Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 4 November 2026

Showing 251-300 of 1,482 articles

PNM Targets Financing for 1.7 Million Underprivileged Women in 2026

The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and state-owned PNM have signed an agreement to expand subsidised financing for underprivileged women entrepreneurs, with a target of 1.7 million beneficiaries in 2026. The programme offers a flat annual interest rate of 8%, backed by Rp2.62 trillion in government interest subsidies, alongside mandatory business mentoring and financial education.

The Dark Side of a Shortcut: Disaster in ‘Dewi Siluman Ular’

Starvision’s latest horror film, directed by Azhar Kinoi Lubis, uses the story of a debt-ridden father who turns to pesugihan—supernatural wealth-seeking—to explore economic desperation and the cost of seeking instant riches. Producer Chand Parwez Servia and screenwriter Ayu Anggraini Putri say the film is intended as a warning to remain rational when facing financial pressure.

Record Production High Gives PGEO a Hint on This Year’s Dividend

Pertamina Geothermal Energy (PGEO) has indicated that its dividend could be similar to last year’s, although the final amount requires approval from shareholders through the Pertamina group and Danantara. The company is balancing shareholder returns against funding needs for future growth, after reporting record energy production and stronger earnings in the first nine months of 2026.

Creative Industries Proposed for National Priority Status in 2027

The Ministry of Creative Economy has proposed including creative industries in the 2027 National Priority Work Programme, saying this would strengthen central government support and incentivise local authorities. The proposal is under discussion with Bappenas, while the ministry is also developing intellectual-property-based downstreaming programmes and encouraging local governments to allocate funding for creative ecosystems.

Case File Complete; Former MPR Secretary-General Ma'ruf Cahyono to Stand Trial Soon

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has completed its investigation into former MPR Secretary-General Ma'ruf Cahyono and handed the suspect and evidence to prosecutors, who have up to 14 days to prepare an indictment. He is accused of receiving around Rp70 billion in fees from contractors and roughly Rp30 billion in gratification through a brokerage account and trading account, in connection with procurement at the MPR Secretariat.

1,629 East Lombok Fishers to Receive a Year of Free Employment Social Security Cover

The East Lombok administration will cover one year of BPJS Ketenagakerjaan contributions for 1,629 fishers, providing work-accident and death benefits. The scheme forms part of broader coverage in the regency, where membership has reached 203,000 and claims paid total Rp42.7 billion.

Deputy Agriculture Minister Saleh: Food Sovereignty Is a Bulwark Against Geopolitical Challenges

Deputy Agriculture Minister Muhammad Saleh Mustafa said food sovereignty is a strategic pillar of national resilience amid global geopolitical uncertainty, and outlined government efforts to strengthen domestic production and self-sufficiency. Eight of the 12 strategic food commodities monitored by the government have reached self-sufficiency, he said.

Academic Urges Asset Forfeiture Rules to Protect Human Rights and Cover Crypto

A legal academic has urged lawmakers to ensure the proposed asset-forfeiture bill safeguards property rights, establishes strict procedures and transparent asset management, and addresses cryptocurrency. He also supports balanced burden-of-proof rules, requiring owners to explain unusually high wealth while prosecutors establish the underlying offence.

Elderly people in China embrace learning AI, video editing and drones

Universities for older people across China are seeing surging demand for courses in AI, video production and drone photography, as retirees seek both practical digital skills and new social connections. The enthusiasm comes amid a significant digital divide: only 53.7 per cent of Chinese people aged 60 and over use the internet, according to official data.

MP calls for strict action against schools found to have cheated in academic tests

A member of the House of Representatives has urged the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to take firm action after 308 senior secondary schools were suspected of cheating in the national Academic Competency Test (TKA). He called for transparent investigations, meaningful sanctions and stronger digital security to protect the test’s credibility and ensure fairness for students.

East Java Police Chief pledges to safeguard workers’ rights

East Java Police Chief Dekananto Eko Purwono said police would help address workers’ rights issues, particularly those involving legal matters, following talks with the East Java branch of the Indonesian Trade Union Confederation (KSPI). Discussions covered the 2027 minimum wage, dismissals and severance pay, as well as the Pakerin case; the police chief also called for police participation in a planned provincial task force on layoffs.

Education Ministry: Academic Ability Test Is Not as Difficult as Students Expect

Indonesia’s Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education says students found the Academic Ability Test (TKA) manageable during its second testing wave, following school-led revision and practice. Feedback on question formats, screen readability, image quality and timing will inform improvements, while the ministry hopes the test will help assess students’ academic readiness for further education.

