Archive: 20 February 2026
Showing 201-250 of 862 articles
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 19:01 WIB
Pelindo Ready to Serve Lebaran Homecoming Traffic at 63 Passenger Terminals
State-owned port operator Pelindo has prepared 63 passenger and roll-on/roll-off terminals nationwide to handle the anticipated 2.5 million passengers during the 2026 Lebaran homecoming period, a 5 per cent increase on the previous year.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 18:58 WIB
Kepri Deputy Chief Prosecutor Explains Reasons for Seeking Death Penalty Against Crew Member of 2-Tonne Methamphetamine Ship
The Deputy Head of the Kepulauan Riau High Prosecutor's Office has justified seeking the death penalty against Fandi Ramadhan, a crew member aboard the MT Sea Dragon Tarawa tanker intercepted carrying nearly 2 tonnes of methamphetamine from Thailand.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 18:57 WIB
China Expands Tibetan-Language State Broadcasting as Two US Radio Services Suspended
Beijing has dramatically expanded its Tibetan-language radio programming from one to 17 programmes, coinciding with the suspension of US-funded Radio Free Asia and Voice of America Tibetan services. Reporters Without Borders has warned that the move deepens the information vacuum in Tibet and urged democratic nations to bolster support for independent Tibetan media before alternative news sources are entirely lost.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 18:46 WIB
Mother's Tearful Plea to Free Crew Member Son from Death Penalty in Two-Tonne Methamphetamine Case
The mother of Fandi Ramadhan, a crew member from Medan, has publicly pleaded for her son's release from a death penalty charge in connection with the seizure of nearly two tonnes of crystal methamphetamine at sea in May 2025. Prominent lawyer Hotman Paris has joined the appeal, urging the Attorney General to re-examine the case and calling on President Prabowo Subianto to intervene, arguing that Fandi was an unwitting participant who actively questioned the suspicious cargo.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 18:45 WIB
Kim Jong Un vows to boost living standards as he opens rare congress
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un opened the ninth Workers' Party congress in Pyongyang, pledging to improve economic conditions and living standards after acknowledging the country had endured its "worst difficulties" over the past five years under heavy Western sanctions.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 18:35 WIB
Indonesia says Gaza board role not backing Israel
Indonesia's Deputy Foreign Minister Arrmanatha C. Nasir defended the country's participation in the US-launched Gaza Peace Board, insisting it is aimed at ensuring Jakarta remains engaged in promoting justice and lasting peace for the Palestinian people rather than signalling support for Israel.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 18:32 WIB
KPK Affirms Agriculture Ministry Corruption Investigations Ongoing Amid Lawsuit Over Alleged Delays
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has confirmed that corruption investigations at the Ministry of Agriculture remain active, responding to a pretrial lawsuit filed by civil society groups Arukki and LP3HI alleging unjustified delays in case handling during 2020–2022. The lawsuit, invoking new provisions under Indonesia's revised Criminal Procedure Code, covers three clusters of suspected graft — including FMD vaccine procurement with potential state losses of Rp 75.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 18:26 WIB
Osaka stunned by anonymous gold bar gift worth US$3.6 million to fix ageing water pipes
An anonymous donor gifted 21kg of gold bars worth US$3.6 million to Osaka's waterworks bureau, specifically requesting the funds be used to repair the city's deteriorating water pipes. The donation highlights Japan's growing infrastructure crisis, with Osaka needing to renew 259km of water pipes at an estimated cost of roughly 500 million yen per 2km segment — a challenge familiar to many rapidly urbanised cities across Asia.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 18:25 WIB
Maluku Mobile Brigade Officer Arrested over Fatal Assault of Student in Tual
A member of the Maluku Regional Police Mobile Brigade has been detained after allegedly striking a 14-year-old Islamic secondary school student with a helmet during an illegal street racing patrol in Tual City, resulting in the boy's death. The Maluku Regional Police have initiated both criminal proceedings and a professional ethics review, with the officer facing possible dishonourable discharge.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 18:23 WIB
Jokowi Speaks at Bloomberg Forum in India, Former British PM in Attendance
Former Indonesian President Joko Widodo addressed a private breakfast at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum 2026 in India, presenting his views on artificial intelligence sovereignty to a high-profile audience that included former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Jokowi argued that developing countries should prioritise AI applications over building their own models and infrastructure, as a faster route to harnessing the technology's potential.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 18:19 WIB
MPR Deputy Speaker Condemns Israeli Actions at Al Aqsa, Urges OIC and UN to Push for Peace
Deputy Speaker of Indonesia's MPR, Hidayat Nur Wahid, has strongly condemned Israel's renewed restrictions on worship at Al Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan, including the arrest of imams and limits on Friday prayer attendance.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 18:14 WIB
Questioned as Suspect in Health Case, Richard Lee Not Detained
