Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 5 November 2026

Showing 301-350 of 1,658 articles

Bali’s Economy Grew in Third Quarter Amid Tourism Challenges, BPS Says

Bali’s economy expanded by 5.85 per cent year on year in the third quarter of 2026, slightly below the 5.88 per cent recorded a year earlier as growth in accommodation and food services slowed. BPS said tourism spending appeared to improve in quality, while domestic travel, household consumption and investment helped sustain growth.

Bandung Police Arrest Supplier of One Million Illegal Prescription Pills

Bandung police have arrested a suspected senior marketing manager accused of supplying more than one million illegal prescription pills across provincial borders. Investigators say the wider operation included an industrial-scale factory capable of producing up to eight million pills a day, and are pursuing the alleged main financier.

13 Prospective Pilgrims Prevented from Travelling via Bali; Travel Agency Owner Arrested

Police have named a travel agency owner, identified as MS, as a suspect after 13 people were stopped at Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport in May while attempting to travel for the Hajj through an irregular route. The group reportedly paid between Rp250 million and Rp350 million each, and MS faces a potential prison sentence of up to six years under Indonesia’s Hajj and Umrah law.

Deputy Governor: Gorontalo’s UPTD PPA Must Be a Safe Space for Victims of Violence

Gorontalo Deputy Governor Idah Syahidah Rusli Habibie says the regional women and children’s protection unit must offer victims a safe place to report abuse and access support, counselling and recovery services. The centre’s facilities have encouraged more people to come forward, including in a long-delayed child sexual abuse case, and were built with central government special allocation funding.

Housing Ministry Builds 2,212 Earthquake-Resistant Permanent Homes in Aceh Tamiang

The Ministry of Housing and Settlement Areas has begun building 2,212 communal permanent homes for residents affected by flash floods in Aceh Tamiang, using the earthquake-resistant Risha construction system. The broader response also includes housing projects by the police and Buddha Tzu Chi, alongside government grants for residents rebuilding on their own land.

Iran and Oman discuss efforts to end conflict and secure the Strait of Hormuz

Iranian and Omani foreign ministers discussed diplomatic efforts to end the conflict and establish long-term arrangements to secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The talks come amid US maritime blockade tensions and stalled implementation of a US-Iran navigation memorandum.

Komnas HAM Issues Six Recommendations on Forest and Land Fires

Indonesia’s National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) has issued six recommendations urging central and regional governments and the police to protect people affected by forest and land fires, ensure the safety of responders, enforce the law against individuals and corporations, and oversee comprehensive recovery. The commission says the fires pose serious human-rights risks, with 401,586 acute respiratory infection cases reported across seven provinces, including particularly high numbers among children and older people.

Indonesian Youth Delegation Experiences China’s Intangible Cultural Heritage in Shanxi

An Indonesian youth delegation took part in hands-on workshops and performances showcasing Shanxi’s intangible cultural heritage, from pottery and lacquerwork to traditional percussion and ink painting. The programme, held in rural venues and at Taiyuan Normal University, was also presented as a way to deepen cultural understanding and strengthen friendship between young people in Indonesia and China.

US Consul General in Surabaya explores cooperation opportunities in Banyuwangi

US Consul General Christopher R. Green visited Banyuwangi for three days to explore potential cooperation, including in economic development, MSMEs and tourism. He also met local residents who had taken part in US cultural exchange programmes, highlighting people-to-people ties as an important part of Indonesia-US relations.

Indonesia needs strong foundations for resilient infrastructure: AHY

Coordinating Minister Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono says Indonesia’s infrastructure push must prioritise sound foundations, safety, quality and resilience, rather than construction speed alone. He also highlighted cross-sector coordination and geotechnical expertise as vital to ensuring projects deliver lasting public benefits and support the Golden Indonesia 2045 vision.

Six Smart Home Devices Offered to Make Everyday Tasks Easier

Xiaomi Indonesia has introduced six smart home devices, including cordless vacuum cleaners, a wet-and-dry floor cleaner and an air purifier, aimed at making household chores and home monitoring more convenient. The article outlines the products’ advertised features while noting that performance claims depend on testing conditions and may vary in actual use.

Meta Smart Glasses Arrive in Indonesia, Raising Fears of Covert Recording and Privacy Risks

Meta’s Ray-Ban and Oakley smart glasses will go on sale in Indonesia on 11 November, with prices starting at Rp8 million. A cybersecurity expert warns that their discreet recording capabilities could violate people’s privacy, and says the recording light may not prevent misuse if users conceal it.

