Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 8 November 2026

Showing 301-350 of 735 articles

Global Gold Prices Forecast to Fluctuate Over the Coming Week, With This Range

Global gold is forecast to trade between US$3,955 and US$4,269 an ounce next week, while Indonesian precious-metal prices are expected to range from Rp2.41 million to Rp2.6 million per gram. Commodity analyst Ibrahim Assuaibu also expects the rupiah to weaken, potentially reaching Rp18,250 per US dollar next week and Rp18,500 in November.

East Kalimantan records 172 hectares of new fires in November

East Kalimantan recorded 172 hectares of new fire damage in November across 57 incidents, bringing the cumulative area affected by forest and land fires to 10,910 hectares. Fires occurred on community land outside designated forest areas, with Samarinda registering the largest monthly increase; response teams remain on standby as hotspot detections rose to 366 on 7 November.

GAPEKA 2026: KAI Cuts Journey Times on Subsidised Trains by up to 92 Minutes

KAI’s new 2026 train timetable, taking effect on 1 December, will shorten journeys on several subsidised intercity services, with the Blitar–Kiaracondong Kahuripan service gaining the largest time saving of 92 minutes. The changes accompany increased seating capacity on intercity and urban rail services in Sumatra, as the state railway seeks to improve publicly supported transport used by millions of passengers.

Teenager Burned by Grandmother in Depok Dies After Falling into Coma

A 17-year-old girl who suffered burns to 80 per cent of her body after being set alight by a 64-year-old woman in Depok has died. The suspect, who was reportedly angered when the teenager did not collect her, has been arrested; she was not the victim’s biological grandmother.

Public Indecency Charge Looms over Teacher Accused of Hitting Police Officer on Toll Road

A teacher and his fiancée have been named suspects after a car struck two police officers on the Rangkasbitung–Panimbang toll road in Banten. They face multiple charges, including public indecency; police say the driver tried to flee when officers approached their parked vehicle, dragging one officer on its bonnet for about three kilometres.

Syria Denies Sending Troops to Yemen, Affirms Cooperation with Saudi Arabia

Syria has denied reports that it is sending troops to Yemen, saying its military cooperation with Saudi Arabia is currently limited to training, consultations and sharing expertise. A recent agreement could lead to a joint defence arrangement or Syrian participation in the Makkah defence pact, but Damascus says its immediate priorities are domestic security, reconstruction and economic recovery.

Making Five Demands, ABRI Calls for Vice-President Gibran’s Impeachment

Hundreds attended the Aksi Rakyat Bela Indonesia (ABRI) rally in Jakarta, where organisers presented five demands, including resolving legal issues underpinning calls to impeach Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka. ABRI adviser Jimly Asshiddiqie said rulings by the Constitutional Court and Supreme Court should guide parliament’s response, warning that prolonged uncertainty could undermine government stability.

BNPB’s Super Puma crashes in the Barito River

A BNPB-operated Super Puma helicopter crashed into the Barito River while manoeuvring after collecting water for firefighting, according to preliminary reports. All three crew members survived, and authorities are investigating the cause of the accident.

Civil Service Recruitment to Begin in November 2026: Priority Positions to Be Opened

Indonesia’s Ministry of Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform and the House of Representatives have agreed to prioritise several roles in the 2026 civil service recruitment drive, expected to open in November. The positions include forest police, Manggala Agni firefighters and teachers for integrated and Garuda excellence schools, with selection promised to be transparent, competitive and merit-based.

Jonatan Christie donates Asian Games bonus to fire victims

Indonesian badminton player Jonatan Christie says he will donate his entire Rp1.5 billion Asian Games team-gold bonus to communities affected by forest and land fires. He cited the health effects of smoke on children, wildlife habitat loss and the need to restore damaged forests, saying he hopes the contribution will ease the burden on affected residents.

Bima Residents Can Now Exchange Waste for Cash

Bima City’s Environment Agency has launched a programme allowing residents to exchange sorted recyclable and other reusable waste for cash through the Karaso Rasa Main Waste Bank. The initiative aims to improve waste management while giving households an economic incentive, with exchange rates varying by material.

Update: One Indonesian Crew Member Still Missing After Helicopter Crashes into Barito River

Two of the three crew members aboard a Super Puma helicopter that crashed in the Barito River during a forest and land-fire suppression mission have been found in good health. Search and rescue teams are looking for Indonesian national Yayan Supiansuri, while authorities say the two rescued crew members are receiving medical checks and support.

Jimly urges police chief to implement reform recommendations

Jimly urged the new National Police chief to implement recommendations endorsed by President Prabowo, saying the reforms should restore public confidence while strengthening law enforcement. The KPRP’s six-point plan includes independent external oversight, clearer leadership appointments, limits on officers’ outside assignments and phased regulatory changes by 2029.