ANTARA East Kalimantan and Samarinda Bawaslu Join Forces to Broadcast Election Information

ANTARA’s East Kalimantan bureau and Samarinda’s election supervisory body have agreed to strengthen cooperation in disseminating information about election oversight. The partnership is intended to improve public access to monitoring updates and election education, including checks on voter data, and to help reduce the risk of disputes.

401,586 People Suffer Respiratory Infections Amid Forest and Land Fires

Indonesia’s Health Ministry has recorded 401,586 cumulative cases of acute respiratory infection across seven provinces and 63 districts and cities linked to forest and land fires. The ministry is monitoring vulnerable groups and says oxygen support, including 10 oxygen houses in Riau, is being made accessible to patients with breathing difficulties.

Kemkomdigi Says Regulation to Establish Personal Data Protection Agency Nears Final Stage

The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs says the draft presidential regulation establishing an independent Personal Data Protection (PDP) supervisory agency has reached its final stage and has been submitted to the President through the State Secretariat. The regulation is expected to be completed and enacted in 2026, after which the new agency will take over oversight responsibilities and address staffing, offices and budget arrangements.

Jokowi Set to Attend East Jakarta District Court Hearing Tomorrow

Former president Joko Widodo is scheduled to testify on 5 November in a defamation case involving allegations that his university diploma was forged. His aide confirmed that he received a summons and said Jokowi had missed an earlier hearing because he had not been invited.

Parliament Cuts 295 Infrastructure Projects After Ghost Project Scandal

The Philippine Senate plans to remove funding for 295 infrastructure projects worth 8.83 billion pesos from the proposed 2027 national budget, citing incomplete documentation and concerns over fictitious projects. The move follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s directive requiring verifiable technical documents, while officials say more than 62% of proposed projects have been flagged for issues such as missing location coordinates or overlapping works.

Husband and Wife Killed, Seven-Month-Old Baby Injured in Avanza–Vario Crash in Lombok

A collision between a Toyota Avanza and a Honda Vario in Central Lombok killed a married couple and injured their seven-month-old baby. Police said the motorcycle may have crossed into the oncoming lane; the car driver has reported to police while the infant remains under medical care.

DIY Regional Council Explains Circumstances Behind Removal of Gibran’s Photograph During National Forum Hearing

Yogyakarta’s regional council says a photograph of Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka was taken down spontaneously by participants during a hearing where a civic forum called for his impeachment and for former president Joko Widodo to be tried. The council said it had no direct institutional channel to submit the impeachment demand to the national parliament, but would relay residents’ views through political parties and council factions.

Indonesia promotes quality tourism to European market at WTM London

Indonesia showcased its tourism offerings at WTM London, using an immersive pavilion and business meetings to promote authentic, high-quality and sustainable experiences to European buyers. The initiative involved 65 industry players and highlighted priority and regenerative destinations as the government seeks to broaden tourism benefits and strengthen the country’s position in the luxury market.

After Killing Baby, Stepfather Lied to Residents, Claiming Child Was Alive and Receiving Treatment

A shopkeeper in South Jakarta said the 22-year-old stepfather claimed the 20-month-old child was alive and being treated after the child had died. Residents grew suspicious, detained him when he returned the next morning, and handed him over to authorities; both he and the child’s mother have been named suspects.

UPN East Java Researchers Set MURI Record by Analysing 12.4 Million Digital Accounts

Researchers at UPN “Veteran” East Java have received a MURI record after analysing 12,474,536 digital accounts discussing President Prabowo Subianto’s administration. The study used big-data methods and social network analysis to examine sentiment, topics and interactions, while stressing that account numbers do not equate to the number of individuals.

Indonesian Government Revitalises 836 Special Schools to Boost Inclusive Education

Indonesia’s Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is revitalising 836 special schools, with the government emphasising that upgrades must support learning and student independence as well as improve buildings. The programme comes amid more than 900,000 classrooms nationwide requiring repairs, and schools are being urged to direct funds to approved, student-focused plans, including accessible facilities and therapy and vocational spaces.

Yusril Arrives in Aceh to Receive Honorary Doctorate from UIN Ar-Raniry

Coordinating Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra is set to receive an honorary doctorate in Islamic law (fiqh) from UIN Ar-Raniry in Banda Aceh. The university says the award recognises his contributions to legal thought and will support academic discussion of how Islamic principles relate to Indonesia’s national legal system.

E-Bus Hub launched to support electric bus planning

ITDP Indonesia has launched E-Bus Hub, a web-based platform intended to help central and local governments plan electric bus provision. It combines operational and vehicle data with policy references and planning simulators, including tools to estimate costs, emissions reductions and the benefits of different procurement options.

