Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 15 April 2026

Showing 1,451-1,500 of 1,595 articles

Zara Founder Becomes the World's Richest Property Tycoon, with Assets Worth Rp 2,700 Trillion

Amancio Ortega, the founder of Zara's parent company Inditex, has quietly built a vast real estate empire through his investment vehicle Pontegadea, redirecting dividends into premium properties worldwide, including iconic office buildings, logistics centres, and luxury residences leased to giants like Amazon, Apple, and Walmart. This strategic shift has propelled him to the top of the global property wealth rankings, with his net worth reaching $148 billion (equivalent to Rp 2,700 trillion), surpassing traditional real estate moguls and underscoring the power of long-term vision over short-term speculation. At nearly 90 years old, Ortega's humble and reclusive approach exemplifies how tangible assets can fortify enduring influence and legacy.

Russian Intelligence: The Naivety of the Young Generation Becomes a New Weapon in Global Conflicts

Russian authorities have warned that foreign intelligence agencies are systematically recruiting teenagers for sabotage and terrorism via social media and messaging apps, exploiting their naivety and openness to digital platforms. This shift highlights how modern conflicts are increasingly fought in the realm of minds and consciousness, with youth becoming a strategic target in asymmetric warfare. The claims, set against broader geopolitical tensions between Russia and the West, underscore the evolving role of information warfare and the need for critical scrutiny of such narratives.

Bogor Station Suddenly Crowded, Passengers Diverted to Alternative Route After Platforms 6-8 Closed

Construction work on the extension of platforms and tracks 6, 7, and 8 at Bogor Station has led to their closure, causing sudden overcrowding in the station's accessible areas and forcing passengers to use alternative routes via platforms 2 to 5. Staff are guiding commuters through the Pintu Timur entrance and new pathways to manage the flow, highlighting the station's already high daily traffic. This disruption underscores ongoing infrastructure improvements in Indonesia's rail network under the Jakarta Operational Area 1, potentially affecting commuter travel to and from Jakarta.

Hajj Flight Costs Surge Nearly Rp2 Trillion, Commission VIII Demands State Coverage

The Chair of Indonesia's House Commission VIII, Marwan Dasopang, has insisted that the nearly Rp1.77 trillion increase in Hajj flight costs, driven by rising aviation fuel prices and currency fluctuations, must be covered by state funds rather than passed on to pilgrims. He urged the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to coordinate across ministries to ensure accountable use of the national budget in line with regulations. This call comes amid discussions on proposed hikes from Garuda Indonesia and Saudi Airlines, with Marwan requesting a recalculation due to volatile global oil prices for more precise future decisions.

Uncovering Global Conspiracy, FBI Delivers Message to Indonesian Police

Indonesian Police (Polri) and the FBI have dismantled a global cybercrime network called W3LL, which caused over US$20 million in damages through phishing and credential theft. The operation led to the arrest of a developer and the seizure of key domains, severing cybercriminals' access to victims' accounts worldwide. This marks the first collaboration between the US and Indonesia in tackling phishing tool developers, highlighting international efforts to combat sophisticated cyber threats.

Learning from the Menantea Jerome Polin Case, MSMEs Must Neatly Manage Finances and Understand the Market

Experts advise Indonesian MSMEs, particularly in the food and beverage sector, to thoroughly understand their target market and maintain meticulous financial records to ensure long-term sustainability amid competition from new entrants. Key recommendations include separating personal and business accounts, disciplined transaction logging, budgeting, cash flow management, and using tools like cash registers to mitigate risks such as robbery. Proper employee management and service attitudes are also crucial for franchise businesses to thrive.

KPK examines two MA mutation section heads to investigate suspect's transfer in Depok District Court case

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has questioned two heads of mutation sections from the Supreme Court's Directorate General of General Judiciary to probe the job transfer of a suspect in a bribery case at Depok District Court. The case involves alleged bribes given to judges for executing a 6,500-square-metre land dispute in Tapos sub-district, leading to the arrest of seven individuals, including court officials and executives from a state-owned enterprise subsidiary, with five designated as suspects. This investigation highlights ongoing efforts to combat judicial corruption, including a separate gratuity charge against one suspect for receiving Rp2.5 billion.

