Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 3 November 2026

Showing 1,351-1,400 of 1,557 articles

Video: HashMicro Technology Uses AI Agents to Streamline Business Processes

At the CNBC Indonesia Awards 2026: Best AI Ecosystem, HashMicro’s Syifa Fadiyah said Indonesian businesses are increasingly adopting AI for data analysis, customer service and decision-making. HashMicro integrates AI agents with companies’ ERP data and systems to speed up processes, automate workflows and support better decisions.

Europe Faces Winter with Its Lowest Gas Reserves in 15 Years

Europe is entering winter with underground gas storage at its lowest level in 15 years, leaving the region more exposed than usual if extreme weather drives demand higher. Storage was 74.68% full at the end of October, while the European Commission says these facilities can cover up to a third of EU winter gas needs.

Toddler SF’s Final Cries from a Toilet Cubicle: Her Life ‘Taken’ by Her Parents

Police in South Jakarta have named and detained the toddler’s mother, J, and a man identified as AR as suspects in the fatal abuse of two-year-old SF. Residents’ intervention led to their arrest, while investigators say the pair tried to conceal the child’s body before burying it in an empty plot in Bendungan Hilir.

Yogyakarta Weather Today: Widespread Rain

The Yogyakarta Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) forecasts light rain across all areas of the Special Region of Yogyakarta, with some places likely to see showers from the morning. Rain is expected to begin at different times across the regency and city, including coastal and tourist areas.

Indonesia Imports 442kg of Gold Worth Rp1 Trillion, with Hong Kong the Main Supplier

Indonesia imported 442.7kg of gold worth US$55.3 million in September 2026, with Hong Kong accounting for the largest share, followed by the United Arab Emirates and Japan. While gold prices remained higher year on year, domestic jewellery gold prices fell for a second consecutive month, contributing to deflation in personal care and other services.

Rupiah Weakens Slightly as US Dollar Rises to Rp18,145

The rupiah opened 0.03% weaker at Rp18,145 per US dollar, despite a sharp fall in oil prices that eased concerns over inflation and energy supply. A modest rebound in the dollar, alongside investor caution over AI-related shares and US midterm election uncertainty, continued to support demand for the greenback.

Indonesia and Switzerland Strengthen Cooperation on Sovereign AI

Nongsa Digital Park and Swiss provider PHOENIQS AG have signed an MoU to develop sovereign AI capabilities in Indonesia, targeting businesses in sectors including banking, telecommunications and manufacturing. The partnership will establish a supercomputer-based platform in Batam, with pilots involving companies in Batam and Singapore, as Indonesia seeks greater control over data and digital infrastructure.

Jakarta Composite Index Opens 0.58% Higher at 5,126

The Jakarta Composite Index opened 0.58% higher at 5,126.53, with early trading recording transactions worth Rp129 billion. Investors are weighing the US midterm elections, a sharp fall in oil prices, Indonesia’s Financial System Stability Committee meeting and inflation data, alongside signs of slower but continuing growth in China’s manufacturing sector.

No More Stopovers: How Much Indonesian Coal Transits Through Singapore?

Indonesia’s Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry is questioning Singapore’s sizeable recorded coal exports, estimated at 50–60 million tonnes, despite the city-state having no coal-mining areas. Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has instructed officials to ensure Indonesian natural-resource exports go directly to their final destinations, arguing that transit countries gain tax revenue and trade-balance benefits.

Hundreds of Schools in Italy Receive Bomb Threats Within 24 Hours

A total of 271 schools across Italy, including eight in Rome, received emails claiming explosives had been placed on their premises. Searches found no suspicious items at the Rome schools, and authorities suspect the threats were a hoax.

Democrats and PSI Trade Barbs Over Gibran’s Diploma Controversy, AHY Drawn In

Democratic Party deputy secretary-general Jansen Sitindaon says an alleged Supreme Court ruling invalidating Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s high-school equivalency certificate raises questions about the Vice-President’s eligibility, and suggests resignation or impeachment as possible outcomes. PSI politician Bestari Barus disputes the Democratic response, questions whether the ruling has been officially published and accuses the party of seeking to promote Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono; Jansen rejects the political speculation and says the matter should be assessed on legal and constitutional grounds.

Co-pilot of Florida Private Jet Crash Identified as 20-Year-Old Nathalia Filgueiras

Nathalia Gadelha Filgueiras, a 20-year-old commercial pilot with 1,300 flight hours, was serving as co-pilot aboard a Learjet 60 that crashed in Palm Beach County while travelling from Austin to the Bahamas. Her family said she had achieved her pilot’s licence in high school and was pursuing a long-held passion for aviation; investigators have not provided further details about the crash in the report.