Indonesia adopts zero-tolerance approach to year-end transport safety

Deputy Transportation Minister Suntana said the government is preparing for Christmas and New Year travel with safety checks and a zero-tolerance approach to safety violations, alongside free homecoming travel schemes. The government has allocated Rp883 billion for public transport incentives, including domestic flight VAT coverage, train and sea ticket discounts, and ferry port fee waivers.

El-Sayed Takes a Swipe at Trump After Being Elected the First Muslim US Senator

Abdul El-Sayed has won a Michigan seat in the US Senate, making him the first Muslim elected to the chamber. After facing derogatory remarks from Donald Trump and JD Vance during the campaign, he used his victory speech to answer them and criticised attacks on his faith and name.

Why Penemu continues to monitor the fake diploma allegation case

The Pejuang Negeri Maju (Penemu) organisation says it will continue monitoring the court proceedings involving allegations of defamation and a fake diploma against former president Joko Widodo. Its leaders urged the public to respect the legal process and said an open trial should help end the prolonged controversy.

Deputy Tourism Minister: Tourism Industry Workers Deserve to Be Called National Heroes

Deputy Tourism Minister Ni Luh Puspa said tourism workers are ‘foreign-exchange heroes’ because the sector earns foreign currency and contributes to national reserves. She said their work developing destinations alongside local communities merits recognition, while public figure Tantowi Yahya described modern heroes as people who help tackle poverty, ignorance and underdevelopment.

Capital Market Remains Volatile, with Jakarta Composite Index Still Around the 5,000 Mark

Indonesia’s benchmark Jakarta Composite Index fell 0.13% in the first week of November, while market capitalisation, trading volume and transaction values also declined. Foreign investors made a net purchase on 6 November, but remained net sellers by Rp98.08 trillion for the year; the exchange has meanwhile introduced initiatives to support SME listings and improve ownership transparency.

A Figure Emerges to Shake Up France’s Presidential Election, Opposing Debt and NATO Membership

French left-wing leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon is positioning himself as a challenger to Marine Le Pen in next year’s presidential election, promising lower retirement age, higher minimum wages and a wealth-tax-funded spending programme. His proposals to leave NATO and halt debt repayments have drawn sharp criticism, while polling suggests Le Pen would comfortably defeat him in a run-off and divisions within the left remain unresolved.

Gerindra Urges Police to Expand Probe into Alleged Prabowo Wiretapping

Gerindra spokesperson Kamrussamad has urged the police to broaden their investigation into alleged illegal wiretapping of President Prabowo Subianto, including examining possible foreign, oligarchic or political involvement. He also suggested parliamentary scrutiny and, if necessary, the involvement of state intelligence agencies, as four current and former police officials have been named suspects.

PAM JAYA develops 103 sites for Jakarta water projects

PAM JAYA is carrying out three pipeline projects spanning 103 work sites across Jakarta, as part of efforts to expand piped water services. The construction may cause traffic congestion, but the projects are expected to strengthen the capital’s drinking-water infrastructure and support wider piped-water coverage.

Pertamina Raises Fuel Supply in Lembata to 35,000 Litres a Day

Pertamina Patra Niaga has raised its daily fuel supply to Lembata, East Nusa Tenggara, from 25,000 to 35,000 litres, alongside the opening of a new petrol station intended to ease queues and widen access. Further deliveries of Pertalite, Pertamina Dex and Biosolar are planned for 9 November 2026, while the company and local authorities will monitor stocks and consumption.

Bandung City Government Seeks to Make Retail a Driver of Poverty Reduction

Bandung’s government wants the retail sector to help reduce poverty by creating jobs and expanding business opportunities, while also supporting local producers and small businesses. Mayor Muhammad Farhan pointed to retail’s 26.1 per cent contribution from products sold through the sector and said stronger supply chains could aid distribution and local inflation control.

Circular economy could create millions of new jobs, minister says

Indonesia’s circular economy could generate 4.4 million jobs and add Rp638 trillion (US$35 billion) to GDP by 2030, with opportunities in food, plastics, electronics, construction and textiles. Manpower Minister Yassierli said the transition must be supported by workforce training and ensure green jobs provide fair wages, social protection, and safe working conditions, including for waste sorters.

Yogyakarta Transport Agency Ensures Road Equipment Works Properly at Night

Yogyakarta’s provincial Transport Agency is strengthening oversight of road equipment after a 2026 safety assessment found that 35 per cent of road accidents in 2025 occurred between 6pm and 6am. Its Sigap Aset application is intended to improve asset monitoring and maintenance planning, with plans to let the public report faults and track follow-up action.