Biodiesel Programme Deemed Effective in Curbing Fuel Oil Imports

Indonesia's mandatory biodiesel policy has significantly reduced reliance on imported diesel fuel, potentially saving up to $8-10 billion in foreign exchange annually, according to experts from the University of Indonesia and the Palm Oil Agribusiness Strategic Policy Institute. The programme leverages abundant domestic palm oil resources and advanced processing technology, with implementations from B1 to a targeted B50 by July 2026, already cutting diesel imports by 3.3 million kilolitres between 2024 and 2025 while adding value to crude palm oil and reducing CO2 emissions. However, sustainable governance of the palm oil industry is crucial to prevent deforestation, protect indigenous rights, and avoid trade-offs between energy and food supplies.

Hajj Flight Costs for 2026 Increase, DPR Member Questions Funding Source

A member of the Indonesian House of Representatives' Commission VIII, Hidayat Nur Wahid, has questioned the funding source for the Rp 1.77 trillion increase in Hajj flight costs for 2026, citing inconsistencies between statements from the Minister of Hajj and Umrah and his deputy. The rise, attributed to higher aviation fuel prices and currency fluctuations, will be covered by the Hajj Management Fee (BPIH) as per Law No. 14 of 2025, without burdening pilgrims, as assured by President. The Ministry has involved the Attorney General's Office to ensure the legality of the funding, emphasising the need for transparency to avoid confusion among prospective pilgrims.

Coal Prices Plunge Again, China's Aid in Vain

Global coal prices tumbled 2.9% to US$128.25 per tonne on Tuesday, following a sharp decline in crude oil prices despite reports of increased coal imports by China and proposed regulatory relaxations by the US EPA to ease coal ash management burdens. China's coal imports rose 1.3% year-on-year in the first quarter to 116.27 million tonnes, with March imports surging 26.2%, yet this failed to stem the price drop amid broader energy market weakness. Meanwhile, India's coal production for March exceeded targets but showed a slight annual decline, contributing to a global oversupply sentiment that underscores challenges in the coal sector.

Invasive Plecostomus Fish Damage Water Bodies, BRIN Reveals Dangerous Impacts on Residents

Researchers from Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) have warned that the invasive plecostomus fish, known locally as ikan sapu-sapu, is damaging aquatic ecosystems by outcompeting native species, destroying fishing nets, and eroding riverbanks, while its flesh potentially contains harmful heavy metals that pose long-term health risks to consumers. The Jakarta provincial government has initiated capture efforts, which BRIN experts endorse as a safe manual method to control the population, recommending intensive, periodic trapping combined with stakeholder education to eradicate the threat. This issue highlights the broader challenge of managing invasive species in Indonesia, originally introduced from South America, to protect biodiversity and public health.

El Niño "Godzilla" Looms Over Jakarta: More Than Just Heat, Health Threats Begin to Emerge

The intensifying El Niño phenomenon, dubbed "Godzilla" by the public, is posing significant health risks to Jakarta residents beyond mere discomfort, with extreme temperatures, dry air, and worsening pollution potentially triggering a surge in diseases. Jakarta Health Service Head Ani Ruspitawati warns that high temperatures increase risks of heatstroke, dehydration, and exacerbation of chronic conditions like heart and lung diseases, while rising pollution could lead to more acute respiratory infections and asthma cases. Epidemiologist Dicky Budiman notes that although Jakarta's health system is relatively better prepared than other regions, it remains structurally unadapted to extreme climate risks, risking overload from combined threats such as prolonged heatwaves and disease outbreaks.

Sexual Violence at FHUI: Lawyer Says Victims Number Over 20, Including Lecturers

Allegations of sexual violence at the Faculty of Law, University of Indonesia (FHUI) have surfaced, with 16 students suspected of perpetrating acts against both fellow students and lecturers. The victims' lawyer, Timotius Rajagukguk, represents 20 students and reports seven female lecturers also affected by verbal abuse, suggesting the total number may be higher as some victims remain unaware. He demands permanent expulsion for the perpetrators to ensure campus safety and uphold institutional values.

Bumpy Road for Electric Motorcycle Conversions: Limited Legality and Workshops

The conversion of petrol motorcycles to electric in Indonesia faces significant hurdles, including a shortage of certified workshops and legal certification issues for various motorcycle models. Experts highlight that only popular types like Honda Beat, Vario, and Scoopy can be easily certified, leaving owners of other models struggling with lengthy and complex processes that can take up to six months. Without simplified testing standards, the adoption of converted electric motorcycles is likely to remain limited to mainstream models, hindering broader environmental and energy transition goals.

