Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 4 November 2026

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Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministry Holds Main Fisheries Service Month Event at 27 Locations

Indonesia’s Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministry held its 2026 Fisheries Service Month programme at 27 locations, distributing food aid, health services, aquaculture seed and other support to coastal communities. The programme, marking the ministry’s 27th anniversary, also included training, mangrove planting and social protection for fishers.

Karawang Police Raid Fake Oil Factory, Seize 2,653 Bottles of Various Brands

Karawang police have arrested a man suspected of producing counterfeit oil and lubricants at a house in Pakisjaya, seizing 2,653 filled bottles and 1,300 empty containers. The suspect allegedly sold the products to workshops online and faces up to five years in prison under Indonesia’s Consumer Protection Law.

Transport Ministry proposes 80% bus electrification target by 2030

The Transport Ministry is reviewing its urban public transport electrification roadmap and has proposed that electric buses make up 80% of the fleet by 2030, followed by 90% in 2040 and full electrification by 2045. The revised targets take account of current challenges, including local governments’ fiscal capacity, while a draft presidential regulation to support the transition is being developed with ITDP.

Ombudsman Pledges to Step Up Prison Inspections to Prevent Torture

Indonesia’s Ombudsman has pledged to strengthen unannounced inspections of detention centres and correctional facilities to help prevent torture and protect human rights. It will also advocate for a national prevention mechanism and support Indonesia’s move towards ratifying the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture, as part of broader discussions with a European Parliament delegation on human rights cooperation.

Two Train Crashes Kill 115, Minister Resigns

Spanish Transport Minister Óscar Puente has resigned after two high-speed train crashes killed 115 people, intensifying political pressure on Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s government ahead of the 29 November election. The government says the resignation is an act of political responsibility, while opposition figures and analysts are calling for concrete measures to improve rail safety and investment.

Tulungagung Resident Nearly Recruited as Russian Mercenary

A man from Tulungagung nearly travelled to Russia to work as a mercenary after responding to a social media advert promising a Rp400 million bonus and Rp40 million in wages. He cancelled his trip to Turkey, the intended transit point, after doubts arose over the promised advance payment; officials are warning prospective migrant workers to use official recruitment channels.

MPR Library Expands Services Through Creative Literacy

The MPR Secretariat General has introduced creative literacy activities to broaden the library’s role beyond providing information, including as a space for learning and skills development. The programme also supports the library’s ambition to become a centre for constitutional literacy and education on the MPR’s Four Pillars.

Tennis legend Rafael Nadal to join Real Madrid board

Real Madrid’s board has approved the appointment of 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal, which will be put to the club’s general assembly for ratification. If approved, Nadal will join the 19-member board, bringing a long-standing association with and support for the Spanish club.

Bapanas Closes Loopholes in Problematic Fortified Rice to Protect the Public

The National Food Agency (Bapanas) has imposed a moratorium on distribution permits for fortified rice and is working with law enforcement to address suspected violations. The move follows inspections that flagged 25 brands and estimated potential consumer losses of Rp89 trillion, amid concerns over misleading nutrition claims, product quality and unlicensed sales.

Papua Gets Brighter as PLN Brings Electricity to 128 Villages This Year

PLN says it electrified 128 villages across four provinces in Papua during 2026, building hundreds of kilometres of distribution lines and new substations. A further 199 villages across all six provinces in the region are scheduled to receive electricity in phases by 2027, with local geography and renewable energy potential shaping delivery plans.

Wildfire on Taliabu Island Worsens, Affecting 347 Hectares of Land and 39,000 Trees

Wildfires across Pulau Taliabu in North Maluku have affected about 347 hectares and an estimated 39,162 trees, spreading across three districts and 13 villages. No deaths have been reported; authorities say the main fire was extinguished on 29 October, with cooling and monitoring continuing to prevent flare-ups.

Five Livestock Groups in West Nusa Tenggara to Receive 3,750 Laying Hens

The West Nusa Tenggara provincial government has allocated Rp1.1 billion to provide laying hens to five livestock groups, with distribution expected to be completed by the end of 2026. Each group may receive up to 750 birds, alongside funding for a coop and two months’ initial feed; the programme aims to help recipients become self-sufficient and improve their livelihoods.

Madiun Murder Victims’ Family Refuses to Forgive Suspect

The family of Dini Hardiyanti and her four-year-old son, who were murdered and dismembered in Madiun, says it will not forgive the suspect and wants the harshest possible sentence. Police have completed DNA identification of 15 bone fragments and handed the victims’ remains to their family for burial.