Sahroni on Wiretapping Case: No Institution Should Have Greater Authority Than the President

DPR Commission III Deputy Chairman Ahmad Sahroni has urged the National Police chief to investigate an alleged illegal wiretapping case, warning that surveillance could be used to intimidate people and entrench power. He said no institution should wield authority greater than that of another institution, particularly the president, and stressed the importance of civil rights and privacy in a democracy.

Reports of Two Former Police Chiefs’ Arrests Over Alleged Wiretapping Denied, Says Criminal Investigation Chief

Indonesia’s Criminal Investigation Agency chief has denied reports that two former National Police chiefs were arrested over alleged illegal wiretapping of President Prabowo Subianto. Police have named four people as suspects in the case, which allegedly dates back to 2025; three are currently being held at National Police headquarters.

WAML Urges ASEAN Society for Medical Law to Strengthen Medical Law

The World Association for Medical Law is promoting a regional body to deepen cooperation on medical law as cross-border referrals and shared healthcare services grow across ASEAN. The newly established society, led by Indonesia’s Dr Fajri Israq, will focus on legal education and is expected to encourage regulatory reform and improve approaches to medical disputes.

Flooding submerges 70,000 tents in Gaza, leaving displaced people without shelter

Heavy rain and strong winds have flooded or damaged 70,000 tents in Gaza, worsening the plight of displaced families and exposing the severe limits of the territory’s damaged drainage and emergency-response systems. Officials and UN agencies warn that hundreds of thousands face flood risks while aid, winter supplies and reconstruction materials remain restricted.

Jakarta’s status as an events hub boosts tourism and the economy, says governor

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung says major sporting events and concerts are drawing international visitors and generating significant economic activity. The Jakarta Running Festival brought an estimated Rp175 billion in impact over two days, while upcoming concerts are expected to reinforce the capital’s position as a regional events hub.

Golkar Denies Extraordinary Congress Rumours, Dave Laksono Urges Members Not to Believe False Reports

Golkar politician Dave Laksono has dismissed social media claims that the party plans to hold an extraordinary congress on 29 November 2026, saying party officials named in a digital poster have denied involvement. He warned that the false report could fuel internal tensions and stressed that leadership matters must follow the party’s rules and procedures.

Houthi-Saudi Tensions Rise as Syria Denies Sending Troops to Yemen

A Syrian diplomatic source has denied reports that Damascus is sending troops to Yemen, saying its current military cooperation with Saudi Arabia centres on training, consultation and expertise-sharing. The cooperation agreement could eventually lead to a joint defence deal or Syria joining the Makkah defence pact, but Syria says its immediate priorities are domestic security, reconstruction and economic recovery.

Said Didu Takes Aim at Oligarchs at ‘Action to Defend Indonesia’ Rally

Former State-Owned Enterprises Ministry secretary Muhammad Said Didu accused oligarchs of exploiting Indonesia’s natural resources and expanding their influence into urban areas. At a rally in Jakarta, he praised President Prabowo Subianto for challenging their interests and urged him to return state assets to the state.

Bright Gas Cooking Competition 2026 Crowns New Champion as Endri Supriatna Takes First Place

Endri Supriatna won the fifth Bright Gas Cooking Competition, beating eight other finalists with a Lampung gulai dish that combined culinary influences from three regions. The Pertamina Patra Niaga event drew 2,891 entrants and aims to develop cooking skills and showcase regional Indonesian recipes; the top three winners received cooking courses at Le Cordon Bleu in Thailand and cash prizes.

Brisk walking for 150 minutes a week can help lower blood pressure

Moderate-intensity walking for at least 150 minutes a week may help lower blood pressure and support heart health, according to cardiologists. Research cited in the report suggests spreading the activity across four sessions could reduce blood pressure more than doing it in two, although larger studies are needed to establish the long-term effect.

Flash Flood Carrying Timber Hits Gayo Lues, Aceh

Flash floods carrying logs and other timber swept through villages in Gayo Lues, Aceh, damaging homes, bridges and a local petrol station. No deaths have been reported, while authorities are still assessing the number of residents affected and displaced.

Iran Asks Putin for S-400s: Could Russian Missiles Threaten America’s F-35 Stealth Jets?

Iran has reportedly asked Russia to supply S-400 air-defence systems after US and Israeli strikes weakened its defences, though neither government has confirmed a sale. The request comes amid renewed US attacks on Iranian air-defence infrastructure and would add to scrutiny of whether the Russian system can challenge stealth aircraft such as the F-35.

Kuningan records rice production of 343,000 tonnes by September

Kuningan Regency had produced 343,069 tonnes of rice by September 2026 and is aiming to match its 2025 output of 396,388 tonnes by year-end. A prolonged dry season has reduced planting frequency, while water availability, irrigation and shortages of agricultural machinery remain challenges to meeting the target.

