Archive: 20 February 2026
Showing 801-850 of 862 articles
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 04:43 WIB
Prabowo Responds to Trump's Joke About Not Wanting to Face Him
President Prabowo Subianto laughed off Donald Trump's remark that he would not want to "go up against" the Indonesian leader, made during the Board of Peace Gaza Summit in Washington D.C. Trump publicly praised Prabowo's toughness and leadership, noting the enormous responsibility of governing a nation of hundreds of millions, in a forum focused on ceasefire commitments and lasting peace in Gaza.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 04:39 WIB
West Java Police Chief: Ride-Hailing Drivers Are Not Just Couriers, But the Eyes and Ears of Police for Maintaining Public Order
West Java Police Chief Inspector General Rudi Setiawan has called on ride-hailing motorcycle (ojol) drivers to report any criminal activity they witness while on the road. The initiative effectively enlists the vast network of gig-economy drivers as an informal surveillance and community policing resource, positioning them as crucial partners in maintaining national security and public order.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 04:37 WIB
Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Prays for Palestinian Independence
Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar called for prayers for Palestinian independence during a joint iftar event with the Saudi Arabian Embassy at Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta. He also offered prayers for communities in Sumatra, West Java, and Central Java affected by floods and landslides, urging resilience during Ramadan, while the Saudi Embassy distributed 2,000 iftar packages as part of a programme from King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saudi.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 04:30 WIB
Prabowo Tells Trump: We Will Realise the Dream of Peace in Palestine
President Prabowo Subianto reaffirmed Indonesia's commitment to Palestinian peace at the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace in Washington DC, expressing full support for Trump's 20-point plan. The move underscores Indonesia's active diplomatic stance on the Palestine issue, with Prabowo voicing optimism that a lasting and just solution can be achieved despite anticipated obstacles.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 04:26 WIB
Prabowo gives relaxed response to Trump's quip about not wanting to face him
President Prabowo Subianto laughed off Donald Trump's public remark that he "wouldn't want to go up against" the Indonesian leader, made during the Gaza Board of Peace Summit in Washington DC. Trump praised Prabowo as tough and well-respected, highlighting Indonesia's vast population and the scale of responsibility its president carries. The exchange occurred within the broader context of global leaders discussing ceasefire commitments and lasting peace in Gaza.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 04:20 WIB
King Charles's Brother Arrested in Epstein Case, Faces Life Imprisonment
Prince Andrew has been arrested at his Sandringham Estate residence on suspicion of misconduct in public office, linked to his role as Britain's trade envoy and newly released Epstein-related emails. The documents suggest he forwarded sensitive government reports and commercial intelligence — including investment opportunities in Afghanistan — to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, marking the most serious legal crisis to engulf the British royal family in centuries.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 04:19 WIB
Forestry Minister: President Approves Addition of Up to 70,000 Forest Police
President Prabowo Subianto has approved plans to recruit up to 70,000 forestry police officers to protect Indonesia's 125 million hectares of national forest, which are currently guarded by just 4,800 personnel. The decision sets a target ratio of one officer per 2,000 hectares, a significant upgrade from the current reality where each officer covers approximately 25,000 hectares, with implementation still requiring bureaucratic and regulatory adjustments.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 04:16 WIB
Prabowo: Indonesia Ready to Deploy 8,000 Troops to Gaza Within 1-2 Months
President Prabowo Subianto announced at the inaugural Gaza Board of Peace Summit in Washington DC that Indonesia is prepared to deploy 8,000 military personnel to Gaza within one to two months as part of the International Stabilisation Force. Indonesia has been entrusted with the role of deputy commander of the ISF, with Prabowo pledging to appoint the nation's finest officer to the position.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 04:15 WIB
Prabowo: Indonesia Supports Two-State Solution as Path to Lasting Peace
President Prabowo Subianto reaffirmed Indonesia's commitment to a two-state solution as the only path to lasting peace for Palestinians in Gaza, speaking after the inaugural Board of Peace summit in Washington DC.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 04:13 WIB
Forestry Minister affirms Sumatran floods serve as evaluation of forest governance
Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni has declared that the recent flash floods across Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra constitute a fundamental wake-up call for national forest governance, exposing severe understaffing with just 4,800 forestry police tasked with guarding 125 million hectares of forest land.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 04:12 WIB
