Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 4 November 2026

Showing 1,251-1,300 of 1,482 articles

Don’t Just Give Babies Bananas! Doctor Warns of Fatal Risks of Solid Food Before Six Months

Paediatric gastroenterologist Prof Pramita Gayatri has urged families not to give solid foods to babies younger than six months, despite persistent traditions of feeding them bananas or softened rice. She warns that an immature digestive system may suffer obstruction, injury and serious complications, sometimes requiring surgery, while babies should receive breast milk or formula until they are ready for complementary foods.

Breaking: JCI Opens 1.5% Lower — Here’s Why

Indonesia’s Jakarta Composite Index (JCI) fell as much as 1.54% shortly after Wednesday’s open, led by losses in basic materials, property and consumer stocks. Investors were also weighing domestic political concerns, the US midterm elections and economic data, while Indonesia’s Financial System Stability Committee said the financial system remained stable and forecast 2026 growth of 5.4–5.5%.

Yusril on Whether Vice-President Was Also Spied on by Listyo Sigit and Others: ‘Wallahu A’lam Bishawab’

Coordinating Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra said he did not know whether Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka was among those allegedly subjected to illegal surveillance. Police have named three people, including former police chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo, as suspects in a case involving alleged wiretapping and the deletion of electronic data; the alleged targets include President Prabowo Subianto and other public figures.

Entertainment Giant Disney to Cut Thousands of Jobs

Walt Disney plans to lay off several thousand employees as it seeks to reduce operating costs and restructure the organisation, with managers reportedly asked to cut costs by as much as 20%. The move follows earlier job cuts and an early-retirement programme, amid similar workforce reductions at Netflix and anticipated cuts at Skydance.

Large TNI Force Deployed to Jakarta Amid Wiretapping Case

Indonesia’s military says the deployment of a large number of personnel to Jakarta is part of its routine duty to safeguard the country, but has not specified its purpose or size. The move has drawn attention amid allegations that active police generals illegally wiretapped President Prabowo Subianto, with three generals reportedly named as suspects.

Gibran’s Lawyer Responds to Denny Indrayana: Supreme Court and Constitutional Court Rulings Do Not Revoke Vice-Presidential Office

Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s lawyer says rulings by the Supreme Court and Constitutional Court did not invalidate the 2024 election result or Gibran’s five-year term, rejecting allegations that his decision not to resign defies the Constitution. The dispute centres on rulings concerning Gibran’s education-equivalency certificate, while a related case remains before the Jakarta State Administrative Court.

Duta Palma Group to Face Closing Arguments in Corruption and Money-Laundering Case Today

Seven companies in the Duta Palma Group are scheduled to face closing arguments in a case involving alleged corruption and money laundering linked to palm oil plantation operations in Riau between 2004 and 2022. Prosecutors allege state losses of Rp4.79 trillion and US$7.88 million, as well as broader economic losses estimated at Rp73.92 trillion.

Study Finds Workers with High Resilience Are More Productive

A global Zurich study found that 88% of workers with the highest resilience levels reported good or very good performance, compared with 44% of those with the lowest resilience. The findings highlight the links between employee wellbeing and productivity, prompting calls for businesses to make workforce resilience a long-term strategy supported by physical, mental, social and financial health measures.

Malaysia’s Palm Oil Stocks Forecast to Hit a New Record High

Malaysia’s palm oil inventories are forecast to rise by 7% to a record 3.76 million tonnes in October, as production growth outpaces a sharp increase in exports. Ample supply is weighing on benchmark prices and storage capacity, with stocks expected to remain elevated until dry El Niño conditions begin to curb output.

Moreno Soeprapto Urges IMI Events in Pekanbaru to Boost Local Small Businesses

Indonesian Motor Association (IMI) chair Moreno Soeprapto says automotive events in Pekanbaru can generate economic benefits for local small businesses, and calls for stronger cooperation with regional governments and communities. The 2026 IMI National Working Meeting, attended by representatives from 38 provinces, is also intended to showcase Riau and attract visitors and investment.

For an iPhone, Mataram Middle-School Student Became a Karaoke Host at 12

A 13-year-old middle-school student in Mataram says she has spent a year working as a karaoke companion to fund purchases including an iPhone and beauty treatments, without her parents’ knowledge. Mataram’s Child Protection Agency says it has identified gathering places frequented by schoolchildren and warns that consumer pressures may expose minors to exploitation, calling for stronger oversight of nightlife venues.

Indonesian Swiftlet Nest Exports to China Still Stalled

Indonesia is negotiating with China’s customs authority to restore market access for swiftlet nest exporters whose permits were suspended. The restrictions affect 38 companies and stem from aluminium levels exceeding China’s 100 parts-per-million limit; Indonesia is also tightening domestic oversight to prevent further suspensions.

