Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 12 March 2026

Showing 851-900 of 2,010 articles

Toll tariffs from Jakarta to Semarang, Solo, Yogyakarta and Surabaya ahead of Lebaran 2026

The Indonesian government's Ministry of Public Works has released toll tariffs for the Trans-Java highway ahead of Lebaran 2026, offering discounts of up to 30 per cent to ease transportation costs for holiday travellers. The Jakarta-Semarang route costs ₹467,500 at the Kalikangkung toll gate, with varying discount schedules applicable across different Java toll sections. The government notes that schedules and discount rates are subject to change according to policy decisions.

Road Condition on Central Java-DIY Northern Coastal Route Reaches 94.20 Percent Stability Ahead of Eid Exodus

The condition of national roads along the northern coastal route (Pantura) in Central Java and Special Region of Yogyakarta has reached 94.20 percent stability as the 2026 Eid exodus approaches. The authorities have identified 46 accident and congestion hotspots and 23 disaster-prone areas, with construction work suspended from 10 days before Eid, whilst 23 service posts have been established across both regions to support smooth traffic flow.

Strait of Hormuz Crisis: Asia Prepares Energy Shield as China Emerges Strongest

A closure of the Strait of Hormuz triggered by Iran tensions has disrupted approximately 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies, sending Asian energy markets and stock exchanges into decline. China, India, Japan, and South Korea—which together account for 69% of crude oil demand through the strait—face vastly different exposures, with China best positioned due to 108 days of strategic reserves and lower energy dependence, whilst Japan and South Korea face acute vulnerabilities in LNG supplies with reserves of only 9 days and 2-4 weeks respectively.

Forestry Minister Pursues Recovery of Tesso Nilo National Park and Elephant Habitat

Indonesia's Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni has committed to protecting the nation's forests and emblematic wildlife, including Sumatran elephants, through habitat restoration efforts in Sumatra. The government is conducting reforestation in Tesso Nilo National Park following land reclamation and the removal of illegal palm oil plantations that have encroached on the conservation area for decades. Conservation support is also being expanded in Sebanga and Minas regions, where the minister reported expanding protected elephant habitat from 1 hectare to 15 hectares and plans to establish a dedicated elephant hospital in collaboration with an Indian institution.

Parliament Speaker: Copyright Bill Addresses Digital Era Challenges

Indonesia's Speaker of Parliament Puan Maharani announced that the proposed Copyright Bill, approved as a parliamentary initiative, aims to strengthen protections for creators and the creative industries in response to digital era challenges. The bill introduces transparent royalty management, holds digital platforms accountable as fair partners rather than mere exploiters of creative works, and includes new provisions on artificial intelligence and copyright protections.

Goldman Sachs Forecasts Federal Reserve Rate Cut in September 2026

Goldman Sachs has revised its forecast for US Federal Reserve interest rate cuts, now expecting the first reduction in September 2026 rather than June, with subsequent cuts anticipated in December. The revision reflects heightened inflation risks stemming from Middle Eastern geopolitical tensions and potential disruptions to global oil supplies, though the timing ultimately depends on US labour market conditions and inflation developments.

Hashim Djojohadikusumo Appointed to New Position by Prabowo as Head of National Park Financing Innovation Task Force

President Prabowo Subianto has appointed Hashim Djojohadikusumo, the Presidential Special Envoy for Energy and Climate, as head of a task force focused on innovative financing and management of Indonesia's national parks. The task force aims to secure sustainable funding for 57 underfunded national parks through ecotourism and private sector involvement, with pilot projects planned for Way Kambas National Park and potentially Mount Rinjani.

Anti-Corruption Commission Suspects Pancasila Youth Receives Tiered Monthly Payments from Rita Widyasari Case

Indonesia's anti-corruption agency (KPK) suspects that the Pemuda Pancasila organisation received monthly payments in a tiered structure from a high-profile graft case involving businesswoman Rita Widyasari and coal mining operations in East Kalimantan. The investigation concerns alleged bribes of approximately 5 US dollars per metric ton of coal and involves three corporations, with the KPK recently questioning the national chairman of Pemuda Pancasila regarding mining security contracts.