MUI: No Sweeping Raids, Respect Those Who Are Fasting
The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) Vice Chairman KH Cholil Nafis has called on the public to refrain from conducting vigilante sweeping raids against food stalls that remain open during Ramadan. The statement underscores the importance of respecting those who are fasting without resorting to unilateral enforcement actions.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 04:11 WIB
Prabowo confident Board of Peace's grand plan will deliver Gaza peace
President Prabowo Subianto expressed optimism about the Board of Peace initiative for Gaza following a summit at the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace in Washington D.C., whilst acknowledging significant obstacles ahead. The group of eight Muslim nations invited to participate unanimously agreed that a two-state solution remains the only lasting path to peace for the Palestinian people.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 04:10 WIB
Former Bima Police Chief Immediately Detained at Bareskrim Following Dishonourable Dismissal
Former Bima City Police Chief AKBP Didik Putra Kuncoro has been detained at the National Police Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) detention facility following his dishonourable dismissal through an ethics hearing for drug-related offences. The senior officer faces charges of drug possession and receiving Rp2.8 billion in illicit funds from a narcotics syndicate, with penalties ranging up to the death sentence under Indonesia's narcotics law.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 04:10 WIB
Deputy Forestry Minister Calls on All Stakeholders to Support Social Forestry Development
Deputy Forestry Minister Rohmat Marzuki has urged multi-stakeholder collaboration to expand social forestry programmes, noting the ministry's limited capacity with only 14 technical units nationwide to support 1.4 million recipient households managing 8.3 million hectares of forest.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 04:08 WIB
In Washington, Prabowo Warns of Potential Efforts to Derail Gaza Peace
President Prabowo Subianto attended the inaugural Gaza Board of Peace summit in Washington D.C., warning that vigilance is needed against groups seeking to undermine the comprehensive peace process. Indonesia signalled its readiness to contribute to the International Stabilisation Force and reaffirmed its commitment to Gaza's reconstruction, anchored in the Two-State Solution and UN Security Council Resolution 2803 (2025).
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 04:06 WIB
Prabowo: TNI Troops to Be Deployed to Gaza Within 1-2 Months for Joint ISF Mission
President Prabowo Subianto announced that 8,000 TNI troops will be deployed to Gaza within one to two months to serve alongside the International Stabilisation Force (ISF), with Indonesia appointed as deputy commander of the multinational force.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 04:02 WIB
Four Key Facts About the Rp 25.8 Trillion Illegal Gold Money Laundering Case Under Investigation by Bareskrim
Indonesia's Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) has raided three locations in East Java in connection with a money laundering case linked to illegal gold mining in West Kalimantan, with suspicious transactions totalling Rp 25.8 trillion identified between 2019 and 2025.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 04:01 WIB
Spending the Lunar New Year Touring Temple Festivals in Beijing
The article traces the rich cultural evolution of Beijing's temple festivals from ancient agrarian rituals to the vibrant public celebrations that define modern Lunar New Year festivities. It explores how Buddhism and Taoism transformed temple grounds into hubs of religion, entertainment, and commerce, a tradition that survived the Cultural Revolution and was revived in 1985 to become an inseparable part of Beijing's New Year celebrations.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 04:01 WIB
LPDP and Muhammadiyah Fund 26 Research Proposals
Indonesia's Education Fund Management Agency (LPDP) and Muhammadiyah's central board have jointly funded 26 research proposals from 13 Muhammadiyah universities, worth Rp20 billion. The funding, channelled through the RISPRO Invitasi Berkemajuan programme, targets food security, energy transition, social humanities and economics to strengthen Muhammadiyah's business and industrial ecosystem.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 04:00 WIB
Trump Gives Iran 15-Day Deadline Before Taking Further Action
US President Donald Trump has issued Iran an ultimatum of 10 to 15 days to reach a deal on its nuclear programme, warning that "bad things will happen" if no agreement is reached. The warning came during Trump's inaugural "Peace Council" meeting aimed at securing stability in Gaza, underscoring Washington's increasingly aggressive posture towards Tehran.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 04:00 WIB
Tested Positive for Ecstasy: The Fate of AKBP Didik's Wife and Policewoman Aipda Dianita Who Was Entrusted with Drug-Filled Suitcase