Forest and Land Fire Hotspots Surge by 89 in a Day as Government Expands Weather Modification Operations

Indonesia recorded 189 high-confidence fire hotspots on 2 November, up 89 from the previous day, prompting the government to continue and expand weather modification operations. Hotspots declined slightly across six priority provinces, while firefighting and ground checks continued in several locations, particularly in Central Kalimantan.

Agung Nugroho Re-elected to Lead IMI Riau for Fourth Term

Pekanbaru Mayor Agung Nugroho has been appointed to lead the Indonesian Motor Association (IMI) in Riau for 2026–2030, marking his fourth term. The association says the national conference in Pekanbaru could boost investment, tourism and local businesses, while setting priorities that include athlete development, road-racing safety and bringing national events to the city.

JCI Slumps 3.78%: Five Shares to Consider

The Jakarta Composite Index fell 3.78% to 4,904.29 amid foreign investor selling, concerns about a possible MSCI market-status downgrade and heightened geopolitical risks. The article highlights business updates and financial results at ADMR, SILO and IFII, before listing five short-term trading recommendations.

Washington Residents See Midterm Elections as a Referendum on Trump

Washington DC residents view the US midterm elections as a verdict on Donald Trump, with several hoping Democrats will regain control of Congress while others back the president over immigration policy. The result will determine control of Congress for the second half of Trump’s term, while DC residents continue to lack voting representation in either chamber.

Alleged Wiretapping of Prabowo by Listyo Sigit and Others Deemed an Intolerable Act of Treason

PDI-P secretary-general Hasto Kristiyanto has praised the police for investigating alleged illegal wiretapping targeting President Prabowo Subianto, describing it as an intolerable act of treason. He says the case must also prompt a broader investigation into the possible use of state powers to criminalise civil society, journalists and political figures; police have named Listyo Sigit Prabowo and two others as suspects.

Are PLN Electricity Tariffs Rising at the End of 2026? The Facts

PLN’s electricity tariffs will remain unchanged in the fourth quarter of 2026, covering October to December, according to the company’s published tariff adjustment and official social media account. The article outlines applicable rates, explains that higher bills may reflect increased household electricity use, and provides ways to check bills and contact PLN.

Secondary Cuts Can Be Just as Delicious—If You Know How to Cook Them

Beef secondary cuts, which come from more heavily used muscles and contain more connective tissue, can be tender and flavourful when prepared with the right techniques. Chef Freddie Salim says cuts such as oyster blade and picanha are increasingly being explored as alternatives to premium steaks, while traditional Indonesian dishes have long made use of them.

French Students Continue Demonstration Despite Ban

Around 200 students gathered near the Pantheon in Paris despite a ban on demonstrations in the city centre, with police keeping them away from the monument but not dispersing the crowd. The protest comes amid a wider wave of demonstrations in France over school conditions and rising prices, which drew about 550,000 people nationwide on 17 October, according to the Interior Ministry.

JNE Director Hui Chandra Fireta Named Indonesia’s Most Innovative CFO 2026

JNE Business Support Director Hui Chandra Fireta has received the Indonesia Most Innovative CFO Award 2026 from The Iconomics, recognising his role in financial and operational leadership at the logistics company. He said the award reflected the work of JNE employees and would encourage continued innovation, collaboration and contributions to wider economic growth.

How Did Listyo Sigit and Others Tap President Prabowo?

Police named three senior officers as suspects in alleged unlawful phone tapping, electronic-data deletion and illegal access involving President Prabowo, government officials and other public figures. The suspects are accused of adding numbers to a Lawful Interception Management System without legal authorisation; the government says the case appears to be a criminal act by individuals, not an institutional policy or an attempted coup, and plans to review state agencies’ interception procedures.

Indonesia Has Begun Rare Earth Exploration: Here’s Where

State-owned PT Perusahaan Mineral Nasional (Perminas) has begun exploring rare earth deposits in Mamuju, West Sulawesi, after securing an exploration mining permit and approval of its work plan. Drilling has reached 72 of 200 planned points across a 200-hectare focus area, with the work intended to refine resource and reserve estimates for a wider 7,300-hectare concession.

Listyo Sigit’s Brief Tenure as KSP Chief Before Becoming a Suspect in Illegal Wiretapping Case: Who Will Replace Him?

Listyo Sigit Prabowo had been chief of the Presidential Staff Office (KSP) for about a month when police named him a suspect in an alleged illegal wiretapping case involving President Prabowo Subianto. The government has yet to discuss a replacement, while it plans to review the wiretapping powers held by state institutions.

