sumatra IJTI Regional Meeting, Deputy Governor Surya Emphasises Press’s Strategic Role in Development

North Sumatra Deputy Governor Surya said the press is a strategic partner in regional development, helping communicate programmes, scrutinise government policy and connect officials with the public. At the regional meeting of the Indonesian Television Journalists Association, he called for transparent government and independent journalism, while IJTI chairman Herik Kurniawan stressed the need for timely official information to prevent misinformation and defamation.

Indonesia Ready to Support the Modernisation of the Philippines’ Military Equipment

Indonesia has offered to support the Philippines’ military modernisation and share expertise in developing the halal industry, as the two countries explore closer trade, investment and energy ties. Their foreign ministers also reaffirmed a long-standing partnership, discussed transboundary haze and regional issues, and underscored support for ASEAN unity and the Philippines’ 2026 chairmanship.

Telkomsat Promotes Literacy and a Love of Learning among Children in Remote Regions

Telkomsat is supporting an education initiative in Papua Pegunungan and Aceh to encourage reading and improve learning opportunities for children in disadvantaged, frontier and outermost regions. The programme includes literacy sessions, school reading corners and donations of learning materials, addressing challenges such as limited facilities and disruption caused by flooding in Aceh.

Bogor Regent Apologises for Bojonggede Station Skybridge Escalator Being Out of Service for a Year

Bogor Regent Rudy Susmanto has apologised for the Bojonggede Station skybridge escalators being out of service for nearly a year, saying replacement units have been budgeted for 2026 and will be installed soon. The regency says repeated repairs proved inadequate because of extensive damage and mismatched spare parts; the Transport Agency had earlier targeted completion by late November or early December, subject to additional funding.

National Police Chief Asks All Police Chiefs to Learn from Sukoharjo Police Chief’s Removal

The National Police Chief has removed Sukoharjo Police Chief AKBP Andhika Dharma Sena following a search of the Hamalatul Quran Islamic boarding school in Central Java. Police spokesman Johnny Eddizon Isir urged other district and city police chiefs to treat the case as a lesson in ensuring that law enforcement is professional, proportionate and ethical.

Polri Says Sukoharjo Incident Should Be a Lesson for Regional Unit Chiefs

Polri has urged regional police unit chiefs to learn from complaints surrounding a search at the Hamalatul Quran Islamic boarding school in Sukoharjo. The former Sukoharjo police chief has been transferred and is undergoing an ethics review, while police say the search was part of an investigation and that support was provided to affected female students.

Hiker Says She Was Allegedly Sexually Harassed on Mount Rinjani

A woman from South Sulawesi has posted an account alleging that a fellow hiker sexually harassed, intimidated and physically assaulted her during a journey from Makassar to Mount Rinjani in August 2026. Her account has gone viral, while the outlet says it has yet to receive a response from her to its request for comment.

Indonesian Natural Resource Exports Need Not Transit Third Countries, Says National Economic Council

The National Economic Council has backed Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia’s order for Indonesian natural resource exports to be shipped directly to their destination markets, saying this could improve export revenues. The policy also aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s plan for a single export channel through PT Danantara Sumberdaya Indonesia, which officials say could curb under-invoicing and illegal transfer pricing.

Metro Jakarta Police and KAI Join Effort to Improve Kampung Bahari and Erase ‘Drug Village’ Stigma

Metro Jakarta Police, PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI), the Housing and Settlement Areas Ministry and local authorities are coordinating a phased clean-up and improvement plan for Kampung Bahari, with vacant areas to be prioritised and occupied buildings surveyed first. The initiative combines environmental upgrades with housing support, livelihood protection and community engagement, aiming to prevent renewed drug trafficking while improving residents’ living conditions.

Government Reviews Preparations for PT DSI’s One-Stop Export System in 2027

Ministers and officials reviewed preparations for channelling exports of coal, crude palm oil and ferro-alloys through state-owned PT Danantara Sumberdaya Indonesia (DSI) from 1 January 2027. The transitional period runs until 31 December 2026, with officials discussing operational readiness, a 1% state golden share and integration of export data with customs systems.

Could the IEU-CEPA Make Indonesia More Attractive for European Cosmetics Factory Investment?

