Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 11 June 2026

Showing 901-950 of 1,603 articles

BPS Urges Healthcare Businesses to Participate in 2026 Economic Census

Statistics Indonesia (BPS) and the Ministry of Health are calling on all healthcare businesses to take part in the 2026 Economic Census to capture the sector's evolving digital transformation. The complete enumeration, intended as a 'general check-up' for the national economy, will underpin evidence-based policymaking and the development of a Health Satellite Account. Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin stressed that accurate data is vital for crafting regulations that bolster industry growth, with over 89,000 registered entities expected to participate.

Finnet Strengthens Digital Services for Maritime Businesses

PT Finnet Indonesia (Finpay), a Telkom Group subsidiary, has partnered with the Directorate General of Sea Transportation to integrate its payment gateway into the MaritimHub digital platform. The collaboration aims to enhance operational efficiency, transaction transparency, and service quality for maritime sector users. The initiative supports the government's push for digital innovation in public services.

Mount Rinjani savannah areas highly susceptible to fires during dry season

Mount Rinjani National Park Agency has warned that all forest and savannah areas around the volcanic peak in West Nusa Tenggara are extremely vulnerable to fires during the dry season. Officials are urging residents, tourists and trekkers to avoid any activities that could spark a blaze, noting that even a single spark could trigger a widespread fire threatening biodiversity and water sources. The alert follows recent fires in the Propok savannah and Bukit Sempana areas at the start of the 2026 dry season.

UI teams up with 4 top universities to form public policy school association

The University of Indonesia (UI) has co-founded the Asian School of Public Affairs Association (ASPAA) alongside four other leading universities, including Zhejiang University and Nanyang Technological University. The new association aims to foster closer collaboration across Asian higher education institutions to develop innovative curricula and research addressing contemporary public governance challenges. UI's founding role underscores its growing international academic recognition and commitment to strengthening Indonesia's position in global academic discourse.

Governor Pramono Anung Gives Green Light for BIGBANG Concert at JIS, Stresses Pitch Quality

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has permitted legendary K-Pop group BIGBANG to perform at the Jakarta International Stadium, provided the organisers preserve the quality of the newly improved pitch. He highlighted that advances in turf maintenance technology now enable a recovery period of just one to two weeks after events, compared to two months previously. The decision underscores the city administration's policy of optimising the multi-purpose stadium for large-scale entertainment as well as sports.

Fuel Price Adjustment Cannot Be Avoided, Here Are the Positive Impacts

The price of non-subsidised Pertamax fuel has been raised to Rp 16,250 per litre due to surging global oil prices and a weakening rupiah. An economist argues the adjustment is necessary to prevent hoarding, protect the state budget from ballooning subsidies, and maintain national energy supply security. Pertamina notes the new price remains below the economic value, which has reached approximately Rp 20,000-Rp 21,000 per litre.

President Prabowo to Meet Jusuf Kalla and His Son

President Prabowo Subianto is scheduled to receive former Vice President Jusuf Kalla at the presidential palace. The meeting, requested by Kalla several days ago, will also include his son, who is a businessman. The president's office stated that such engagements are part of efforts to strengthen national unity and foster collaboration for the nation's progress.

High Court Increases Kerry Riza's Sentence to 15 Years and Rp13.4 Trillion in Restitution

The Jakarta High Court has significantly increased the sentence for Muhamad Kerry Adrianto Riza to 15 years in prison and ordered him to pay Rp13.4 trillion in restitution for his role in a coal supply corruption case involving PLN and Bukit Asam. The ruling, which strengthened the primary charges, includes Rp2.9 trillion for state financial losses and Rp10.5 trillion to restore economic damage. Prosecutors welcomed the decision but noted the verdict is not yet legally binding, with both sides having 14 days to consider an appeal to the Supreme Court.

Nine Controversial Remarks by Trump on the Iran War and the US Economy

US President Donald Trump has drawn sharp criticism for a series of dismissive remarks concerning the war with Iran and the domestic economic situation. Over recent months, his comments have ranged from downplaying military casualties to expressing a liking for inflation, reinforcing perceptions of a growing disconnect from public hardship. Critics argue the President is responding to public anxiety with indifference or outright denial.

Environment Minister Awards Lifetime Achievement Kalpataru to Emil Salim

Indonesia's Environment Minister Jumhur Hidayat presented the 2026 Kalpataru Awards to 16 individuals and groups for their environmental contributions. Senior economist and former minister Emil Salim received a special Lifetime Achievement Award. The minister emphasised the government's intention to collaborate with the awardees beyond monetary prizes.