Surprising: Iranian Oil Exports Reported to Surge Amid War

Iran's oil sector has demonstrated unexpected resilience despite military pressure from the United States and Israel since late February, with crude oil exports increasing to approximately 2.1 million barrels per day—up from 2 million barrels daily before the conflict escalated. The surge in exports, driven primarily by Chinese demand, represents an additional 100,000 barrels per day flowing from strategic terminals including Kharg Island, indicating that Iran's export infrastructure remains operational and global demand for Iranian crude remains intact amid the conflict.

Monitor Merchant Transactions More Conveniently with QLola by BRI

BRI has launched QLola, an integrated financial services platform featuring the Merchant Monitoring tool that enables businesses to track EDC and QRIS transactions in real time. The platform consolidates multiple financial services including transaction reporting, settlement analysis, fraud detection, and various other business management features through a single login. QLola aims to streamline operational efficiency and decision-making for merchants across Indonesia, particularly those with multiple branches.

Rice Demand for Zakat Doubles Ahead of Eid al-Fitr

Rice demand in Banyuwangi, East Java has surged sharply as Eid al-Fitr approaches, with packaged rice particularly sought after by residents making zakat (Islamic alms) donations. PT Ratu Pangan Sejahtera, a major rice mill in the region, reported a 100 per cent increase in orders over the past two days, though government stockpiles of 100,000 tonnes ensure supply security through year-end.

Tebet residents support Ciliwung Canal normalisation

Residents of Tebet in South Jakarta have expressed support for the normalisation of Kali Ciliwung following six rental unit collapses on 6 March. The Tebet sub-district head stated that authorities have been conducting socialisation since 2023 to prepare residents for land acquisition along the canal, part of efforts to mitigate flood and landslide risks in the area.

Indonesia to Develop International Military Training Centre in Morotai

Indonesia plans to establish an international military training facility in Morotai, North Maluku, according to Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin. The plan, discussed with Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, would leverage Morotai's existing World War II-era defence infrastructure and accommodate joint exercises for the Indonesian military with allied nations including Australia, the Philippines, and Japan.

PTPN IV Tightens Financial Controls Through Implementation of ICoFR

PT Perkebunan Nusantara IV (PTPN IV) is implementing a comprehensive Internal Control over Financial Reporting (ICoFR) system throughout 2025 to strengthen financial transparency, enhance risk management, and build stakeholder confidence. The system encompasses all operational units and identifies key risks such as misstatement and fraud, with layered verification processes and systematic documentation to ensure accurate financial reporting and informed management decision-making.

Airlangga University distributes 10,000 Ramadhan aid packages in East Java

Airlangga University (Unair) has distributed 10,000 Ramadhan aid packages to orphans, orphanages, and underprivileged families across East Java as part of its social responsibility commitment. The initiative, now in its 11th year, targets 18 districts and cities in East Java and aligns with the university's commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly poverty eradication.

Dompet Dhuafa Ramadan Endowment Funds Construction of Tahfidz Student Dormitory

Dompet Dhuafa, an Islamic charitable organisation, has launched a Ramadan endowment programme to construct a two-storey dormitory at Pesantren Tahfidz Green Lido (PTGL) in Sukabumi, West Java, to provide proper facilities for Qur'an memorisation students who currently share a single multipurpose room. The construction project, currently in the foundation stage, aims to separate living quarters from study areas whilst expanding sanitation facilities to improve the learning environment and student welfare.

Chinese Consumers Shifting to Coconut-Based Coffee, Deputy Agriculture Minister Says Indonesia Stands to Benefit

Deputy Agriculture Minister Sudaryono has identified a growing consumption trend in China where consumers are adopting coffee mixed with coconut milk, driving increased demand for Indonesian coconut products. The government is addressing domestic supply challenges by allocating Rp9.95 trillion over three years for a plantation rejuvenation programme, as most Indonesian coconut trees have aged and their productivity has declined.

