Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 3 November 2026

Showing 1,401-1,450 of 1,557 articles

Free Electric and Pedal-Powered Becak Rides Around Malioboro Available Today

The Yogyakarta regional government is offering free rides on electric and pedal-powered becak around Malioboro from 14:00 to 18:00, starting at the former Abu Bakar Ali car park. The recurring programme, funded through the Special Fund, aims to familiarise residents and visitors with electric becak and promote compliant traditional transport, with drivers also expected to introduce local heritage and attractions.

South Jakarta Parents Repeatedly Drowned Baby in a Toilet Bucket

Police say a 22-year-old stepfather and the victim’s 19-year-old mother killed their 20-month-old child, citing their inability to afford the costs of raising the child. The pair have been named suspects and face charges under child-protection and criminal-law provisions; police say they disposed of the body in Central Jakarta after the killing.

Indonesia Ranks First Among 10 Countries with the Lowest Trust in Police

An Ipsos survey covering 31 countries found that 59% of respondents in Indonesia said they did not trust the police, the highest share recorded. The results reflect public perceptions rather than a direct assessment of police quality or performance; Indonesia was the only Asian country in the top 10.

Yesterday’s Legal News: Cannabis Field Destruction and Sukoharjo Police Chief

Authorities in Aceh destroyed 104.86 hectares of cannabis fields, while the Corruption Eradication Commission summoned a Klaten official as a witness in a corruption case. Police also deactivated and later transferred the Sukoharjo police chief following complaints about a search at an Islamic boarding school, and named 13 suspects in a human trafficking case involving recruitment as Russian mercenaries.

Ferry Juliantono Inaugurates IKA UNPAD Bali Committee

Ferry Juliantono has inaugurated the Bali committee of the Padjadjaran University Alumni Association, calling for stronger ties and collaboration among the province’s more than 300 alumni. The association will provide two plastic-waste processing units and work with the Cooperatives Ministry and customary community organisations to turn sorted plastic waste into diesel-like fuel, aiming to address both waste and fuel-supply pressures in Bali.

Sanitary Pads Are Taxed; Women’s Empowerment Minister Calls for Review

Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Minister Arifah says sanitary pads are an essential need, not a luxury, and calls for affordable access, including during emergencies. Her comments follow criticism from the National Commission on Violence Against Women that the 11% effective VAT burden on menstrual products could deepen period poverty and should be reconsidered through a gender-equity lens.

Deden, Indonesian Fighting for Russia, Writes to President: What His Letter Says

Deden, an Indonesian national serving in the Russian military, has appealed to Indonesia’s president to bring home Indonesians caught fighting for Russia against Ukraine. He says many recruits have gone missing after being sent to the front, where drone attacks pose a serious threat.

Transport Minister Says Safety Is Priority for Christmas and New Year Travel

Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi says safety will be the central priority for Indonesia’s 2026 Christmas and 2027 New Year transport services. The Transport Ministry is coordinating with operators and other stakeholders on vehicle and infrastructure checks, staff readiness, weather risks and emergency response to ensure safe, orderly journeys.

Good News: PNM Mekaar Loan Interest to Fall to 8% Next Week

The government will cut interest on ultra-micro loans for PNM Mekaar customers from 18–25% to 8% from the second week of November 2026, with the reduction intended to be permanent. It has set aside about Rp2.6 trillion in subsidies through the end of the year, but is still assessing how many borrowers can be covered during the initial implementation period.

China rolls out support measures to aid struggling shares

Chinese regulators have introduced liquidity and financing measures, including central-bank swap operations and cheaper, longer-term lending for share buybacks, to stabilise weak stock markets. The moves follow a sharp October drop in the CSI 300 and aim to bolster investor confidence amid economic weakness and continued pressure on technology shares.

Five Explosions Heard in Southern Iran Near the Strait of Hormuz

Five explosions were reported on Qeshm Island, with further blasts heard near Bandar Lengeh, although the cause and any casualties or damage remain unknown. The reports came as Tehran and Washington continued exchanging messages through mediators over tensions around the Strait of Hormuz.

