Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 11 June 2026

Showing 1,151-1,200 of 1,603 articles

One Tonne of Salt Sown in Aceh for Weather Modification Operation to Tackle Forest Fires

Authorities have deployed one tonne of salt for cloud seeding over Aceh Barat and Nagan Raya districts as part of a weather modification operation to combat forest and land fires. The operation, conducted by the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) using a Cessna Grand Caravan EX, aims to induce rainfall to help extinguish ongoing fires. This effort comes as the region battles extensive fire damage, with 31.1 hectares already affected in Aceh Barat alone.

Antam Distributes Rp5.04 Trillion in Dividends, 70% of Net Profit

State-owned mining company PT Aneka Tambang (Antam) has approved a total dividend payout of Rp5.04 trillion, representing 70% of its 2025 net profit. The decision follows a record financial performance, with revenue surging 22% to Rp84.64 trillion and net profit doubling to Rp7.92 trillion. The remaining profit will be retained to strengthen business fundamentals and support downstream mineral processing projects aligned with national development goals.

Users Urge DKI and West Java to Synergise in Maintaining Transjabodetabek Fares

Commuters are calling on the Jakarta and West Java provincial governments to collaborate to keep Transjabodetabek fares affordable. Users fear a proposed fare increase would burden household expenses, particularly for those reliant on cross-regional public transport. The service, which connects Jakarta to its satellite cities, is currently under fare review with a potential range of Rp10,000 to Rp15,000.

62 SPPG Kitchens in Tangerang Halt Operations as Central Budget Disbursement Stalls

Sixty-two Satuan Pelayanan Pemenuhan Gizi (SPPG) kitchens in Tangerang Regency have temporarily ceased operations due to delayed budget disbursement from the central National Nutrition Agency (BGN). The kitchens, part of President Prabowo's flagship free nutritious meal programme, have been idle for a week, affecting a portion of the 750,220 beneficiaries in the region. The halt highlights administrative bottlenecks in the programme's funding mechanism, which allocates Rp6 million per kitchen daily based on a per-portion cost model.

Pramono Vows Firm Action on Senen Bullying Case

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has pledged zero tolerance towards bullying following a shocking incident in Senen where a six-year-old was forced against an electric pole. He warned that students receiving provincial education assistance could have their funding revoked as a disciplinary measure. The governor has instructed the Education Agency and Satpol PP to increase surveillance in potential bullying hotspots.

European Parliament Ditches Google for French Search Engine Qwant

The European Parliament will replace Google as its default search engine with French privacy-focused platform Qwant from 4 June 2026. The move aligns with the EU's push for digital sovereignty and reduced reliance on US technology, following broader regulatory efforts to curb monopolistic practices. The decision reflects growing political pressure to protect data privacy and strategic independence from American tech giants.

Forest and Land Fires in West Aceh Expand to 31.1 Hectares

Forest and land fires in West Aceh Regency have escalated, now covering 31.1 hectares across five sub-districts, with Bubon being the worst affected. Firefighting efforts are being hampered by thick smoke, strong winds, and difficult terrain, prompting the deployment of a water-bombing helicopter. Authorities are coordinating a multi-agency response to contain the blazes and prevent further environmental damage.

Antam Reshuffles Board, Appoints Arini Kasmira as Finance Director

State-owned mining company PT Aneka Tambang (Antam) has reshuffled its board of directors, appointing Arini Kasmira as the new Director of Finance and Risk Management. The change was approved during the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders on 10 June 2026. The new leadership aims to strengthen management and drive the company's growth as a globally competitive mining enterprise.

Pertamina Explains Reasons Behind Pertamax Price Increase

Pertamina Patra Niaga has detailed the rationale for raising the price of non-subsidised Pertamax fuel to Rp16,250 per litre, effective 10 June 2026. The adjustment is mandated by market mechanisms and global oil price movements. Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto indicated the government is preparing a stimulus package in response to the price hike.

Baznas RI Strengthens Human Resources through Amil Certification Scholarship

Indonesia's National Zakat Agency (Baznas) has launched a nationwide scholarship programme to certify 200 amil (zakat administrators) across eight provinces in 2026. The initiative aims to standardise and enhance the professionalism of zakat managers, ensuring transparent and accountable management of funds. Officials emphasised that improving amil competency is a strategic investment to strengthen the national zakat ecosystem and boost public trust.

