Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 4 November 2026

Showing 1,301-1,350 of 1,482 articles

China’s Agriculture Minister Ready to Help Indonesia with Garlic, Says Amran

Indonesia relies on China for about 90% of its garlic supply, prompting Agriculture Minister Amran Sulaiman to seek deeper cooperation to expand domestic production. China has expressed support for collaboration on seeds, cultivation technology and production clusters, with the aim of reducing Indonesia’s reliance on imports.

How to Remove Your ID Card Data from Online Lending Apps: Seven Steps

Borrowers can request the deletion of their ID card and other personal data from online lending apps once their loans are settled, but removing the app or closing an account does not itself erase information held on the provider’s servers. Indonesia’s Personal Data Protection Law grants users relevant rights, while financial and other legal retention requirements may mean some data must be kept; users are advised to make written requests and escalate unresolved concerns to the OJK or police.

Spain’s Transport Minister resigns after fatal train crash

Oscar Puente has announced his resignation following two deadly rail accidents in Spain in less than a year, including last week’s crash in Toledo, which killed 69 people and injured around 200. He defended the government’s railway investment record, citing a €780 million modernisation programme, while investigators examine the circumstances of the collision.

Yesterday: Hajj Ministry Blocks PPIU Account; DPR Seeks Review of PBI Financing Model

The Hajj and Umrah Ministry blocked an Umrah travel organiser’s SISKOPATUH account after it failed to bring pilgrims home, while the House of Representatives urged the Social Affairs Ministry to review a proposed financing arrangement for PBI-JK health insurance beneficiaries. The roundup also reports flood damage to 2,255 homes in Subulussalam, planned forest restoration in Gunung Halimun Salak National Park, and a river clean-up operation in Jatinangor.

List of the Least Trusted Professions Includes Influencers

An Ipsos survey of 23,537 adults across 31 countries found doctors, scientists and teachers to be the most trusted professions, while politicians and social media influencers ranked at the bottom. The findings highlight a marked trust gap between professions associated with health, science and education and those linked to political leadership and digital influence.

US Midterm Elections Under Way as Support for Trump’s ‘Ticket’ Continues to Slide

US midterm voting has closed in seven states, with Democrats favoured to retake the House while control of the Senate remains closely contested. President Donald Trump’s approval ratings have fallen amid public frustration over the Iran war, fuel prices and affordability, while disputes over campaign tactics and federal election monitoring add to the contest’s tensions.

Experiencing bullying at work? Here’s how to deal with it

Repeated exclusion, ridicule, belittling, gossip or harassment at work can seriously affect a person’s physical and mental health, and in severe cases may lead to suicidal thoughts. The article outlines practical steps for responding, including setting boundaries, seeking help from HR or a manager, documenting incidents and looking after one’s wellbeing.

Evolene, Flimty, Frank & co, Kopi Kenangan, NewLab+, Scarlett and Sinar Mas Land among 2026–2027 World Branding Awards winners

Eight Indonesian brands, including Evolene, Kopi Kenangan and Sinar Mas Land, were named National Tier winners at the 2026–2027 World Branding Awards. More than 105,000 consumers voted among over 2,000 nominated brands from 62 countries, with awards spanning Global, Regional and National tiers.

CEO Networking 2026: Turning Challenges into Opportunities to Drive Growth

Indonesia’s stock exchange and securities infrastructure institutions, with OJK support, convened around 400 listed-company leaders and capital-market stakeholders to discuss how transparency can build trust and support sustainable growth. Speakers highlighted the role of governance, integrity and consistent disclosure in strengthening investor confidence, while panel discussions explored risk management and investor expectations.

Political Parties Weigh In on Controversy Over Vice-President Gibran’s Diploma

Political parties have offered differing responses to a Supreme Court ruling that invalidated the equivalency certificate for Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s overseas secondary-school education. PAN and Gerindra say they are reviewing the ruling, while PKB is considering parliamentary scrutiny mechanisms; the dispute has also sparked a public exchange between the Democratic Party and PSI over its implications for Gibran’s position.

Key Facts as Former Police Chief Listyo Sigit Named Suspect in Presidential Tapping Case

Three senior police officers, including former National Police Chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo, have been named suspects over alleged illegal interception of President Prabowo Subianto’s phone and other targets from 2025 to 2026. Investigators say they seized electronic devices and are pursuing the case under criminal and electronic information laws, while officials stress that the alleged conduct was not institutional policy and that the investigation remains ongoing.

Pintar Sekampung Programme Uses Waste Bank Balances to Pay for Learning Activities

A community waste bank in East Jakarta allows residents to convert savings from recyclable waste into fees for early-years learning and tutoring, helping families facing financial constraints. The initiative has also supported local celebrations and household needs, while the bank’s membership has grown from 11 to 139 in two years, alongside greater awareness of waste sorting.