The wife of former Bima City police chief AKBP Didik Putra Kuncoro and a policewoman previously entrusted with a suitcase containing narcotics have both tested positive for MDMA (ecstasy) through hair sample analysis conducted by the National Police forensic laboratory.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 04:00 WIB
Money Laundering Case: National Police Criminal Investigation Agency Raids Semar Gold Shop in Nganjuk
The National Police Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim Polri) raided the Semar Gold Shop in Nganjuk, East Java, as part of a money laundering investigation. The operation, carried out by Bareskrim's Directorate of Economic and Special Crimes, saw a significant police presence deployed to secure the premises during the search.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 03:55 WIB
White House: Prabowo and Trump Agree on New Chapter in Indonesia-US Trade
Presidents Prabowo Subianto and Donald Trump have signed an agreement in Washington to implement a reciprocal trade deal, which the White House describes as the foundation for a "new golden age" in the US-Indonesia alliance. The deal commits Indonesia to eliminating 99 per cent of tariff barriers on American industrial, food and agricultural products, whilst the US will reduce reciprocal tariffs to 19 per cent on Indonesian goods, with potential further reductions for certain commodities.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 03:50 WIB
Indigenous Peoples Bill Stalled for 16 Years in Parliament; Pigai Reveals Why
Indonesia's Minister for Human Rights, Natalius Pigai, has disclosed that conflicting interests with existing sectoral legislation have been the primary obstacle preventing the Indigenous Peoples Bill from being enacted over the past 16 years.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 03:40 WIB
King Charles's Firm Response After Brother's Arrest in Jeffrey Epstein Case: 'The Law Must Take Its Course'
King Charles III issued a statement expressing deep concern following the arrest of his brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Duke of York, on suspicion of misconduct in public office related to allegedly passing classified government documents to Jeffrey Epstein. The King stressed that the law must take its course and pledged full royal cooperation with authorities, while declining further comment as the investigation proceeds.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 03:22 WIB
Palestinian Foreign Ministry Condemns Israel's West Bank Annexation Plan: Palestine Is Not for Sale!
The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has firmly rejected Israel's expansionist plans for the occupied West Bank, declaring that "Palestine is not for sale." The statement came in response to controversial remarks by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar at a UN Security Council meeting, where he defended Israel's effective annexation plans by invoking historical and biblical claims to the territory.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 03:21 WIB
Chinese New Year Holiday Report 2026: 1.5 Million Vehicles from Outside Bandung Flood the Flower City
Bandung Metropolitan Police traffic unit reported that 1.5 million vehicles entered Bandung through various toll gates during the extended Chinese New Year holiday period. The massive influx underscores the persistent challenge of managing holiday traffic congestion in one of Indonesia's most popular domestic tourism destinations.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 03:15 WIB
What Time Does Sahur End During Ramadan 2026? Check the Imsakiyah Schedule
Indonesia's Ministry of Religious Affairs and BAZNAS have issued official guidance clarifying that the sahur (pre-dawn meal) deadline during Ramadan is the subuh (dawn) prayer call, not the imsak time, which serves merely as a precautionary reminder set approximately 10 minutes earlier. The Directorate General of Islamic Community Guidance has released the full imsakiyah timetable for Ramadan 1447 Hijriah for the DKI Jakarta region, with imsak times ranging from 04.31 to 04.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 03:13 WIB
Al Azhar Grand Mosque Predicts Peak Congregation Density in Final 10 Days of Ramadan
The management of Al Azhar Grand Mosque in South Jakarta forecasts that the highest congregation turnout will occur during the last 10 days of Ramadan 1447 Hijriyah. The period is traditionally observed as a time for intensified worship, prompting the mosque to prepare for significantly larger crowds.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 03:07 WIB
Sahroni Commends Police Decision to Dismiss Former Bima Police Chief Charged with Drug Offences
The Indonesian National Police dismissed former Bima City police chief AKBP Didik Putra Kuncoro through an ethics tribunal after he was found guilty of narcotics abuse. Deputy Chairman of House Commission III Ahmad Sahroni praised the decision as a sign of institutional commitment, urging the Internal Affairs Division to remain vigilant in preventing similar misconduct within police ranks.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 03:02 WIB
Top 10 Undergraduate Degrees Most Sought by Employers — Finance Tops the List, Not Engineering
A survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) reveals that Finance and Mechanical Engineering jointly top the list of undergraduate degrees most in demand for the class of 2026, each at 61.3 per cent of employer hiring plans. The findings come amid what the Cengage Group describes as the tightest entry-level job market in five years, with only 30 per cent of graduates securing roles in their field of study and US job creation falling sharply to 181,000 in 2025 from 1.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 03:00 WIB