Influencer doctor Richard Lee was questioned as a suspect over alleged health and consumer protection violations but was not detained, instead being placed on a reporting obligation under the new Criminal Procedure Code. The case, which carries potential sentences of up to 12 years' imprisonment, stems from a complaint filed in December 2024, and police have imposed a travel ban while completing the case file for prosecution.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 18:14 WIB
At 69 Years, Astra Reaffirms Long-Term Commitment to Boosting National Economy
Astra International marked its 69th anniversary with President Director Djony Bunarto Tjondro emphasising the conglomerate's long-term commitment to Indonesia's economic development through its seven business lines, over 300 subsidiaries, and more than 190,000 employees.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 18:13 WIB
Agriculture Minister Conducts Surprise Market Inspection Following Price Hike Reports, Prices Drop Immediately
Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman conducted a surprise inspection at Kebayoran Market in Jakarta after receiving reports of food price increases ahead of Ramadan, resulting in immediate price drops for chicken and garlic following coordinated intervention with police. The minister also uncovered subsidised MinyaKita cooking oil being sold above the regulated maximum retail price and ordered criminal investigation proceedings against the distributors responsible.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 18:08 WIB
Joint team removes 286 cubic metres of rubbish from beneath Sungai Bambu toll road
A joint operation involving some 500 personnel from police, local government, and community groups cleared 286 cubic metres of waste from a temporary disposal site beneath the Ir Wiyoto Wiyono toll road in North Jakarta. The North Jakarta mayor framed the clean-up as part of President Prabowo Subianto's national drive for cleaner public spaces, whilst local environmental officials called for sustained community participation to prevent future accumulation.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 18:08 WIB
First Cry at Sea: Baby Born on Hospital Ship Serving East Kalimantan's Coastal Communities
A baby girl was successfully delivered via Caesarean section aboard the doctorSHARE humanitarian organisation's floating hospital, the KR dr. Lie Dharmawan Bayan Peduli, during a medical mission in Penajam Paser Utara, East Kalimantan. The historic birth on 19 February 2026 highlights the persistent lack of comprehensive healthcare access for Indonesia's coastal populations, even in areas relatively close to urban centres.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 18:06 WIB
Grilled with 35 Questions Until Midnight, Richard Lee Not Detained Despite Suspect Status — Police Explain Why
Jakarta Metropolitan Police opted not to detain Dr Richard Lee despite his formal designation as a suspect in a consumer protection and health law violation case, instead imposing a reporting obligation. The decision, citing Article 100(5) of the new Criminal Procedure Code (Law No. 20/2025), reflects the police's stated commitment to proportional and accountable law enforcement as investigators prepare to transfer the case file to prosecutors.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 18:06 WIB
Lampung's Oil Resource Potential Reaches 830 Million Barrels
Geological surveys estimate Lampung Province holds around 830 million barrels of oil resources, with the broader South Sumatra Area 1 working zone potentially containing 1.4 billion barrels of oil in place. PT Pertamina EP plans to commence 2D seismic surveys in June 2026, with exploration drilling targeted for 2028 and initial production potentially beginning by 2032, underscoring the government's push to boost national oil output through accelerated upstream development.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 18:06 WIB
Indonesian Army Builds Bridge in Ketol Subdistrict
The Indonesian Army is constructing a suspension bridge to connect four isolated villages in Ketol subdistrict, Central Aceh, with completion targeted for early March. The bridge is needed after an emergency crossing built earlier was threatened by rising river levels following heavy rainfall, which has also hampered aid deliveries to disaster-affected communities.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 18:06 WIB
Philippines Says Communication Channels Still Open with Beijing on South China Sea
The Philippine foreign ministry has reaffirmed its commitment to "effective and principled diplomacy" in advancing national interests amid deteriorating exchanges between Manila officials and the Chinese embassy. The statement signals Manila's effort to keep diplomatic channels open with Beijing despite rising tensions over South China Sea disputes, a matter of significant regional concern for Southeast Asian nations including Indonesia.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 18:05 WIB
China's Spring Festival Cultural and Tourism Campaign
China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism launched a month-long cultural and tourism campaign ahead of the Spring Festival, featuring approximately 30,000 events across the country. The campaign focuses on traditional New Year customs, performances, and exhibitions, with activities held in cities spanning Guangdong, Henan, Hubei, and Hebei provinces.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 18:03 WIB
Pramono says Semanggi Park revitalisation will not use regional budget
Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo has announced that the revitalisation of the six-hectare Semanggi Park in Central Jakarta will be funded entirely through creative financing based on naming rights, rather than drawing on the regional budget (APBD).