Asian Markets Open Mixed as Technology Sector Remains in Focus

Asian shares opened mixed, with South Korea’s Kospi and major technology stocks falling as a sell-off in US technology shares weighed on regional sentiment. Markets were also watching an upcoming Reserve Bank of Australia rate decision, while sharp declines in Marvell, Lumentum and Oracle followed major corporate financing and acquisition announcements.

Google’s New AI Is More Advanced: What Gemini 4 Carbon Can Do

Google says Gemini 4 Carbon is its most capable AI model yet, with strong results in cybersecurity testing, software engineering and complex, long-running tasks. The company is making it available gradually, beginning with selected cyber-defence teams, while it gathers feedback and refines safeguards ahead of a wider release.

Bapanas Bolsters Food Crisis Preparedness in NTT with 4,000 Aid Packages

Indonesia’s National Food Agency (Bapanas) is distributing 4,000 food packages to vulnerable households in 13 food-insecure villages in South Central Timor, East Nusa Tenggara. The initiative forms part of the 2026 Food Crisis Preparedness Action and highlights the need for local government food reserves amid geographic and budgetary constraints.

58 Indonesians, Including Former Military and Police Personnel, Lured by High Salaries into Serving in Russian Army

Indonesia’s Criminal Investigation Agency says 58 citizens, including former Indonesian military and police personnel, were trafficked after being recruited as mercenaries for Russia with promises of high pay and bonuses. Investigators have named 13 suspects across five police reports and are pursuing a wider recruitment network in Indonesia and abroad.

Indonesia targets Rp165 trillion in mineral and coal revenue by 2026

Indonesia’s mineral and coal non-tax state revenue reached Rp141.94 trillion by 31 October 2026, already exceeding the full-year target and 2025’s total. The government is aiming for Rp160 trillion–Rp165 trillion by year-end while urging mining companies to improve land reclamation and uphold sustainable practices.

Ahmad Dhani’s Name Mentioned at Customs Case Hearing; KPK Responds

Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) says Ahmad Dhani could be called as a witness in a corruption case involving the Directorate General of Customs and Excise if instructed by the trial judges. Dhani’s name arose after a defendant testified that he had sought help for a relative facing a cigarette-industry-related problem; prosecutors also presented messages concerning free concert tickets.

JCI Closes 0.79% Higher; Five Stocks to Watch Today

The Jakarta Composite Index (JCI) rose 0.79% to 5,096.83, supported by gains in several large-cap shares, although foreign investors were net sellers. The article also outlines corporate developments at Merdeka Copper Gold, Estika Tata Tiara and Cipta Perdana Lancar, alongside five trading recommendations.

Building a Sharia Economy Ecosystem: Lessons from West Java

Coordination between central and regional governments is essential to developing an integrated and sustainable Sharia economy, speakers said at a forum held during the 13th Indonesia Sharia Economic Festival. West Java’s two consecutive overall wins at the Adinata Syariah Awards, in 2025 and 2026, are presented as evidence of a connected development model spanning human capital, entrepreneurship, industry, inclusion and long-term regional planning.

Indonesia builds an integrated nickel downstreaming industry

Indonesia says it has established an integrated electric-vehicle battery ecosystem, linking nickel mining with battery-cell production, and now has three major battery facilities, including a planned Antam–CATL joint venture. The government credits its downstreaming policy with boosting nickel export values from US$3.3 billion in 2017 to US$40 billion in 2025, arguing that domestic processing keeps more value in the country.

Why Have Economic Policies Yet to Deliver Their Full Impact?

A 2026 survey by the University of Indonesia’s LPEM FEB UI finds that most economists see worsening economic conditions, weak job creation and high inflation, with policy implementation failing to deliver broad-based gains. The opinion article argues that informal work and pressure on middle-class purchasing power expose gaps in current policy, and proposes five measures spanning manufacturing, food prices, regulatory certainty, workforce skills and fiscal efficiency.

Religious Affairs Ministry to Safeguard Sukoharjo Qur’an Memorisation School’s Future after Police Search

Indonesia’s Religious Affairs Ministry says it will support students’ welfare and continued education at Rumah Tahfiz Hamalatul Qur’an in Sukoharjo following a police search. Although the facility does not hold the registration required to be formally supervised as a pesantren by the ministry, officials say its students remain entitled to protection; police are also reviewing complaints about the operation, which led to the removal of the local police chief and three officers.

Deputy Agriculture Minister Saleh Urges Young People to Drive Agricultural Transformation

Deputy Agriculture Minister Muhammad Saleh Mustafa has called for greater youth involvement in modernising Indonesian agriculture through technology, innovation and stronger human-resource development. He cited a 4.66 per cent rise in agricultural employment in 2026 and said adapting to climate and geopolitical risks will be crucial to sustainable food sovereignty.