Central Java and Bangkalan showcase flagship innovations at IGA 2026

Central Java and Bangkalan presented employment, healthcare and agriculture initiatives in the 2026 Innovative Government Award assessment. The programmes combine digital services, specialist care in villages, geospatial farm mapping and round-the-clock ambulance support, with officials emphasising measurable public benefit and sustainable implementation.

BPOM and WHO Hold Workshop to Strengthen Oversight of Natural Medicines

Indonesia’s BPOM and the World Health Organization held a two-day workshop on risk-based sampling to strengthen post-market oversight of traditional medicines and health supplements. With only about 39 per cent of registered products sampled so far, the initiative aims to use data to identify risks earlier and target regulatory resources more effectively.

Andre Rosiade Meets Public Works Minister to Discuss Accelerating Road and Bridge Projects in West Sumatra

Gerindra politician Andre Rosiade met Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo to push forward road, bridge and post-disaster reconstruction projects in West Sumatra. The discussions covered several proposed and ongoing projects, while the minister called on local authorities to resolve land and administrative issues that could delay construction.

Rare Earth Metals Seen as a Potential New Opportunity for the Tin Industry

The development of rare earth elements (REE) could offer a strategic new opportunity for Indonesia’s tin industry, according to a journalist who visited PT TIMAH’s mining and processing operations in the Riau Islands. The MediaMIND visit also showcased the company’s downstream activities, environmental programmes and community initiatives, highlighting the importance of responsible mining and lasting local benefits.

In a Rare Move, Trump Congratulates His Rival Party

The Democrats have won control of both chambers of Congress in a sweeping midterm victory, taking several Republican-held seats and gaining the power to block Donald Trump’s agenda and investigate his administration. Trump congratulated the party and said he was willing to work with it, while acknowledging that the Iran conflict may have contributed to the Republicans’ defeat and warning that he could veto Democratic legislation.

Pokémon Run 30 Targets Economic Impact Through MSMEs and Sports Tourism

Pokémon Run 30 Indonesia is expected to support micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and Jakarta’s tourism economy, with 15,000 tickets available for the 13 December event. Organisers also anticipate demand for official merchandise and say participants travelling from outside Java and overseas could boost local economic activity.

Consumers Urged to Check Usage Patterns as Several Factors Can Drive Up Electricity Bills

Consumers are being urged to compare electricity bills with recorded kilowatt-hour usage before concluding that tariffs have risen. A consumer protection association says changes in household habits, heavier use of high-powered appliances and poorly maintained equipment can all increase consumption, and customers are entitled to seek an explanation from PLN if a bill appears unusual.

KRISTAInterFOOD Food and Beverage Exhibition Opens with 1,100 Participants

The 27th KRISTAInterFOOD trade fair has opened in Tangerang, bringing together around 1,100 participants, including 100 small and medium-sized enterprises from 16 countries. The event aims to attract 95,000 trade visitors and includes programmes focused on local food innovation, culinary competitions and international business networking.

KKP Holds Month of Service Finale at 27 Sites, Distributes 4,290 Food Packages

The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries held the culmination of its 2026 Month of Service programme at 27 locations, providing food aid, health checks, aquaculture inputs, training and other support. The initiative, which marks the ministry’s 27th anniversary, is intended to improve the welfare and productivity of fishers, fish farmers and coastal communities.

Palembang waste-to-energy project enters commissioning phase

Palembang’s nearly Rp3 trillion waste-to-energy facility has entered commissioning, with electricity already connected to the PLN grid and generation exceeding its initial 17.7 MW target. The project is 98.5 per cent complete and is expected to begin full operations by December 2026, processing about 1,100 tonnes of waste daily, supplying up to 15,000 households and creating local jobs.

After Missing Two Summonses, Nusron Wahid Finally Appears for KPK Questioning

Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning Minister Nusron Wahid appeared at the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) on his own initiative to provide witness testimony in an alleged corruption case involving his ministry. His attendance follows two previous missed summonses, as investigators continue questioning witnesses to develop the case.

Catfish Farming Innovation Cuts Harvest Time to 45 Days

A catfish farming venture in East Java says a specialised feed formula and round-the-clock water circulation can reduce the first harvest to 45 days, compared with the conventional three to four months, while cutting feed costs by up to 50 per cent. Its founder hopes to expand the approach across Indonesia and says it could support food security, though the claims are presented by the business and its customers.

Elon Musk Flees, Then Spends Rp6.7 Trillion on Political Groups — All in Vain

Elon Musk spent a record US$446 million backing candidates in the US elections, but most of his preferred candidates were defeated, including in Texas, where Democrats made significant gains. The results could complicate his plans for major data-centre development in the state, which he had chosen as a business-friendly alternative to California.

