Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 10 June 2026

Showing 451-500 of 1,647 articles

Indonesian National Detained in Malaysia After Two Children Fall from Apartment

Malaysian police have detained an Indonesian woman after her two children fell from the 12th floor of an apartment in Johor Bahru. One child died at the scene while the other suffered severe injuries, and the mother is being investigated under child abuse legislation. The Indonesian Consulate General is seeking consular access to ensure the woman's legal rights are upheld during the investigation.

JIEP Scholarship Programme Achieves 100 Per Cent Success Rate for State University Admissions

PT Jakarta Industrial Estate Pulogadung (JIEP) has reported that every participant in its corporate social responsibility scholarship programme successfully gained admission to Indonesian state universities. The programme provided free intensive preparatory tuition to ten selected students from SMAN 89 Jakarta in partnership with Ruangguru. The company stated the achievement underscores its commitment to human resource development and supporting the nation's Golden Generation 2045 vision.

Chinese-Made Phones Being Abandoned as a New King Suddenly Emerges

India is rapidly emerging as the new global hub for smartphone manufacturing as major players like Apple shift production away from China. This exodus is driven by US-China trade tensions and is supported by aggressive Indian government incentives, causing Indian smartphone production and exports to surge. India's smartphone exports have become its largest export commodity, with the country targeting a manufacturing expansion worth US$500 billion by 2030.

Pigai Declines to Comment on Sentencing of Four Defendants in Andrie Yunus Case

Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai has refused to immediately respond to the sentencing of four military personnel convicted of an acid attack on activist Andrie Yunus, citing the sensitive nature of the case and his need to review the ruling in detail. The Jakarta Military Court II-08 sentenced the four Indonesian Armed Forces Strategic Intelligence Agency members to prison terms ranging from one and a half to three years, with two also receiving dishonourable discharges.

STT GDC Relies on 100% Local Workforce, Government Ready to Facilitate Data Centre Investment

ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (STT GDC) claims its entire Indonesian workforce consists of locally trained talent, highlighting the critical role of human resources in the data centre industry. The Indonesian government has pledged to ease licensing and support for investors expanding in the sector. This synergy aims to strengthen Indonesia's position as a regional digital economy hub.

Antam (ANTM) Reshuffles Board of Directors and Commissioners, Here's the New Line-up

State-owned mining company PT Aneka Tambang (Antam) has overhauled its board of directors and commissioners following its annual general meeting of shareholders. Key changes include the appointment of Arini Kasmira as Finance Director and Aryanto Wibowo as Commissioner. Shareholders also approved a dividend payout of Rp5.04 trillion, equivalent to 70 per cent of the 2025 net profit.

BKPM: STT GDC Data Centre Expansion Strengthens Indonesia's Digital Investment Appeal

The Indonesian government has stated that STT GDC's data centre campus expansion in Jakarta will reinforce the country's position as a prime destination for digital infrastructure investment. The project aligns with surging demand for cloud services, artificial intelligence, and national data centre capacity, driven by rapid digital adoption. The Singaporean firm is also partnering with vocational institutions to develop specialist digital talent, while targeting carbon-neutral operations for the new facility.

Human Rights Minister Responds to Allegations of School Demolition for Village Cooperative

Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai has strongly asserted that schools must not be demolished, following allegations that a primary school in Ende, East Nusa Tenggara, was being cleared for a Kopdes Merah Putih village cooperative project. The controversy erupted from a viral video suggesting military involvement in the demolition, though the Indonesian Armed Forces claim the damage was accidental during heavy equipment manoeuvring for construction behind the school. Pigai has ordered an investigation into potential human rights violations in the incident.

Titiek Soeharto Criticises Declining Quality of Rice Stocks to Amran

MP Titiek Soeharto has criticised Agriculture Minister Amran Sulaiman over 1.5 million tonnes of ageing rice in Bulog warehouses, including stocks over a year old found in Madura. She urged swift distribution and suggested using rice older than one year for animal feed, while the minister acknowledged quality degradation in 93,488 tonnes and pledged improved storage infrastructure.

Jakarta's BUMD Successfully Sends 100 Percent of Participants to State Universities

PT Jakarta Industrial Estate Pulogadung (JIEP), a DKI Jakarta regional-owned enterprise, has successfully guided all ten participants of its scholarship programme to gain admission to Indonesian state universities. The initiative, part of the company's social and environmental responsibility efforts, provided free intensive tutoring in partnership with Ruangguru. The achievement underscores the role of corporate educational support in opening pathways for talented students.

