Archive: 20 February 2026
Showing 251-300 of 862 articles
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:35 WIB
Trade Minister: Zero-Tariff US Product Imports Will Not Disrupt National Industry
Indonesia's Trade Minister Budi Santoso has defended the zero per cent tariff on US agricultural imports such as soybeans, wheat and cotton, arguing these are essential raw materials not produced domestically. The policy, part of the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade between Indonesia and the United States, aims to reduce production costs and maintain affordable prices for staple foods including tofu, tempeh and instant noodles.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:34 WIB
Prabowo Claims Conditions in Gaza Have Improved
President Prabowo Subianto claimed that conditions in the Gaza Strip have improved, asserting that humanitarian aid is flowing at its highest levels in years, following the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace in Washington D.C.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:34 WIB
For the Muezzin: Break the Fast or Call the Maghrib Prayer First?
The article addresses a practical question of Islamic ritual priority during Ramadan: whether a muezzin should break their fast or perform the maghrib call to prayer first when sunset arrives. This reflects the intersection of communal religious duty and personal devotional practice in Indonesian Muslim life.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:33 WIB
Flooding Submerges Bidara Cina in East Jakarta, Reaching 1.7 Metres
Severe flooding hit the Tanjung Lengkong area of Bidara Cina, Jatinegara, East Jakarta, with water levels reaching 1.7 metres at their deepest point, affecting approximately 500 households or 1,300 residents. The flooding was triggered by heavy rainfall across southern Jakarta since early Friday morning, compounded by alert level 3 water conditions at Manggarai that impeded downstream drainage, though authorities reported no evacuations were yet necessary.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:33 WIB
Democrat Politician Criticises Jokowi's Sudden Claim of Rejecting KPK Law Revision
Former Commission III member Didik Mukrianto of the Democrat Party has criticised ex-President Joko Widodo's recent claim that he opposed the 2019 revision of the KPK Law, calling it an attempt to wash his hands of responsibility.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:33 WIB
Indonesia to Import US$15 Billion in Oil and Gas from US Annually
Indonesia has agreed to import US$15 billion worth of oil and gas annually from the United States as part of a broader bilateral trade agreement valued at US$33 billion, encompassing liquefied petroleum gas, crude oil, processed gasoline, commercial aircraft, and agricultural products.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:32 WIB
Trump Gives Iran 10–15 Day Ultimatum to Reach Nuclear Deal
US President Donald Trump has issued a 10–15 day deadline for Iran to agree a nuclear deal, warning that "bad things" will follow if no substantive agreement is reached, whilst the United States deploys its largest naval and air force presence to the Middle East in decades. The escalating tensions have pushed Brent crude back above US$70 per barrel for the first time since July 2025, as Iran warns it will respond "firmly and decisively" to any military aggression.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:32 WIB
Israel Restricts Palestinian Worshippers at Al-Aqsa on First Friday of Ramadan
Israeli forces severely restricted Palestinian access to Al-Aqsa Mosque on the first Friday of Ramadan, capping entry at 10,000 worshippers and turning away thousands at military checkpoints despite some holding valid permits. The crackdown comes amid heightened Israeli security measures in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, including increased arrests and expulsion orders in the weeks leading up to the holy month.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:31 WIB
BRIN Researcher Says Ecotheology Offers Solution for Dual Post-Disaster Trauma
A researcher from Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has proposed ecotheology as an integrative approach to addressing the twin traumas of ecological destruction and psychosocial harm suffered by communities after natural disasters.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:30 WIB
Realising Indonesia's Aquatic Food Sovereignty
An opinion piece argues that aquatic food — including shrimp, fish, and seaweed — should serve as a central pillar of Indonesia's food sovereignty agenda under President Prabowo's Asta Cita programme. The author highlights persistent inequalities in access to nutritious aquatic food across regions and the marginalisation of small-scale fishers, calling for robust aquatic food policies to improve nutrition, value chains, and export markets.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:30 WIB
FIFA President Discusses Building 25,000-Seat Stadium in Gaza at Board of Peace Summit
FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced a partnership with the Board of Peace to build football infrastructure in Gaza, including a national stadium seating up to 25,000, at the inaugural summit in Washington DC. The event was attended by dozens of heads of state, including Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, underscoring the international diplomatic dimension of the reconstruction initiative, which carries a combined investment of approximately US$73.5 million.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:29 WIB
How Much Is Zakat Fitrah in 2026? Here Are the Rates
Indonesia's National Zakat Agency (BAZNAS) has set the 2026 zakat fitrah rate at Rp 50,000 per person, equivalent to 2.5 kilogrammes or 3.5 litres of premium rice, whilst fidyah has been set at Rp 65,000 per person per day. The rates, established through BAZNAS Chairman's Decree No. 14 of 2026, were determined following an in-depth review of rice prices across Indonesia and will serve as a uniform guideline for zakat collection during Ramadan 2026.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:29 WIB
Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo Promotes Adoption of Japanese Agricultural Technology in Indonesia
The Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo is urging young Indonesian farmers participating in the 41st batch of the Indonesian Young Farm Leaders Training Program in Japan (IYFLTPJ) to apply Japanese modern farming techniques to strengthen Indonesia's agricultural sector. The programme, a 40-year collaboration between the Indonesian and Japanese governments, has trained over 650 young farmers who serve as change agents and farm leaders across Indonesia's regions.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:29 WIB
World Today: Former Prince Andrew Arrested in Epstein-Linked Investigation
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested by Thames Valley Police on suspicion of misconduct in public office related to allegations he passed sensitive government documents to Jeffrey Epstein, before being released under investigation.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:28 WIB
Provincial Legislature Warns of Looming Waste Crisis Linked to Sarimukti Facility Conditions
West Java's provincial legislature has warned of a potential waste emergency in Greater Bandung, as the Sarimukti waste processing facility's remaining capacity is predicted to last only one more year. With its replacement facility, Legok Nangka, not due for completion until 2029, legislators are urging local governments and residents to immediately implement waste sorting at source to bridge a critical three-to-four-year gap and avert rubbish piling up on streets.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:28 WIB
Analyst: US Zero Per Cent Tariff to Benefit Indonesia's Textile Industry
A leading Indonesian economist argues that the newly agreed US zero-tariff scheme for Indonesian textiles will significantly boost export-oriented manufacturers, who send over 60 per cent of their output to the American market.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:28 WIB
After Receiving Price Hike Reports, Agriculture Minister Amran Conducts Surprise Market Inspection — Prices Immediately Drop by Rp 15,000
Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman conducted a surprise inspection at Pasar Kebayoran in Jakarta after receiving public complaints about rising food prices, resulting in an immediate Rp 15,000 per kilogram drop in chicken prices following coordination with police. The inspection also uncovered MinyaKita cooking oil being sold above its regulated maximum retail price, with the minister warning that all food sector actors must comply with pricing regulations ahead of Ramadan.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:27 WIB
What Time Is Ngabuburit? Ramadan 2026 Iftar Schedule
The article explores the Sundanese cultural tradition of ngabuburit — the practice of filling time before iftar during Ramadan — and provides the complete 2026 iftar schedule for DKI Jakarta as published by the Ministry of Religious Affairs. The ideal time for ngabuburit is generally from around 4.30pm until the maghrib call to prayer, which falls between 6.07pm and 6.18pm WIB throughout Ramadan 1447 H.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:27 WIB
South Korea's Yoon Prolongs Cycle of Convicted Presidents
A Seoul court sentenced former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to life imprisonment on sedition charges for his short-lived martial law declaration in December 2024, deepening political divisions rather than resolving them. The conviction has split the conservative People Power Party, whilst the ruling Democratic Party pushes for harsher punishment, all against the backdrop of a slowing economy, rising US tariffs, and local elections looming in June.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:26 WIB
Director General of Population and Civil Registration Pushes Banyumas and Depok to Become Role Models for Digital Identity Transformation
Indonesia's Directorate General of Population and Civil Registration (Dukcapil) at the Ministry of Home Affairs is positioning Banyumas Regency and Depok City as pilot regions for the national Digital Population Identity (IKD) transformation programme. The initiative aims to integrate digital population services across social assistance, healthcare and banking sectors, with the goal of making social protection distribution more targeted, transparent and accountable.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:26 WIB