Sharia Insurance Is About Sharing Risk, Not Transferring It

FWD Syariah president director Ade Bungsu says the model is based on ta’awun, or mutual assistance, with participants contributing to a shared mechanism to address future risks. He says life insurance can help protect family financial plans as responsibilities change, and that FWD Syariah aims to complement rather than compete with conventional insurance.

NTT DATA Adds 12 MW of Data Centre Capacity in Jakarta

NTT DATA has opened the 12 MW Jakarta 2 Annex Data Centre, expanding its Jakarta campus to meet rising demand for cloud computing, artificial intelligence and digital transformation. It has also launched APN Connect, a low-latency optical connectivity service linking its Jakarta facilities to support data synchronisation, disaster recovery and multi-site operations.

Investment in Jakarta Creates Jobs for 440,744 People

Jakarta recorded Rp249.3 trillion in investment from January to September 2026, the highest of any Indonesian province and 22.1 per cent above the same period a year earlier; the investment was associated with 440,744 jobs. City officials cited strong investor confidence and pledged to improve licensing and promotion, while lawmakers and officials stressed the need for training so local residents can benefit from new employment opportunities.

PB PII Calls for Tighter Judicial Oversight in Asset Forfeiture Bill

The Indonesian Islamic Students Association’s central board (PB PII) supports faster passage of the Asset Forfeiture Bill, but says it must provide legal certainty, protect human rights and remain subject to strict judicial oversight. It calls for safeguards against arbitrary or politically selective seizures, meaningful public participation and effective mechanisms to trace modern forms of hidden assets.

Andre Rosiade to Cover All Care Costs for Padang Resident in a Coma for 10 Years

Gerindra politician and House of Representatives deputy commission chairman Andre Rosiade has pledged to pay for Gustina Putri Ningsih’s home-based care after she spent a decade with a chronic disorder of consciousness. Padang’s hospitals will coordinate homecare and medical monitoring, with costs estimated at Rp3.5 million a month; clinicians say care will focus on infections, nutrition and maintaining bodily functions.

Young People Train as Reog Ponorogo Performers to Keep the Tradition Alive

A workshop in Ponorogo is training a new generation of pembarong, performers who carry the iconic dadak merak mask in Reog Ponorogo. Organised by the East Java Cultural Preservation Centre and the Solah Wetan Arts Community, the programme aims to safeguard the UNESCO-recognised intangible cultural heritage.

Shudao Investment Group in the Spotlight at Global Panda Partners Conference 2026

Shudao Investment Group used the Global Panda Partners Conference in Chengdu to showcase its green infrastructure work and international business. The company highlighted wildlife protections built into road projects in Sichuan and its participation in major bridge projects across several countries as it expands its global reach.

Petojo Utara Urban Village Urges Boarding Houses to Improve Fire Safety

Petojo Utara officials have urged boarding-house owners on Jalan Pembangunan I and II to provide emergency exits and fire extinguishers, with at least one extinguisher on each floor. The inspections are intended to protect residents and enforce Jakarta’s public-order bylaw, while ensuring caretakers know how to use the equipment.

Gus Ipul Urges People’s School Staff to Follow Codes of Ethics and Maintain Discipline

Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf has called on staff at People’s Schools to uphold discipline, ethics and empathy as they serve pupils from diverse and often disadvantaged backgrounds. Training for 839 security personnel, case managers and education-data operators is being held in Bogor, alongside a warning that staff found responsible for bullying, violence or intolerance will be dismissed.

140th Canton Fair: ‘Guochao’ Brings a Fresh Touch to Fashion

Exhibitors at the 140th Canton Fair are showcasing modern fashion inspired by Chinese cultural heritage, from Sichuan Shu Brocade and traditional hemp fabric to paper-cutting art and classical landscape painting. Their collections demonstrate how traditional craft and contemporary design can combine to bring cultural motifs into everyday clothing and accessories.

Deputy Social Affairs Minister Urges Brebes KPM Graduations to Be Matched by Economic Resilience

Deputy Social Affairs Minister Agus Jabo Priyono says moving beneficiary families off social assistance must be based on readiness and accompanied by lasting income and economic resilience. Brebes graduated 2,420 families in 2025 and aims to graduate 3,290 more in 2026, with support including economic empowerment, housing assistance and education through Sekolah Rakyat.

Trump’s Nightmare Begins as Democrats Take Control of Both Houses of Congress

Democrats are projected to win majorities in both the US Senate and House of Representatives in the 2026 midterm elections, ending Republicans’ control of Congress. The shift will leave President Donald Trump facing an opposition-controlled legislature for the final two years of his term, potentially complicating his agenda and increasing congressional scrutiny.

