Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 4 November 2026

Showing 351-400 of 1,482 articles

All MPR Secretariat-General Staff Declare Personal Interests

All 418 staff members of the MPR Secretariat-General have recorded their personal interests through the SIMPATIK application, a measure intended to identify potential conflicts of interest and safeguard decision-making integrity. Officials say the declaration is only an initial step, with ongoing data updates, risk analysis and management, and support for staff still required.

Minibus Crashes Through Road Barrier and Plunges into Harmoni Canal

A Honda HR-V driven by a 53-year-old woman veered off Jalan Hayam Wuruk in central Jakarta on Wednesday and plunged into a canal. Police said there were no casualties and are investigating the cause of the single-vehicle crash.

Indonesia and China Agree to Strengthen Agricultural Cooperation

Indonesia and China have agreed to deepen agricultural cooperation through technology transfer, investment and expanded trade, with a focus on garlic production and strategic commodities. Indonesia hopes the partnership will reduce its reliance on imported garlic while raising domestic production and adding value to exports.

Agriculture Ministry Promotes Farmer-Private Sector Cooperation in Sumedang through HDDAP Project

Indonesia’s Agriculture Ministry is using its HDDAP project to improve market access and secure sustainable demand for Sumedang’s key horticultural products, particularly Gedong Gincu mangoes and chillies. Local agencies will support farmer groups with business registration and connect them to buyers and financing, including a regional credit scheme offering a 3% interest rate, partly subsidised by the government.

Astra Auto Fest 2026 targets 11,000 transactions

Astra Auto Fest 2026, scheduled for 13–15 November in BSD City, Tangerang, is targeting at least 11,000 transactions, matching the result achieved at last year’s event. Electrified vehicles accounted for about 22 per cent of transactions in 2025, and Astra is also exploring the possibility of holding the festival in other major cities.

PGE targets 15% public shareholding by 2028

PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy (PGE) plans to increase its free float from 11.2% to 12.5% by March 2027 and 15% by 2028, with options including a stake sale or a new share issue. The company says it will not buy back shares because that would reduce its free float, as it moves to comply with regulatory requirements amid Indonesia’s broader capital-market reforms.

Elnusa Petrofin Supplies Medical Equipment to Three Oxygen Houses in South Kalimantan

Elnusa Petrofin has donated oxygen cylinders, medical equipment and medicines to three health facilities in Banjarmasin and Banjarbaru to help treat respiratory problems caused by haze from forest and land fires. The assistance forms part of the company’s CSR programme and aims to strengthen local health services’ preparedness for affected communities.

West Java Steps Up KHAS Zones in 27 Areas to Boost Halal Tourism

West Java is accelerating the development of Halal, Safe and Healthy Culinary Zones (KHAS) across all 27 regencies and cities to strengthen Muslim-friendly tourism. The provincial government says the initiative aims to improve services for Muslim visitors and attract more tourists from Muslim-majority markets, with participating outlets required to hold halal certification and pass environmental health inspections.

Can LIMS Phone Tapping Expose Chats and WhatsApp Calls?

Lawful Interception Management System (LIMS) can provide law enforcement with access to calls, SMS, location and internet-use data through telecom operators’ networks, but end-to-end encryption prevents it from revealing the content of WhatsApp and Signal messages. A cybersecurity expert says the resulting metadata can still disclose users’ routines, contacts and movements, and distinguishes LIMS from device-infecting spyware such as Pegasus.

15 Bone Fragments Confirmed to Belong to Dini and Her Child

East Java police have confirmed through DNA testing that 15 bone fragments belong to murder victims Dini Hardianti and her four-year-old child, Ashaka Ghava El Fae Zya. Their family plans to bury them in Bogor and hopes the accused, Dwi Bagus Martono, receives the maximum sentence.

Eddy Soeparno: Indonesia Ready to Present Forest and Land Fire Response at COP31

Indonesia is prepared to outline its efforts to tackle forest and land fires if the issue is raised at the UN climate conference COP31 in Türkiye. Deputy Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly Eddy Soeparno said the response includes firefighting, reforestation, prevention technology, law enforcement and cooperation with stakeholders.

Helicopter Carrying Eight People to Fight Forest Fires Crashes in Central Kalimantan

A Mi-17V5 helicopter conducting water-bombing operations in Central Kalimantan crashed into a river while collecting water to fight fires near Tanjung Puting National Park. One person died, five were taken to hospital and two crew members were being evacuated, according to the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB).

Indonesia’s processed food exports rise 13.47% in January-August

Indonesia’s processed food exports reached US$4.49 billion in January-August 2026, an increase of 13.47% year on year, according to the Trade Ministry’s director general of national export development. Officials said the growth reflects rising international competitiveness, while SIAL Food & Drinks Indonesia 2026 is intended to connect domestic businesses with overseas buyers and expand market access.

