Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 5 November 2026

Showing 601-650 of 1,658 articles

Roy Suryo’s Lawyer Questions Jokowi About Listyo Sigit; Gibran’s Father Gives a Blunt Response

Former president Joko Widodo objected to answering a line of questioning about who appointed Listyo Sigit Prabowo as National Police chief, saying it was unrelated to the case against Roy Suryo. The exchange took place during a defamation trial concerning allegations about Jokowi’s university diploma at the East Jakarta District Court.

Bridging Two Giants: Integrating Islamic Finance and the Halal Industry

The KLIFF 2026 forum highlighted the weak structural links between Islamic finance and the halal industry, with only 12 per cent of Malaysia’s halal industry adopting Islamic financial services and most international halal trade controlled by non-Muslim countries. For Indonesia, the discussion underscored barriers facing halal-sector SMEs, particularly limited access to finance and weak business records, and proposed closer supply-chain support, risk-sharing finance and the productive use of zakat and waqf.

Father Remembers Captain Nurhafiz’s Farewell Before He Left to Fight Forest Fires

Captain Nurhafiz Akbar Riski Hartio was among the soldiers killed when a Mi-17 helicopter crashed during a forest and land-fire response operation in Kalimantan. His father, Muharto, recalled that Nurhafiz had called to say goodbye the day after his birthday and that he had urged his son to prioritise safety and follow procedures.

Jakarta’s 500th anniversary to feature 25 foreign warships

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung said around 25 warships from various countries are expected to participate in an event planned by the Indonesian Navy for the capital’s 500th anniversary next year. He instructed the provincial administration to prepare for the event and coordinate the arrival of foreign guests.

Indonesia promotes innovation collaboration among young people in Asia and Africa

Indonesia’s Embassy in Nairobi has urged young people across Asia and Africa to deepen cooperation on innovation and technology, invoking the spirit of the 1955 Bandung Conference. The forum also unveiled a 10-year coastal economic transformation agenda for Kenya and policy recommendations on digital skills for maritime, climate and creative industries.

Mining Entrepreneur Samin Tan Also Charged with Money Laundering Rp18 Trillion

Prosecutors have charged mining entrepreneur Samin Tan with laundering Rp18.1 trillion in proceeds from coal allegedly sold illegally by PT Asmin Koalindo Tuhup after its mining contract expired. They allege the proceeds were routed through affiliated companies and used, in part, to acquire land, offices and 174 apartment units; the charges also cite alleged evasion of company accounting and state revenue obligations.

Ministry taps 101 universities to train teachers for English mandate

The Primary and Secondary Education Ministry has partnered with 101 universities across 19 provinces to train about 60,000 third-grade teachers for the introduction of compulsory English lessons in elementary schools. The 10-day, 80-hour programme will be delivered locally after school hours, aiming to build teachers’ pedagogical skills without disrupting lessons.

OJK asks MNC Bank to set out timetable for fulfilling customers’ rights

OJK has asked MNC Bank to provide a concrete mechanism and schedule for meeting customers’ claims amid disruption to transactions and withdrawals. The regulator is investigating the bank’s operational and financial conditions, and says it will take supervisory action if it finds breaches or weaknesses.

Doctor Reveals Four Keys to Healthy Weight Loss

Clinical nutrition specialist Christopher Andrian warns that obesity-related inflammation can disrupt insulin and appetite-regulating hormones, while extreme dieting may lead to muscle loss and a slower metabolism. He recommends a sustainable approach combining balanced nutrition, regular exercise, stress management and sufficient sleep.

Airlangga: Government to Rely on Priority Programmes such as Village Cooperatives and Free Nutritious Meals to Safeguard the Economy

The government will use consumer stimulus and spending on priority programmes, including Free Nutritious Meals and Merah Putih village and urban-ward cooperatives, to support growth in the fourth quarter of 2026. The strategy aims to keep full-year growth on track for 5.4%, following 5.47% year-on-year growth in the third quarter and 5.45% growth over January–September.