ETLE Precision Drone Patrol Monitors Traffic on Sukaraja-Sukabumi Route Ahead of Operasi Ketupat 2026
Indonesia's National Traffic Police Corps (Korlantas Polri) is deploying precision ETLE drone patrols to monitor traffic flows along the Sukaraja-Sukabumi corridor in preparation for Operasi Ketupat 2026, the nationwide security operation for the Eid al-Fitr holiday period. The technology-driven approach provides real-time aerial surveillance of vehicle volumes, congestion patterns, and potential bottlenecks, reinforcing the force's commitment to digital transformation in traffic management.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:24 WIB
Agriculture Minister Amran Conducts Surprise Inspection at Kebayoran Market After Reports of Rising Chicken Prices
Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman personally inspected Kebayoran Market in Jakarta after receiving reports of inflated chicken and garlic prices during Ramadan, with a single phone call to police reportedly causing chicken prices to drop from Rp40,000 to Rp25,000 per kilogram. The minister also seized evidence of subsidised cooking oil (MinyaKita) being sold well above its mandated retail price, ordering law enforcement to trace the supply chain and seal offending businesses.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:23 WIB
Epstein Scandal: What You Need to Know About Andrew
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office, a common law offence, and released pending further investigation. The arrest caps years of scandal surrounding his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, which led to King Charles stripping Andrew of his royal titles in November 2025 and his removal from the royal residence at Windsor.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:23 WIB
New BPJS Ketenagakerjaan Chief Pledges to Expand Membership Coverage
Newly appointed BPJS Ketenagakerjaan chief executive Saiful Hidayat has outlined a five-year strategic plan built around three pillars — Coverage, Care, and Credibility — with a particular focus on extending social security protection to informal workers, migrant workers, and MSMEs. The new board of directors and supervisory council for the 2026–2031 term were inaugurated by Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment Abdul Muhaimin Iskandar, following Presidential Decree No.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:22 WIB
Last-Minute Room Bookings Affect Hotel Occupancy Rates
The Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) has revealed that last-minute room bookings by tourists are making it increasingly difficult to predict hotel occupancy rates. The trend is driven by road travellers who use digital platforms to compare prices and facilities at the last moment, in contrast to air travellers who plan their trips well in advance.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:21 WIB
Majority of Kebon Pala Residents Accept Ciliwung River Normalisation
Most residents of Kebon Pala in Kampung Melayu have expressed willingness to accept the planned normalisation of the Ciliwung River, a strategic Jakarta provincial government programme aimed at flood control. Data collection for the project has already been underway for several months, though some residents remain concerned about the impact on their homes and are calling for fair compensation, proper relocation, and transparent community engagement throughout the process.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:21 WIB
Police Propose Including Whip Pink in Narcotics Law to Prevent Misuse
Indonesia's National Police have proposed that nitrous oxide (N2O) sold in Whip Pink canisters be added to the appendix of the Narcotics Law, citing widespread recreational misuse and regulatory loopholes that currently prevent enforcement. Distributors are exploiting gaps by using fictitious business-to-business transaction schemes to circumvent BPOM oversight, whilst the substance has become a lifestyle trend promoted at major music festivals and on social media.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:20 WIB
Home Affairs Minister inspects post-disaster reconstruction in East Aceh
Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian visited East Aceh to inspect progress on post-disaster reconstruction, highlighting the district as one of five requiring particular attention among the 18 affected regencies and municipalities in Aceh. The minister distributed community aid and emphasised the government's commitment to restoring damaged infrastructure, clearing mud deposits, repairing irrigation channels, and reopening severed road access across the affected areas.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:20 WIB
Indonesia and US Agree on Zero Per Cent Tariff for Textile Products: Key Provisions
Indonesia and the United States have signed an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) granting zero per cent tariffs on Indonesian textiles and garments through a Tariff Rate Quota mechanism tied to Indonesia's purchase of American raw materials such as cotton and man-made fibre.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:19 WIB
Misbakhun Responds to Economic Outlook 2026: Indonesia Needs Investment with Real Impact