IDX Removes 81 HSC Stocks from Composite Index, Redistributing Their Weight to Other Shares

The Indonesia Stock Exchange will exclude 81 shares with high shareholding concentration from the Jakarta Composite Index, while proportionally reallocating their index weight to the remaining constituents. The change took effect on 2 November 2026 and is intended as a composition adjustment rather than a trigger for a sharp index decline; the move also highlights liquidity risks associated with concentrated ownership.

MUI on Non-Muslim Hajj Staff: Religious Duties Must Be Performed by Muslims

A senior Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) official says non-Muslims may support Hajj operations in technical or field roles, but should not serve in posts directly involved in religious rites. The remarks respond to Deputy Hajj Minister Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak’s proposal to involve people of different faiths in serving Indonesian pilgrims as a way to promote tolerance and cooperation.

AI Finds Photos and Videos Long Deleted from a Phone — Here’s Where They Were Stored

A user says Claude Code found more than 214,000 files, including thumbnails and other media-related data, in a hidden folder on a Google Pixel after the original photos and videos had been deleted. The claim has not been independently verified, and the presence of thumbnails does not prove that full, recoverable originals remain; Android’s storage permissions also limit which files apps can access.

Bank Neo Commerce Posts Net Profit of Rp430.98 Billion Through Q3 2026

Bank Neo Commerce reported post-tax net profit of Rp430.98 billion through September 2026, alongside improved operating efficiency and asset quality. The bank said it is focusing on selective lending and sustainable growth, while its assets, deposits and core capital also increased.

Profile: Haley Stevens, the Pro-Zionist Who Defects to Back El-Sayed’s Opponent

Congresswoman Haley Stevens has reversed her earlier support for Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed, instead endorsing Republican Mike Rogers just two days before Michigan’s 3 November 2026 election. Their dispute has centred partly on views about Israel and has triggered anger among Democrats and resignations by some of Stevens’ staff. The article traces Stevens’ path from the Obama administration’s auto-industry rescue effort to Congress, where she has focused on manufacturing and technology policy.

Despite a 0.79% Rise in the Jakarta Composite Index, Foreign Investors Sell These 10 Shares

The Jakarta Composite Index (JCI) rose 0.79% to 5,096.83 on Monday, 2 November 2026, after falling throughout the previous week. Foreign investors recorded net sales of Rp112.47 billion across the market, with Bank Mandiri and Bank Central Asia leading the list of 10 shares with the largest net foreign selling.

Food Self-Sufficiency Has Been Achieved, But What About Consumers’ Purchasing Power?

Indonesia’s drive for food self-sufficiency aims to strengthen national food security and sovereignty, but domestic production alone does not guarantee that food is affordable to everyone. The article raises questions about household food spending, prices compared with other countries, and whether Indonesians can afford nutritious, balanced diets.

Very Strong El Niño: Forest and Land Fires in South Papua Not Yet Fully Extinguished

Some 253 hectares of land in South Papua remained affected by forest and land fires as of 1 November, although the burned area had fallen by 56 per cent from more than 700 hectares. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) is continuing weather-modification operations to induce rain, while very strong El Niño conditions, smoke haze and extensive peatland are complicating firefighting efforts.

Yesterday: October Inflation and SMEs’ Path to the Capital Market

Indonesia’s annual inflation reached 3.23 per cent in October 2026, driven by higher food prices, while the government said it was not concerned despite the rate nearing the upper end of its target range. Other developments included exports of US$221.23 billion in January–September, plans to channel natural-resource exports through PT Danantara Sumberdaya Indonesia from 2027, and a programme to prepare around 200 SMEs to access capital-market funding.