Japan to propose energy security principles at G7 Summit

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi intends to present three principles aimed at bolstering global energy security at the upcoming G7 Summit in France. The proposal, driven by Middle East tensions and oil supply concerns, focuses on transparent trade, larger strategic reserves, and closer producer-consumer cooperation. The initiative also seeks to build international support for Japan's broader Asian energy partnership framework.

Jawa Satu Power Plant Confirmed Reliable, Continues to Support Java-Bali Electricity System

PT Jawa Satu Power has confirmed the safe and reliable operation of its combined-cycle gas turbine power plant, ensuring continued support for the Java-Madura-Bali electricity grid. Unit 1 has returned to service ahead of schedule following maintenance, with load allocation fully managed by state utility PLN. The company emphasised its commitment to operational excellence and national energy security.

Governor Bobby and Minister Supratman Inaugurate 6,110 Legal Aid Posts Across North Sumatra

North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution and Minister of Law Supratman Andi Agtas have inaugurated 6,110 Posbankum (Legal Aid Posts) covering every village and sub-district in the province. The initiative aims to provide vulnerable and underprivileged communities with easier access to legal assistance and promote restorative justice. The programme has already resolved 408 cases and is expected to reduce the need for lengthy court proceedings.

Unilever Indonesia Wins Best Companies to Work for in Asia 2026

PT Unilever Indonesia Tbk has been named one of the Best Companies to Work for in Asia 2026 by HR Asia, marking its third such recognition. The award highlights the company's consistent efforts in fostering multi-generational talent, flexible working models, and a strong workplace culture. The firm's HR Director emphasised that the achievement reflects a 'hungry to win' culture and a commitment to sustainable growth through its people.

Transjabodetabek Users Hope Fares Won't Rise: 'The Cheapest Transport'

Commuters in Greater Jakarta are urging the DKI Jakarta provincial government to cancel a planned fare increase for the Transjabodetabek bus service, citing its role as the most affordable transport option. The government argues the current flat fare is unsustainable for longer intercity routes, including a new service to Soekarno-Hatta Airport, but has yet to finalise the new pricing.

78-Year-Old Man Dies in Fire at Rented House

An elderly man perished in a house fire in Bandung early Thursday morning. The blaze reportedly started after a firecracker ignited, engulfing the rented property. Firefighters extinguished the flames within 80 minutes and discovered the victim's body inside.

There Is a Price Behind Every Click

The article explores the economic value of human attention in the digital age, arguing that every click, scroll, and interaction online has become a valuable commodity. It highlights how digital platforms are designed to capture and monetise public attention, transforming it into a key asset within the modern media economy.

KPK Detains Two Suspects in Follow-Up Sting Operation on Muara Enim Bribery Case

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has detained two suspects in a follow-up sting operation related to bribery involving the manipulation of BPK audit findings in Muara Enim Regency. The suspects are a BPK audit team leader and a private sector individual. The case highlights ongoing efforts to tackle corruption linked to state financial audits.

DPR Urges Public to Exchange US Dollars to Strengthen Rupiah

Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, has called on citizens holding US dollars to convert them into rupiah, arguing that government strategies will soon boost the local currency. The appeal comes as market confidence improves and fiscal concerns ease, partly due to falling global oil prices and domestic fuel price adjustments. A leading economist noted that these factors are supporting both the rupiah and the domestic bond market.

South Jakarta Parekraf Agency Fosters 319 Jakpreneurs in Creative Economy Subsector

The South Jakarta Tourism and Creative Economy Agency (Sudin Parekraf) is currently mentoring 319 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) under the Jakpreneur programme. The initiative aims to enhance the competitiveness of local creative economy players through training in marketing, branding, and business development. The agency is also promoting Betawi culinary products and fashion as key subsectors, with a target of training 300 participants each in 2026.

KPK Re-examines Heri Black as Witness in Customs Importation Case

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has summoned businessman Heri Setiyono, known as Heri Black, for further questioning as a witness in a graft case involving importation at the Directorate General of Customs and Excise. Investigators are probing his knowledge of container discoveries at Tanjung Mas Port and records of payments to customs officials found during a search in Semarang. The case stems from a sting operation that uncovered bribes totalling Rp 40.5 billion, with three private sector executives already standing trial.

