Archive: 20 February 2026
Showing 651-700 of 862 articles
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 10:13 WIB
Ministry of Creative Economy backs effort to establish tumpeng as intellectual property
Indonesia's Ministry of Creative Economy has endorsed efforts by the Indonesia Gastronomy Community to register the traditional tumpeng dish and other culinary creations as national intellectual property, aiming to commercialise cultural heritage and boost regional creative economies. The initiative includes proposals to strengthen culinary MSMEs, establish a Gastronomy Creative Hub, and integrate gastronomy into the broader creative economy agenda.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 10:07 WIB
VinFast's Optimism and Confidence in the Indonesian Market
Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast is positioning itself as a long-term structural player in Indonesia's automotive market, leveraging a vertically integrated ecosystem spanning manufacturing, charging infrastructure, and after-sales services.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 10:07 WIB
Preserving Malay Customs: Riau Police Personnel Required to Wear Traditional Tanjak Every Friday
The Riau Regional Police has mandated that all 11,000 personnel wear the tanjak, a traditional Malay headpiece, every Friday as part of a cultural preservation initiative launched by Police Chief Inspector General Herry Heryawan. The policy, endorsed by the Riau Malay Customary Institution as an unprecedented step by a central government vertical institution, aims to harmonise law enforcement duties with local cultural identity during an era of globalisation.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 10:07 WIB
'Win-win' for both countries: Indonesia secures 19% tariff in US reciprocal trade deal
Indonesia has secured a 19 per cent tariff rate in a reciprocal trade agreement with the United States, described as a "win-win" outcome by Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto. The deal will take effect 90 days after both sides complete the necessary legal procedures, though modifications remain possible by mutual agreement.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 10:03 WIB
Pelita Air Service Releases Timeline of Fatal Air Tractor Crash in North Kalimantan
PT Pelita Air Service has confirmed the death of Captain Hendrick Lodewyck Adam, 54, after his Air Tractor AT-802 crashed shortly after departing Long Bawan Airport in North Kalimantan on 19 February 2026 whilst operating a fuel distribution flight under the government's One-Price Fuel programme. The National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT) has dispatched a joint investigation team to the crash site, whilst the company has pledged full transparency and compensation to the pilot's family.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 10:02 WIB
Two Notable Cars in the Garage of New BPJS Director Prihati Pujowaskito
Newly appointed BPJS Kesehatan chief executive Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Prihati Pujowaskito owns two vehicles worth a combined Rp925 million, according to his wealth declaration filed with the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). The disclosure, comprising a 2022 Hyundai Ioniq electric vehicle and a 2020 Honda Jazz, offers a window into the personal asset profile of the retired military officer and cardiac specialist now leading Indonesia's national health insurance agency for the 2026–2031 term.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 10:01 WIB
Bareskrim Seizes Vessel Linked to Alleged Tin Sand Smuggling to Malaysia
Indonesia's Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) has seized a vessel and outboard engine at Kubu Dock in South Bangka, believed to have been used to transport tin sand for illegal smuggling to Malaysia. The seizure stems from an ongoing investigation into a 7.5-tonne tin sand smuggling case from October 2025, which saw eleven crew members detained by Malaysian maritime authorities before being repatriated to Indonesia.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 09:59 WIB
Pesantren Student Dies in Wonogiri After Alleged Assault by Classmate
An 11-year-old Islamic boarding school student died in Wonogiri, Central Java, after allegedly being slammed to the ground and choked by a fellow student during a classroom fight. Police designated another 11-year-old as a child in conflict with the law following an exhumation that revealed signs of fatal violence, with the case highlighting concerns over supervision at pesantren and the application of child protection legislation.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 09:57 WIB
Government Submits Draft Indigenous Communities Bill to Parliament
The Ministry of Human Rights has formally submitted a draft Indigenous Communities Bill to parliament after 16 years of legislative stalling, with a target to complete deliberations this year. The bill would recognise indigenous communities nationwide, protect their cultural practices and land rights, and establish an independent National Indigenous Communities Commission to resolve disputes without state intervention.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 09:56 WIB
From Thamrin to Pramono