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 18:00 WIB
Australian study links childhood BMI genetics with adult diabetes and heart disease risk
Researchers at the University of Queensland, using long-term data from the University of Bristol's "Children of the 90s" study, have found that genetic factors influencing body mass index around age 10 and overall growth rates from ages one to 18 are more strongly associated with later-life risks of diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart disease.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:59 WIB
Rosan Plans to Import 50 Boeing Aircraft in Addition to Energy Purchases
Indonesia's Minister of Investment and Danantara CEO Rosan Roeslani has revealed plans to purchase 50 Boeing aircraft and import up to US$15 billion worth of energy annually from the United States under the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART). The deals, which include gas and crude oil imports, form part of broader bilateral trade and investment discussions currently in the pipeline across oil, gas, and other sectors.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:59 WIB
IPC Terminal Petikemas Ready to Handle Ramadan Logistics Surge
IPC Terminal Petikemas (IPC TPK), a subsidiary of state-owned port operator Pelindo, is bolstering operational capacity at Tanjung Priok and five other terminals ahead of Ramadan 1447 Hijriah by adding two rubber-tyred gantry cranes and optimising work schedules to handle the anticipated surge in basic necessities and consumer goods. The company reported container throughput of 299,891 TEUs in January 2026, a 6.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:58 WIB
Indonesia Commits to Purchasing 50 Boeing Aircraft as Part of Prabowo–Trump Tariff Agreement
Indonesia has confirmed plans to purchase 50 Boeing aircraft as part of the reciprocal tariff agreement between President Prabowo Subianto and President Donald Trump. Investment Minister Rosan Perkasa Roeslani, who also serves as CEO of sovereign wealth fund Danantara, will oversee technical negotiations with Boeing, with the deal aimed at strengthening flag carrier Garuda Indonesia's fleet whilst reinforcing US–Indonesia trade ties.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:58 WIB
Iran Ready to Respond Firmly to Any Military Aggression: US Must Bear Full Responsibility
Iran has warned it will respond "firmly and proportionally" to any US military aggression, following reports that American forces in the Middle East are on standby for a potential strike on Tehran. In a letter to the UN Secretary-General and Security Council, Iran's permanent representative invoked Article 51 of the UN Charter on self-defence, urged immediate UN action, and stressed that all enemy military assets in the region would become legitimate targets in the event of an attack.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:57 WIB
MPR Deputy Speaker Urges Renewable Energy as Core Pillar of National Resilience
MPR Deputy Speaker Eddy Soeparno has called for renewable energy to be elevated to a central pillar of national resilience, arguing that energy security should be treated on par with national security amid geopolitical turbulence.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:57 WIB
Richard Lee Not Detained After Questioning at Jakarta Metropolitan Police as Suspect
Doctor Richard Lee was questioned for over eight hours at Jakarta Metropolitan Police headquarters as a suspect in an alleged consumer protection violation linked to beauty products and services, but was released without detention and placed under a reporting obligation. The police confirmed that the case file is being completed for submission to prosecutors, while a separate pre-trial challenge by Lee against his suspect designation was rejected by the South Jakarta District Court.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:55 WIB
Airport Train Struck by Truck at Poris Evacuated, Rail Services Return to Normal
The Soekarno-Hatta Airport train was struck by a trailer truck at a level crossing on the Rawabuaya-Batuceper line, dragging the vehicle approximately 100 metres along the tracks. Following a major emergency response involving infrastructure crews and heavy recovery equipment, both rail tracks were cleared and services restored by the afternoon. The incident highlights ongoing safety concerns at Indonesian level crossings where road and rail traffic intersect.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:54 WIB
Indonesia to Chair UN Human Rights Council Session in Geneva, Hundreds of World Officials to Attend
Indonesia, as President of the UN Human Rights Council for 2026, will lead the 61st session in Geneva from 23 February to 31 March, with more than 100 high-level officials confirmed to attend. The session, coinciding with the Council's 20th anniversary, will see Indonesia promote its "Presidency for All" theme and advance President Prabowo Subianto's priority of strengthening children's access to nutritious food as a human rights issue.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:54 WIB