OJK Responds to State-Owned Enterprise Share Buyback Plans

Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) has welcomed the buyback plans of state-owned enterprises, noting that many listed companies maintain strong fundamentals. The regulator has provided flexibility for buybacks without shareholder approval, with 65 issuers already disclosing such plans worth Rp 65.34 trillion since March 2025.

Riau Police Chief Names TNTN Elephant Calf 'Nona Seroja', Forestry Minister Approves

The birth of a Sumatran elephant calf at Tesso Nilo National Park has been celebrated as a symbol of hope for conservation. Riau Police Chief Irjen Pol Herry Heryawan named the calf 'Nona Seroja' with the approval of the Minister of Forestry, Raja Juli Antoni. The naming ceremony underscored the need for multi-stakeholder collaboration to protect the park's ecosystem for future generations.

Thousands Protest in Tirana Against Jared Kushner's Luxury Resort Project

Thousands of Albanians staged the largest protest yet in Tirana against a planned €5 billion luxury resort backed by Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump. Demonstrators voiced concerns over environmental damage to a protected wetland and questioned the transparency of the deal. The protest poses a significant challenge to Prime Minister Edi Rama, who has vowed to proceed with the project despite ongoing public discontent and broader corruption allegations.

BPK Member Detained in Muara Enim Regent Case Claims Innocence

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has detained Titin Rita Lestari, a BPK audit team leader, in connection with a graft case involving the Muara Enim regent. Lestari denied receiving any illicit funds, claiming she was merely carrying out orders and that her superiors were the ones who accepted money. The arrests are part of a wider sting operation that has netted 15 suspects, including the regent, in a probe into procurement and other irregularities.

Government Urged to Anticipate Impact of Fuel Price Hike on Inflation and Purchasing Power

Members of Indonesia's House of Representatives Commission XII have called on the government to mitigate the potential economic fallout from the recent increase in non-subsidised Pertamax fuel prices. They warn that the price hike could trigger a shift in consumption towards subsidised fuels, increasing pressure on the subsidy quota and potentially causing supply shortages. The legislators also stressed the need for measures to protect public purchasing power and control inflation.

Motorcycle Gang Member in Bandung Arrested for Drug Trafficking, Hundreds of Grams of Meth Seized

Police in West Bandung have arrested a 36-year-old motorcycle gang member for distributing methamphetamine. The suspect, identified as AA alias Asmara, was found with 35.45 grams of the drug and is believed to have circulated over 150 grams using a 'drop-off' system in Bandung. Authorities are still pursuing the main supplier, known as OOK alias Klontong.

Jawa Satu CCGT Plant Operates Reliably, Continues to Support Java-Bali Power Grid

PT Jawa Satu Power's 1,760 MW combined-cycle gas turbine plant is now fully operational with both units serving the Java-Madura-Bali grid after completing maintenance ahead of schedule. The plant, one of Asia's largest CCGT facilities, operates under the centralised load dispatching of PLN to ensure grid stability. The company emphasises its commitment to operational excellence and national energy security through advanced technology and skilled human resources.

Observer: US Deputy Secretary of State's Visit Will Not Directly Affect Trade Tariffs

An international relations analyst argues that US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau's visit to Indonesia will not automatically alter trade tariffs, as such decisions follow formal mechanisms in Washington. The visit is expected to open opportunities for cooperation in investment, digital technology, and Indo-Pacific security coordination instead.

Pertamax Price Hike Must Be Accompanied by Cash Social Assistance, Says Economist

Trimegah Sekuritas economist Fakhrul Fulvian has urged the government to immediately provide direct cash assistance to vulnerable groups following the recent increase in non-subsidised fuel prices. He argued that while the Pertamax price adjustment was unavoidable due to global energy pressures, its success hinges on protecting household purchasing power. Fulvian also called for fiscal efficiency, including a review of other state spending programmes, to ensure economic stability.

Turkey's 2026 Culture Route Festival to Span Record 26 Cities and 234 Days

Turkey's Ministry of Culture and Tourism has announced the 2026 Culture Route Festival will be its largest yet, covering 26 cities from April to November. The event, a member of the European Festivals Association, will place a new emphasis on gastronomy by appointing 'City Chefs' to curate local culinary experiences. The festival aims to boost cultural tourism and is set to expand to 32 cities by 2027.

