Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 11 June 2026

Showing 401-450 of 1,603 articles

UMM builds IV fluid factory to support national medical needs

Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) has provided 14 hectares of land for the construction of a PT Suryavena Farma Indonesia IV fluid factory, with operations targeted for 2027. Muhammadiyah's chairman stated the project is a manifestation of a socio-religious corporate ecosystem aimed at public benefit rather than mere profit. The initiative integrates industry with UMM's academic functions of education, research, and human resource development to strengthen the national health supply chain.

Russia Warns Middle East Tensions Threaten Global Economy

The Kremlin has cautioned that renewed hostilities between the United States and Iran could have severe negative consequences for the international economy. Moscow has urged all parties to exercise restraint and return to diplomatic negotiations immediately. The warning follows a second day of military exchanges after Washington launched strikes against targets in Iran.

AGO Names New Suspect in Free Nutritious Meals Corruption Case with Initials AYS

The Attorney General's Office has named a fourth suspect, a private sector individual identified as AYS, in the ongoing corruption investigation into the Free Nutritious Meals programme at the National Nutrition Agency. AYS is alleged to have illegally manipulated the partner registration system to monopolise meal provision points. The case has already implicated former top officials of the agency.

Tourism Ministry Strengthens Storytelling Skills for Tourism Operators in Two Regions

Indonesia's Ministry of Tourism is enhancing the storytelling capabilities of tourism workers in Belitung and Labuan Bajo to boost destination appeal. The training aims to equip guides, managers, and MSMEs with skills to craft authentic narratives that create emotional connections with visitors. This initiative focuses on enriching tourist experiences by leveraging local culture, history, and geological heritage.

DPR: Agroforestry a long-term solution to prevent illegal forest plundering

The House of Representatives (DPR) has urged the expansion of agroforestry programmes as an effective long-term strategy to combat illegal logging. By legally involving village communities in forest management, the scheme creates economic incentives for locals to protect their source of livelihood. The government is also significantly increasing community-based budget allocations to support rehabilitation and social forestry efforts.

Moribund Indonesian Economy Makes Gen Z Reluctant to Marry

Indonesia's deteriorating economic conditions, marked by a weakening rupiah and rising living costs, are deterring Generation Z from marriage. A young worker in Semarang cited financial instability and the increased price of basic goods and services as key reasons for postponing marriage until after 30. Many in her generation fear that economic pressures could undermine household harmony.

Maluku Utara Government and Harita Nickel Partner on Vocational Training and Local Employment

The Maluku Utara provincial government has signed a memorandum of understanding with Harita Nickel to bolster vocational training and secure job placements for local workers. The collaboration aims to improve the skills of young people to better meet the demands of the mining industry. Harita Nickel has opened over 400 vacancies and continues its longstanding training programmes, including heavy equipment operation and Mandarin language courses.

China Again Urges Iran and the US to Halt Conflict, Push for Dialogue

Beijing has renewed its call for Iran and the United States to cease military actions and resolve escalating tensions in the Middle East through dialogue. Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian expressed deep concern over the conflict, stressing that military force will only worsen the situation and cannot address its root causes. The statement comes amid reports of reciprocal strikes between the two nations and heightened instability in the region.

Motorists Still Riding Against Traffic at Ciawi Intersection in Bogor After Being Blocked by Children

Despite a viral video showing local children confronting wrong-way motorists near Bogor's Simpang Ciawi, the dangerous practice persists, with many riders continuing to drive against the flow of traffic. Police have reiterated that riding against traffic is illegal and endangers lives, while locals confirm the children's actions were prompted by the chronic traffic violations.

Students Highlight Legal Violations in Army-Led Land Eviction in Lenteng Agung

Students from the University of Indonesia have accused the Indonesian Army of committing legal violations during a forced land eviction in Lenteng Agung, South Jakarta. Residents were reportedly evicted without being shown a warrant, had their electricity cut, and were removed despite an ongoing court dispute over the property. The army claims the site is designated as state housing for active soldiers, but student representatives argue the original structures were warehouses, not official residences.

Social Affairs Ministry Delivers Rp1 Billion in ATENSI Aid to Pringsewu Residents

The Indonesian Ministry of Social Affairs has disbursed over Rp1 billion in social rehabilitation assistance to vulnerable groups in Pringsewu Regency. The aid packages, targeting the elderly, children, and disabled residents, were distributed during an event commemorating National Elderly Day. Local officials reported that ongoing social programmes have contributed to a decline in the regency's poverty rate from 8.32 percent in 2024 to 7.6 percent in 2025.

