Archive: 21 February 2026
427 articles found
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 23:53 WIB
Lebaran 2026 Train Tickets: 2.2 Million Seats Still Available, 30 Per Cent Discount Applies 14-29 March
PT Kereta Api Indonesia reports that 2.2 million train tickets — 59 per cent of total capacity — remain available for the Lebaran 2026 travel period, with occupancy at just under 41 per cent. The government is offering a 30 per cent fare incentive from 14 to 29 March to support public mobility during the holiday exodus, with peak travel expected around 23-24 March.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 23:33 WIB
Prabowo Assures Global Investors in US: Indonesia Ready to Rise, No Longer a 'Sleeping Giant'
President Prabowo Subianto secured USD 38.4 billion in trade and investment commitments during strategic visits to Washington D.C. on 18-20 February 2026, signalling Indonesia's shift from dormancy to economic dynamism. The president engaged with 12 major global investment leaders managing over USD 16 trillion in collective assets, pledging governmental reforms in governance, anti-corruption measures, and institutional strengthening as foundational elements of investor confidence.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 23:29 WIB
Andre Rosiade Conducts Surprise Inspection at Padang Raya Market Phase VII, Traders Complain of Low Footfall and Illegal Levies
Deputy Chairman of House Commission VI Andre Rosiade uncovered widespread illegal levies and dire trading conditions during a surprise inspection of the newly built Phase VII of Padang's Raya Market. Traders reported near-zero transactions and were being charged for public facilities that should be free, with police now investigating alleged extortion and stall-trading rackets by local strongmen.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 23:10 WIB
The Beauty of Tolerance in Salatiga: Catholics Share Free Takjil During Ramadan
Catholics in Salatiga, Central Java, distributed free takjil (iftar snacks) to motorcyclists outside Santo Paulus Miki Church during Ramadan, exemplifying Indonesia's interfaith harmony. The local Catholic community provided 100 takjil parcels per day, underscoring the tradition of religious tolerance in the city.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 23:00 WIB
Robbery Suspect Using False 'Sister Was Harassed' Ploy Arrested During Sahur, Had Struck Four Times
Jakarta Metropolitan Police have arrested a man identified as AA who carried out a series of robberies using a false accusation scheme, claiming victims had harassed his sister before intimidating and robbing them. The suspect, whose actions went viral after being captured on CCTV, was apprehended without resistance at his rented room in South Jakarta during the pre-dawn sahur meal, and faces up to nine years in prison under Article 479 of the Criminal Code.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 23:00 WIB
Pramono Confirms Construction of Hospitals on Sumber Waras and Cakung Sites
Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has confirmed plans to build two new hospitals, including an international-standard facility on the long-disputed Sumber Waras land, resolving a 12-year impasse over the site's status. A second hospital, Royal Batavia, will be constructed in Cakung, East Jakarta, supplementing the capital's existing network of 31 hospitals and over 330 community health centres.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 22:56 WIB
Tito Reports 1,500 Hectares of Rice Fields Still Buried in Mud After Inspecting Pidie Jaya
Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian revealed that approximately 1,500 hectares of rice paddies in Pidie Jaya, Aceh, remain buried under mud up to one metre deep following severe flooding. As head of the post-disaster rehabilitation task force, Tito called on the Agriculture Ministry to urgently assist recovery efforts, warning that delays could significantly reduce rice production in a district that serves as a key regional food granary with 8,800 hectares of farmland.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 22:55 WIB
South Sumatra Police Chief Attends Ramadan Gathering at Provincial Legislature, Strengthening Security Synergy
South Sumatra Police Chief Inspector General Sandi Nugroho attended a Ramadan gathering alongside regional leadership at the provincial legislature's mosque, reinforcing inter-agency coordination for maintaining public order. The event underscored the police's soft approach and "cooling system" strategy to keep the province stable through the holy month and beyond, with officials emphasising the role of religious activities in strengthening security cooperation.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 22:53 WIB
Welcoming Ramadan: Golkar Party Headquarters Mosque Holds Ramadan Sharing Programme
The Syajarotun Thoyyibah Mosque at Golkar Party's central headquarters is organising a series of charitable activities entitled "Ramadan Sharing" to welcome the holy month of Ramadan 1447 Hijriah/2026. The programme reflects the political party's efforts to engage in community welfare activities during the fasting month.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 22:50 WIB
Saan Mustopa Consolidates NasDem in West Java Constituency 7 Following Ramadan Safari
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Saan Mustopa conducted political consolidation in West Java Constituency 7 after visiting Islamic boarding schools during Ramadan, presenting NasDem's improving electoral trajectory across Java over the past three elections. The party leader emphasised grassroots structural strengthening and NasDem's commitment to money-free politics as key foundations ahead of the increasingly competitive 2029 elections.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 22:47 WIB
Nine Regencies and Cities in Central Java to Propose New Industrial Estates
Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi has announced that nine regencies and cities in the province will submit proposals for new industrial estates. The initiative underscores the importance of industrial zones as key pillars for regional economic growth and development in Central Java.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 22:34 WIB
Prabowo Reveals Details of Meeting with Trump and 12 US Business Leaders
President Prabowo Subianto held a bilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the Board of Peace summit for Gaza in Washington DC, describing the trade tariff negotiations as mutually beneficial. Prabowo also met with 12 US business executives who expressed strong confidence in Indonesia's improving investment climate and economic outlook.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 22:30 WIB
Armed Criminal Group Led by Aibon Kogoya Attacks Gold Mining Post in Nabire, Two Killed by Burning
An armed criminal group (KKB) led by Aibon Kogoya attacked a gold mining post belonging to PT Kristalin in Makimi, Nabire Regency, Central Papua, killing two people who were burned to death. Authorities have evacuated approximately 100 gold prospectors from the area and are awaiting autopsy results to confirm whether the victims were civilians or security personnel.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 22:29 WIB
Special Needs School Student in Yogyakarta Allegedly Sexually Harassed by Her Own Teacher
A student at a special needs school (SLB) in Yogyakarta has allegedly been sexually harassed by her own teacher. The Head of the Yogyakarta Special Region Education, Youth and Sports Agency (Disdikpora DIY), Suhirman, confirmed that the school has reported the case to the authorities, raising serious concerns about child safeguarding in educational institutions.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 22:20 WIB
Deputy House Speaker Calls Islamic Boarding Schools a Vital Part of Indonesia's Independence Struggle
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Saan Mustopa commenced a 15-day Ramadan safari visiting Islamic boarding schools across West Java, combining religious outreach with NasDem party consolidation. He emphasised the historical role of pesantren in Indonesia's independence movement and their continued importance in shaping the moral character of future generations amid the digital age.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 22:16 WIB
Prabowo on US Supreme Court Striking Down Trump's Trade Tariffs: We Are Ready to Face It
President Prabowo Subianto said Indonesia is prepared for all eventualities after the US Supreme Court struck down President Trump's global reciprocal trade tariffs. Prabowo, speaking from Washington DC, described the new 10 per cent tariff rate as advantageous for Indonesia, following an earlier bilateral agreement that would have imposed 19 per cent reciprocal tariffs on Indonesian exports.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 22:16 WIB
Airlangga Responds After US Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump's Trade Tariff Policy
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto has responded to the US Supreme Court's ruling that struck down President Trump's global reciprocal tariffs as unconstitutional. Indonesia's bilateral trade agreement with the US remains in effect and is still being processed within its 60-day implementation period, with Jakarta seeking to preserve zero-tariff arrangements for key exports including electronics, palm oil, and textiles.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 22:11 WIB
Yogyakarta City Government Highlights Urban Cleanliness During Ramadan, Including at Jogokariyan Mosque
The Yogyakarta city government has raised concerns about increased waste and cleanliness challenges during the holy month of Ramadan, driven by heightened public activity at takjil markets and centres of worship. Authorities are calling for better waste management coordination, including at the prominent Jogokariyan Mosque, to maintain urban hygiene throughout the fasting period.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 22:00 WIB
Man Arrested in Alfamart Car Park in Kebon Jeruk, West Jakarta, Found Storing 18 Kg of Cannabis
Jakarta Metropolitan Police foiled a major cannabis distribution operation, seizing nearly 19 kilogrammes of the drug from a 39-year-old suspect apprehended in West Jakarta. The arrest, prompted by a community tip-off, led officers to a second stash at an empty house in Tanjung Duren, with investigators now probing possible wider trafficking networks.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 22:00 WIB
Construction of Permanent Housing for Central Tapanuli Disaster Victims Accelerated
Residents affected by flash floods in Central Tapanuli, North Sumatra, have begun building temporary shelters independently as government-promised housing remains incomplete. North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution confirmed that rehabilitation funds have been allocated, with each severely affected household set to receive Rp60 million for permanent housing reconstruction.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 21:54 WIB
NasDem's Saan Warms Up Party Machine for 2029 Elections During Ramadan Safari in Karawang
NasDem Party Deputy Chairman Saan Mustopa has launched early consolidation efforts ahead of the 2029 general elections, targeting top-two finishes across West Java's seventh electoral district covering Karawang, Purwakarta, and Bekasi. Building on the party's 2024 gains of one national parliamentary seat, two provincial seats, and 15 district-level seats in the region, Saan urged cadres to maintain momentum and militant loyalty during a Ramadan safari event in Karawang.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 21:45 WIB
Jakarta Metropolitan Police Reshuffle: Seven Precinct Chiefs Replaced
The Jakarta Metropolitan Police (Polda Metro Jaya) has carried out a rotation and reshuffle of officers within its jurisdiction, replacing seven precinct chiefs (Kapolsek). The transfers, formalised in two telegram orders dated 19 February 2026, are described as routine measures for organisational refreshment and career development within the Indonesian National Police.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 21:33 WIB
Array of Iranian Missiles Capable of Sinking US Aircraft Carriers
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has warned the US military against its continued threats of strikes on the Islamic Republic. The article examines Iran's missile arsenal purportedly capable of neutralising American aircraft carriers, underscoring the escalating rhetoric between Tehran and Washington.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 21:29 WIB
Police Chief Urges Workers to Safeguard Investment Climate, Pledges to Optimise Police Labour Desk
National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo called on labour unions to help maintain Indonesia's investment climate while pledging to strengthen the police's Labour Desk to mediate industrial disputes.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 21:28 WIB
Andre Rosiade Distributes 1,000 Staple Food Packages to Residents and Elderly in Batang Arau
Deputy Chairman of House Commission VI Andre Rosiade distributed 1,000 staple food packages to residents of Batang Arau, Padang, as part of Gerindra Party's 18th anniversary celebrations ahead of Ramadan. The Gerindra politician also called on authorities to crack down on extortion at traditional markets and urged local government to implement concrete measures such as market operations and price stabilisation to ease the burden on low-income communities facing rising costs of basic goods.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 21:20 WIB
Pramono Wants Kuningan Area to Resemble Sudirman-Thamrin
Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has set a target to transform the Kuningan area in South Jakarta to match the standard of the Sudirman-Thamrin corridor before the city's 499th anniversary on 22 June. The project, backed by a Rp100 billion budget, encompasses the demolition of abandoned monorail pillars along HR Rasuna Said road, along with the construction of pedestrian walkways, drainage, and green spaces.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 21:17 WIB
Pertamina Patra Niaga Partners with Communities for Sustainable Waste Management Across Indonesia
Pertamina Patra Niaga marked National Waste Day by reaffirming its commitment to responsible and sustainable waste management across its operational areas in Indonesia. The state-owned fuel distributor has been collaborating with local communities in various regions to promote waste reduction and recycling initiatives as part of its corporate social responsibility programme.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 21:15 WIB
Tito Stresses Importance of Agriculture Ministry Support to Accelerate Paddy Field Recovery in Aceh
Interior Minister Tito Karnavian, heading the post-disaster rehabilitation task force for Sumatra, inspected flood-damaged paddy fields in Pidie Jaya, Aceh, where approximately 1,500 hectares of farmland are buried under thick mud. He urged the Agriculture Ministry to act swiftly, warning that delays could reduce rice production in a district that serves as a regional food granary with 8,800 hectares of agricultural land.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 21:12 WIB
Deputy House Speaker Saan Mustopa Inaugurates New Building at Annihayah Islamic Boarding School, Calls on State to Support Santri
Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives Saan Mustopa inaugurated a new building at Annihayah Islamic Boarding School in Karawang as part of NasDem Party's Ramadan outreach programme. Mustopa emphasised the vital role of pesantren as moral and educational filters for young people in the age of globalisation, urging the state to pay greater attention to Islamic boarding schools given their historic contribution to the nation.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 21:09 WIB
Dekai Hospital Reopens as Deputy Home Affairs Minister Praises Yahukimo Regency for Maintaining Security
The Dekai Regional General Hospital in Yahukimo, Papua, has resumed operations after a temporary closure caused by security concerns that led healthcare workers to refuse duty. Deputy Home Affairs Minister Ribka Haluk commended the local government's swift coordination with security forces, community leaders, and provincial authorities to restore public services and stability in the region.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 21:09 WIB
BRIN Says Giant Hole in Aceh Is a Landslide, Not a Sinkhole
Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has determined that the massive ground cavity in Ketol, Central Aceh, which has expanded to 27,000 square metres, is the result of a landslide process rather than a sinkhole.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 21:07 WIB
Police Chief affirms commitment to strengthening synergy and supporting workers' rights
National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo has emphasised the importance of collaboration between the police, labour unions, and civil society to address global challenges affecting Indonesia's domestic situation.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 21:07 WIB
LPDP Responds to Viral Controversy Over Scholarship Alumni Boasting About Children's Foreign Citizenship
Indonesia's Education Fund Management Agency (LPDP) has issued an official statement addressing the viral controversy surrounding alumni Dwi Sasetyaningtyas, whose social media post declaring she did not want her children to hold Indonesian citizenship sparked public outrage.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 21:07 WIB
Financial services growth signals positive outlook for national economy
Indonesia's financial services sector grew 7.92 per cent year-on-year in Q4 2025, its highest rate since Q2 2021, signalling strengthening public confidence and deeper financial market penetration. The Financial Services Authority (OJK) reported the figure, whilst financial consultants urged the government to bolster financial literacy, market transparency, and accessible hedging instruments to protect retail investors against market volatility.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 21:05 WIB
Work From Office Trend Surges in 2026 — Is the WFH Era Over?
New data from Ireland shows the number of employees working entirely from the office has reached its highest level since before the Covid-19 pandemic, with remote workers declining by 15,900 in the past year. The shift has reignited debate over workers' rights to flexible arrangements, prompting Ireland's Labour Party to propose a Right to Remote Work Bill 2026 that would strengthen employees' entitlements to work from home.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 21:03 WIB
Ramadan: North Jakarta Applies Stickers to Tourism Businesses to Mark Operating Status
North Jakarta's Tourism and Creative Economy Sub-department will affix colour-coded stickers to all 952 tourism businesses during Ramadan 1447 Hijriah, with green indicating permission to operate and red signalling closure. Violators face escalating sanctions from written warnings through to revocation of their operating licences, reflecting the local government's enforcement of Ramadan trading restrictions.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 21:02 WIB
Police Name Brimob Officer as Suspect in Fatal Assault of Student
The Tual Police in Maluku have named a Mobile Brigade (Brimob) officer, identified by the initials MS, as a suspect in the alleged fatal assault of a 14-year-old Islamic junior high school student. The case highlights concerns over police conduct and violence against minors in eastern Indonesia.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 21:00 WIB
Mind-Boggling: How Police Chief AKBP Didik Received Rp2.8 Billion in Payoffs from Drug Kingpins
Indonesia's Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) has revealed that former Bima City police chief AKBP Didik Putra received Rp2.8 billion in illicit payments from a drug trafficking network, delivered in suitcases, paper bags, and beer boxes across three instalments.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 20:57 WIB
US GDP Growth in Q4 2025 at 1.4 Per Cent, Well Below Estimates
The United States recorded GDP growth of just 1.4 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2025, significantly below the 2.5 per cent analyst consensus and marking a sharp deceleration from the 4.4 per cent expansion in Q3. The slowdown was attributed primarily to a federal government shutdown and DOGE-related layoffs, whilst core inflation remained stubbornly above the Federal Reserve's 2 per cent target, complicating the outlook for monetary easing in 2026.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 20:56 WIB
House of Representatives Urges Government to Immediately Restore Regional Transfer Funds for West Sumatra
A NasDem faction member of the House Commission II has called on the central government to expedite the restoration of Regional Transfer Funds (TKD) for West Sumatra, criticising the absence of technical guidelines for disbursement in the aftermath of natural disasters. The Finance Minister had previously announced an additional Rp 10.65 trillion in regional transfers for Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra, to be distributed in phases from February to April 2026.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 20:52 WIB
National Police Chief Urges Workers to Upskill for Strategic Industry Needs
National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo has called on Indonesian workers to enhance their skills to meet the demands of 18 planned strategic industries under the government's downstream processing programme.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 20:51 WIB
Photocopying of Electronic ID Cards Criticised as Population Administration Bill Addresses Digital Identity
Indonesia's House of Representatives is drafting a revised Population Administration Bill (RUU Adminduk) that would prohibit the duplication of population documents, effectively ending the widespread practice of photocopying electronic identity cards (KTP-el).
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 20:50 WIB
13 Chinese Nationals Deported from South Jakarta over Paid Celebrity Portrait Photography Event
Indonesian immigration authorities deported 13 Chinese nationals who were working as photographers, stylists and make-up artists at a paid "Celebrity Portrait Event" in South Jakarta's Kebayoran Baru district, after finding they had violated their stay permits. The enforcement action, carried out by the Class I Special Immigration Office for South Jakarta, underscores ongoing efforts to crack down on foreigners conducting unauthorised commercial activities in Indonesia.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 20:48 WIB
National Food Agency chief demands zero tolerance for food distribution violators
National Food Agency (Bapanas) head and Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman has called on the Food Task Force to take firm action against food distribution violators without tolerance, after discovering subsidised cooking oil being sold above the government-set maximum retail price at a Jakarta market.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 20:40 WIB
School Uniform Aid Distributed to Disaster-Affected Students in East Aceh
Thirty-four students at SDN Ranto Panyang Rubek in East Aceh received school uniform packages from the Atjeh Connection Foundation after their school was destroyed and their uniforms lost in flash floods that swept through their village in late November 2025. The students are currently studying in a temporary emergency school in Sijudo village, Pante Bidari sub-district.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 20:37 WIB
Rano Karno Impressed by Lautze Mosque
Jakarta Governor Rano Karno visited the Chinese-architecture Lautze Mosque during a Ramadan safari, praising its unique cultural heritage and the legacy of Haji Karim Oei as a symbol of inclusivity. The visit underscored the provincial government's efforts to strengthen interfaith tolerance and community engagement during the holy month.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 20:31 WIB
National Police Chief Speaks Out on Brimob Officer Who Fatally Assaulted Madrasah Student in Tual
National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo has confirmed that both criminal and ethical proceedings are under way against Brimob officer Bripda MS, who allegedly beat a madrasah student to death in Tual, Maluku. The officer has been named a suspect and detained, facing multiple charges including child protection law violations carrying up to seven years' imprisonment.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 20:31 WIB
From market to maker: Mapping Indonesia's semiconductor roadmap
Indonesia is advancing its ambition to shift from a semiconductor market-dependent consumer to a competitive producer, with the government pursuing chip design as a strategic entry point into the global semiconductor value chain. The initiative addresses rising domestic demand from mobile phones, automotive electronics, and digital transformation whilst reducing reliance on expensive imports worth US$4.87 billion annually.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 20:30 WIB
Seeking Ramadan Blessings: 400 Free Iftar Meals Served to Worshippers in Bandung
Volunteers from the Masjid Makan-Makan initiative distributed 400 free iftar meals to worshippers at Al Lathiif Mosque in Bandung, West Java. The charitable effort reflects the widespread community-driven social welfare activities that characterise Ramadan across Indonesian cities.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 20:29 WIB
Health Ministry Volunteer: Rural Villagers Recover Psychologically Faster After Disasters
A clinical psychologist serving as a Ministry of Health volunteer in flood-hit Aceh Tamiang has found that rural villagers demonstrate significantly greater psychological resilience than urban residents in the aftermath of natural disasters. The finding, which highlights how the loss of assets, businesses and livelihoods causes deeper emotional distress among city dwellers, carries important implications for Indonesia's post-disaster mental health response programmes.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 20:25 WIB
Boarding School Student Reported Missing in Depok, Leaves Letter in Room
A 17-year-old Islamic boarding school student in Depok, West Java, has been missing since 2 February after leaving a handwritten note expressing her desire to leave the school and asking not to be searched for. Police continue their investigation, gathering statements from fellow students and school administrators, after a brief sighting near a school in Cilodong where the girl appeared pale and unresponsive to calls.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 20:24 WIB
North Jakarta Authorities Monitor Nightlife Venues Operating During Ramadan
North Jakarta's municipal government is enforcing regulations on entertainment and hospitality businesses during Ramadan, banning nightclubs, discotheques, massage parlours, and bars from operating unless located in four- or five-star hotels. The Tourism Sub-department has socialised the circular to 250 businesses and deployed the Civil Service Police to conduct random inspections, whilst noting the policy was designed to balance public order with Jakarta's recovering tourism economy.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 20:21 WIB
Traditional Ramadan Foods from Around the World
The article surveys distinctive Ramadan dishes served at sahur and iftar across ten countries and regions, from Morocco's Harira soup to Indonesia's kolak. It highlights how shared Islamic fasting rituals are expressed through diverse local culinary traditions, illustrating the cultural richness of Muslim food heritage worldwide.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 20:20 WIB
Elderly Man in Deliserdang Detained as Sexual Predator After Molesting 28 Primary School Children
A 65-year-old man has been detained by Medan police after being identified as a sexual predator who allegedly molested at least 28 primary school girls in Deliserdang, North Sumatra, over the course of approximately one year. The suspect, a roaming toy vendor, lured victims with small amounts of money and snacks, and has been charged under Indonesia's new Criminal Code (Law No. 1/2023).
