Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 5 November 2026

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People Recovering from Illness Should Not Return to Full Work Immediately

A return-to-work assessment should consider whether a recovering employee’s health matches the physical and mental demands of their job, rather than relying solely on whether they are medically better. Mayapada Hospital doctors say tailored medical checks and phased or modified duties can help employers identify risks, support recovery and reduce presenteeism.

Lampung Provincial Government Holds Economic Investment Forum to Attract Local and International Investors

Lampung’s provincial government and Bank Indonesia have held the Lampung Economic Investment Forum to attract investors and support regional development, targeting 18 per cent economic growth through food commodities, energy and downstream processing. The province is also preparing three integrated tourism areas and offering tax discounts of up to 50 per cent, while project screening and business matching are intended to improve investment readiness and help turn proposals into viable partnerships.

Helicopter crashes while battling forest fire in Kalimantan, killing two

An Indonesian Army MI-17V5 helicopter crashed in Central Kalimantan while preparing to conduct a water-bombing mission near Tanjung Puting National Park, killing two crew members. Five others were taken for medical treatment and one remains missing as search operations continue; investigators said the aircraft encountered technical problems while collecting water.

Indonesia’s Q3 GDP growth reaches 5.47%, beating expectations

Indonesia’s economy grew 5.47 per cent year on year in the third quarter, above the 5.18 per cent forecast and up from 5.29 per cent in the previous quarter. Manufacturing, including palm-oil processing for biodiesel, supported growth as the government pursues a 5.4 per cent target for 2026 and President Prabowo aims to raise growth to 8 per cent by 2029.

Lawyer to Present Police with New Facts in Dini’s Murder by Dwi Bagus

Dini Hardiyanti’s family lawyer says he will submit new evidence to police, including alleged inconsistencies in suspect Dwi Bagus Martono’s statements and claims that the killing was planned a week in advance. East Java police say Bagus used ChatGPT to prepare possible answers to investigators and searched online for methods of strangulation.

Kaltara Border Resident Spends Rp10 Million to Attend Jokowi’s Hearing in East Jakarta

Haji Alwan Saputra travelled alone from North Kalimantan, spending about Rp10 million to attend former president Joko Widodo’s court hearing and offer him moral support. He said development during Jokowi’s two terms had benefited border communities, while urging that the disputed diploma case be decided on the evidence and calling on President Prabowo Subianto to help ease tensions.

Police Respond to Viral Claims of Free Driving Licence Applications on Social Media

Indonesia’s National Police Traffic Corps has dismissed viral claims that driving licences will be issued free of charge in 2026 as false, warning that linked posts may be used for fraud or personal-data theft. Licence validity and issuance fees remain governed by existing laws and regulations, with fees varying by licence category and whether the application is new or a renewal.

Jokowi Recounts His Time at UGM and Explains His Timber Technology Studies

Former president Joko Widodo testified in a defamation case concerning allegations that his university degree was forged, recounting his education and studies at Gadjah Mada University. He said the Faculty of Forestry did not formally divide students into majors at the time, but that he chose electives focused mainly on timber and forest-products technology.

Jokowi Questions Allegations That His Diploma Is Fake: ‘How Can They Accuse Me Without Seeing the Original?’

Former Indonesian president Joko Widodo challenged the basis of allegations that his diploma was forged while testifying in a defamation case involving defendant Roy Suryo. He also clarified that his undergraduate final work at Gadjah Mada University was a thesis, and disputed the authenticity of a circulated approval page that he said showed someone else’s face.

Why Sultan Says 152 DPD Members Represent 80 Million Regional Residents

DPD RI chair Sultan Baktiar Najamudin says his repeated reference to the chamber’s 152 members representing 80 million regional voices is intended to highlight their role in finding solutions for local communities, not to claim that the DPD is the largest faction in the MPR. He argues that these representatives can effectively oversee and help monitor government programmes through to the regions.

KPK Responds to Reports of Former Investigator’s Involvement in Tapping of President Prabowo, Outlines Procedures and Oversight

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) says it has not received official information about reports that a former investigator was involved in the alleged tapping of President Prabowo Subianto, but will look into the claims. It also set out the legal basis, tiered approval process and independent audits governing its own wiretapping operations.

Modified BMW Showcases Indonesian Fire-Protection Technology at SEMA Show

Racing Fire Killer (RFK) has introduced its automotive fire-suppression system at the 2026 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, partnering with the Indonesian-developed BMW Passato E93 modification project. The collaboration highlights a domestic vehicle-safety technology designed for challenging engine compartments and high-performance use, as RFK seeks to expand awareness and its market in Indonesia.

Informal Workers Account for 57.9% of Indonesia’s Workforce in 2026

Informal workers made up 57.93% of Indonesia’s 147.98 million employed people in August 2026, up from 57.80% a year earlier, while the formal share declined. Despite the shift in proportions, the number of formal workers rose by 410,000 to 62.25 million, according to Statistics Indonesia (BPS).

