Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 4 November 2026

Showing 1,001-1,050 of 1,482 articles

Bogor Customs Seize 1.8 Million Illegal Cigarettes from Courier Company in Depok

Bogor Customs officers seized 1.888 million cigarettes without excise stamps from a courier company in Depok during Operation ASAP II. The cigarettes were valued at an estimated Rp2.8 billion, with potential state revenue losses of Rp1.4 billion, highlighting authorities’ efforts to disrupt illegal tobacco distribution through logistics networks.

Police Name LSP a Suspect in Wiretapping Case; Belgian Prime Minister Offers to Resign

Indonesia’s Criminal Investigation Agency has named three people, including LSP, as suspects in an alleged wiretapping, electronic data deletion and illegal access case; another person is being questioned as a witness. Separately, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever offered his resignation after his five-party coalition failed to agree on a 2027 budget, but King Philippe has deferred a decision while consulting party leaders.

BPJS Health Premium Assistance to Be Expanded, Requiring Rp94 Trillion in Government Funding

The government is considering extending subsidised BPJS Health contributions to around 188 million people in socioeconomic deciles 1–8, with the financing shared between central, provincial and district/city governments. The proposal remains under discussion; projected annual costs total Rp94.78 trillion, while the existing scheme currently covers about 156.8 million people.

BNI urges customers not to trust callers claiming to represent the bank

Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) has warned customers to be wary of callers impersonating bank staff and using alleged account or transaction problems to create panic. The bank advises customers to verify claims through official channels and never share confidential banking information, verification codes or access credentials.

US Midterm Elections: Democrats Projected to Take House from Republicans, Come Close to Winning Senate

US media projections indicate that Democrats are on course to take control of the House and have gained ground in the Senate, potentially ending Republican control of Congress. The results reflect voter discontent over Donald Trump’s second term, with the cost of living, tariffs and the Iran war weighing on Republicans; Democrats also scored projected Senate victories in four states previously held by Republicans.

GAC set to launch Ray 7 with a range of 702 kilometres

GAC is preparing to launch the Ray 7 electric fastback sedan, which will be offered in five variants and two range options, with a claimed maximum range of 702 kilometres under CLTC testing. The model combines Huawei driving-assistance and motor technologies with batteries from Inpow and CATL, and enters China’s competitive electric-car market at pre-sale prices of 128,800 to 158,800 yuan.

Police Seize 1.5kg of Crystal Meths and 266 Ecstasy Pills in Mataram

West Nusa Tenggara police seized 1.5kg of crystal meths and 266 ecstasy pills from a 52-year-old man in Mataram, following a tip-off about suspected drug sales and storage. The suspect and seized items are being examined as investigators seek to trace the source of the drugs; he could face charges under Indonesia’s Narcotics Law.

Listyo Sigit and Co’s Alleged Wiretapping of Prabowo Causes Uproar; SBY Asks, ‘How Did Our Country Come to This?’

Former president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has expressed alarm over allegations that three people, including Listyo Sigit Prabowo, were involved in illegal wiretapping targeting President Prabowo Subianto and others. He urged Prabowo to restore civilised politics, warning that political conduct could leave Indonesians fearful and insecure in their own country.

Pelindo Promotes Transparency and Easier Transactions Through ACS Dashboard

Pelindo says its Auto Collection System (ACS) dashboard enables port users to track payment transactions in real time, while improving the company’s receipt records and reconciliation processes. The system is connected to BRI and Bank Mandiri, with plans to add more banking partners.

Prabowo Officially Dismisses Listyo Sigit as Presidential Chief of Staff

President Prabowo Subianto has signed a decree dismissing Listyo Sigit Prabowo as Presidential Chief of Staff after he was named a suspect in an alleged illegal wiretapping case. Police say three generals are suspected of unlawfully intercepting the president’s telephone number, with the alleged activity taking place between 2025 and 2026.

What Happened to 2025’s 10 Top-Performing Shares? Once Up 8,500%, Now Down 95%

Nine of the 10 Indonesian shares that led the market in 2025 have fallen year to date in 2026, with Agro Bahari Nusantara’s UDNG down 95.42% and several others losing more than 80%. The reversals have far exceeded the Jakarta Composite Index’s 43.28% decline, underscoring that spectacular share-price gains do not necessarily reflect strong fundamentals or lasting performance.

MUI Advisory Council Praises Police Chief for Uncovering Alleged Presidential Wiretapping Case

The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has praised the police for exposing an alleged illegal wiretapping case involving President Prabowo Subianto and other public figures, while calling for a transparent internal review and a full investigation. Police say three people have been named suspects, including former National Police chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo; MUI says the case must be handled impartially to protect public trust and national stability.