Freshly Dismissed Former Bima Police Chief AKBP Didik Immediately Sent to Bareskrim Detention
Former Bima City police chief AKBP Didik Putra Kuncoro was detained at the National Criminal Investigation Agency's detention facility on the same day he was dishonourably discharged from the Indonesian National Police following an ethics hearing. He faces narcotics possession charges after drugs were found in a suitcase linked to him, and has been named a suspect in receiving Rp2.8 billion in proceeds from drug crimes by West Nusa Tenggara provincial police.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 03:00 WIB
Bank Indonesia Governor Confident First Quarter 2026 Economy Will Surge, Cites Key Indicators
Bank Indonesia Governor Perry Warjiyo has projected that Indonesia's economic growth will remain elevated in Q1 2026, underpinned by government stimulus measures, accommodative monetary policy, and heightened consumer spending around major religious holidays.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 02:59 WIB
Kerry Mounts Defence, Claims No Evidence of Orders or Intervention in Crude Oil Case
Muhamad Kerry Adrianto Riza, son of fugitive Riza Chalid, delivered his defence plea in the crude oil management corruption trial, asserting that no evidence of orders, intervention, or money flows linked to him was presented throughout the proceedings. The prosecution has sought an 18-year prison sentence and Rp 13.4 trillion in restitution, in a case involving alleged state losses of up to Rp 285 trillion related to Pertamina's oil imports and non-subsidised diesel sales.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 02:30 WIB
Staggering! This Woman's Donations Reach US$26 Billion, Surpassing Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos's Lifetime Giving
MacKenzie Scott, novelist and former wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, has donated approximately US$26 billion over seven years, making her the third-largest philanthropist in history by absolute lifetime giving. Her donations, which include US$7.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 02:03 WIB
Deputy Forestry Minister: Flood-Affected Social Forestry Land in Sumatra to Be Restored
Deputy Forestry Minister Rohmat Marzuki has pledged government support to restore social forestry land damaged by flooding across Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra, including alternative funding mechanisms to accelerate land rehabilitation and economic recovery. The commitment was made at a workshop on inclusive social forestry, which the government considers a national strategy for climate resilience, disaster risk reduction, and equitable welfare — with 8.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 02:00 WIB
Forestry Minister Expands Social Forestry: Targeting 1.4 Million Hectares of Customary Forest in Four Years
Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni has announced plans to accelerate the recognition of customary forests, targeting 1.4 million hectares over the next four years, up from the current 360,000 hectares. The government views social forestry as a key strategy for poverty reduction and sustainable forest management, positioning local communities as primary partners rather than keeping them at arm's length from forest resources.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 02:00 WIB
Ramadan 2026 Imsakiyah Schedule for the Jakarta Region, Friday 20 February 2026
Indonesia's Ramadan 1447 Hijriah entered its second day following the government's official isbat session, which determined the holy month commenced on Thursday 19 February 2026. The imsakiyah schedule for Jakarta sets imsak at 04.32 WIB and Maghrib (fast-breaking) at 18.18 WIB, guiding Muslims in managing their sahur and prayer times.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 02:00 WIB
Acting Bima Police Chief Who Replaced Dismissed Officer Has Own Methamphetamine History, Police Defend Appointment
The Indonesian National Police has defended the appointment of AKBP Catur Setiawan as acting Bima Kota police chief, despite his 2017 positive methamphetamine test, stating it followed proper internal mechanisms within the West Nusa Tenggara Regional Police. Catur replaces AKBP Didik Putra Kuncoro, who was dishonourably discharged by the Police Code of Ethics Commission on 19 February 2026 over a narcotics case, raising pointed public questions about vetting standards within the force.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 01:57 WIB
Deputy Forestry Minister confirms audit results of 24 forest permits in Sumatra to be announced
Indonesia's Deputy Minister of Forestry Rohmat Marzuki has confirmed that the results of government audits into 24 Forest Utilisation Business Permits (PBPH) across Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra will be made public, though no specific timeline was given. The audits were initiated following severe flooding in the three provinces, forming part of a broader forestry governance overhaul that has already seen 40 underperforming permits covering 1.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 01:42 WIB