Prabowo Bluntly Denies Disliking or Planning to Expel Foreign Investors

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has dismissed allegations that he is hostile towards foreign investors and intends to expel them. Speaking at an entrepreneurs' gathering in Lampung, he emphasised that a stable legal environment is crucial for business growth and job creation. The president stated he had already met numerous foreign investors ready to enter the Indonesian market.

Semen Indonesia's Ambition to Control 50% Market Share and Spread Benefits

State-owned PT Semen Indonesia (SIG) has unveiled a three-pronged transformation strategy to tackle industry overcapacity and stagnant growth. The plan involves expanding retail sales, cutting production costs, and developing non-cement revenue streams such as low-carbon green cement. The company is targeting a 50% national market share by 2030 while expanding its ESG programmes to benefit 9.8 million people.

Minister Agus Inaugurates House Renovation Programme Using Inmate Labour and Materials

Indonesia's Minister of Immigration and Corrections, Agus Andrianto, has inaugurated a house renovation programme in Sukabumi, West Java, utilising materials and labour produced by prison inmates. The initiative aims to demonstrate that the corrections system can provide tangible social benefits beyond prison walls. The programme involved inmates from Tangerang Prison producing building materials, while prisoners from Warungkiara Prison conducted the construction work.

DPR Commission XIII Chair Slams Human Rights Minister's Office Construction Plan Amid National Crisis

Willy Aditya, Chair of Commission XIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives, sharply criticised Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai for proposing the construction of new regional offices. During a budget hearing, Willy argued that the nation is in crisis and urged Pigai to adopt a more progressive, outward-facing approach. Minister Pigai defended the proposal, citing critical manpower shortages and stating his ministry has never before constructed its own regional offices.

Ministry of Religious Affairs: Penghulu's duties extend beyond solemnising marriages

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has emphasised that the role of penghulu (marriage registrars) extends far beyond officiating wedding ceremonies to include family education and strengthening household resilience. Ministry officials highlighted the strategic position of local religious affairs offices (KUA) as a crucial bridge between government policy and community needs. The ministry is also urging penghulu to enhance cross-cultural communication skills and digital literacy amidst rising trends in mixed marriages.

Restructuring the MSME Tax Base

Indonesia's new tax regulation, PP No. 20/2026, narrows the 0.5% final income tax facility to individual taxpayers, aiming to correct market distortions. The policy seeks to prevent businesses from deliberately staying small to exploit tax incentives, encouraging growth and formalisation instead.

China's foreign trade maintains solid growth momentum in May

China's foreign trade continued its robust expansion in May 2026, with total imports and exports rising 16.9 per cent year-on-year to 4.45 trillion yuan. Trade with emerging markets, ASEAN, and the EU strengthened, while imports from Africa surged following the introduction of expanded zero-tariff policies. Experts noted that the country's shift towards high-tech and high-value-added exports, alongside deepening global supply chain integration, is injecting stability into the world economy.

Ministry of Defence Proposes Rp195 Trillion Budget Boost for National Defence in 2027

Indonesia's Ministry of Defence and the TNI have proposed an additional budget of Rp195 trillion for the 2027 fiscal year, arguing the current indicative ceiling of Rp139 trillion falls far short of the ideal Rp667 trillion requirement. Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin stressed the funding is a critical investment to safeguard national sovereignty and ensure the stability needed for economic and political development. The extra funds are earmarked for modernising weaponry, boosting operational readiness, and reinforcing strategic regions including Papua.

Antam (ANTM) Appoints New Finance Director, Revamps Board Composition

State-owned miner PT Aneka Tambang (Antam) has reshuffled its board of directors, appointing Arini Kasmira as the new Director of Finance. The decision was approved during the company's Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, which also agreed a dividend payout of Rp5.04 trillion. The meeting additionally sanctioned a change to the nomenclature of several directorial positions within the company.

Army Chief Speaks Out on Viral Cooperative Displacing School in NTT

Army Chief of Staff General Maruli Simanjuntak has dismissed as illogical viral reports that the construction of a village cooperative forcibly displaced a school in East Nusa Tenggara. He pledged to verify the details but expressed confidence that a registered school would not simply be abolished. Military spokespersons clarified that the incident involved the temporary shifting of a school pole during heavy equipment manoeuvres, coordinated with local authorities.