Growing 5.47%, Indonesia’s Economy Outpaces Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea and the US

Indonesia’s economy grew 5.47% year on year in the third quarter of 2026, faster than the previous year’s 5.04% and ahead of growth in several major trading partners, including Singapore, Malaysia, China, South Korea and the United States. Statistics Indonesia said the figures came amid global uncertainty, while the IMF projected global growth of 3.1% and growth in developing economies of 3.9%.

Three TNI Soldiers Die While Fighting Forest and Land Fires in Central Kalimantan; BNPB Chief Expresses Deep Condolences

Three Indonesian Army soldiers died when an Mi-17V5 helicopter crashed during a forest and land fire suppression mission in Seruyan, Central Kalimantan. BNPB chief Kristomei Sianturi expressed condolences, urged public support for frontline responders and called on people not to burn forests or land.

KAI Commuter condemns assault between passengers at Duri Station

KAI Commuter has condemned an assault following a misunderstanding between two passengers at Duri Station in West Jakarta. Staff and fellow passengers intervened, and the pair continued their journey under escort; the operator urged commuters to behave safely and respectfully.

Jokowi Says He Submitted His Thesis Title Three Times and Addresses Disputed Cover

Former president Joko Widodo testified in a defamation case concerning allegations that his university degree certificate was fake, recounting his education and the preparation of his undergraduate thesis. He said his thesis received an A and maintained that the Times New Roman typeface on its cover was also used on thousands of other theses printed by the same press in 1985.

Trust in the capital market is fundamental economic infrastructure

The article argues that trust in Indonesia’s capital market is essential not only for foreign investor confidence but also for financing businesses, managing long-term savings and enabling households to build wealth. It says MSCI’s review of Indonesia’s market classification highlights concerns about opaque shareholdings, suspected coordinated trading and inconsistent regulatory enforcement, with weak confidence potentially raising funding costs and delaying investment.

Indonesia Targets 10,600 TB Detection Devices by 2027

Indonesia plans to expand molecular diagnostic capacity to 10,600 devices by 2027 and equip all 10,000 community health centres with AI-enabled X-ray machines by 2028. The expansion, alongside efforts to reduce testing costs, is intended to widen screening and improve early detection of tuberculosis across the archipelago.

Man in Bekasi Kidnapped and Extorted by Fake Police Officers; Four Suspects Arrested

A man in Cikarang, Bekasi, was allegedly abducted and pressured to pay Rp10 million by six people posing as police officers; his family transferred the money before he was released. Police have arrested four suspects, seized several items of evidence and are searching for two others.

Transjakarta: Tanjung Priok-bound bus that emitted smoke experienced technical problems

A Transjakarta bus on Corridor 10 heading to Tanjung Priok emitted smoke on Thursday morning after experiencing a technical fault. Passengers were evacuated to the next bus, and mechanics inspected the Damri-operated vehicle as Transjakarta said it was coordinating with the operator to maintain fleet roadworthiness.

DPD RI Speaker Sultan Najamudin Discusses the Idea of Green Democracy

DPD RI Speaker Sultan Najamudin says the institution’s green democracy concept seeks to balance economic growth with social justice and ecological sustainability. Speaking at the launch of the Senator Menyapa 2026 forum, he said the concept would guide the DPD RI’s institutional political work as it reviews its 22-year role in representing regional interests.

Asset Forfeiture Bill to Target Fraud, Embezzlement and Investment Scams

The proposed Asset Forfeiture Bill would cover certain fraud, embezzlement and investment offences as well as corruption, with assets intended to be returned directly to victims rather than the state. DPR Commission III chair Habiburokhman said the provision responds to victims’ calls, including those affected by Ponzi schemes, fictitious investments and fraudulent umrah travel businesses.

Mahfud Says Alleged Wiretapping of Prabowo Could Amount to an Attempted Coup; Jokowi Responds

Former coordinating minister Mahfud MD says the alleged tapping of President Prabowo Subianto by former National Police chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo and two others could be linked to an attempt to overthrow the state. He cites a series of political disputes and alleged plans for mass demonstrations, while saying the theory would need to be established in court; the article also recounts his explanation of the potential penalty for treason.

Who Is Laughing and Who Is Crying Over Trump’s Election Defeat

Democrats’ victory in the 2026 US midterm elections has reshaped expectations for Washington’s policies and triggered sharply divergent moves across global markets. Gold, silver and copper have gained, while oil, palm oil and coal have fallen; the dollar and US Treasury yields have also weakened amid shifting expectations for fiscal policy, interest rates and geopolitical risk.