Banks Sell US Dollars for More Than Rp18,200

The rupiah opened 0.03% weaker at Rp18,140 per US dollar on Wednesday, while the US dollar index fell 0.49%. Bank selling rates varied, with several banks quoting rates above Rp18,200 depending on the transaction type.

Central Java Police Propam Chief Reassigned; Here Is His Successor

National Police Chief Suyudi Ario Seto has replaced Central Java Police’s Propam chief, appointing Heri Setyawan to the post amid controversy over a search at an Islamic boarding school in Sukoharjo. Police say the reshuffle is a routine organisational measure, while the investigation into the search has also led to four officers being removed from their duties.

OJK Sanctions Three BOGA Directors over False Information on IPO Proceeds

The Financial Services Authority (OJK) fined three directors of PT Bintang Oto Global Tbk a total of Rp2.475 billion for misleading disclosures about advances recorded in the company’s 2017–2020 financial statements. The authority said the accounting did not reflect the actual use of IPO proceeds and stressed that listed-company directors are responsible for ensuring accurate public disclosures.

Outlander Driver Erica Cries and Apologises After Meeting Victim’s Father at Trial

Erica Natasha Risakotta, who is on trial over a fatal crash in Surabaya, met the victim’s father for the first time in court and apologised in tears. Sunarto said he had never received an apology from Erica before and remained angry over remarks attributed to her after the crash; he is seeking accountability and a severe sentence.

The Benefits of Pomegranate Seeds for Immune Health

Pomegranate seeds provide fibre, vitamins and antioxidants that may support immune function, heart health and muscle recovery, according to nutrition experts. They also caution that eating large amounts can cause digestive discomfort, particularly for people with sensitive or existing gastrointestinal conditions.

Freeport Expects Grasberg Mine to Fully Recover in 2028

PT Freeport Indonesia expects operations at its Grasberg Block Cave underground mine to recover progressively, approaching full capacity by the end of 2027 and reaching 100% in 2028. Third-quarter 2026 copper and gold output was broadly in line with company projections, although production remains sharply below normal operating capacity.

Timeline of Case in Which Three Police Generals Allegedly Conspired to Tap President Prabowo’s Phone

Indonesia’s Criminal Investigation Agency says three police generals allegedly ordered illegal telephone interceptions from 2025 to 2026, including of President Prabowo Subianto and other public figures. The suspects were named and detained after investigators examined witnesses and seized devices; they face charges carrying prison sentences of up to 10 years.

RSPO says certified concessions suffer less fire damage

RSPO says satellite monitoring found that just 14,500 hectares—0.8 per cent—of the 1.9 million hectares burned in Indonesia from January to September 2026 were within its certified concessions. The organisation reported no burned land in certified independent smallholder plantations and called on members to provide evidence of fire prevention, amid wider efforts to demonstrate the palm oil sector’s environmental and social impact.

Video: JCI Struggles as Rupiah Stalls at Rp18,100 per US Dollar

The Jakarta Composite Index (JCI) pared some early losses but remained down 0.79% in Wednesday morning trading, while the rupiah traded at around Rp18,130 per US dollar. Oil prices fell amid plans for US-Iran negotiations, whereas coal held near a three-year high and briefly reached US$150 a tonne.

Observer: Gibran’s Visit to West Sulawesi Boosts Farmers’ Economy and Tolerance

Public policy observer M Kafrawy Saenong says Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s visit to West Sulawesi could support farmers’ livelihoods and reinforce tolerance. In Mamuju, farmers raised concerns about subsidised fertiliser, inputs, crop pests, poor plantation roads and falling cocoa prices; Gibran said he would coordinate with the Agriculture Ministry.

Central Jakarta Tax Office Promotes Waiver of Administrative Tax Penalties

The Central Jakarta Regional Office of the Directorate General of Taxes (DJP) has briefed taxpayers on rules allowing administrative tax penalties to be reduced or waived, alongside Indonesia’s Global Minimum Tax provisions. Officials said clear communication, responsive services and legal certainty are important to taxpayer compliance and trust, while tax revenue should support rather than hinder economic growth.

Can Beijing’s latest measures stop China’s stock market slide?

China has introduced liquidity swaps, cheaper financing for share buy-backs and calls for institutional investors and companies to purchase shares in an effort to contain a sharp market decline. Analysts say the measures may steady prices and sentiment in the short term, but a lasting recovery depends on stronger economic growth, corporate earnings and investor confidence.

As House Prices Rise, Could Auctioned and Second-hand Homes Be an Alternative?

Rising construction costs are making new homes harder for many buyers to afford, prompting greater interest in the secondary property market. An industry observer says second-hand homes and bank auctions could offer broader choices and potentially more competitive prices, although location, condition, price and timing remain decisive.