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 20:17 WIB
Global US Investors Commit to Indonesia Across Clean Energy and AI Sectors
President Prabowo Subianto met with 12 major global investment companies in Washington DC, where investors committed to significant investments in Indonesia's renewable energy, infrastructure, and technology sectors. Several partnerships have already been agreed in principle and await formal announcement, with one major OpenAI-connected investor particularly keen to deploy artificial intelligence across Indonesian industries to drive efficiency.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 20:13 WIB
Trump tariffs struck down by Supreme Court; Chinese expert warns of new chapter in trade war
The US Supreme Court's ruling that President Trump's import tariffs were unconstitutional has prompted a Chinese economic expert to warn that Trump's retaliatory "global tariff" of 10 per cent will trigger a more complex phase of trade conflict. South Korea has convened an emergency meeting to assess the implications, whilst other affected nations adopt a cautious stance as global trade uncertainty deepens.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 20:11 WIB
Malaysia Overhauls Military Procurement System Following Corruption Allegations
Malaysia's Defence Ministry is implementing sweeping reforms to its military asset procurement system after Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim ordered a freeze on all defence and police acquisitions linked to corruption allegations involving former senior military officials.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 20:08 WIB
Four Facts About the Armed Robbers Who Stole Rp 800 Million Arrested by Criminal Investigation Agency
A five-member armed robbery gang that stole Rp 800 million from a food distributor's truck in Tulang Bawang Barat, Lampung, has been apprehended by a joint police task force from Bareskrim, the Lampung Regional Police, and North Sumatra Regional Police. The robbers fired shots at the truck's windscreen in broad daylight before fleeing with the cash, and three suspects were captured after a month on the run hiding in North Sumatra's Batu Bara Regency.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 20:04 WIB
Magnitude 4.6 Inland Earthquake Strikes Tangerang, Banten
A magnitude 4.6 earthquake struck Kabupaten Tangerang in Banten province on Saturday evening, with its epicentre located just 3 kilometres southeast of the regency. The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) reported the quake occurred at a depth of 160 kilometres, classifying it as an inland earthquake.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 20:04 WIB
Indonesian Idol Singer Named Suspect in Child Sexual Abuse Case in Belu
Police in Belu, East Nusa Tenggara, have named former Indonesian Idol contestant Piche Kota and two associates as suspects in a child sexual abuse case, following a police report filed in January 2026. The suspects face charges under Indonesia's revised Criminal Code and Child Protection Act, carrying maximum sentences of up to 15 years' imprisonment, with case files to be forwarded to prosecutors for trial.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 20:03 WIB
Batam Prosecutor: Death Penalty Demand for 2-Tonne Methamphetamine Defendants Complies with Law
Batam prosecutors have demanded the death penalty for six defendants — two Thai nationals and four Indonesians — caught transporting nearly two tonnes of methamphetamine aboard the vessel Sea Dragon, which was intercepted by BNN and Customs patrols near Karimun waters in May 2025.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 20:03 WIB
National Police Chief Affirms Transparent Handling of Brimob Officer Who Allegedly Beat Student to Death
National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo has confirmed that legal proceedings are under way against a Brimob (Mobile Brigade) officer, First Class Private MS, accused of fatally assaulting a student identified as AT in Tual, Maluku. The Indonesian National Police issued a public apology, describing the violence as an individual deviation that does not represent the institution, whilst pledging transparent criminal and ethical enforcement.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 20:02 WIB
Food Self-Sufficiency Through the Eyes of Satellites
An academic commentary questions whether Indonesia's claimed rice self-sufficiency, announced by President Prabowo Subianto as achieved since 31 December 2025, is supported by verifiable ground-level data. The author argues that satellite and geospatial technology should be used to honestly assess the true state of paddy fields, soil health, and water availability across the archipelago, rather than relying on administrative reports alone.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 20:01 WIB
Indonesian National Police pledge firm action against Brimob officer who assaulted students
Indonesia's National Police have committed to transparent legal and ethical proceedings against a Brimob (Mobile Brigade) officer who assaulted two students in Southeast Maluku, killing one. The 14-year-old victim, Arianto Tawakal, died after being struck on the head, whilst his 15-year-old brother suffered broken bones. The police issued a formal apology, acknowledging the incident undermines public trust in the institution.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 20:00 WIB
FPBM Pushes for SKMT Inclusion in Special Madura Excise Scheme
The Pamekasan Regency Government held a coordination meeting with local cigarette manufacturers and the Madura Tobacco Farmers and Local Factory Workers Forum (FPBM) to advocate for favourable excise policies for Madura's local tobacco industry. The forum proposed that machine-hand clove cigarettes (SKMT) be classified under a special Madura excise scheme at Rp 250 per stick, enabling small and medium enterprises to remain competitive amid rising national excise tariffs.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 19:58 WIB
Luthfi-Yasin's First Year in Office: Reducing Poverty, Managing Disasters, and Boosting Investment
Central Java Governor Luthfi and Deputy Governor Yasin have completed their first year in office, navigating hydrometeorological disasters whilst maintaining economic growth above the national average. The leadership pair has focused on increasing investment and reducing poverty through pro-community programmes across the province.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 19:56 WIB
Passing time before Iftar reading at mobile library in Kediri
Residents in Kediri, Indonesia utilise a mobile library service to read and spend time before Iftar during Ramadan. The initiative demonstrates community engagement with mobile library infrastructure as residents observe fasting practices.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 19:56 WIB
Ngabuburit with Books: Mobile Library Serves Kediri Residents During Ramadan
The Kediri City Archives and Library Agency is deploying motorcycle-mounted mobile libraries to public areas along the Brantas River during Ramadan, operating daily from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM. The initiative aims to encourage reading among residents, particularly children, as they pass the time waiting for iftar — a tradition locally known as ngabuburit.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 19:56 WIB
Police Chief: Aibon Armed Criminal Group Attacks PT Kristalin Post, Two Killed
An armed criminal group led by Aibon Kogoya attacked a gold mining post belonging to PT Kristalin in Nabire, Central Papua, killing two people by burning. Police have evacuated approximately 100 gold prospectors from the area whilst investigating the identities of the victims and whether any firearms were seized during the attack.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 19:55 WIB
Volunteers Distribute School Uniforms to Flood-Affected Pupils in Isolated Area
Volunteers from the Atjeh Connection Foundation delivered 34 sets of school uniforms to pupils at SDN Ranto Panyang Rubek in East Aceh, whose school was destroyed by flash floods in November 2025. The school, now operating from an emergency tent, remains largely cut off from aid due to extreme terrain conditions requiring a two-hour off-road journey through mud-covered palm oil plantations, highlighting the ongoing challenges of post-disaster recovery in remote Indonesian communities.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 19:50 WIB
Police to Summon Piche Kota for Questioning After Being Named Suspect in Schoolgirl Rape Case
Investigators at Belu Police have named singer Piche Kota, a former Indonesian Idol 2025 top-six contestant, along with two others as suspects in the alleged rape of a 16-year-old schoolgirl in Atambua, East Nusa Tenggara. The suspects face multiple charges under the Criminal Code and the Child Protection Act, carrying maximum sentences of up to 15 years' imprisonment, whilst one suspect remains at large after ignoring police summons.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 19:48 WIB
PBNU Inaugurates 41 Nutrition Service Units Across Indonesia
Nahdlatul Ulama chairman KH Yahya Cholil Staquf inaugurated 41 Nutrition Service Units (SPPG) managed by Islamic boarding school foundations to support President Prabowo's Free Nutritious Meals programme, with a target of 1,000 units nationwide.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 19:48 WIB
Breaking the fast with Peca porridge tradition in Samarinda
This article documents the Peca porridge tradition in Samarinda, East Kalimantan, where locals break their Ramadan fast with this distinctive local dish. The piece celebrates an important Indonesian cultural and culinary heritage tied to religious observance and community practices during the Islamic holy month.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 19:48 WIB
Breaking the Fast with Bubur Peca: A Century-Old Tradition in Samarinda
The Shiratal Mustaqiem Mosque in Samarinda Seberang, East Kalimantan, continues its century-old Ramadan tradition of distributing at least 300 portions of Bubur Peca daily for iftar. The tradition, rooted in the culinary heritage of Kampung Masjid Samarinda Seberang, has been designated as a national intangible cultural heritage, underscoring efforts to preserve Indonesia's diverse local traditions.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 19:47 WIB
Proud Her Children Became Foreign Nationals, LPDP Scholarship Recipient Tyas Finally Apologises
Dwi Sasetyaningtyas, an alumna of Indonesia's state-funded LPDP scholarship programme, has publicly apologised after her Instagram post declaring she was glad her children had become British citizens — stating "let me be the only Indonesian citizen, not my children" — sparked widespread outrage. The controversy has reignited debate over the obligations of LPDP recipients to the nation, with the scholarship fund itself issuing a statement expressing disappointment over her remarks.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 19:42 WIB
Magnitude 4.6 Earthquake Strikes Tangerang
A magnitude 4.6 earthquake struck Tangerang Regency, Banten, at a depth of 160 kilometres on Saturday evening. The BMKG recorded the quake at 19:23 local time, with no reports of damage or casualties issued at the time of reporting.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 19:42 WIB
Southeast Sulawesi village cooperative makes historic first export of charcoal to China
Awunio Cooperative in South Konawe becomes the first village cooperative in eastern Indonesia to independently export charcoal to China, valued at Rp750 million, under President Prabowo's Red and White Village Cooperatives (KDMP) programme. Southeast Sulawesi's non-mining exports have surged dramatically to Rp35 billion in January–February 2026, representing 113.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 19:40 WIB
Bridge Access Still Severed: Central Tapanuli Residents Struggle to Cross River for Daily Activities
Residents of Sibabangun in Central Tapanuli, North Sumatra, are forced to carry motorbikes across the Muara River after three bridges providing access to the area were severed. The community has resorted to mutual cooperation (gotong royong) to maintain basic mobility, highlighting ongoing infrastructure vulnerabilities in the region.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 19:38 WIB
Ramadan Initiative: Kosgoro 1957 Distributes 400 Meals Daily Across Greater Jakarta
Kosgoro 1957, a mass organisation affiliated with the Golkar Party, is running its seventh annual communal kitchen during Ramadan 2026, distributing 400 boxed meals daily to underprivileged communities across the Greater Jakarta area. The programme, overseen by Kosgoro 1957 chairman and deputy chair of House Commission I Dave Akbarshah Fikarno Laksono, is funded through cash and food donations from the organisation's cadres and will operate throughout the fasting month until Eid al-Fitr.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 19:33 WIB
National Police Ready to Assist Workers with BPJS Health Insurance Services
National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo has opened priority access to BPJS Kesehatan health services at all police hospitals for Indonesian workers, citing long queues at other facilities.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 19:32 WIB
Fifteen MSME Operators in Thousand Islands Trained to Make Lebaran Biscuits
Pertamina's Rumah BUMN facility in the Thousand Islands archipelago held a training session for 15 local MSME operators, teaching them to produce oven-free Lebaran biscuits ahead of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. The programme, led by professional instructors, aims to boost participants' skills and creativity so they can market attractive hampers and increase their incomes during the festive season.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 19:31 WIB
Foreign Minister Sugiono: Indonesia Has Not Yet Paid Board of Peace Dues
Foreign Minister Sugiono confirmed Indonesia has not paid the US$1 billion contribution to the Board of Peace, stressing that payment is not a prerequisite for membership. Indonesia is instead contributing 8,000 troops to the International Stabilisation Force in Gaza — the largest contingent of any participating nation — whilst Hamas continues to reject demands for demilitarisation as a condition for reconstruction.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 19:31 WIB
PHDI Adopts Pawongan Concept to Address Proximity of Nyepi and Idul Fitri
The Bali chapter of Indonesia's Hindu Dharma Council (PHDI) has called on Hindu and Muslim communities to embrace the Pawongan principle of harmonious human relations as Nyepi and Idul Fitri fall just two days apart in March 2026. The council framed the convergence of the two holy days as a blessing rather than a problem, emphasising that both celebrations share common spiritual values of self-purification and restraint.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 19:31 WIB
After One Year as Central Java Governor, Ahmad Luthfi Deemed Lacking in Public Communication
A political observer from Diponegoro University has assessed Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi's first year in office, noting that whilst his administration has delivered reasonably positive performance through various programmes, he has fallen short on public communication. The critique highlights a gap between policy delivery and public engagement in one of Indonesia's most populous provinces.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 19:25 WIB
Education Budget Allocations Cut to Fund Free Nutritious Meals Programme, Plaintiffs Claim
Legal challengers to Indonesia's free nutritious meals (MBG) programme have presented data to the Constitutional Court showing significant cuts to education budget components in 2026, despite an overall increase in aggregate education spending. The National Nutrition Agency's allocation for MBG nearly quadrupled to Rp223.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 19:18 WIB
Yogyakarta Police Deactivate and Detain Intelligence Officer Accused of Extorting Property Developer
The Yogyakarta Regional Police (Polda DIY) have placed an intelligence unit officer from Bantul Police on special detention and deactivated his service status following allegations of extorting a property development company. The case is being handled by the Professional and Security Division (Propam), with police leadership vowing zero tolerance for misconduct and committing to a transparent investigation.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 19:18 WIB
Stories from IIMS 2026: A Future of Energy That No Longer Feels Foreign
State electricity company PLN showcased its integrated electric vehicle ecosystem at the 11-day Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS) 2026 at JIExpo Kemayoran, Jakarta, featuring six ultra-fast charging stations with up to 200 kW capacity and its PLN Mobile app as the central gateway for EV services.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 19:16 WIB
North Aceh Regent Urges Disaster Victims to Check Housing Verification Announcements
The North Aceh Regent has called on flood and landslide victims to proactively check the first phase of housing damage verification results posted in their villages, as the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) completes assessments across five sub-districts. A three-day public review period allows residents who meet the criteria but are not listed as housing recipients to lodge formal objections through their village heads.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 19:12 WIB
Mimika Police Provide Free Health Services for Remote Communities
Mimika District Police deployed medical personnel to provide free health check-ups for residents in the remote village of Kapiraya in Central Papua. The screenings identified various ailments including malaria, respiratory infections and high blood pressure, highlighting the limited healthcare access in Indonesia's hinterland communities.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 19:11 WIB
Foreign Minister: Palestine Understands Indonesia's Role in Gaza Strip Force
Foreign Minister Sugiono has claimed that Gaza authorities understand Indonesia's involvement in the US-led International Stabilisation Force (ISF), which will deploy some 20,000 troops to the Gaza Strip. Indonesia has committed 8,000 soldiers — the largest contingent of any participating nation — likely to be stationed in Rafah, whilst insisting its forces will not participate in the disarmament or demilitarisation of armed groups in Gaza.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 19:08 WIB
Family Nutrition Education Deemed Crucial for Supporting Early Childhood Development
Experts at a health forum marking National Nutrition Day 2026 highlighted significant gaps in Indonesian parents' understanding of child nutrition, with nearly 70 per cent of surveyed parents unable to distinguish between macronutrients and micronutrients.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 19:07 WIB
RI Government Says Retail Expansion Must Follow Rules
Indonesia's Trade Ministry states that modern retail expansion must comply with existing regulations, particularly Government Regulation No. 29/2021, which requires consideration of local economic conditions and protection of SMEs and traditional markets. Rather than implementing blanket restrictions, the government emphasises compliance and proposes collaborative models where retail chains could supply village cooperatives.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 19:06 WIB
Transatlantic Slavery: The Greatest Crime in Human History?
Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama plans to submit a UN resolution backed by 40 African Union member states seeking formal recognition of the transatlantic slave trade as the most serious crime against humanity. The initiative, which could pave the way for reparations demands, faces resistance from Western nations, particularly ultraconservative circles in the United States, whilst African experts acknowledge that the continent's own elites bore partial responsibility in the trade.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 19:02 WIB
Tito Praises Positive Post-Disaster Recovery Progress During Bireuen Regency Visit
Muhammad Tito Karnavian, head of the Post-Disaster Accelerated Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Task Force for Sumatra, expressed satisfaction with recovery progress in Bireuen Regency, Aceh, noting significant improvements since land access was severed in November 2025. The government has restored electricity, internet, and logistics distribution whilst pledging to accelerate reconstruction of schools, places of worship, and Islamic boarding schools in the affected areas.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 19:00 WIB
Roles of Wife and Female Officer Revealed in Former Bima Police Chief's Drug Case
Indonesia's Criminal Investigation Agency has uncovered the involvement of two women in the drug case against former Bima City police chief AKBP Didik Putra Kuncoro — his wife Miranti Afriana and a female officer, Aipda Dianita Agustina, who stored a suitcase containing methamphetamine, ecstasy, and other narcotics on his behalf.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 18:56 WIB
Access to Sibio-Bio Village in Central Tapanuli Remains Cut Off, Residents Forced to Cross River
Nearly three months after flash floods destroyed three bridges connecting Sibio-Bio and Muara Sibuntuon villages in Central Tapanuli, North Sumatra, residents remain without road access and must ford the Muara River on foot. The continued isolation highlights the slow pace of infrastructure recovery in the region following the November 2025 disaster.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 18:54 WIB
National Police Chief Inaugurates KSPSI Advisory Board Members, Including Arsjad Rasjid
National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, serving as Chairman of the Advisory Board of the All-Indonesia Workers' Union Confederation (KSPSI), inaugurated five new advisory board members including prominent business figure Arsjad Rasjid.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 18:45 WIB
Lebanese President Condemns Israeli Attack That Killed 12 People
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned a deadly Israeli strike on his country that killed 12 people, calling it a blatant act of aggression aimed at undermining diplomatic efforts. The attack, the latest in a series of Israeli operations despite a ceasefire with Hezbollah, has prompted a Hezbollah parliamentarian to call for the suspension of the multinational ceasefire monitoring committee's meetings until Israel halts its strikes.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 18:37 WIB
Ngabuburit with Music at Jakarta's Harmoni Ramadhan
Jakarta's Tourism and Creative Economy Agency (Disparekraf DKI Jakarta) has launched the Harmoni Ramadhan programme, featuring local musicians performing on the pavement outside Plaza Indonesia to entertain residents during the holy month. The initiative, which showcased the kroncong ensemble Balle Kroncong, is part of the city government's efforts to enliven public spaces during the traditional pre-iftar period known as ngabuburit.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 18:33 WIB
National Police Chief Pledges Continued Support for Workers' Aspirations at KSPSI's 53rd Anniversary
National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, serving as Chairman of the KSPSI Advisory Board, pledged that the police would continue to safeguard workers' rights and announced priority access to police hospitals for BPJS Health users among the labour force.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 18:31 WIB
Finnet partners with KP2MI to drive digital service transformation for Indonesian migrant workers
PT Finnet Indonesia (Finpay), a Telkom Group subsidiary, has partnered with the Ministry of Indonesian Migrant Worker Protection (KP2MI) to transform digital financial services for Indonesian migrant workers. The collaboration aims to integrate Finnet's payment system into KP2MI's platform to enable faster, more transparent remittances whilst expanding access to broader financial services.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 18:30 WIB
Wife of South Sulawesi DPRD Member Killed in Makassar Toll Road Accident, Vehicle Severely Damaged
The wife of South Sulawesi provincial legislator Capt Hariadi, Hj Wardana Mamung, was killed in a single-vehicle accident on the Ir Sutami toll road in Makassar after reportedly losing control at high speed and striking a tree and concrete barrier. Police are investigating the cause of the incident, which occurred at kilometre 7+200 of the airport-bound toll road and went viral on social media.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 18:28 WIB
Sweden and Serbia Urge Citizens to Leave Iran Immediately
Sweden and Serbia have issued urgent advisories for their nationals to leave Iran immediately, following US President Donald Trump's threats of military action over Tehran's nuclear programme. The escalation comes as the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world's largest aircraft carrier, has entered the Mediterranean en route to the Middle East, joining a significant US naval build-up in the region.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 18:26 WIB
Jusuf Kalla's Daughter Explains Drunk Driver Crashed into Her Home's Fence
The daughter of former Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla has spoken out about a single-vehicle accident in which a drunk driver crashed into the fence of her Dharmawangsa residence in South Jakarta. Chairani Kalla said the driver admitted to being under the influence of alcohol and provided a written statement of apology, which she kept as evidence to correct what she described as an inaccurate police account.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 18:25 WIB
Tual Police Chief Apologises to Family of Student Killed by Brimob Officer
The Tual Police Chief and Maluku Mobile Brigade commander visited the family of a 14-year-old student who died after being assaulted by a Brimob officer, offering apologies and pledging a thorough investigation. The officer, Bripda MS, has been named a suspect and detained, facing charges under child protection law carrying up to seven years' imprisonment, whilst the victim's father demanded the harshest possible punishment and warned of potential unrest if the case is not handled transparently.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 18:22 WIB
Waste Awareness Day: Minister urges action to cut plastic waste
Indonesia's government has launched the 2026 National Waste Awareness Day campaign, urging behavioural change to reduce plastic waste through household-level actions and cross-sector collaboration. Minister Nurofiq emphasised that success requires upstream prevention rather than reliance on landfills, aligned with President Prabowo Subianto's directive to address Indonesia's waste crisis.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 18:20 WIB
Muhammadiyah Speaks Out Against Proposal to Place Police Under a Ministry
Muhammadiyah chairman Haedar Nashir has rejected the proposal to restructure the Indonesian National Police (Polri) from its current position directly under the president to being placed under a ministry, arguing it would create new problems rather than solve existing ones.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 18:15 WIB
After One Year Leading Jakarta, Pramono Admits Flooding and Traffic Congestion Remain Unresolved
Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has acknowledged that flooding and traffic congestion have not been fully addressed after his first year in office. He conceded that fundamental issues including flooding, congestion and air pollution remain outstanding challenges for the Jakarta provincial government.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 18:14 WIB
KAI Provides 136,045 Tickets for Lebaran Transport from Malang Station
State-owned railway operator PT KAI has opened bookings for 136,045 Lebaran 2026 transport tickets from Malang Station, with approximately 25 per cent of the wider Malang area allocation already sold. Jakarta, Banyuwangi, Bandung, and Purwokerto are the most popular destinations, and the company is urging travellers to book early to secure their preferred schedules and service classes.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 18:13 WIB
Aceh Police Arrest Suspected Blasphemy Offender Over Social Media Posts
Aceh Provincial Police's special crimes directorate arrested a suspect identified as DS for alleged hate speech and religious blasphemy on social media, following a report filed by a university student from North Aceh in November 2025. The suspect was tracked to Bengkayang in West Kalimantan and transported back to Banda Aceh, where police reaffirmed their commitment to cracking down on online hate speech that threatens public order and religious harmony.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 18:12 WIB
Khofifah confirms East Java's readiness for 2026 Lebaran transport operations
East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa has confirmed the province's readiness to handle the 2026 Lebaran exodus, with an estimated 27.29 million people — 17.3 per cent of national movement — expected to travel to the region.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 18:12 WIB
Telkomsel Prepares Muslim Pro Spiritual Service on MyTelkomsel
Telkomsel has partnered with global Muslim platform Muslim Pro to offer spiritual services through its MyTelkomsel app ahead of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah. The collaboration provides Indonesian users with prayer time reminders, Quran access, and premium features at affordable prices, marking Muslim Pro's first partnership with an Indonesian telecommunications provider.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 18:09 WIB
Jakarta Metropolitan Police Foil Distribution of 18 kg of Cannabis in West Jakarta
The Jakarta Metropolitan Police's Narcotics Directorate seized approximately 18.8 kilogrammes of cannabis in West Jakarta following a tip-off from the public about drug distribution activity in the Duri Kepa area. A 39-year-old suspect was apprehended at a convenience store car park with 10 kilogrammes of pre-packaged cannabis, with a further eight kilogrammes recovered from a vacant house nearby.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 18:06 WIB
Psychologist: Rural residents more resilient in facing disasters
A clinical psychologist serving as a Health Reserve Team volunteer for Indonesia's Ministry of Health has observed that rural disaster survivors in Aceh Tamiang recover psychologically faster than their urban counterparts, attributing the difference to contrasting perspectives on material loss. The findings emerged during post-flood mental health support operations, part of a broader government programme to strengthen healthcare services in disaster-affected areas of Aceh.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 18:06 WIB
INALUM builds school and medical post to accelerate West Sumatra recovery
State-owned aluminium company PT INALUM is rebuilding a primary school and establishing a free medical treatment post for disaster-affected residents in Padang, West Sumatra. The initiative, attended by Danantara's COO and the West Sumatra governor, reflects the state enterprise's commitment to post-disaster social and economic recovery, with support from local government and national parliamentarians.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 18:05 WIB
LPDP Summons Husband of Scholarship Alumni Who Boasted About Child's British Citizenship
Indonesia's Education Fund Management Agency (LPDP) has announced it will summon AP, husband of influencer and LPDP alumna Dwi Sasetyaningtyas (DS), over allegations he has not completed his mandatory service period in Indonesia following his government-funded studies.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 18:05 WIB
US Supreme Court Ruling Creates Momentum for Indonesia to Review Reciprocal Trade Agreement
The Executive Director of Indonesia's Centre of Reform on Economics (CORE), Mohammad Faisal, has urged Indonesia to seize the opportunity created by the US Supreme Court's 6-3 ruling striking down President Trump's reciprocal tariff authority to renegotiate the recently signed Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART).