Xiaomi Founder: I Am Not the "Steve Jobs of China"

Xiaomi's founder, Lei Jun, has expressed discomfort with being repeatedly compared to Apple's Steve Jobs, despite admiring the innovator's achievements and their influence on his company. In a 2013 blog post, Jun emphasised the significant differences between Xiaomi and Apple, arguing that such comparisons are inappropriate given Xiaomi's youth at the time and could lead to misconceptions, such as early perceptions of the firm as a copycat producer. This reflection highlights the challenges faced by emerging Chinese tech giants in establishing their unique identities amid global scrutiny.

Yesterday: Hajj Ticket Bidding Remains Mere Talk, UI Verbal Abuse Investigation Underway

Indonesia's Minister of Hajj and Umrah assured long-waiting pilgrims that proposals for a bidding system on hajj quotas are still just discussions and will not affect existing queues, while officials are set to depart for the Holy Land in April 2026 to prepare services. The government reaffirmed its strategic role in global population and development agendas at the UN, launching a comprehensive population development plan for 2025-2045. Additionally, the Environment Minister urged Jakarta to halt organic and inorganic waste acceptance at the Bantargebang facility, and the University of Indonesia confirmed an ongoing comprehensive investigation into alleged verbal violence at its law faculty in line with national regulations.

AADI Divests 47.99% Stake in Kestrel, Transaction Value Reaches USD2.4 Billion

PT Adaro Andalan Indonesia Tbk (AADI) has signed a share purchase agreement through its subsidiary Adaro Capital Limited to divest 47.99% of its stake in Kestrel Coal Group Pty Ltd for an upfront payment of USD1.85 billion, plus up to USD550 million in contingent payments based on coal price performance over five years. This non-affiliated transaction, part of the company's broader business strategy, is not expected to materially impact operations, financial condition, or business continuity. The deal highlights ongoing portfolio adjustments in Indonesia's mining sector amid fluctuating global coal markets.

Mataram Fire Department Proposes Increase in Meal Allowance Due to High Work Risks

The Mataram City Fire and Rescue Department (Damkar) has proposed doubling the monthly meal allowance for its personnel from Rp150,000 to Rp300,000, citing the high risks associated with their duties. Chief Rudi Suryawan noted that while current facilities, including 10 operational vehicles and personal protective equipment, are adequate, the existing allowance is insufficient. This follows the recent addition of two new fire trucks worth Rp3.5 billion to enhance rapid response and fire control operations.

Yesterday, government promotes gaming industry, strengthens global diplomacy

On Tuesday, Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka urged the strengthening of the national gaming industry during a meeting with WHIM Management Indonesia to bolster the country's technology-based creative economy. The Defence Ministry clarified that US overflight permissions are not part of the Major Defense Cooperation Partnership agreement, while Hajj and Umrah Minister Moch. Irfan Yusuf assured pilgrims that ticket allocation schemes remain mere proposals. President Prabowo Subianto arrived in Paris after state engagements in Moscow, where he held a five-hour meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who invited him to return for industrial exhibitions in 2026.

Facts about Dozens of SMPN Students in Jetis, Bantul, Poisoned by Free Nutritious Meals

Dozens of students and staff from schools in Jetis, Bantul, suffered symptoms of food poisoning after consuming free nutritious meals (MBG) on Monday, with around 80 individuals affected, including 77 pupils from a state junior high school. Local health officials transported the victims to a community health centre for treatment, and samples of the meal—consisting of rice, grilled chicken, mustard greens, fried tofu, and watermelon—have been sent for laboratory testing to determine the cause. Authorities have requested a temporary suspension of the MBG supplier's operations pending central government decisions, highlighting potential safety issues in Indonesia's school feeding programme aimed at improving child nutrition.

Iran War Beyond Scenario, Netanyahu's Fate Hanging by a Thread

More than six weeks into the war against Iran, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ambitions for a historic victory are crumbling amid prolonged conflict and unmet goals, with Iran's nuclear capabilities and regional influence remaining intact despite heavy airstrikes by Israel and the US. Public support for Netanyahu has plummeted to 34%, raising political risks ahead of legislative elections by October, as analysts decry the campaign as a strategic failure that has escalated regional tensions without decisive outcomes. The war's US$11.5 billion cost and diplomatic setbacks, including Netanyahu's exclusion from Pakistan-mediated ceasefire talks, underscore the deepening dilemma, potentially hindering broader peace efforts with Iran.