In an opinion piece marking Governor Pramono Anung's first year leading Jakarta, Vice Governor Rano Karno draws a historical parallel between the modern technocrat and MH Thamrin, the Betawi colonial-era politician who championed urban justice through policy rather than spectacle.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 09:56 WIB
Two Car Window-Smashing Thieves from Bekasi Arrested in Bogor
Police in Cileungsi, Bogor, have apprehended two suspects involved in a series of thefts using the car window-smashing method in the Bekasi area of West Java. Officers recovered dozens of bags and wallets believed to be proceeds of crime, though high-value items such as mobile phones and laptops were not found at the suspects' hideout.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 09:56 WIB
Rupiah Weakens Amid Purbaya's Efforts to Broaden Tax Base and Maintain Budget Deficit
The Indonesian rupiah continued to weaken against the US dollar, trading at Rp16,908 on 20 February 2026, as Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa rejected an IMF recommendation to raise employee income tax to keep the budget deficit below 3 per cent of GDP. The government is instead prioritising broadening the tax base and plugging revenue leakages, opting to wait until the economy is sufficiently robust before considering any rate increases.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 09:55 WIB
President Prabowo pledges 8,000 troops for Gaza peace force
President Prabowo has committed up to 8,000 Indonesian military personnel to the International Stabilisation Force for Gaza, announcing the pledge at the inaugural Board of Peace meeting in Washington alongside US President Donald Trump. The deployment, grounded in UN Security Council Resolution 2803 (2025), underscores Indonesia's active role in the transitional peace framework and its continued support for Palestinian statehood through a Two-State Solution.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 09:50 WIB
Islamic Ruling on Using Inhalers During Ramadan Fasting: Does It Invalidate, Is It Discouraged, or Remain Valid?
Indonesian Islamic scholars have clarified that inhaling aromas from inhalers or medicated oils during Ramadan fasting does not invalidate the fast, as scent is not classified as a physical substance ('ain) under Islamic jurisprudence. The ruling, drawing on classical Shafi'i texts, distinguishes between tangible matter entering the body through open passages and mere aroma, providing reassurance to fasting Muslims with respiratory ailments.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 09:49 WIB
Kerry Riza Reads Defence Plea, Claims Prosecution Criminalises Business Policy
Muhammad Kerry Adrianto Riza, beneficial owner of PT Orbit Terminal Merak, delivered his defence plea against an 18-year prison sentence and Rp 13.4 trillion in restitution demands in the Pertamina crude oil and refinery products corruption case.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 09:47 WIB
Fadli Zon Meets Yemeni Ambassador to Discuss Strengthening Indonesia-Yemen Cultural Cooperation
Culture Minister Fadli Zon and Yemeni Ambassador Salem Ahmed Balfakeeh discussed formalising bilateral cultural cooperation, noting that no dedicated cultural agreement currently exists between the two countries despite ties dating back to the 7th century.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 09:46 WIB
Batam Police Bust Grindr Blackmail Syndicate Targeting Malaysian Tourist
Batam police have arrested three suspects operating a blackmail syndicate using the Grindr dating application to extort victims. The suspects allegedly targeted a Malaysian tourist and demanded RM5,000 in ransom through a dating app entrapment scheme. The bust highlights growing cybercrime risks involving dating platforms in Indonesia.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 09:39 WIB
HTSI Records 130 Per Cent Sales Growth in 2025, Outlines Strategy to Boost Business in 2026
PT Hankook Tire Sales Indonesia (HTSI) reported 130 per cent sales growth throughout 2025, driven primarily by high-inch tyre sales and the electric vehicle segment. The company is targeting further expansion in 2026 by focusing on three key product lines — electric vehicles, SUVs, and trucks and buses — while strengthening its distributor network across Indonesia.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 09:38 WIB
Batam Water Crisis Persists As Several Areas Still Rely On Tanker Trucks
BP Batam's insufficient production capacity continues to exacerbate the clean water crisis, leaving multiple residential areas dependent on tanker truck deliveries for their water supply. The persistent infrastructure challenge underscores the utility company's ongoing struggle to meet citywide water demand and fulfill its service obligations to residents.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 09:35 WIB
Presidents Prabowo and Trump Officially Sign Reciprocal Trade Agreement at 19% Tariff
Indonesia and the United States have formally signed a reciprocal trade agreement setting tariffs at 19 per cent on a range of Indonesian products entering the US market, following prolonged negotiations since April 2025.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 09:34 WIB
Truck Stuck in Drainage Ditch Causes Traffic Gridlock in Cengkareng, West Jakarta