KPK Grills Heri ‘Black’ on Alleged Obstruction of Customs Import Case

Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has interrogated businessman Heri Setiyono, also known as Heri Black, regarding suspected efforts to obstruct the investigation into an import corruption scandal at the Directorate General of Customs and Excise. Investigators are analysing his testimony to determine whether charges of obstruction of justice apply, as provided under Article 21 of the anti-corruption law. Heri Black denied ownership of containers seized by the KPK at Tanjung Mas Port in Semarang.

Free Nutritious Meal Kitchen Sites Balloon to 27,877 Amid Trading Allegations

Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan has revealed that the number of operational free nutritious meal (MBG) kitchens has surged to 27,877, far exceeding the original government target of 21,000. He acknowledged the existence of a practice involving the buying and selling of kitchen site allocations, which contributed to the bloat. The disclosure comes amid a leadership overhaul at the National Nutrition Agency following a major corruption case.

Bogor Police Deploy K-9 Unit to Track Loose Hunting Dogs in Jasinga

Police in Bogor, West Java, have deployed a specialist K-9 unit to hunt down a pack of hunting dogs that escaped their handler during a fatal attack on a nine-year-old boy. The operation aims to allay public fear, with four dogs already captured and approximately six others still being pursued. The dog owner has been named a suspect, while four of the dogs involved in the attack were reportedly found dead from suffocation inside a car.

Village Cooperative Manager Selection Announced Today, Salaries Remain Undisclosed

The Indonesian government has announced the results of the recruitment process for 35,000 managers for the Village/Subdistrict Merah Putih Cooperatives programme. While the successful candidates have been notified, officials stated that the salary scheme is still being finalised and remains confidential. The managers are expected to begin their duties in phases starting August 2026.

Bank Woori Saudara Targets CASA Strengthening and Cost of Funds Efficiency

PT Bank Woori Saudara Indonesia 1906 Tbk (BWS) is prioritising the strengthening of its low-cost funding base and asset quality under its 2026 business strategy. The bank plans to enhance its current account and savings account portfolio against a backdrop of dynamic industry challenges. Backing from its controlling shareholder, Woori Bank Korea, including a US$500 million liquidity injection, supports its competitive positioning.

Minister for Cooperatives Requests Additional Rp1.34 Trillion to Support 80 Thousand Kopdes Merah Putih

Minister for Cooperatives Ferry Juliantono has proposed a supplementary budget of Rp1.34 trillion for the 2027 fiscal year to accelerate the development of 80,000 Kopdes Merah Putih village cooperatives. The request, presented to House Commission VI, would raise the ministry's total budget from an indicative ceiling of Rp542.89 billion to Rp1.88 trillion. The funds are primarily earmarked for operationalising cooperative organisations and strengthening national cooperative business capacity.

Bogor Regent Says Key Performance Indicator Evaluation Crucial for Determining Policy and Development Programmes

Bogor Regent Rudy Susmanto has stressed the importance of performance evaluations in formulating data-driven and targeted development policies amidst global economic turmoil and fiscal challenges. During a meeting with the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), the regency reviewed various development indicators to guide budget planning for the 2026 fiscal year. Susmanto called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to ensure programmes are accountable and directly benefit the community.

DKI Jakarta DPRD Urges Provincial Government to Strengthen El Niño Mitigation

The DKI Jakarta Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD) has urged the city's administration to enhance its preparedness for potential drought-related hydrometeorological disasters driven by the El Niño phenomenon. Officials stressed the need for early anticipation, comprehensive planning, and cross-departmental coordination to minimise the impact on residents. The Jakarta Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) confirmed it is already strengthening readiness through inter-agency collaboration and weather monitoring.

Ministry urges varsities to attract more foreign students through KNB

Indonesia’s Ministry of Higher Education is calling on universities to leverage the Kemitraan Negara Berkembang (KNB) scholarship as a springboard to independently attract more international students, mirroring strategies used by Australia and Malaysia. Director Mukhamad Najib stressed that the programme’s true success should be measured by the quality of academic and non-academic services, which can generate positive promotion for Indonesian education abroad. Beyond campus internationalisation, the scholarship is also seen as a vital tool for strengthening Indonesia’s diplomatic relations with partner countries.