Unilever Wins 'Best Companies to Work For in Asia 2026' Award

PT Unilever Indonesia Tbk has secured the 'Best Companies to Work for in Asia' award at the HR Asia Awards 2026 for the third time, highlighting its consistent efforts in talent development and flexible working models. The company emphasised its commitment to fostering an inclusive, tech-enabled environment to drive sustainable growth. The award programme, covering 12 Asian markets, recognises firms that maintain high-performance cultures with a human-centric approach amidst global economic challenges.

KPK Seizes Rp200 Million and a Car in BPK Audit Conditioning Bribery Case

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has seized cash totalling Rp200 million and a vehicle linked to an alleged bribery scheme to manipulate a Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) examination of the Muara Enim Regency government. The funds were secured from a private sector suspect, Augusz Dewanggara, and another individual, MYN, during a covert investigation. The case, which previously ensnared the Muara Enim Regent and several BPK auditors, highlights ongoing graft risks in regional financial oversight ahead of the 2025 fiscal audit.

Pavement in Koja Damaged by Cable Thieves Has Been Repaired

The Jakarta Bina Marga Agency has repaired a pavement on Jalan Jampea in Koja, North Jakarta, after it was vandalised by suspected streetlight cable thieves. The agency clarified that no road assets were lost in the incident. As a preventative measure, underground streetlight cables have been relocated to overhead lines.

Trade Ministry Issues Three Regulations for Strategic Natural Resources Export Governance

Indonesia's Ministry of Trade has issued three ministerial regulations governing the export of coal, palm oil, and ferroalloys, effective from 1 June 2026, to strengthen governance and support domestic downstreaming. The regulations mandate a phased transition where, from 1 January 2027, exports of these strategic commodities will exclusively be handled by a designated State-Owned Enterprise (SOE). The policy aims to optimise economic benefits, secure domestic supply, and replace several previous export regulations.

Presidential Chief of Staff Denies Ownership of Free Meal Programme Kitchens

Presidential Chief of Staff Dudung Abdurachman has firmly denied allegations linking him to the ownership of communal kitchens for the Free Nutritious Meal Programme, stating his role was limited to forwarding aspirations from large Islamic boarding schools. The denial comes as the Attorney General's Office investigates suspected corruption in budget management at the National Nutrition Agency. Dudung explained he merely facilitated introductions between boarding school administrators and the former agency head, denying any subsequent technical or managerial involvement.

BGN Chief Nanik Deyang Responds to Sony Sonjaya's Justice Collaborator Bid in MBG Case

National Nutrition Agency (BGN) head Nanik S Deyang has reacted cautiously to former deputy chief Sony Sanjaya's request to become a justice collaborator in the alleged corruption case surrounding the Free Nutritious Meals programme. She questioned whether the Attorney General's Office had even accepted his application, before referring all other queries to prosecutors. Her remarks follow Sony's lawyer's claim that his client has already named 26 prominent figures from the executive, legislative, and judicial branches as allegedly involved.

Supporting Golden Indonesia 2045, SMA Kemala Taruna Bhayangkara Strengthens World-Class Education Standards

SMA Kemala Taruna Bhayangkara has received official certification for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, marking a significant step in elevating Indonesian secondary education to a global standard. National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo stated the accreditation supports the government's vision of preparing competitive young leaders for the Golden Indonesia 2045 goal. The initiative aims to provide greater opportunities for graduates to enter top national and international universities.

The Floritz Gallery Becomes the First Commercial Destination in the Kota Mandiri Area

Asthara Skyfront City has launched The Floritz Gallery, a pioneering commercial hub designed as the main gateway for its Super Cluster The Floritz township. Intended to blend business, lifestyle, and community within an integrated ecosystem, the gallery offers flexible premium units ranging from 162 to 265 square metres. The development aims to capture a strong captive market from over a thousand planned residential units, with four anchor tenants expected to drive long-term investment value.

ESDM Denies Rolling Blackouts Due to Depleting Coal Stocks

Indonesia's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has dismissed claims that coal shortages are behind the recurring power outages in Greater Jakarta. Officials attribute the rolling blackouts to technical disruptions and confirm ongoing communication with state utility PLN to prevent further issues. The ministry also highlighted that a gradual relaxation of coal production quotas is in process amid global price pressures.

Government Evaluates Free Nutritious Meals Programme for Elite School Students

The Indonesian government is reviewing the distribution of its Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme to students at elite schools to ensure it better targets those most in need. The Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) confirmed a refocusing effort will redirect resources away from wealthier demographics. The programme is also set to prioritise underdeveloped regions and vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and toddlers, in line with a presidential directive.