MPR RI Develops Library Services Through Creative Literacy Activities

The MPR RI Library is expanding its role through creative literacy programmes, including a matcha-making workshop for 50 Secretariat General staff. Officials say the initiative aims to make the library a more engaging learning space and strengthen understanding of the MPR’s Four Pillars: Pancasila, the 1945 Constitution, the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia and Bhinneka Tunggal Ika.

Liliana, the Young Woman Sorting and Processing Waste

Liliana Nur Gandi, a secondary-school student in South Jakarta, has helped engage about 89 per cent of her schoolmates in sorting and processing waste through the school’s Waste Bank Ambassadors initiative. Her work, including composting dry leaves and turning organic and inorganic waste into useful products, is highlighted in a Jakarta provincial programme recognising community environmental action.

Libya recognised by WHO for remaining polio-free

The World Health Organization has formally recognised Libya’s continuing efforts to maintain its polio-free status. The recognition highlights the country’s epidemiological surveillance standards and national immunisation programme as key measures to protect public health and prevent transmission.

WIKA Secures Rp9.78 Trillion in New Contracts up to September 2026

State-owned contractor Wijaya Karya (WIKA) recorded Rp9.78 trillion in new contracts through September 2026, up 57.9% year on year. Its workload spans public infrastructure and building projects, alongside civil works to expand a steel plant’s production capacity from 400,000 to 540,000 tonnes a year.

AHY Condemns Alleged Presidential Wiretapping, Calling It a Serious Threat to Political Life and Democracy

Democratic Party chairman Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono has condemned alleged unlawful wiretapping said by the police to have targeted the President and a range of public figures and organisations. He urged a full investigation, demanding clarity over who authorised the surveillance, its motives and how the intercepted material was used, and warned that the case raises wider concerns about privacy protections.

Foreign Minister Urges Stronger APEC Cooperation to Build Asia-Pacific Resilience

Foreign Minister Arrmanatha Nasir called on APEC members to deepen cooperation on regional resilience and connectivity, including digital links and investment in digital skills. Indonesia also stressed the importance of energy and food security, a rules-based multilateral trading system centred on the WTO, and meaningful WTO reform ahead of the APEC summit in Shenzhen.

Was Indonesia’s Defence Minister Also Targeted by Wiretapping? What the Defence Ministry Says

Reports allege that Indonesia’s Defence Minister was among state officials targeted for wiretapping by a network linked to former National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo. The Ministry of Defence says it will not comment on the allegations and has left their verification and handling to the police investigation.

Religious Affairs Minister Says Mastery of Science and Technology Is Key to Muslim Progress

Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar said Muslim communities must master science and technology to revive their historical scholarly achievements, while ensuring innovation is guided by ethical responsibility. Speaking at the opening of the 2026 OASE PTKIN, he also urged Islamic higher education institutions to contribute to downstream technology development and help increase the value of Indonesia’s resources.

Metro Jaya Police Say They Knew Nothing About Hired Students at Youth Pledge Event

Metro Jaya Police say they are investigating the presence of hired students at a Youth Pledge Day event they held in central Jakarta, while denying that officers recruited them. The force says it is auditing who organised the participants and obtained university jackets for them, and promises sanctions for those responsible.

Jorindo Partners with Dubai Firm to Strengthen Indonesia’s Maritime Services

PT Jorindo Marine Salvage has signed a memorandum of understanding with Dubai-based Mubarak Bridge Maritime FZCO to explore salvage, underwater works and related maritime services in Indonesia and South-east Asia. The partnership could combine equipment and specialist personnel from both companies, although specific projects will depend on resources, technical and safety assessments, and the required approvals.

HKTI: Agriculture Must Become a Modern Industry Producing Competitive Products

HKTI chairman Sudaryono says Indonesian agriculture and livestock farming must move beyond conventional production towards efficient, sustainable and competitive modern industries, with the Free Nutritious Meals programme potentially boosting domestic demand. Banten Governor Andra Soni highlighted investments in irrigation and rural roads aimed at strengthening food security, improving distribution and reducing farmers’ transport costs.

Gus Ipul Says People’s School Staff Must Be Disciplined and Follow the Code of Ethics

Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf has called on all staff at Indonesia’s People’s Schools to work professionally, follow ethical standards and protect pupils from bullying, violence and intolerance. The government is also training 839 security personnel, case managers and data operators, while encouraging staff to help update social assistance records and identify eligible residents who are not yet registered.