Surabaya SME Sees Revenue Soar by Successfully Using Digital Channels

Surabaya-based Trendy Spring Bed says using Shopee Ads helped lift its revenue from Rp68 million in its first month to Rp128 million in the second, while livestreaming also attracts customers. Snack business Makaroni SOS has likewise built sales through Shopee, averaging 1,600 to 2,000 units a day and seeing sales triple during double-date promotions, illustrating how digital platforms can help small businesses reach consumers.

What Is LIMS, the System Allegedly Used to Spy on President Prabowo?

Three senior police officials have been named suspects in an alleged illegal surveillance and unauthorised-access case, with President Prabowo Subianto reportedly among the targets. Investigators say the alleged interception used a Lawful Interception Management System (LIMS), a system intended to enable communications monitoring under legal authorisation and oversight.

Listyo Sigit and Others Also Suspected of Tapping Media Outlets Since 2025

Police chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo and two other senior officers have been named suspects over alleged illegal phone tapping targeting officials, politicians, businesses and media outlets from 2025 to 2026. Investigators say the surveillance was not connected to law enforcement and that logs were deleted; the suspects face multiple charges and are being held in police custody.

Defining and Reinforcing the Judicial Commission’s Oversight Authority over Judges

The article argues that the Judicial Commission’s constitutional mandate to uphold judges’ honour, dignity and conduct is a specific oversight power that complements judicial independence rather than undermining it. It contends that accountability is essential to a fair and impartial judiciary, and that the Commission’s role should prevent harm to the public interest without extending into courts’ general function of administering justice.

Listyo Sigit and Others Named Suspects in Prabowo Wiretapping Case, Face Up to 10 Years in Prison

Indonesia’s National Police say three people, including presidential chief of staff Listyo Sigit Prabowo, have been named suspects in an alleged illegal wiretapping and electronic-data tampering case involving President Prabowo Subianto and other public figures. The suspects have been detained and face charges under the Criminal Code and the Electronic Information and Transactions Law, with potential prison terms of up to 10 years; investigators say the inquiry is still at an early stage.

High cholesterol often has no symptoms: four signs to look out for

High cholesterol is often discovered only through blood tests, but certain signs may indicate fatty deposits or complications affecting blood flow. The article outlines four warning signs and stresses regular screening, healthy habits and urgent medical attention for possible heart attack or stroke symptoms.

Rupiah Under Pressure and Shares Volatile, KSSK Says Indonesia’s Economy Remains Resilient

Indonesia’s Financial System Stability Committee (KSSK) says financial stability remained intact in the third quarter of 2026 despite global headwinds, rupiah pressure and volatility in the stock market. The government forecasts full-year growth of 5.4%–5.5%, supported by domestic demand and public spending, while state revenue and expenditure rose by 25.5% and 19% year on year respectively through the end of September.

Mobile Driving Licence Services Available at Five Jakarta Locations on Wednesday

Jakarta’s Metro Jaya Regional Police will operate mobile driving licence (SIM) renewal services at five locations on Wednesday, from 8am to 2pm. The service is limited to valid SIM A and SIM C licences; expired licences and SIM B renewals must be handled through designated police offices.

Registration for National Vocational Training Batch 7 open until 11 November

The Manpower Ministry has opened registration for the 2026 National Vocational Training Programme Batch 7 through its Skillhub platform, with applications closing on 11 November. Applicants must complete a readiness assessment by the deadline; selection and interviews will take place from 12 to 18 November, with successful candidates announced on 19 November.

Train Timetable Changes: KAI Responds to PJKA Commuters’ Complaints

KAI says it understands commuters’ frustration over timetable changes under the 2026 railway operating plan, including an earlier departure for the Pasar Senen–Malang Majapahit service that makes Friday travel harder for PJKA commuters. The state-owned railway operator says additional services and alternative routes are available, and that the changes are intended to expand capacity and improve service as passenger numbers continue to grow.

Crime roundup: inter-regional drug kingpin and van theft

Jakarta police are pursuing a suspected major cannabis distributor believed to have coordinated trafficking from North Sumatra to Depok and Tangerang, following the seizure of 44.1kg of cannabis. Separately, police say a suspect in the theft of two company vans in East Jakarta is a repeat offender and are searching for other suspects and an alleged fence.

Can Short-Sightedness Improve, and What Factors Affect It?

Short-sightedness can appear to improve, although this is uncommon in young adults and may reflect age-related changes, cataracts, diabetes, temporary eye strain or refractive surgery. A sudden reduction in prescription without surgery warrants a comprehensive eye examination, as it may signal an underlying medical condition.

