Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 20 February 2026

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Prabowo Guarantees Conducive Investment Climate in Indonesia Before American Business Leaders

President Prabowo Subianto addressed American business leaders at a summit hosted by the US Chamber of Commerce in Washington DC, pledging that Indonesia would consistently maintain a stable and conducive investment climate underpinned by rule of law, anti-corruption efforts, and fiscal discipline.

Aceh Requires Fogging Supplies to Tackle Post-Flood Mosquito Crisis

Aceh Tamiang's Health Department is urgently requesting fogging equipment and chemicals from the Ministry of Health to combat a dramatic surge in mosquito populations following the late November 2025 flash floods, with 11 suspected dengue cases recorded since December. The district needs 14 additional fogging machines to service 216 villages and 35 displacement sites, as all existing equipment was destroyed in the flooding.

Energy Ministry says US trade deal does not alter Indonesia's energy independence trajectory

Indonesia's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has affirmed that the bilateral trade agreement with the United States, which includes approximately US$15 billion in energy imports, does not alter the country's national energy independence policy. The deal covers LPG, crude oil, and refined gasoline purchases but notably excludes diesel imports, whilst critical minerals cooperation and renewable energy trade terms remain under negotiation.

Ubud Palace to Conduct Balancing Ceremony After Ancient Fig Tree Collapses

The Ubud Palace will conduct a Mercaru Ngeresigana Kerubuhan ceremony on 20 February 2026 following the catastrophic collapse of a 300-year-old sacred fig tree that crashed onto palace grounds on 15 February. The ceremony, rooted in Bali's Tri Hita Karana philosophy, seeks to restore spiritual and natural balance following the disaster, reflecting the tree's historical significance to the palace's founding and the deep cultural importance of such rituals in Balinese Hindu practice.

Cruise Ship Fire in Singapore Kills One Indonesian Crew Member

A fire aboard the cruise ship World Legacy off the coast of Singapore killed one Indonesian crew member and led to the evacuation of all 271 passengers. Preliminary investigations indicate the blaze broke out in a lounge area on the ninth deck on Friday morning, with the cause still under investigation by Singapore's maritime authorities.

Viral Video of Women Chatting on Busway Divider Sparks Humour and Safety Concerns

A viral video showing two women casually chatting on the busway lane divider in Jakarta's Mampang area has drawn widespread amusement and safety concerns from netizens. The incident highlights the persistent issue of informal use of dedicated public transport infrastructure in Indonesian cities, as residents spontaneously repurpose spaces not designed for pedestrian activity.

Indonesia to Import US Oil Worth Rp253 Trillion Annually

Indonesia has committed to purchasing US$15 billion worth of crude oil annually from the United States as part of a broader economic cooperation package linked to the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade signed by Presidents Prabowo and Trump. The deal also includes plans to acquire 50 Boeing aircraft and potential investment in oil and gas infrastructure, signalling a significant deepening of bilateral trade ties aimed at addressing the US trade deficit with Indonesia.

KPKP Sub-agency: Ramadan Staple Goods Supply Secured in North Jakarta

North Jakarta's KPKP sub-agency head confirmed that staple food supplies remain adequate and prices stable ahead of Ramadan, following joint inspections with Metro Jaya Police, Bapanas, and Bulog at Koja Market. Weekly monitoring teams are deployed across two markets in each North Jakarta sub-district, with authorities prepared to intervene should any price spikes occur during the religious holiday period.

Central Java Provincial Government Officially Implements 5 Per Cent Vehicle Tax Discount Until End of 2026

The Central Java provincial government has officially enacted a 5 per cent relaxation on motor vehicle tax (PKB), effective from 20 February 2026 through to the end of the year. The discount measure is aimed at easing the tax burden on vehicle owners across the province.

PKB: Deployment of TNI Troops to Gaza Must Be Discussed with Parliament

A PKB lawmaker on the House Commission I has called on the Defence Ministry to consult parliament before deploying up to 8,000 TNI personnel to Gaza as part of the US-led International Stabilisation Force. The demand follows President Prabowo Subianto's commitment at the inaugural Board of Peace summit in Washington, which has drawn criticism from rights groups who argue the mission undermines Indonesia's pro-Palestine stance.