Oil Price Breaches US$100 per Barrel Again—ESDM Response

Global oil prices have surged back above US$100 per barrel, with Brent crude reaching US$110.02 and WTI at US$94.21, driven by escalating military tensions in the Middle East and threats to energy supply routes. Indonesia's Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry (ESDM) is closely monitoring the situation as the nation remains dependent on oil imports at international prices. The price spike follows Iranian threats of prices reaching US$200 per barrel and coordinated military attacks on regional shipping and energy facilities, prompting major oil consumers including the US and Japan to release strategic petroleum reserves totalling 400 million barrels.

PEP Zone 4 Targets 30,305 Barrels Daily Oil Production

PT Pertamina EP Zone 4 has set a target to increase oil production to 30,305 barrels per day (BOPD) by 2026, alongside gas production of 485.07 million cubic feet per day (MMSCFD), as part of efforts to strengthen national energy security. The production increase will be achieved through optimised drilling programmes, geological model updates, and deployment of advanced data analytics technology. The company reported positive performance in 2025 with oil production of 27,643 BOPD and gas production of 530.9 MMSCFD.

Prabowo to Issue Two Orders on Elephant and National Park Rescue

President Prabowo Subianto is preparing two major directives to address conservation crises: a Presidential Instruction on rescuing Sumatran and Borneo elephant populations and habitats, and a Presidential Decision establishing a task force for innovative financing of Indonesia's 57 national parks. The measures come as Sumatran elephant habitats have declined from 42 original pockets to just 21, prompting urgent government intervention to prevent the extinction of this iconic protected species.

BTN Supports Children's Education Through Danantara Programme

PT Bank Tabungan Negara (BTN) has reinforced its commitment to supporting Indonesian children's education through the "Danantara for Golden Generation" programme, distributing 5,500 school supply packages to students across Palu, Batam, and Tanjung Pinang. The initiative is part of a broader national effort by Danantara Indonesia and state-owned enterprises (SOEs) to distribute 88,000 school supply packages nationwide, aligning with President Prabowo Subianto's emphasis on professional management of state assets for long-term national development.

Building Permits and Environmental Approval for Crematorium Can Be Issued in Parallel

Jakarta's West Jakarta integrated licensing unit has clarified that Building Permits (PBG) and environmental approvals can now be issued simultaneously under new government regulations, rather than sequentially as previously required. The clarification follows public objections to a funeral home and crematorium project in Kalideres that received a building permit before environmental documentation was completed, prompting authorities to halt construction pending full environmental approval.

Indonesia Says Iran War Hurts National Economy in Three Ways

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa warned that the ongoing Iran conflict threatens Indonesia's economy through three channels: elevated oil prices pressuring the trade balance and import costs, geopolitical uncertainty triggering capital outflows and rupiah depreciation, and fiscal strain from potential subsidy increases if energy prices remain elevated. However, the minister noted that higher global commodity prices could provide offsetting gains through increased export revenues from coal, crude palm oil, and nickel.

Students with Disabilities in Bima Provided Only Corn and Peanuts for Free Nutritious Meals, Nutrition Service Unit Acknowledges Negligence

A video showing severely inadequate free nutritious meals (MBG) consisting of a single piece of corn, five peanuts, and other minimal items provided to students with disabilities at an inclusive school in Bima, West Nusa Tenggara, has gone viral on social media. The Nutrition Service Unit (SPPG) Lala Shabyra Sondosia has publicly apologised for the error and negligence, pledging to withdraw the meals and replace them with proper two-day rations without imposing additional costs on the National Nutrition Body.

BNPB: 133 Families in Rigeb Gayo Lues Have Moved from Tents to Temporary Shelter

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) announced that 133 households from Rigeb village in Gayo Lues Regency, Aceh, have relocated from emergency tents to temporary shelter built by the government as part of post-disaster recovery. Residents are receiving basic provisions and non-food assistance for ten days whilst awaiting livelihood assistance from the central government, with facilities including water supply, electricity, bathrooms and toilets in each unit.

Homebound Travellers Can Find 496 Public Works Ministry Rest Stops via Google Maps

Indonesia's Ministry of Public Works has partnered with Google to help homebound travellers during the 2026 Lebaran exodus locate 496 rest stops along major migration routes through Google Maps integration. The initiative aims to enhance safety and comfort by providing real-time access to facilities including rest areas, toilets, refreshments, and entertainment, whilst also functioning as emergency response points for traffic incidents and natural disasters.