China Boycotts Real Madrid After Mbappé’s Mockery of Mao Zedong

Chinese broadcasters and media have stopped showing LaLiga matches, including Real Madrid’s 3-0 win over Racing Santander, after Kylian Mbappé was accused of mocking Mao Zedong. The backlash has also prompted two Chinese brands to end partnerships with the footballer, raising concerns about lost broadcast and sponsorship revenue, although some LaLiga coverage remains available on a state-owned streaming service.

FBI Accuses North Korea of Binance Hack; Kim Jong Un’s Sister Calls It a ‘Provocation’

North Korea has condemned the FBI’s claim that a North Korean-linked hacking group stole about US$6 billion from Binance, with Kim Yo Jong calling the allegation a serious political provocation. The dispute follows the FBI’s attribution of the breach to TraderTraitor, while US President Donald Trump said it was not yet clear whether Pyongyang was responsible.

Can Eating Spicy Food Cause Appendicitis? Here Are the Facts

There is no strong scientific evidence that eating chillies or spicy food directly causes appendicitis; the condition is more commonly linked to a blockage in the appendix followed by infection. The article outlines common symptoms and advises seeking prompt medical care if abdominal pain worsens, as appendicitis can lead to serious complications.

Indonesia’s Two Neighbours Launch Major Project, Attracting Rp400 Trillion in Investment

The Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone recorded RM88.83 billion (about Rp399.73 trillion) in approved investment between January 2025 and June 2026, with 45% already realised. The projects are expected to support nearly 28,800 potential jobs, while Malaysia and Singapore plan further investment facilitation, improved cross-border connectivity and a joint investment forum in early 2027.

PAM JAYA Praises Pulogebang Residents for Supporting Water-Service Expansion

PAM JAYA has recognised 52 community representatives from 15 Jakarta sub-districts for helping to support new household connections during 2025. The initiative is intended to broaden access as the utility works towards full piped-water coverage; as of September 2026, coverage stood at 83.59 per cent, serving more than 1.2 million customers.

Islamic Finance Market Share Reaches 11.21%, with Assets at Rp 3,307 Trillion

Indonesia’s Islamic finance industry recorded assets of Rp 3,307.73 trillion in September 2026, up 9.28% year on year, giving it an 11.21% share of national financial assets. OJK data show growth across Islamic banking, capital markets and non-bank financial institutions, while the regulator’s chair stressed the need to strengthen resilience amid global uncertainty.

Albanese: ‘Bismillah, Here Is the Light!’

UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese called for solidarity with Palestinians and for supporters to turn awareness into organised action during Macklemore’s Free Palestine Tour concert in Paris. She invoked the Palestinian concept of sumud, while reiterating her accusations against Israel, which Israel rejects; the United States sanctioned her in 2025 over actions involving US and Israeli officials at the International Criminal Court.

JCI Closes Higher as Foreign Investors Buy These 10 Stocks

Indonesia’s Jakarta Composite Index (JCI) rose 0.79% to 5,096.83 on Monday, 2 November, with trading worth approximately Rp12.43 trillion. Foreign investors were net sellers across the market overall, but bought Rp263.07 billion worth of shares in the negotiated and cash markets; Chandra Asri Pacific, Bumi Resources and Petrosea topped the list of 10 stocks with net foreign buying.

Boboho’s Testimony at Former Jampidsus Febrie’s Trial

Ferry Yanto Hongkiriwang, known as Ferry Boboho, testified that former Jampidsus Febrie Adriansyah instructed him to collect money from businessman Tan Kian, including Rp 55 billion allegedly linked to a threat of being named a suspect in the Jiwasraya corruption case. He also described payments and contacts involving other corruption cases, while Febrie faces charges of extortion and money laundering; the claims were presented as testimony in court.

All 69 Victims of Spain’s High-Speed Train Crash Identified

Spanish authorities have identified all 69 people killed in last week’s high-speed train collision, including the final three victims, two Australians and one Japanese national. The crash, the country’s second high-speed rail collision this year, has renewed questions about railway safety after an automatic safety-system failure and a control-centre decision allowed one train to continue while another was stopped.