FBI Uncovers Indonesian Fraud Network Worth Rp 342 Billion

The FBI's Atlanta field office, in collaboration with Indonesian law enforcement, has dismantled a sophisticated global phishing operation based in Indonesia that stole thousands of account credentials and attempted fraud exceeding $20 million (approximately Rp 342 billion). This marks the first joint cyber investigation of its kind between the two nations, targeting the "W3LL kit" phishing tool that created fake login pages mimicking trusted sites. The bust highlights the growing threat of international cybercrime and strengthens bilateral efforts to combat such networks.

Aiming to Become a Jumbo Bank, BSI (BRIS) Prepares Multiple Scenarios

PT Bank Syariah Indonesia (BRIS) is planning to elevate its status to the core capital-based bank group (KBMI) IV in the medium term, with capital fulfilment as the key factor. The bank is preparing both organic strategies, such as accumulating profits to strengthen capital, and non-organic options like acquisitions, though the latter are challenging due to alignment needs with its controlling entity, Danantara. Additionally, BSI is open to considering foreign investors, particularly from the Middle East, but notes that such investors typically seek dominant roles, which may complicate past divestment plans.

Nutri-level drives Indonesian development starting from youth health: minister

Indonesia's government is advancing the Nutri-level policy to promote healthier eating habits among the youth by labelling foods and drinks based on sugar, salt, and fat content, starting with beverages. Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin highlighted alarming rates of childhood diabetes from free health checkups, underscoring the need for family-level education and collaboration with the Population and Family Development Ministry. Officials from BPJS Kesehatan emphasise that this preventive measure will reduce long-term health costs and support national development by fostering a healthier future generation.

Bobibos Claimed to Be 100% Vegetable-Based, Not a Mixture Like E5 or E10

Indonesian developers of Bobibos, an original fuel product, claim it is entirely vegetable oil-based without any fossil petrol mixtures, distinguishing it from existing biofuels like E5 and E10. Discussions with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources have agreed on follow-up technical meetings involving LEMIGAS to align on classification, testing standards, and regulations. Testing will assess fuel consumption, emissions, and engine performance on vehicles, potentially paving the way for approvals if it meets safety and efficacy criteria.

Government Distributes Green Funds of Rp5 Billion per Project, Here are the Requirements!

The Indonesian government, through the Environmental Fund Management Agency (BPDLH) under the Ministry of Finance, has reopened applications for its Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF) with up to £200,000 (approximately Rp5 billion) allocated per approved green innovation project. The second phase, running from 11 March to 17 April 2026, targets sectors including energy, transportation, AFOLU, and marine and coastal ecosystems, limiting applicants to civil society organisations and businesses while excluding universities. This initiative, part of the Low Carbon Development Initiative (LCDI) Phase 2 in collaboration with the UK government, aims to foster low-carbon business development following strong interest in the first phase where only four out of 283 proposals were funded with Rp20.3 billion.

China Denies Supplying Weapons for War to Iran

China has firmly denied allegations of supplying weapons to Iran amid escalating tensions, dismissing US President Donald Trump's threat of imposing an additional 50% tariff on Chinese goods as unfounded and fabricated. In response to the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which has driven up global oil prices and exacerbated the conflict, China urges all parties to uphold the fragile ceasefire and pursue diplomatic resolutions to restore peace and secure maritime routes vital for 20% of the world's oil supply. The ongoing war, which began in February 2026, has already claimed over 1,400 lives and caused $270 billion in damage to Iranian facilities, highlighting the urgent need for international cooperation to prevent further escalation.

JCI Expected to Continue Strengthening Today, Retail Investors Should Watch These Stocks

The Jakarta Composite Index (JCI) is anticipated to extend its upward trend on Wednesday, following a 2.34% surge in the previous session, provided it holds above the support level of 7,640–7,665. Analysts highlight potential resistance at 7,710–7,750 and warn of risks from global conflicts in the Middle East and rupiah pressures, while recommending retail investors monitor stocks like ESSA, LSIP, NETV, HRTA, NICL, and TINS for accumulation opportunities during corrections. This outlook underscores the volatile yet promising short-term market dynamics driven by select equities and improving sentiments.