Deputy Minister: Government Strengthens Mitigation and Collaboration to Combat Online Gambling

The Communications and Digital Affairs Ministry is stepping up round-the-clock monitoring and working with financial intelligence and law-enforcement agencies to disrupt online gambling. Deputy Minister Nezar Patria said operators often work from abroad and use AI to target Indonesian users, making public participation essential alongside account closures and content takedowns.

Kuningan Regency Offers 295 Unused Assets to Investors

Kuningan Regency in West Java is offering 295 unused land and building assets to investors to boost locally generated revenue and reduce maintenance costs borne by the regional budget. The local government is targeting the optimal use of at least half of the assets and has launched a digital catalogue to help prospective investors identify opportunities remotely.

Central Jakarta Snatch Theft Victim Praises Rapid Response to Complaint via Metro Police Chief’s WhatsApp

A Sawah Besar resident says Metro Jaya Police responded within an hour after he reported a snatch theft directly through the police chief’s WhatsApp complaint line. Police have treated his injuries and are investigating the incident, including reviewing CCTV footage, while the chief’s personal number is being promoted as a channel for public safety reports.

Capital Markets Under Pressure, Sharia Products Said to Be More Resilient

Sharia-compliant capital-market products are said to be better placed to withstand current market turmoil, partly because they exclude certain sectors, including banking, and do not use interest-based margin financing. Indonesia Stock Exchange chief executive Jeffrey Hendrik cautioned, however, that Sharia investments remain exposed to share-price movements, company performance and broader economic sentiment.

Buy a Phone for Rp3.5 Million and Get Two Years of Free 5G Internet

XLSmart and Nubia have launched a Rp3.5 million bundle pairing the Nubia A77 5G smartphone with two years of unlimited internet through Smartfren. The offer supports XLSmart’s expansion of 5G access across more than 70 Indonesian cities, while subscribers can use 4G at speeds of up to 2 Mbps where 5G is unavailable.

Saudi Arabia to hold workshops to improve Hajj services

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah will hold workshops in Jeddah from 8 to 11 November 2026 to build professional capabilities across Hajj operations, technology, hospitality, healthcare and logistics. Organised with the Pilgrim Experience Program, the event will address infrastructure and services, empowerment and integration, and development and sustainability, with the aim of improving how Hajj services are organised and delivered.

ICE BSD City strengthens MICE industry competitiveness through operational readiness

ICE BSD City is seeking to strengthen its position as an international MICE venue through facility upgrades, operational preparedness and safety standards. Since opening in 2015, it has hosted more than 3,300 events and welcomed 18.9 million visitors, while expanding its integrated services and emergency response measures.

Elderly Man in Lebak Arrested on Suspicion of Molesting Seven-Year-Old Child with a Disability

Police in Lebak have arrested and detained a 76-year-old man suspected of sexually abusing a seven-year-old child with a disability. The case came to light after a neighbour saw the child leave the suspect’s home crying and bleeding; the child is receiving hospital treatment, while the suspect faces charges under the Criminal Code.

SKK Migas Meets INPEX and Samsung at ADIPEC 2026

SKK Migas chief Djoko Siswanto held high-level meetings with INPEX, Samsung and other business partners at ADIPEC 2026 to explore strategic partnerships and investment opportunities in Indonesia’s upstream oil and gas sector. Indonesia is presenting its hydrocarbon potential and seeking mutually beneficial deals that support production, energy security and sustainable economic growth.

Vinhomes Green Paradise Officially Enters Global Voting for ‘7 Wonders of Future Urban Developments’

Vinhomes Green Paradise in Can Gio, Ho Chi Minh City, has entered the global public-voting stage of New7Wonders’ campaign to identify the ‘7 Wonders of Future Urban Developments’. It is the first official candidate among more than 260 worldwide, with the winners due to be announced on 31 October 2027.

Pertamina expands its business in Iraq through partnership with Halliburton

Pertamina Drilling has signed an MoU with Halliburton Worldwide Limited to explore rig and non-rig service opportunities supporting oil and gas operations in Iraq. The agreement builds on an earlier MoU between parent companies and is part of Pertamina Drilling’s strategy to grow non-captive business and expand its international market presence.

Police Hunt Six Motorcyclists over Machete Attack in Tegalrejo, Yogyakarta

Police are searching for six motorcyclists suspected of attacking a 19-year-old man with a sharp weapon on Wolter Monginsidi Street in Tegalrejo, Yogyakarta. Investigators are checking CCTV footage after the victim suffered a cut to his right forehead in the late-night incident.

Industry Minister Pushes Development of Intermediate Products to Strengthen Supply Chains

Industry Minister Muhammad Sarmuji has called for greater development of intermediate products to strengthen domestic supply chains and add value to Indonesia’s natural resources. The food and beverage sector recorded robust growth, investment and export performance in 2026, while the government is also promoting circular production, local innovation and biodiversity-based pharmaceutical inputs.