Prabowo and Trump Sign Trade Agreement Following Board of Peace Summit
Presidents Prabowo Subianto and Donald Trump signed a landmark trade agreement in Washington D.C. on 19 February 2026, granting zero-tariff access for 1,819 Indonesian agricultural and industrial products to the US market while reducing reciprocal tariffs from 32 to 19 per cent.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:53 WIB
Beyond Energy: Rosan Plans Import of 50 Boeing Aircraft
Investment Minister Rosan Roeslani has revealed that Indonesia's Agreement on Reciprocal Trade with the United States includes plans to purchase 50 Boeing aircraft alongside energy imports worth US$15 billion annually. The deal, which covers gas and crude oil procurement, underscores Jakarta's effort to manage its trade balance with Washington whilst securing major investment commitments across the oil, gas, and aviation sectors.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:52 WIB
Freeport McMoRan Pledges USD 20 Billion Investment in Indonesia Over Next 20 Years
Freeport McMoRan has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Indonesian government committing approximately USD 20 billion in additional investment over the next two decades, as part of broader Indonesia-US economic cooperation agreements tied to the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade. The deal also includes a 20-year extension of Freeport's mining concession from 2041 to 2061, reflecting deepened bilateral cooperation on critical minerals access.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:51 WIB
GAIKINDO: Domestic Industry Capable of Meeting Commercial Vehicle Demand
Indonesia's automotive industry association GAIKINDO has asserted that domestic manufacturers have sufficient capacity to meet the country's commercial vehicle needs, pushing back against government plans to import commercial vehicles from India. With national production capacity of over 400,000 pick-up and light commercial vehicles per year and an ecosystem employing 1.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:50 WIB
Koko Erwin, Drug Dealer Who Bribed Senior Police Officer AKBP Didik Putra Kuncoro, Named Suspect
West Nusa Tenggara police have named drug dealer Koko Erwin as a suspect for bribing AKBP Didik Putra Kuncoro, then head of Bima City police, with Rp1 billion to secure protection for his methamphetamine operations. The case, which also implicates Kuncoro and intermediary AKP Malaungi, exposes deep-seated corruption within the regional police force, with the bribe reportedly intended to help purchase a luxury vehicle for the senior officer.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:50 WIB
Viral Outcry Over Foreign Flags Flying on Bali Beaches Prompts Official Crackdown
A viral social media post questioning the display of large foreign flags at beach areas in Bali's Legian prompted local authorities to order their removal. The Legian village head confirmed that beach vendors had previously been warned but ignored instructions, and enforcement action was taken on grounds of aesthetics, nationalism, and the absence of any official state event justifying the displays.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:50 WIB
Not Just Hunger: The 'Greatest Test' of Fasting That Often Goes Unnoticed
A senior Muhammadiyah leader has warned that the true challenge of Ramadan fasting lies not in abstaining from food and drink, but in restraining harmful speech and overcoming anthropocentric attitudes. Speaking at Yogyakarta's historic Gedhe Kauman Mosque, Fathurrahman Kamal argued that modern society's elevation of reason over revelation and its reduction of happiness to material satisfaction have trapped people in self-centred orientations that fasting is specifically designed to correct.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:49 WIB
Prabowo Says There Are Parties Who Want Gaza Peace to Fail
President Prabowo Subianto warned at the inaugural Peace Council meeting in Washington D.C. that certain groups are actively seeking to undermine the Gaza peace process, stressing that a two-state solution remains the only viable path forward.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:48 WIB
Flood-Affected Community Observes 40-Day Prayer Tradition During Ramadan
Residents of Jorong Duo Koto in Tanah Datar regency, West Sumatra, who were affected by flash floods, are continuing their traditional 40-day congregational prayer practice spanning from mid-Sha'ban through Ramadan 1447 Hijriah.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:47 WIB
DKI Jakarta to Continue Weather Modification Operations When Rainfall Exceeds 200mm