Surabaya Deputy Council Speaker Urges City to Improve Public Transport Shelters

Surabaya Deputy City Council Speaker Laila Mufidah says many public transport shelters lack basic protection, seating and route information, and has urged the city to review and upgrade facilities across the city. Her call comes as Surabaya expands its Wira Wiri feeder service with 18 new minibuses, highlighting the need to improve infrastructure alongside fleet capacity.

Indonesia’s Ombudsman backs academic test monitoring to protect pupils’ rights

Indonesia’s Ombudsman is monitoring the Academic Competency Test (TKA) to promote transparent, accountable delivery and ensure pupils’ rights are upheld, including those of pupils with disabilities. It has opened complaint channels across the provinces, while officials say feedback will inform improvements; the test’s optional status and its practical importance for pupils’ next education stage may warrant further discussion.

KKP Optimises Fishermen’s Villages to Raise Coastal Fishers’ Incomes

The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries is seeking to boost the value of catches and coastal fishers’ incomes through its Red and White Fishermen’s Village programme, with a target of raising the Fishermen’s Terms of Trade from 103 to 130 by 2027. It says 100 villages have been completed and begun operating, while road repairs and access to subsidised fuel have been identified as local priorities in East Lampung.

Indonesia Can Now Collect VAT from Netflix and Others, but When Will They Be Required to Pay Corporate Income Tax?

Indonesia can collect VAT on cross-border digital transactions through platforms such as Netflix, Amazon and Alibaba, but current legal rules do not allow it to tax the companies’ profits when they lack a fixed place of business in the country. The issue reflects wider concerns among market countries, while Indonesia has also implemented the OECD/G20 global minimum tax, which applies to qualifying multinational groups with annual revenue of at least €750 million.

Health Ministry Records 401,586 Cumulative Respiratory Infection Cases Linked to Forest and Land Fires

Indonesia’s Health Ministry has recorded 401,586 cumulative acute respiratory infection cases across seven provinces and 63 districts and cities affected by forest and land fires, including 3,906 new cases as of 2 November 2026. Children under 10 and older people account for a large share of cases, while the ministry says it is making oxygen support available, including 10 oxygen houses in Riau.

Sixth Saudi Hajj Conference to Improve Staff Skills and Hajj Services

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah will hold specialist workshops during the sixth Hajj Conference and Exhibition in Jeddah from 8 to 11 November. The programme will focus on building staff expertise and developing practical innovations to improve services for pilgrims across operational, health, technology and other areas.

Danang entrusts investigation into alleged wiretapping to National Police

Gerindra Yogyakarta leader Danang Wicaksana Sulistya has called on the National Police to investigate allegations that President Prabowo Subianto and other figures were illegally wiretapped. He urged a transparent inquiry, saying the alleged involvement of a former police chief and senior officers should not be treated as representative of the institution as a whole.

Government Strengthens Coordination to Address Indonesian Citizens’ Citizenship Issues

The Ministry of Law is working with Indonesian representatives overseas to resolve citizenship-status cases, particularly those involving children from cross-border families. It says 1,088 people have received confirmation of Indonesian citizenship, while thousands of undocumented Indonesians and pending applications underscore the continuing need for assistance; new service regulations are due to take effect in December 2026.

KPK Questions Nusron over HGB Processing and Regular Payments Linked to Official Posts

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) questioned Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning Minister Nusron Wahid about land certification and HGB procedures, appointments within his ministry, and alleged regular payments and money received by people close to him. The investigation concerns alleged bribery related to a building-use rights permit for PT Summarecon Agung and other payments, with eight people facing legal proceedings.

J Trust Bank (BCIC) CEO Resigns After Seven Years in Post

Ritsuo Fukadai has submitted his resignation as president director and CEO of PT Bank JTrust Indonesia, a role he has held since 2019. His departure will take effect only after approval from the Financial Services Authority (OJK) and the bank’s general meeting of shareholders; the bank reported lower year-on-year profit through September 2026.

What Happened as an Indonesian Army Mi-17V5 Helicopter Crashed While Collecting Water to Fight Forest Fires

An Indonesian Army Aviation (Penerbad) Mi-17V5 helicopter crashed in Central Kalimantan while supporting water-bombing operations at Tanjung Puting National Park. One of the eight people aboard died, five were rescued and two were still being evacuated; the Army has not yet disclosed the cause.

Indonesia to present climate bills at COP31 summit in Türkiye

Indonesia plans to present three legislative initiatives at COP31: the Just Climate Change Control Bill, the New and Renewable Energy Bill, and a revision to the Electricity Law. The delegation will also highlight an energy-transition target of 70 per cent renewables in the national energy mix by 2045 and efforts to expand waste-to-energy processing, framing climate action as part of the country’s long-term development strategy.

