Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 8 November 2026

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Women Rally in Surabaya, Highlighting Forest Fires and Equal Rights

Women from Aliansi Suroboyo Bergerak and Srikandi held a peaceful rally in Surabaya, raising concerns about forest and land fires and women’s rights. Participants used posters and an orangutan effigy to call for greater public and policymaker attention to environmental protection, equality and women’s protection.

DSI Announces Operational Readiness, Exports Continue Without Disruption

PT Danantara Sumberdaya Indonesia says it has begun implementing its mandate to improve transparency and optimise the value of strategic commodity exports, while maintaining uninterrupted trade. It has analysed about 6,500 export declarations worth more than US$14 billion and estimates potential annual value optimisation of around US$5 billion, as it develops monitoring capabilities and consults industry groups.

Agrinas Palma Nusantara Identifies Key Factors for Investment in Indonesia’s Bioethanol Industry

Agrinas Palma Nusantara says investment in a viable national bioethanol industry depends on secure land and feedstock supplies, an integrated business model, and reliable pricing and offtake arrangements. The state-owned company is promoting collaboration across the value chain, including with Pertamina, to support E20 implementation, strengthen energy security and create value for agricultural commodities.

Egypt train crash kills four and injures 88

Four passengers were killed and 88 injured when passenger train carriages derailed and overturned in Egypt’s Giza Governorate. The National Egyptian Railways said one train struck the rear of another on the Cairo–Aswan line, prompting a large ambulance response and emergency measures at nearby health facilities.

Want to Make a Sweetener from Stevia? A Practitioner’s Advice on How Much to Use

Herbal practitioner Daniel Damaz says the amount of stevia needed for sweetness varies according to individual taste, with one gram sufficient for some people and more required by others. He also explains that fresh stevia leaves retain a leafy, slightly bitter aftertaste, unlike commercial products made by extracting the plant’s sweet compounds.

AMPG Secretary-General: We Will Continue to Stand by Bahlil and Uphold Golkar’s Honour

The Golkar Party’s youth wing, AMPG, says it remains firmly behind party chairman Bahlil Lahadalia amid recent political turbulence and allegations against him. The organisation is conducting regional training and leadership appointments as part of efforts to strengthen its cadres and maintain internal unity.

Bulog chief plans certification for milling partners to safeguard rice quality

Perum Bulog plans to begin certifying its rice-milling partners early next year to standardise processing and ensure more consistent rice quality. The programme will cover a network of about 1,800 mills and include support for improvements, while a shift to token-based electricity is intended to reduce operating costs.

Ending the Paradox of Access Without Prosperity

Indonesia has expanded financial access, but financial literacy and measurable improvements in household wellbeing have lagged behind. The author argues that the newly formed National Council for Financial Wellbeing should shift policy towards real outcomes—such as higher incomes, stronger resilience and productive investment—and make regional programmes accountable for delivering them.

Spain Says It Is Governed from Within, Not by the US or Israel

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said the 29 November election would affirm that Spain is governed by its own people, rejecting what he described as foreign influence and the international far right. He also defended Spain’s foreign policy, including its support for Palestinian statehood, opposition to escalation in Iran and refusal to raise military spending to 5% of GDP, saying public funds should prioritise welfare services.

Human Rights Due Diligence in 2028: A New Challenge for Indonesian Business and Investment

Indonesia is preparing a presidential regulation that would make human rights due diligence (HRDD) mandatory from 2028, initially covering large companies, exporters and high-risk industries. The opinion argues that success will depend on local government capacity, regulatory coordination and support for businesses, and calls for harmonised implementing rules and stronger corporate oversight ahead of the transition.

Wildfire response continues after helicopter crash, says BNPB

Indonesia’s disaster agency says efforts to tackle forest and land fires will continue after a Super Puma helicopter crashed into the Barito River in South Kalimantan. Two Australian pilots were found safe, while Indonesian crew member Yayan Supyansuri remains missing; a multi-agency search is under way and BNPB plans a comprehensive safety review of aerial operations.

Helicopter Crash Victim Evacuated from Barito River; One Crew Member Reported Dead

A Super Puma H-225 helicopter crashed into the Barito River in South Kalimantan while taking part in a forest and land-fire suppression mission. One Indonesian crew member died, while two foreign pilots survived; joint rescue teams carried out the evacuation.

Sharia Supervisory Boards Face Tighter Rules, but Accountability Safeguards Lag

Indonesia is raising qualification standards for Sharia Supervisory Board (DPS) members, including mandatory professional certification from 2027, while the legal basis for their civil liability remains unclear. The author argues that legislation should define when DPS members can be held liable for losses, protect those who act diligently and in good faith, and clarify the respective responsibilities of boards, bank management and banks’ customers.