10 Advanced Surveillance Techniques Used by Global Intelligence Agencies: Phones Hacked Without Users Knowing

Indonesian police have named three suspects in an alleged illegal wiretapping and electronic-data deletion case that reportedly targeted President Prabowo Subianto, other officials, politicians, media, civil society groups and businesspeople. Against that backdrop, the article outlines ten surveillance methods, ranging from spyware and fake mobile base stations to interception at internet backbones and telecommunications carriers.

Jakarta provincial government waives vehicle tax penalties until 31 December 2026

Jakarta’s regional revenue agency will waive administrative penalties for late motor vehicle tax and vehicle ownership transfer duty payments from 2 November to 31 December 2026. The waiver is automatic, requiring no application, and is intended to give taxpayers more time to settle their obligations while supporting public services and development.

Foreign Media Highlight Arrests of Listyo Sigit and Others over Alleged Wiretapping of President Prabowo

International outlets have reported the arrest of three senior police officers, including former national police chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo, over alleged illegal wiretapping of President Prabowo and other prominent figures. Police say the surveillance lacked legal authorisation and that recordings may have been deleted; those convicted could face up to 10 years in prison.

Foreign Investors in PFII Could Be Exempt from Tax

Non-resident taxpayers earning investment income in Indonesia’s proposed International Financial Centre (PFII) will be exempt from income-tax withholding under the 2026 PFII Law. The law also provides a 100% corporate income-tax reduction for qualifying financial-sector activities, including family offices, while implementing regulations are due within six months of enactment.

JCI Closes Down 3.7% as Foreign Investors Sell These 10 Shares

Indonesia’s Composite Stock Price Index (IHSG) fell 3.78% to 4,904.29 on Tuesday, with foreign investors recording net sales of Rp575 billion across the market. The heaviest net foreign selling was in Bank Rakyat Indonesia shares, followed by Aneka Tambang and Bumi Resources.

Stress Is Not Always Bad: Four Health Benefits

Mild, short-term stress can sometimes support cognitive performance, immune response and the ability to cope with future challenges, while severe or prolonged stress may be harmful. The article also cites research suggesting that mild stress during pregnancy may be associated with better early developmental abilities in children at age two.

Spanish Minister Resigns After Train Collision Kills 69

Spain’s Transport Minister Oscar Puente has resigned six days after a collision between two trains killed 69 people and injured more than 200. The disaster, attributed by authorities to a combination of human and computer errors, has renewed scrutiny of rail safety after a second fatal high-speed train collision in Spain this year.

Chillies in the Backyard, Hope in the Market

Sharp increases in chilli prices in October 2026 have added to food inflation pressures, with weather-related crop damage and distribution challenges affecting supply. The article argues that well-supported urban farming could become a lasting way to strengthen cities’ resilience, rather than merely a short-term response to high prices.

DKI Jakarta yesterday: clean water distributed as provincial land is acquired

Jakarta’s regional disaster agency distributed 10,000 litres of clean water to residents in West Jakarta, while officials warned that parts of Kali Angke remain vulnerable to flooding despite near-completion of a flood barrier. The day’s other developments included restored lighting at Cawang City Forest, alternative financing options for the provincial government, and a new team to inventory public land reportedly acquired by another party.

US Intelligence Sharing Begins to Fray, with Information on Iran and Other Threats Delayed

The flow of US intelligence to Congress and federal policymakers has slowed and, in some cases, was temporarily halted during Donald Trump’s second term. Former officials warn that reduced coordination and disputes among intelligence agencies could leave decision-makers with an incomplete picture of security threats, including Iran.

Yesterday: RI-US cooperation projects and progress on the 2027 provincial minimum wage

Danantara is preparing a list of potential projects for cooperation with the United States ahead of the G20 summit in Miami, while Indonesia’s financial stability committee has lowered its 2026 growth forecast to 5.4–5.5 per cent. Other developments include Freeport Indonesia’s view that a single-gateway natural resources export scheme will not add bureaucracy, inflation remaining within target, and the basis for setting the 2027 provincial minimum wage.

Atmosphere at the Presidential Staff Office After Wiretapping Case Comes to Light

The Presidential Staff Office building was quiet on Tuesday night after General Listyo Sigit Prabowo was named a suspect in an alleged illegal wiretapping case. The government has yet to discuss who might replace him as Presidential Chief of Staff, while Coordinating Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra described the case as a serious matter for the state.

JCI Closes Down 3.7%, but These 10 Shares See Heavy Foreign Buying

The Jakarta Composite Index (JCI) fell 3.78% to 4,904.29 on Tuesday, with the vast majority of listed shares declining. Foreign investors were net sellers overall, but bought shares in several companies, led by Bank Mandiri, Bank Syariah Indonesia and Astra International.

Rano Introduces the Spirit of Mutual Cooperation to Asia-Pacific Delegates

Jakarta Deputy Governor Rano Karno presented gotong royong and the city’s cultural diversity as foundations for inclusive and sustainable urban development to CityNet delegates. He said tackling challenges such as overcrowding, housing shortages, climate change and traffic congestion requires cooperation between government, residents and other stakeholders.