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 18:04 WIB
Energy Minister affirms critical minerals must still undergo downstream processing
Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has confirmed that Indonesia's critical minerals remain subject to mandatory downstream processing (hilirisasi), despite the new Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) struck between President Prabowo Subianto and US President Donald Trump.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 18:03 WIB
Residents Stage Protest Against Crematorium Construction Project in Kalideres
Residents of Perumahan Citra 2 in Kalideres, West Jakarta, staged a protest against the construction of a funeral home and crematorium on what they say is public land formerly used as a football field, citing lack of consultation, absent building permits, and concerns over traffic congestion and air pollution. The project, reportedly permitted on 6 February 2026, was halted temporarily after workers agreed to stop construction pending further dialogue.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 18:03 WIB
Police Arrest Interpol Fugitive Rifaldo, Cambodia Human Trafficking Suspect, in Bali
Indonesian National Police arrested Interpol fugitive Rifaldo Aquiono Pontoh at Ngurah Rai Airport in Bali on Saturday, following a tip-off from the Manila NCB office. The suspect is alleged to have been involved in an international human trafficking and online scam syndicate operating in Cambodia, which lured victims with promises of high-paying jobs before subjecting them to forced labour and abuse.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 18:00 WIB
Inspector General Dadang Hartanto Apologises and Pledges Firm Action Against Brimob Officer Who Fatally Assaulted Madrasah Student
The Maluku Police chief has publicly apologised to the family of a 14-year-old madrasah student who died after allegedly being assaulted by a Mobile Brigade (Brimob) officer near the Uningrat Campus in Tual, Maluku. The suspect, identified as First Class Private MS, has been detained and faces both criminal prosecution and a police ethics tribunal that could result in dishonourable discharge.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 17:58 WIB
Foreign Minister: Indonesian Forces in Gaza Will Only Defend Themselves if Attacked
Foreign Minister Sugiono has clarified that Indonesia's 8,000-strong contingent to the International Stabilisation Force in Gaza is strictly humanitarian and will not participate in military operations or demilitarisation efforts. The deployment, the largest national contribution to the estimated 20,000-strong multinational force, comes amid Hamas's explicit refusal to disarm, raising questions about the mission's feasibility and the security risks facing Indonesian troops.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 17:58 WIB
House Commission IX and Makassar Food and Drug Agency Inspect Maricayya Market
Members of House of Representatives Commission IX joined the Makassar Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BBPOM) in inspecting Maricayya Market to verify food safety and monitor prices ahead of Ramadan. The lawmakers urged BBPOM to intensify oversight of unlicensed products, including cosmetics and traditional herbal medicines, circulating in the traditional market.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 17:54 WIB
The bilih fish that produced graduates from the shores of Lake Singkarak
An entrepreneur from the shores of Lake Singkarak in West Sumatra has successfully put all three of her children through university to graduation by processing bilih fish, an endemic species found only in the tectonic lake. The story highlights the critical economic role of bilih fish for lakeside communities, where virtually all residents depend on the species for their livelihoods as fishermen, collectors, or small business operators.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 17:48 WIB
Woman in Serang Arrested for Defrauding Seven Job Seekers of Rp 88 Million with Fake Employment Promises
A 27-year-old woman in Serang Regency has been arrested for swindling seven job seekers out of Rp 88 million by falsely claiming she could secure them positions at shoe manufacturer PT Nikomas Gemilang. The fraud was uncovered when victims verified the purported interview summons letters directly with the company's HR department, which confirmed the documents were forged. Police are urging the public to remain vigilant against employment scams demanding upfront payments.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 17:46 WIB
Indekstat Survey: 79.2 Per Cent of Public Satisfied with Prabowo-Gibran Performance, Economic Issues Most Urgent
A national survey by Indekstat reveals that 79.2 per cent of Indonesians are satisfied with the Prabowo-Gibran administration after 16 months in office, yet 63.8 per cent identify economic problems as the most pressing issue requiring government attention. Unemployment, rising poverty, and high prices for basic necessities top public concerns, with the survey noting these challenges have persisted since the previous Jokowi-Ma'ruf administration.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 17:22 WIB
Supporting Komdigi's SEMANTIK Programme, Telkomsel Implements Facial Biometric Registration for New Mobile Numbers
Telkomsel has officially launched facial recognition-based biometric registration for mobile subscribers, in compliance with the Ministry of Communication and Digital's SEMANTIK programme under Ministerial Regulation No. 7 of 2026. The initiative aims to strengthen subscriber identity validation and combat digital fraud, with SIM cards now required to be distributed in an inactive state and prepaid ownership capped at three numbers per identity per operator.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 17:16 WIB
Inalum Focuses on Education and Health to Accelerate Disaster Recovery in West Sumatra
State-owned aluminium company PT Inalum is rebuilding a primary school and providing free medical services in Padang, West Sumatra, following devastating flash floods in December. The initiative, attended by senior Danantara and regional government officials, underscores the role of state-owned enterprises in post-disaster recovery efforts focused on education and public health infrastructure.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 17:12 WIB
Government Targets Completion of Permanent Bridge in Bireuen by July 2026
Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian, heading the post-disaster rehabilitation task force for Sumatra, inspected the construction of a permanent bridge at Krueng Tingkeum in Bireuen, Aceh, which is currently 18 per cent complete. The bridge, replacing a temporary bailey structure, is expected to be finished by July 2026 and will serve as a vital link on the Medan–Banda Aceh route, significantly improving mobility for Aceh's residents.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 17:08 WIB
Viral Video of Goat Slaughtered by Thieves Who Left Entrails Behind in Bogor; Police Investigate
Police in Gunung Sindur, Bogor are investigating a livestock theft in which a goat was slaughtered on the spot and its entrails left near the pen, with footage of the incident going viral on social media. The victim has so far declined to file a formal report despite police urging, whilst residents have called for increased security patrols as they say this is not an isolated occurrence.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 17:02 WIB
National Police Chief Attends KSPSI 53rd Anniversary Celebration in Purwakarta
National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo attended the 53rd anniversary celebration of the Confederation of All Indonesian Workers' Unions (KSPSI) in Purwakarta, West Java, coinciding with Indonesian Workers' Day. The event highlights the close institutional relationship between the national police and Indonesia's largest trade union confederation, with General Sigit serving as chairman of KSPSI's Advisory Board and presiding over the inauguration of new advisory board members.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 17:00 WIB
Riau Police Chief Visits Kampar, Urges Acceleration of Bridge Construction
Riau Police Chief Inspector General Herry Heryawan visited Kampar Regency to inspect the construction of the Merah Putih Presisi Bridge in Lubuk Agung Village, urging the emergency task force to expedite the project now in its finishing stage.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 17:00 WIB
Officially a Suspect: Brimob Officer Who Assaulted Madrasah Student to Death Now Faces Ethics Investigation
A member of Indonesia's Mobile Brigade Corps (Brimob) identified as Bripda MS has been formally named a suspect in the fatal assault of a 14-year-old madrasah student in Tual, Maluku. The officer faces both criminal proceedings and a professional ethics investigation, with Maluku's police chief warning that dishonourable discharge awaits if severe ethical violations are proven.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 16:57 WIB
BRIN Clarifies Central Aceh Cavity as Landslide, Not Sinkhole
Indonesia's BRIN has officially clarified that a large cavity discovered in Central Aceh's Ketol Subdistrict is a landslide rather than a sinkhole, resulting from gradual erosion of weak tuff rock over decades.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 16:53 WIB
Mysterious Donor Gives 21 Kg of Gold Bars to Japanese City Government
An anonymous donor gave 21 kilogrammes of gold bars, worth an estimated 560 million yen (approximately Rp60 billion), to the city of Osaka to help repair its ageing water pipe network. The donation highlights Japan's growing infrastructure crisis, where over 20 per cent of water pipes have exceeded their official 40-year lifespan, and budget constraints are hampering nationwide replacement efforts.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 16:52 WIB
Red and White Village Cooperatives as Strategic Tools for Family Resilience: Minister
The Indonesian Minister of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection has promoted Red and White Village Cooperatives as strategic instruments for strengthening family resilience, broadening access to education, and delivering protection services to communities. The government encourages local economic activities—from home-based agriculture to small-scale livestock—to create sustainable village economies that enhance childcare quality and educational outcomes.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 16:50 WIB
House Commission III Chair Urges UGM Student Leader Who Claims Intimidation to File Police Report
The chairman of the House of Representatives' Commission III has called on the head of Gadjah Mada University's student executive board to file a police report after claiming to have received death threats and been stalked. The senior Gerindra Party figure denied that pro-Prabowo supporters were behind the intimidation, instead warning of third parties seeking to sow division, whilst the student leader described the threats as evidence that Indonesian democracy is in trouble.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 16:46 WIB
Indonesia and US sign reciprocal trade agreement offering zero-tariff access to key exports
President Prabowo and President Trump signed a reciprocal trade agreement granting Indonesia zero-percent import duties on major exports including palm oil, coffee, cocoa, rubber, semiconductors, and textiles, whilst Indonesia eliminates tariffs on US agricultural commodities like wheat and soybeans. The agreement, expected to benefit four million textile workers and impact approximately 20 million Indonesians, will take effect 90 days after ratification by both countries' legislatures.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 16:41 WIB
GMNI Central Board Holds Public Discussion on Ministry Function Disorientation
The Indonesian National Student Movement (GMNI) central board held a public discussion examining how ministries have become disoriented from their core functions, serving as stepping stones for political ambition rather than focusing on national interests. Political and social analysts argued that ministers' political interests often clash with the ethical values enshrined in Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution, resulting in policies that fail to serve the public good.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 16:36 WIB
KPAI Demands Cause of Death Be Revealed for Student Allegedly Beaten by Brimob Officer
Indonesia's Child Protection Commission (KPAI) has called for the swift resolution of a case in which a junior Brimob (Mobile Brigade) police officer allegedly beat a secondary school student to death in Tual, Maluku.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 16:36 WIB
Profile of Rifaldo Aquino, Fugitive in Cambodia Human Trafficking Case Arrested by Indonesian Police
Indonesian National Police arrested Interpol red notice fugitive Rifaldo Aquino Pontoh at Bali's I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport on Saturday, following a tip-off from NCB Manila that he was transiting through the Philippines from Cambodia. The suspect is wanted in connection with an international human trafficking and online fraud syndicate operating in Cambodia, and has been handed over to Jakarta Metropolitan Police for further investigation.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 16:30 WIB
Religious Affairs Minister Plans to Build Integrated Madrasah in New Capital
Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar has announced plans to build an integrated Islamic school complex spanning all educational levels on a 21-hectare site in Nusantara Capital City (IKN), East Kalimantan. The initiative, discussed during a visit to IKN with the Capital Authority chief, forms part of broader government efforts to establish key institutional infrastructure in the new capital, which is targeted to function as the political capital by 2028.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 16:29 WIB
Government to regulate modern retail expansion in villages, prioritise Red and White cooperatives
The Cooperatives Minister has announced plans to regulate modern convenience store expansion in Indonesian villages, with regional authorities considering moratoriums on new permits for chain retailers like Alfamart and Indomaret. The government aims to strengthen Red and White Village Cooperatives to keep money circulating locally whilst creating employment and supporting MSMEs.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 16:28 WIB
Tensions Rise as US Deploys Fighter Jets and Warships Near Iran
The United States has moved a second aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R Ford, towards the Middle East alongside the USS Abraham Lincoln already stationed near Oman, as Washington intensifies pressure on Iran over its military programme.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 16:26 WIB
Wife of South Sulawesi DPRD Member Killed After Car Crashes into Makassar Toll Road Barrier
Wardhana Mamung, wife of South Sulawesi provincial legislator Capt Hariadi, was killed in a single-vehicle accident on the Makassar toll road after her car struck a road barrier. The incident occurred on Section 4 of the toll road at approximately 1.53pm local time on Saturday, with the white Toyota Raize sustaining severe damage. The South Sulawesi DPRD Chairwoman Andi Rachmatika Dewi expressed condolences following confirmation of the fatality from the Makassar police chief.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 16:25 WIB
Foreign Minister Reveals Why Indonesia Was Named Deputy Commander of ISF in Gaza
Foreign Minister Sugiono explained that Indonesia's appointment as deputy commander for operations of the International Stabilization Force in Gaza reflects the country's commitment of 8,000 troops — the largest contingent — and the TNI's strong peacekeeping track record. The announcement comes amid Hamas's firm rejection of disarmament demands, raising questions about the viability of the multinational force's mission.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 16:25 WIB
Police Reveal How Brimob Officer Struck Student in Tual, Causing Death
A Mobile Brigade (Brimob) officer, First Class Private MS, has been named a suspect after fatally striking a 14-year-old student with a tactical helmet during a patrol in Tual, Maluku. The officer faces charges under child protection laws and the criminal code, with a maximum sentence of seven years' imprisonment, whilst disciplinary proceedings are also under way in coordination with the Maluku Police internal affairs division.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 16:14 WIB
Indonesia and JICA deepen higher education and research cooperation
Indonesia's Higher Education, Science and Technology Ministry is expanding cooperation with Japan's International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to strengthen research facilities, academic partnerships, and industry-academia collaboration across five universities. The initiative includes infrastructure upgrades, capacity building, and a new national master plan for higher education, science and technology infrastructure.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 16:13 WIB
Pegadaian Wins Two Awards at Indonesia Top Achievements 2026
State-owned pawnbroker PT Pegadaian received two major awards at the Indonesia Top Achievements of the Year 2026 ceremony, recognised for excellence in customer-centric transformation and inclusive finance leadership. The awards reflect the company's ongoing digital transformation strategy and its role in expanding financial access to underserved communities, reinforcing its position in Indonesia's populist economic ecosystem.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 16:10 WIB
One Year Leading Central Java: The Achievements of the Luthfi-Taj Yasin Administration
Central Java Governor Luthfi marked his first year in office by highlighting strong economic performance, with GDP growth of 5.37 per cent exceeding the national average, record investment realisation of Rp88.50 trillion, and a decline in poverty figures.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 16:07 WIB
Indonesia's Baznas Expands Sudan Aid Efforts
Indonesia's state-backed Islamic charity body Baznas is intensifying humanitarian assistance to Sudan following a meeting between its chairman and Sudan's ambassador to Indonesia. Baznas plans to lead fundraising efforts with a focus on rebuilding Sudan's health sector through medical facilities, equipment, and essential medicines to address the country's worsening humanitarian crisis caused by ongoing conflict and displacement.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 16:07 WIB
Impactful Students Programme 2026: Andalas University Students Revive Padang's Economy After Floods
Andalas University animal husbandry students are deploying integrated farming systems to restore livestock productivity and livelihoods in Padang's Lubuk Minturun Sungai Lareh subdistrict, which was severely damaged by flash floods in November 2025.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 16:03 WIB
West Nusa Tenggara Police Replace Acting Bima City Police Chief Linked to Narcotics
West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Regional Police have replaced the acting Bima City police chief for a second time after the original incumbent was named a suspect in a narcotics distribution case. The replacement comes amid scrutiny over the previous acting chief's own history of drug use, highlighting persistent concerns about narcotics involvement within the police force.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 16:00 WIB
KH Fachruddin: Journalism Maestro and Champion of Hajj Pilgrims
This profile chronicles KH Fachruddin (1890–1929), an autodidact Indonesian independence activist and Muhammadiyah leader who was posthumously declared a National Hero in 1964. Notably, he spent eight years in Mecca investigating the mistreatment of Indonesian hajj pilgrims and subsequently established the Hajj Aid Agency, whilst also co-founding the influential Suara Muhammadiyah magazine that helped shape nationalist consciousness during the colonial era.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 16:00 WIB
National Police Headquarters Responds to Brimob Officer's Fatal Assault on Madrasah Student in Maluku
Indonesia's National Police Headquarters has pledged rigorous criminal and ethical proceedings against a Brimob (Mobile Brigade) officer who allegedly beat a 14-year-old madrasah student to death in Tual, Maluku. The suspect, identified as First Class Private MS of Brimob Company 1 Battalion C Pelopor, has been detained, whilst the force issued a formal apology acknowledging the incident could erode public trust in the institution.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 15:53 WIB
Prabowo Government Strengthens Legal Certainty as Foreign Investment Flows Predicted to Rise
President Prabowo Subianto has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to strengthening legal certainty in Indonesia, a move expected to boost foreign direct investment which reached a record US$55 billion in 2025, up 12 per cent year-on-year.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 15:53 WIB
US Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump's Tariff Policy — What Does It Mean for Indonesia?
The United States Supreme Court has ruled that President Donald Trump's global reciprocal tariff policy is unconstitutional, finding that the president lacks inherent authority to impose sweeping tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 15:49 WIB
East Jakarta Residents Sue Over Noisy Padel Court, Take Case to Administrative Court
Residents of the Pulomas housing estate in East Jakarta have filed a lawsuit at the Jakarta Administrative Court (PTUN) against the East Jakarta Mayor over a commercially operated padel court built in their residential area, citing excessive noise, traffic disruption, and suspected building permit irregularities. The court accepted the residents' claim, but the padel court owner and the East Jakarta municipal government have lodged an appeal against the ruling.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 15:48 WIB
Surya Paloh on Parliamentary Threshold: Currently Being Deliberated
NasDem Party chairman Surya Paloh has indicated that his party's parliamentary faction is actively deliberating the parliamentary threshold value, signalling support for raising it to seven per cent to simplify Indonesia's multi-party system. The issue is on the 2026 national legislation programme for discussion by House Commission II, following a Constitutional Court ruling requiring the government and parliament to review the current four per cent threshold based on adequate study.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 15:47 WIB
Jewellery Shop Owner Reported to Police Following Destruction of Businessman's South Jakarta Home
A South Jakarta businessman has filed police and immigration reports against a female jewellery shop owner and her foreign national companion after they allegedly forced entry into his Mampang Prapatan residence and vandalised the property. The case, registered under Article 448 of Law No. 1/2023 concerning unpleasant conduct, is under preliminary investigation by the South Jakarta Metropolitan Police, who plan to summon both parties.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 15:45 WIB
US Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump Tariffs, Indonesia Ready to Renegotiate
The US Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act does not grant the president authority to impose tariffs, striking down Trump's reciprocal tariff policy. Indonesia's Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs confirmed it is monitoring developments and preparing for fresh negotiations with Washington, noting that the bilateral Agreement on Reciprocal Trade had not yet been ratified by either side.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 15:40 WIB
Police in Traditional Headwear: Riau Regional Police Embrace Cultural Identity
Riau Regional Police have mandated all 11,000 personnel across the province to wear the traditional Malay tanjak headpiece and sash every Friday, marking a formal cultural approach strategy initiated by Police Chief Inspector General Herry Heryawan.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 15:34 WIB
One Year of Agustin-Iswar: Five Development Taglines Strengthen Governance and Fiscal Resilience
Semarang Mayor Agustina Wilujeng Pramestuti and Deputy Mayor Iswar Aminuddin have reported solid first-year results, achieving Central Java's highest Human Development Index score of 85.80 and 92.31 per cent regional revenue realisation despite national austerity measures.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 15:25 WIB
Rio Haryanto Responds to Personal Document Leak: Deeply Regrettable
Former Formula 1 driver Rio Haryanto has expressed concern over the leak of his personal documents by a sub-district office employee in Solo, Central Java, who uploaded them to social media. The Solo municipal government has conducted a disciplinary hearing against the employee, with a final sanction to be determined by the mayor. The incident has raised questions about data protection standards within local government public services.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 15:22 WIB
President Prabowo meets global investors including Chelsea owner Todd Boehly in Washington
President Prabowo met with Todd Boehly and 11 other major global investors in Washington, where Boehly pledged to bring Chelsea FC and the Los Angeles Lakers to Indonesia for cooperation programmes. The meeting showcased Indonesia's commitment to fostering a conducive investment climate and attracting international capital partnerships. The initiative, coordinated through sovereign wealth fund Danantara Indonesia, aims to strengthen economic development and create employment opportunities.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 15:21 WIB
Brimob Officer Named Suspect in Fatal Assault of Madrasah Student in Tual
A Mobile Brigade (Brimob) officer, First Class Private MS, has been named a suspect and detained following the fatal assault of a 14-year-old madrasah student in Tual, Maluku. The officer faces multiple charges under child protection laws and the criminal code, carrying sentences of up to seven years, whilst the National Police headquarters has issued a public apology and pledged transparent legal and ethical proceedings against the perpetrator.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 15:16 WIB
Rifaldo Aquino, Interpol Fugitive Wanted for Human Trafficking in Cambodia, Arrested in Bali
Indonesian police have arrested Rifaldo Aquino Pontoh, an Interpol Red Notice fugitive, at Bali's I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in connection with international human trafficking and online fraud operations in Cambodia. The suspect allegedly lured victims through social media job advertisements promising high salaries, only to subject them to severe violence, passport confiscation, and forced labour.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 15:16 WIB
Prabowo Receives Chelsea Jersey from Club Owner During Meeting with US Business Leaders in Washington
President Prabowo Subianto met with 12 major American business leaders in Washington DC, including the owners of Chelsea FC and Inter Milan, to promote Indonesian investment opportunities. The meeting, facilitated through Danantara Indonesia (the state-owned enterprise holding company), saw Prabowo reaffirm his government's commitment to creating a conducive investment climate and building economic supply chains that benefit domestic interests.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 15:15 WIB
Silver Prices Briefly Broke Records, but Is It Worth Investing in for the Future?