Jokowi Questions How Roy Suryo Concluded His Degree Certificate Was Fake Without Seeing the Original

Former president Joko Widodo questioned the basis for Roy Suryo’s claim that his degree certificate was fake, saying Suryo had never seen the original. Testifying in Suryo’s alleged defamation trial, Jokowi challenged remarks Suryo made in a 2025 interview about his thesis and the way his research was conducted; Suryo faces charges relating to alleged slander and defamation.

Jokowi Shows His School and University Diplomas at Roy Suryo Hearing

Joko Widodo displayed his diplomas from primary school through university at a hearing in the case in which Roy Suryo is accused of defaming him over claims about the authenticity of his degree. Prosecutors allege that Suryo spread false information; he faces charges under Indonesia’s Criminal Code and Electronic Information and Transactions Law.

BPS: Indonesia’s Economy Grows 5.47% in Third Quarter of 2026

Indonesia’s economy grew 5.47% year on year in the third quarter of 2026 and 1.59% from the previous quarter, with household consumption remaining the main driver. BPS cited stronger online transactions, consumer-goods imports, vehicle sales and electronic-money transactions, while cumulative growth through the third quarter reached 5.45%.

BPS Data: Indonesia’s Unemployment Falls to 7.38 Million

Indonesia had 7.38 million unemployed people in August 2026, a decrease of 77,000 from August 2025, according to Statistics Indonesia (BPS). The figures show the labour force grew to 155.3 million, while 147.9 million people were employed, including 99.8 million full-time workers.

Spain Seeks EU Assistance to Investigate High-Speed Train Crash

Spain has asked the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA) for technical support in investigating a collision near Urda that killed 69 people. The investigation will remain under Spanish authorities’ direction, while a cabinet minister has temporarily taken over the transport portfolio following the transport minister’s resignation after the country’s second major train crash this year.

Central Sulawesi Records 419 Migrant Workers in 2026

Central Sulawesi recorded 419 Indonesian migrant workers overseas in 2026, continuing a longer-term upward trend despite remaining below 500 annually. The provincial government says migrant workers support local economies through remittances and can bring skills and capital home, while it provides guidance before and after placement to promote safe recruitment and reintegration.

Number of Indonesians in Work Rises by 1.44 Million This Year

Statistics Indonesia (BPS) reported that the number of people in work rose by 1.443 million year on year to 147.986 million in August 2026, outpacing growth in the labour force. Full-time employment increased, while part-time work fell and the number of underemployed people rose.

Sultan: DPD’s Relevance Is Measured by Its Fight for the People’s Voice

DPD chairman Sultan Bachtiar Najamudin said the institution’s relevance should be judged by whether its advocacy improves people’s lives, rather than by the number of sessions, visits or recommendations it produces. He acknowledged public scepticism over the DPD’s limited authority and said the institution must answer criticism through practical work, stronger evidence and follow-through on public concerns.

Bali-Nusa Tenggara Leads with 6.08% Economic Growth in Q3 2026

Indonesia’s economy grew across all regions in the third quarter of 2026, with Bali and Nusa Tenggara recording the fastest year-on-year growth at 6.08%, ahead of the national rate of 5.47%. Java remained the largest contributor to national GDP, while regional growth was driven by differing sectoral combinations, including mining in Bali-Nusa Tenggara and manufacturing in Java and Sulawesi.

Jaecoo Claims J5 EV Crash Was Not Caused by a Manufacturing Defect

Jaecoo Indonesia says a technical inspection found no evidence that a manufacturing defect caused a J5 EV crash in Jakarta, in which the vehicle’s front-right wheel came off. The company says the car struck a pavement kerb and roadside barrier before the wheel detached, and has offered after-sales support to the owner amid renewed scrutiny of axle safety following a similar incident involving the related Omoda 5 in Malaysia.

Dasco Vice-President Rumour Is a Hoax, Kawendra Says Prabowo Wiretapping Suspects Must Be Exposed

Gerindra legislator Kawendra Lukistian has dismissed rumours that Sufmi Dasco Ahmad will replace Gibran Rakabuming Raka as vice-president, saying they risk distracting attention from an alleged illegal wiretapping case involving President Prabowo Subianto. The police investigation concerns alleged unauthorised use of a surveillance system and deletion of wiretap files; Kawendra says those responsible must be identified and prosecuted.

Mobile Veterinary Clinic Brings Animal Healthcare Closer to the Community

North Jakarta’s mobile veterinary clinic examined 754 pets belonging to 614 residents between July and October 2026, offering services ranging from basic check-ups to blood tests and ultrasound scans. The programme has operated at 34 locations, using nearby meeting points when narrow roads prevent the clinic vehicle from reaching densely populated neighbourhoods.

BMKG Warns of Heavy Rain in 10 Indonesian Regions: The Full List

BMKG has placed 10 provinces on alert for heavy rainfall of 50–100 millimetres a day between 4 and 10 November 2026, despite drought still affecting some areas. Warm sea-surface temperatures and several atmospheric phenomena are contributing to rain, and the agency has urged residents and officials to prepare for flooding, landslides and lightning.