WVI: Children’s Voices Must Inform Policies to Address Sexual Violence

Wahana Visi Indonesia (WVI) says children’s experiences and perspectives should guide policies and services to prevent and respond to sexual violence. Research involving 35 child researchers found significant gaps in awareness of the Sexual Violence Crime Law and knowledge of who funds child-protection services, prompting calls for accessible, child-friendly education and safe reporting mechanisms.

Mataram Man Arrested After Threatening Father with Machete over Money

Police in Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara, arrested a 20-year-old man after he allegedly threatened his father with a machete when his demand for Rp150,000 was not met. Police said the man is a drug user and that he had repeatedly threatened his parents to obtain money, prompting officers to intervene after residents reported the incident.

Three Wayang Legends to Perform at Semarang’s Simpang Lima on Sunday

Three renowned wayang orang companies from Semarang, Solo and Jakarta will share the stage at the free Festival Wayang Semesta 2026 in Semarang on Sunday, 8 November. The event aims to preserve and revitalise wayang through collaboration and public participation, particularly engaging younger generations.

Jakarta Placed on Alert Level 1 After TNI Troop Deployment? Pramono Denies Reports and Reveals the Capital’s Situation

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has denied reports circulating on social media that the capital has been placed on Alert Level 1, saying he had received no official notification and government activity remained normal. The TNI confirmed that troops had been deployed to Jakarta for state duties and to maintain national security, while the Navy said its deployment also involved military exercises; officials did not provide details on troop numbers or address speculation about demonstrations.

Bulog’s NTB Office to Build 10 New Warehouses to Strengthen Food Stocks

Perum Bulog’s West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) regional office plans to build 10 warehouses across Lombok and Sumbawa, with capacities ranging from 1,000 to 3,500 tonnes. The expansion is intended to increase storage capacity and ensure Bulog can absorb farmers’ harvests, including rice, unmilled rice and maize.

Huawei to Introduce Xingmang Globally Under the OSTA Name

Huawei is reportedly preparing to launch its Xingmang smartphone sub-brand in China, while marketing it internationally as OSTA. Leaked details suggest two models with distinct screen designs, and the OSTA O1 Pro may be priced and specified at flagship level amid high memory costs.

On TNI Deployment in Jakarta, Commander Says Forces Are on Alert to Defend Indonesia Against Various Threats

TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto said troops deployed in Jakarta in recent days are on alert to counter social and natural threats and protect Indonesia’s sovereignty. He outlined three alert levels and said readiness would be adjusted according to conditions, with forces prepared for flooding as the rainy season begins.

Police Arrest Suspect in Illegal Transport of Subsidised Fuel in Gunungkidul

Gunungkidul police have arrested a driver accused of abusing the subsidised Bio Solar distribution system, using a modified truck with a concealed 1,000-litre tank. Investigators say he allegedly switched number plates and subsidy-fuel barcodes between petrol stations; he faces a potential prison sentence of up to six years and a fine of up to Rp60 billion.

Metro Jakarta Police Partner with Private Sector to Create Job Opportunities Through ‘Poliran’

Metro Jakarta Police has partnered with two private companies to connect jobseekers with employment and skills training through its Poliran programme. The initiative involves mapping residents’ skills, working with local-government training centres and providing follow-up support to help participants find and retain work.

Video: Indonesian Economy Grows 5.47%; South Korea’s K-drama Industry Faces Collapse

Indonesia’s economy grew 5.47% year on year in the third quarter of 2026, according to Statistics Indonesia (BPS), with cumulative growth reaching 5.45% through the first three quarters. Separately, 12 South Korean industry groups are urging the government to establish a 1 trillion won investment fund to prevent a crisis in K-drama production.

Tanjung Priok Waste Bank Provides Emergency Funds and Eid Savings

The Nipah Berhias Waste Bank in North Jakarta has grown from a small community initiative launched in 2008 to serving 220 residents, collecting around 350kg of inorganic and 200kg of organic waste each week. Its savings scheme offers emergency, school and Eid funds, while organisers say the initiative also promotes environmental awareness despite participation remaining limited to 45 per cent of local households.

Government Assesses Feasibility of Building Nuclear Power Plants

Bappisus is assessing whether nuclear power is a viable option for Indonesia’s electricity mix, weighing costs, benefits and supply sustainability alongside other generation sources. The government has also identified 28 potential sites and is targeting at least 500 MW of nuclear capacity connected to the grid by 2032–2034, noting that construction can take seven to 10 years.

Looking for a University Offering a Data Science Degree? UNM’s Programme Has Achieved ‘Excellent’ Accreditation

Universitas Nusa Mandiri (UNM) says its undergraduate Data Science programme has received the highest ‘Excellent’ accreditation and offers regular and employee class options. The university highlights its curriculum in statistics, programming and data processing, alongside monthly instalments and a waiver of its facilities contribution, as it seeks to attract prospective students.