Yandex Empowers Telecom Operators to Develop AI Products

Global technology firm Yandex has launched a new initiative to help Indonesian telecommunications operators accelerate the development and nationwide rollout of AI-powered products. The scheme offers three collaboration models leveraging the operators' large user bases and mature infrastructure. With Indonesia's AI adoption rate recorded at 92 per cent by the government, Yandex sees telcos as ideally positioned to deliver more personalised AI services than generic global offerings.

Can Agroforestry in Indonesia Feed People Without Clearing More Forests?

Indonesia is pivoting its social forestry programme towards agroforestry to boost food security and village incomes without further deforestation, with the Forestry Ministry emphasising better management over expanded access. The approach promises diversified incomes for forest communities and a role in national supply chains, but carries risks if success is measured solely by commercial output rather than ecological integrity and community welfare. Done well, it could align food production with biodiversity protection; done poorly, it risks becoming merely a green label for extractive practices.

Indonesia strengthens film industry through government-BPI deal

Indonesia's Creative Economy Ministry is joining forces with the Indonesian Film Board to build a more competitive and sustainable domestic film ecosystem. The partnership will focus on intellectual property protection, regulatory reform, and boosting the international presence of Indonesian films. The initiative is part of a broader push to strengthen the creative economy through multi-stakeholder collaboration.

Health services grow 7.62 percent, one of the largest GDP contributors: BPS

Indonesia's health services sector expanded by 7.62 percent year-on-year, placing it among the top contributors to GDP alongside accommodation, food services, and transport. The sector's influence extends beyond direct services into manufacturing and trade, including pharmaceuticals and medical equipment. BPS highlighted the significance of the upcoming 2026 Economic Census in mapping these evolving activities to underpin accurate regulation.

UNJ Students to Stage Street Protest Tomorrow, Here Are Their Demands

Students from the State University of Jakarta (UNJ) under the 'UNJ Melawan' alliance will hold a long march around their campus on 12 June 2026. The demonstration will voice ten national demands to President Prabowo Subianto's administration, including stabilising the rupiah and abolishing the free nutritious meal programme, as well as specific demands for the university rectorate. The action aims to revive the campus movement before potentially escalating into a broader national campaign.

Anwar Abbas Supports MBG Moratorium, Proposes Programme Focus for Poor Children

Muhammadiyah leader Anwar Abbas has endorsed the temporary moratorium on the free nutritious meal (MBG) programme, arguing that government funds should be focused exclusively on children from poor and neglected families. He cited constitutional obligations and suggested that such a focus would slash required funding to roughly ten per cent of the current budget. Abbas also proposed shifting programme management to individual schools in partnership with parent organisations to improve food quality and oversight.

PLN says Bali has up to 2,000 MW of clean energy potential

Indonesia's state electricity company PLN estimates Bali has nearly 2,000 MW of clean energy potential, far exceeding the island's current electricity demand of 1,300 MW. The potential is concentrated in solar power in Karangasem and Jembrana and wind power in Nusa Penida, but development faces hurdles including intermittency, high battery storage costs, and rising land prices. PLN is incorporating these projects into its long-term electricity supply plan and seeks government support to make Bali a pilot region for clean energy development.

Trump Reportedly Considered Nuclear Option for Iran

American journalist Seymour Hersh has reported that President Donald Trump recently discussed the potential use of nuclear weapons against Iran with senior aides. The discussions, involving a reportedly frustrated president, are said to have occurred amidst a volatile period marked by direct military strikes between the US, Israel, and Iran. Diplomatic efforts are currently underway despite continued isolated attacks by both sides.

China's Covert Plot to Undermine Donald Trump Revealed

OpenAI has uncovered a covert Chinese propaganda campaign using its ChatGPT tool to generate opposition against US President Donald Trump's high tariff policies. The operation, detected between late 2025 and early 2026, involved creating cartoons and slogans criticising Trump's trade and technology stances for dissemination on X. Although the campaign had no significant impact, it highlights the growing role of generative AI in state-backed influence operations targeting digital discourse.

Bogor Regency Government Maintains Unqualified Audit Opinion

The Bogor Regency Government has once again secured an Unqualified Opinion (WTP) for its financial reporting. This marks continued fiscal accountability and transparency in the region's administration. The achievement reflects the local government's commitment to adhering to standard accounting practices.