Bakamla partners with regional government to strengthen maritime security in Tolitoli, Central Sulawesi

Indonesia's Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla) is collaborating with the Tolitoli Regency Government to construct an Early Warning Station in Dakopemean District. The facility aims to enhance surveillance, security, and safety along the region's shipping lanes and coastal community areas. Both parties emphasised the importance of synergy in protecting marine resources and responding swiftly to potential violations and illegal activities.

Jakarta Information Commission Targets 1,001 Public Bodies for 2026 E-Monev

The DKI Jakarta Information Commission aims to significantly expand its transparency monitoring programme, targeting participation from 1,001 public bodies in 2026. This marks a substantial rise from 829 participants in 2025, which itself represented a 160 per cent leap from the previous year. Officials say the push is intended to strengthen transparent, participatory, and accountable governance across the capital.

Oxygen Cylinder Hurtles 100 Metres, Damaging House in North Jakarta

An oxygen cylinder launched approximately 100 metres from a gas filling company in Cilincing, North Jakarta, severely damaging a residential house and shop. The incident occurred during a filling process at PT Multi Senada Dan Dewa, prompting a police investigation. No fatalities were reported, but the structural damage is significant and has caused psychological trauma to the occupants.

National Food Agency Proposes Rp17.73 Trillion Budget Increase to Strengthen Food Stability

Indonesia's National Food Agency (Bapanas) has proposed a substantial additional budget of Rp17.73 trillion for 2027 to bolster food supply and price stabilisation programmes. The agency argues its current indicative ceiling of Rp110 billion is insufficient to meet national priorities, including expanding food aid for low-income families and stunting prevention. The proposed increase would fund the distribution of hundreds of thousands of tonnes of rice, chicken, and eggs to millions of beneficiaries.

House Warns of Pertamax Fuel Price Hike Impact on Public Purchasing Power

A member of Indonesia's House of Representatives has cautioned the government over the knock-on effects of the non-subsidised Pertamax fuel price increase, which took effect today. Legislator Shanty Alda Nathalia stressed the need to anticipate the impact on the middle class's purchasing power and to secure more competitive energy supplies. She urged measures to control inflation and stabilise staple goods prices to protect household consumption.

Despite Leaks and Vibrations, Prabowo Sticks with Maung

President Prabowo Subianto has admitted to continuing his use of the domestically produced Maung vehicle despite its technical shortcomings, including leaks and vibrations, as a show of support for national industry. Speaking at a HIPMI conference, he shared anecdotes about the vehicle's flaws, such as rainwater entering the cabin, while urging state-owned manufacturer Pindad to improve quality. The president framed his commitment as a necessary step to build industrial self-reliance and pride in Indonesian-made products.

Bandung City Government Ready to Support 2026 West Java PWI Provincial Conference

The Bandung City Government has pledged full support for the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) West Java Provincial Conference scheduled for August 2026. The quinquennial forum will determine the organisation's leadership and programme for the next five years, with up to 2,000 members expected to attend. Organisers also plan a journalist competency test in June as part of efforts to enhance press professionalism.

Canada Sees No Issue with Indonesia's New Export Regime

Canada's ambassador has stated that Indonesia's new centralized export regime for strategic commodities will not harm bilateral trade relations, as Ottawa does not import the affected goods in significant volumes. This reassurance comes as the two nations anticipate the entry into force of their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement by year-end, which is expected to eliminate most tariffs. The policy, which routes exports like coal and palm oil through a state agency, has also drawn a pragmatic response from Singapore, another key partner.

Prabowo Furious Over Decades of Indonesia's Savings Being Kept Abroad

President Prabowo Subianto has expressed anger over the historical loss to the nation caused by proceeds from Indonesia's natural resources being kept overseas rather than within the domestic financial system. Speaking at the XVIII National Conference of the Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association, he invoked Article 33 of the 1945 Constitution to stress that the country's wealth must be managed for the maximum prosperity of the people. He questioned the logic of selling Indonesian commodities abroad without bringing the proceeds back into the country.

WIKA Accelerates Construction of Sekolah Rakyat in Central Java

State-owned construction firm PT Wijaya Karya (WIKA) is fast-tracking the development of Sekolah Rakyat (People's Schools) across four regencies in Central Java to support the government's education equity programme. The projects, under the Ministry of Public Works, are progressing ahead of a targeted completion date of 20 June 2026, with work distributed among thousands of local labourers. The initiative aligns with President Prabowo Subianto's Asta Cita mission to strengthen human resources through improved access to education.