Agriculture Minister Amran Warns ‘Rogue’ Businesses Over HET Evasion: ‘It’s Getting Worse by the Day’

Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman has urged food businesses to comply with government-set retail price ceilings and stop alleged rice-market abuses, including adulteration and misuse of subsidised rice. The government says it is strengthening enforcement with police and prosecutors to protect consumers and farmers and maintain national food stability.

Efforts to Advance Chip Technology and Strengthen Indonesia’s Semiconductor Talent Continue

PERURI is promoting domestic semiconductor capabilities through its Digital Summit 2026, highlighting chip design, workforce development and cross-sector collaboration. Initiatives include the Chip Merah Putih Sandbox and an online platform intended to help students and technology professionals learn and test digital circuit design, supporting Indonesia’s drive for greater technological independence.

The Ethics of a Conscious Ecosystem and Civilisation

This opinion article argues that ethics, respectful communication and integrity should guide organisations, particularly public institutions and bureaucracies, rather than being treated as formalities or subordinated to leaders’ personal authority. It calls for people-centred bureaucratic reform using the PDCA cycle and a renewed grounding in Indonesian values such as Pancasila, gotong royong and musyawarah.

Long Naps May Be Harmful to Health and Could Damage the Brain

Research suggests that short naps can support alertness, cognitive performance and memory, while longer or frequent naps have been associated with higher risks of type 2 diabetes, dementia and mental health problems. These associations do not establish that napping causes dementia; excessive daytime sleepiness may instead reflect underlying changes in the brain or poor night-time sleep.

JIEP Partners with UK Investor on Rp1.25 Trillion Investment

PT Jakarta Industrial Estate Pulogadung (JIEP) has signed an MoU with UK-based BlackInk Co-operation Limited to use 2.4 hectares at the Pulogadung Industrial Estate for a planned US$77 million heavy-equipment assembly and parts facility, expected to create hundreds of jobs. The commitment was among three deals announced at the Indonesia Investment Forum 2026 in London, worth a combined Rp6.3 trillion, alongside a tin-processing project and an AI data centre proposal; Indonesia’s investment minister highlighted regulatory certainty as a priority for attracting capital.

Indonesia secures $385m in AI and industrial investment deals in UK

Indonesia has secured investment agreements worth a combined US$385 million in artificial intelligence, industrial estate development and tin downstreaming during a visit to London. The deals were announced at the Indonesia Investment Forum 2026, supporting the government’s push to raise investment by 7 per cent and meet its economic growth targets.

JIEP Partners with UK Investor to Develop Pulogadung Industrial Estate

PT Jakarta Industrial Estate Pulogadung (JIEP) has agreed to make 2.4 hectares available to UK-based BlackInk Co-operation Limited for a heavy-equipment assembly and parts facility, with a planned investment of US$77 million. The project forms part of investment commitments worth about Rp6.3 trillion announced at the Indonesia Investment Forum in London, where JIEP also presented other development opportunities, including a transit-oriented development project.

Defiance at the Heart of Power: A Critical Juncture for National Political Consolidation

An opinion article argues that allegations of wiretapping involving President Prabowo Subianto and senior officials raise serious questions about institutional integrity and political coordination, while stressing that the claims must be established through a fair legal process. It calls for President Prabowo to review his administration’s cohesion and balance political consolidation with the government’s ability to deliver effective policies amid mounting economic and geopolitical pressures.

Golkar Vows to Defend Bahlil: ‘If Anyone Spreads Slander, We’ll Take Them On’

Golkar youth chief Said Aldi Al Idrus has urged party youth groups to close ranks behind chairman Bahlil Lahadalia and promised action against those accused of spreading false claims about him. The remarks follow Bahlil’s denial of allegations linking him to the illegal tapping of President Prabowo Subianto and his threat of legal action against accusers who cannot substantiate them.

Franchises Need Innovation to Avoid Sinking in a Saturated Market

Indonesia’s franchise industry is still growing, but at a slower pace amid economic challenges, with prospective partners becoming more selective and favouring lower-cost investments. An industry association spokesperson pointed to transactions and new partnerships at the 2026 IFBC Expo as an indicator of the sector’s performance, although the article’s source text ends before providing further details.

The Presidential Bugging Scandal and the Future of the National Police

The opinion piece analyses allegations that former National Police chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo and other officers illegally intercepted the President and public figures, framing them within informal patronage networks and the political influence of former leaders. It argues that the new police chief must ensure an independent, transparent investigation, while warning that deeper problems of police accountability and off-budget patronage require structural reform.