BKPM accelerates investment realisation in 2026 through investor support

BKPM says it will help investors resolve obstacles—particularly licensing problems—to keep investment projects on track and meet the 2026 target. By September 2026, investment realisation had reached Rp1,539.2 trillion, or 75.4 per cent of the annual target, with foreign investment accounting for a slightly larger share than domestic investment.

BPBD: 84,000 Sumedang residents affected by drought

West Java’s disaster management agency says drought has affected 84,699 people in Sumedang Regency, with 908,900 litres of clean water distributed there by 4 November 2026. The drought is part of a wider emergency affecting 965 villages and urban wards across 291 sub-districts in West Java, prompting assistance from multiple agencies.

Roy Suryo Thanks Jokowi for Addressing Him as ‘The Honourable Defendant’

Former Indonesian president Joko Widodo testified in the defamation case brought against Roy Suryo over allegations concerning Jokowi’s university diploma. During questioning, Suryo thanked Jokowi for addressing him as “the honourable defendant” and asked whether the online posts Jokowi had referred to included any accounts belonging to him; Jokowi said they did not.

Sherly Says Sofifi Cannot Receive Funding Because of Its Status

North Maluku Governor Sherly Tjoanda says Sofifi, the province’s capital, has remained a kelurahan under Tidore Islands City since 1999, preventing it from receiving direct provincial budget allocations. She has urged the government to lift the moratorium on regional expansion or establish a special legal or administrative arrangement so the capital can develop essential facilities.

Trade Minister Budi Santoso Declines to Comment on Alleged Wiretapping by Listyo Sigit and Others

Trade Minister Budi Santoso declined to comment on allegations that President Prabowo Subianto, ministers, politicians, media executives and businesspeople were illegally wiretapped, saying he preferred to focus on his ministry’s work and export programmes. Police have named three people as suspects in the alleged illegal interception and electronic-data offences; one is identified in the report as presidential chief of staff and former National Police chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo.

Police Arrest Drug Dealer in Ketapang, West Kalimantan; 47 Bags of Crystal Meth Seized

Police in Ketapang have arrested a suspected repeat-offender drug dealer and seized 18.15 grams of suspected crystal meth, along with Rp112.32 million in cash believed to be proceeds from sales. A suspected supplier remains at large, while police have urged families to seek early rehabilitation for relatives using drugs.

Snapchat’s Paid Service Subscribers Surpass 30 Million

Snap says more than 30 million people now subscribe to its paid services, including Snapchat+, Memories Storage and Lens+, adding five million subscribers since February. The milestone comes as daily active users reached 495 million in the third quarter, below analysts’ expectations, and Snap shares fell 12 per cent after user and advertising revenue growth disappointed.

Askrindo and Sarolangun Regency Government Partner on Insurance and Project Guarantees

State-owned insurer Askrindo has agreed to provide general insurance and project guarantees in partnership with the Sarolangun Regency Government in Jambi. The scheme will target construction, agriculture, trade and MSMEs, aiming to strengthen local businesses’ resilience and support a safer investment climate.

Observer: Indonesia’s One Data Law Must Protect Citizens’ Rights and Privacy

Political observer Iwan Setiawan says the One Data Indonesia Law should unify government data systems while safeguarding citizens’ rights and personal information. He argues that inaccurate records can deny people social assistance and that data misuse, including for political purposes, poses a serious risk.

Reshaping Indonesia’s Zakat and Waqf Institutions: Mandates, Funding and Sustainability

Indonesia’s zakat and waqf institutions have substantial potential, but their different mandates and funding arrangements raise questions about capacity, accountability and long-term effectiveness. The author calls for an evidence-based review and stronger functional coordination, with success measured by protected assets, efficient management and lasting improvements in public welfare—not simply institutional growth or higher collections.