President Prabowo Summons Hasan Nasbi to Palace, Signal of Cabinet Return?

President Prabowo Subianto summoned former Presidential Communications Office Chief and current Pertamina Commissioner Hasan Nasbi to the Presidential Palace on Thursday, 12 March, amid speculation about his potential return to the Red and White Cabinet. Nasbi, who was unaware of the meeting's agenda and arrived without prior information, declined to comment on whether he would resume a cabinet position, stating he would provide details only after the restricted meeting concluded. The summons follows Nasbi's earlier attendance at a restricted meeting at the President's private residence in Hambalang on Monday, 9 March, fuelling speculation about changes to the cabinet.

G7 considers escorting ships in the Middle East amid conflict

The Group of Seven has agreed to explore the possibility of escorting merchant vessels through the Middle East following the latest escalation of the US-Israel-Iran conflict, with France—the current G7 chair—announcing the plan aims to restore freedom of navigation in the region. Japan faces a difficult decision about whether to participate in the escort operations, particularly crucial given its dependence on Middle Eastern oil for over 90 per cent of its energy imports and vulnerability to any closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Health Ministry Accelerates Measles Immunisation Before Eid 2026

Indonesia's Health Ministry is intensifying a measles vaccination campaign to achieve 95 per cent immunisation coverage before Eid 2026 (April), as the country experiences a significant surge in suspected measles cases with over 10,400 cases recorded so far this year. The government is establishing vaccination services across 50 districts and setting up immunisation posts at inter-city transportation hubs to prevent transmission during the anticipated mass migration period, with officials warning that one measles case can infect 12-18 other people.

OJK Prepares Steps to Restore Investor Confidence in Capital Markets

The Financial Services Authority (OJK) is implementing measures to restore investor confidence in Indonesia's capital markets, responding to significant investor withdrawals from high-risk investment instruments. The OJK leadership emphasised stabilising the financial system whilst managing global geopolitical risks and deepening capital market development to support national economic priorities.

Not Just Mosques: 45 Buddhist Temples Ready as Waypoints for Homecoming Travellers During Eid

The Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs has prepared 45 Buddhist temples across Java, Sumatra, Bali, and West Nusa Tenggara as rest stops for travellers during the Eid al-Fitr homecoming period in March 2026. The facilities, coordinated through Buddhist community guides, are open to all travellers regardless of religious background and aim to support the physical and mental wellbeing of those undertaking long journeys home.

Tiger Cub Trapped in Riau Handed Over to BKSDA

A Sumatran tiger cub was successfully captured after becoming trapped in a snare set by villagers in Pulau Muda Village, Pelalawan Regency, Riau, and has been transferred to the Riau Natural Resources Conservation Centre (BKSDA). The cub will undergo intensive medical examination and behavioural observation in Pekanbaru before being released back into its natural habitat. The incident highlights ongoing human-wildlife conflict in the region, with authorities warning residents to remain vigilant as the presence of a cub typically indicates the mother tiger remains nearby.

Consumer Recommendation Initiative Enables Selected Orphanage Children to Learn Wildlife Conservation

PT Sharp Electronics Indonesia has launched an environmental education programme inviting approximately 100 orphanage children to The Habitat Park in Jakarta to learn about wildlife conservation and biodiversity through interactive activities including zoo tours and waste management workshops. The initiative, part of Sharp's corporate sustainability strategy, notably involved public participation through social media in selecting the ten beneficiary orphanages, underscoring the company's commitment to inclusive governance and integrated ESG values that combine social responsibility with environmental stewardship.

High Ticket Prices Ahead of Eid Holiday Draw Parliamentary Scrutiny

The Speaker of Indonesia's Parliament has instructed relevant parliamentary commissions to summon government ministries and agencies to address soaring transport ticket prices ahead of the 2026 Eid al-Fitr holiday. The move aims to ensure comfort for returning travellers and prevent basic commodity price inflation during the festivities, with particular concern raised about domestic flight prices sometimes exceeding international routes.