Labour Minister urges workers to prepare for AI technological developments

Indonesian Labour Minister Yassierli has called on workers to adapt and continuously develop skills to face rapid technological changes, particularly the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), as Indonesia lags behind global averages in AI adoption. He emphasised that beyond protecting normative rights, ensuring workers' competencies remain relevant is crucial, urging trade unions to play a strategic role in preparing the workforce through instruments like Collective Work Agreements (PKB). This was highlighted during the recent signing of PKB VIII by PT Pupuk Kalimantan Timur and its workers' union, aimed at fostering stability, legal certainty, and enhanced worker competencies for future challenges.

Government Urged to Expedite Hajj Queue for Elderly Pilgrims

Indonesian MP Maman Imanul Haq has urged the government to prioritise shortening the Hajj waiting list, particularly for elderly applicants, highlighting cases where individuals have passed away before their pilgrimage. This call comes amid discussions on a "Hajj ticket lottery" proposed by Minister of Hajj and Umrah Mochamad Irfan Yusuf, which Maman criticises as potentially confusing during critical preparations for the 2026 Hajj. The minister has acknowledged the idea's prematurity and is open to shelving it to focus on immediate service readiness, emphasising the need for a fair and transparent system to uphold social justice in religious services.

Meeting with Vice President: Ipemi Proposes Strengthening UMKM Programmes

The Indonesian Muslim Women's Entrepreneurs Association (Ipemi) has pledged to serve as a strategic partner to the government in bolstering the people's economy, particularly through empowering women-led small and medium enterprises (UMKM), during a meeting with Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka. Ipemi's leader, Ingrid Kansil, highlighted the organisation's nationwide network to bridge policy implementation at the grassroots level and proposed key needs such as equitable access to government programmes, enhanced training in digitalisation and management, inclusive financing, and supportive regulations. In response, the Vice President affirmed his commitment to expanding funding and market access for UMKM via various schemes, aiming to foster business growth and independence.

Threat of Expulsion for FHUI Students Stems from Harassment Chat Group

Universitas Indonesia is investigating allegations of sexual harassment in a student chat group at the Faculty of Law, with potential sanctions including expulsion if violations are confirmed. A forum was held where 16 perpetrators apologised directly to victims, who expressed deep disappointment and demanded stricter penalties beyond mere apologies. UI emphasises its commitment to handling such cases professionally, providing victim support, and strengthening policies to prevent sexual violence on campus.

DPR Secretary General No Longer a Suspect: The Case of the House Allowance for Council Members

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has lost its suspect status against Indra Iskandar, the Secretary General of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR), after a court partially granted his pre-trial motion challenging the designation. The case involves allegations of corruption in the procurement of furnishings for DPR members' official residences in 2020, with a contract value of around Rp120 billion, suspected to have caused state losses in the tens of billions of rupiah. Indra and several others were accused of inflating budgets for items like bedroom and living room fittings, marking a significant legal setback for the KPK's anti-corruption efforts in legislative operations.

Lukman Hakim Saifuddin: Jusuf Kalla's Statement Misunderstood

Former Minister of Religious Affairs Lukman Hakim Saifuddin has defended Jusuf Kalla against a police report filed over his lecture at Universitas Gadjah Mada, clarifying that Kalla's remarks on religious misunderstandings during the 1999–2002 Maluku conflict were intended to correct erroneous beliefs, not endorse violence. Saifuddin highlighted how fragmented social media videos have exacerbated public misconceptions and low digital literacy, allowing certain parties to stoke interfaith tensions. This controversy underscores ongoing challenges in Indonesia's efforts to promote religious harmony and accurate information dissemination.

Portrait of Jakarta's Tangled Cables: Hanging Low, Disrupting Traffic and Threatening Lives

Tangled utility cables in Jakarta's Kalideres district pose significant hazards, hanging low enough to snag trucks and disrupt traffic on narrow roads, as observed by local residents. The longstanding issue, affecting homes and industrial routes, has left inhabitants fearful of potential fires or electrocution, with no apparent intervention from authorities or utility providers. This situation underscores broader challenges in urban infrastructure management in densely populated areas.

UI Student Body: Suspected Perpetrators of Harassment at Faculty of Law No Longer Seen on Our Campus

Sixteen students from the University of Indonesia's Faculty of Law were summoned for allegedly committing sexual harassment via a group chat, but they were absent from campus activities, according to the Faculty's Student Executive Body (BEM) Chair. While no sanctions have been imposed yet, the university is coordinating with its Sexual Violence Prevention and Handling Task Force (Satgas PPK) and the rector has pledged full attention to ensure a safe environment for victims. The ongoing investigation involves multiple university units, highlighting efforts to address campus sexual violence comprehensively.