US Will Continue to Support ASEAN Whatever Happens, Ambassador Says

US Ambassador to ASEAN Kevin Kim said Washington would continue to support and work with the bloc regardless of the outcome of the US midterm elections. He reiterated US backing for ASEAN principles, including respect for sovereignty and freedom of navigation, amid geopolitical tensions and instability in the South China Sea.

DPR Commission XIII Member Threatens to Freeze KSP Swasti Sari

A DPR Commission XIII member has threatened to freeze KSP Swasti Sari or convene an extraordinary members’ meeting to replace its management if the cooperative’s warring factions cannot reach an agreement. He urged them to prioritise restoring access to savings and financial services for the cooperative’s 233,000 members, warning that blocked withdrawals could prompt criminal complaints.

Government launches TB-free pesantren programme to strengthen prevention

The government has launched a nationwide programme to prevent and tackle tuberculosis in Islamic boarding schools, integrating screening with its free health-check service. Health and Religious Affairs officials say cross-ministerial cooperation is needed to expand access to screening and treatment for millions of students, many of whose schools lack professional medical facilities.

Samuel Wattimena Calls for Documentation of Indonesian Designers’ Journeys

Fashion designer and lawmaker Samuel Wattimena has called for a comprehensive history documenting Indonesian fashion designers from the 1950s to the present. He says the book could help students and fashion enthusiasts understand earlier designers’ working practices and provide inspiration, especially for those without access to formal fashion education.

PGE Records Its Highest-Ever Energy Production at 4,113 GWh

Pertamina Geothermal Energy (PGE) reported record production of 4,113 GWh through September 2026, up 9.86% year on year, alongside stronger revenue and profits. Its chief executive said the company’s operating and financial performance remained resilient despite volatility in Indonesia’s capital market.

KPK Questions Nusron on Payments, Building Rights and Staff Appointments

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) questioned Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning Minister Nusron Wahid as a witness in an investigation into alleged wrongdoing at his ministry. Investigators asked about building-use rights (HGB), alleged regular payments and job-related payments, staff appointments, and money allegedly received by people close to him; the KPK says further questioning remains possible.

Relations with Neighbouring Countries Strained by Haze: What Can ASEAN Do?

Smoke from Indonesian forest and land fires has fuelled public frustration and diplomatic tensions in Singapore and Malaysia, while exposing the limits of ASEAN’s consensus-based response to transboundary pollution. Indonesia and Singapore have agreed to establish a joint task force, and Singapore has summoned companies suspected of contributing to the haze, as regional officials prepare to discuss cooperation and prevention.

Indonesia’s Economy Forecast to Grow 5.2% in Third Quarter, with Fourth-Quarter Challenges Ahead

Prasasti Center for Policy Studies forecasts annual economic growth of about 5.2% in the third quarter of 2026, supported by household consumption and a recovery in manufacturing exports. It warns that higher oil prices, El Niño and forest fires are likely to weigh more heavily in the fourth quarter, while limited fiscal room and pressure on the rupiah constrain policy options.

Benny Harman Suspects Political Conspiracy Behind Prabowo Wiretapping

Benny K Harman, a member of the House of Representatives’ Commission III, has called for an investigation into the alleged illegal wiretapping of President Prabowo Subianto, arguing it may have been politically motivated. He said investigators should establish who ordered it and whether it involved a group seeking to seize power, while stressing that the allegations require thorough examination.

Government and Partners Build Decent Homes in Subang to Prevent Stunting

The government, BKKBN and Bank Rakyat Indonesia are working together to provide decent housing for three families at risk of stunting in Subang, including access to sanitation. The initiative forms part of wider efforts to address stunting, which officials say is linked not only to nutrition but also to early marriage and inadequate household sanitation.

Sugiono of Gerindra Says Alleged Eavesdropping on Listyo and Others Was an Act of Insubordination

Gerindra secretary-general Sugiono has called the alleged surveillance of President Prabowo Subianto by former National Police chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo and others a serious act of insubordination, and said the possibility of motives amounting to treason must be investigated. He urged authorities to establish the basis and those involved through due legal process, and said the case would prompt a review of presidential protection and cybersecurity arrangements.

Officer Aipda Prihatin Killed by Lorry While Directing Traffic on the Pantura

A Batang Police officer, Aipda Prihatin Wahyu Wibowo, was killed after a speeding lorry struck him as he was helping pedestrians cross the Pantura highway. Two other road users and a car driver were injured; police have detained the lorry and are questioning its driver as they investigate the crash.

Five Signs Your Phone Has Been Hacked, and How to Deal With It

Unusual battery drain, sluggish performance, data spikes, suspicious calls or texts, and a surge in pop-up adverts may indicate that a smartphone has been compromised. The article recommends using official app stores, trusted anti-malware tools and two-factor authentication, while checking call-forwarding settings and limiting location sharing.