Garlic Distribution Must Be Safeguarded: MSMEs Seek Business Certainty

A Bali-based garlic distributor has urged the government to ensure legal certainty after police action halted its operations, disrupting supply chains in the region. The firm's legal representative reported the case to the House of Representatives Commission III but has yet to receive a response, warning the stoppage harms workers and risks spoilage of perishable goods. The dispute stems from the seizure of 400 bales of garlic and the sealing of business premises by the Bali police since April.

Prabowo: If Called by God, I Will Still Monitor You from Above

President Prabowo Subianto told young entrepreneurs that he would continue to oversee Indonesia's progress even after death, during a speech marked by both humour and stern warnings. He projected that Indonesia could become the world's fourth-largest economy by 2045. He also cautioned businesspeople against breaking the law, citing modern surveillance technology.

President Prabowo Inaugurates PTPP-Built KH Muhammad Thohir Krui Regional Hospital

President Prabowo Subianto has officially opened a new regional hospital in Pesisir Barat, Lampung, constructed by state-owned enterprise PTPP. The facility is part of a government programme to build 66 hospitals nationwide, specifically targeting improved healthcare access in remote and underdeveloped regions. The hospital is equipped to handle the five main causes of death in Indonesia, including stroke, heart disease, and cancer.

Customs Supports New Regulation on Natural Resource Export Proceeds

The Indonesian government has issued two new regulations to tighten the management of foreign exchange from natural resource exports and the governance of strategic commodity exports. Customs and Excise has pledged full support for the implementation, promising integrated digital services to ease the transition. The policy aims to increase foreign exchange retention and strengthen national financial stability.

51 Papua 'Adem' Programme Participants in East Java Secure Public University Places for 2026/2027

A total of 51 students from the government's Secondary Education Affirmation Programme (Adem) for Papua have been accepted into public universities in East Java for the 2026/2027 academic year. The successful candidates gained entry through both the achievement-based and test-based national selection pathways. Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa commended the achievement as evidence of the programme's success in cultivating talented, competitive Papuan youth ready to contribute to national development.

DPR on BI Independence and Dismissal of BI Governor in the P2SK Law

The House of Representatives (DPR) has clarified that the revised Financial Sector Development and Strengthening (P2SK) Law maintains the independence of Bank Indonesia (BI). Despite the addition of mandates concerning the real sector and job creation, the governance structure remains unchanged. The legislation aims to bolster financial sector governance to support national economic growth.

National Energy Council Reveals Reasons Behind Pertamax Fuel Price Hike

The National Energy Council (DEN) has attributed the recent increase in non-subsidised fuel prices, including Pertamax, to global crude oil price fluctuations and the weakening rupiah. The government had previously held prices for several months to cushion the economic impact but has now adjusted them to protect fiscal resilience. Subsidised fuels like Pertalite and Solar remain unchanged.

A Historical Journey Through 10 Indonesian National Curricula

Indonesia's education system has undergone ten significant curriculum changes since independence, reflecting the nation's evolving socio-political landscape. From the early focus on character building and national identity under Ki Hajar Dewantara to the current competency-based and flexible 'Kurikulum Merdeka', each iteration has aimed to address the challenges of its time. The historical progression illustrates a continuous shift from rigid, content-heavy structures towards student-centred learning and the strengthening of the Pancasila ideology.

Bahasa Indonesia Gains Popularity in the US Through BIPA Programme

Indonesia's language diplomacy in the United States is showing positive momentum, with hundreds of learners participating in the Spring 2026 Bahasa Indonesia bagi Penutur Asing (BIPA) programme. The initiative, overseen by the Indonesian Embassy in Washington D.C., is part of a soft diplomacy effort to promote the language following its recognition at UNESCO. Officials aim for Bahasa Indonesia to become an international language by 2045.

Five BPK Civil Servants Caught in KPK Sting Operation in Jakarta and South Sumatra

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has arrested five civil servants from the Audit Board of Indonesia (BPK) in a sting operation spanning Jakarta and South Sumatra. The arrests are linked to an alleged bribery case involving Muara Enim Regent Edison concerning a smart board procurement project. KPK alleges that a portion of a Rp 500 million bribe, originating from a private party, was intended to influence BPK audit findings.