Hackers Attack European Supermarkets, Spoiling Food in Mysterious Incidents

Cyberattacks on refrigeration systems disrupted supermarkets across several European countries, forcing retailers to discard food after temperatures rose sharply. No one has claimed responsibility, raising concerns about attacks on civilian infrastructure and the vulnerability of retail systems, while investigators have yet to identify the perpetrators.

Transport Ministry: Bekasi Concrete Mixer Truck Had Not Undergone Roadworthiness Tests for Six Years

Indonesia’s Transport Ministry says the concrete mixer truck involved in a fatal crash in Bekasi had not undergone mandatory periodic roadworthiness testing (uji kir) for six years. Six people died when the truck struck a group of residents; the driver has been named a suspect, while authorities investigate the cause and the ministry plans to summon the truck company over its compliance obligations.

Heartbreaking: Reconstruction Reveals How Parents Cruelly Killed Their 20-Month-Old Baby

A police reconstruction in South Jakarta showed how a 22-year-old stepfather and the child’s 19-year-old mother repeatedly submerged their 20-month-old baby in a bucket before abandoning the body in Central Jakarta. The suspects told police they killed the child because they could not afford to support them and have been charged under child-protection and criminal laws.

KPK may call Ahmad Dhani after his name is mentioned in customs trial

Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) says Ahmad Dhani could be called as a witness if the panel of judges instructs prosecutors to summon him. His name arose during proceedings in a suspected corruption case involving the Finance Ministry’s Directorate General of Customs and Excise, which is also being investigated for alleged state losses and payments to customs officials.

IDX to Conduct Random Checks on Issuer Reports, Leaving Directors No Room to Manipulate

The Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) will randomly inspect listed companies’ free-float disclosures and investigate affiliated shareholders, with directors facing firm action for inaccurate reporting. The move forms part of broader market-surveillance reforms responding to MSCI’s concerns about enforcement, and includes plans to make investigations into suspected share manipulation more transparent.

Jakarta seeks stronger investment to drive economic growth

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo said the capital grew by 5.52 per cent in the second quarter of 2026, outpacing national growth, and accounts for about 16.32 per cent of Indonesia’s GDP. The provincial government is seeking investment across strategic sectors, while prioritising jobs, technology transfer and support for MSMEs and improving licensing and investment services to attract private capital.

Indonesia SIPF partners with US SIPC to strengthen investor protection

Indonesia SIPF and the US Securities Investor Protection Corporation have signed an MoU to improve communication, information-sharing and coordination on investor protection, including cross-border broker-dealer failures and timely compensation. The agreement reflects the need for closer international cooperation as capital markets become increasingly interconnected and supports Indonesia SIPF’s efforts to broaden investor safeguards.

Election Bill Working Group Postpones Recess Meeting as Schedule Is Reworked

The House of Representatives’ working group on the Election Bill has cancelled a meeting planned during the parliamentary recess and is expected to resume discussions after the next session opens. The bill is not among Parliament’s legislative priorities through December 2026, despite calls to address preparations for the 2029 election and relevant Constitutional Court rulings.

Bapanas Moratorium on Fortified Rice Permits to Strengthen Oversight

Indonesia’s National Food Agency (Bapanas) has temporarily halted the issuance of fresh food circulation permits for fortified rice while it strengthens oversight and establishes verification of the fortified kernels used in the products. The move follows allegations that 25 brands failed to meet administrative, quality or nutritional requirements, with authorities investigating some producers and estimating potential consumer losses at Rp89 trillion.

Coal Prices Remain Flat Amid a Deluge of Bad News

Coal prices held at US$151.35 a tonne on 2 November 2026 despite a sharp fall in oil prices and weaker import demand in India. Developments in China also point to subdued coking-coal demand and lower coal-fired power generation, although supply stocks remain adequate as the country continues its energy transition.

Vice-President Stresses Importance of Sanitation in Home Renovation Programme

Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming has urged officials to ensure that the government’s home renovation programme includes adequate sanitation and health measures, saying these can help prevent stunting. During a visit to Mamuju, he also called for careful identification of other households in need so eligible residents can receive assistance.

Islamic Economy Bill Deemed Urgent, Could Become a Legislative Priority in 2027

The House of Representatives’ Commission XI says the Islamic Economy Bill could be elevated to the 2027 priority legislation list, although it is not currently prioritised for 2026 or 2027. Lawmakers say a comprehensive legal framework would support the development and oversight of Islamic finance and the halal industry, and are calling for government and stakeholder backing.

Rice Prices Rise Across Milling and Retail Markets as Government Responds

Rice prices rose across Indonesia’s distribution chain in October 2026, with the National Food Agency attributing the pressure largely to lower domestic production before the main harvest season. The government is relying on Bulog’s subsidised SPHP rice programme to maintain supplies and make rice affordable, particularly for lower-income households.