STNK Renewal Without Previous Owner's ID to Soon Apply Nationally

The Indonesian National Police's Traffic Corps has announced plans to extend the policy allowing annual STNK (vehicle registration) renewals without the previous owner's ID from West Java to nationwide implementation in 2026. This temporary measure requires vehicle owners to submit a declaration form committing to complete the ownership transfer process the following year, or risk having the vehicle's data blocked. The initiative aims to facilitate tax payments for second-hand vehicle owners while encouraging administrative compliance.

Bankruptcy and Delisting Wipe Out Lo Kheng Hong's Investment in SRIL and Haiyanto's in TELE

The Indonesia Stock Exchange (BEI) announced the delisting of 18 listed companies on 10 November, divided into those declared bankrupt and those suspended from trading for over 50 months. Among the seven bankrupt firms being delisted are PT Sri Rejeki Isman Tbk (SRIL), where investor Lo Kheng Hong held a stake, and PT Omni Inovasi Indonesia Tbk (TELE), linked to investor Haiyanto, resulting in significant losses for these prominent investors. This event underscores the risks in Indonesia's stock market, particularly for companies facing prolonged financial distress.

18 Issuers at Risk of Delisting: Who Are the Beneficial Owners and Controllers?

The Indonesia Stock Exchange (BEI) plans to delist 18 issuers effective 10 November 2026, due to criteria such as bankruptcy or prolonged trading suspensions exceeding 50 months without signs of recovery. Only two of these companies have detailed Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) information, while most are controlled by corporations or individuals with significant stakes, and some feature dominant public ownership. The delisting process requires issuers to offer share buybacks to investors, but companies remain liable for all outstanding obligations to stakeholders.

There is a Tengger Caldera Ring Road in Mount Bromo, What Is It?

The Indonesian government is developing the Jalur Lingkar Kaldera Tengger (JLKT) in Mount Bromo to manage mass tourism while preserving the area's natural and cultural heritage. This 13-kilometre ring road, with a budget of Rp 11.1 billion, will improve existing paths with rest areas, parking spots, and reflective markers to ensure safer and more directed visitor movement. East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa highlighted the project as a balanced approach to protecting the environment, Tengger culture, and boosting the local economy.

Meeting BlackRock and Others, Purbaya Affirms Indonesia's Fiscal Direction Remains Credible Amid "Noise"

Indonesian Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has reassured global investors, including BlackRock and HSBC, that the country's fiscal policies remain credible despite circulating negative sentiments or "noise" in the markets. During meetings in New York, he outlined the strong economic fundamentals and future fiscal strategies, emphasising that these perceptions do not reflect the actual economic reality. Investors provided feedback on improving government communication and expressed views that recent changes in Indonesia's credit outlook by rating agencies were premature without updated data.

Platforms 6–8 at Bogor Station Closed Starting Today, 31 KRL Schedules Adjusted

Platforms 6, 7, and 8 at Bogor Station will be closed from 15 April 2026 for 90 days to facilitate track extension works aimed at supporting longer 12-car KRL formations, impacting passenger flow and requiring adjustments to 31 train schedules by 2-3 minutes. Passengers will be served only at platforms 2-5, with situational access controls at the west hall during peak hours and options to use the Paledang pedestrian bridge for southern arrivals. This strategic project addresses the station's high daily volume of around 98,000-100,000 passengers, enhancing capacity in one of Jabodetabek's busiest commuter hubs while prioritising safety and minimising disruptions.

PGI Chairman Responds to JK's Statement on Poso-Ambon Conflict

The Chairman of the Indonesian Church Fellowship (PGI), Rev. Jacky Manuputty, partially agrees with former Vice President Jusuf Kalla's (JK) remarks that religion was used as a pretext for violence in the Poso and Ambon conflicts, viewing them as a distorted face of faith amid social and political injustices. However, he criticises JK for inaccurately equating Islamic 'shahid' with Christian 'martyr' concepts to justify mutual killing, emphasising that such distortions arise from conflict dynamics rather than religious teachings. This response comes amid police reports against JK for alleged blasphemy, highlighting ongoing reflections on religion's role in Indonesia's past communal violence.