Silver prices surged past US$100 per ounce in January 2026 before correcting to around US$85, prompting debate over the metal's viability as a long-term investment. Financial advisers caution that silver generates no income, dividends, or interest, making returns entirely dependent on price appreciation amid significant volatility.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 15:14 WIB
East Kalimantan builds community capacity for green turtle conservation
East Kalimantan's government and conservation organizations are strengthening turtle protection through community-based initiatives, recognizing that sustainable conservation depends on residents' direct involvement. Berau District, home to Southeast Asia's largest green turtle nesting habitat, is implementing the Somacore program with technical training for coastal communities and fishers.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 15:14 WIB
Indonesia and Russia Strengthen Higher Education Partnership Through BMSTU Collaboration
Indonesian Minister Brian Yuliarto and Bauman Moscow State Technical University (BMSTU) Rector Mikhail Gordin agreed to deepen educational cooperation, integrating Russian scholarships into Indonesia's Garuda Scholarship program. The partnership will focus on joint research initiatives addressing Indonesia's eight national priorities, student and professor exchanges, and collaborative doctoral mentoring programmes in advanced fields including robotics, quantum computing, and green technology.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 15:11 WIB
LPDP Scholarship Row: Education Expert Says Awardees Feel No Debt to the Nation
An education analyst has criticised Indonesia's LPDP state scholarship programme following a social media controversy in which a UK-based alumna declared she would not pass on Indonesian citizenship to her children. The expert argues the programme lacks binding career commitments and rigorous selection, enabling a long-standing brain drain, and urges the government to adopt foreign models that tie scholarships to guaranteed domestic employment.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 15:08 WIB
National Library Open Daily During Ramadan 2026: Operating Hours and Access Information
Indonesia's National Library (Perpusnas) will operate every day throughout Ramadan 2026, with adjusted hours, closing only on national holidays and collective leave days. The facility, accessible via KRL commuter rail, MRT, and bus transit, will serve visitors on weekdays from 8am to 3pm and weekends from 9am to 3pm, reflecting the government's commitment to maintaining public services during the fasting month.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 15:07 WIB
Government Targets 100 Per Cent Waste Management by 2029 as 340 Landfills Still Practise Open Dumping
Indonesia's Ministry of Environment has revealed that more than 340 landfill sites across the country continue to practise open dumping despite a legal prohibition in place since 2008, posing a major obstacle to the government's target of achieving 100 per cent waste management by 2029.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 15:07 WIB
JACOS Introduced at University of Indonesia, Poised to Produce Globally-Minded Graduates
The Jakarta Education Summit 2026, held at the University of Indonesia's Salemba campus on 15 February, saw the formal introduction of Jakarta Cosmopolite Islamic School (JACOS), a new institution aiming to combine academic excellence with character education and a global outlook.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 15:06 WIB
Mobile Brigade Officer Beats Student to Death, Police Vow Firm Action
A member of Indonesia's Mobile Brigade (Brimob) is accused of fatally beating a 14-year-old student in Southeast Maluku, prompting the National Police to issue a public apology and pledge transparent criminal and ethical proceedings. The suspect, First Class Private MS, has been detained, with authorities warning he faces dishonourable discharge if found guilty of the serious violation.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 15:03 WIB
Indonesia deports 13 Chinese nationals over paid photo shoot violation
Indonesia's South Jakarta Immigration Office has deported 13 Chinese nationals for misusing their stay permits by operating a paid photo shoot event in violation of immigration regulations. The enforcement action, completed on February 12, was conducted following a monitoring operation that identified foreign workers operating in various roles including photographer, makeup artist, and stylist.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 15:01 WIB
AI Only at Six Out of Ten, Says Nezar Patria
Indonesia's Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Affairs Nezar Patria assessed the global impact of AI as currently standing at "six out of ten", emphasising the need for meaningful access rather than mere infrastructure provision. Speaking at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 alongside Togo and Egypt, Indonesia positioned itself as a Global South actor seeking to shape AI development towards public benefit, healthcare, education, and economic empowerment.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 14:58 WIB
ITB Cenago Analysis: Sumatra Floods Triggered by Extreme Weather
The Centre for Analysis and Applying Geospatial Information at the Bandung Institute of Technology (Cenago ITB) has completed a forensic study into the causes of flooding across three river basins in Sumatra — Badiri, Garoga, and Batang. The analysis concluded that extreme weather conditions were the primary trigger behind the devastating floods, providing critical scientific evidence for future disaster mitigation and watershed management efforts.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 14:55 WIB
Police Arrest Drug Dealer in West Jakarta, 18 Kg of Cannabis Seized
Jakarta Metropolitan Police arrested a 39-year-old man found carrying cannabis in a minimarket car park in Kebon Jeruk, West Jakarta, seizing a total of 18 kilogrammes of the drug. The arrest, prompted by a tip-off from local residents, led officers to discover additional contraband stashed in an empty house in Tanjung Duren Utara.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 14:52 WIB
Israel Attacks Lebanon, 12 Killed
Israeli strikes across eastern and southern Lebanon killed 12 people in a single day, including a Hezbollah commander in the Bekaa Valley, despite the November 2024 ceasefire agreement. The Israeli military said the attacks targeted Hezbollah command centres and Hamas operatives, including a strike on the country's largest Palestinian refugee camp at Ain al-Helweh, whilst Hamas condemned the raids as targeting civilians and camp security forces.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 14:52 WIB
Wealth and Career of Prihati Pujowaskito, Prabowo's Pick for BPJS Kesehatan Chief with Military Background
President Prabowo Subianto has appointed dr. Prihati Pujowaskito, a retired major general and cardiac specialist, as the new President Director of BPJS Kesehatan for the 2026–2031 term. The appointment of a figure with extensive military medical and hospital management experience to lead Indonesia's national health insurance agency, which covers hundreds of millions of residents, signals the administration's preference for leadership combining clinical expertise with institutional discipline.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 14:52 WIB
JPPI Refutes Claim That Free Meals Programme Does Not Reduce Education Budget
Indonesia's Education Monitoring Network (JPPI) has challenged Education Minister Abdul Mu'ti's assertion that the free nutritious meals programme (MBG) does not diminish education funding, arguing that the inclusion of Rp 223 trillion for MBG within the constitutionally mandated 20 per cent education allocation effectively cannibalises resources meant for schools, teachers, and infrastructure.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 14:50 WIB
Criminal Investigation Agency Tests Gold Bars Seized in Illegal Mining Money Laundering Case
Indonesia's Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) is testing gold bars seized from gold shops linked to a money laundering case stemming from illegal mining operations in West Kalimantan. Data from the financial intelligence agency PPATK indicates that illegal gold trading transactions from 2019 to 2025 totalled Rp25.8 trillion, with proceeds flowing through gold refining and export companies.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 14:46 WIB
Expert Questions Moral Obligation of LPDP Scholar Over Viral 'I'm Enough as Indonesian Citizen, Not My Children' Post
A child protection expert and former KPAI chairman has criticised an LPDP scholarship alumna identified as DS for publicly celebrating her children's British citizenship whilst rejecting Indonesian nationality for them, arguing she has a moral obligation to uphold national commitment after being funded by the state.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 14:46 WIB
Expert Criticises Moral Obligation of Viral 'I'm Enough as Indonesian Citizen, Not My Children' Case
A child protection expert and former KPAI chairman has criticised an LPDP scholarship alumna who went viral for celebrating her child's British citizenship while rejecting Indonesian nationality. The controversy has prompted calls to reform LPDP's scholarship selection process to include assessments of candidates' national commitment, while LPDP itself has distanced the institution from the alumna's remarks, noting her contractual obligations have been fulfilled.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 14:45 WIB
Prabowo Meets Todd Boehly and Other Investment Leaders in Washington
President Prabowo Subianto met with 12 prominent American investors in Washington D.C., including Todd Boehly and other major investment firm CEOs, to present Indonesia's economic opportunities. The discussions centred on positioning Indonesia as a confident, stable nation ready to serve as a centre of global growth, moving beyond its historical image as a 'sleeping giant'.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 14:40 WIB
MKMK Chairman Reported to Ethics Council over Alleged Code of Conduct Violations
The Indonesian Student Forum (Formasi) has filed an ethics complaint against I Dewa Gede Palguna, Chairman of the Constitutional Court's Ethics Council (MKMK), accusing him of exceeding ethical boundaries, personalising authority, and making emotionally charged public statements incompatible with judicial independence. Palguna acknowledged receiving the complaint and said he would face it "with a big heart and humility," calling it an occupational hazard.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 14:37 WIB
Prabowo Meets 12 Prominent US Business Leaders — What Was Discussed?
President Prabowo Subianto met with 12 major US investors in Washington DC, including the heads of Oaktree, BlackRock, KKR, Warburg Pincus, and other global firms, all of whom have existing ties to Indonesia's sovereign wealth vehicle Danantara. The meeting underscored Jakarta's push to position itself as a confident, stable hub for global investment, with Prabowo pledging to create favourable conditions for foreign capital inflows that generate domestic economic value and employment.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 14:34 WIB
Tata and Mahindra Win Massive Village Vehicle Contract — But Are Their Workshops Ready?
The planned import of 105,000 commercial vehicles from Indian manufacturers Tata Motors and Mahindra for the Merah Putih Village Cooperative programme has raised serious concerns about after-sales service readiness. With dealer and workshop networks concentrated in major cities, questions persist over how vehicles deployed to remote villages will receive adequate maintenance support across the archipelago.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 14:30 WIB
Jakarta Library Operating Hours During Ramadan 2026
The Jakarta Library at the Cikini complex, including the H.B. Jassin Literary Documentation Centre, will remain open daily throughout Ramadan 2026 with adjusted hours from 09:00 to 17:00 WIB. The article also details how to reach the library at the Taman Ismail Marzuki complex using Jakarta's public transport network, including the KRL commuter line, MRT, and Transjakarta bus rapid transit system.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 14:30 WIB
Indonesia's Manpower Ministry requires competency tests for National Internship participants
Indonesia's Manpower Ministry is urging National Internship program partners to implement competency tests, requiring participants to obtain both an internship certificate and formal competency certification from the National Professional Certification Agency (BNSP). The measure aims to better equip graduates with recognised skills and qualifications for stronger labour market entry and job competition.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 14:27 WIB
Two Young Siblings Mauled by Wild Dogs in Polewali Mandar, Rescuer Initially Mistook Children for Carcass
Two brothers aged nine and seven were severely injured after being attacked by a pack of six wild dogs while fishing in rice paddies in Polewali Mandar, West Sulawesi. A passing farmer intervened to drive off the animals, having initially mistaken the children being dragged by the dogs for a carcass. The incident highlights ongoing public safety concerns surrounding uncontrolled stray dog populations in rural Indonesian communities.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 14:26 WIB
Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education Launches Talenta Indonesia Scholarship
Indonesia's Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has launched the fully funded Talenta Indonesia Scholarship for national and international competition medal winners to pursue undergraduate studies domestically or abroad.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 14:24 WIB
Indonesia champions AI for public good at India AI Summit 2026
Indonesia positioned itself as a bridge country in global AI governance at the India AI Summit 2026, emphasising equitable AI development over mere technological sophistication. Deputy Minister Nezar Patria argued that meaningful public access and real-world applications in healthcare, education, and economic empowerment must accompany AI advancements, particularly in developing nations.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 14:24 WIB
The United States' Track Record of Tinkering with Indonesia's Halal Certification Rules
The article traces the longstanding history of US diplomatic and trade pressure to weaken Indonesia's halal certification requirements, culminating in significant concessions under the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade signed on 19 February 2026.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 14:22 WIB
Police Summon Employer Who Assaulted Domestic Worker Over Turning Off Stove for Monday Questioning
Bogor police have summoned a 37-year-old employer suspected of physically assaulting her 21-year-old domestic worker after the worker accidentally turned off a stove during cooking. The suspect, who allegedly kicked, pinched and punched the victim causing injuries to the head, ears, hands and back, is scheduled to appear for questioning on Monday 23 February at 10:00 WIB.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 14:19 WIB
Shopee Launches Ramadan Creator Festival 2026 to Boost Digital Creator Ecosystem
Shopee Indonesia has launched its Ramadan Creator Festival 2026 as part of its Big Ramadan Sale campaign, offering affiliates and content creators the chance to win prizes totalling Rp10 billion in festive bonuses and a world trip. The programme aims to capitalise on increased digital shopping activity during Ramadan by encouraging creators to produce inspirational product recommendation content across social media, Shopee Live, Shopee Video, and YouTube Shopping channels.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 14:17 WIB
MUI: US Products in Indonesia Still Subject to Mandatory Halal Certification
The Indonesian Ulema Council's head of fatwa has asserted that all US products entering Indonesia remain subject to mandatory halal certification under Law No. 33/2014, despite a newly signed reciprocal trade agreement between Jakarta and Washington that relaxes halal labelling requirements for certain American goods.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 14:16 WIB
Prabowo Meets Chelsea Owner Todd Boehly in Washington
President Prabowo Subianto met with 12 major American investors in Washington D.C., including Eldridge Industries CEO and Chelsea FC owner Todd Boehly, as well as heads of Oaktree, BlackRock, KKR, and Warburg Pincus, in a bid to attract global capital to Indonesia.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 14:15 WIB
Three teenagers killed taking selfies on railway tracks in Central Java
Three 15-year-old students from Batang District were struck and killed by the Argo Merbabu train whilst attempting to take selfies on railway tracks near Semarang. Indonesian Railways (KAI) has renewed safety warnings and emphasised that railway tracks are not recreational areas, citing the high speed of trains and minimal warning signals.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 14:13 WIB
Indonesia Accepts US "Poison Pill" Trade Clause Restricting China Deals
Indonesia has signed a reciprocal trade agreement with the Trump administration that contains provisions restricting the country from entering new trade pacts with nations that jeopardize US "essential interests"—widely understood to target China. Although the deal reduces US tariffs on Indonesian goods from 32% to 19%, analysts warn it heavily favours Washington and contradicts Indonesia's stated "free and active" foreign policy, particularly given Indonesia's substantial trade ($154.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 14:13 WIB
President Prabowo Receives 12 Global CEOs in Washington DC, Strengthening Strategic Investment Partnerships
President Prabowo Subianto met with 12 leaders of global investment firms managing approximately US$15 trillion in assets during his working visit to Washington DC, in a session that ran nearly twice its scheduled length due to productive discussions. Investment Minister Rosan Roeslani said the investors viewed Danantara, Indonesia's sovereign wealth vehicle, as a potential strategic local partner, whilst Prabowo declared Indonesia no longer wishes to be seen as a "sleeping giant.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 14:09 WIB
Gold Prices Today 21 February 2026: Antam Products Surge to Rp 3.012 Million Per Gram
Antam gold prices surged by Rp 68,000 to reach Rp 3,012,000 per gram on 21 February 2026, with buyback prices set at Rp 2,793,000 per gram. The state-owned miner's gold products range from 0.5 gram at Rp 1.556 million to 1,000 grams at Rp 2.9526 billion, with all sales subject to additional tax under prevailing regulations.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 14:05 WIB
BPJPH Head Receives Best Leader of Change 2026 Award: Halal Is a Lifestyle
The head of Indonesia's Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH), Ahmad Haikal Hasan, was awarded Best Leader of Change in Public Service Transformation 2026 for driving the acceleration and digital transformation of halal certification services. With nearly 12 million products now halal-certified, Haikal positioned halal certification not merely as a religious obligation but as a strategic instrument for consumer protection and enhancing Indonesian products' competitiveness in global markets.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 14:04 WIB
Former Bima Kota Police Chief Demanded Alphard from Subordinate
Former Bima Kota police chief AKBP Didik Putra Kuncoro allegedly demanded a Toyota Alphard from his narcotics unit head, AKP Malaungi, as "punishment" after Malaungi failed to suppress public exposure of Didik's Rp1.8 billion in payoffs from a drug dealer. Investigators have engaged PPATK to trace the financial flows, with Rp2.85 billion in illicit funds reportedly handed over in staged transactions disguised in suitcases, paper bags, and beer cartons.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 14:04 WIB
Former Bima Police Chief Demanded Alphard from Subordinate as 'Punishment'
Former Bima City police chief AKBP Didik Putra Kuncoro allegedly demanded a Toyota Alphard vehicle from his narcotics unit head, AKP Malaungi, as "punishment" after Malaungi failed to suppress public exposure of Didik's receipt of Rp1.8 billion in payoffs from a drug dealer. The National Police Criminal Investigation Department has enlisted the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (PPATK) to trace the flow of funds within the corrupt network.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 13:58 WIB
Prabowo Meets 12 Global Investment Leaders in Washington
President Prabowo Subianto met with 12 CEOs and presidents of global investment firms managing approximately $15 trillion in combined assets during a working visit to Washington, D.C., discussing Indonesia's economic policies and investment climate. The meeting highlighted Indonesia's commitment to legal stability and positioning Danantara as a strategic local partner for international investors.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 13:51 WIB
Offered Restorative Justice, Surabaya Grandmother Elina Refuses to Settle with Man Who Destroyed Her Home
An 80-year-old Surabaya woman, Elina Widjajanti, has rejected a restorative justice offer from Samuel Adi Kristanto, who is accused of forging property documents and orchestrating the forced eviction and demolition of her home. The case has exposed alleged document fraud involving a sale-and-purchase deed in which Samuel purportedly acted as both buyer and seller, with East Java Police now investigating five suspects including local administrative officials suspected of facilitating the forgery.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 13:50 WIB
Cabinet Secretary Teddy Reveals 12 Major Investors Who Met Prabowo in the US
President Prabowo Subianto held a strategic closed-door meeting with 12 major American investors in Washington DC, including heads of Eldridge Industries, Oaktree Capital, BlackRock, KKR, and Warburg Pincus, as part of an aggressive economic diplomacy push.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 13:45 WIB
Indonesian Police Vow Firm Action Against Brimob Officer Who Allegedly Beat Student to Death in Maluku
The Indonesian National Police have pledged to take decisive legal and ethical action against a Mobile Brigade (Brimob) officer accused of fatally assaulting a 14-year-old Islamic boarding school student in Tual, Maluku. The force issued a formal apology to the victim's family, stating the officer's actions contravened police institutional values, whilst the Maluku regional police chief confirmed parallel criminal and ethics proceedings are under way.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 13:36 WIB
Three-Wheeled Vehicle Plunges into Pond in Bogor, Firefighters Called to Evacuate
A three-wheeled motor vehicle fell into a fishpond in Bojonggede, Bogor, West Java, prompting residents to call the fire brigade for assistance. Firefighters arrived within 11 minutes and successfully extracted the vehicle from the steep, hard-to-reach embankment after a one-hour operation.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 13:36 WIB
Alarm Bells for Affordable Cars: First-Time Buyers Now Coming from Upper Segments
Astra Daihatsu Motor reports that first-time car buyers in Indonesia increasingly come from higher-income brackets, as the squeezed middle class retreats from entry-level purchases. The shift reflects broader economic pressures on industries such as textiles, footwear, and tobacco, which have weakened purchasing power and loan-servicing ability among lower-income consumers since the second half of last year.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 13:35 WIB
Criminal Investigation Bureau Says Former Bima Police Chief Received Funds from Two Drug Kingpins
Indonesia's Criminal Investigation Bureau (Bareskrim) has revealed that former Bima City police chief AKBP Didik Putra Kuncoro received billions of rupiah in illicit funds from two separate drug kingpins, channelled through his former narcotics unit head.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 13:34 WIB
Indonesia guarantees full support for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims abroad
The Indonesian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting pilgrims facing health or legal challenges overseas, following a case of an Indonesian Umrah pilgrim who became ill during transit in Oman. The ministry successfully coordinated the pilgrim's medical evacuation and hospitalisation in Jakarta, and plans to review travel organisers' medical coverage responsibilities and Umrah travel insurance policies to strengthen protections for pilgrims during their journeys.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 13:32 WIB
Former Indonesian Idol Contestant Piche Kota Named Suspect in Alleged Rape of Schoolgirl
Former Indonesian Idol contestant Petrus Yohannes Debrito Armando Jaga Kota, known as Piche Kota, has been named a suspect alongside two associates in an alleged rape case involving a 16-year-old schoolgirl in Belu, East Nusa Tenggara. The suspects face charges under Indonesia's Child Protection Act and Criminal Code, carrying a maximum sentence of 15 years' imprisonment.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 13:31 WIB
A Trail of Service in Border Skies: The Story of a Pilot Who Perished After Completing a One-Price Fuel Mission