The World’s Ultra-Rich Are Turning Away from Luxury Goods and Choosing This Instead

The ultra-wealthy are increasingly prioritising mobility, privacy and exclusive experiences over traditional status symbols, according to Knight Frank’s Wealth Report 2026. Rising demand for superyachts, private aviation and members’ clubs reflects a broader shift towards flexible, internationally oriented lifestyles, though infrastructure and charter regulations remain hurdles for Indonesia’s yacht sector.

5 Natural Hot Springs in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara: Locations, Ticket Prices and Opening Hours

Flores offers a range of natural hot springs, from the thermal pools at Soa Mengeruda and Malanage to forest-fringed Blidit and highland Ae Oka. The guide outlines access, entry prices and opening hours where available, while advising visitors to check details in advance and protect the natural environment.

Merapi National Park Reveals Illegal Hikers’ Numerous Hidden Routes

Merapi National Park authorities have identified several unofficial access routes used by illegal hikers in Boyolali, Magelang and Klaten, despite the mountain remaining closed at Alert Level III. The disclosure follows the apprehension of 14 people who joined an illegal hiking trip, and comes as rangers step up patrols and public warnings amid limited staffing and a large forest area.

Digital Literacy Key to Safeguarding the Quality of Democracy

Digital literacy and continuous voter education are essential to help Indonesians assess political information amid the spread of hoaxes and disinformation on social media, says Pasaman Barat KPU commissioner Akbar Riyadi. He calls for critical-thinking skills, targeted education for young voters and cooperation among electoral bodies, schools, communities and the media to protect public trust in elections.

Cambridge International AS & A Level June Series Results to Be Released Earlier from 2027

Cambridge University Press & Assessment will publish June-series Cambridge International AS & A Level results nearly two weeks earlier from 2027, with the 2027 results due on 28 July. The change is intended to give students and universities more time to manage admissions, visa applications and travel arrangements, while other exam-series result dates remain unchanged.

10 Things to Know About Former National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit, Suspected of Tapping the President’s Phone

Indonesia’s police have named former National Police chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo and two other senior officers as suspects over alleged illegal interception of President Prabowo Subianto and other public figures. Investigators say the activity took place from 2025 to October 2026, and the suspects face charges carrying prison terms of up to 10 years; the case has prompted calls for a transparent investigation and a review of oversight within the force.

Oil Surges to US$114 as Suahasil Moves to Safeguard State Budget

Finance Minister Suahasil Nazara said the government is stepping up its vigilance over the state budget as global oil prices have climbed as high as US$114 a barrel, putting pressure on financial markets and pushing up government bond yields. He also reported that foreign investors had brought about Rp126 trillion into Indonesian financial instruments from January to the end of October, with inflows into Bank Indonesia rupiah securities and government bonds remaining strong.

List of Presidents Who Have Been Targets of Surveillance, Including SBY

The article recounts surveillance cases involving former Indonesian president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and the leaders of France and Germany, drawing on WikiLeaks documents and contemporaneous reporting. It highlights the diplomatic fallout, particularly Indonesia’s 2013 response to Australian surveillance and European leaders’ objections to alleged US intelligence operations.

Cambridge International AS and A Level June Series Results to Be Released Earlier from 2027

Cambridge International will release June-series AS and A Level results nearly two weeks earlier from 2027, with the June 2027 results due on 28 July. The change is intended to give students and universities more time for admissions, enrolment, visa applications and travel arrangements, while results dates for other exam series remain unchanged.

Prabowo’s Phone Number Allegedly Intercepted: How LIMS Technology Works

Indonesia’s Criminal Investigation Agency says several phone numbers, including President Prabowo Subianto’s, were allegedly added to the Lawful Interception Management System (LIMS) without verification during 2025–2026. The article explains how lawful interception can capture communications and metadata through telecom networks, and outlines allegations that the system was misused to target public figures without proper authorisation.

Three Characteristics of Worker Resilience in Today’s Economy

A seminar in Jakarta highlighted that worker resilience rests on confidence, practical capabilities such as financial and digital skills, and constructive attitudes towards adversity, with health and workplace conditions also shaping productivity. OJK is promoting a more integrated health insurance ecosystem focused on prevention, while experts and business leaders called for employers, insurers and healthcare providers to collaborate in supporting workers’ physical, mental and financial well-being.

AMPG distributes Bahlil’s aid to earthquake victims in Manggarai

The Golkar Party’s youth wing, AMPG, has distributed food packages to residents affected by an earthquake in Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara. The organisation said the assistance, backed by party leader Bahlil Lahadalia, is part of Golkar’s 62nd anniversary social programme and is intended to ease hardship and support recovery.