L’Oréal Indonesia says the Indonesia–European Union Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IEU-CEPA) could boost innovation and research, expand domestic manufacturing capacity and improve the international competitiveness of Indonesian beauty products through tariff reductions. The company says its Indonesian production facilities serve domestic demand and export to 18 countries, highlighting the country’s potential as a cosmetics manufacturing hub.

Why Luhut Is Insisting on Changing the Definition of State Loss in Corruption Cases

National Economic Council chair Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan argues that broad use of “state losses” in corruption cases can create legal uncertainty and deter investment, particularly where business decisions involve inherent risks. He calls for clearer limits rather than simply removing the concept, citing international standards and examples from oil exploration and high-profile cases.

Indonesia’s Nongsa Digital Park and Swiss firm sign sovereign AI deal

Nongsa Digital Park and Swiss company PHOENIQS AG have signed an agreement to develop sovereign AI capabilities and data-centre infrastructure in Indonesia, with initial pilot projects planned for banks, telecommunications firms and manufacturers in Batam and Singapore. The partnership aims to give data owners greater control over data than data-residency arrangements alone and position Nongsa as a sovereign AI platform serving Southeast Asia.

US Holds Midterm Elections Today — But It Was Once Colonised by Eight Nations

The US midterm elections will shape control of Congress and the extent to which President Donald Trump can advance his agenda, with implications for taxation, public services and other policy areas. The article also traces the colonial history of the lands that now form the United States, noting that multiple European powers and Mexico controlled or claimed parts of the territory before and during the country’s formation.

Bahlil Stresses Importance of Downstream Processing as MIND ID Highlights Mineral Benefits at Minerba Convex 2026

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said downstream processing and industrialisation are essential to maximise the domestic value added from Indonesia’s natural resources, in line with the Constitution’s mandate that they benefit the public. At Minerba Convex 2026, state mining holding MIND ID used interactive activities to explain how minerals support everyday products and wider social needs.

Pertamina Provides Free Surgery for Kei Besar Residents Through Hospital Ship

Pertamina International Shipping and doctorSHARE have brought free medical treatment and surgery to the Kei Islands aboard the Nusa Waluya II hospital ship, which is docked at Elat port for two months. The service addresses a shortage of specialist doctors and barriers to accessing care, with many patients requiring surgery or treatment for serious conditions such as chronic kidney disease and acute pulmonary oedema.

Montreal police dismiss seven employees over alleged racism

Montreal’s police chief says seven employees have been dismissed following internal disciplinary investigations into alleged racist and discriminatory conduct. Separate criminal inquiries are continuing, while the force faces scrutiny over several incidents and seeks to rebuild public trust through reforms to recruitment, training and oversight.

Academic: NCB Mechanism in Asset Forfeiture Bill Should Be Limited

University of Lampung legal academic Budiyono says non-conviction-based asset forfeiture should be permitted only under narrowly defined conditions, with strong links between assets and alleged crimes and independent judicial oversight. He calls for safeguards for affected parties, good-faith third parties and victims, including clear evidence standards, fair hearings, proportionality and compensation if state action is unlawful.

Working as a GrabBike Driver, Bunda Reza Shows Her Determination to Raise Two Children

For a decade, single mother Siti Khodijah, known as Bunda Reza, has balanced caring for her two sons with earning a living as a GrabBike driver, relying on the job’s flexible hours. She says GrabModal financing helped cover her younger son’s education and urgent household expenses, while her experience also underlines the importance of managing borrowing responsibly. Grab says more than 600,000 driver and merchant partners have accessed over Rp9 trillion in funding through the service.

Wife’s Message to Dwi Bagus: Take Responsibility, Don’t Kill Yourself

Martha Amalia Iflahah, the legal wife of murder suspect Dwi Bagus Martono, has urged him not to take his own life and to face the legal process over the deaths of Dini Hardiyanti and her four-year-old child. She said she hoped he would use the rest of his life to repent and take responsibility for his actions.

Video: Jakarta at 500, Building the Next Global City Together

Jakarta’s ambition to become a global city rests on more than modern infrastructure: it also depends on attracting investment, developing talent and fostering innovation. The article highlights the capital’s economic foundations, including second-quarter 2026 gross regional domestic product of Rp1,058.02 trillion and first-half investment of Rp173.6 trillion, equal to 17.2% of national investment.