Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 4 November 2026

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Online Motorcycle Taxi Drivers Face Mounting Hardship, Living from Hand to Mouth

An IDEAS study finds that 90.96% of Indonesian online motorcycle taxi drivers carry outstanding debt, often borrowing to cover daily necessities rather than to invest in a business. With low net earnings and frequent missed repayments, the report warns that expanding credit under an MSME scheme could deepen drivers’ debt burdens unless income and social protections improve first.

Prabowo Is Not the Only One: BJ Habibie and SBY Were Also Wiretapped in Cases That Caused a Stir

Allegations that President Prabowo Subianto’s telephone was illegally tapped have revived memories of similar incidents involving former presidents BJ Habibie and Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. A 1999 recording of a conversation between Habibie and the attorney general was published, while the 2009 surveillance of SBY became public in 2013 after Australian intelligence documents were leaked.

How Lifestyle Downgrading Is Becoming a New Trend Among the Middle Class

Lifestyle downgrading is increasingly visible among Indonesia’s middle class, as households cut spending, switch to cheaper products and defer non-essential purchases. An IPB University consumer behaviour expert says the shift reflects financial pressure—including stagnant income growth, rising staple prices and substantial monthly instalments—rather than simply a preference for cheaper goods.

Health Ministry: Routine SPPG Inspections Can Prevent Outbreak Risks

The Health Ministry says routine inspections of Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPGs) must follow the issuance of hygiene and sanitation certificates to help prevent food poisoning and other health incidents. Tangerang City reports that 75 SPPGs have obtained the certificates, while 15 more are undergoing guidance and verification as part of efforts to ensure the Free Nutritious Meals programme is safe.

Protecting Indonesians from Recruitment as Mercenaries

Police have named suspects in a human-trafficking case involving Indonesians allegedly recruited to serve as Russian mercenaries, highlighting how misleading overseas job offers can funnel vulnerable workers into military roles. The article calls for coordinated domestic and international action to investigate recruitment networks and strengthen protections before workers leave Indonesia.

Pigai Calls Listyo and Others ‘Traitors to the Nation’ and Urges Police to Investigate Thoroughly

Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai says alleged illegal wiretapping involving National Police chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo and other senior officers would threaten privacy, national security and other fundamental rights if proven. He has urged the police to conduct a professional, transparent and accountable investigation, citing constitutional and international protections against unlawful interference with private communications.

Sugiono Calls for Review of Presidential Communications Security Following Alleged Wiretapping

Gerindra Secretary-General Sugiono said the alleged wiretapping of President Prabowo Subianto should prompt a review of cybersecurity and communications safeguards at the Presidential Palace. He described unauthorised interception as a serious matter, raised the possibility of insubordination or an attempt to undermine the President, and urged the public to await the legal investigation’s findings.

Semarang Prosecutors and Customs Destroy 90.2 Tonnes of Illegal Kratom

Semarang prosecutors and Tanjung Emas Customs have destroyed 90.2 tonnes of kratom that was disguised as coffee and due to be exported to India. Four people have been convicted in the case, and the court ordered the seized goods destroyed after its ruling became final.

Iran Comments on US Midterm Results: Americans Have Chosen ‘No to War’

Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said the US midterm results showed that Americans had rejected war, and voiced support for that message. The article says Democrats took control of both chambers of Congress, with the prolonged Iran conflict and its impact on fuel prices among the factors weighing on voters and President Donald Trump’s Republicans.

Although Sukoharjo Islamic Boarding School Lacks a Licence, Religious Affairs Ministry Says It Is Concerned by Police Raid and Humiliation of Female Students

Central Java’s Religious Affairs Ministry has expressed concern over a police raid at Hamalatul Quran Islamic boarding school in Sukoharjo, while acknowledging that the school had no operating licence. Authorities are coordinating to safeguard the students’ education, and the ministry says the school may apply for a licence if it meets the required conditions.

Three Orangutans Seek Food in Residents’ Gardens as They Remain in Fire-Hit Area

At least three orangutans are believed to remain in forest and scrubland affected by ongoing fires near Bagendang Tengah village in Central Kalimantan, and have been venturing into nearby farms and gardens for food and shelter. Conservation officers say much of the forest cover has burned, with smoke still rising from several areas.

Indonesia’s Q3 GDP projected at 5.2% as manufacturing exports rebound, but Q4 headwinds loom

Indonesia’s economy is projected to have grown 5.2% year on year in the third quarter of 2026, supported by a rebound in manufacturing exports despite weaker consumer demand and domestic investment. Analysts warn that higher oil prices, El Niño-related crop losses and forest fires could weigh heavily on fourth-quarter growth, complicating the government’s 5.4% full-year target as fiscal and monetary policy space remains constrained.