Umrah Travel Scandals Will Continue to Recur

The recurring fraud scandals in Indonesia's umrah travel industry, exemplified by the recent Hanania Travel case involving losses of around Rp60 billion, stem from a fundamentally flawed business model. Companies routinely treat pilgrim funds as operational revenue rather than future liabilities, creating a risky system that collapses when new customer flows slow down. Reform demands mandatory segregation of pilgrim funds into escrow accounts and a shift in regulatory oversight from administrative compliance to liquidity monitoring and capital adequacy.

Dasco Confident Rupiah Will Strengthen, Urges Public Not to Hoard Dollars

House Deputy Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad claims the strengthening rupiah and rising stock index reflect growing market confidence in the government. He indicated the government has specific strategies to further boost the currency in the coming week. He advised the public against hoarding US dollars, warning they could incur losses if the rupiah appreciates.

Ombudsman urges fundamental governance reforms at BGN and Immigration Ministry

Indonesia's Ombudsman is pushing for fundamental public service governance reforms and full administrative compliance at the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) and the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections. The call follows corruption investigations and leadership transitions at the agencies, with the Ombudsman lamenting that previous corrective suggestions were largely ignored. The body also highlighted systemic vulnerabilities in immigration services for foreign nationals and advised President Prabowo to maximise the Executive Office's role in coordinating national priorities.

Election scandal drags down South Korean president's approval rating

South Korean President Lee's approval rating has fallen sharply following a ballot paper shortage scandal during local elections. The ruling Democratic Party saw a dip in support while the opposition People Power Party gained ground. The head of the National Election Commission resigned over the controversy, prompting police raids and pledges of sweeping electoral reform.

Sinar Mas Coal Issuer (DSSA) Still Fasting from Dividends

Shareholders of PT Dian Swastatika Sentosa Tbk (DSSA), a Sinar Mas coal company, agreed to withhold dividends from the 2025 fiscal year net profit. The company will retain its entire net profit of US$230.54 million as retained earnings. The annual general meeting also approved changes to the board of directors.

DKI Implements Integrated Ticket Booking System in Performance Venues

The Jakarta provincial government has launched an integrated digital ticketing system for arts performances to support the city's digital transformation. The system addresses public frustration over obtaining tickets for popular shows, with nearly 8,100 recorded interactions during the trial at the Wayang Orang Bharata performance. Officials view the high public interest as proof that traditional performance arts remain relevant among urban audiences, especially the younger generation.

Retail Sales Decline 11.6 Per Cent in April

Bank Indonesia's retail sales survey recorded a monthly contraction of 11.6 per cent in the Real Sales Index for April 2026, driven by normalising demand after Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. The annual figure also contracted by 3.7 per cent, with the steepest declines seen in miscellaneous goods and cultural products. The central bank forecasts a milder contraction in May, supported by upcoming religious holidays.

Zulhas Mandates All SPPG to Source Free Nutritious Meal Ingredients from Villages

Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan has ordered all nutritional service units (SPPG) for the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme to procure raw materials exclusively from local villages. The directive aims to correct widespread governance violations while ensuring the programme stimulates regional economies, in line with President Prabowo Subianto's instructions. He emphasised sourcing from village cooperatives, BUMDes, and local SMEs to distribute economic benefits broadly.

Forestry Ministry Readies Post-Disaster Coffee Plantation Recovery Programme in Aceh

Indonesia's Ministry of Forestry is launching a dedicated programme and integrated budget to restore Gayo coffee agroforestry areas in Aceh damaged by landslides and floods. The initiative includes intensive assistance for local farmers across four affected districts and explores alternative funding through the Environmental Fund Management Agency. Parliamentary pressure is mounting for the swift realisation of the proposed 2026 additional budget, given an estimated 1.2 million hectares of forest damage across three provinces.

Cabinet Secretary: JK Requests Meeting with President Prabowo, Will Attend with Son

Jusuf Kalla, Indonesia's former vice president, has requested and been granted a meeting with President Prabowo Subianto at the palace today. Kalla will be accompanied by his son, who is involved in business, as part of ongoing efforts to foster unity and dialogue with national figures.

Free Nutritious Meals Governance Overhaul Targeted for Completion Within One Month, Non-Compliant Kitchens to Be Shut

The Indonesian government aims to finalise improvements to the governance of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme within a month. Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi stated that nutritional service units (SPPG) failing to meet standard operating procedures will face closure. He also affirmed that anyone is entitled to operate a kitchen provided they adhere to the established standards, regardless of political affiliations.