Indonesia’s economy picks up pace in third quarter

Indonesia’s economy grew 5.5 per cent year on year in the third quarter, accelerating from 5.3 per cent in the previous quarter and exceeding economists’ 5.2 per cent forecast. Growth was supported by household spending, investment and government expenditure, while the government pursues an ambitious 8 per cent growth target by 2029.

Listyo Sigit and Others Named Suspects in Prabowo Wiretapping Case; Jokowi Urges Respect for the Law

Former president Joko Widodo has called on all parties to respect the legal process after former police chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo and two other senior officers were named suspects in an alleged illegal wiretapping case involving President Prabowo Subianto. Sigit, who had served as Jokowi’s aide and was later appointed presidential chief of staff, was dismissed from that post by Prabowo on 4 November.

Political Revolution in Texas: Trump’s Strongest Bastion Falls to Democrats

Democrats have scored a historic series of victories in Texas, winning the governorship and a US Senate seat and taking control of the state House, although Republicans retain the state Senate. The results mark a sharp shift in a state that has backed Republican presidential candidates for 12 consecutive elections and could make Texas a battleground in 2028, but do not yet establish a permanent realignment.

Indonesia’s Unemployment Falls to 7.38 Million, but Informal Jobs Remain Dominant

Indonesia’s unemployment rate fell to 4.75% in August 2026, its lowest level since the Covid-19 pandemic, with 7.38 million people unemployed and employment rising by 1.44 million year on year. However, informal work’s share increased to 57.93%, while 12.84 million workers were underemployed, highlighting ongoing concerns about job quality and working hours.

ANTARA stresses that AI does not replace editorial responsibility

ANTARA chief executive Abdul Hakim said artificial intelligence can assist journalists but cannot replace human judgement or editorial accountability. Speaking at the World Media Summit in Beijing, he also called for inclusive access to credible information and responsible, accessible media technology, while the gathering brought together nearly 500 delegates from 112 countries and territories.

AirNav and FAA Strengthen Modernisation of National Air Navigation

AirNav Indonesia and the US Federal Aviation Administration’s Air Traffic Organization are expanding cooperation on air traffic management technology, automation and staff training. Discussions under their Collaborative Work Plan covered predictive analytics, operational decision-making and next-generation navigation capabilities, providing a reference for Indonesia’s modernisation programme.

BRI Announces Barcelona VIP Trip Winners, Giving Customers the Chance to Watch a Match at Spotify Camp Nou

BRI has announced winners of the second draw in its BRI Debit FC Barcelona programme, with the top prize offering an exclusive trip to Spain to visit the club’s home ground and watch a match. By 31 October 2026, the programme had attracted around 39,000 cardholders and generated Rp3.5 trillion in savings deposits, up from 10,701 customers and Rp1.29 trillion in its first period.

BRI Draws 71 Prizes for Customers, Including VIP Trip to Watch Barcelona at Camp Nou

BRI says about 39,000 customers used its FC Barcelona debit card during the second promotion period, with deposits totalling Rp3.5 trillion—up from 10,701 customers and Rp1.29 trillion in the first period. The bank has prepared 71 prizes, led by a VIP trip to Spotify Camp Nou in February 2027, as part of its effort to reward customer loyalty and promote its banking products.

Police Chief on Presidential Wiretapping Case: ‘This Is Not a Rivalry’

National Police Chief Suyudi Ario Seto says the investigation into alleged illegal surveillance of President Prabowo Subianto is strictly law enforcement, not the result of political competition or rivalry within the police. Three senior officers have been named suspects, while Suyudi has sought to reassure retired officers that the force will remain united as the case proceeds.

Indonesia targets 10 million new entrepreneurs in five years

The government has called on e-commerce platforms and business associations to help create 10 million new entrepreneurs over the next five years, with a focus on expanding MSMEs’ access to digital markets. It also aims to generate Rp40 trillion in transactions during the 2026 National Online Shopping Day, while industry representatives recommend skills programmes, university partnerships and local-product promotions to strengthen the ecosystem.