Minister Pigai: What Listyo Did Clearly Constitutes Treason

Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai has described alleged illegal wiretapping involving National Police Chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo and other senior officers as a threat to national security and a betrayal of the state. He called on the police to investigate the case professionally and transparently, determine accountability and prevent similar abuses from recurring.

Peru Declares State of Emergency in 1,380 Districts Over Rainfall Risk

Peru has declared a 60-day state of emergency in 1,380 districts across the country amid the threat of heavy rain associated with El Niño. The measure enables coordinated disaster-risk reduction, emergency response and rehabilitation efforts, with authorities warning that vulnerable areas face a very high risk of intense rainfall.

Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park Conservation Partnerships Support Forest Restoration and Community Welfare

The Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park authority is using conservation partnerships to address encroachment and existing coffee cultivation while supporting the livelihoods of long-established residents. Sustainable coffee initiatives are under way in parts of Lampung, alongside community-group commitments to help conserve the park and reduce harmful interactions with wildlife.

Rapid Growth of the Electric Vehicle Industry Puts Social and Environmental Issues in Focus

Indonesia’s fast-growing electric vehicle market is increasing pressure on producers to address the social and environmental impacts of their supply chains. An analysis cited in the article flags low performance on climate policy, responsible sourcing and workers’ and Indigenous peoples’ rights, while highlighting pollution, land disputes and coal-powered nickel processing.

Ombudsman Recommends Steps for Local Governments to Address Forest and Land Fires

Indonesia’s Ombudsman has urged local governments to plan and budget for forest and land fires before they occur, after finding that some only mobilised resources and formed task forces once fires were already burning. It recommends strengthening local disaster agencies, funding, coordination and preparedness, while identifying specific response gaps in nine provinces.

Google to invest US$15 billion in Malaysia in 2027 and 2028

Google plans to invest US$15 billion in Malaysia in 2027 and 2028, building data centre campuses in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan and supporting clean energy, water security and workforce training. The construction phase is expected to contribute an average of US$1.1 billion a year to GDP and support more than 37,000 jobs annually, while the operating campuses are projected to sustain more than 9,000 jobs per year.

EU Monitors Bomb Threats Affecting Aviation Sector

The European Commission says it is closely monitoring bomb threats affecting flights across Europe, while warning that it is too early to determine whether the incidents are connected. Around seven passenger flights bound for Poland, Bulgaria, Italy and Spain received threats, prompting security checks and temporary disruption; no explosives were found.

Seventh World Media Summit to open in Beijing

The seventh World Media Summit, organised by Xinhua News Agency and the Beijing Municipal Government, will run in Beijing from 5 to 9 November. Nearly 500 delegates from 112 countries and regions are expected to discuss artificial intelligence, media cooperation and global communication governance.

Ombudsman Warns Local Governments Not to Neglect Education During Disasters

Indonesia’s Ombudsman has urged local governments to treat education as a priority during emergencies, including forest and land fires, after finding inconsistent responses across nine provinces. It warned that prolonged disruption and exposure to hazardous smoke can threaten children’s safety and their right to education, potentially causing learning loss.

KCIC Offers Whoosh High-Speed Train Ticket Promotion with Discounts of up to Rp110,000

KCIC is offering discounts of up to Rp110,000 on Whoosh high-speed train tickets through Traveloka’s 11.11 Epic Sale, running from 3 to 12 November 2026. The promotion features two discount schemes, subject to minimum spending and passenger requirements, as KCIC reports that digital channels accounted for 78.7 per cent of ticket purchases between January and September 2026.

TNI Helicopter Sent to Fight Forest Fires Crashes in Central Kalimantan; Four Crew Members Evacuated

A Mi-17 helicopter belonging to the Indonesian Army Aviation Centre crashed off the coast of Pematang Limau in Central Kalimantan while supporting efforts to extinguish forest and land fires. Four crew members were rescued from the sea and taken to Kuala Pembuang Airport before being transported for medical treatment; another helicopter continued assisting the evacuation.

Fire Destroys Two Houses and Three Motorcycles in Jasinga, Bogor

A fire in Pangaur village, Jasinga district, Bogor, destroyed two houses and three motorcycles. Local fire officials suspect an electrical short circuit in a motorcycle caused the blaze; there were no casualties, and firefighters extinguished it after about an hour.

Death toll from Israeli aggression in Gaza reaches 74,615

The reported death toll from Israeli military operations in Gaza has risen to 74,615 since 7 October 2023, with a further 175,899 people injured. Since the ceasefire on 11 October 2025, 1,599 people have reportedly been killed and 5,774 injured; rescue teams remain unable to reach some casualties trapped beneath rubble or lying in the streets.