Gov't to overhaul free nutritious meals program within one month

The Indonesian government has announced a one-month restructuring of the Free Nutritious Meals programme, addressing issues such as traded service units and concentrated kitchen distribution on Java. Head of the National Nutrition Agency, Nanik S. Deyang, outlined budget efficiency measures including a moratorium on new service points and a refocusing of beneficiaries towards those genuinely in need. The overhaul responds to President Prabowo Subianto's concerns and aims to ensure the programme, currently serving around 63 million people, meets its nutritional targets without burdening state finances.

Ferry Denies School Was Demolished for Merah Putih Village Cooperative

Cooperatives Minister Ferry Juliantono has refuted viral claims that a school was demolished in Ende, East Nusa Tenggara, to make way for a Merah Putih Village Cooperative (KDMP). He stated that the construction occurred on donated land behind the school and did not displace the educational facility. The military also attributed the public dispute to an excavator accidentally striking a resident's tree rather than the alleged eviction.

Heri Black Denies Ownership of Container Searched by KPK in Customs Case

Businessman Heri Setiyono, known as Heri Black, has denied that a container searched by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) at Tanjung Emas Port belongs to him. He was questioned for a second time as a witness in a bribery case involving the Directorate General of Customs and Excise. The KPK is investigating notes found during searches that allegedly record payments to customs officials.

MSME Ministry Seeks Additional Rp1.5 Trillion to Strengthen Programmes in 2027

Indonesia's Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises has proposed a supplementary budget of Rp1.5 trillion for 2027 to bolster priority programmes. The funds are urgently needed to drive national MSME growth, with significant allocations earmarked for economic rehabilitation in disaster-affected areas of Sumatra and enhancing strategic government initiatives. If approved, the ministry's total budget ceiling would rise to approximately Rp1.98 trillion.

Lawmaker BHS Pushes for Increased Budget for Industrial Sector and Downstreaming

Commission VII DPR member Bambang Haryo Soekartono has warned that the Ministry of Industry's declining budget threatens ambitious economic growth targets. He stressed that achieving President Prabowo's 8 percent growth goal requires significant investment in industrial capacity and job creation. The projected 2027 budget of Rp 2.01 trillion is deemed insufficient to support downstreaming and competitiveness.

Environment Minister Urges Businesses to Protect Nature as a Future Investment

Minister of Environment Jumhur Hidayat has called on businesses to embed sustainability at the core of their strategies, framing environmental compliance as a foundation for competitiveness rather than a burden. Speaking at Invirotech 2026, he also advocated for a national 'ecological repentance' and insisted that polluters must bear the full cost of restoration under the polluter pays principle.

Pramono: Not all Transjabodetabek routes to undergo fare adjustments

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo has clarified that fare adjustments will only apply to certain Transjabodetabek routes, dismissing media reports suggesting an across-the-board increase. He assured the public that any changes would not be burdensome and are aimed at improving commuter comfort whilst encouraging public transport use.

UBSI Informatics Bootcamp Generates AI Innovations Across Multiple Sectors

Universitas Bina Sarana Informatika (UBSI) held its 2026 IT Bootcamp, challenging students to develop artificial intelligence solutions for pressing social, environmental, and health issues. The winning projects included a sign language recognition system to aid deaf communication, a mobile image recognition tool for waste sorting, and an audio-based sleep apnoea detection app. The programme underscores UBSI's commitment to nurturing digital talent and supporting Indonesia's broader digital transformation.

Repeat Offender Snatches iPhone 17 in South Jakarta, Sells It for Rp 2 Million

A habitual offender has been arrested in South Jakarta for snatching two mobile phones from victims on the street. The suspect, Fazhar Firlina, sold a stolen iPhone 17 for just Rp 2 million to cover daily expenses. Police revealed he is a repeat offender who has served time at Cipinang prison for similar crimes on more than three occasions.

Bali Immigration Apprehends Interpol Fugitive in Australian Narcotics Case

Immigration officers at Bali's Ngurah Rai Airport have arrested a high-profile Australian fugitive, identified as AP, who was attempting to flee using a forged passport. The 55-year-old, wanted by Interpol for large-scale narcotics trafficking, was discovered hiding in an aircraft toilet after a dramatic attempt by his party to bypass security. Indonesian authorities have imposed a lifetime entry ban and are deporting him to face justice in Australia.