House of Representatives Commission XI Chairman Misbakhun has called for Indonesia to pursue investments that deliver tangible outcomes — creating industries, expanding employment, and building national capacity — in response to the government's Economic Outlook 2026 forum.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:19 WIB
Ramadan Roundup: Sundanese Quran Exhibition in Bandung
An exhibition of the Al Quran Sundawi, featuring Quran pages adorned with calligraphy and traditional West Javanese ornamental motifs, is being held at the Quran Gallery of the Centre for Islamic Da'wah Studies (Pusdai) in Bandung throughout Ramadan 1447 H. The educational exhibition aims to preserve both Islamic and Sundanese cultural heritage through the unique fusion of religious scripture and regional artistic traditions.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:19 WIB
ZTE and MyRepublic Partner to Deliver 5G FWA Services Outside Java
Chinese technology firm ZTE has formed a strategic partnership with internet provider MyRepublic to roll out 5G Fixed Wireless Access broadband services across Indonesia's outer islands, including Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Bali, and Nusa Tenggara. The collaboration, dubbed Project Ascend, aims to bridge the digital divide by bringing high-speed wireless broadband to underserved areas with medium-to-low population density, leveraging the 1.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:19 WIB
Deputy Home Affairs Minister: Free Nutritious Meals Programme Also Drives Economy and Education
Deputy Home Affairs Minister Bima Arya Sugiarto has emphasised that the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme is designed not only to improve children's health but also to stimulate local economies and support education. The Ministry of Home Affairs is finalising a circular letter to guide regional heads in implementing 17 designated local government roles under Presidential Regulation No.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:19 WIB
ICW Criticises DPR for Reinstating Sahroni as Commission III Deputy Chair
Indonesia Corruption Watch has sharply criticised the House of Representatives for reappointing Ahmad Sahroni as Deputy Chair of Commission III, the body overseeing legal affairs, arguing his controversial remarks that sparked nationwide protests in August 2025 make him unfit for public office. Sahroni had been found guilty of an ethics violation and suspended for six months, but returned to active duty in early February 2026.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:19 WIB
Ministry of Home Affairs Targets 20% Activation of Digital Population Identity by 2026
Indonesia's Directorate General of Population and Civil Registration has set a target of 20 per cent activation of the Digital Population Identity (IKD) among mandatory ID card holders by 2026, alongside significant infrastructure upgrades including a Tier 3 Data Centre and ISO 27001 security standards. The ambitious work plan for 2026-2027 aims to build a lasting digital legacy for population administration services, with particular emphasis on reaching remote and underdeveloped regions.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:18 WIB
Reflections on Corruption Cases in the Tax Sector
A series of sting operations by Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) in early 2026 has exposed systemic graft within the tax administration, including bribery linked to tax audits and refund manipulation. The article argues these recurring cases signal a fundamental failure of internal oversight and merit-based governance, demanding simultaneous bureaucratic and law enforcement reform to safeguard public finances and fiscal credibility.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:17 WIB
Hankook strengthens distributor network to capitalise on 2026 market opportunities
South Korean tyre maker Hankook Tire Sales Indonesia is deepening collaboration with 24 selected distributors across Indonesia after achieving 130 per cent sales growth in 2025. The company's 2026 strategy centres on three product lines — electric vehicle tyres, SUV tyres, and commercial vehicle technology — while also targeting the replacement tyre segment as consumers hold on to vehicles longer.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:17 WIB
When Flooding in Rawa Buaya Becomes a Children's Water Playground
Recurring flooding in Rawa Buaya, West Jakarta, has once again turned residential areas into improvised playgrounds for local children, highlighting the normalisation of flood conditions in the capital. Residents report being largely inured to flood-related illnesses, though minor ailments such as chills and colds remain common, raising questions about long-term public health and infrastructure investment in flood-prone neighbourhoods.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:16 WIB
BKSAP and Foreign Ministry Discuss Dynamics of Indonesia's Participation in Board of Peace
Indonesia's Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Body (BKSAP) held coordination talks with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to discuss the implications of Indonesia's membership in the Board of Peace (BoP), stressing that involvement must remain consistent with constitutional principles and support for Palestinian independence.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:16 WIB