Xpeng wins three awards at IIMS 2026 exhibition

Chinese electric vehicle brand Xpeng swept three prestigious awards at the Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS) 2026, including Best Premium MPV for the X9, Best Premium EV Sedan for the Next P7, and Best Booth.

CORE: Industrialisation Remains Vital for Indonesia's Economic Growth Targets

The Center of Reform on Economics (CORE) has warned that Indonesia's 8 per cent economic growth target is unattainable without deeper industrialisation, expressing concern that the US-Indonesia reciprocal trade agreement prioritises zero-tariff access for raw commodities rather than high value-added manufactured goods.

List of Serious Charges Against Former Bima Police Chief AKBP Didik Leading to Dishonourable Discharge

Former Bima City police chief AKBP Didik Putra Kuncoro has been dishonourably discharged from the Indonesian National Police after being found guilty of multiple serious violations by the Police Code of Ethics Commission. The charges include abuse of authority, sexual misconduct, drug offences, and breaching his oath of office, with the hearing drawing testimony from 18 witnesses at National Police Headquarters in Jakarta.

When Hunger Tests Integrity

Local governments across West Nusa Tenggara province are enforcing strict civil servant discipline during Ramadan, with pay deductions for tardiness and enhanced supervision despite reduced working hours. The fasting month serves as a proving ground for bureaucratic commitment, as public demand for health, administrative, and security services intensifies even as official working hours are cut from 37 to 32.5 hours per week in line with national policy.

Prajogo Pangestu's Subsidiary Partners with Global Firm for Geothermal Project in Lampung

Star Energy Geothermal, a subsidiary of Prajogo Pangestu-controlled Barito Renewables Energy (BREN), has signed a collaboration agreement with global technology company SLB to develop the Sekincau geothermal project in Lampung. The partnership covers project planning, integrated drilling services, and a framework for identifying future geothermal opportunities both in Indonesia and internationally, including North America, positioning Indonesia as a global hub for geothermal energy expertise.

Ministry predicts 144 million travellers for 2026 Eid homecoming

Indonesia's Transportation Ministry forecasts approximately 144 million people will travel during the 2026 Eid homecoming period, with the actual figure likely to exceed projections as it did last year when 154 million travelled against a forecast of 146 million.

South Jakarta Immigration Raids 'Celebrity Portrait' Event, 13 Foreign Nationals Found in Violation

South Jakarta's Immigration Office has deported 13 Chinese and Malaysian nationals who were working illegally as photographers, make-up artists, and stylists at a commercial 'Celebrity Portrait' photo shoot event. The foreign nationals held visit permits that did not authorise employment, prompting their deportation via Soekarno-Hatta Airport and a ban on re-entering Indonesia for a specified period.

Paediatrician: Train children to fast through fun challenges

A paediatrician in Samarinda has recommended that parents introduce fasting to young children by framing it as an exciting month-long challenge, beginning with familiarisation at age three to four and half-day fasts by age five to six.

Freeport Extends Indonesia Contract to 2061 with $20 Billion Investment

Indonesia has agreed to extend Freeport-McMoRan's Special Mining Business Licence (IUPK) for the Grasberg mine in Central Papua by 20 years to 2061, with an investment commitment of approximately US$20 billion. The memorandum of understanding was signed alongside a broader reciprocal trade agreement between Indonesia and the United States, signalling deepening economic ties between the two nations under the Prabowo and Trump administrations.

KPK Summons Regional Officials and Council Members from Ponorogo

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has summoned heads of several regional government agencies and a local council member from Ponorogo, East Java, as part of its investigation into alleged corruption involving suspended Regent Sugiri Sancoko. The case, which originated from a sting operation in November 2025, encompasses multiple clusters of alleged bribery related to position procurement, hospital project contracts, and gratification within the Ponorogo regency administration.