Captain Hendrick Lodewyck Adam, a 54-year-old Pelita Air Service pilot with over 8,000 flight hours, was killed when his Air Tractor AT-802 cargo aircraft crashed in the hills of East Krayan, Nunukan Regency, North Kalimantan, on 19 February 2026, shortly after successfully delivering fuel to the remote border settlement of Long Bawan under the government's One-Price Fuel programme.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 13:31 WIB
Donald Trump Takes Interest in Hunting for Aliens
US President Donald Trump has ordered the Pentagon and intelligence agencies to release government files related to extraterrestrial life, UAPs, and UFOs, citing "enormous interest" from the public. The directive came hours after Trump accused former President Barack Obama of leaking classified information during a podcast interview in which Obama suggested aliens are real, reigniting debate over government transparency on the subject.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 13:30 WIB
Female Boarding School Student Abandons Newborn Behind Islamic School in Mamuju After Boyfriend Marries Another Woman
An 18-year-old female student at an Islamic boarding school in Mamuju, West Sulawesi, has been identified for abandoning her newborn baby behind the school premises. The student reportedly concealed her pregnancy from family and fellow students after her boyfriend married another woman upon learning she was pregnant, highlighting ongoing social welfare concerns surrounding young people in pesantren communities.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 13:30 WIB
Semanggi Park to Be Revitalised as Iconic Public Space
Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has launched the revitalisation of Semanggi Park into a modern green public space, with completion targeted for Jakarta's 500th anniversary in June 2027. The Rp 134 billion project, funded through private-sector collaboration using a creative naming-rights financing scheme rather than the regional budget, will transform the currently fragmented 6.5-hectare site into an active public space with sports areas, activity plazas, and communal zones.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 13:30 WIB
Foreign Minister: Indonesia Becomes Board of Peace Member Without Paying US$1 Billion, Opts to Send Troops Instead
Indonesia's Foreign Minister Sugiono has confirmed that the country's permanent membership of the Board of Peace does not require a US$1 billion contribution, dismissing claims that membership was contingent on such a payment. Instead, Indonesia will contribute approximately 8,000 peacekeeping personnel as its non-cash contribution, whilst other nations may opt to provide financial contributions through mechanisms including World Bank-managed accounts.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 13:29 WIB
Istiqlal Mosque Operational Schedule During Ramadan 2026
Indonesia's national Istiqlal Mosque has announced its operational hours for Ramadan 2026, running from 03:30 to 22:30 during the first 20 days and opening around the clock for the final ten nights to accommodate worshippers performing qiyamullail. The mosque administration also issued guidelines on personal conduct, security, and hygiene, alongside commuter rail directions to the mosque from various Jakarta metropolitan stations.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 13:27 WIB
Prabowo's Diplomacy in the US: Cabinet Secretary Teddy Reveals List of Cooperation Deals Secured
Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya detailed the concrete outcomes of President Prabowo Subianto's working visit to Washington DC, highlighting a near-50 per cent reduction in US reciprocal tariffs from 32 to 19 per cent and zero-tariff access for 1,819 Indonesian products.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 13:27 WIB
BRIN Reveals Giant Hole in Central Aceh Is Not a Sinkhole, Explains True Cause
Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has determined that the giant hole in Central Aceh was caused by geological landslides rather than a sinkhole, attributing it to weak volcanic tuff deposits from the inactive Mount Geurendong. The agency identified multiple contributing factors including the 2013 magnitude 6.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 13:22 WIB
Indonesian National Police Apologise Over Alleged Fatal Assault on Student by Brimob Officer in Maluku
The Indonesian National Police have publicly apologised after a Mobile Brigade (Brimob) officer allegedly assaulted a 14-year-old madrasa student to death in Tual City, Maluku. The force pledged transparent criminal and ethical proceedings against the officer, emphasising the act was an individual deviation from institutional values.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 13:22 WIB
PKH and Sembako Social Assistance Already Disbursed During Ramadan
Indonesia's Ministry of Social Affairs has disbursed over Rp15 trillion in social assistance during the first quarter of 2026, achieving above 85 per cent realisation for both the Family Hope Programme (PKH) and Sembako food aid ahead of Ramadan.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 13:19 WIB
Cartenz Task Force Apprehends Priority Fugitive Homi Heluka in Yahukimo
Indonesia's Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force has arrested two priority fugitives linked to armed criminal groups in Yahukimo, Papua Pegunungan, including Homi Heluka, who is suspected of involvement in multiple shootings and killings. Security incidents in the district have surged dramatically from three in early 2025 to 23 in the same period of 2026, prompting authorities to triple their deployed personnel to around 250.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 13:17 WIB
Circular Bandung Utama: From Waste to Food, From Food to Hope
Bandung's integrated Sirkular Bandung Utama programme has marked its first anniversary, combining waste management (Kang Pisman), urban farming (Buruan SAE), and anti-stunting nutrition kitchens (Dapur Dashat) into a single circular ecosystem called Karasa.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 13:15 WIB
Pramono to Crack Down on Padel Courts in Jakarta Residential Areas
Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has pledged to take firm action against padel courts operating in residential areas that disturb residents, lack community consent, or hold incomplete permits. Following a wave of noise complaints from local communities, Pramono has directed relevant agencies to map all padel court locations across the capital and present findings for a decision expected early next week, signalling a broader regulatory tightening on the rapidly growing sport's commercial venues.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 13:11 WIB
Autopsy Results Released for Sukabumi Boy Who Died in Suspected Stepmother Abuse Case
An autopsy on a 12-year-old boy from Sukabumi, West Java, who died in suspected abuse by his stepmother, revealed burn injuries across much of his body including limbs, back, lips and nose. Despite the extensive burns, forensic examiners have not yet determined the definitive cause of death, stating that the injuries alone should not theoretically have been fatal.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 13:10 WIB
Police Bust Methamphetamine Ring in Teluknaga, Tangerang; Dealer Arrested
Police in Tangerang Regency raided a house in Teluknaga district and arrested a suspected methamphetamine dealer along with three users, seizing 2.55 grammes of crystal meth and related paraphernalia. The suspect faces charges under Indonesia's Narcotics Law and the new Criminal Code, whilst authorities continue to pursue a fugitive higher up in the distribution network.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 13:05 WIB
US Strikes Drug Boat in Eastern Pacific, Three Killed
United States forces struck a suspected narcotics vessel in the Eastern Pacific, killing three people in the latest of a series of lethal interdiction operations under President Trump's anti-drug trafficking campaign. Since launching these strikes in September last year, nearly 150 people have been killed and dozens of vessels destroyed, with the US providing no definitive evidence of illegal activity aboard the targeted boats.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 13:04 WIB
US Announces New 10 Per Cent Tariff Effective for 150 Days from 24 February 2026
President Donald Trump has announced a blanket 10 per cent import tariff on all countries, effective for 150 days from 24 February 2026, invoking Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 after the Supreme Court ruled he lacked authority to impose global tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 13:04 WIB
Israel Imposes Restrictions on Al-Aqsa Mosque Access During First Friday of Ramadan
Israeli authorities imposed strict restrictions on Palestinian worshippers seeking to perform the first Friday prayers of Ramadan at Al-Aqsa Mosque in East Jerusalem. The measures included limiting the number of West Bank residents permitted to access the holy site, underscoring ongoing tensions over freedom of worship in the occupied territories.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 12:55 WIB
Welcoming Ramadan and National Quran Recitation Competition, Semarang Mayor Distributes 20,000 Qurans
Semarang Mayor Agustina Wilujeng has launched the distribution of 20,000 translated Qurans across the city as part of a philanthropic collaboration between the municipal government and the Al-Fatihah Upasraya Foundation. The initiative, which began in East Semarang with an initial allocation of 1,000 copies, is timed to coincide with Ramadan and preparations for the National Quran Recitation Competition (MTQ Nasional) to be hosted by Semarang in September 2026.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 12:53 WIB
Indian Pickup Truck Imports Could Worsen Pressure on Indonesian Manufacturers
Indonesia's automotive industry association GAIKINDO has pushed back against plans to import commercial vehicles from India, arguing that domestic manufacturers already have sufficient capacity to meet demand for pickup trucks. With factory utilisation rates below optimal levels and domestic sales yet to recover to one million units per year, industry leaders warn that imports would further strain local producers who maintain over 40 per cent local content in their vehicles.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 12:50 WIB
LPDP to Take Action Against Husband of Viral 'Only I Should Be Indonesian, Not My Children' Scholar If Contribution Obligation Unfulfilled
Indonesia's Education Fund Management Institution (LPDP) has summoned AP, the husband of viral LPDP alumna DS who declared she would ensure her children held foreign rather than Indonesian citizenship. AP, himself an LPDP scholarship recipient, faces potential sanctions including full repayment of scholarship funds if he is found to have failed to complete his mandatory post-study service contribution in Indonesia.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 12:49 WIB
Prabowo Meets 12 Investors in Washington
President Prabowo Subianto held a nearly two-hour meeting with 12 CEOs and presidents of global investment firms managing approximately US$15 trillion in assets during his working visit to Washington D.C. The investors reportedly responded positively to Danantara as a potential strategic local partner, whilst Prabowo outlined Indonesia's economic policy direction and commitment to legal certainty, declaring the country no longer wishes to be seen as a "sleeping giant."
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 12:49 WIB
From Oman to RSPI Jakarta: The Story of a Sick Umrah Pilgrim Given Full Care
Indonesia's Ministry of Religious Affairs, through the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj), has reaffirmed its full commitment to protecting umrah pilgrims, including providing optimal medical care for those who fall ill during their journey. The case highlights the government's handling of a pilgrim who required medical evacuation from Oman to RSPI Jakarta for treatment.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 12:46 WIB
Viral Phone Robber Who Used False Harassment Accusations in Ciledug Arrested
Jakarta Metropolitan Police have arrested a man who went viral on social media for stealing mobile phones using a modus operandi involving false sexual harassment accusations against victims in the Ciledug area of Tangerang. The suspect admitted to committing similar crimes at four different locations across Greater Jakarta and faces up to nine years' imprisonment under Article 479 of the Criminal Code for robbery with violence.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 12:35 WIB
Grand Sermon at Siak Police Station: Ustaz Abdul Somad Addresses Ecological Sin and Green Policing
Prominent cleric Ustaz Abdul Somad delivered a Ramadan sermon at Siak Police Station in Riau, framing environmental destruction as a grave sin and endorsing the provincial police chief's Green Policing initiative. He linked recent flooding in Aceh and recurring forest fires in Riau to human-caused deforestation, arguing that planting trees is an act of worship whilst destroying nature constitutes a sin greater than conventional transgressions.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 12:31 WIB
Installing a 'Digital Shield' for Ramadan
Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison has launched its #LebihBaikIndosat initiative ahead of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr 2026, combining network reinforcement across 77 mudik routes, an Nvidia-backed AI assistant app, and AI-powered anti-spam and anti-scam protections. The telecom giant's digital security features have blocked over 2 billion malicious calls, messages, and links since August 2025, potentially preventing up to US$500 million in financial losses for customers.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 12:27 WIB
Paloh Reveals NasDem Consistently Proposes 7% Parliamentary Threshold, Explains Reasoning
NasDem Party chairman Surya Paloh has reaffirmed the party's consistent push to raise Indonesia's parliamentary threshold to 7 per cent, arguing it would improve governmental stability and democratic effectiveness. Paloh questioned the value of having numerous political parties if democracy fails to deliver tangible benefits, advocating a shift from a multi-party system towards a more selective party framework.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 12:26 WIB
ROCm on New Ubuntu
An opinion column discusses the intersection of AMD's ROCm open-source GPU computing platform and Canonical's Ubuntu Linux release cycle. The columnist draws a cultural analogy between Ubuntu's calendar-precise release schedule and the regularity of Islamic prayer call times, highlighting the predictability of the April (.04) and October (.10) releases.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 12:26 WIB
MUI Highlights Indonesia-US Trade Deal, Urges Public to Avoid Non-Halal Products
The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has spoken out against provisions in the Indonesia-US reciprocal trade agreement that would exempt American products from halal certification requirements, insisting that halal labelling is constitutionally protected and non-negotiable. MUI's fatwa chief Prof Asrorun Ni'am Sholeh urged Indonesian consumers to avoid non-halal products whilst acknowledging room for administrative simplification in the certification process.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 12:26 WIB
Djarum Foundation Plants 60,321 Tree Seedlings to Support Conservation and Economic Empowerment on Muria Slopes
Djarum Foundation has planted over 60,000 multi-purpose tree species (MPTS) seedlings on the slopes of Mount Muria as part of its environmental stewardship programme. The initiative targets both the conservation of critical water catchment areas and the sustainable economic empowerment of local coffee farming communities.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 12:25 WIB
LPDP and Muhammadiyah's Diktilitbang Agree on RISPRO Invitasi Berkemajuan Research Funding
Indonesia's Education Fund Management Institution (LPDP) and Muhammadiyah's Higher Education, Research and Development Council have formalised a Rp 20 billion research funding collaboration under the RISPRO Invitasi Berkemajuan programme, with equal Rp 10 billion contributions from each party.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 12:21 WIB
Singer Piche Kota Named Suspect in Rape of High School Student in Atambua
Indonesian Idol 2025 Top 6 contestant Piche Kota and two other men have been named suspects in the alleged rape of a 16-year-old high school student at a hotel in Atambua, East Nusa Tenggara. Police are applying multiple criminal charges carrying sentences of up to 15 years' imprisonment under both the Criminal Code and the Child Protection Act, with one suspect facing arrest for failing to cooperate with investigators.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 12:21 WIB
Kudus Government Partners with Djarum Foundation to Enhance Waste Sorting Education at Dandangan Festival 2026
The Kudus regency government has collaborated with Djarum Foundation to promote waste sorting awareness during the Dandangan Festival 2026. The initiative deployed dozens of segregated waste bins, university students as cleanliness ambassadors, and public education campaigns on organic waste separation, reflecting growing local government engagement with private sector partners on environmental management.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 12:14 WIB
Foreign Minister: Indonesian Forces Will Not Disarm Combatants in Gaza
Foreign Minister Sugiono has confirmed that Indonesian troops deployed to the Gaza Strip as part of the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) will not conduct military operations, disarmament, or demilitarisation, limiting their role to civilian protection and self-defence.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 12:13 WIB
The Story of a Dormitory Guardian Shaping Character and Maintaining Discipline at a People's School
A dormitory guardian at People's Junior Secondary School 9 in Bandung shares the challenges and rewards of mentoring 47 students from disadvantaged backgrounds, highlighting the role's demands in building discipline and independence. The article underscores the People's School programme as a strategic pillar of President Prabowo Subianto's Asta Cita agenda, aimed at breaking the intergenerational transmission of poverty rather than relying solely on social assistance handouts.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 12:12 WIB
Bank Sumsel Babel Offers Up to 40 Per Cent Discount on Takjil to Welcome Ramadan
Regional development bank Bank Sumsel Babel has launched a "Takjil in Ramadhan" promotional programme offering customers up to 40 per cent discounts at selected merchants via QRIS mobile payments. The initiative aims to support MSMEs in the food sector during Ramadan whilst advancing digital financial inclusion across South Sumatra and the Bangka Belitung Islands.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 12:05 WIB
DPR Members Line Up to Criticise Jokowi's Claim He Rejected 2019 KPK Bill
Multiple members of Indonesia's House of Representatives from across the political spectrum have criticised former President Joko Widodo's claim that he opposed the controversial 2019 revision of the KPK Law by refusing to sign it.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 12:02 WIB
Solid 2025 Performance as Elnusa Strengthens Upstream Oil and Gas with Technology
Elnusa recorded solid operational performance throughout 2025 by leveraging technology upgrades, efficiency gains, and integrated services. The Pertamina subsidiary played a key role in supporting the national oil and gas production target of one million barrels per day, underscoring the growing importance of technology-driven approaches in Indonesia's upstream energy sector.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 12:01 WIB
Indosat on Standby Ahead of Lebaran 'Surge'
Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison is preparing its telecommunications network across 77 Lebaran homecoming routes, anticipating an 18 per cent surge in traffic peaking on the first or second day after Eid. The operator is deploying 2,500 round-the-clock technicians, AI-powered network monitoring, and collaborating with the Ministry of Communications and Digital on 16 joint command posts to ensure service reliability for an estimated 14 million travelling subscribers.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 12:00 WIB
Indonesia and the US Officially Sign 'Historic' Reciprocal Tariff Agreement
Indonesia and the United States have formalised a landmark reciprocal trade agreement setting US import tariffs on Indonesian goods at 19%, with over 1,800 Indonesian products receiving zero-tariff access to the US market. The accord, signed by Presidents Prabowo Subianto and Donald Trump, includes substantial investment commitments worth US$38.4 billion—including purchases of 50 Boeing aircraft—and establishes a bilateral Council of Trade and Investment to manage future trade relations.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 12:00 WIB
The Full Story Behind Residents' Protest Against Noisy Padel Court in Cilandak
A South Jakarta resident's persistent complaints about noise from a neighbouring padel court in Cilandak have escalated into a public controversy, prompting intervention from Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung. The governor has ordered relevant agencies to inspect the facility, which reportedly lacks proper permits and community approval, and has pledged decisive action as early as the following week.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 12:00 WIB
Freeport Mining Contract Extended to 2041, Government Stake to Increase by 12 Per Cent
Freeport-McMoRan has formally agreed to extend PT Freeport Indonesia's operating rights in Papua until 2041, with the Indonesian government set to receive an additional 12 per cent equity stake at no cost, raising its ownership to approximately 63 per cent by 2042. The memorandum of understanding, signed in Washington D.C.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 11:48 WIB
Indonesia Writes to Board of Peace over Israel's Efforts to Annex West Bank
Indonesia has formally written to the Board of Peace expressing concern over Israel's plans to seize control of the West Bank, with Foreign Minister Sugiono making the announcement from Washington DC. The move follows controversial statements by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich advocating for Palestinian migration from the West Bank and Gaza, and Israel's widely condemned proposal to register most West Bank land as state property if Palestinians cannot prove ownership.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 11:45 WIB
Customs Authorities Seal Luxury Jewellery Shop Bening Luxury in Pluit
Indonesia's Directorate General of Customs and Excise has sealed the Bening Luxury jewellery shop in Pluit, North Jakarta, over suspected customs duty and tax violations. The action follows the recent sealing of three Tiffany & Co outlets in Jakarta and forms part of a broader enforcement drive instructed by the Finance Minister to maximise state revenue from customs and taxation on imported luxury goods.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 11:44 WIB
US-Iran Tensions Escalate as World's Largest Aircraft Carrier Enters Mediterranean Sea
The USS Gerald R. Ford, the world's largest aircraft carrier, has entered the Mediterranean Sea en route to the Middle East as part of a major US military build-up amid rising tensions with Iran. President Trump stated he is "considering" limited strikes against Iran should negotiations fail, after giving Tehran a 15-day deadline to reach a deal. Iran's foreign minister has indicated a draft proposal for an agreement with Washington would be ready within days following talks in Geneva.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 11:43 WIB
Surya Paloh on Prospect of Backing Prabowo for Two Terms: We Are Considering It
NasDem Party chairman Surya Paloh has indicated the party is actively considering supporting President Prabowo Subianto for a second term, whilst also expressing openness to proposals for a permanent coalition. The remarks come after former president Jokowi revealed he had long instructed his volunteer networks to back the Prabowo-Gibran administration for two full terms, signalling a consolidation of political support around the incumbent ahead of the 2029 presidential election.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 11:30 WIB
National Criminal Investigation Unit Arrests Armed Robbery Gang That Stole Rp800 Million in Lampung
Indonesia's National Criminal Investigation Unit (Bareskrim) has arrested five members of an armed robbery gang who stole Rp800 million from a distributor's truck in Tulang Bawang Barat, Lampung. The suspects, who used firearms during the daylight heist, were apprehended through a joint operation involving provincial and district police, with each playing distinct roles from mastermind to shooter and lookouts.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 11:29 WIB
Who Will Serve as Indonesia's Deputy Commander of the ISF?
Indonesia's Foreign Minister Sugiono confirmed that no individual has yet been selected to serve as the country's Deputy Commander for Operations in the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) for Palestine, with the decision to be made by the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI).