Cibodas Botanical Garden Maintains Unchanged Entrance Ticket Tariffs

Kebun Raya Cibodas in Cianjur has officially adopted a new government regulation governing its entrance fees, with prices remaining unchanged from the previous year. The tariffs, set at Rp15,500 on weekdays and Rp25,500 on holidays, are now legally standardised under Presidential Regulation No. 13 of 2026 on Non-Tax State Revenue. The collected fees are deposited into the state treasury, and the regulation applies uniformly to four other botanical gardens managed by BRIN.

The History of Muharram as the Start of the Hijri Year and the Debate Among the Prophet's Companions

The Islamic Hijri calendar was formally established during the caliphate of Umar bin Khattab to resolve administrative confusion in the growing state. The decision on the starting point sparked debate among the Prophet's companions, highlighting the political and practical origins of the calendar. The system was inspired by a complaint from a governor who could not distinguish old orders from new ones in undated correspondence.

Three Former Trade Ministry Working Group Members Accused of Causing State Losses of Rp39.4 Billion

Three former civil servants from Indonesia's Ministry of Trade have been charged with corruption over the procurement of traders' carts, allegedly causing state losses of Rp39.4 billion. Prosecutors told a Jakarta court the defendants manipulated the tender process to favour certain companies in exchange for bribes. The inflated contract value bore little relation to the actual production costs.

Cak Imin Appoints Gus Najmi as Daily Chair of PKB Central Board

Muhaimin Iskandar, chairman of the National Awakening Party (PKB), has appointed Najmi Mumtaza Rabbany as the party's new Daily Chair, replacing Ais Shafiyah Asfar. Gus Najmi stated his immediate focus will be organisational consolidation, cadre regeneration, and expanding the party's grassroots support base. The move is framed as part of the party's strategic preparations and push for victory in the 2029 general election.

Cirebon City becomes largest QRIS transaction contributor in Ciayumajakuning

Cirebon City has emerged as the dominant contributor to Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard (QRIS) transactions in the Ciayumajakuning region, accounting for over 54 percent of the total volume. The high level of economic activity, particularly in trade and services, alongside rapid adoption of digital technology, has driven this performance. Total QRIS transaction value in the area reached Rp3.58 trillion across 41.88 million transactions during the first two months of 2026.

Indonesia keeps door open to mediate US-Iran conflict

Indonesia has reiterated its readiness to mediate in the escalating conflict involving the United States and Iran, following the reported closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Deputy Foreign Minister Arrmanatha Nasir stated that President Prabowo Subianto's offer of good offices remains open, though it requires agreement from all parties. Jakarta has urged an immediate ceasefire and return to negotiations, warning that the conflict threatens global stability and economic repercussions for nations worldwide.

Received a Missed Call from This Number? Do Not Pick Up or Call Back

The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs warns Indonesians against returning missed calls from unfamiliar international numbers, highlighting the resurgence of the 'Wangiri' scam. Fraudsters deliberately trigger missed calls to lure victims into dialling back expensive premium-rate numbers, resulting in drained phone credit. The public is advised to verify any unfamiliar international codes before responding.

OJK Malang Partners with ILO to Strengthen Dairy Farmers' Financial Access via ERP

Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) in Malang has joined forces with the International Labour Organization (ILO) to improve financial inclusion for dairy farmers through a newly launched Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. The initiative aims to digitally record business activities to provide a credible basis for credit assessment, addressing the sector's chronic difficulty in accessing formal financing. Officials hope the technology will modernise smallholder dairy farming, boost productivity, and reduce the nation's heavy reliance on imported milk.

Malaysia police call for total vape ban after ‘Piu Piu’ drug found in e-liquids

Malaysian police are urging a complete ban on vapes after detecting a dangerous synthetic drug called 'Piu Piu' in e-liquids, which can induce a zombie-like state. The deputy inspector-general warned that drug syndicates are increasingly exploiting vaping devices to distribute new psychoactive substances, particularly among youths, while the health ministry has already announced plans for a nationwide prohibition by mid-2026. Authorities have intensified nationwide crackdowns, seizing millions of ringgit worth of vape products and targeting online sales to protect young people.

KPK detains two suspects in BPK audit bribery case in Muara Enim

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has detained two suspects in connection with an alleged bribery scheme involving an audit of Muara Enim Regency's financial reports. The suspects are a senior official from the Supreme Audit Agency's South Sumatra office and a private sector individual. Cash totalling Rp200 million and an SUV were seized as evidence in the sting operation.