PWI and Bakom Agree to Strengthen Information Literacy and the Press Industry

The Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) and the Government Communications Agency (Bakom) have agreed to work together to improve public information literacy, coordinate the dissemination of government information and support the national press industry. Their leaders warned that journalists must uphold professional standards amid the rise of digital platforms and AI, while calling for greater state support and fairer economic terms for journalistic content.

Mahfud Says Listyo Wiretapping Case Is Worse than Sambo and Teddy Cases

Former coordinating minister Mahfud MD has described alleged illegal wiretapping by three police generals, including former National Police chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo, as potentially the biggest crime in the force’s history. He says the alleged targeting of President Prabowo makes the case especially serious, and recounts receiving information that Listyo was arrested and later released before being named a suspect.

Explore Lake Toba: Try Kayaking and Sail to Samosir

Lake Toba offers visitors opportunities to explore its waters by kayak or tourist boat, with Samosir Island providing access to notable Batak Toba cultural sites. The article also highlights water-safety precautions and recommends the Tourism Ministry’s MaiA virtual assistant for trip-planning inspiration.

Police assess Kampung Boncos residents’ needs after drug raid

Jakarta Metro Police is surveying residents of Kampung Boncos after a major drug raid, with the aim of identifying employment and skills needs and addressing the underlying causes of drug dealing and abuse. The findings will inform training and support programmes developed with local authorities, as police seek a lasting approach to improving security in the area.

Rp24.13bn spent on development of Bengkulu’s Danau DTS tourism area

Central government spending on the development of the Danau Dendam Tak Sudah (DDTS) tourism area in Bengkulu had reached Rp24.14 billion by early November 2026, from a contracted budget of Rp37.12 billion. The project is targeted for completion by the end of 2026, with the government expecting it to attract more visitors, create opportunities for small businesses and support the local economy.

10pm Is the Ideal Time to Go to Bed at Night

Nutrition experts say keeping a consistent sleep schedule, with bedtime between 10pm and 11pm, may support the body’s circadian rhythm and healthy blood pressure regulation. Irregular or insufficient sleep is associated with higher blood pressure and cardiovascular risks, although experts stress that the best bedtime is one that allows a consistent seven to nine hours of sleep.

Thailand Joins 33 Countries Urging Residents to Prepare 72-Hour Emergency Bags

Thailand has urged households to prepare emergency bags containing essential supplies for 72 hours, as part of a long-running disaster-preparedness campaign rather than a response intended to cause alarm. The guidance covers food, water, medicines, communications equipment and key documents, amid potential natural disasters and other emergencies; authorities say the first three days after a disaster may pass before organised assistance arrives.

Academic Urges Asset Forfeiture Bill to Prevent Criminalisation of Policy Decisions

A Jayabaya University law academic has called for the proposed Asset Forfeiture Bill to target illegal acts without criminalising public officials’ legitimate policy discretion, including state-owned enterprises’ decisions protected by safe-harbour or business-judgment rules. He also urged lawmakers to set a minimum asset-value threshold and ensure human-rights safeguards, as Parliament’s Commission III begins deliberations and the bill is targeted for completion by 15 December 2026.

Food Affairs Minister Wants CPO Exports to Go Directly to Buyers, Bypassing Intermediary Countries

Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan says Indonesia should sell crude palm oil directly to end buyers rather than route exports through neighbouring countries, which he argues could help secure better prices. He also cited nickel and tin exports, saying Indonesia should strengthen its control over distribution chains and capture more value from its natural resources.

Supra Sekuritas Temporarily Suspends Share Trading Services: What’s Behind the Move?

Supra Sekuritas Indonesia has temporarily halted securities trading services while it awaits OJK approval for changes to its board of directors’ responsibilities. The brokerage says the suspension concerns management arrangements, not its financial condition or minimum working capital, and that clients’ cash and securities remain recorded separately in their own accounts.

Mayapada Healthcare Begins Construction of MHSB Tower 2 to Strengthen Services

Mayapada Healthcare has begun building a nine-storey second tower at Mayapada Hospital Surabaya, aiming to expand capacity and develop its oncology, sports medicine and orthopaedic services. The investment will add advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities, including nuclear medicine and bone marrow transplantation, as the hospital responds to rising demand from East Java and eastern Indonesia.

Adikarto: The Fifth Regency of Yogyakarta That Disappeared from the Map

Adikarto was once Yogyakarta’s fifth regency, established within the Pakualaman principality and later renamed from Karangkemuning. It was merged with Kulon Progo in 1951, with the merger attributed to its small size, vulnerability to drought and disasters, and historical ties to the wider Kulon Progo area.

Rice Harvests in Two Villages Show Blora’s Role as Central Java’s Food Basket

Harvests in Gondel and Sumber villages showcase Blora’s efforts to strengthen agricultural output through organic farming and soil-improvement technology. The district government is seeking to build markets for organic rice and assess the measurable benefits of the new farming method, supporting Blora’s contribution to food security in Central Java.