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 11:25 WIB
Foreign Minister Affirms Indonesia Not Obligated to Pay Board of Peace Dues
Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono has confirmed that Indonesia has not paid any membership dues to the Board of Peace (BoP) and is under no obligation to do so. He clarified that US President Donald Trump's USD 5 billion pledge for Gaza is separate from BoP contributions, and that membership does not require financial contributions, though a USD 1 billion contribution would be needed for permanent membership status.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 11:25 WIB
Criminal Investigation Division: Police Chief Didik Received Drug Money in Instalments, Packed in Beer Boxes
Indonesia's Criminal Investigation Division (Bareskrim) has revealed that former Bima City police chief AKBP Didik Putra Kuncoro received Rp2.8 billion in drug proceeds through three separate transactions, with cash delivered in a suitcase, paper bag, and beer box.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 11:22 WIB
Meeting President Prabowo, 12 Global CEOs Highlight Legal Certainty in Indonesia
President Prabowo Subianto met 12 global investment firm CEOs managing a combined US$16 trillion in assets during a working visit to Washington DC, with the executives pressing for stronger rule of law and policy consistency to expand investment in Indonesia.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 11:22 WIB
Surya Paloh Claims 2029 Presidential Election Not Discussed During Iftar with Anies
NasDem Party chairman Surya Paloh denied that the 2029 presidential election was discussed during a recent iftar gathering attended by Anies Baswedan and other prominent political figures. The event at NasDem Tower drew high-profile guests including former Vice President Jusuf Kalla, House Speaker Puan Maharani, and several cabinet ministers, underscoring the party's efforts to maintain broad political ties ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 11:16 WIB
Education Minister: Free Nutritious Meal Programme Does Not Reduce Education Budget
Minister of Basic and Secondary Education Abdul Mu'ti has insisted that the free nutritious meal programme (MBG) does not cut into education spending, citing Rp16.9 trillion allocated for school revitalisation in 2025 and plans to expand to 71,000 educational units in 2026.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 11:13 WIB
How to Register for DKI Jakarta Provincial Government's Free Mudik Programme 2026: Here's the Link
The DKI Jakarta provincial government is once again offering its free mudik (homecoming travel) programme for 2026, with online registration opening on 22 February via mudikgratis.jakarta.go.id. The programme covers 26 destinations across Java and Sumatra, including 20 bus terminal locations and six motorcycle transport truck destinations, with options for one-way trips, return journeys, and family group registrations.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 11:11 WIB
Surya Paloh on Permanent Coalition Proposal: Worth Considering, No Objection
NasDem Party chairman Surya Paloh has expressed openness to Golkar chairman Bahlil Lahadalia's proposal for a permanent political coalition, though stressed no decision has been taken. Paloh used the occasion to call for national unity over sectarian divisions, warning that excessive infighting signals regression rather than progress.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 11:04 WIB
Indonesian Foreign Minister Confirms Palestine Understands ISF Troop Deployment to Gaza
Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono has confirmed that Palestine understands and is aware of the deployment of the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) to Gaza, noting that a Palestinian representative attended the Board of Peace meeting in Washington DC. Indonesia has stipulated national caveats for its participation, emphasising that its troops will not conduct military operations, disarmament, or demilitarisation, but will focus on protecting civilians and humanitarian efforts.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 11:01 WIB
OJK Orders Listed Firms to Lift Public Shares to 15% or Face Delisting
The OJK has mandated that all listed companies increase their minimum public ownership (free float) to 15% within two years, with non-compliant firms facing delisting or special trading notations. This regulatory reform, affecting 267 companies currently below the threshold, aims to address MSCI concerns about market transparency and liquidity by requiring the market to absorb approximately Rp 187 trillion in additional shares.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 11:01 WIB
OJK Fines Stock Influencer Rp 5.35 Billion for Share Price Manipulation
Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) has fined a stock influencer Rp 5.35 billion for a "pump and dump" scheme involving three listed companies, where the individual disseminated misleading information on social media to manipulate share prices and profit from follower reactions. In related enforcement actions, OJK also penalised three parties for IMPC share manipulation through cross-trades that artificially inflated prices.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 10:58 WIB
Surya Paloh Launches NasDem Ramadan Safari Team: Consolidation During the Holy Month
NasDem Party chairman Surya Paloh has officially dispatched a Ramadan Safari Team led by deputy chairman Saan Mustopa for a 16-to-20-day tour across Java and Madura, combining organisational consolidation with community outreach. Paloh stressed that the safari aims to strengthen internal cohesion, engage community leaders, and address public concerns over rising food prices, whilst dismissing suggestions that the initiative is a response to members defecting to rival parties.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 10:54 WIB
National Waste Awareness Day 2026: BRI Reaffirms Commitment to Waste Management and Environmental Sustainability
State-owned bank BRI marked National Waste Awareness Day 2026 by conducting waste management education and socialisation programmes at a community waste bank in Bekasi, West Java. Through its corporate social responsibility programme BRI Peduli "Yok Kita Gas", the bank donated composting units and waste sorting equipment whilst engaging hundreds of residents and students in practical recycling initiatives.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 10:51 WIB
Foreign Minister Reveals 8,000 TNI Troops to Be Deployed to Gaza in Phases, Starting in Rafah
Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono confirmed that 8,000 TNI peacekeeping troops will be sent to Gaza in phases, with initial deployment in Rafah as part of a broader international stabilisation force expected to total 20,000 or more personnel across five sectors. Palestine has agreed to the deployment, with its representative stressing that a ceasefire and stable security conditions are prerequisites for the comprehensive plan to proceed.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 10:49 WIB
Riau Police Chief Attends Grand Islamic Sermon by UAS in Siak to Strengthen Community Ties During Ramadan
The Siak District Police hosted a grand Islamic sermon featuring prominent cleric Ustaz Abdul Somad, attended by Riau's Police Chief and other senior officials, aimed at bridging the gap between law enforcement and the public during Ramadan. The event highlighted the police's "Green Policing" concept integrating security duties with environmental conservation, whilst reinforcing inter-agency solidarity in maintaining public order throughout the holy month.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 10:48 WIB
East Jakarta Residents Join Protest Against Padel Courts, Display Banners Demanding Peace
Residents of Pulomas in East Jakarta have erected protest banners rejecting a padel court operating in their neighbourhood, citing persistent noise disturbance from morning until night. The backlash mirrors a similar protest in Cilandak, South Jakarta, prompting DKI Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung to order regulatory oversight and warn of firm action against court operators.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 10:41 WIB
Hamas Responds to International Stabilisation Force with Indonesia as Deputy Commander
Hamas has welcomed the newly formed International Stabilisation Force (ISF) for Gaza but firmly rejected any interference in the territory's internal affairs. Indonesia, appointed as ISF deputy commander, has pledged up to 8,000 troops — potentially one of the largest peacekeeping contributions globally — though final deployment still awaits President Prabowo's approval.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 10:40 WIB
Bitcoin Corrects as Indodax Calls Consolidation Phase a Normal Cycle
Bitcoin fell 1.25 per cent to around US$66,450 following the release of FOMC minutes revealing divided views among US Federal Reserve officials, pushing crypto market sentiment to "Extreme Fear" levels. Indonesia's largest crypto exchange Indodax characterised the correction as a healthy consolidation phase, whilst highlighting that Bank Indonesia's monetary policy decisions on the BI Rate will be pivotal for domestic investor liquidity.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 10:40 WIB
Suspected Money Laundering: Bareskrim Seizes All Gold from Semar Shop in Nganjuk
Indonesia's Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) has seized gold bars and jewellery from a gold shop in Nganjuk, East Java, in connection with a money laundering investigation linked to illegal gold mining.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 10:35 WIB
Latest Facts on Former Bima City Police Chief Ensnared in Drug Case
Former Bima City police chief AKBP Didik Putra Kuncoro has been dishonourably discharged from the Indonesian National Police after being named a suspect in a drug trafficking case involving Rp2.8 billion in illicit funds received from a drug lord. The case has prompted the National Police Chief to order mandatory urine testing for all officers nationwide, framing it as part of President Prabowo Subianto's drug eradication programme.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 10:30 WIB
Task Force Chief Tito Joins Iftar and Tarawih Prayers with Lhokseumawe Community
Home Affairs Minister Muhammad Tito Karnavian, serving as head of the Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Acceleration Task Force for Sumatra, attended iftar and tarawih prayers in Lhokseumawe, Aceh, whilst distributing aid packages from President Prabowo Subianto. Tito praised the progress of post-disaster recovery in Lhokseumawe and pledged to seek domestic and international support to complete the city's iconic Grand Mosque, which has been under construction for nearly 30 years.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 10:26 WIB
Climate Impact on Economic Stability
This analytical piece argues that climate change has evolved far beyond an environmental issue to become a fundamental threat to macroeconomic stability, particularly for Indonesia.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 10:15 WIB
National Police Criminal Investigation Unit Arrests Armed Robbers Who Stole Rp 800 Billion in Lampung
Indonesia's National Police Criminal Investigation Unit (Bareskrim) has arrested five suspects involved in an armed robbery in Tulang Bawang Barat, Lampung, in which Rp 800 million was stolen from a truck en route to a bank. The suspects, who fired shots at the truck's windscreen in broad daylight, were apprehended within days after police recovered the motorcycle used in the heist and gathered CCTV evidence.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 10:12 WIB
Police Raid Stolen Motorcycle Warehouse in Bogor, Return Vehicles to Owners
Police in Cileungsi, Bogor raided a warehouse disguised as a scrap metal shop that was being used to store stolen motorcycles, recovering five units with broken locks. Officers have begun returning the vehicles to their rightful owners and are urging other victims to come forward with proof of ownership.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 10:06 WIB
Indonesia-US Reciprocal Trade Agreement: Jakarta Commits to 50 Boeing Aircraft Purchase
Indonesia and the United States signed the Agreement of Reciprocal Trade (ART) on February 20, 2026, reducing tariffs on Indonesian exports to 19 percent while requiring Indonesia to purchase 50 Boeing aircraft and open markets to U.S. agricultural products and used clothing. The deal includes zero-tariff access for U.S. soybeans and wheat, along with exemptions from halal certification requirements for certain American products, aimed at addressing Indonesia's trade surplus with the U.S.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 10:06 WIB
Luxury Jewellery Shop in Pluit Sealed by Customs — What Caused It?
A joint team from the Directorate General of Customs and Excise and the North Jakarta Tax Office sealed a luxury jewellery shop in Pluit, North Jakarta, over suspected non-compliance with customs duties and tax obligations. The enforcement action, carried out under Indonesia's customs law, targeted goods suspected of being imported without proper duty and tax payments, with authorities indicating that additional outlets are also under investigation.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 10:04 WIB
Civil Registration Agency Guarantees Services Remain Open Throughout Ramadan
Indonesia's Directorate General of Population and Civil Registration (Dukcapil) has confirmed that all civil registration services will remain fully operational during Ramadan, with adjusted but undiminished service hours.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 09:58 WIB
Husband of Viral LPDP Scholar Yet to Complete Service Obligation, House Commission X Demands Evaluation
House of Representatives Commission X has called for a thorough evaluation of the Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP) oversight and contract enforcement mechanisms, after it emerged that the husband of a viral scholarship recipient who declared she would not give her children Indonesian citizenship is also an LPDP awardee who has not fulfilled his service obligation.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 09:58 WIB
Prabowo Emphasises Legal Certainty in Front of Global Investors
President Prabowo Subianto has reaffirmed Indonesia's commitment to legal certainty and corporate governance in meetings with global investors in Washington DC, strengthening confidence and prompting some companies to consider establishing offices in Indonesia. The President's direct engagement with international CEOs underscores Indonesia's serious commitment to economic diplomacy and regulatory reliability as the foundation for long-term foreign investment partnerships.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 09:58 WIB
Tito Pledges Support to Complete Construction of Lhokseumawe Islamic Centre Mosque
Muhammad Tito Karnavian, head of the Sumatra Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Task Force, has pledged to seek support for completing the nearly 30-year-old construction of the Grand Mosque at Lhokseumawe's Islamic Centre in Aceh. During a Ramadan visit to the city, Tito highlighted both the mosque's unfinished state and his primary mission of accelerating post-disaster recovery across Aceh, which he noted is among the worst-affected provinces in Sumatra.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 09:57 WIB
Teenager in Sukabumi Dies Allegedly After Stepmother's Abuse, Body Found Blistered
A 12-year-old boy in Sukabumi, West Java, has died with blistered skin and bruising in a suspected case of domestic violence by his stepmother. The victim's father reported that the child admitted to being forced to drink boiling water, and police have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 09:55 WIB
Prabowo tells global investors Indonesia no longer a sleeping giant
President Prabowo Subianto met with executives from 12 major investment firms managing $16 trillion in assets in Washington, declaring Indonesia is no longer a "sleeping giant" and emphasising government commitment to regulatory certainty and macroeconomic stability. The meeting highlighted Danantara, Indonesia's new sovereign investment vehicle, as a strategic partner for foreign capital allocation.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 09:55 WIB
Infrastructure Development and Basic Services Accelerated in Brebes
Brebes Regency has reported significant progress in infrastructure development and public service expansion during the first year of Regent Paramitha Widya Kusuma's leadership, including repairs to 287 road sections spanning nearly 118 kilometres and 65 bridges.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 09:55 WIB
Criminal Investigation Agency Seizes Vessel Used to Smuggle Illegal Tin to Malaysia from Bangka
Indonesia's Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) has seized a transport vessel used to smuggle illegal tin from South Bangka to Malaysia, following the earlier discovery of 7.5 tonnes of smuggled tin sand. The investigation is tracing communication devices and networks to identify the mastermind behind the cross-border illegal tin trade, with all 11 crew members already repatriated from Malaysia.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 09:52 WIB
Fadli Zon Encourages Preservation of R. Soetedjo's Music and Museum Development
Culture Minister Fadli Zon received the family of the late composer R. Soetedjo to discuss preserving his musical legacy and establishing a dedicated museum in Purwokerto, Central Java. The minister welcomed the family's initiative and urged them to submit a formal proposal, signalling potential government support for documenting an important chapter in Indonesia's national music history.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 09:46 WIB
House Commission X Confirms Free Nutritious Meals Programme Does Not Disrupt Education Budget
Deputy Chairman of House Commission X Lalu Hadrian Irfani has assured the public that the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme does not encroach upon education ministry budgets, stating that President Prabowo Subianto has in fact increased education funding through a Supplementary Expenditure Budget.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 09:44 WIB
Task Force Chief Tito Hosts Iftar and Delivers Aid to Lhokseumawe Community
Muhammad Tito Karnavian, head of the Sumatra Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Task Force, hosted an iftar gathering in Lhokseumawe, Aceh, where he distributed community aid including 500 worship supply packages from President Prabowo Subianto. Tito praised the city's recovery progress while urging resilience, as the task force continues to accelerate post-disaster rehabilitation across the province during Ramadan.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 09:40 WIB
Deputy Home Affairs Minister Pushes Central-Regional Synchronisation to Revitalise Regional State-Owned Enterprises
Deputy Home Affairs Minister Bima Arya Sugiarto has called for strengthened policy synchronisation between central and regional governments as the key to revitalising Indonesia's ailing regional state-owned enterprises (BUMD).
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 09:35 WIB
Key Points of the Pesantren Funding Lawsuit Filed with the Constitutional Court
Two university students have filed a judicial review with Indonesia's Constitutional Court challenging the legal certainty of pesantren funding under Law No. 18/2019, arguing that vague provisions make funding contingent on shifting government policy rather than constitutional obligation.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 09:34 WIB
From Washington to Gaza: Indonesia's Challenging Transition from Rhetoric to Real Action
Indonesia has accepted the position of Deputy Commander of the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in Gaza, marking a historic shift from decades of rhetorical support for Palestine to active military engagement in the region.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 09:34 WIB
Kadin Partners with US-ABC to Boost Footwear and Other Exports to America
Kadin Indonesia and the US-ASEAN Business Council have signed a strategic cooperation agreement to expand market access for Indonesian exporters in the United States, targeting sectors including footwear, garment, textiles, furniture, and electronics. Indonesian footwear exports currently lag Vietnam's by five times, and the partnership aims to boost bilateral trade whilst attracting up to $60 billion in foreign direct investment.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 09:31 WIB
Tensions Rise: Trump Considers Limited Strike on Iran
US President Donald Trump has confirmed he is considering a limited military strike against Iran, amid escalating pressure on Tehran to reach a nuclear deal. The threat comes as Iran's foreign minister said a draft proposal for an agreement with Washington would be ready within days following negotiations in Geneva, though the two sides remain publicly at odds over whether the deal would require Iran to halt uranium enrichment entirely.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 09:28 WIB
LPDP Summons Husband of Viral Alumna Who Said 'Only I Should Be Indonesian, Not My Children' Over Contribution Obligations
Indonesia's Education Fund Management Institution (LPDP) has summoned the husband of a viral scholarship alumna, known by the initials DS, after she publicly declared she would ensure her children held foreign rather than Indonesian citizenship.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 09:24 WIB
DPR Member Ilham Permana Questions Import of 105,000 Indian Pickup Trucks for Village Cooperative Programme
Golkar parliamentarian Ilham Permana has challenged the Rp 24.66 trillion procurement of 105,000 commercial vehicles from Indian manufacturers Mahindra & Mahindra and Tata Motors for the Koperasi Desa Merah Putih programme, arguing that state spending of this magnitude should prioritise domestic industrial capacity rather than lowest unit price.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 09:23 WIB
LPDP Opens Dialogue with Scholarship Recipient over Viral 'I'm Indonesian Enough, Not My Children' Remark
Indonesia's Education Fund Management Institution (LPDP) has expressed regret over a viral social media controversy sparked by scholarship alumna DS, who stated "it's enough that I'm Indonesian, my children shouldn't be." While LPDP confirmed DS had completed her mandatory service obligation and is no longer legally bound to the institution, it pledged to engage with her about responsible social media use and her national duty as a scholarship recipient.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 09:21 WIB
Meeting 12 Global Investors in the US, Prabowo Declares: Indonesia Is No Longer a Sleeping Giant
President Prabowo Subianto met with 12 heads of global investment firms managing approximately US$16 trillion in assets during his working visit to Washington DC, declaring that Indonesia is no longer a "sleeping giant." The investors praised Prabowo's policies and expressed interest in partnering with the newly established sovereign wealth fund BPI Danantara as a strategic investment vehicle for long-term commitments to Indonesia.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 09:20 WIB
Public Reaction to Sahroni's Reinstatement as Commission III Deputy Chair
Ahmad Sahroni has been formally reinstated as Deputy Chair of the DPR's Commission III (Law and Security) after serving a six-month suspension imposed following the August 2025 protest wave, during which he controversially called for the arrest of underage demonstrators. Public opinion is divided, with some accepting he has served his penalty whilst others view the reinstatement as a cynical strategy that normalises lack of empathy among public officials and undermines trust in the legislature.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 09:07 WIB
S. Papua plane shooting: 2 crew dead, investigation underway
Twenty members of armed criminal groups (KKB) attacked a Smart Air flight at Karowai airstrip in South Papua on 11 February, killing the pilot and co-pilot in a coordinated assault that left 13 bullet holes in the aircraft. Provincial authorities evacuated 29 health workers and civil servants from the area, drawing praise from the Ministry of Home Affairs for their response.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 09:06 WIB
Antam Gold Soars Rp68,000 to Rp3.012 Million per Gram on Saturday
Antam's gold price surged by Rp68,000 to reach Rp3.012 million per gram, breaching the three-million-rupiah threshold for the first time. The buyback price also rose sharply to Rp2.793 million per gram, with all transactions subject to income tax provisions under prevailing Ministry of Finance regulations.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 09:03 WIB
Analyst: Bahlil could become public favourite if he changes communication style
Political communication analyst Hendri Satrio argues that Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia could win public favour by adopting a more measured and populist communication style. The analyst noted that whilst Bahlil's life story is inspiring, his current public messaging tends to represent elite interests, generating negative sentiment that also affects his position as Golkar Party chairman.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 09:01 WIB
US Supreme Court: Trump Administration's Sweeping Tariff Policy Ruled Illegal
The US Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that President Trump's sweeping tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) are unconstitutional, formally striking down the global tariffs introduced since April. The landmark decision reaffirms that the power to levy taxes rests with Congress, not the president, and is expected to have far-reaching implications for global trade, corporate operations, and inflation.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 09:01 WIB
Captured in Ukraine, North Korean Soldiers Refuse Repatriation, Choose South Korea
Two North Korean soldiers captured by Ukrainian forces in Russia's Kursk region over a year ago have requested relocation to South Korea, fearing execution if returned to Pyongyang for allowing themselves to be taken alive.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 09:00 WIB
The Modern Islamic Economics Paradigm: Moving Beyond Halal-Haram Compliance
An academic opinion piece argues that Indonesia's Islamic economics must undergo a paradigm shift from mere shariah compliance to measurable shariah impact, addressing the stark gap between Islamic financial literacy (39.11%) and inclusion (12.88%) revealed by the Financial Services Authority's 2024 national survey.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 08:58 WIB
UI Economist Says Free Nutritious Meals Programme Drives Agricultural Sector Growth
A University of Indonesia economist has highlighted that the government's Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme has driven agricultural sector growth to 5.33 per cent in 2025, up sharply from just 0.68 per cent in 2024, as programme partners invest in upstream food production. The programme has also created 1.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 08:56 WIB
Indonesian Ulema Council Urges Restraint After Foreign National Protests Ramadan Recitation Sound in NTB
The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has called for calm and mutual respect after a viral video showed a foreign woman vandalising a microphone at a prayer hall in Gili Trawangan, North Lombok, during the first night of Ramadan, angered by the sound of Quran recitation. MUI Secretary-General Amirsyah Tambunan stressed the importance of tolerance, urging locals to remain composed whilst reminding foreign visitors to respect local customs and traditions.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 08:50 WIB
Foreign Minister: Indonesia sends 8,000 troops rather than paying 1 billion US dollars
Indonesia's Foreign Minister Sugiono confirmed that Indonesia has secured permanent membership of the Board of Peace without paying the previously discussed 1 billion US dollar contribution, clarifying that the sum was never a membership fee or prerequisite. Instead, Indonesia is contributing approximately 8,000 peacekeeping personnel, whilst pledges of 5 to 7 billion US dollars from other nations remain separate from membership obligations.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 08:50 WIB
Criminal Investigation Agency Seizes 4 Boxes of Gold Bars Linked to Rp25.8 Trillion Money Laundering Case
Indonesia's Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) seized four large containers of evidence, including tens of kilogrammes of gold bars, from raids in Surabaya and Nganjuk linked to a Rp25.8 trillion money laundering scheme originating from illegal gold mining.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 08:50 WIB
Government Opens Collaboration Space to Elevate Indonesian Music Talent