Satyanara: Ubud’s New Art Destination

Satyanara, an international-standard arts venue, opened in Ubud on 22 October 2026, bringing together artists, researchers, collectors and the public to explore Asian and Indonesian culture. Its opening programme features three exhibitions, alongside workshops, an amphitheatre, a café and accessible facilities, with entry prices ranging from Rp30,000 to Rp120,000.

Mystery Ice Chunk Smashes Through Roof of Bantul Resident’s House

A 20-centimetre-wide chunk of ice crashed through the roof of an empty home in Jodog, Bantul, on 2 November, damaging the ceiling and furniture but causing no injuries. Local disaster officials and the meteorological agency say there was no rain at the time and have not established the ice’s origin; the BMKG noted a possible atmospheric disturbance but said more detailed analysis is needed.

Ahead of BTS Concert, GBK Reinforces Pitch Structure for Major Stage

Gelora Bung Karno Stadium is strengthening the foundations beneath the centre of its pitch ahead of BTS’s scheduled Jakarta concert in December, as large stages can exceed the field’s current load capacity. The work, intended to support both sporting and non-sporting events while protecting the pitch and its drainage, is targeted for completion in November 2026.

Golkar Deputy Chair Calls for Party Leaders to Discuss Gibran’s Diploma

Golkar deputy chair Ahmad Doli Kurnia has urged political party leaders in the House of Representatives to meet over Supreme Court and Constitutional Court rulings concerning Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s educational qualification. He says any response should prioritise public interests, uphold constitutional rules and ethics, and protect national unity, while arguing that parliamentary inquiries are no longer relevant because the issue has entered the realm of possible dismissal.

Indonesia’s Economy Ahead of GDP Release: Three Indicators Strengthen in Tandem

Indonesia’s manufacturing PMI rose to 54.0 in October, while September’s trade surplus reached US$3.36 billion and annual inflation remained within the official target range. The indicators point to resilient economic conditions ahead of the third-quarter GDP release, although they do not on their own reveal the scale of growth.

Jakarta’s Air Quality Unhealthy on Tuesday Morning

Jakarta recorded an unhealthy air-quality index of 152 on Tuesday morning, with PM2.5 concentrations 11.5 times the World Health Organization’s annual guideline. IQAir advised residents to wear masks and limit outdoor exposure; Jakarta ranked fifth for the worst air quality in Indonesia.

Turkey Says Israel’s War Is Driving Up Global Energy Prices

Turkish Vice-President Cevdet Yilmaz blamed Israel’s war for putting pressure on global energy prices and called for stronger regional cooperation to safeguard energy security. Speaking at a meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s COMCEC, he also condemned Israel’s occupation and attacks in Palestine, urged concrete action on Gaza’s reconstruction, and highlighted COMCEC projects supporting Palestinians.

Oil Slumps as Gold and Silver Prices Soar Again

Gold rose nearly 2% on Monday as a sharp fall in oil prices eased inflation concerns and a weaker US dollar lent further support. Investors are also watching the US midterm elections, while markets continue to price in a high probability of a Federal Reserve rate rise in December.

Company to Be Questioned After Concrete Mixer Truck Kills Six in Bekasi

Bekasi police plan to question the company that owns a concrete mixer truck involved in a crash that killed six people, while its driver has been named a suspect. Investigators say the truck’s brakes may have malfunctioned; the driver faces charges under Indonesia’s road traffic law, which carry a maximum six-year prison sentence and/or a fine of Rp12 million.

Yesterday: Eight Steps to Prepare for the Rainy Season and a Review of Free University Tuition at State Universities

Indonesia’s disaster agency has issued eight preparedness measures for local governments ahead of the 2026/2027 rainy season, while the higher education ministry is studying how to implement President Prabowo Subianto’s direction for free tuition at state universities. The roundup also reports prolonged lahar-flood activity at Mount Semeru, two eruptions at Mount Dukono and a push to involve universities in the national Chip Merah Putih semiconductor project.