Date Products from Israeli-Occupied Territories Allegedly Exported with False Labels

An investigation has revealed that a significant proportion of date products sold in European markets are allegedly using false labelling to conceal their true origins in Israeli-occupied territories. The Anadolu report points to strong indications of systematic mislabelling in the international date trade, raising questions about consumer transparency and trade compliance.

Surabaya Retains 'Highly Satisfactory' Rating at SAKIP & ZI Awards 2025

Surabaya has maintained its AA rating in the 2025 Government Agency Performance Accountability System (SAKIP) assessment, reflecting sustained excellence in local governance. The city's achievement is attributed to continuous improvement, cross-agency collaboration, real-time data-driven innovation, and precisely targeted social interventions reaching residents by name and address.

Tourism Security Synergy and Bali's Economic Optimism Ahead of Major Holidays in 2026

Bali is reinforcing its tourism sector through a specialised civil service police unit that takes a humanistic approach to patrolling nearly 500 tourist sites, reducing violations and educating visitors on local cultural norms. Bank Indonesia data from January 2026 shows rising business optimism on the island, with upcoming religious celebrations including Imlek, Nyepi, Ramadan, and Eid al-Fitr expected to serve as additional catalysts for economic growth in the first quarter.

Empowering Zakat Recipients: From MBG Supply Chains to New Zakat Payers

This opinion piece argues that the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme's vast supply chain presents an untapped opportunity to empower zakat recipients (mustahik) by connecting them to real markets, ultimately transforming them into zakat payers (muzaki).

Jakarta Metropolitan Police Arrest Drug Dealer in Bekasi, Seize 1.3 Kg of Cannabis

The Jakarta Metropolitan Police's Narcotics Directorate apprehended a suspected drug dealer at a photocopy shop in Rawalumbu, Bekasi, West Java, seizing 1,337 grammes of cannabis found in a cardboard box. The arrest, carried out on 19 February following a tip-off from the public, underscores the force's ongoing campaign to eradicate narcotics trafficking across the Greater Jakarta area.

Prabowo Introduces 18 Strategic Projects to American Investors

President Prabowo Subianto pitched 18 strategic downstreaming projects to US business leaders at a Chamber of Commerce summit in Washington, spanning sectors from aluminium smelting and copper processing to solar modules and bio-jet fuel. The push underscores Indonesia's ambition to move up the global supply chain by expanding domestic processing capacity, with the sovereign wealth fund Danantara positioned as the primary financing vehicle alongside a US$3 billion waste-to-energy initiative.

Overnight Rain Causes Flooding of Up to 1.2 Metres in Villa Tomang, Tangerang

Heavy overnight rainfall in Tangerang Regency caused severe flooding of up to 1.2 metres in the Villa Tomang Baru housing estate, affecting some 300 households across five neighbourhood units and severing a key road link between Tangerang Regency and Tangerang City. Local disaster agency crews are pumping floodwaters into the nearby Cirarab River as residents evacuate to relatives' homes or safer locations.

iPhone 17 Pro Max Becomes Most Traded-In Smartphone

The iPhone 17 Pro Max has become the most frequently traded-in smartphone on the second-hand market despite being released only months ago, accounting for 11.5 per cent of the top 20 trade-in devices according to SellCell data. The model's resale value has declined by only 25.4 per cent over 145 days since launch — less than its predecessor — suggesting stronger value retention and indicating that owners are capitalising on still-high resale prices.

Rawa Buaya in West Jakarta Flooded as Kali Angke Overflows, Residents Rush to Save Belongings

Flooding from the overflowing Kali Angke river inundated several neighbourhood units in Rawa Buaya, West Jakarta, with water levels reaching 70 centimetres on Friday 20 February. Residents reported the flooding began after the pre-dawn sahur meal and peaked around 11:00 WIB, forcing them to evacuate motorcycles and household goods to higher ground.