Indonesia to Address Forest Fire Control Efforts at COP31

Indonesia will present its forest and land fire prevention and control efforts at COP31, alongside plans to accelerate reforestation to offset emissions. Officials say the response includes technology and innovation, strict law enforcement and collaboration with stakeholders, while noting that wildfires also affect other countries.

Patient Harasses Nurse in Bantul; Health Ministry Says Healthcare Workers May Stop Providing Care

Indonesia’s Health Ministry says healthcare workers may suspend services if they face harassment or threats, provided emergency cases have first been addressed. The statement follows the alleged sexual harassment of a nurse by an inpatient in Bantul and comes alongside calls for stronger workplace protections, including safeguards against excessive workloads.

South Kalimantan Police Send Case Files for Four KM Virgo Suspects to Prosecutors

South Kalimantan Police have submitted the case files of four suspects in the KM Virgo Transport 8 disaster to the provincial prosecutor’s office, alleging that the vessel was cleared to sail despite an earlier warning that it was unseaworthy. The accident left 82 people dead and 53 missing, and the search-and-rescue operation has now been closed, with monitoring to continue.

Food Prices Keep Rising: Chillies, Chicken and Rice All Cost More

Food inflation rose to 5.61% year on year in October 2026, up from 4.98% in September, with bird’s eye chillies, fresh fish, rice, cooking oil and chicken among the main contributors. Overall inflation eased slightly to 3.23%, while food prices remained a significant source of pressure on consumers.

Indonesia Has Just 0.62 Doctors per 1,000 People

Indonesia has 180,327 registered doctors, equivalent to 0.62 per 1,000 people, while staffing levels remain uneven across health facilities. The Health Ministry says its response will include better data-driven workforce planning and international mobility, with conference outcomes informing a 2026–2035 blueprint for managing health-sector human resources.

Woman’s Car Plunges into Central Jakarta River after Hitting Barrier

A Honda HR-V driven by a 53-year-old woman plunged into the Batang Hari River in Gambir, Central Jakarta, after veering into a roadside barrier. Police described the incident as a single-vehicle crash; the driver’s car sustained damage, but the report did not mention any injuries.

Transport Ministry strengthens aviation safety with nine countries

Indonesia has hosted a regional training programme with nine Southeast Asian countries to improve risk-based management of wildlife hazards at airports. The initiative responds to bird and wildlife strikes identified as a leading additional aviation safety risk across the Asia-Pacific, with practical training at Soekarno-Hatta Airport.

ABP Volunteers: Prabowo Is Not Alone, Many Indonesians Want to See His Government Succeed

Arus Bawah Prabowo (ABP) leaders say a “silent majority” of Indonesians supports President Prabowo Subianto, even if that backing is not prominent on social media. The group says it will support national unity and oversee the government’s development agenda, while hoping the administration delivers prosperity and stability.

It’s November: What’s the Latest on Malioboro’s Full Pedestrianisation?

Yogyakarta’s regional government says the planned full pedestrianisation of Malioboro remains on the agenda, but its implementation is being adjusted while authorities address traffic access, parking, and provision for older and disabled people. Officials say the scheme requires closer coordination with the city government and a workable plan for residents, deliveries and low-emission transport.

Anti-Corruption Court: Several NTB Police Officers Said to Have Received Money from LAZ

A witness in the bribery trial of suspended West Lombok regent Lalu Ahmad Zaini testified that he had delivered money to several police officers in West Nusa Tenggara on Zaini’s instructions while Zaini led the Giri Menang drinking water company. The testimony also described cash withdrawals from the company and a separate alleged bribery scheme involving a Rp27.1 billion water-management project; the witness said he could not identify the source of the money or the case discussed with the provincial prosecutor’s office.

PLN President Director: Tambak Lorok Gas-fired Power Plant Helps Ensure Reliable Electricity Supply in Central Java

PLN President Director Suroso Isnandar said the 1,697 MW Tambak Lorok gas and steam power plant plays a strategic role in maintaining reliable electricity supplies across Central Java. A visit to the Semarang facility underscored PLN’s focus on operational readiness, cooperation across its group and efficiency, alongside a gradual energy transition.

Baby Killed by Parents in South Jakarta Toilet Had Slept on a Shopfront Veranda

The parents accused of killing their baby had spent two nights sleeping on a shopfront veranda with the infant and their older child while reportedly looking for cheap rented accommodation. Police say the case came to light after a public-toilet owner heard the baby crying; the mother and stepfather have been named as suspects.