JCI closes higher, supported by a combination of domestic and global sentiment

Indonesia’s Jakarta Composite Index (JCI) rose 2.25% to 5,030.26, with all 11 sectoral indices advancing. Market sentiment was buoyed by new capital-market sanctions and stronger-than-expected third-quarter economic growth, alongside hopes that political developments in the US could ease the Iran conflict and lower oil prices.

Video: Watch the Six-Step Registration Process for Insurance Policy Guarantee Scheme Participants

Indonesia’s Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS) is preparing to launch its insurance policy guarantee programme in 2027 and is setting out a six-month registration and assessment process for insurers. Applicants are expected to meet requirements including a minimum risk-based capital ratio of 120% and normal supervisory status, while LPS says complex insurance data and compliance issues pose challenges.

Megathrust Earthquake Hits Neighbouring Country Unfelt in Indonesia; Tsunami Could Sweep Coastal Areas

The Philippines has held a major disaster-readiness exercise simulating an M8.5 earthquake and tsunami near Cagayan. Indonesian disaster expert Daryono says a major quake in the region would not automatically cause a large tsunami in Indonesia, but cross-border waves could threaten coastal areas without residents feeling the earthquake, underscoring the need for shared warning systems and evacuation planning.

Jokowi Responds to Alleged Wiretapping Case Involving Listyo: ‘We Respect the Legal Process’

Former president Joko Widodo says the ongoing police investigation into alleged illegal wiretapping should be allowed to take its course. Former police chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo and two police officials have been named suspects in a case involving alleged surveillance of President Prabowo Subianto and others; the State Palace has described the alleged offence as an act of treason.

Police Take a Humane Approach to Security at Roy Suryo Hearing and Clean Up Rubbish

Police and other agencies deployed layered security at the East Jakarta District Court for hearings involving Roy Suryo and Tifauzia Tyassuma, with President Joko Widodo appearing as a witness in both cases. Alongside crowd and traffic management, Brimob personnel also collected rubbish around the courthouse, while officials stressed impartiality and respect for the independence of the judicial process.

Presidential Staff Office urges officials to continue overseeing national priority programmes

Acting Presidential Chief of Staff Ariyo Windutomo has urged officials at the Presidential Staff Office (KSP) to maintain effective oversight, coordination and monitoring of national priority programmes in line with the President’s vision. He also called for integrity, accountability and stronger cooperation across the office amid current organisational changes.

Lampung Governor Sets Out Three Measures to Strengthen Investment

Lampung Governor Rahmat Mirzani Djausal has outlined measures to attract investment through streamlined digital permits, greater regulatory certainty and a more supportive business climate. At the 2026 Lampung Economic and Investment Forum, officials highlighted the province’s growth prospects and priority sectors, while more than 100 prospective investors took part in discussions intended to turn interest into actual projects.

Jokowi Explains Why He Chose to Show His Diploma at Roy Suryo’s Trial

Former president Joko Widodo said he did not present his undergraduate diploma earlier because he doubted doing so in an informal setting would resolve the dispute. He told the court he wanted the matter addressed in a formal judicial forum; Roy Suryo is charged with defamation over claims concerning the authenticity of Jokowi’s diploma.

Jokowi Refuses to Answer Question on Easiest UGM Course, Saying It Sounds Like a Test for Freshmen

Former president Joko Widodo declined to answer a lawyer’s question about the easiest course he took at Gadjah Mada University, calling it irrelevant and overly detailed during Roy Suryo’s defamation trial. Suryo is accused of spreading false information about Jokowi’s diploma, with prosecutors citing provisions of the Criminal Code and the Electronic Information and Transactions Law.