Ministry Says Consumer Shift from Pertamax to Pertalite Not Yet Massive

Indonesia's Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry has stated that the migration of consumers from non-subsidised Pertamax fuel to subsidised Pertalite is not yet significant, though a shift from Pertamax Turbo to Pertamax has been observed. The government has implemented QR code surveillance and is relying on public awareness to prevent misuse, while guaranteeing no price increases for Pertalite and Biodiesel until the end of the year. This policy aims to protect vulnerable groups following recent price hikes for non-subsidised fuels by Pertamina.

Excluded from Social Aid, Middle Class Squeezed by Rising Energy Prices

The middle class and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are increasingly vulnerable to rising non-subsidised fuel prices, despite often being excluded from government social assistance schemes. Indef has urged the government to protect this group, which is the backbone of domestic consumption, through long-term strategies rather than temporary cash handouts. Improved governance of energy subsidies is also deemed critical to safeguarding both purchasing power and fiscal stability.

Home Affairs Minister says ministry ready to discuss Election Bill

Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian has declared his ministry's readiness to lead government discussions on revising the Election Law, regardless of whether the initiative originates from the executive or the legislature. The statement follows confirmation from House Deputy Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad that the House is prepared to begin the revision process, which will be proposed as a DPR initiative. Both sides are currently conducting studies, with the House urged to proceed cautiously to avoid another constitutional challenge.

Sheikh Yusuf Qardhawi: Zakat Protects the Poor from Dangerous Diseases

Prominent scholar Sheikh Yusuf Qardhawi argues that zakat serves to cleanse not only the wealth of the giver but also purifies the hearts of recipients from destructive social ills. He contends that obligatory charity prevents the dangerous diseases of envy, spite, and hatred that arise from poverty and economic inequality. This Islamic mechanism is presented as essential for maintaining brotherhood and preventing animosity between the rich and the poor.

Jakarta legislator urges Ragunan management to evaluate payment system

A Jakarta council member has called for a comprehensive review of the payment system at Ragunan Zoo, citing public complaints that the current digital-only approach is inconvenient for visitors without prepaid cards. Kenneth Hardiyanto argued that public service digitalisation should enhance accessibility rather than create barriers, and also raised concerns about transparency and accountability of local revenue. He urged the addition of more modern payment options, including QRIS and debit cards.

Astra (ASII) Plans Share Buyback, Prepares Rp8 Trillion Fund

PT Astra International Tbk (ASII) has announced a share buyback plan with a maximum value of Rp8 trillion, subject to shareholder approval at an Extraordinary General Meeting in July 2026. The conglomerate will not repurchase more than 10% of its issued and paid-up capital and commits to maintaining a free float of at least 15%. The plan comes as ASII shares have fallen 30.88% year-to-date, trading at Rp4,700 per share with a market capitalisation of Rp190.27 trillion.

Junior High School Student in Nagekeo, NTT, Dies from Rabies After Dog Bite

A girl who had just graduated from junior high school in Boawae, Nagekeo Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, has died with symptoms consistent with rabies. She was bitten by a puppy in February 2026 but did not receive an anti-rabies vaccine. Four months later, her condition declined, and she died at the local community health centre after displaying classic rabies symptoms, including hydrophobia and excessive salivation.

Indonesia and UAE Strengthen Trade and Investment Cooperation in Food Sector

Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates have agreed to bolster strategic economic ties, with a specific focus on downstream processing and food security. The UAE's commitment, including interest from global agribusiness firm Louis Dreyfus Company, signals strong confidence in Indonesia's agricultural potential. Both nations are working to accelerate priority projects and ensure effective realisation of bilateral investment commitments.

Govt Opens Access for Creative Economy Actors to be Listed on IDX

The Indonesian government and the Indonesia Stock Exchange are collaborating to improve capital market access for creative economy businesses. The initiative aims to help creative actors scale up into national and global enterprises through funding and investment. The creative economy sector attracted IDR 183 trillion in investment in 2025 and employed 27.4 million workers.

Pine Resin Producers Appeal to Purbaya as Business Permits Stall

Two Aceh-based pine resin companies are facing prolonged delays in securing forest utilisation permits after a regulatory shift stalled their applications. The government's debottlenecking task force has urged the Ministry of Forestry to resolve the issue, as the companies have been forced to halt exports to 26 countries. The permit deadlock stems from a transition from Cooperation Agreements to new Forest Utilisation Business Licences.