Jakarta Metropolitan Police Arrest Marijuana Dealer with 1.3 kg in Bekasi

Jakarta Metropolitan Police's narcotics directorate arrested a suspected marijuana dealer in Rawalumbu, Bekasi, seizing 1,337 grammes of cannabis found in a cardboard box at a photocopy shop. The arrest, carried out on 19 February following a community tip-off, underscores the force's ongoing commitment to combating drug trafficking across the Greater Jakarta area.

KAI Focuses on Restoring Airport Rail Line Following Level Crossing Incident

PT Kereta Api Indonesia temporarily suspended Airport Commuter Line services after a truck struck a train at the Poris–Batu Ceper level crossing in Tangerang on Friday morning. All passengers were safely evacuated with no casualties reported, and KAI targeted partial restoration of one track from 14:30 WIB whilst pursuing legal action against the offending vehicle operator.

List of Indonesian-US Business Agreements Signed in Prabowo's Presence

Indonesian and American business leaders signed 11 cooperation agreements worth a total of US$38.4 billion following a business summit hosted by the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) and the US Chamber of Commerce in Washington DC.

Singapore Energy Asset Acquisition — Chandra Asri Strengthens National Petrochemical Industry

PT Chandra Asri Pacific's acquisition of energy and chemical assets in Singapore through subsidiary Aster Chemicals and Energy is seen by analysts as a strategic move to bolster both the company's regional position and Indonesia's national petrochemical sector. The expansion, which encompasses refinery management, ethylene crackers, and fuel retail networks, is complemented by domestic investment in a Chlor Alkali–Ethylene Dichloride plant in Cilegon projected to cut imports by Rp4.

South Sulawesi prepares price standardisation posts to maintain stability during Ramadan

South Sulawesi's regional leadership forum conducted surprise inspections of markets to ensure staple goods prices remain stable during Ramadan. Anticipating potential price rises ahead of Eid, the provincial government and state logistics agency Bulog plan to establish price standardisation posts across several markets to serve as price benchmarks for the public.

Toyota RAV4 in Japan Features Home Power Supply Lasting Up to Seven Days

Toyota has launched plug-in hybrid and GR Sport versions of the RAV4 in Japan, featuring a "Power Supply Time Priority Mode" capable of powering a household for up to seven days at a constant 400W load. The vehicle combines a 2.5-litre engine with dual electric motors and a 22.7 kWh battery pack, producing a combined output of 324 hp, whilst also serving as a versatile external power source for various applications from camping to live broadcasting.

Thousands Affected by Flooding in East Jakarta, No Evacuations Yet

Flooding and waterlogging across five urban villages in East Jakarta has affected 1,382 residents from 432 households, though no evacuation shelters have been established as most residents chose to remain in their homes. Floodwaters reached up to 125 centimetres in some areas, with joint response teams continuing to monitor water levels and coordinate with relevant agencies.

Indonesia-US Trade Deal on Livestock Slaughter Risks Breaching Halal Assurance Regulations

The Indonesia-US Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) contains provisions in Annex III Article 2.22 that require Indonesia to accept American livestock slaughter practices and exempt a wide range of US products from halal certification, potentially contravening Indonesia's Law No. 33/2014 on Halal Product Assurance.

Ministry of Public Works Prepares Additional 10 Functional Toll Roads to Support Lebaran Exodus

Indonesia's Ministry of Public Works is preparing 10 additional functional toll road sections spanning 290.855 kilometres to ease traffic flow during the 2026 Lebaran homecoming period, which is expected to see some 144 million travellers. The government is also coordinating traffic management measures including contraflow systems, one-way schemes, and odd-even number plate restrictions on congestion-prone toll roads.

Ministry of Education: Free Nutritious Meals Programme Boosts Vocational Students' Competencies

The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education reports that the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme is enhancing vocational students' competencies and workplace readiness through school-managed nutrition fulfilment kitchens at SMK Perikanan dan Kelautan Puger in Jember, East Java.

What Lies Ahead for South Korea After Former President Yoon Is Sentenced to Life in Prison?