Cooperatives Minister Requests Additional Rp1.35 Trillion Budget for 'Red and White' Village Cooperatives

Indonesia's Minister of Cooperatives, Ferry Juliantono, has requested an additional Rp1.35 trillion in funding for 2027 to accelerate the operationalisation of over 80,000 newly legalised 'Red and White' Village Cooperatives. The current indicative budget ceiling of Rp542.89 billion is deemed insufficient to fulfil the ministry's mandate. The proposed increase would bring the total budget to Rp1.88 trillion, primarily directed towards business development, talent programmes, digitalisation, and supervision of the village cooperative network.

Forest and Land Fires in West Aceh Spread to 31.1 Hectares Across Five Districts

Forest and land fires in West Aceh Regency have expanded to 31.1 hectares, affecting five districts, according to the local disaster mitigation agency. Joint firefighting teams are battling the blazes on the ground and via helicopter water bombing, though thick smoke from damaged vegetation is hampering operations. The fires have scorched areas in Bubon, Johan Pahlawan, and Meureubo districts.

Pramono Highlights Underutilisation of Jakarta Provincial Government Assets

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo has pointed out that many provincial government assets remain underutilised due to past decision-makers' excessive caution over legal risks. He announced plans to transparently develop a strategic 2.4-hectare plot in the Golden Triangle into a Jakarta International Cultural Hub. The project will proceed with legal oversight from anti-corruption and state attorney bodies to protect all parties involved.

Pekanbaru Customs Facilitates Temporary Import of Five BNPB Helicopters for Forest Fire Handling

The Pekanbaru Customs and Excise Office has granted temporary import facilities for five helicopters to be used by the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) in tackling forest and land fires. The scheme exempts the helicopters from import duty, VAT, luxury goods tax, and income tax, reflecting the government's commitment to strengthening disaster response capacity. The aircraft will be deployed for patrols, hotspot monitoring, and water bombing operations to enhance early detection and rapid response.

Rupiah Ready to Strengthen! Dasco: Those Holding Dollars, Best to Let Go

Deputy Speaker of Indonesia's House of Representatives, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, has expressed confidence that the rupiah will continue to strengthen, citing increased market confidence in the government's economic performance. He revealed that the government has special strategies planned for the coming week to boost the currency. Dasco advised those holding US dollars to exchange them for rupiah to avoid potential losses.

CBCT Technology Enables More Accurate Dental Diagnosis

Three-dimensional Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) is increasingly being adopted in Indonesian dental care to provide more precise diagnoses than conventional radiography. OMDC Dental has introduced advanced 3D imaging services at its clinics in South Jakarta and Bekasi, allowing for more efficient consultation, radiology, and treatment in a single visit. The technology supports detailed visualisation of teeth, jawbone, and surrounding tissue for procedures ranging from orthodontics to oral surgery.

Raffi-Nagita Spend IDR 178 Billion to Acquire 1.9 Billion Shares and Become Controlling Stakeholders of VISI

Indonesian celebrity couple Raffi Ahmad and Nagita Slavina have acquired a 61.85% majority stake in PT Satu Visi Putra Tbk (VISI) through their company PT Harmoni Semesta Investama. The transaction involved purchasing 1.9 billion shares from previous controller David Dwiputra at IDR 94 per share, totalling IDR 178.74 billion. The move marks their formal entry as controlling shareholders of the digital printing and advertising materials provider.

Deputy Home Affairs Minister Ribka Vows Swift Action to Oversee South Papua KSPEAN Development

Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Ribka Haluk has reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to accelerating the development of the National Food, Energy, and Water Production Centre (KSPEAN) in South Papua. The initiative is supported by the newly completed Regional Spatial Plan (RTRW) for 2025–2029, which aims to provide regulatory certainty and speed up cross-sector coordination. Ribka also stressed the importance of active communication with indigenous landowners to ensure the strategic project proceeds inclusively and sustainably.

Cooperatives Minister Proposes 2027 Budget Increase to IDR 1.8 Trillion

Minister Ferry Juliantono has submitted a request to Parliament to increase the Ministry of Cooperatives' 2027 budget by IDR 1.3 trillion, bringing the total to IDR 1.8 trillion. The additional funds are earmarked for strengthening oversight, developing the Koperasi Desa Merah Putih programme, and enhancing business capacity. The proposal outlines allocations across various deputy divisions, including institutional digitalisation and cooperative empowerment in the regions.