HP launches latest slim laptop priced at Rp 17 million: Here are the specifications

HP has launched the 14-inch OmniBook 5 in Indonesia, highlighting its slim aluminium design, 2.5K OLED touchscreen and claimed battery life of up to 42 hours of offline video playback. Powered by up to an Intel Core Series 3 processor, the AI PC is priced from Rp 16,999,000.

Jokowi Remains Silent When Asked About Listyo Sigit Case Over Alleged Bugging of Prabowo

Former Indonesian president Joko Widodo declined to comment when asked about allegations that former police chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo and two other generals illegally bugged President Prabowo Subianto. The case has led to Sigit’s dismissal as Presidential Chief of Staff, following police announcements that the alleged surveillance began in 2025.

Hong Kong’s Joshua Wong: From teenage protest leader to a decade behind bars

Hong Kong democracy activist Joshua Wong has been sentenced to 10 additional years in prison after pleading guilty to collusion with foreign entities under the national security law. His case marks another blow to Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement, many of whose supporters have been jailed, gone into exile or fallen silent.

UMJ Officially Partners with Three Overseas Universities to Strengthen Its Global Reputation

Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta has signed memoranda of understanding with Chitkara University and SR University in India, and Satbayev University in Kazakhstan. The agreements are intended to lead to joint research, publications, student and staff exchanges, and other academic programmes, as UMJ seeks to build on its recent standing in the QS Asia University Rankings 2027.

Central Java Provincial Government Rolls Out 19 Poverty-Reduction Interventions in Sragen

Central Java’s Village Assistance Programme is delivering 19 interventions in Gemantar, Sragen, including nutrition support, livestock-business capital, housing repairs and electricity connections. Provincial officials say the initiative combines aid with ongoing mentoring to improve health, empower communities and accelerate poverty reduction.

Forest and Land Fire Hotspots Total 1,468 Across Six Provinces, with Central Kalimantan Worst Affected

Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) reported 1,468 forest and land fire hotspots across six provinces, with Central Kalimantan accounting for 821—up 93% from the previous day. A total of 2,645 hectares are being handled, including 1,641 hectares in Central Kalimantan, while authorities have deployed 46 aircraft and helicopters for firefighting operations.

Trump’s Party Suffers Heavy Midterm Defeat as Hollywood Cheers

Democrats reportedly secured control of the US House in the midterm elections, prompting celebratory reactions from Hollywood figures who had urged people to vote. Comedian Jimmy Kimmel mocked Donald Trump in his monologue, while Mandy Moore and others shared their optimism online.

Denpasar District Court Declares It Has No Jurisdiction to Hear Togar Situmorang’s Rp25 Billion Claim

The Denpasar District Court has upheld the defendants’ jurisdictional objection to advocate Togar Situmorang’s Rp25 billion civil claim against four Bali media companies. The ruling ends proceedings at the preliminary stage, without examining the substance of the claim or the alleged losses; Situmorang was ordered to pay Rp588,000 in court costs.

Government targets 5.4 per cent economic growth for 2026

The government is targeting year-to-date economic growth of 5.4 per cent for 2026, in line with the annual goal set out in the state budget. The target follows third-quarter growth of 5.47 per cent year on year, supported chiefly by household consumption, investment and higher government spending.

Attorney General’s Office Searches Hotel L in Nunukan in PT CCM Corruption Probe

The Attorney General’s Office has searched Hotel L in Nunukan as part of an investigation into alleged coal-mining corruption involving PT CCM between 2013 and 2025. Investigators are examining suspected licensing and environmental-document irregularities, as well as the alleged improper use of a special coal terminal; the agency stressed that the inquiry remains ongoing and no party’s criminal responsibility has been established.

RSM Indonesia and RSM China Set Up China Desk to Support Chinese Investors in Indonesia

RSM Indonesia and RSM China have established a Jakarta-based China Desk to help Chinese companies investing in Indonesia navigate professional services and local requirements. The move comes as investment from mainland China and Hong Kong reached a combined US$17.8 billion in the first nine months of 2026.