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol was found guilty of insurrection and sentenced to life imprisonment following his December 2024 martial law declaration. Analysts warn that despite the verdict, deep political polarisation and structural democratic deficiencies remain, requiring constitutional reform, bureaucratic overhaul, and generational change within Yoon's People Power Party.

Palu Nutrition Fulfilment Coordination Team Ensures Free Nutritious Meals Programme in Sigi Continues During Ramadan

The Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme in Sigi Regency, Central Sulawesi, will continue operating throughout Ramadan, with the National Nutrition Agency issuing guidelines for adapted distribution. Muslim students will receive special Ramadan meal packages comprising light, shelf-stable nutritious foods such as bread, eggs, milk, dates and fruit, distributed on effective school days from 23 February to 14 March 2026 across 16 nutrition service units in the regency.

Indonesia Basketball Association Extends Partnership with Molten until 2029

The Indonesian Basketball Association (Perbasi) has extended its official ball partnership with Molten's exclusive Indonesian distributor, PT Pradajaya Sportivo Indonesia, through to 2 July 2029. The deal covers match balls for both 5x5 and 3x3 basketball across national team preparations, domestic competitions, and grassroots development programmes, reflecting a commitment to strengthening the country's basketball ecosystem with internationally standardised equipment.

Yogyakarta Provincial Narcotics Agency Foils Smuggling of 2.71 kg of Marijuana from Sumatera

The Yogyakarta Provincial Narcotics Agency (BNNP DIY) intercepted a suspect carrying 2.71 kilogrammes of marijuana at Jombor Terminal in Sleman, having travelled from Baturaja in South Sumatera. The suspect, a repeat offender who was previously jailed in 2022 for a similar offence and released in April 2025, faces charges under narcotics legislation carrying penalties up to and including the death sentence.

India showcases homegrown AI models to spark its own 'DeepSeek moment'

India unveiled several domestically developed AI models at the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, including multilingual large language models optimised for 22 Indian languages, as Prime Minister Modi championed "Made in India" innovation.

Pretrial Hearing: Former HSU Chief Prosecutor Demands Rp 100 Billion in Compensation from KPK

Former Hulu Sungai Utara chief prosecutor Albertinus P Napitupulu has filed a pretrial motion at the South Jakarta District Court challenging the legality of his arrest, detention, and seizure of assets by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) in an alleged extortion case.

Analyst considers 8,000 TNI troops deployed to Gaza an ideal number

A security analyst has assessed that Indonesia's commitment of 8,000 TNI soldiers to the Gaza peacekeeping mission is proportionate given the enormous scope of the mandate, which includes overseeing demilitarisation, clearing 70 million tonnes of rubble, and protecting reconstruction of hundreds of thousands of homes.

House Commission I Backs Indonesia as ISF Deputy Commander: A Sign of Global Trust in the TNI

Indonesia's House of Representatives Commission I has thrown its support behind the country's appointment as deputy commander of the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) for Gaza, with Vice Chairman Dave Laksono calling it a reflection of global confidence in the TNI's professionalism.

Witness Reveals Why He Approved Billions in Credit for Rezky Herbiyono: Nurhadi's Son-in-Law

A bank branch manager testified at the Jakarta Corruption Court that the position of former Supreme Court Secretary Nurhadi was an undocumented but decisive factor in approving tens of billions of rupiah in credit to his son-in-law, Rezky Herbiyono.

Jakarta Metropolitan Police on Alert for Public Order Disturbances During Ramadan

Jakarta Metropolitan Police have warned of potential public order disturbances during Ramadan, citing illegal street racing and poorly organised pre-dawn meal charity convoys as key concerns. The police urged families to steer young people towards positive activities and called on organisers of roadside charity events to coordinate properly with authorities to avoid traffic hazards and ensure aid reaches intended recipients.

Bali's Civil Service Police Deploy Specially Trained Personnel to Secure Tourism Sector

Bali's Civil Service Police (Satpol PP) has deployed 80 specially trained officers across the province, Badung regency, and Buleleng regency to patrol tourist sites, educate visitors on local regulations, and manage informal traders.