Roy Suryo Rejects Jokowi’s Testimony, Calls Much of It Wrong and Demands a New Laboratory Test of Diploma

Defendant Roy Suryo rejected former president Joko Widodo’s testimony in a defamation trial, saying much of it was wrong and that some basic questions had gone unanswered. The headline also says Suryo wants the diploma tested again in a laboratory, although that demand is not elaborated in the article text provided.

Golkar Secretary-General Says Six to Seven Political Party Leaders Were Also Wiretapped

Golkar Secretary-General and Industry Minister Muhammad Sarmuji says six or seven political party leaders may have been illegally wiretapped, amid a police investigation into alleged surveillance spanning 2025–2026. He has called for a full and transparent investigation, describing the alleged tapping of the president as a serious violation of democratic principles and human rights.

Creative Economy Minister Prioritises Development of Local Gaming Industry

Creative Economy Minister Teuku Riefky Harsya says the government is prioritising local game development through collaboration between studios and the use of regional talent. A partnership bringing developers from Bandung together with talent in Cirebon is intended to strengthen skills and help create locally made games with wider commercial potential.

Badung Regency Holds Cultural Arts Festival to Preserve Balinese Arts and Culture

Badung Regency is staging its 15th Cultural Arts Festival to promote and preserve traditional Balinese arts amid the pressures of globalisation. The event, running until 16 November, features 1,925 artists and 81 local small and medium-sized enterprises, while providing a platform for local and visiting performers.

Religious Affairs Ministry Builds MAN IC Boarding School in Sumedang

The Religious Affairs Ministry says new classroom and boys’ dormitory buildings at MAN IC Sumedang are complete, with students expected to move from temporary accommodation in Bekasi in mid-December 2026. Other facilities, including teachers’ accommodation and site works, are 85 per cent complete and are due to be finished in the second week of December.

SKK Migas Says Meeting Domestic Gas Demand Is Indonesia’s Priority

SKK Migas says Indonesia will prioritise domestic gas consumers and permit exports only after local demand has been met. At ADIPEC 2026, it also highlighted the need to balance export commitments through flexible contracts and announced four strategic partnerships intended to support upstream development and energy security.

Tanah Abang Market Area to Be Revamped, Crackdown on Thugs Planned

Jakarta’s provincial government plans a phased revamp of the Tanah Abang market area to tackle illegal parking, drug sales and thuggery across its blocks. Governor Pramono Anung says enforcement will avoid violence and include measures to protect the livelihoods of traders and other residents, alongside plans for accessible official parking.

OJK: IASC Blocks Rp967.5 Billion in Funds Linked to Fraud

Indonesia’s Anti-Scam Centre (IASC) had blocked Rp967.5 billion in funds linked to financial fraud by 28 October 2026, with Rp208.9 billion returned to victims. Since beginning operations in November 2024, it has verified more than 1.47 million reported accounts and blocked 743,589 of them to prevent suspected scam proceeds from being moved.

Communications and Digital Ministry urges local governments to adapt to advances in AI

Indonesia’s Communications and Digital Ministry is urging local governments to adopt artificial intelligence appropriately, directing its use towards productivity, efficiency and better public services. At the 2026 GM-DTGI Awards, Deputy Minister Nezar Patria said the index now covers 508 regencies and cities and is intended to help local administrations assess progress and share best practices, rather than simply rank them.

GP Ansor Plants 1,500 Tree Saplings on Former Forest and Land Fire Sites in South Sumatra

GP Ansor has planted 1,500 tree saplings in several parts of South Sumatra to help restore ecosystems damaged by forest and land fires. Its national chairman said recovery should also support local livelihoods and called for environmental stewardship to become a sustained, shared responsibility.

KKI Online Payment to strengthen digitalisation of local government transactions

Yogyakarta has launched Kartu Kredit Indonesia (KKI) Online Payment to digitise local government transactions, with officials saying the system should improve transparency, spending controls and accountability as well as speed up payments. Governor Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X said the initiative must be matched by integrity and measurable public benefits, while Bank Indonesia called for close coordination among stakeholders.

Pramono to Review Proposal for Pavement and School Safety Zone in Tanah Abang

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo will inspect a proposal for a pavement and school safety zone on Jalan Kampung Bali XXV, ensuring pedestrian facilities do not obstruct drainage. The meeting also addressed phased redevelopment of Tanah Abang’s Blok A–F trading area, with plans covering parking, illegal activities, waste management, flood control and public facilities while protecting local livelihoods.