First Measles-Related Death in 30 Years as Child Dies in New York

A child in Lewis County, New York, has died in connection with the ongoing measles outbreak, marking the state’s first known measles-related death in more than 30 years. The death comes amid a wider US resurgence, with 178 cases reported in New York and Pennsylvania reporting 1,433 cases and five deaths this year.

Deputy Hajj Minister Explains How Non-Muslims Can Serve as Hajj Staff, Citing Technical Duties

Deputy Hajj Minister Dahnil Anzar says non-Muslims have already supported Indonesia’s Hajj operations in technical, non-worship roles, including at embarkation and disembarkation points. He argues that opening such roles more widely would embody tolerance, cooperation and shared humanitarian values while helping pilgrims travel safely.

Frenchman in Buleleng Left Bloodied After Row Over Loud Music

A French resident in Buleleng, Bali, was stabbed in the abdomen after a dispute with a local man who had been playing music loudly. Police say they were notified three days after the incident and have arrested the suspect, while also considering whether anyone who knew about the crime deliberately failed to report it.

Prices of Galeri 24, UBS, Antam and Antam Retro Gold All Surge Today

Pegadaian’s gold bullion prices rose on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, across its Galeri 24, Antam, UBS and Antam Mulia Retro products. One-gram prices ranged from Rp2.451 million for Galeri 24 to Rp2.569 million for Antam, with each product more expensive than on the previous trading day.

Jakarta MRT Urges Passengers to Follow Rules After Viral Video

PT MRT Jakarta has reminded passengers that eating and drinking are prohibited in paid station areas and aboard its Ratangga trains, following a viral video of staff confronting a passenger who was drinking. The operator said the staff member was enforcing existing rules and should deliver reminders politely and respectfully.

Gibran’s Diploma Controversy Continues to Unfold

A Supreme Court cassation ruling declaring invalid the education-equivalency certificate used by Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has prompted calls for him to resign and for Parliament to initiate impeachment proceedings. Gibran’s supporters say the decision applies only prospectively and does not invalidate his vice-presidential candidacy; the dispute also follows earlier proceedings at the Constitutional Court and lower administrative courts.

Danantara Strengthens Global Reputation at TIME Forum

A communications expert says Danantara Indonesia’s participation in a TIME forum in New York can help build institutional credibility and expand its international network, provided the effort has clear objectives and measurable outcomes. Danantara says its logo appeared at the TIME100 Next Gala as an early, non-financial gesture linked to discussions about future cooperation, with no sponsorship payment made.

Politics yesterday: Vice-President Gibran’s working visit to Mamuju and Mamasa

Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka visited West Sulawesi to review government priority programmes and attend events marking 100 years since the Gospel arrived in Tanah Kalumpang. His itinerary included a hospital construction site, a state high school seeking renovations and facilities, and discussions with cocoa farmers about subsidised fertiliser and farming equipment.

Russia Bombs School in Ukrainian Village, Killing 26

A Russian strike on a school serving as a humanitarian aid distribution point in Komyshuvakha, in Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia region, killed 26 people, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky and emergency services. The attack has prompted Kyiv to denounce Moscow and renew calls for Russia’s international isolation, including in sport.

MUI Chairman Praises National Police Chief for Removing Sukoharjo Police Chief, Urges Islamic Organisations to Remain Calm

MUI chairman KH Anwar Iskandar praised National Police Chief Suyudi Ario Seto for responding to public criticism over a search at an Islamic boarding school in Sukoharjo, Central Java, and for removing the local police chief and related officials. He urged the public and Islamic organisations to remain calm and allow the police and the Ministry of Religious Affairs to address the matter through legal and constructive steps.

US Midterm Elections Begin Today: Could Trump Really Be Finished?

US voters are heading to the polls in midterm elections that could shift control of Congress, with Democrats seen as having a strong chance of taking the House and Republicans fighting to retain their overall majority. The result could constrain President Donald Trump’s agenda and bring greater scrutiny of major industries, while analysts say a divided Congress has historically supported equity markets by limiting sweeping policy changes.

Transport Minister Dudy strengthens preparations for extreme weather during the Christmas and New Year travel period

Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi has ordered closer coordination with disaster and weather agencies and infrastructure operators to reduce disruption during the 2026/2027 Christmas and New Year travel period. Measures include mapping flood and landslide-prone areas, preparing alternative routes and requiring operators to maintain emergency and risk-control plans.

MRT Jakarta Responds to Kiosk Fire at Blok M Hub

MRT Jakarta says a fire broke out at a kiosk in Blok M Hub on Monday afternoon, injuring two employees who received initial treatment before being taken to a health facility. A suspected gas installation leak is being investigated, and the affected kiosk’s operations have been suspended while the company reviews safety measures and emergency preparedness.