Former Finance Minister Says State Budget Is Safe, Praises Purbaya's Performance

Former Indonesian Finance Minister Fuad Bawazier has stated that the state budget deficit has improved, falling to 0.6% of GDP. He praised the performance of current Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa while urging the government to boost state revenues and enforce stricter penalties for natural resource theft.

Stray Dog Bites Vegetable Seller in Klungkung Market, Immediately Killed

A stray dog suspected of having rabies attacked a vegetable seller at Pasar Galiran terminal in Klungkung, Bali, causing serious leg injuries. The aggressive animal was immediately caught and killed by bystanders, while the victim received emergency medical treatment and a rabies vaccine. Local traders are urging authorities to cull the numerous stray dogs in the area to prevent further incidents.

Customs and Excise Play Strategic Role in State Revenue

Indonesia's customs and excise sector recorded a positive turnaround in April 2026, contributing Rp100.6 trillion to state revenue. The growth was driven by higher import duties on LPG and project materials, alongside a recovery in excise revenue from increased cigarette production. Customs authorities also reported significant enforcement actions against illegal goods, including 684 million illicit cigarettes and 3.31 tonnes of narcotics.

Palmerah Sub-district Head Proposes Revoking KJP for Students Involved in Stabbing, Highlights Unsupervised Free Time

The Palmerah sub-district head in West Jakarta has proposed revoking the Jakarta Smart Card (KJP) education aid for two vocational students arrested for stabbing a peer. The official cited existing regulations that allow for the withdrawal of provincial education assistance due to criminal behaviour. He also raised concerns about increased idle time among students ahead of school holidays as a contributing factor to youth violence.

Antam Distributes Rp5.04 Trillion in Dividends, Reaching 70% of 2025 Profit

State-owned mining company PT Aneka Tambang (Antam) has approved a dividend payout of Rp5.04 trillion, representing 70% of its 2025 net profit. The decision follows a record financial performance, with revenue rising 22% to Rp84.64 trillion and net profit surging 106% to Rp7.92 trillion. The remaining 30% of profits will be retained to fund strategic projects, including downstream mineral processing aligned with national industrialisation goals.

China Releases Over 150 Billion Aquatic Seedlings Between 2021 and 2025

China has released more than 150 billion artificially bred aquatic seedlings into its rivers, lakes, and seas over the 2021-2025 period, yielding significant ecological and economic benefits. The practice has successfully restored wild populations, with over 90 per cent of shrimp caught in the Bohai Sea now originating from released stock. The initiative, which coincides with seasonal fishing bans, is also credited with reviving species such as the big-head schizothoracin in Xinjiang after a two-decade absence.

Private Sector Deception Causes State Losses, Mining Must Be Managed by Government

Former Finance Minister Fuad Bawazier argues that Indonesia's natural resources, particularly mining, should be managed by the government to prevent state losses and strengthen the rupiah. He claims private companies often place profits abroad, and advocates for majority state control with limited private participation. Bawazier also suggests securitising gold mines, such as the Wabu deposit, in rupiah denomination to support long-term currency stability.

Government prioritises AI talent development

The Indonesian government has made artificial intelligence talent development a national priority to boost competitiveness and achieve the Indonesia Emas 2045 vision. A significant perception gap exists between AI experts and the general public regarding the technology's impact on jobs, highlighting the need for improved digital literacy. Initiatives such as the AI Ready Asia programme and the Garuda SPARK Innovation Hub are being expanded to foster AI skills and innovation across the archipelago.

IDAI: Children Are the Group Most Vulnerable to the Impact of Climate Change

The Indonesian Paediatric Society (IDAI) has issued a stark warning that children are the most vulnerable group to the health impacts of climate change due to their immature immune and respiratory systems. A senior doctor highlighted that exposure to air pollution and extreme temperatures can affect development even from the womb, leading to low birth weight and increased infection risks. The organisation stresses that collective action on pollution control and sanitation is essential to safeguard children's health.

Singaporean National Operates Home-Based Narcotic Vape Factory in Medan

Police in Medan have uncovered a home-based narcotic vape liquid factory managed by a Singaporean national and his Indonesian girlfriend. The operation used popular Labubu doll imagery on packaging and cryptocurrency for transactions, with raw materials imported via international courier services. Authorities estimate the suspects generated approximately Rp10 billion in profits since 2025.