Fire Breaks Out at Residential Property in North Jakarta’s Tanjung Priok

A fire broke out inside a house in the Kebon Bawang neighbourhood of Tanjung Priok, North Jakarta, on Sunday night. Residents tried to escape and save their belongings as firefighters arrived at the scene; there were no immediate reports of casualties or the cause of the fire.

From a Small Factory in Purwakarta to a Billionaire Worth Rp155 Trillion

Sri Prakash Lohia’s journey from a small textile-yarn factory in Purwakarta to leading a global petrochemicals empire illustrates how calculated expansion into emerging markets can generate enormous growth. Forbes estimates his net worth at US$8.6 billion, while his turnaround of a dormant Nigerian refinery and hands-on leadership during a kidnapping crisis are highlighted as defining moments.

Pursuing Complexity, Not Just Growth

Indonesia’s 5.47% growth in the third quarter of 2026 lagged Vietnam’s 9.95%, but the article argues that the more important contest is building sophisticated domestic industry and retaining value at home. It calls for performance-based investment incentives, stronger local supplier and SME links, realistic local-content rules, and better measurement of domestic value added and technological capability.

Fire at DAMRI Bus Depot in Bandung Destroys 10 Buses and 13 Residents’ Homes

A fire at a DAMRI bus depot in Bandung destroyed at least 10 buses and 13 semi-permanent homes nearby. Firefighters extinguished the blaze and carried out cooling operations to prevent it from reigniting; the cause remains under investigation.

On Gibran’s Possible Impeachment, Surya Paloh Says There Is No Other Option if All Requirements Are Met

NasDem Party chairman Surya Paloh said Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s impeachment could proceed if all required conditions were met, while stressing that the prospect was a cause for concern rather than celebration. He noted that voters had entrusted President Prabowo Subianto and Vice-President Gibran with governing until the next election in 2029.

Reading the Direction of Indonesia–South Korea Defence Industry Cooperation

An opinion article examines the strains in Indonesia–South Korea defence ties, including disputes over the DSME 209/1400 submarines and the KF-21 fighter programme. It argues that mutual distrust, limited cooperation beyond aerospace, gaps in technology-security regulation and concerns about fair market access will shape this week’s bilateral talks, where South Korea is also seeking certainty over Indonesia’s planned purchase of 16 KF-21 Block II aircraft.

Chinese Investment Boom Prompts Gresik Labour Office to Offer Mandarin Training

Gresik’s Labour Office is offering free Mandarin training in response to a surge in Chinese investment and demand for workers who can communicate with Chinese companies. Thirty-two people were selected from 500 applicants for the two-month course, which the local government hopes will help increase local employment and speed up the transfer of knowledge and technology.

Tornado Hits Jember, Injuring Six and Damaging Hundreds of Homes

A tornado struck Sumbersalak village in Jember, East Java, injuring six people and damaging 184 households, as well as several public facilities. Fallen trees and a damaged electricity pole also disrupted power, with PLN crews working to repair the network.

Indonesian Crew Member Yayan Found Dead After Water-Bombing Helicopter Crash in South Kalimantan

Navigator Yayan Supyansuri, the Indonesian crew member aboard a Super Puma H-225 conducting water-bombing operations against forest and land fires, was found dead in South Kalimantan. The two foreign pilots were found alive, and a joint search team transported Yayan to a health centre in Central Kalimantan.

Marketplaces and the Gap in Halal Information Transparency

Indonesia’s e-commerce market and halal certification system have both grown substantially, but consumers still face friction when verifying halal claims on marketplace listings. The article argues that platforms should connect product pages to official BPJPH records, clearly distinguish seller claims from verified certification and improve consumer safeguards without burdening micro and small businesses.

One dead and two survive helicopter crash in South Kalimantan

An Indonesian crew member died and two New Zealand crew members survived after an H225 Super Puma crashed during aerial water-bombing operations against forest and land fires in South Kalimantan. All three crew members have been accounted for, while authorities investigate the cause of the crash; the helicopter had been chartered by Indonesia’s disaster agency for firefighting support.

Police Halt Illegal Street Racing in Kolaka, Seize 250 Motorcycles

A joint operation by Kolaka Police, the Indonesian Military and municipal public order officers seized around 250 motorcycles during a crackdown on illegal street racing in Southeast Sulawesi. The police issued traffic fines and required owners of motorcycles fitted with non-standard exhausts to replace them before reclaiming their vehicles, as authorities warned of the risks to public safety.

Home Affairs Minister Tito Joins Nine Former National Police Chiefs for Meeting with Prabowo

President Prabowo Subianto met ten former National Police chiefs, including Home Affairs Minister Muhammad Tito Karnavian, at his residence in Hambalang, Bogor. The gathering highlighted continued ties across generations of police leadership, with the former chiefs later joining senior officials for a discussion with the President.