Nusron Wahid Leaves KPK After Five-Hour Questioning

Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning Minister Nusron Wahid was questioned by the Corruption Eradication Commission for about five hours as a witness in an alleged bribery case involving the processing of land-use rights for PT Summarecon Agung. He had previously missed two summonses; the KPK has named eight suspects in the case.

Palace Questions Motive Behind Alleged Wiretapping of President Prabowo by Listyo Sigit and Others

The government says it is awaiting the police investigation into allegations that three senior police officers illegally wiretapped President Prabowo, as well as ministers, political party leaders and civil society figures. State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi said the alleged conduct could threaten state interests and leaders’ safety, and questioned its purpose.

Coordinating Minister Says Tapping of President Constitutes Insubordination

Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Sugiono says the alleged tapping of President Prabowo Subianto by an institution under his authority amounts to insubordination and could raise questions about possible motives, including a plot against the President. He says lawful interception requires a court decision, while the case remains under investigation and may prompt a review of cybersecurity policy.

Public Toilet Becomes Silent Witness to 20-Month-Old’s Murder by Parents in South Jakarta

A 20-month-old child was killed by his mother and stepfather in a public toilet in Kebayoran Lama, South Jakarta, after the couple said they could not afford to support their children. Police say the case came to light after a toilet owner heard the child crying; the suspects were arrested after returning to retrieve belongings they had left behind.

Education Ministry to Strengthen Inclusive Education by Revitalising 836 Special Schools

Indonesia’s Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education plans to revitalise 836 special schools this year, prioritising building safety, accessibility and learning facilities tailored to students with disabilities. The initiative comes amid a wider backlog of more than 900,000 classrooms in moderate or severe disrepair, with officials stressing that upgrades should support learning and students’ independence.

Yusril Says Wiretapping of President Prabowo May Point to Treason, Citing Death Penalty

Coordinating Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra says investigators are examining whether alleged illegal wiretapping of President Prabowo Subianto and other figures may indicate treason under Indonesia’s Criminal Code. Three senior police officers have reportedly been named suspects in the wiretapping case, while investigators continue to probe its motives and intended beneficiaries; Yusril stressed that the suspected aim was not to kill the President but potentially to incapacitate him.

MUI Advisory Council Calls for Wiretapping Case to Be Fully Investigated, Says Islam Prohibits Tajassus

The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has urged law enforcement to investigate allegations of illegal wiretapping targeting the President, state officials, political figures and civil society groups. MUI says unauthorised surveillance violates Islamic principles and may breach national law, and has called for investigators to uncover the motive and all parties involved to safeguard public trust and national stability.

US Midterm Election Results Deal a Heavy Blow to Israel

The Republicans’ defeat in the US midterm elections is expected to increase pressure on Donald Trump’s policy of military and diplomatic support for Israel. The article identifies three challenges for Israel, beginning with the political fallout from the Iran war and the possibility that Washington may seek to end the conflict or scale back its military involvement in the Middle East.

Police Officer Found Dead at Housing Complex in West Lombok

An active West Nusa Tenggara Regional Police officer was found dead at his home in Labuapi, West Lombok, on Wednesday. Police have not determined the cause of death and are investigating the scene; the body has been taken to Bhayangkara Hospital for further examination.

DPD Secretary-General: Awards Give a Platform to Regional Champions Who Often Go Unnoticed

The DPD RI Awards 2026 will recognise figures whose work and innovation benefit communities across Indonesia, including in food security, health technology, cultural preservation and non-formal education. Secretary-General Mohammad Iqbal said the awards aim to bring greater visibility to local contributions and strengthen cooperation in publicising regional initiatives.

LAZ’s Aide Revealed as Recipient of Bribe Money from Alvonsus Gani

Testimony in a corruption trial revealed that Lalu Fathon Ahimsa, aide to Lombok Barat Regent Lalu Ahmad Zaini (LAZ), received money and benefits from PT Meconel Sistim Instrument chief executive Alvonsus Gani. Prosecutors allege the payments were intended to secure a Rp27.1 billion clean-water management project for the company at PT Air Minum Giri Menang.

Indonesia Pushes for Inclusive Trade Finance in the OIC Region

Indonesia has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive, reliable and efficient trade-finance access for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) across the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Deputy Trade Minister Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri said affordable finance is vital to export competitiveness and backed regional measures including Islamic finance, cash-flow-based credit assessments, digital trade documents and guarantees.

JCI Closes 0.32% Higher at 4,919.77

The Jakarta Composite Index (JCI) rose 0.32% to 4,919.77, recovering from an early-session decline, with financial stocks providing the strongest sectoral support. Investors are also monitoring domestic political uncertainty, US election and economic data, and the Financial System Stability Committee’s assessment that Indonesia’s financial system remains stable and growth is forecast at 5.4–5.5% in 2026.