The DKI Jakarta provincial government will continue conducting weather modification operations (OMC) whenever rainfall exceeds 200 millimetres, as part of its flood prevention strategy. Preliminary evaluations by the Jakarta Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) indicate the operations have successfully reduced rainfall by 23.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:46 WIB
Dony Oskaria endorses sepablock as permanent housing construction material
BP BUMN chief and Danantara COO Dony Oskaria has backed the use of sepablock — an interlocking brick product made by PT Semen Padang — as the standard material for permanent housing (huntap) built for disaster-affected communities in West Sumatra.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:45 WIB
SAM Air Purchases Three New Aircraft to Strengthen Humanitarian Missions and Pioneer Aviation
PT Yasa Artha Trimanunggal has acquired three new aircraft to bolster the operational capacity of its subsidiary PT Semuwa Aviasi Mandiri (SAM Air). The purchase is aimed at strengthening the airline's humanitarian mission operations and pioneer aviation services in underserved regions of Indonesia.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:43 WIB
Bidara Cina Residents Continue Hunt for Breaking-Fast Snacks Amid Flooding
Residents of Bidara Cina in East Jakarta's Jatinegara district refused to let floodwaters reaching up to 1.7 metres dampen their Ramadan spirit, venturing out to buy takjil (breaking-fast snacks) despite waterlogged and muddy streets.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:41 WIB
KPK Discusses Corruption Mitigation with Finance Ministry Inspectorate and Customs Compliance Unit
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) held coordination meetings with the Finance Ministry's Inspector General and the Directorate General of Customs and Excise's Internal Compliance Unit to discuss preventive measures following the exposure of corruption within the customs authority. Six suspects have been named in an import-related corruption case, with evidence worth Rp 40.5 billion seized, including cash and gold.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:38 WIB
Tangerang Railway Line Restored to Two Tracks After Truck Struck by Soekarno-Hatta Airport Train at Poris Crossing
Railway services on the Tangerang commuter and Soekarno-Hatta airport lines have been restored to two-track operation with speed restrictions after a truck carrying a lifeboat was struck by an airport-bound train at the Poris Station crossing on Friday morning. The collision dragged the truck approximately 100 metres, disrupting services for several hours, though no fatalities were reported and all passengers were safely evacuated.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:36 WIB
BRIN Highlights Importance of Religious Institutions in Post-Disaster Trauma Recovery
A researcher from Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has underscored the central role of religious institutions and spirituality in post-disaster trauma recovery and ecosystem restoration. The researcher argued that spiritual practices must be complemented by strict environmental regulations to build social, spiritual, and ecological resilience in disaster-affected communities.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:36 WIB
Economist predicts rupiah to stabilise at Rp16,800 per US dollar by year-end
Permata Bank's chief economist Josua Pardede forecasts the rupiah will settle between Rp16,700 and Rp16,800 per US dollar by the end of 2026, supported by assessments from MSCI and Moody's. He noted the currency remains undervalued relative to economic fundamentals and could strengthen once external sentiment eases, whilst cautioning that interest rate transmission to the banking sector remains constrained by tight funding costs.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:35 WIB
KPK Says Travel Bans Can Now Only Be Imposed on Suspects
Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has confirmed that under the new Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP) effective 2 January 2026, it can only impose overseas travel bans on suspects, not witnesses. The change led to the lifting of a travel ban on Hajj tour operator owner Fuad Hasan Masyhur, whilst bans on former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas and his ex-special adviser were extended as they hold suspect status in a Hajj quota corruption case.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:35 WIB
Sinar Mas Donates Qurans Through PBNU and IPNU to Mark Ramadan
Sinar Mas's Muslim Foundation (YMSM) has donated 2,000 copies of the Quran to Nahdlatul Ulama's central board (PBNU) and the IPNU Alumni Council for distribution to mosques, prayer halls and Islamic educational institutions during Ramadan. Since 2008, the conglomerate and its business pillars, including APP Group, have donated more than 1.3 million Quran copies, 150,000 reading guides, and 300 sets of Braille Qurans nationwide.