Defence Lawyers File Request for Copy of Verdict in Riva Siahaan Corruption Case

The legal team representing three former Pertamina executives — Riva Siahaan, Maya Kusmaya, and Edward Corne — convicted in a crude oil corruption case has petitioned the Central Jakarta District Court for a copy of the verdict, which has not been delivered more than two weeks after being read in court on 26 February 2026. The defence team questions the delay and suggests inconsistencies in the judicial process, whilst arguing that trial records demonstrate their clients' innocence and claiming their actions actually delivered USD 24 million in efficiency gains for Pertamina. The three defendants have already filed an appeal on 4 March 2026, with one panel judge issuing a dissenting opinion stating there was no state loss or unlawful conduct.

Unej and Perhutani collaborate on research and food security in Jember

Jember University and Perum Perhutani East Java have signed a two-year collaboration agreement to conduct research and support food security initiatives, leveraging Jember's diverse forest ecosystems from highlands to coastal areas. The partnership will facilitate student field research, technical training, and sustainable forest management practices, whilst Perhutani provides forest locations and technical guidance and the university contributes academic expertise and funding. The collaboration aims to strengthen biodiversity conservation, community empowerment, and the shift towards sustainable forest management beyond production-focused approaches.

Transjabodetabek Blok M–Soekarno-Hatta Airport: Route, Stop Points, Fares, and Facilities

Transjabodetabek's new SH2 bus route connecting Blok M Terminal in Jakarta to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport officially launched on 12 March 2026, spanning 65.1 kilometres with 23 total stop points. The service, inaugurated by Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung and Tangerang Mayor Sachrudin, aims to provide affordable public transport to the airport with approximately 65–70 minutes travel time one-way, with the final stop at the airport railway station connecting to the skytrain. The service is expected to serve between 1,900 and 2,000 passengers daily.

Religious Affairs Minister Begins Phased Disbursement of Professional Allowances for Madrasah and Religious Education Teachers

Indonesia's Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar announced the phased disbursement of professional allowances (TPG) for madrasah teachers and religious education instructors, with 246,449 eligibility letters issued to date out of 405,438 registered madrasah teachers. The allowances extend to teachers of Islamic, Christian, Catholic, Hindu, and Buddhist religious education, with thousands of recent professional education graduates eligible to receive payments in 2026.

Prosecutors Seek Nine-Year Prison Sentence for Ammar Zoni: Previous Three Drug Convictions

Prosecutors have demanded a nine-year prison sentence for Muhammad Ammar Akbar (Ammar Zoni) in connection with alleged drug trafficking within Salemba Detention Centre, citing his previous three convictions for narcotics offences and the public disturbance caused by his actions. Six defendants in total face charges for illegally selling and facilitating the sale of Class I narcotic substances exceeding 5 grams, with sentences ranging from six to nine years sought by the state prosecutor.

Minister of Religion Bans Civil Service from Using Official Vehicles for Eid Homecoming

Indonesia's Minister of Religion Nasaruddin Umar has prohibited civil servants at the Ministry of Religion from using official vehicles for Eid holiday travel, emphasising the need to maintain integrity and ensure responsible use of state facilities. The ban reflects concerns about misuse of government resources for personal purposes, whilst acknowledging that civil servants assigned to Eid-related duties may utilise available facilities during their official work.

South Sumatra Police and Pertamina Strengthen Energy Security Coordination Ahead of Eid Homecoming

The South Sumatra Regional Police (Polda Sumsel) has strengthened coordination with PT Pertamina Patra Niaga Regional South Sumatra to ensure secure distribution of fuel and protection of vital energy infrastructure ahead of the Eid al-Fitr homecoming period. The collaboration seeks to prevent fuel hoarding, diversion, and distribution abuses whilst mapping high-risk zones to maintain stable fuel supplies during peak travel periods.

Measles Vaccination Focused on Children Aged 9 Months to 15 Years

The Indonesian Paediatricians Association (IDAI) has announced that measles vaccination efforts are being concentrated on children aged 9 months to 15 years, the age group with the highest incidence of the disease. Complete vaccination coverage above 95 percent is essential to establish community immunity, though even fully vaccinated children are not 100 percent protected. Indonesia has recorded 11,094 confirmed measles cases and 69 deaths in 2025, prompting renewed public health emphasis on vaccination completion.