Indonesia’s MPR Explains Parliamentary System and Special Autonomy to Bangsamoro Delegation

Indonesia’s People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) briefed a Bangsamoro delegation on its constitutional role, parliamentary structure and special-autonomy arrangements during a learning exchange in Jakarta. The visit is intended to help Bangsamoro’s relatively new parliament strengthen its legislative support services and democratic governance, with Indonesia’s experience in regional autonomy—including Aceh—among the subjects of interest.

PON 2028 Venues Could Be Relocated as East Nusa Tenggara Speeds Up Preparations

East Nusa Tenggara Governor Melki Laka Lena has urged faster preparations for the 2028 National Sports Week, after the Indonesian National Sports Committee warned that venues failing technical standards could be moved. The province is allocated 22 sports and hopes the event will boost tourism, transport, hospitality, food businesses and MSMEs, but venue locations remain contingent on facility readiness.

UNICEF steps up Ebola preparedness in South Sudan

UNICEF says it is on high alert and strengthening preparedness in priority areas of South Sudan amid the potential threat of Ebola from neighbouring countries. It has delivered more than 50 tonnes of protective and infection-control supplies, while warning that the country’s existing crises are putting essential services under strain and heightening public-health risks.

Don’t Be Surprised! Trump Congratulates Democrats on Victory, but…

Donald Trump congratulated Democrats after Republicans lost the midterm elections, acknowledging that the Iran conflict and rising oil prices may have influenced voters. Although he said he was open to co-operation with Democrats, he threatened to veto legislation and blamed Republican candidates and colleagues for the defeat.

Could a Coal Export Levy Help Cover the State Budget Deficit? SUSTAIN’s Analysis

SUSTAIN says a progressive levy on coal exports could raise an estimated Rp 97.4 trillion a year, almost twice the government’s targeted Rp 50 trillion in additional revenue. It argues this would be fairer and less damaging to household spending than expanding taxes on retail goods, and urges the government to introduce the delayed regulation and direct proceeds towards priority spending and social protection.

PKB Legislator: Gen Z Disappointed by Gibran Case and Call for Vice-President’s Impeachment

PKB legislator Eka Widodo says young people he met during a constituency visit in Central Java called for Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka to be impeached, citing concerns about the constitutional process behind his candidacy and the impact on equal access to political leadership. He also said they were frustrated by a promise to create 19 million jobs, while alleging that unemployment among Gen Z had risen; those claims are attributed to Widodo and are not independently substantiated in the article.

MPR and UNS Academics Examine PPHN to Ensure Continuity of Development

The MPR is consulting academics at Sebelas Maret University on the proposed State Policy Guidelines (PPHN), intended to provide a coherent long-term direction for national development after the 1945 Constitution was amended. Participants stressed that any framework must respect constitutional supremacy and the directly elected president’s mandate, while balancing continuity with adaptability and translating Pancasila’s values into policy.

DPR Member: Investigators Should Probe Alleged Treason in Wiretapping Case

DPR Commission III member Abdullah says police should investigate whether alleged illegal surveillance of the President and other officials involved an attempted coup, relying on evidence and legal facts. He called for investigators to identify any wider network, command structure, motives and impacts, after State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi said the case could amount to acts tending towards treason.

Wiretapping case involving President classified as ‘abuse of power’

A government studies academic says the alleged illegal wiretapping of President Prabowo Subianto by senior police officers may constitute an abuse of power and violate the law. Police have named three senior officers as suspects, alleging they illegally intercepted the President, ministers, state officials, political figures and media from 2025 to 2026.

Yusril Says Wiretapping of Indonesian President Could Amount to Treason, Carrying Heavy Sentence if Proven

Yusril Ihza Mahendra says an investigation into the alleged illegal interception of President Prabowo Subianto and other officials has uncovered indications that may point to treason. Three senior police officers have been named as suspects over alleged unlawful wiretapping, electronic data deletion and illegal access, while investigators continue to examine the case.

East Java Police Confirm 15 Bone Fragments Belong to Two Mutilation Victims

DNA testing has confirmed that 15 bone fragments recovered in connection with a murder case in Madiun belonged to four-year-old Ashaka Ghava El Fae Zya and 30-year-old Dini Hardianti. Their family’s lawyer said the victims would be buried in Bogor and that the family hoped the accused, Dwi Bagus Martono, would receive the maximum penalty.

DEN Sets Out Three Key Measures for Indonesia to Succeed in the Electric Vehicle Industry

Indonesia’s National Economic Council says the government must align nickel mining quotas, domestic-content rules and industry incentives to build a competitive electric vehicle ecosystem. It argues that consistent regulation and support for battery production and electric motorbikes are essential to sustain investment and develop local demand.