Danantara prepares project pipeline for US talks ahead of G20

Danantara CEO and Investment and Downstreaming Minister Rosan Roeslani says Indonesia is preparing bilateral investment discussions and a dedicated investor forum alongside the G20 Leaders’ Summit on 14–15 December. He also briefed President Prabowo on the planned Indonesian Hajj Village in Mecca, a 4.4-hectare complex with 13 towers and a dedicated tunnel connection to the Grand Mosque; construction is targeted to begin in December.

CIPS: Regulatory certainty and efficient licensing are key to sustaining PMI momentum

CIPS Senior Fellow Krisna Gupta says predictable regulations and faster, transparent licensing are needed to help manufacturers capitalise on rising demand and invest in expansion. Indonesia’s manufacturing indicators strengthened in October 2026, although capacity constraints and input-cost pressures remain risks.

Badung Regency Prepares Quick Count for Simultaneous Village Head Elections in Three Villages

Badung Regency is preparing a real-time quick-count system for village head elections in three villages on 15 November 2026, with results expected to be updated every 15 seconds. Officials stressed that the digital tally is only an aid for monitoring; the official results will be determined through the formal village-level plenary process.

Europe on High Alert: Supermarkets in Eight Countries Hit by Cyberattacks, Tonnes of Food Discarded

Cyberattacks targeting remote refrigeration controls have disrupted supermarkets in eight European countries, forcing stores to discard large quantities of food and prompting retailers to update their systems. The incidents resemble an attack on French supermarkets three weeks earlier, raising concerns about vulnerabilities in older connected equipment and the security of food supply chains.

Polling Stations Close in US Midterm Elections as Democrats Hope to Retake Congress from Republicans

Democrats are seeking to regain control of the House and Senate in elections that are shaping up as a nationwide referendum on President Donald Trump. Rising living costs and the conflict with Iran have fuelled dissatisfaction, while a Democratic victory could constrain Trump’s legislative agenda and government appointments.

Indonesia Should Bring a Just Forest Agenda to COP31

Indonesia should use COP31 in Antalya to confront the environmental risks of expanding B50 biodiesel, protect forests and peatlands, and recognise Indigenous land rights. The proposed agenda also calls for direct funding for local communities and at least 20% of forest and carbon revenues to reach the people who protect forests.

Coal Prices Plunge 2.5%, Returning to the US$140 Level

Coal prices fell 2.5% to US$147.50 a tonne, extending their decline for a second consecutive session amid weaker oil prices and limited demand from India. Lower Indian imports, alongside cautious buying and recovering domestic supply in China, are constraining prospects for a significant recovery, although some market participants expect a modest rebound in the second half of November.

Presidential Staff Office Reviews A400M Readiness to Strengthen Air Transport

The Presidential Staff Office (KSP) has reviewed the Indonesian Air Force’s operation of its two Airbus A400M aircraft, highlighting the need to secure fast-moving spare parts and maintain operational readiness. KSP will prepare a policy memo on priority measures and encourage a five-year plan covering fleet development, personnel, facilities, logistics and maintenance.

PDI-P Urges Government to Review VAT on Sanitary Pads: Menstruation Is Not a Lifestyle Choice

PDI-P legislator Selly Andriany Gantina has urged the government to reconsider VAT on menstrual products, arguing that the tax can disproportionately burden low-income women and affect reproductive health. The debate comes as a resident challenges the tax law at the Constitutional Court, while the Tax Directorate says sanitary pads remain subject to VAT at an effective rate of 11%.

How LIMS Works: The System Allegedly Used by Listyo Sigit and Others to Tap Prabowo’s Number—Do Deleted Files Leave a Trace?

Lawful Interception Management System (LIMS) has come under scrutiny amid allegations that state wiretapping facilities were misused to intercept communications linked to Prabowo. The article explains how the system integrates with telecommunications operators’ networks, outlines its main components and describes the identifiers used to select a target.

Residents Unite to Oppose Data Centre Projects, Putting Government Under Pressure

Rising US household electricity bills, alongside the expansion of data centres, are turning utility costs into a political issue ahead of this year’s midterm elections. Politicians are proposing rate freezes and limits on utility profits, while industry representatives warn that such measures could undermine long-term investment in the power grid.

OPINION: Reading Indonesia’s Economic Transformation

Indonesia’s investment, lending, imports of production inputs and manufacturing indicators point to a strengthening productive base, with downstream processing attracting a significant share of investment. The article argues that these trends will amount to structural transformation only if they translate into higher productivity, technology transfer, stronger domestic suppliers and better jobs.

Yogyakarta Weather Today: Rainfall Intensity Eases

Rain is forecast to ease across the Special Region of Yogyakarta, with most areas expected to be cloudy or partly cloudy and dry. Light rain remains possible from midday in the highlands around Mount Merapi and the Menoreh Hills.