Bogor Regency to Begin Tender for Bomang Flyover Construction Next Month

Bogor Regency plans to launch the tender for the Bojonggede-Kemang (Bomang) flyover in December 2026, subject to approval from the local council, with construction expected to begin by the end of January 2027. The project is estimated to cost nearly Rp400 billion and will be built in two phases, initially delivering one of its two lanes to improve links between northern Bogor and the regency’s administrative centre.

Through ILASPP, Home Affairs Ministry Strengthens Accuracy of Village Boundary Maps

The Home Affairs Ministry is using the Integrated Land Administration and Spatial Planning (ILASPP) programme to help local governments prepare accurate data before village administrative boundaries are formally established. Nationally, only 16.77% of villages have completed boundary demarcation, while the figure in Southeast Sulawesi stands at 4.30%, underscoring the need for better geospatial data, coordination and legally recognised maps.

Bamsoet: Alleged Presidential Wiretapping Must Be Addressed Swiftly

Presidential Advisory Council member Bambang Soesatyo has called for a swift, impartial and transparent investigation into allegations that President Prabowo Subianto’s communications were illegally intercepted. He outlined five measures, including a comprehensive security audit, protection of digital evidence and stronger safeguards, while stressing due process and warning against political speculation.

East Java Police Prepare for Potential Hydrometeorological Disasters, Urge Personnel to Be Fit

East Java Police have placed personnel and equipment on standby amid the risk of hydrometeorological disasters, with plans to map vulnerable areas and establish joint command posts. The province recorded 672 natural disasters in 2026, causing 28 deaths and material losses estimated at Rp7.552 billion, while the police chief cited forecasts of delayed rainy-season conditions and possible extreme weather.

Google Starts Losing Ground as Users Switch to Its Rival

ChatGPT’s search-like queries have reached roughly 20% of Google’s search volume, according to OpenAI’s consumer product lead, while the platform’s weekly user base has climbed to 1.2 billion. The figures point to a growing shift towards AI-based search, as users increasingly turn to ChatGPT for up-to-date information across subjects including finance and health.

BMW China lays off 1,800 employees amid market pressures

BMW Brilliance Automotive has reportedly begun cutting about 1,800 jobs in China, mainly affecting frontline production staff at its Shenyang headquarters, as the company faces weaker sales and profitability. The reported cuts come amid a wider global restructuring and a sharp downturn in BMW’s Chinese deliveries, although BMW has not formally confirmed the layoffs or linked them to its global plans.

Manufacturing drives Indonesia’s September exports, says Trade Minister

Indonesia’s exports reached US$27.59 billion in September 2026, rising 3.68 per cent from August, with manufacturing exports growing 4.38 per cent and leading the increase. Manufacturing accounted for 82.64 per cent of exports in January–September, while cumulative exports rose 5.58 per cent to US$221.23 billion, supported chiefly by non-oil and gas shipments.

Syria plans to relocate ministries from Damascus amid Israeli threat

Syria is reportedly considering moving several ministries and strategic institutions away from Damascus as fears grow of a full-scale Israeli military operation. The proposed relocations include Aleppo and Hama, with other agencies potentially moving to cities across the country.

Banyuwangi Poverty Rate Falls to 5.6%, Lowest Since 2004

Banyuwangi’s poverty rate fell to 5.6% in 2026, its lowest level since 2004, while the number of people living in poverty declined by 8,560 year on year to 91,570. The regency says it is combining social assistance with economic empowerment, education and skills programmes to sustain progress and address poverty across generations.

Police Hold Dialogue with Protesters During Andrea Bocelli Concert

Police used dialogue and persuasive appeals to prevent clashes between demonstrators, officers and others during Andrea Bocelli’s concert at JIExpo Kemayoran. Officers said the situation remained under control after some protesters attempted to force their way into the venue, while police also managed traffic and security.

Chico Hakim Says Jakarta Has Distributed KJMU and KJP Plus Aid to 36,295 Continuing Recipients

Jakarta has begun distributing education assistance to 36,295 continuing recipients of the KJMU university scholarship and KJP Plus school programme. The 2026 allocations total Rp164.68 billion, supporting students from primary school through university under strict verification procedures.

Business Leaders Said to Have Been Targeted by Wiretapping Allegations Involving Listyo Sigit; Kadin Chief Speaks Out

Indonesia’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) has called for due process over allegations that businesspeople were illegally wiretapped, stressing the importance of privacy, legal certainty and business confidence. Kadin says any proven unlawful surveillance should be investigated independently, amid reports that the alleged targets included business figures as well as public officials and other groups.