The Ministry of Creative Economy is pursuing cross-border collaborations to boost Indonesian musicians' presence on the global stage, following discussions with K-pop specialist digital agency Chuseyo Digital. The initiative highlights the growing number of Indonesian artists who have debuted in idol groups across South Korea, Malaysia, and Taiwan, and underscores the ministry's commitment to leveraging digital content creators as a pillar of the national creative economy ecosystem.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 08:49 WIB
South Kalimantan Forestry Agency strengthens timber centres and mangrove rehabilitation
The South Kalimantan Forestry Agency is bolstering its timber production centres and planning mangrove rehabilitation under the FOLU Net Sink 2030 programme to safeguard forest ecosystems and coastal environments. The initiative also aims to enhance the marketing of non-timber forest products, boosting the economic value and competitiveness of local forestry goods at regional and national level.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 08:46 WIB
Ministry of Manpower prepares strengthening of national industrial relations system for 2026
Indonesia's Ministry of Manpower is developing a comprehensive policy framework to strengthen the national industrial relations system in 2026, focusing on conflict prevention, worker protection, and business certainty. The programme sets measurable targets including expanding social security coverage for over 3 million workers, establishing bipartite cooperation bodies in 5,256 companies, and enhancing early warning systems across 787 firms deemed vulnerable to industrial disputes.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 08:45 WIB
Governor: Huma Betang Card introduced to meet basic needs of the public
Central Kalimantan Governor Agustiar Sabran has launched the Kartu Huma Betang Sejahtera (KHBS) social welfare card to provide food and cash assistance to nearly 280,000 vulnerable families across the province. Despite the regional budget being halved from over Rp10 trillion to around Rp5 trillion in 2026 due to fiscal efficiency measures, the provincial government has prioritised direct social assistance programmes.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 08:44 WIB
Yesterday's Headlines: Board of Peace Summit and Prabowo-Trump Bilateral Meeting
President Prabowo Subianto was the only head of state to hold a direct bilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump during the inaugural Board of Peace summit in Washington DC, where Indonesia reaffirmed its commitment to Palestinian peace through a two-state solution. Indonesia also announced plans to deploy 8,000 TNI troops to Gaza within one to two months as part of the International Stabilisation Force, whilst domestically, parliament raised concerns over the Rp24.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 08:44 WIB
Prabowo reaffirms capital market reforms to boost investor confidence
President Prabowo met with major international investors in Washington to discuss capital market reforms and regulatory improvements, emphasising legal certainty as crucial for attracting long-term foreign investment. The government's sovereign wealth fund, BPI Danantara, received positive reception as a strategic gateway for capital inflows into Indonesia. The discussions reflect Jakarta's broader effort to modernise financial infrastructure and position itself as a competitive emerging market.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 08:42 WIB
Trump Says He Is Considering Limited Strikes Against Iran
US President Donald Trump has confirmed he is considering limited military strikes to pressure Iran into a nuclear deal, giving Tehran 10 to 15 days to reach an agreement. The Wall Street Journal reported that the administration is weighing an initial limited strike on Iranian government or military sites, with the potential for an extensive campaign aimed at regime change if Iran refuses to comply.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 08:40 WIB
Islamic Boarding School Student Arrested After Abandoning Baby Behind Pesantren in Mamuju
Police in Mamuju, West Sulawesi, have arrested an 18-year-old female Islamic boarding school student and her 21-year-old boyfriend after the body of a newborn was discovered near a pesantren. The student reportedly gave birth without medical assistance and remains in hospital care, whilst investigators continue to examine the motive and full chronology of the case.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 08:40 WIB
Muhammadiyah Chairman Backs Police Remaining Under Presidential Authority
Muhammadiyah Chairman Haedar Nashir has voiced support for maintaining the Indonesian National Police (Polri) directly under presidential authority, opposing proposals to place it under a ministry. He argued that structural changes would create new problems rather than solve existing ones, and called instead for good governance reforms across all state institutions.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 08:39 WIB
Agriculture and Manufacturing Emerge as Primary Sectors for US Investment in Indonesia
President Prabowo oversaw the signing of the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) and 11 bilateral cooperation agreements at the US-Indonesia Business Summit in Washington, generating $38.4 billion in US investment commitments. Agriculture and manufacturing represent the primary investment focus, with $4.5 billion and $33.91 billion in commitments respectively. The agreement aims to strengthen market access and reduce trade barriers, bolstering investor confidence in both economies.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 08:34 WIB
Cilandak Residents Unsatisfied with Padel Noise Mediation, Demand Return to Peace and Quiet
Residents of Jalan Haji Nawi in Cilandak, South Jakarta, remain dissatisfied following mediation over noise from a nearby padel court, with the facility set to temporarily cease operations during Ramadan to allow soundproofing work. Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has pledged firm action, noting the court lacks full permits and community approval, with a decision expected early next week.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 08:29 WIB
Trump Furious After Supreme Court Strikes Down Tariff Policy, Announces New 10 Per Cent Tariff on All Countries
The US Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act does not grant the president authority to impose tariffs, dealing Trump his most significant judicial setback since returning to office. In response, Trump announced he would use separate authority to impose a uniform 10 per cent tariff on all imports into the United States, claiming the ruling actually made him "more powerful.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 08:28 WIB
Lhasa Hosts Horse Riding Show to Celebrate Tibetan New Year
The city of Lhasa held traditional horse riding and ethnic horse racing performances on the third day of Losar, the Tibetan New Year, showcasing extraordinary traditional equestrian skills. This year's Losar celebrations fell one day after Chinese New Year's Eve, with festivities marked by religious ceremonies, prayers, family gatherings and feasts.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 08:28 WIB
North Korea's Kim Jong Un reviews country's progress at key party congress
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is reviewing the country's progress over the past five years at the Ninth Congress of the ruling Workers' Party, which is expected to last several days. Held every five years as North Korea's biggest political event, the congress sets policy and can bring changes in leadership beneath Kim. The party hailed "remarkable successes" in politics, economy, culture, defence and diplomacy, though it also acknowledged shortcomings without detailing them.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 08:28 WIB
Indonesia urges US to halt Israeli military violence against Palestinians
Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono has urged US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to intervene in halting Israeli military violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, citing escalating violence and UN warnings of potential ethnic cleansing. Speaking after the Gaza Board of Peace summit, Sugiono conveyed concerns from Indonesia and fellow D8 member nations, emphasising that strong US oversight is crucial to prevent disruption to regional peace initiatives.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 08:24 WIB
Fasting and Mental Health: Ramadan Lessons in an Anxious World
A medical academic from Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta explores the psychological dimensions of Ramadan fasting, arguing it serves not merely as a religious ritual but as a meaningful mental health experience. The piece positions the annual fast as a source of psychological resilience amid growing global anxiety.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 08:23 WIB
Three Imams from UAE, Pakistan, and Morocco to Lead Tarawih Prayers at Central Java Grand Mosque
The Central Java Grand Mosque (MAJT) in Semarang has prepared a programme of activities for Ramadan 1447 Hijriah, notably inviting three international imams from the UAE, Pakistan, and Morocco to lead Tarawih prayers. This marks a departure from previous years and underscores the mosque's efforts to enrich the Ramadan experience with international Islamic scholarship.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 08:19 WIB
Six Key Facts About the Soekarno-Hatta Airport Train and Truck Collision
A truck trailer was struck by the Soekarno-Hatta Airport commuter train at the Poris-Batu Ceper level crossing in Tangerang, causing widespread rail and road disruption but no casualties. The incident, which dragged the truck approximately 100 metres and toppled two overhead power line poles, exposed serious safety concerns after police revealed that while the warning siren sounded, the crossing barrier failed to lower in time.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 08:15 WIB
Most Popular: New BPJS Director's Cars, Village Vehicle Spending, and Tata-Mahindra Contracts
A roundup of the week's most-read automotive stories highlights scrutiny of the new BPJS director's personal vehicle collection, public questioning of large-scale village vehicle procurement, and major contracts awarded to India's Tata and Mahindra by Indonesia. The articles collectively reflect growing public interest in government spending decisions and the business implications of Indonesian procurement deals for global automotive manufacturers.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 08:14 WIB
Recommended Weekend Activities in Jakarta at the Start of Ramadhan
The DKI Jakarta Tourism and Creative Economy Agency has issued recommendations for weekend activities during the early days of Ramadhan 2026, spanning music performances, maritime heritage exhibitions, an UMKM bazaar, and contemporary art shows. Notable events include the "Looking for the East" and "Crimson Gilt" exhibitions at the Maritime Museum, the latter forming part of preparations to commemorate Jakarta's 500th anniversary as a global city rooted in history and cross-cultural dialogue.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 08:14 WIB
Foreign Minister affirms TNI will not conduct military operations with ISF in Gaza
Indonesia's Foreign Minister Sugiono has confirmed that Indonesian troops deployed with the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in Gaza will not undertake military operations, disarmament, or demilitarisation activities, limiting their role to humanitarian duties and civilian protection.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 08:11 WIB
The Rise of Foreign Policy Presidents in a Leaderless World
The article examines the global leadership vacuum created by the prevalence of "might makes right" politics and widening isolationism, arguing that Indonesia and regional nations must embrace visionary, internationalist leadership to address interconnected global crises.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 08:11 WIB
Indonesia Leads Modern Gaming Revolution With Cultural Values
Indonesia's gaming industry has surged to $2.5 billion in value with 192.1 million gamers by 2025, becoming one of the world's most vibrant markets for digital entertainment. The government has enacted a comprehensive regulatory framework, including Presidential Regulation No. 19/2024, that welcomes both domestic and foreign investment whilst ensuring culturally responsible content rooted in Indonesian storytelling traditions.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 08:10 WIB
Tariff ruling is a stunning rebuke of Trump that offers little relief to Asia
The US Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that President Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs are illegal under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, but Trump has immediately announced a new 10% global tariff using alternative legal authority. The ruling offers little relief to Asian trading partners including Indonesia, as tariffs under national security and unfair trade practices provisions remain in effect, and existing trade agreements now face uncertain legal status.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 08:07 WIB
Bank Jakarta Partners with Jakmania to Promote Financial Inclusion Among Supporters
Bank Jakarta has partnered with Persija Jakarta football club and its supporter community Jakmania to expand financial literacy and access to financial services. The collaboration, conducted through fan meet-and-greet events incorporating financial education, represents an innovative approach to reaching underbanked populations through sporting communities.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 08:02 WIB
Yesterday's Headlines: EDC Corruption Investigation to Train-Truck Collision in Tangerang
A roundup of five major legal stories includes the KPK's questioning of a Telkomsel general manager over alleged corruption in BRI's EDC machine procurement, and a train-truck collision at a level crossing in Tangerang. Other stories cover the seizure of Dana Syariah Indonesia's office assets over fraud allegations, a firecracker explosion in Wonosobo, and death penalty demands for six defendants in a two-tonne methamphetamine smuggling case.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 07:58 WIB
Prabowo pushes capital market reforms to attract investors
President Prabowo Subianto has affirmed the government's commitment to capital market reform during a two-hour meeting with major international investors in Washington DC. The president emphasised strengthening the legal system and legal certainty as the foundation of reforms, whilst the newly established sovereign wealth fund Danantara was positively received as a potential strategic investment partner for global capital.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 07:56 WIB
Prabowo meets 12 global funds managing $16 trillion in Washington
President Prabowo met with 12 major global investment firms collectively managing US$16 trillion in assets in Washington, seeking to enhance Indonesia's investment climate and attract foreign capital. The discussions covered key sectors including technology, renewable energy, infrastructure, and the digital economy, with participants indicating intent to expand operations in Indonesia.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 07:54 WIB
Foreign National Protests Quran Recitation Sound as PBNU Pushes for Local Mosque Speaker Regulations
Following a viral incident in which a foreign woman damaged a microphone at a prayer hall in Gili Trawangan after being disturbed by Quran recitation on the first night of Ramadan, Indonesia's largest Islamic organisation PBNU has called on local governments to issue regulations governing loudspeaker use at places of worship.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 07:53 WIB
Prudential Syariah strengthens sharia financial literacy during Ramadan
Prudential Syariah has partnered with the Al-Azhar Islamic Foundation to launch the Festival 1000 Berkah during Ramadan 2026, aiming to boost sharia financial literacy and inclusion across Indonesia. The initiative comes as OJK data shows sharia financial literacy stands at just 43.4 per cent with inclusion at only 13.4 per cent, underscoring significant room for growth in the sector.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 07:51 WIB
Foreign Minister: ISF Deputy Commander Appointment Unrelated to Israeli Diplomacy
Indonesia's Foreign Minister Sugiono has clarified that the country's appointment as Deputy Commander of the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in Gaza does not imply diplomatic recognition of Israel. President Prabowo Subianto reaffirmed Indonesia's commitment to deploy 8,000 troops for the peacekeeping mission, with the ISF projecting a total force of 20,000 soldiers and 12,000 police to stabilise post-war Gaza, beginning with Rafah in the south.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 07:51 WIB
Trump Reportedly Considering Limited Strike on Iran
US President Donald Trump is reportedly weighing limited military strikes against Iran to pressure Tehran into accepting a nuclear deal, with options ranging from a week-long offensive to smaller-scale attacks on government and military facilities. A Trump adviser estimated a "90 per cent chance" of strikes within weeks if negotiations fail, as the US continues a major military build-up in the Middle East, including the deployment of two aircraft carriers near Iranian waters.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 07:45 WIB
Norway Reaffirms Refusal to Join Trump's "Peace Council"
Norway has firmly reiterated that it will not participate in US President Donald Trump's proposed "Board of Peace," directly refuting Trump's claim that Norway would host one of the council's events. The Nordic nation joins France, Germany, and the United Kingdom among European countries declining to join the controversial initiative, which Trump formally established during the World Economic Forum in Davos in January.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 07:43 WIB
Prabowo wins exclusive Trump meeting in Washington: Cabinet Secretary
President Prabowo secured an exclusive bilateral meeting with US President Trump, making him the sole head of state granted a one-on-one session at the Board of Peace launch in Washington. Indonesia and the US signed a historic trade agreement reducing reciprocal tariffs from 32 percent to 19 percent, with 0 percent tariffs on 1,819 leading Indonesian agricultural and industrial products including coffee, cocoa, palm oil and semiconductors.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 07:42 WIB
LPDP Scholarship Recipient Apologises After Viral Remark: 'It's Enough That I'm Indonesian, My Children Shouldn't Be'
An alumna of Indonesia's state-funded LPDP scholarship programme sparked public outrage after declaring on social media that she did not want her children to hold Indonesian citizenship, prompting a public apology. The LPDP condemned her remarks as inconsistent with the programme's values of integrity and noted that whilst her service obligations had been fulfilled, her husband — also an LPDP awardee residing in the United Kingdom — had allegedly not completed his mandatory contribution period.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 07:37 WIB
Prabowo tells investors: Indonesia is no longer a "sleeping giant"
President Prabowo Subianto met with leaders of 12 major global investment firms in Washington DC, collectively managing approximately US$16 trillion in assets, declaring that Indonesia has awoken as an investment destination. The investors praised Prabowo's policy direction and expressed particular interest in partnering with the newly established sovereign wealth fund BPI Danantara as a strategic vehicle for long-term investment in Indonesia.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 07:35 WIB
LPDP Suspects Scholarship Recipient's Husband Has Not Fulfilled Post-Study Contribution Obligations
Indonesia's Education Fund Management Institution (LPDP) is investigating whether AP, the husband of viral social media figure Dwi Sasetyaningtyas, has completed his mandatory post-scholarship service contribution to Indonesia. The case emerged after Dwi sparked public outrage by boasting about her child's British passport and declaring she was "tired" of being an Indonesian citizen, despite having received state-funded scholarships.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 07:30 WIB
Padel Court Operators Promise Soundproofing After Residents Complain of Noise
Residents in Haji Nawi, South Jakarta, have lodged repeated complaints about noise from a nearby padel court, prompting Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung to order an inspection and threaten decisive action against the facility, which reportedly lacks full permits and community approval.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 07:26 WIB
Foreign National Protests Quran Recitation Sound in NTB; Ministry of Religious Affairs Clarifies Speaker Regulations
A foreign woman caused a disturbance at a prayer hall in Gili Trawangan, North Lombok, after being disturbed by loudspeaker sound during Quran recitation on the first night of Ramadan, even entering the premises and damaging the microphone.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 07:22 WIB
Madrasah Student in Maluku Killed by Brimob Officer; Police Chief Pledges Transparent Investigation
A 14-year-old madrasah student was beaten to death by a member of the Mobile Brigade (Brimob) near Uningrat Campus in Tual, Maluku, prompting the suspect's immediate detention. The Maluku Police Chief has vowed zero tolerance, with concurrent criminal and professional ethics proceedings that could result in the officer's dishonourable discharge from the force.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 07:20 WIB
KPK Assures Legal Process Against Former HSU District Prosecutor Follows Proper Procedure
Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has affirmed that its handling of the corruption case against former Hulu Sungai Utara (HSU) District Chief Prosecutor Albertinus Parlinggoman Napitupulu adheres to due process, as a pre-trial hearing commenced at the South Jakarta District Court.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 07:15 WIB
First Ramadan at the Red Beret Mosque in Bandung Barat, the TNI Commander's Mosque
A newly constructed mosque dubbed the "Red Beret Mosque" in Cisarua, Bandung Barat Regency, West Java, is preparing to host its first Ramadan. The mosque, associated with the TNI Commander, represents a notable example of military-community religious infrastructure in the region.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 07:14 WIB
BPDP Strengthens Palm Oil MSME Development to Boost Economy
The Palm Oil Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDP) is intensifying its support for micro, small enterprises and cooperatives (UKMK) in the palm oil sector as part of a strategy to counter negative campaigns against the industry and stimulate economic growth.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 07:13 WIB
Indonesian Foreign Minister reveals contents of meeting with Marco Rubio, discusses West Bank
Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington DC following the Gaza Board of Peace Summit, raising concerns from Indonesia and D8 nations about systematic Israeli military violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. The meeting also covered bilateral issues including defence, security, economic cooperation, and regional matters in the Indo-Pacific and ASEAN.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 07:07 WIB
US Supreme Court Strikes Down Several Trump Tariff Policies
The US Supreme Court voted 6-3 to rule that President Donald Trump lacks the authority to impose global tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), dealing a significant blow to his trade agenda. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called the decision a defeat for the American people, whilst Trump dismissed the ruling as "deeply disappointing" and accused the court of being influenced by "foreign interests.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 07:05 WIB
Yesterday's Headlines: Zero Tariff on Textile Products to Stock Price Manipulation
A roundup of key economic developments including Indonesia and the US agreeing on a zero-tariff quota scheme for Indonesian textiles, Freeport-McMoRan signing a US$20 billion MoU for mining licence extension in Papua, and the OJK imposing Rp5.7 billion in fines for stock price manipulation. The Transport Ministry also forecast approximately 144 million people travelling for the 2026 Lebaran holiday exodus.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 07:05 WIB
Prabowo affirms legal certainty before global investors
President Prabowo Subianto assured global investors of Indonesia's commitment to legal certainty and regulatory stability during a business meeting in Washington DC. Danantara Indonesia's Chief Investment Officer Pandu Sjahrir reported that global investment firm leaders expressed strong appreciation, with some considering opening representative offices in Indonesia.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 07:05 WIB
Papua Church Council and Ko Masi Coalition Continue to Reject Military Operations and National Strategic Projects in Papua
The Papua Church Council and a coalition of 44 civil society organisations have demanded the central government halt its military approach and national strategic projects (PSN) in Papua, citing violations of the constitution, human rights law, and Papua's special autonomy legislation.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 06:53 WIB
Prabowo Meets 12 Companies with US$16 Trillion in Assets
President Prabowo Subianto held face-to-face meetings with leaders of 12 global investment firms managing a combined US$16 trillion in assets during his visit to the United States. The discussions, which ran twice as long as scheduled, focused on regulatory certainty and priority investment sectors including infrastructure, renewable energy transition, and the digital economy.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 06:51 WIB
Mobile Samsat Services Remain Available in Greater Jakarta Satellite Cities
Jakarta Metropolitan Police continue to provide mobile Samsat (one-stop vehicle administration) services in Depok, Tangerang and Bekasi to facilitate motor vehicle tax payments, though the service is unavailable in Jakarta proper on Saturday. The mobile units handle annual vehicle tax payments only, with five-yearly registration renewals requiring visits to permanent Samsat offices.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 06:49 WIB
President Prabowo meets 12 major corporate CEOs in the United States
President Prabowo Subianto met with leaders of 12 of the world's largest investment firms, collectively managing US$16 trillion in assets, during a nearly two-hour session in Washington DC to strengthen strategic investment partnerships. The discussions, facilitated by sovereign wealth fund BPI Danantara, covered sectors including technology, renewable energy, infrastructure, and digital economy, with concrete partnerships expected to be announced in due course.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 06:42 WIB
Renewing Your Driving Licence at the Weekend? Check This Information
Jakarta Metropolitan Police's mobile driving licence service continues to operate at five locations across Jakarta on Saturdays, offering renewals for Class A and Class C licences. The service, governed by Government Regulation No. 60/2016 on non-tax state revenue, charges Rp80,000 for Class A and Rp75,000 for Class C renewals, whilst Class B licence holders must visit dedicated administrative offices.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 06:41 WIB
Board of Peace Inaugural Meeting Ignores Palestinian Suffering as Trump's Son-in-Law Touts Profit Potential
Former Indonesian Deputy Foreign Minister Dino Patti Djalal criticised the inaugural Board of Peace summit in Washington for failing to express any empathy towards Palestinian suffering, noting that the two-year humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza went entirely unmentioned.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 06:35 WIB
Ministry of Home Affairs Prepares Technical Guidelines for Regional Heads on Free Nutritious Meal Programme
The Ministry of Home Affairs is finalising a circular letter to serve as technical guidance for regional heads implementing the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme, aiming to prevent jurisdictional overlap between ministries and encourage cross-agency coordination. The guidelines will strengthen food hygiene sanitation standards and supply chain management, with regional budgets aligned to MBG targets, as the programme reportedly reaches 60 million beneficiaries nationwide in its first year.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 06:29 WIB
FIFA President's Actions Trigger Ethics Alarm as IOC Intervenes