Noisy Padel Court Draws Residents' Complaints; Pramono Vows Firm Action If Permits Are Incomplete
Residents in Cilandak, South Jakarta, have lodged complaints over noise generated by a padel court operating in their neighbourhood. Jakarta Governor Pramono has pledged to take firm enforcement action should the facility's permits prove incomplete, signalling the administration's readiness to crack down on businesses flouting licensing requirements.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:16 WIB
Glass industry urges review of pick-up truck import plan
Indonesia's flat and safety glass industry association is calling on the government to reassess plans to import 105,000 pick-up trucks from India in fully built-up form, warning it could reduce domestic automotive glass demand by around 10 per cent. The Industry Minister has affirmed that Indonesia is capable of producing pick-up trucks domestically, noting that sourcing 70,000 units locally would generate approximately Rp27 trillion in backward economic linkages.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:16 WIB
Pasar Jaya Director's Bold Move to Attract Gen Z and Millennials
Pasar Jaya, Jakarta's state-owned market operator, is pursuing a strategy to attract younger consumers by creating distinctive offerings at each traditional market. The initiative includes promoting vintage goods at Pasar Santa and upgrading public facilities such as clean toilets, ATM kiosks, and contemporary food courts.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:14 WIB
China Boosts Mudik Transportation During Lunar New Year Holiday
China has ramped up transportation capacity across civil aviation, railways, and other sectors during the Spring Festival mudik season. Enhancements include intermodal air-rail transport, quiet carriages, baggage delivery services, and priority lanes for vulnerable groups, all aimed at ensuring safe and smooth passenger travel.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:14 WIB
Cipulir Residents Miss Pre-Dawn Meal as They Scramble to Save Belongings During Flooding
Residents of Cipulir in South Jakarta were forced to skip their Ramadan pre-dawn meal (sahur) after flash flooding compelled them to urgently salvage household items. The Jakarta Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) reported 123 neighbourhood units and nine road segments remained inundated, deploying multiple agencies to pump out floodwater and provide basic necessities to affected communities.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:14 WIB
JCI Closes Lower Amid US-Iran Tensions; Three LQ45 Stocks Buck the Trend
Indonesia's Jakarta Composite Index (JCI) edged down 0.03 per cent to 8,217.76 on Friday, weighed down by escalating US-Iran tensions and a lack of fresh positive domestic catalysts. Despite broader market weakness — particularly in the non-cyclical consumer, transport, and energy sectors — three LQ45 blue-chip stocks posted notable gains, led by XLSMART Telecom Sejahtera (EXCL) surging 9.09 per cent.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:12 WIB
Indonesia Sees US Export Boost After Trade Pact
Indonesia and the United States have struck a reciprocal trade agreement that will grant zero-tariff access for 1,819 Indonesian tariff lines, covering key commodities such as palm oil, coffee, cocoa, rubber, semiconductors and textiles. The deal, which Jakarta hopes to ratify this year, is expected to further widen Indonesia's already substantial US$21.12 billion trade surplus with the US recorded in 2025.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:07 WIB
Despite Previous Cancellation, Is a US Attack on Iran Imminent? Here Are 6 Indicators
US news outlet Axios has identified six factors suggesting a potential military conflict between the United States and Iran, amid President Donald Trump's renewed pressure campaign since returning to the White House. The analysis highlights escalating tensions that could lead to armed confrontation between the two nations.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:06 WIB
DPR Member Ilham Permana Urges State Spending to Deliver Sustainable Impact
Golkar parliamentarian Ilham Permana has called for the Rp 24.66 trillion procurement of 105,000 commercial vehicles for the Koperasi Desa Merah Putih programme to be treated as a strategic industrial policy opportunity, not merely a logistics transaction.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:05 WIB
From Papua to Aceh: Regions Race to Develop Rice Paddies for Food Self-Sufficiency
Regions across Indonesia, from Papua to Aceh, are simultaneously accelerating efforts to create new rice paddies as part of the national food self-sufficiency drive. The coordinated push involves area-specific strategies, including large-scale land clearing, to strengthen national food security.
Fri, 20 Feb 2026, 17:03 WIB
Differences in Fasting Between Muslims, Jews, and Christians
The article explores the comparative religious practice of fasting across Islam, Judaism, and Christianity, noting that the Quran itself acknowledges fasting was prescribed for communities preceding Islam. It highlights how this shared obligation connects the Abrahamic faiths whilst each tradition maintains distinct rules and observances.