How Businesses Are Tackling Rupiah Volatility and Soaring Logistics Costs

Global geopolitical turmoil disrupting supply chains, coupled with rising fuel prices and a weakening Rupiah, is significantly impacting Indonesia's logistics sector. PT Lookman Djaja Logistics is adopting strategies such as maximising existing assets and cutting operational costs to weather the storm. The challenging economic climate has made it difficult to pass increased costs on to customers, forcing firms to aggressively pursue efficiency.

Minister: Sekolah Rakyat Pupils More Optimistic About Their Future

Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf has highlighted significant improvements in confidence, discipline, and enthusiasm among pupils attending state-run Sekolah Rakyat schools since their launch last July. The Minister observed the pupils' progress during an open house event at a junior secondary school in Manado, North Sulawesi, designed to showcase their development. The initiative forms part of the government's broader effort to provide quality education and foster positive character development for children from underprivileged backgrounds.

BCA boosts Patakbanteng Tourism Village development through Bakti BCA Programme

PT Bank Central Asia Tbk (BCA) is launching a phased corporate social responsibility programme to develop Patakbanteng Tourism Village in Wonosobo, Central Java. The initiative focuses on capacity building, market access, and promoting local economic potential, including agro-tourism to attract younger generations to farming. The village, which has won a resilience award, is known for potato farming, purwaceng plants, and home industries producing carica sweets and potato crisps.

PHR Opens Batch 9 Internship Programme to Develop Riau's Energy Talent

PT Pertamina Hulu Rokan (PHR) has announced the opening of its Batch 9 Internship Programme, offering graduates, particularly from Riau, a chance to gain hands-on experience in the upstream oil and gas sector. The six-month programme, starting in September 2026, will place participants across various technical and business functions to bolster the national energy talent pipeline. Since its inception in 2022, the initiative has engaged over 825 graduates, with alumni progressing to careers in energy, further education, and entrepreneurship.

Good News for Runners: BTN JAKIM 2026 Reinstates 'Pause Time' Policy for Subuh Prayers

The organisers of the BTN Jakarta International Marathon (JAKIM) 2026 have confirmed they will continue the 'pause time' facility, allowing Muslim participants to perform the Subuh (dawn) prayer without being penalised by cut-off times. Scheduled for 13–14 June 2026, the event will feature prayer stations along the route where timing chips are temporarily suspended. This policy addresses the time management challenges faced by Muslim runners in major early-morning road races.

Jakarta Council Intensifies Education on Waste Segregation at Source

The Jakarta Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD) is intensifying public education on waste segregation from the source as part of efforts to tackle the capital's waste problem. Vice Chairman Wibi Andrino highlighted a pilot project in Cawang, East Jakarta, and called for stronger collaboration between residents, government, and the private sector. The initiative aims to reduce landfill volumes and foster a cleaner, more sustainable city.

Indonesia's Strategy to Secure Oil Supplies Amid Strait of Hormuz Closure

Indonesia is diversifying its crude oil imports by sourcing from Africa and pursuing renewed operations in Latin America after Iran again closed the Strait of Hormuz. Deputy Foreign Minister Arif Havas Oegroseno confirmed the government is bypassing the strategic waterway, citing cooperation with Azerbaijan, Nigeria, and Angola. The move aims to shield Indonesia's energy security from the escalating conflict between Iran, Israel, and the United States.

AGO: Ex-Deputy Head of National Nutrition Agency Received Payments for SPPG Site Arrangements

The Attorney General's Office has accused former Deputy Head of the National Nutrition Agency, Sony Sonjaya, of accepting illicit payments to manipulate the placement of nutritional service units (SPPG) under the free meals programme. Prosecutors allege Sony granted internal access to a private intermediary, Asep Yusuf Somantri, enabling him to intervene in partner verification and cancel pre-approved SPPG applications in favour of affiliated foundations. The case forms part of a wider corruption investigation into the programme's governance, which also involves mark-ups on procurement totalling billions of rupiah.

Govt to refocus free meal program on needy beneficiaries in a month

The Indonesian government is set to reorganise its free nutritious meal programme to prioritise underserved communities, particularly in underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost regions. The National Nutrition Agency is imposing a temporary halt on new kitchen construction and reassessing the distribution of facilities to address gaps, while emphasising zero tolerance for hygiene violations following food safety concerns. The programme will shift focus from expansion to improving service quality by 2026, aiming to deliver targeted nutritional support to around 63 million beneficiaries.