A Fuso truck became stuck after its rear left wheel fell into a drainage channel on Jalan Puri Kembangan in Cengkareng, West Jakarta, causing severe congestion during the Friday morning rush hour. Police officers were deployed to manage traffic as vehicle evacuation efforts continued.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 09:33 WIB
Anies Speaks After Breaking Fast with Political Party Elites
Former Jakarta governor Anies Baswedan attended an iftar gathering at NasDem's headquarters alongside senior political figures including Surya Paloh, Puan Maharani, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, and Jusuf Kalla. The event signals continued political manoeuvring ahead of future elections, notably as NasDem — which originally backed Anies's 2024 presidential bid — has since realigned itself with the Prabowo administration and signalled support for a two-term presidency.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 09:31 WIB
Batam's Digital Rise: Data Centres Drive Growth, Talent Gap Looms
Batam's information sector has doubled its share of the city's GDP, driven by investment in data centre infrastructure as it positions itself as a regional technology hub. However, the rapid digital expansion has exposed a significant talent shortage that threatens to constrain future growth. The city must address workforce development to capitalise on its emerging technology advantage.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 09:22 WIB
Jakarta BPBD: 69 Neighbourhood Units Submerged by Flooding
Jakarta's Regional Disaster Management Agency reported that 69 neighbourhood units (RT) across South and West Jakarta were inundated on 20 February 2026, affecting a total area of 1.28 square kilometres. The worst-hit areas included Petogogan and Cipete Utara sub-districts in South Jakarta, where water levels reached up to 110 centimetres, underscoring the capital's persistent vulnerability to urban flooding.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 09:20 WIB
Housing Complex in Pela Mampang, South Jakarta, Flooded; Residents Evacuated by Rubber Boat
Flooding from the overflowing Krukut River submerged a housing complex in Pela Mampang, South Jakarta, to a depth of 75 centimetres following heavy overnight rainfall on 20 February 2026. Jakarta Metropolitan Police officers were deployed to the scene, evacuating residents by rubber boat as all vehicular traffic was rendered impassable.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 09:18 WIB
Tangerang Commuter Rail Routes Rerouted After Airport Train Strikes Lorry at Poris
A Soekarno-Hatta Airport commuter train derailed after striking a lorry at a level crossing near Poris Station in Tangerang on 20 February, disrupting services on the Duri–Tangerang and airport rail lines. KAI Commuter confirmed no casualties and implemented emergency rerouting, terminating Tangerang-bound trains at Rawa Buaya and airport services at Batuceper, whilst offering full refunds to affected airport train passengers.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 09:14 WIB
Aftermath of Soekarno-Hatta Airport Train Collision with Truck at Poris, Tangerang
A commuter line train bound for Soekarno-Hatta International Airport collided with a container lorry at a level crossing between Poris and Batu Ceper stations in Tangerang, leaving the front carriage crumpled and derailed. The incident forced KAI Commuter to suspend airport rail services and curtail the Duri–Tangerang route, causing significant traffic disruption in the area.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 09:09 WIB
Passenger Overcrowding at Transjakarta Velbak Bus Stop
Severe passenger overcrowding struck the Transjakarta Velbak bus stop on Friday morning after flooding near Swadarma caused delays across multiple corridor 13 services, with queues stretching back to the pedestrian bridge linking Kebayoran bus stop and train station. The incident highlights the fragility of Jakarta's public transport network, where localised flooding can rapidly cascade into system-wide disruption during peak commuting hours.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 09:08 WIB
Antam gold rises Rp28,000 to Rp2.944 million per gram on Friday morning
PT Antam Tbk's gold price climbed Rp28,000 to Rp2,944,000 per gram on Friday morning, with the buyback price also rising to Rp2,725,000 per gram. The state-owned precious metals producer listed prices across denominations from 0.5 grams to 1 kilogram, with all transactions subject to income tax deductions under prevailing finance ministry regulations.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 09:08 WIB
Tangerang Restricts Restaurant Hours During Ramadan as Legislator Invokes Tolerance
The Tangerang Regency government has issued a circular letter limiting restaurant and eatery operating hours to between 4pm and 4am during Ramadan 1447 Hijriah, a measure endorsed by the regional leadership forum Forkopimda. A Golkar Party legislator on House Commission II defended the annual restriction as an established expression of inter-religious tolerance, arguing that both the public and business operators already understand and accept such measures.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 09:07 WIB