Trump Signs Peace Council Resolution on Financial Integrity and Transparency
US President Donald Trump signed a unanimously approved Peace Council resolution on financial integrity and transparency, announcing a US$10 billion American commitment to Gaza reconstruction alongside US$7 billion in pledges from Middle Eastern and Central Asian nations. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto attended the inaugural Peace Council meeting in Washington, which drew representatives from more than 20 countries following Trump's January invitation to some 50 nations.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 01:34 WIB
Prabowo Affirms Joining Board of Peace to Support Palestinian Peace Before Trump
President Prabowo Subianto reaffirmed Indonesia's commitment to Palestinian peace at the inaugural Board of Peace meeting in Washington DC, expressing full support for Trump's 20-point plan. The diplomatic move underscores Indonesia's longstanding active stance on global peace efforts, with Prabowo voicing optimism that a lasting and just solution for Palestine can be achieved despite acknowledged challenges.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 01:25 WIB
Trump Invites Iran to Join Board of Peace: 'Bad Things Will Happen' If They Refuse
US President Donald Trump urged Iran to join the newly established Board of Peace during its inaugural meeting, warning that "bad things will happen" should Tehran decline. Trump stressed that Iran cannot continue threatening regional stability and must reach a deal, whilst noting the country's refusal would lead it down "a very different path."
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 01:22 WIB
Indonesian Religious Affairs Minister Prays for Palestinian Independence
Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar called for prayers for Palestinian independence during a joint iftar event with the Saudi Arabian Embassy at Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta. The minister also offered prayers for communities affected by floods and landslides across Sumatra and Java, whilst the Saudi Embassy distributed 2,000 iftar packages as part of a programme sponsored by King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saudi.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 01:12 WIB
A Story of Tolerance from Buru Island: Islamic School Educates Three Students Who Practise Animism
SMK Al Hilaal Namlea, an Islamic foundation school on Buru Island in Maluku, exemplifies Indonesia's potential for interfaith harmony by educating 52 non-Muslim students — including three Animist practitioners from remote highland communities — alongside its Muslim majority.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 01:11 WIB
At Board of Peace Forum, Prabowo Declares Indonesia Ready to Deploy 8,000 Peacekeeping Troops to Gaza
President Prabowo Subianto announced Indonesia's readiness to contribute up to 8,000 personnel to the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) for a peacekeeping mission in Gaza during the inaugural Board of Peace meeting in Washington DC, attended by US President Donald Trump. The commitment aligns with UN Security Council Resolution 2803 (2025) and underscores Indonesia's support for long-term reconstruction in Gaza and the Two-State Solution.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 01:10 WIB
North Sumatra Governor: Central Tapanuli Residents Building Temporary Shelters Independently
North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution visited flash flood-affected areas in Central Tapanuli, where residents have been independently constructing temporary shelters on their own land. The governor confirmed the government has allocated budgets for housing rehabilitation and reconstruction, with Rp60 million in assistance available per household for those whose homes suffered severe damage.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 00:50 WIB
Dismissed Former Bima Police Chief Denies Ordering Subordinate to Solicit Money from Drug Dealer
Former Bima City police chief AKBP Didik Putra Kuncoro, who has been dishonourably discharged, wrote a letter from detention denying he ever ordered his former narcotics unit head to solicit money from a local drug dealer known as Ko Erwin. However, in the same letter, Didik admitted that narcotics found in a suitcase at a woman's house were his personal property, undermining his broader claims of innocence.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 00:44 WIB
IIF Records Net Profit of Rp185.3 Billion in 2025
PT Indonesia Infrastructure Finance (IIF) posted a 51.2 per cent surge in net profit to Rp185.3 billion in 2025, driven by a 44 per cent rise in net interest income and tightly controlled operating costs. The state-backed infrastructure lender signalled plans to raise up to Rp3 trillion in diversified funding in 2026 and announced a partnership with FinDev Canada to support low-carbon infrastructure projects across Indonesia.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 00:32 WIB
A Portrait of Post-Disaster Economic Revival at Takengon's Takjil Bazaar
The bustling Takjil Bazaar in Takengon, Central Aceh, is serving as a visible indicator of economic recovery following the natural disaster that struck the region in late November. Residents are enthusiastically purchasing snacks and meals for breaking their Ramadan fast, signalling a return to normalcy and commercial activity in the affected area.