Bogor Police Deploy 5,000 Personnel to Secure Eid Homecoming Period

The Bogor Police Department is deploying over 5,000 personnel from various agencies to secure the Eid homecoming and return travel period from 13–25 March 2026 under Operation Ketupat Lodaya. The security effort includes 14 checkpoints across strategic locations in Bogor Regency, support facilities including a service post at Gunung Mas Rest Area in Puncak, and an integrated post at Hoegeng Gadog offering comprehensive public services. The authorities also plan to hold the communal Eid prayer at Pakansari Stadium as a demonstration of utilising public facilities for large-scale religious activities.

Fatal Attack Near Iraq: Two Oil Tankers Engulfed in Flames

Two oil tankers have been attacked near Iraq, with at least one crew member reported dead and 38 others rescued, whilst search operations continue for missing personnel. The Maltese-flagged ZEFYROS and Marshall Islands-flagged SAFESEA VISHNU were targeted in what Iraqi officials describe as sabotage, occurring amid heightened regional tensions as Iran blocks Hormuz Strait oil exports and the United States escalates military operations in the Gulf.

Check: These Are the Alternative Routes for Eid Travel and Accident Hotspots in Bantul

Bantul District's Transport Department has identified three alternative routes to manage traffic during the Eid exodus, whilst simultaneously mapping twelve accident-prone areas and water-logging zones to enhance driver safety. Officials will deploy traffic controllers, install directional signs, and repair road markings at risk points throughout the district.

Foreign Ministry Strategic Board Begins Exploring Alternative to BoP Membership

Indonesia's Foreign Ministry is examining alternative roles to replace the country's membership in the Board of Peace (BoP) following the body's diminished legitimacy after illegal attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel. The ministry is considering appointing a special envoy for Palestine to coordinate aid distribution to Gaza, whilst President Prabowo Subianto is exploring alternative diplomatic channels, including engaging former Vice President Jusuf Kalla to strengthen Indonesia's advocacy for Palestinian issues.

FBI warns of potential Iranian drone attack on California

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has warned California police departments that Iran may retaliate against US military action by launching drone attacks on the West Coast, according to an alert reviewed by ABC News. The warning, distributed in late February, indicates Iran allegedly intends to launch unmanned aerial vehicles from an unknown vessel off the US coast, though authorities possess no additional information regarding timing, methods, targets or perpetrators. The alert follows a combined US-Israel military strike against Iran on 28 February, which has triggered escalating tensions across the Middle East.

Middle East Conflict: Trade Threats and Export Insurance Opportunities

Middle East geopolitical tensions threaten Indonesia's energy security and export competitiveness by disrupting key shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz and raising insurance costs. As a nation heavily dependent on energy imports and with annual exports exceeding US$250 billion, Indonesia faces increased logistics costs that could pressure export-oriented sectors such as textiles, furniture, and light manufacturing. The article argues that strengthening domestic export insurance, marine cargo insurance, and reinsurance capacity is crucial for protecting Indonesia's international trade and reducing reliance on global reinsurance markets.

Prabowo to Establish Elephant Corridor Preservation Areas to Save Dwindling Populations

President Prabowo Subianto will establish elephant corridor preservation areas through a Presidential Instruction to protect Sumatran and Bornean elephant populations, which have declined from 42 habitat pockets to just 21. The initiative aims to create wildlife corridors connecting fragmented habitats to prevent inbreeding and species extinction, with the government committing 90,000 hectares of land for Sumatran elephant conservation.

Deputy Tourism Minister: Strengthening Asian Markets as Strategy to Address Middle East Conflict

Indonesia's Deputy Tourism Minister Ni Luh Puspa outlined a strategic pivot towards strengthening tourism markets in Asia and Oceania to mitigate impacts from Middle East geopolitical tensions. The ministry aims to shift market focus away from Middle Eastern dependency, with Indonesia currently receiving significant tourist flows from Malaysia (27%) and Singapore (18%), while also targeting growth markets including China, India, South Korea, and Taiwan.