Government to Provide Rp632 Trillion in Tax Incentives Next Year: The Details

Finance Minister Suahasil Nazara says the government plans to provide Rp632 trillion in tax incentives in 2027, equivalent to 2.26% of GDP, to support households, small businesses, companies and investment. Manufacturing, agriculture and trade are expected to be among the main beneficiaries, following a projected Rp576.4 trillion in incentives in 2026, led by manufacturing.

30% Discount on Economy-Class Ship Tickets During Christmas and New Year Holiday, Valid from 17 December 2026 to 10 January 2027

Pelni will offer a 30% discount on the base fares of its economy-class ship tickets for departures between 17 December 2026 and 10 January 2027, excluding insurance and port fees. The government-backed stimulus is expected to benefit 414,630 passengers, with Rp38.26 billion allocated, and is intended to boost mobility and economic activity across the country.

Coordinating Minister: Tile-making programme will boost local economies

Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Sugiono says the government’s “gentengisasi” programme will generate jobs and economic activity beyond tile manufacturers, including work for truck drivers and their assistants. The launch of a shipment of 2.4 million tiles made in Jatiwangi is intended to revive local industry, strengthen community-based businesses and improve housing, while recognising traditional roofing practices across Indonesia.

When Carbon Enters the Shipping Lanes

New European and proposed global rules are bringing greenhouse-gas emissions into the cost of maritime trade, with implications for shipping costs, ports and exporters. The article argues that Indonesia must prepare its shipping and energy industries while using its position at the IMO to shape the transition, rather than simply bearing its costs.

Drivers Protest Over Unpaid Wages at Prabowo’s Roof-Tile Programme Launch

Truck drivers disrupted the launch of a government programme to distribute 2.4 million roof tiles after saying they had not been paid for transporting them. The tiles are being sent to several regions for home renovation and subsidised housing projects, with distribution involving 34 tile businesses in Majalengka.

West Java Government to Set Housing Permits According to Disaster Risk and Spatial Planning

West Java is tightening controls on housing permits in areas vulnerable to floods and landslides, while allowing development in locations deemed safe and consistent with spatial plans. The policy is intended to protect residents and the environment without halting the housing sector, which supports regional economic growth and employment.

Madiun Regency involves KTNA to boost rice production

Madiun Regency is partnering with the Indonesian Farmers and Fishermen Association (KTNA) to raise rice productivity and support the national food security agenda. The regency produced 480,264 tonnes of milled dry-grain rice in 2025, up 9.79 per cent from the previous year, while KTNA discussions will inform recommendations on agricultural development and distribution efficiency.

Reaching Communities Through Sporting Events: A New Strategy for Retail Companies?

Yogya Group’s YORun 2026 drew 6,000 participants, as retailers increasingly use running events to engage communities beyond their stores. Examples from Indomaret, Alfamart and Guardian show how the events combine promotion and customer interaction with opportunities to involve local businesses and sponsors.

The Secret to Japanese Longevity: Five Foods Eaten Every Day

Japan recorded a record 107,677 people aged 100 or older in September 2026, extending a 56-year run of annual increases. Tokyo-based nutritionist Asako Miyashita says her traditional Japanese diet includes five foods—sweet potatoes, miso soup, daikon, seaweed and fish—which she believes support health and longevity.

Gambir Station Fire Suspected to Have Been Caused by Electrical Phenomenon, Causing Rp200 Million in Losses

A fire in an electrical panel room at Jakarta’s Gambir Station is suspected to have been caused by an electrical fault, with losses estimated at Rp200 million and six kiosks affected. No casualties were reported, and train services to and from the station continued to operate normally.

Central Papua Golkar Stands Firmly Behind Bahlil: Extraordinary Congress Rumours Are Fake News

Golkar’s Central Papua provincial chairman, Soedeson Tandra, says party officials and members remain united behind party leader Bahlil Lahadalia and denies reports of an imminent extraordinary national congress. He says the party is focused on consolidation and praises Bahlil’s leadership, while warning that spreading false information could have legal consequences.

Industry Minister Says Quality of Materials for Public Program Must Be Maintained

Industry Minister Muhammad Sarmuji said materials used in President Prabowo’s public programmes must meet high quality standards, including tiles supplied under the roof-tile programme. He said the Industry Ministry would oversee standards and testing, noting that small tile manufacturers in Jatiwangi have received Indonesian National Standards certification.

Jakarta Cultural Office Unit Manages Five Venues to Support Traditional Arts

Jakarta’s Cultural Office says its venue-management unit oversees five performing-arts buildings, each serving distinct traditional art forms and communities. Affordable rental rates and one free, locally funded performance each month are intended to make the venues accessible to artists and audiences.