PAM JAYA Recognised as One of Central Jakarta’s Largest Taxpayers

PAM JAYA received recognition as one of the largest taxpayers in the Central Jakarta tax office’s jurisdiction at the 2026 Tax Gathering. The regional water utility said the award reflects its commitment to tax compliance and sound governance, alongside efforts to expand piped water services across Jakarta.

Can LIMS Tap WhatsApp? Understand Its Limitations

Lawful Interception Management System (LIMS) can intercept some communications and network metadata through telecom infrastructure, but it cannot automatically read WhatsApp messages or calls protected by end-to-end encryption. A device compromised by spyware could expose messages, while metadata may still reveal patterns of activity; officials have not clarified what communications were accessed in the alleged illegal surveillance of President Prabowo Subianto.

Choose the Water Temperature That Suits Your Needs

Both cold and warm water hydrate the body equally well, so the best choice is the temperature that helps people drink enough consistently. Temperature may nevertheless affect comfort in particular situations, including exercise in hot or cold conditions, cold symptoms, swallowing disorders and tooth sensitivity.

Mahfud MD Suspects Listyo Sigit’s Alleged Tapping of Prabowo Was Linked to Treason and Could Carry the Death Penalty

Former coordinating minister Mahfud MD says the alleged unauthorised tapping of President Prabowo Subianto by former National Police chief Listyo Sigit and other officers may have been intended to facilitate treason. He says treason can carry the death penalty under certain circumstances, although execution is not immediate and a sentence may be commuted to life imprisonment for good behaviour.

OJK Responds to MNC Bank Customers’ Difficulties Making Transactions

The Financial Services Authority (OJK) says MNC Bank has no serious solvency concerns, despite reports of customers being unable to use digital services or withdraw cash. It says it is monitoring the bank closely and urges customers to seek information directly from the bank rather than rely on social media speculation.

BGN Streamlines Operational Costs and SPPG Incentive Scheme

Indonesia’s National Nutrition Agency (BGN) is revising the funding structure for the Free Nutritious Meals programme to keep spending within the approved state budget while maintaining nutrition standards. The changes cap kitchen operating costs at Rp3,000 per beneficiary and replace partners’ fixed daily incentive with a Rp2,000-per-beneficiary facility incentive tied to service availability and quality.

Mobile Samsat Services Available at 14 Jadetabek Locations on Wednesday

Polda Metro Jaya is operating mobile Samsat services at 14 locations across Jakarta, Depok, Tangerang and Bekasi on Wednesday to make annual motor vehicle tax payments more accessible. Taxpayers must bring original identity and vehicle documents with photocopies; five-year registration renewals and number-plate replacements must be handled at a Samsat office.

PDIP: Illegal Wiretapping of President Prabowo Is an Act of Rebellion

PDI-P has praised the police investigation into alleged illegal wiretapping involving three police personnel, with party secretary-general Hasto Kristiyanto describing the alleged targeting of President Prabowo as an act of rebellion. Coordinating Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra said the charges currently concern illegal interception and do not indicate an offence of rebellion, while police say the case involves individual officers rather than institutional policy.

Bamsoet: Illegal Wiretapping of the President Is a Serious Threat to the State

Presidential Advisory Council member Bambang Soesatyo has called for an independent, transparent and prompt investigation into alleged illegal interception of President Prabowo Subianto’s communications. He proposed five measures, including a security audit and tighter controls on interception, after police named three suspects in the case, including Presidential Chief of Staff Listyo Sigit Prabowo.

LPS: 25 Million Adults Still Do Not Have a Bank Account

Indonesia’s Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS) estimates that around 25 million people aged over 17 do not have a bank account. LPS is supporting the government’s One Person, One Account programme by coordinating with relevant ministries and agencies on data and eligibility criteria, as part of efforts to expand access to formal financial services.

In South Korea, Garuda Adventure Introduces Diaspora Children to Indonesian Language, Culture and Islamic Values

Universitas Islam Indonesia has introduced Garuda Adventure, a digital educational game designed to help Indonesian diaspora children in South Korea learn the Indonesian language, explore national culture and understand Islamic values. The programme reached 51 children in Busan and Seoul, and highlights how digital tools can support community education and help sustain young people’s cultural identity abroad.

Dompu Police Chief Removed Amid Viral Claims of Detainee Becoming Pregnant in Cell

Ipda Sarbani has been removed as Dompu Police chief amid viral claims that a female detainee became pregnant after allegedly having sex with a police officer. Police say an officer is being investigated by the NTB Regional Police’s professional standards division, but the allegations have not yet been confirmed.

BMKG Warns of Possible Thunderstorms and High Waves on Wednesday

BMKG has urged the public, relevant stakeholders and aviation authorities to prepare for potentially severe weather, including thunderstorms, heavy rain and rough seas in several parts of Indonesia. Waves of 2.5–4 metres are forecast in parts of the Indian Ocean, while coastal flooding is also a concern during the current seasonal transition.