Smog Eases, Car-Free Day Brings Palembang’s Mornings Back to Life

Palembang has resumed its weekly Car-Free Day after temporarily suspending the event because of haze. Residents can now use two designated routes to exercise and enjoy the city centre without motor traffic on Sunday mornings.

Video: BSI Chief Says BRIS Shares Have Very Strong Fundamentals

Bank Syariah Indonesia (BSI) chief executive Anggoro Eko Cahyo is optimistic about bullion banking, saying gold-related services have become the bank’s second-largest source of new customers after Hajj services. He also cited double-digit growth in financing, deposits and profit as evidence of strong fundamentals amid the movement in BRIS shares.

Indonesian Start-ups Target Investment and Market Access through the BRICS Ecosystem

Indonesian start-ups are exploring how the BRICS innovation network could expand access to investment, technology and international markets. STARFINDO chair and Bepahkupi chief executive Maulana Wiga will represent Indonesia at a 2026 exchange programme in Xiamen, where participants are expected to develop cross-border business and research partnerships.

Islamic Boarding School Teacher Runs Over Two Police Officers on Banten Toll Road After Being Caught in Intimate Act

A Quran teacher, identified as ED, allegedly struck two highway patrol officers and dragged one of them for three kilometres while fleeing after officers approached his car on the Rangkasbitung–Panimbang toll road. ED and his girlfriend have been named suspects; one officer remains in critical condition after suffering severe head injuries, while police say ED faces a prison sentence of up to about 10 years.

Indonesia secures US$138 million in investment commitments from Europe

Indonesia secured US$138 million in European investment commitments for industrial land use and digital infrastructure in Batang’s Industropolis Special Economic Zone. The deals come as investment realisation reached Rp1,539.2 trillion in January–September 2026, up 7.3 per cent year on year, and underscore the government’s ambition to develop industrial estates as integrated growth hubs.

DPR Urged to Set Up Special Committee to Audit Phone-Tapping

Anas Urbaningrum and DPR member Abdullah have called for a parliamentary special committee to investigate and audit wiretapping practices, amid allegations that thousands of phone numbers were targeted in 2025–2026. They say an inquiry should identify those responsible, scrutinise the use of interception technology and assess whether existing safeguards prevent abuse of surveillance powers.

Bulog West Java Urges SPPGs to Buy Eggs at the Reference Price of Rp26,500 per Kilogram

Bulog’s West Java office has urged Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPGs) involved in the Free Nutritious Meals programme to buy eggs directly from farmers at the government’s reference purchase price of Rp26,500 per kilogram. Bulog also outlined distribution of subsidised maize to help reduce poultry farmers’ feed costs, with 60 tonnes being allocated across six regencies.

Employment Protection Law Caps Fixed-Term Contracts at Four Years

Indonesia’s Employment Protection Law, which took effect on 28 October 2026, limits fixed-term employment agreements (PKWT) to a maximum of four years. Employers must notify workers in writing at least seven days before a contract expires if they intend to extend it; the law follows a Constitutional Court ruling calling for a separate statute to reorganise employment regulations.

Indonesia Wins Global Investors’ Confidence, Marked by Investment Commitments in London

PT Danareksa secured investment commitments worth about Rp2.5 trillion from British and Dutch investors at the Indonesia Investment Forum 2026 in London. Agreements cover industrial land use in Jakarta and the development of a digital infrastructure ecosystem in Batang, while national investment realisation reached Rp1,539.2 trillion in January–September 2026, up 7.3%.

Indonesia Makes Meatballs and Sausages Without Chicken or Beef: Here Are the Results

BRIN researchers have developed a plant-based meat analogue from white sword beans, using fermentation and extrusion to create a meat-like texture. The product could be used in burgers, nuggets, meatballs and sausages, with further work planned on flavour, nutrition, consumer acceptance and scaling up production in partnership with food companies.

Bali Provincial Government Disburses Rp811 Million in Aid to Jembrana

Bali’s provincial government says it distributed Rp811.5 million in disaster-recovery and economic support to residents of Jembrana in 2026. The latest, tenth tranche totalled Rp304 million, including funds to repair homes damaged by fires and economic assistance for 27 recipients.

Gerindra Urges Police to Broaden Probe into Alleged Presidential Surveillance

Gerindra spokesperson Kamrussamad has urged the National Police to widen its investigation into alleged surveillance of President Prabowo Subianto, including examining possible foreign, oligarchic or political involvement. He also suggested that intelligence agencies and a parliamentary special committee could be brought in, as four people have been named suspects and three have been detained.