Asked Whether Jokowi Could Be Questioned in Alleged Wiretapping Case, Yusril Says ‘We Cannot Be Prejudiced’

Coordinating Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra said anyone supported by sufficient facts and evidence could be questioned in the alleged illegal wiretapping case, potentially including former president Joko Widodo. He urged against speculation and said investigators would determine who to question and whether the case should proceed to a formal investigation.

Deputy Agriculture Minister Alim Seeks to Boost Plantation Sector’s Added Value Through Downstream Processing

Deputy Agriculture Minister Alim Setiawan Slamet is calling for greater productivity and downstream processing to raise the value of plantation commodities and improve farmers’ welfare. The government aims for more than 90 per cent of plantation exports to consist of processed derivative products, up from the current 20–30 per cent that are raw materials.

Tri Sugiarti: Turning Waste into Income and Empowering Residents

Tri Sugiarti turns waste paper, used cooking oil and plastic into marketable crafts and household products, generating monthly turnover of at least Rp5 million from a single product line. Through the Tri Alam Lestari waste bank in South Jakarta, she provides local residents with income and business opportunities while sharing recycling skills with other waste banks.

Yusril insists there is no worrying unrest in Jakarta

Coordinating Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra said Jakarta’s security situation remained normal, responding to reports of a large-scale deployment of Indonesian military personnel. The Indonesian Navy plans to deploy 20,980 personnel in stages to strengthen security and respond to developments in the capital, with the final contingent on full alert.

Don’t Let a Busy Schedule Be an Excuse to Stop Studying

Working professionals can continue higher education by planning their time, choosing suitable class schedules and learning formats, and maintaining discipline. The article also highlights transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) routes for diploma graduates, while promoting Universitas Nusa Mandiri’s flexible study options as an example of how universities can widen access.

Dozens of DKI Jakarta Youth Red Cross Members Join Exchange Programme in Japan

Twelve members of the DKI Jakarta Youth Red Cross are taking part in an exchange programme with the Japanese Red Cross Tokyo Chapter from 5 to 11 November 2026. The visit will cover humanitarian values, first aid, disaster preparedness and blood-donation services, with organisers hoping participants will apply what they learn in their communities.

Forest and Land Fire Hotspots Rise in Central Kalimantan and South Sumatra

Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) reported sharp increases in forest and land fire hotspots and areas being tackled in Central Kalimantan and South Sumatra, with rises also recorded in Jambi. It said hotspots declined in South Papua and East Kalimantan, while aircraft and helicopters remain deployed and weather-modification operations are continuing in three provinces.

Trump Admits Iran War ‘Eroded’ Republican Vote as Tehran Says US Public Rejects War

Donald Trump acknowledged that the stalled conflict with Iran may have contributed to Republican losses in the US midterm elections, while Iran’s chief negotiator said the result showed Americans opposed the war. The article also reports Trump’s announcement that the US would end its annual US$3.8 billion military aid to Israel and describes renewed US strikes on Iranian defences, underscoring the political and economic pressures surrounding the conflict.

Analyst Says Selective Distribution of Government Rice Reserves Can Help Safeguard Prices

CORE Indonesia researcher Eliza Mardian says the government should selectively release operational rice reserves to high-price areas while preserving minimum safety stocks and rotating older supplies. Bulog reported government rice reserves of about 4.6 million tonnes, against warehouse capacity of 6.7 million tonnes, as policymakers balance affordability with preparedness for possible supply disruptions.

Prabowo Wiretapping Case Draws Scrutiny; Pigai Calls It a Real and Serious Threat to Human Rights

Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai has urged the police to investigate alleged illegal wiretapping of President Prabowo Subianto and others, warning that it threatens privacy, personal safety and national security. Police have named three senior officers as suspects in alleged unauthorised interception, electronic-data deletion and illegal access involving a range of public figures and businesses.

Surabaya City Council Calls for Stronger Manufacturing Sector

Surabaya City Council Deputy Speaker Arif Fathoni urged the city to attract more investment and reinforce its manufacturing sector, citing the positive national manufacturing trend. Manufacturing accounted for 19.59% of Surabaya’s gross regional domestic product in 2025, while investment realisation reached Rp23.608 trillion in the first half of 2026, about 53% of the annual target.

Bonnie Triyana Urges Gen Z to Develop Territorial Awareness, Citing the Colonial Era

At a geopolitics literacy training session in Jakarta, historian and MP Bonnie Triyana and defence researcher Margaretha Hanita urged young people to understand Indonesia’s territory and history to resist foreign hegemony. They said contemporary colonial power persists through economic dominance, unequal global institutions and cultural influence, while popular media can shape perceptions and fuel online polarisation.