Java Island Can No Longer Sustain Its Human Population

A recent study reveals that Java Island is experiencing severe land subsidence at rates of 1-15 cm per year across cities and villages, outpacing global sea-level rise and posing a significant threat of coastal flooding by 2050. This human-induced phenomenon, driven by groundwater extraction, agricultural and industrial water use, and natural compaction in delta areas, could contribute up to 85% to relative sea-level rise along most coastlines, endangering over 75% of the island's shoreline. The findings underscore the urgent need for local policies, sustainable resource management, and infrastructure improvements to mitigate these risks, with implications extending to other coastal regions worldwide.

16 FHUI Students Allegedly Involved in Harassment, Lawyer Admits Reporting to Police is Not an Easy Matter

A case of verbal sexual harassment in a group chat has affected 27 students and lecturers at the Faculty of Law, University of Indonesia (FHUI), allegedly perpetrated by 16 students. The victims' lawyer, Timotius Rajagukguk, stated that while they are open to filing a police report, the decision rests with the victims, given the challenges in the current police handling of sexual violence cases, which often lack victim support and involve repeated examinations. He emphasised the need for police procedures to be victim-centred, and expressed willingness to cooperate if authorities can guarantee a supportive process.

Vehicle Tax Stimulus: A Solution to Revive the Economy and Car Sales

A senior researcher from the Bandung Institute of Technology has urged the Indonesian government to review motor vehicle tax policies amid a declining national automotive market, arguing that high taxes are exacerbating high vehicle prices and suppressed consumer purchasing power. He warns that an overly punitive taxation approach could stifle sales volumes and ultimately erode state revenues, advocating instead for policies that first stimulate economic activity. Agus Purwadi recommends benchmarking against neighbouring developing economies like Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam to craft more effective measures that support growth without excessive burdens.

780,000 Children's Accounts Removed from TikTok Due to Indonesia's New Regulations

In response to Indonesia's new Government Regulation (PP) TUNAS on child protection in digital spaces, TikTok has suspended and closed 780,000 accounts belonging to underage users, marking one of the most extensive age enforcement actions by a foreign social media platform in the country. The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Kemkomdigi) has praised TikTok's compliance, which utilised AI-based moderation and user reports, and is now urging other platforms like Meta, X, and Google to follow suit by implementing stricter age verification to safeguard children from harmful content and cyberbullying. Non-compliance could result in administrative sanctions or access blocks, underscoring the government's firm stance on digital child safety.

Foreign Investors Snap Up Bank Shares as IHSG Soars 2.34%

Foreign investors engaged in significant buying activity on the Indonesian stock market yesterday, recording a net buy of approximately Rp626 billion, primarily targeting major banking and commodity stocks amid a robust 2.34% rise in the Composite Stock Price Index (IHSG) to 7,675.95. Leading the purchases were shares in Bank Central Asia (BBCA) and Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BBRI), reflecting a rotation of funds towards liquid, fundamentally strong blue-chip companies. This influx of foreign capital supported broad market gains, with 548 stocks advancing and trading volume reaching Rp24.85 trillion, underscoring renewed investor confidence in Indonesia's financial sector.

Logistics Costs at 14% of GDP, Government to Reduce Gradually

The Indonesian Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs has highlighted the critical role of logistics in enhancing goods distribution, regional connectivity, and national economic competitiveness, with current logistics costs standing at 14% of GDP. The government aims to lower this figure progressively through policies promoting efficiency and integration, as stated by Coordinating Minister Airlangga Hartarto. The ministry supports the ALFI CONVEX 2026 event to foster collaboration between government and industry stakeholders on resilient logistics systems.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture reaffirms commitment to strengthening sustainable implementation of Carbon Economic Value

Deputy Minister of Agriculture Sudaryono has emphasised the government's dedication to enhancing the implementation of Carbon Economic Value (NEK) in the agricultural sector, positioning it as a strategic tool for reducing greenhouse gas emissions while fostering new economic opportunities through sustainable farming practices. This initiative aligns with Indonesia's national targets, including a reduction of 10 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions by 2030 and broader commitments under the Long-Term Strategy for Low Carbon and Climate Resilience (LTS-LCCR) 2050, supported by recent regulations like Presidential Regulation No. 110 of 2025. By improving measurement systems, capacity building for farmers, and incentive schemes, the Ministry of Agriculture aims to attract international investments and advance the transition to a low-emission, green economy.