Stock Market Plunges as Israel’s Capital Markets Chief Says Economy Is ‘Held Hostage’

Tel Aviv Stock Exchange chief Ittai Ben-Zeev has urged Israeli political leaders to set aside their differences and form a broad, consensus-based government, warning that prolonged political disputes could constrain economic growth. The appeal came as coalition talks remain uncertain following the election, with Israeli shares and the shekel weakening amid investor concerns about political instability.

BMKG: Most of Indonesia Expected to See Light Rain on Tuesday

BMKG forecasts light rain across much of Indonesia on Tuesday, while warning air travellers about potential cumulonimbus cloud growth in several regions. Fishermen and sea transport users are also urged to take care, with waves of 2.5 to 4 metres possible in several waters.

Mobile SIM Service Available at Five Jakarta Locations on Tuesday

Jakarta’s mobile driving-licence service will operate at five locations from 08:00 to 14:00 WIB on Tuesday, handling renewals for valid SIM A and SIM C licences only. Renewal fees are Rp80,000 for SIM A and Rp75,000 for SIM C; expired licences require an application for a new licence at the Daan Mogot SIM service centre.

Indonesian Serving in Russian Military Sends Open Letter to President and House Commission I

Adi, an Indonesian national who says he is trapped in Russia under a military service contract, has appealed to Indonesia’s leaders and parliament for help returning home. He is among the Indonesians identified by Ukraine’s foreign intelligence service as serving in Russia; he says some fellow recruits have gone missing and are presumed dead, while he lost a finger in a drone attack at the frontline.

President Addicted to AI and No Longer Hearing Public Criticism

US President Donald Trump is reportedly engrossed in AI-generated memes and videos that praise him and attack his political opponents, with a senior housing official said to supply much of the material. The reports have prompted concern that AI-generated content and advice may be narrowing his exposure to criticism and potentially influencing decisions, including on Venezuela; Democrats are calling for the release of his conversations with Grok.

How to Move WhatsApp Chats to a New Phone Without Losing Data

WhatsApp users can transfer chat histories, media and documents to a new phone using direct transfer features or cloud backups, with the process varying by operating system. The guide outlines key requirements—including using the same phone number and keeping the old device intact until migration is confirmed—and explains how to move chats between Android and iPhone, change numbers and troubleshoot failures.

Is Chilled Rice Really Healthier? How It Affects Blood Sugar

Cooling cooked rice increases its resistant starch content and may reduce the blood-sugar response after a meal, although the evidence does not mean chilled rice is healthier for everyone. Research also highlights a risk of hypoglycaemia for some people with type 1 diabetes using standard insulin doses, while safe and prompt refrigeration is essential to prevent food poisoning.

Democrat and PSI Politicians Clash Over Gibran’s Diploma; AHY Drawn into Row

A Supreme Court ruling declaring Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s high-school equivalency certificate invalid has sparked a public dispute between politicians from the Democratic Party and the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI). The argument has broadened into accusations about whether Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) has political ambitions for the vice-presidency, while Democratic figures say the issue should be addressed through legal and constitutional arguments.

Yesterday’s Crime News: Betrand Peto Case and Assault of a Toddler

Police in Jakarta are preparing to question a reported party in a case involving entertainer Betrand Peto after expert examinations are completed. In a separate case, forensic doctors found signs of both recent and older injuries on a two-year-old girl who died in South Jakarta; police have arrested and detained her mother and another suspect.

Key Points of Suyudi’s Ban on Police Officers Using Vapes

National Police Chief General Suyudi Ario Seto has prohibited all police personnel from using e-cigarettes, both on and off duty, under a circular issued on 30 October 2026. The policy is intended to prevent the use of vape devices to distribute narcotics; violations may lead to disciplinary action or criminal prosecution, and the public is encouraged to report breaches.