Central Java DPRD Speaker Denies Involvement in MBG Corruption Case

Sumanto, Speaker of the Central Java Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), has strongly denied any involvement in the alleged corruption case surrounding the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme. His denial follows the viral circulation of social media posts listing his name among 20 individuals allegedly implicated. Sumanto stated he was shocked by the claims and does not know the key figure named, Sony Sonjaya.

Official raises KJP revocation clause for students involved in slashing

The Palmerah district head in West Jakarta has highlighted regulations allowing the revocation of the Jakarta Smart Card (KJP) scholarship for two vocational students involved in a violent slashing. Administrative sanctions, including the loss of education assistance, will be recommended by the school pending the results of an official police investigation. The incident has prompted authorities to plan increased school patrols and guidance programmes to address youth delinquency during the school holiday period.

Indonesian govt defends Pertamax price hike as fiscal safeguard

The Indonesian government has defended a more than 30 percent increase in the price of non-subsidised Pertamax fuel, citing the need to protect fiscal resilience after months of absorbing rising global crude costs. Officials stated the price cap had become unsustainable, and restoring market-based pricing was necessary to align domestic rates with international movements. The government emphasised that subsidised fuel prices remain unchanged to safeguard consumer purchasing power.

Two SPPG Temporarily Halted, Disrupting Free Nutritious Meal Programme in West Lombok

Thousands of beneficiaries of the Free Nutritious Meal programme in Gunungsari, West Lombok, have been without service since early May 2026. Two Nutrition Service Fulfilment Units were shut down for failing to meet wastewater treatment plant standards. Officials are working to speed up administrative processes for reactivation, as repairs are reportedly underway.

IHSG Strengthens as Investors Appreciate Policies to Address Market Turmoil

The Jakarta Composite Index (IHSG) surged 2.71% to close at 5,902.38 on Wednesday, driven by investor approval of government and central bank responses to financial market volatility. Bank Indonesia raised its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to 5.50% to support the rupiah, while authorities discussed a buyback programme for large-cap state-owned enterprise shares. The domestic rally contrasted with weaker Asian markets, which were pressured by escalating geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran.

Government Launches 'Bursa Wirausaha Unggulan' Aiming for 10 Million New Entrepreneurs

The Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises has launched an integrated entrepreneurship programme to support the government's target of creating 10 million new entrepreneurs by 2029. The 'Bursa Wirausaha Unggulan' initiative aims to boost the national entrepreneurship ratio and expand employment by providing comprehensive support from capacity building to market access. Coordinating Minister Muhaimin Iskandar emphasised this would help build a fair economic ecosystem and allow MSMEs to scale up.

Bandung City Government Launches Labour-Intensive Programme to Absorb 8,600 Workers

The Bandung city government has initiated a labour-intensive programme aimed at reducing the city's open unemployment rate of 7.2 percent by engaging 8,600 workers. This thematic scheme will focus on residential environmental cleanliness rather than providing temporary jobs alone. Mayor Muhammad Farhan emphasised the initiative is part of a broader strategy to connect job seekers with the business world and maintain citizens' economic stability.

Chatib Basri Summoned to Palace, DEN Highlights MBG Efficiency

Indonesia's National Economic Council (DEN) has advised President Prabowo Subianto to pursue efficiency within the free nutritious meal programme (MBG) amid global uncertainty. Member and former finance minister Chatib Basri stressed the need for budget efficiencies to build public confidence and mitigate the impact of a weakening rupiah on the middle and lower classes. The council also assessed the country's economic fundamentals as robust but warned of potential shocks to production and distribution costs.

House Commission XIII Rejects Human Rights Minister's Budget Proposal, Demands Detail

Indonesia's House of Representatives Commission XIII has declined the budget proposal submitted by Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai, requesting a more detailed and measurable submission. The commission argued the proposed spending appeared disproportionate to planned programmes and lacked clear, tangible service delivery metrics. The meeting has been postponed pending a restructuring and improvement of the budget proposal.

Japanese Investment Opportunities in Jakarta Projects to Boost Indonesia's Global Image

An economist says potential Japanese investment in Jakarta's strategic infrastructure projects could enhance Indonesia's reputation as a global investment destination. The collaborations, which include expanding the MRT and other transport systems, demonstrate international confidence and the adoption of world-class standards. Six strategic projects in the capital have been identified as having strong potential for continued Japanese funding.