The International Olympic Committee has announced an investigation into FIFA President Gianni Infantino's participation in US President Donald Trump's Board of Peace launch, which included a partnership potentially channelling US$75 million to football projects in Gaza. The matter raises questions about political neutrality obligations binding all 107 IOC members, including Indonesia's Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 06:15 WIB
In the US, Prabowo receives 12 major company CEOs to strengthen investment
President Prabowo Subianto met with 12 leaders of the world's largest investment firms in Washington DC, collectively managing some US$16 trillion in assets, to discuss strategic investment partnerships in Indonesia. The meeting, facilitated by state investment vehicle BPI Danantara, explored opportunities across technology, renewable energy, infrastructure, and digital economy sectors, with concrete partnerships expected to be announced in due course.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 06:15 WIB
Viral: Cimahi City Kesbangpol Civil Servant Allegedly Offered Jobs in Exchange for Bribes — Superior Responds
A civil servant at Cimahi City's National Unity and Political Affairs Agency (Kesbangpol) in West Java has gone viral on social media over allegations of fraudulently offering employment in exchange for illicit payments. The case highlights ongoing concerns about corruption and abuse of authority within local government bodies.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 06:15 WIB
Pramono to Crack Down on Unlicensed Karaoke Venues in Kembangan
Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has ordered the Civil Service Police Unit and the Tourism Agency to intensify enforcement against unlicensed entertainment establishments, particularly ahead of Ramadan. The action follows residents' complaints about illegal semi-permanent karaoke shacks along Jalan Haji Lebar in Kembangan, West Jakarta, which are alleged to serve as fronts for prostitution and cause significant noise disturbance to nearby communities.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 06:01 WIB
Car Free Day on Jakarta's Sudirman-Thamrin to Continue During Ramadan
The Jakarta provincial government has confirmed that the weekly Car Free Day (CFD) along Jalan Sudirman-MH Thamrin will continue throughout Ramadan 2026, maintaining its usual Sunday schedule from 6am to 10am. However, special restrictions will apply during the fasting month, including a ban on street vendors and event participants, as authorities seek to maintain order whilst accommodating religious observance.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 06:01 WIB
Mobile Driving Licence Renewal Service Locations for Saturday 21 February 2026 in Jakarta and Surrounding Areas
Indonesia's mobile driving licence (SIM Keliling) renewal services are operating at multiple locations across Greater Jakarta, Bekasi, Bogor, and Bandung on Saturday 21 February 2026, providing weekend access for residents unable to visit during working days. The service handles renewals for Class A and Class C licences only, with fees set at Rp80,000 and Rp75,000 respectively under Government Regulation No. 60/2016 on non-tax state revenue.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 05:57 WIB
Governor Pramono wants Kuningan area to rival Sudirman-Thamrin corridor
Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo has set an ambitious target to transform the Kuningan district to match the standard of the Sudirman-Thamrin corridor before the capital's 499th anniversary on 22 June. The Rp100 billion budget covers not only the accelerated demolition of abandoned monorail pillars along Jalan HR Rasuna Said but also new drainage, pedestrian walkways and parkland — signalling a broader push to upgrade one of Jakarta's key business districts.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 05:55 WIB
Top National Stories: Anies Breaks Fast with Party Elites, Pelita Air Defends Crashed Aircraft's Airworthiness, Jimly Criticises DPR's Summoning of Constitutional Court Ethics Council
A Tempo roundup highlights three major national stories: former Jakarta governor Anies Baswedan's politically significant iftar gathering with opposition and coalition party leaders including Surya Paloh, Puan Maharani, and Jusuf Kalla at NasDem headquarters; Pelita Air's insistence that the Air Tractor AT-802 that crashed near Long Bawan Airport in North Kalimantan was airworthy and had been serviced days earlier; and former Constitutional Court chief justice Jimly Asshiddiqie's criticism of th
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 05:52 WIB
House of Representatives Demands Severe Punishment for Brimob Officer Who Assaulted Students in Maluku
A member of the Indonesian House of Representatives has demanded life imprisonment and dishonourable discharge for a Mobile Brigade (Brimob) officer who fatally assaulted a 14-year-old student and seriously injured his brother in Southeast Maluku.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 05:50 WIB
UMS Wins Two Awards at Indonesia Top Achievements of The Year 2026, Outstanding Islamic University Performance
Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) received two awards at the Indonesia Top Achievements of The Year 2026 ceremony held at Grand Studio Metro TV in Jakarta. The recognition highlights the university's strong performance amongst Islamic higher education institutions in the country.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 05:43 WIB
Jakarta Roundup: Padel Court Crackdown, Ciliwung Normalisation and Flood Disruptions
DKI Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung announced imminent enforcement action against padel courts lacking proper permits and community approval, whilst the majority of Kebon Pala residents in Kampung Melayu signalled acceptance of the Ciliwung River normalisation plan to combat chronic flooding. The governor and his deputy also publicly acknowledged that Jakarta's three fundamental problems — flooding, traffic congestion and poverty — remain unresolved, pledging only to reduce their severity.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 05:39 WIB
Jakarta's Saturday Morning Air Quality Ranks Among World's Ten Worst
Jakarta's Air Quality Index reached 161 on Saturday morning, placing it seventh worst globally according to IQAir data, with PM2.5 concentrations of 70 micrograms per cubic metre categorised as unhealthy. The capital trailed behind Kabul, Lahore, Dhaka, Kolkata, Delhi, and Mumbai, underscoring the persistent air pollution crisis affecting Indonesia's most populous city and raising public health concerns for its residents.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 05:33 WIB
Jakarta Crime Roundup: Undercover Operations at Nightlife Venues and Drug Dealer Arrested
Jakarta Metropolitan Police and local enforcement agencies conducted a series of operations on Friday, including the arrest of a cannabis dealer in Bekasi with 1.3 kg of the drug and the announcement of undercover monitoring at West Jakarta nightlife venues during Ramadan. The day's incidents also included the release without detention of Dr Richard Lee following questioning over alleged consumer protection violations, and a police personnel rotation affecting 175 officers.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 05:28 WIB
Bapanas: Clean Sweep Task Force Prevents Subsidised Rice Adulteration in NTB to Combat Food Anomalies
Indonesia's National Food Agency has highlighted the successful crackdown on subsidised rice (SPHP) adulteration in West Nusa Tenggara, where a suspect was found repackaging government-subsidised rice and selling it at higher market prices. Police seized 140 sacks of rice, over 1,400 emptied SPHP packages, and packaging equipment, underscoring the government's resolve to enforce food pricing regulations as the SPHP programme runs through February 2026.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 05:24 WIB
Controversy Over LPDP Scholarship Recipient's Remark: 'I'll Be the Only Indonesian Citizen, Not My Children'
A viral social media video by an LPDP state scholarship alumna declaring she would ensure her children hold foreign rather than Indonesian citizenship has sparked public outrage over the use of state funds. The LPDP scholarship management body responded by condemning the remarks as contrary to its values of integrity and national service, whilst confirming the alumna had completed her study and service obligations, leaving the agency with no legal recourse.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 05:22 WIB
Observer Warns Jakarta Smoke-Free Zone Regulation Must Be Implemented with Caution
A Trisakti University public policy expert has cautioned that Jakarta's new Provincial Regulation No. 7/2025 on Smoke-Free Zones risks provoking significant public resistance due to its expanded scope covering tobacco sales by traders, not merely designated smoking areas. The observer urged the Governor to strike a balance between public health objectives and the economic sustainability of micro, small and medium enterprises, including traditional eateries.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 05:20 WIB
Minister Bahlil Says Indonesia Will Import US$15 Billion in Oil and Gas Per Year from the United States
Indonesia has agreed to import up to US$15 billion worth of oil and gas annually from the United States under a reciprocal trade agreement (ART) in the energy sector, announced by Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia in Washington DC. The deal, equivalent to approximately Rp 253.47 trillion per year, is aimed at strengthening Indonesia's domestic energy security and forms part of broader bilateral trade negotiations between Jakarta and Washington.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 05:20 WIB
BMKG: Jakarta Expected to Experience Rain from Saturday Morning Through Evening
Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has issued a weather warning for Jakarta, forecasting light rain with thunderstorms across the capital from Saturday morning through to the evening. Conditions are expected to intensify to moderate rain with thunderstorms by nightfall, with temperatures ranging between 24 and 29 degrees Celsius throughout the day.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 05:10 WIB
Central Java Police Assist Investigation to Identify Perpetrator of Shooting of Provincial Legislator's Husband
The Central Java Regional Police are providing assistance in the investigation into the shooting of Amat Muzakhim, the husband of a Central Java Provincial Parliament (DPRD) member, in Pekalongan Regency. The case highlights security concerns surrounding political figures and their families in the region.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 05:01 WIB
Alert: BMKG Predicts Heavy Rainfall Will Continue to Batter Java-Bali Over Coming Week
Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has recorded heavy to extreme rainfall across several regions, including the Greater Jakarta area, with 179mm measured at Halim Perdanakusuma in 24 hours.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 05:00 WIB
Aceh Tamiang Blanketed in Dust Particles Following Flash Flood Disaster as Respiratory Infection Cases Surge
Aceh Tamiang district is experiencing a surge in acute upper respiratory infection (ISPA) cases following a flash flood disaster that left the area covered in dust particles. The Aceh Tamiang District Health Office has been monitoring the situation as motorcyclists along the Trans-Sumatra Highway resort to wearing masks to protect themselves from the airborne particulates.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 04:56 WIB
Yesterday's Headlines: From Eric Dane's Death to the Most Traded-In iPhone
A roundup of popular ANTARA stories spanning entertainment, government policy, automotive, and technology. Notable items include the Ministry of Creative Economy's push to register tumpeng as intellectual property to boost regional creative economies, and Chinese brand iCar securing 300 vehicle orders for its electric SUV during its debut at IIMS 2026 in Jakarta.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 04:53 WIB
Yesterday's Headlines: World Cup 2026 Collaboration Push and University of Indonesia Research on Free Meals Programme
A roundup of key stories from Friday 20 February covers House Commission VII's call for state media collaboration on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, post-disaster reconstruction oversight in Aceh and Sumatra, and the inauguration of new BPJS Health and Employment directors. University of Indonesia research also confirmed the positive impact of the government's Free Nutritious Meals programme on lower-income groups.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 04:38 WIB
Keep Your Umbrellas Ready: BMKG Forecasts Rainfall Across Most of Indonesia on Saturday
Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has issued widespread rainfall warnings for Saturday, with heavy to very heavy rain forecast for North Sumatra, West Java, Central Java, West Nusa Tenggara, East Nusa Tenggara, North Maluku, and the Papua Highlands. The agency also warned residents of Jakarta, Surabaya, Banjarmasin, Kupang, Palu, and Gorontalo to be alert for thunderstorms accompanied by lightning across the archipelago.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 04:35 WIB
Government Claims Record Rp28.6 Trillion Asset Recovery in 2025
The Indonesian government reported a record Rp28.6 trillion in asset recovery from law enforcement efforts throughout 2025, with the Attorney General's Office contributing the lion's share at Rp24 trillion. The government is also pressing parliament to expedite deliberation of the Asset Forfeiture Bill, which President Prabowo has repeatedly called for, to close the significant gap between state financial losses and actual recoveries.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 04:31 WIB
Cabinet Secretary: Prabowo the Only President to Hold Bilateral Talks with Trump on Sidelines of BoP
Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya revealed that President Prabowo Subianto was the sole head of state to secure a bilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump during the Board of Peace summit, where the two leaders signed a trade tariff agreement. The closed-door meeting lasted approximately 30 minutes, with Indonesian officials expressing optimism that the current 19 per cent tariff rate may be reduced in the near future.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 04:30 WIB
Lawyer Reveals Shocking Fact: 99% of 2,596-Page Prosecution Brief Against Kerry Riza Was Copied from Indictment
Defence lawyers for Kerry Adrianto Riza, beneficial owner of PT Orbit Terminal Merak, have accused prosecutors of plagiarising 99 per cent of their 2,596-page prosecution brief from the original indictment in a Rp 13.4 trillion Pertamina crude oil corruption case. Former Constitutional Court chief justice Hamdan Zoelva, leading the defence, further alleged prosecutorial manipulation, citing the use of a witness who was never examined or called to testify in Kerry's case.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 04:23 WIB
Pertamina and Halliburton Sign Oilfield Recovery MoU Witnessed by President Prabowo
State oil company Pertamina and US oilfield services giant Halliburton have signed a memorandum of understanding on oilfield recovery cooperation, witnessed by President Prabowo Subianto during the Indonesia-US Business Summit in Washington DC.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 04:22 WIB
Student at Wonogiri Boarding School Killed by Fellow Pupil; Police Say School Administrators Could Become Suspects
A student (santri) at the Tahfidzul Qur'an Islamic boarding school in Wonogiri was fatally assaulted by a fellow student. Police have indicated that administrators of the affiliated Nurul Falah primary school may face criminal charges, raising serious questions about duty of care and oversight at Indonesian religious educational institutions.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 04:09 WIB
Indonesia Launches Export Bootcamp to Boost MSME Reach in Australia
Indonesia's Trade Ministry has launched a 30-day export bootcamp to equip micro, small, and medium enterprises with the export literacy and regulatory knowledge needed to penetrate Australian and Pacific markets. The initiative, operating during Ramadan and expecting participation to reach 2,000, aims to unlock opportunities under the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which grants zero-tariff access on nearly all Indonesian export lines.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 03:51 WIB
Pertamina to Increase LPG Imports from the United States by Up to 70 Per Cent
State oil company Pertamina plans to raise the share of LPG imports sourced from the United States to approximately 70 per cent, up from the current 57 per cent, under a bilateral trade agreement worth up to USD 15 billion per year. The shift redirects purchases away from Southeast Asian, Middle Eastern, and African suppliers without increasing Indonesia's total import volume, and all procurement will continue through open tender mechanisms.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 03:46 WIB
FPCI Submits Five Recommendations to Accelerate 100 GW Solar Power Programme
The Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia (FPCI), founded by Dino Patti Djalal, has presented five policy recommendations to the government aimed at accelerating the construction of 100 gigawatts of solar power capacity within a decade.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 03:31 WIB
LPDP: Husband of Viral Scholarship Recipient Who Said 'I'll Be the Only Indonesian Citizen, Not My Children' Has Not Completed Service Obligation
Indonesia's Education Fund Management Institution (LPDP) has revealed that the husband of a viral scholarship alumna, who publicly celebrated her children obtaining British citizenship whilst disparaging Indonesian nationality, is himself an LPDP scholarship recipient who has allegedly failed to complete his mandatory domestic service contribution.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 03:30 WIB
Unable to withdraw funds, savings cooperative in Temanggung reported to police by depositors
Police in Temanggung, Central Java, are investigating alleged embezzlement at savings and loans cooperative KSP Tunas Harapan after four depositors reported being unable to withdraw their funds, with the largest individual loss reaching approximately Rp1 billion. All branches of the cooperative, which had operated since 2012, have ceased operations since mid-February 2026, and investigators are still working to determine the full number of affected depositors and total losses.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 03:30 WIB
Netizens Dig Into Background of LPDP Recipient Tyas Who Boasted of Children's Foreign Citizenship, Discover Father-in-Law Was Questioned by KPK
Indonesian netizens have scrutinised the family background of Dwi Sasetyaningtyas, an LPDP scholarship recipient who sparked controversy by boasting about her children holding foreign passports. Online investigators discovered her father-in-law, Syukur Iwantoro, is a senior bureaucrat who served as Secretary-General of the Ministry of Agriculture and was called as a witness by the Corruption Eradication Commission in bribery cases involving garlic and beef imports.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 03:00 WIB
Former Prince Andrew Briefly Detained by Police Over Misconduct Allegations
British police briefly detained Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, King Charles III's brother, on suspicion of misconduct in public office linked to the Jeffrey Epstein case, before releasing him under investigation. King Charles expressed "deep concern" and affirmed that the law must take its course, whilst US President Donald Trump called the arrest "very bad for the royal family."
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 02:12 WIB
US Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump's Global Tariffs: Authority Exceeded
The US Supreme Court has ruled 6-3 that Donald Trump exceeded his presidential authority by imposing sweeping tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), striking down the primary tool he used to reshape global trade. The landmark decision, which upholds earlier lower court rulings, invalidates Trump's "reciprocal" tariffs on virtually all US trading partners, though sector-specific duties on steel, aluminium and other goods remain unaffected.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 02:11 WIB
Declining population prompts IVF programme as solution for indigenous Papuans
The Central Papua provincial government has launched a free IVF programme to address declining birth rates among indigenous Papuans, attributed largely to reproductive health infections. The initiative forms part of a broader healthcare strategy that includes a special autonomy health card scheme and efforts to strengthen primary healthcare across the province's 150 community health centres.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 02:00 WIB
Stuck truck in Puri Kembangan causes gridlock, evacuation stalled
A 37-tonne truck carrying ceramic tiles became trapped in a drainage ditch in Puri Kembangan, West Jakarta, causing severe congestion throughout the day. Authorities were unable to evacuate the vehicle by midnight due to its enormous weight, and were awaiting a 25-tonne forklift from Cengkareng to assist. The incident highlights infrastructure vulnerabilities, as the location was a former excavation site with fragile ground unable to support the truck's load.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 01:31 WIB
Pothole on Kebon Jeruk's Jalan Panjang Nearly Causes Motorcycle Accidents
A dangerous pothole on Jalan Panjang Arteri Kelapa Dua Raya in Kebon Jeruk, West Jakarta, has been endangering motorcyclists, with multiple riders striking the hole on Friday evening. The incident highlights ongoing road maintenance shortfalls on a busy arterial road, with affected residents calling on authorities to promptly repair the damage.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 01:08 WIB
South Sumatra Police Chief Visits OKI District, Urges Maximum Public Service
South Sumatra Police Chief Inspector General Sandi Nugroho conducted a Ramadan Safari visit to Ogan Komering Ilir (OKI) district, emphasising the importance of optimising public services and maintaining security during the holy month. The visit, which included meetings with the Governor and regional leadership, forms part of broader efforts to strengthen ties between provincial police command and local units whilst ensuring personnel readiness to serve the community.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 01:00 WIB
House Commission III Says Business Decisions Cannot Always Be Deemed Corruption
A member of the House of Representatives' Commission III has argued that business decisions should not automatically be treated as criminal corruption cases, highlighting the need for law enforcement to respect corporate governance principles. The discussion, which also featured a former KPK deputy chairman, centred on the application of the business judgement rule to state-owned enterprise executives and the importance of establishing conflict of interest before pursuing corruption charges.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 00:40 WIB
LPDP Responds to Scholarship Recipient's Controversial Remark: 'It's Enough That I'm Indonesian, Not My Children'
Indonesia's Education Fund Management Institution (LPDP) has publicly rebuked a scholarship alumna whose viral social media post celebrating her child's British citizenship and declaring she would ensure her children held foreign passports sparked widespread controversy. While LPDP confirmed the woman had completed her study and service obligations and is no longer legally bound to the institution, it said her actions did not reflect the values of integrity the scholarship programme instils.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 00:37 WIB
Bali Online Drivers Threaten Protests If New Licensing System Is Not Urgently Activated
Bali's online drivers have issued an ultimatum threatening protests if the government fails to urgently implement the new ASKP registration licensing system. The ultimatum from the Online Driver Forum reflects growing frustration over delays in activating the regulatory framework for ride-sharing drivers. The standoff highlights tensions between the transportation sector and government authorities over licensing requirements and implementation timelines.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 00:26 WIB
Viral Video: Man Allegedly Pastor YM Compares Allah to "a Pimp"
A man believed to be a pastor with the initials YM has sparked widespread outrage after a viral video showed him making deeply offensive remarks equating Allah with a pimp, referencing Quranic verses. The incident has reignited debate over social media ethics, religious tolerance, and the perceived lack of firm government action against blasphemous speech in Indonesia's digital public sphere.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 00:25 WIB
Freeport Investment Extended for 20 Years, Valued at US$20 Billion
Indonesia and Freeport-McMoRan have signed a memorandum of understanding to extend the company's special mining licence at Grasberg, Papua, for the period 2041–2061, with a committed investment of US$20 billion. The deal, announced in Washington D.C.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 00:21 WIB
Bahlil: Freeport Licence Extension Aimed at Exploring New Reserves
Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has confirmed that the extension of Freeport-McMoRan's special mining licence in Papua is intended to facilitate exploration of new reserves ahead of peak production in 2035, whilst boosting state revenues. Under the proposed scheme, Indonesia's ownership stake would rise from 51 per cent to 63 per cent by 2041 through an additional 12 per cent divestment at no acquisition cost, with a portion allocated to the Papua regional government.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 00:14 WIB
Flooding Beneath Puri Kembangan Toll Road in West Jakarta Causes Severe Traffic Congestion
Flooding beneath the Ring Road toll road at Puri Kembangan in West Jakarta caused severe traffic congestion on Friday evening, with the road towards Ciledug rendered impassable. Police were deployed to assist stranded vehicles whilst water was being pumped out, with conditions gradually improving by late evening.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 00:12 WIB
Bukalapak's Strategy to Empower MSME Operators through KOLAK Programme
Bukalapak continues to expand its KOLAK (Kompak Bareng Mitra Bukalapak) programme aimed at boosting the economy for micro, small and medium enterprise operators. The article highlights the success story of a West Bandung shopkeeper who grew her modest grocery stall from an initial capital of Rp 300,000 to monthly profits of Rp 3-5 million through the platform's digital tools and training, with the programme set to return at a larger scale in 2026.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 00:10 WIB
Former Bima Police Chief Allegedly Threatened Subordinate: Find an Alphard or Lose Your Position
Investigators have revealed that former Bima City police chief AKBP Didik Putra Kuncoro allegedly received Rp2.8 billion in payments from drug dealers, with monthly instalments of Rp400 million split between himself and his narcotics unit head. When media scrutiny intensified, Didik reportedly pressured his subordinate AKP Malaungi to procure a Toyota Alphard or face dismissal, prompting Malaungi to seek funding from a new drug dealer known as Koh Erwin.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 00:09 WIB
House of Representatives Questions Import of 105,000 Indian Pickup Trucks for Village Cooperatives: National Production Capacity Sufficient
A senior member of the House of Representatives has raised concerns over a Rp24.66 trillion contract to procure 105,000 commercial vehicles from Indian manufacturers Mahindra & Mahindra and Tata Motors for the Merah Putih Village Cooperative programme.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 00:01 WIB
Human Rights Law Revision: Minister Pigai Says Komnas HAM Will Operate Like the KPK
Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai has announced plans to grant the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) investigative powers akin to those of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) through a revision of the 1999 Human Rights Law.
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 00:00 WIB
Pramono to Resume Weather Modification Operations in Jakarta
Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has confirmed that weather modification will be deployed whenever the BMKG forecasts daily rainfall exceeding 200 millimetres, as the capital grapples with intense wet-season downpours. The governor revealed that cloud seeding has already been carried out discreetly on several occasions and claimed that flooding affecting 123 neighbourhood units on Friday morning was cleared within two hours thanks to close field monitoring.