DPR Member Urges Government to Keep Food Prices in Check Ahead of Lebaran
A member of the House of Representatives' Commission VII has called on the government to ensure supply chain stability and control food prices as consumer demand surges during Ramadan and Lebaran. The lawmaker warned that unchecked price rises could dampen consumer spending and destabilise the economy, urging authorities to safeguard the availability of staple goods critical to MSMEs and households alike.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 09:07 WIB
List of 46 Flood Points Across Jakarta Following Overnight Rain
Heavy rain from the early hours of Friday 20 February caused flooding across 41 neighbourhood units and five road sections in Jakarta, with the worst-hit areas in South Jakarta recording water levels of up to 130 centimetres. The DKI Jakarta Regional Disaster Management Agency deployed field teams and coordinated with water resources and highways agencies to pump floodwater and clear drainage channels.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 09:05 WIB
Peace Council Outlines Post-War Gaza Reconstruction Plans
Senior officials at the Trump-backed Peace Council in Istanbul have unveiled a governance, security, and reconstruction framework for post-war Gaza, including the establishment of an Office of the High Representative and a transitional Palestinian police force to be trained in Egypt. The plans hinge on full demilitarisation of the territory, with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair endorsing the framework as the "only hope" for Gaza and the wider region.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 09:05 WIB
More Than 70 Countries Join US Civil-Military Command Centre for Gaza
Over 70 nations are now participating in the United States' civil-military command centre for the Gaza Strip, with US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz reporting a dramatic increase in humanitarian aid delivery and a sharp decline in aid diversion. The initiative has reportedly reduced severe hunger from 30 per cent to one per cent of Gaza households, whilst aid deliveries have reached all 2.1 million Gazans at five times pre-ceasefire levels.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 09:03 WIB
Horse Powertrain Unveils New Hybrid Powertrain System
Horse Powertrain, a joint venture between Geely, Renault Group, and Aramco, has introduced a new hybrid powertrain system designed to run on 100 per cent renewable-feedstock petrol, achieving a peak brake thermal efficiency of 44.2 per cent. The system, developed in collaboration with Spanish energy firm Repsol, reportedly cuts fuel consumption by approximately 40 per cent below the 2023 European average, with a demonstrator vehicle expected to be showcased in early 2026.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 09:03 WIB
JCI Opens Higher as Asian Markets Rally on Wall Street Tech Stock Gains
The Jakarta Composite Index opened 0.32 per cent higher at 8,300 on Friday, buoyed by a technology stock rally on Wall Street that lifted broader Asian markets. BNI Sekuritas analysts forecast sideways trading for the session, with support at 8,200–8,230 and resistance at 8,300–8,350, whilst geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran continued to underpin oil prices and gold as a safe-haven asset.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 09:03 WIB
Samsung Announces Latest Bixby Version: Search for Hotels and Control Your Phone Simultaneously
Samsung has launched a beta programme for an upgraded version of its Bixby voice assistant, featuring enhanced conversational AI capabilities and more intuitive device control on Galaxy smartphones. The redesigned assistant allows users to manage device settings and access internet-based answers using natural language, without needing to know specific menu structures or feature names.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 09:01 WIB
Airport Train Derails After Truck Collision at Poris, Disrupting Commuter Rail Services
A Soekarno-Hatta Airport train derailed after colliding with a truck at a level crossing on the Rawa Buaya–Batuceper line near Poris Station in Tangerang on Friday morning, disrupting commuter services on both the Tangerang route and the airport rail link. KAI Commuter confirmed all passengers and crew were safely evacuated with no casualties, whilst implementing service adjustments including partial route cancellations and full ticket refunds for affected airport rail passengers.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 09:00 WIB
A Look Inside India's First Aircraft Carrier
Republika journalist Erik Purnama Putra visited the Indian-built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant in the waters off Visakhapatnam on 19 February 2026. The visit, alongside other international journalists, included a tour of the vessel's hangar deck, which serves as the base for the carrier's aircraft contingent. The media access suggests ongoing defence diplomacy between India and regional partners.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 09:00 WIB
Premier Worship of Ramadhan: Transforming Momentary Charity into Perpetual Endowment