Jokowi recounts his education from primary school to undergraduate degree at Roy Suryo trial

Former Indonesian president Joko Widodo recounted his schooling, from primary school in Surakarta to a forestry degree at Gadjah Mada University, while testifying in Roy Suryo’s defamation trial. The testimony covered his elective courses in wood technology; Roy Suryo is accused of spreading false information about Jokowi’s diploma.

Cyclists Ride from Surabaya to Jakarta in Support of Palestinian Independence

Thirty cyclists have set off on a roughly 1,000-kilometre ride from Surabaya to Jakarta as a humanitarian action supporting Palestinian independence. East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa sent off the participants at the launch of the third Ride for Palestine event.

Mi-17 Helicopter Crashes During Forest Fire Operation in Kalimantan, Killing Three Indonesian Army Personnel

An Indonesian Army Mi-17 helicopter crashed while supporting a forest and land fire-fighting operation near Tanjung Puting National Park, killing three soldiers. The aircraft was reportedly collecting seawater for water-bombing when the accident occurred; the Army said it had departed Kuala Pembuang for Telaga Pulang earlier that morning.

Fake Chats That Made Dini’s Family Suspect Dwi Bagus

Dini Hardiyanti’s family said they became suspicious of her husband, Dwi Bagus Martono, after receiving messages supposedly sent by Dini claiming she was happy in Medan and did not want to be found. Bagus was later accused of killing Dini and her four-year-old son in Madiun, dismembering and grinding their remains, then burning them; the pair were buried in Bogor on 5 November 2026.

Jokowi Says He Feels Insulted and Humiliated: 34 Million People Believe His Diploma Is Fake

Former president Joko Widodo told an East Jakarta court that allegations that his diploma was fake had damaged his and his family’s reputation and left him feeling insulted and humiliated. Citing a survey, he said 18 per cent of Indonesians—equivalent to about 34 million people—believe the allegation, which he said had eroded public trust in him.

The President’s Phone-Tapping and Allegations of Treason

An opinion article examines whether the alleged illegal surveillance of President Prabowo Subianto by senior police officers could legally amount to treason under Indonesia’s National Criminal Code. It argues that surveillance alone is insufficient: prosecutors would need evidence of the specific intent and preparatory acts required by law, while investigators must establish whether it was part of a broader agreement or plan to undermine the government.

Jokowi Names UGM Thesis Supervisor and Says He Earned an A in His 1985 Final Examination

Former president Joko Widodo testified in a defamation case over allegations that his university diploma was forged, describing his thesis supervision, examination and printing at Gadjah Mada University. He said he passed with an A in October 1985 and responded to claims about the document’s appearance, including the use of Times New Roman font.

Prosecutor Asks Jokowi About Photo on UGM Degree: Is It You or Dumatno?

Joko Widodo testified that the photograph on his University of Gadjah Mada (UGM) degree is his own, rejecting the suggestion that it depicts Dumatno Budi Utomo. In a trial over alleged defamation concerning his degree, Jokowi recounted his graduation dates and said he had not authorised the defendant’s research into the document; prosecutors have charged Roy Suryo over claims about its authenticity.

Remarkably, 55.8% of Indonesia’s Tax Disputes Are in Jakarta

More than half of Indonesia’s tax appeals and lawsuits recorded between 2021 and the third quarter of 2026 were filed by taxpayers domiciled in Jakarta, according to the Director General of Taxes. The concentration reflects Jakarta’s role as the centre of business and government, as well as companies’ increasingly centralised digital administration; the figures are being considered in discussions on the future structure of tax dispute resolution under the Supreme Court.

Strengthening the Sharia Business Market Share Through Procedural Certainty

Indonesia’s Sharia financial assets reached a record Rp3,131 trillion by August 2026, yet Islamic banking’s market share remains 7.44% despite higher public awareness. The author argues that easier access, clear procedures and support for obtaining Sharia-compliance certification are needed to turn awareness into use and help businesses move into the Sharia economy.

How Protesters Removed Gibran’s Photograph at the Yogyakarta DPRD

Members of the Yogyakarta National Forum removed Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s photograph at the Yogyakarta Regional House of Representatives (DPRD DIY) before an audience with legislators. The forum’s patron said the spontaneous gesture was symbolic of its demand for Gibran’s impeachment, while participants cautioned against damaging the photograph.

Comprehensive Intelligence Reform in Indonesia

The opinion article argues that allegations of unlawful surveillance involving senior police officers expose serious weaknesses in Indonesia’s intelligence oversight and protections for privacy and democratic rights. It calls for clearer legal limits, independent and parliamentary scrutiny, accountability for the alleged operation, and an intelligence service focused on public safety rather than political control.