2026 Patent Business Forum Records Rp1.4 Billion in Economic Value

Indonesia’s 2026 Patent Business Forum generated Rp1.4 billion in economic value through patent licensing cooperation, with three commercial licensing agreements emerging from the event. The Directorate General of Intellectual Property is also seeking to extend matchmaking throughout the year via IP Bridge, a digital platform connecting inventors with industry and investors.

East Lombok Students Protest MBG and Rinjani Geothermal Project

Students in East Lombok have called for the free nutritious meals (MBG) programme to be halted, while opposing a planned geothermal project near Mount Rinjani over concerns about its potential impact on water supplies across Lombok. They also urged the government to address forest and land fires and prioritise school infrastructure, arguing that environmental protection and education need greater attention.

The Deeper Message Behind Mahalini’s Expensive ‘Forest and Land Fires’ Gown

Singer Mahalini drew attention at the Live Project 2026 festival in Semarang with a couture gown themed around forest and land fires (karhutla). Designed to evoke the destruction of fires without romanticising the disaster, the outfit was presented as a reminder that the stories and consequences behind such events deserve to be heard.

NTB’s Human Development Index grew faster than the national rate in 2026

West Nusa Tenggara’s Human Development Index (HDI) rose by 1.03% in 2026, outpacing the national increase of 0.91%, according to Statistics Indonesia (BPS). The province’s score reached 74.73, with gains in life expectancy and education indicators, while the number of school drop-outs fell by 8.26%.

Pramono Signals Major Expansion of Free Private Schools in Jakarta

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has indicated that the city plans to significantly increase the number of private schools included in its free-school programme. The expansion is still being finalised with the Jakarta Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), and the government will announce the number once it has been approved.

GoTo Cancels Treasury Shares Following Buy-back: What It Means for Investors

GoTo has secured shareholder approval to cancel treasury shares acquired through its buy-back, permanently reducing the share count and increasing existing investors’ proportional ownership. Analysts say the move may limit future share overhang as the company posts three consecutive quarters of net profit, although its shares remain heavily discounted to peers and any re-rating will depend on market conditions.

WIDTH and Nawadata partner to strengthen financial compliance in Indonesia

WIDTH and Nawadata have partnered to combine AI-powered compliance tools with regulatory reporting, risk and credit management systems for Indonesia’s financial institutions. The collaboration aims to help banks meet growing OJK and Bank Indonesia requirements, strengthen anti-money laundering and fraud controls, and support the sector’s digital transformation.

Two Police Officers Injured in Hit-and-Run on Rangkasbitung-Panimbang Toll Road

Two Banten Highway Patrol officers were injured when a Toyota Avanza driver struck them during a routine patrol on the Rangkasbitung-Panimbang Toll Road and fled. The two people in the vehicle have since been arrested; one officer remains in intensive care, while the other is receiving outpatient treatment.

Experts urge people to protect physical and mental health amid economic pressures

Nutrition and mental-health specialists have urged people to maintain their wellbeing amid economic pressures, including when adjusting food purchases to fit their budgets. They recommend balanced meals tailored to individual needs and say that binge eating disorder should be distinguished from simply having a large appetite, particularly when eating behaviour causes distress or disrupts daily life.

Indef highlights rise in informal workers amid economic growth

Indef researcher Riza Annisa Pujarama says Indonesia’s 5.47 per cent economic growth in the third quarter of 2026 has not been matched by improvements in job quality. Informal workers accounted for 57.93 per cent of those employed in August 2026, up from a year earlier, prompting calls for growth to translate into better jobs and stronger public welfare.

Aceh Deputy Governor urges all parties to prioritise dialogue over flag dispute

Aceh Deputy Governor Fadhlullah has urged all parties to exercise restraint and resolve a dispute over the raising of the crescent-and-star flag through dialogue, after a crackdown in Pidie left one person dead and several others injured. He called for a calm, dignified resolution and expressed condolences to the family of the deceased.

Pertamina strengthens oil and gas exploration with SeepsPro innovation

Pertamina Hulu Energi is deploying SeepsPro, a geochemical technology that detects surface microseepage to identify prospective oil and gas basins more quickly and accurately, with a lower environmental impact. The innovation was recognised in the Oil & Gas Innovation category at the 2026 Danantara Technology Innovation Investment Forum, and PHE plans to integrate it more widely across its operating areas to accelerate new reserve discoveries.

Bepro Deputy Secretary-General Calls Dasco-Vice President Claim Fake News, Urges Public to Monitor Prabowo Wiretapping Probe

Bepro Deputy Secretary-General Pangeran Mangkubumi has dismissed social media claims that Deputy House Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad could replace Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka if Gibran were impeached, calling them fabricated to shape public opinion. He linked the rumours to the police investigation into an alleged wiretapping scandal involving President Prabowo Subianto and others.