An economist from Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta argues for channelling the surge in Ramadhan-period generosity away from one-off charitable donations towards permanent waqf (Islamic endowment) instruments. The piece highlights the untapped potential of converting seasonal philanthropy into lasting, income-generating assets for the Muslim community in Indonesia.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 08:58 WIB
Before Nord Stream Exploded, CIA Already Knew and Initially Agreed
New reporting by Der Spiegel reveals that American intelligence was aware of Ukraine's plans to sabotage the Nord Stream pipelines far earlier than previously known, with CIA-connected individuals initially raising no objections during spring 2022 meetings in Kyiv.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 08:58 WIB
Airport Train Collides with Truck Near Poris Station: Commuter Services Disrupted
An airport train derailed after colliding with a truck between Poris and Batu Ceper stations, with PT KAI confirming the accident. The incident disrupted commuter rail services in the area, highlighting ongoing safety concerns on Indonesia's rail network.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 08:57 WIB
House Commission VII: Use Domestic Products in Village Cooperative Vehicle Procurement
Deputy Chair of House Commission VII Evita Nursanty has urged that the Rp24.66 trillion procurement of 105,000 vehicles for village cooperatives under the Merah Putih programme must prioritise domestic products rather than relying on imports from Indian manufacturers Mahindra & Mahindra and Tata Motors.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 08:57 WIB
Banking Industry Fundamentals Solid, but Credit Acceleration Requires Demand-Side Strengthening, Says BRI Chief
BRI President Director Hery Gunardi told an OJK economic outlook event that Indonesia's banking sector has ample liquidity and capitalisation to support credit growth, but actual lending remains constrained by weak demand. New credit demand has fallen sharply across consumer and MSME segments, with businesses and households adopting a wait-and-see posture amid uncertain economic conditions. Hery stressed that the priority is rebuilding business confidence rather than injecting further liquidity.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 08:57 WIB
Munafri Calls on Religious Leaders and Congregations to Strengthen Collaboration in Building Makassar
Makassar Mayor Munafri Arifuddin has used his administration's Ramadhan Safari programme to appeal for greater collaboration between religious leaders, congregations, and the municipal government in advancing the city's development. He acknowledged limited achievements in his first year but reaffirmed commitments to improved public services, welfare, and clean governance, whilst pledging to close loopholes that allow officials to abuse their authority.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 08:56 WIB
Asian Markets Weaken Following Sharp Wall Street Correction Amid Rising US-Iran Tensions
Asia-Pacific stock markets opened with mixed movements on Friday 20 February 2026, weighed down by overnight losses on Wall Street triggered by escalating US-Iran tensions. Japan's Nikkei 225 fell over one per cent as investors also digested softer-than-expected inflation data, whilst China's PBOC loan prime rate decision loomed with mainland and Hong Kong markets shut for Lunar New Year.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 08:56 WIB
Trump Pledges US$10 Billion for Gaza Reconstruction Via Board of Peace, Equivalent to 14 Days of War Spending
US President Donald Trump announced a US$10 billion American commitment to Gaza reconstruction through the newly inaugurated Board of Peace, describing the sum as equivalent to just two weeks of fighting. Board of Peace member nations pledged an additional US$7 billion at the Washington summit, attended by representatives from over 20 countries, though the source of the US funding remains undisclosed.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 08:54 WIB
TransJakarta Corridor 13 Delayed Due to Flooding in Swadarma Cipulir
TransJakarta bus services on Corridor 13 and related routes experienced significant delays on Friday morning after flooding hit the Swadarma area of Cipulir, South Jakarta. The gridlocked traffic on Jalan Swadarma Raya, a key route connecting Puri Beta to Tendean, highlights Jakarta's persistent vulnerability to waterlogging during the rainy season.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 08:51 WIB
Profile of Prihati Pujowaskito, New President Director of BPJS Kesehatan
President Prabowo Subianto has appointed retired Major General Prihati Pujowaskito as the new President Director of BPJS Kesehatan, Indonesia's national health insurance administrator, through Presidential Decree No. 17/P of 2026.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 08:50 WIB
Trump: Outcome of US-Iran Nuclear Negotiations to Be Determined Within 10 Days
US President Donald Trump has indicated that the fate of nuclear negotiations with Iran will be decided within 10 days, raising the prospect of military action should diplomacy fail. A Trump adviser reportedly estimated a 90 per cent likelihood of a strike within weeks if talks collapse, whilst the White House maintained that diplomacy remains the president's preferred option.