Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 17 June 2026

Showing 601-650 of 1,429 articles

National Police Target Distribution of 10,000 Social Aid Packages for Anniversary

The Indonesian National Police (Polri) aims to distribute at least 10,000 social aid packages nationwide as part of its 80th anniversary commemorations. The initiative, which includes simultaneous distributions by regional police forces, is intended to ease economic burdens and strengthen community relations. Officials and terminal managers have praised the programme, expressing hope that such social efforts will continue beyond the anniversary celebrations.

The Beginning of How an Online Motorcycle Taxi Driver in Depok Was Accused of Snatching and Beaten with a Hammer

An online motorcycle taxi driver in Depok was assaulted with a hammer after being falsely accused of attempting to steal a mobile phone. The attacker, a 38-year-old man, has been arrested and charged with assault, facing up to two and a half years in prison. Police stated the incident was triggered by a misunderstanding, as the suspect claimed he saw the victim trying to take a phone from a woman's motorcycle dashboard.

President Prabowo Receives 2026 Hajj Evaluation Report in Hambalang

President Prabowo Subianto has received a comprehensive evaluation of the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage, focusing on technical improvements and enhanced services for pilgrims. The report, delivered by the Hajj Oversight Team and the Ministry of Hajj, highlighted 20 areas of improvement including better mobilisation in Armuzna and stricter health screenings. A decline in pilgrim mortality was noted, with the government pledging even tighter health policies for the 2027 season.

MBG on Break, Large Companies Asked to Buy Eggs and Chicken Meat from Farmers

The Indonesian government has urged large corporations to absorb eggs and broiler chicken meat from farmers while the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme is scaled back during school holidays. Agriculture Minister Amran Sulaiman outlined measures including coordinating with the National Nutrition Agency and providing subsidised corn feed to prevent farm-gate prices from collapsing. The intervention aims to stabilise prices until schools reopen and MBG demand recovers, with plans to triple egg consumption in the programme thereafter.

Israeli Analysts Unanimously Acknowledge PM Netanyahu Has Been Humiliated by Donald Trump

Israeli political analysts have launched scathing attacks on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, branding him a liar and an architect of strategic failure. The criticism follows Netanyahu's admission that he was excluded from a US-Iran memorandum of understanding to end hostilities, which analysts interpret as a public humiliation by President Donald Trump. The backlash highlights deep domestic discontent over Netanyahu's handling of the conflict and his relationship with Washington.

Said Dismisses Claims of Tiyo Ardianto's Ties to PDIP: 'It Makes No Sense!'

PDIP executive Said Abdullah has firmly denied any party involvement in student protests against the Free Nutritious Meals programme. He dismissed suggestions that protest leader Tiyo Ardianto's alleged personal connections to PDIP figures indicate party orchestration, calling the accusations illogical. Said reiterated that organising or directing student demonstrations is not within the party's methods or reach.

Indonesia Strengthens Defence Industry Through Tactical Vehicle Development

Indonesia has signed a production cooperation agreement between PT Republik Motor Internasional and French military vehicle manufacturer Arquus to boost domestic defence industry self-reliance. The deal, signed at Eurosatory 2026 in Paris, focuses on knowledge transfer, technology mastery, and local production capacity for tactical vehicles. The partnership aims to support Indonesia's operational needs as an archipelagic nation while building a sustainable and competitive national defence supply chain.

President Receives Hajj Oversight Team and Hajj Ministers at Hambalang

President Prabowo Subianto received the Hajj Oversight Team (Timwas Haji) and Hajj Ministry officials at his private residence in Hambalang to review the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage. The meeting focused on evaluating the first year of direct management by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, with around 20 improvement points identified. Key issues discussed included the mobilisation of pilgrims in Armuzna and the health istitha'ah policy, particularly concerning mortality rates among pilgrims from East Java.

House Commission III Approves Additional Budget of Rp66.1 Trillion for Police and Rp516 Billion for PPATK

The House of Representatives' Commission III has approved indicative budget ceilings for 2027 and committed to fighting for substantial additional funding for the National Police and the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (PPATK). The total proposed budget for the Police could reach Rp184.1 trillion, while PPATK's allocation is projected to rise to Rp769.8 billion. The additional funds are intended to support the Police's programmes and bolster PPATK's crucial role in combating online gambling, narcotics, and preparing for international audits.

Social Affairs Minister: 'Sekolah Rakyat' at Risk if Additional Budget Not Approved

Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf has warned that the 'Sekolah Rakyat' programme and several other social assistance schemes face severe disruption if a proposed Rp22.49 trillion budget increase for 2027 is rejected. Over 100,000 students, 1.4 million elderly and disabled individuals, and hundreds of thousands of families could lose access to critical support. The ministry is seeking the additional funds from House Commission VIII to secure the continuity of its key welfare programmes.

President Prabowo Extends Islamic New Year 1448 H Greetings, Discusses Hajj and Critical Minerals

President Prabowo Subianto conveyed his wishes for the Islamic New Year 1448 Hijriah to Indonesian Muslims via a representative at his Bogor residence. The President also held a busy schedule, receiving a comprehensive report on the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage and meeting with ministers to discuss human resource development and strategic cooperation on technology and critical minerals. Separately, the Minister of Religious Affairs called for the new year to be a moment of social transformation towards a more inclusive and civilised society.

Indonesia and Uzbekistan Forge New Foundation for Trade, Investment, and SME Cooperation

Indonesia and Uzbekistan have agreed to strengthen bilateral economic ties, establishing a Joint Working Group to boost trade and investment amid global uncertainty. The two nations are also advancing negotiations on a free trade agreement, which aims to connect Southeast Asia's largest economy with a fast-growing Central Asian market. Key sectors of focus include agriculture, renewable energy, and the empowerment of small and medium enterprises.

Prabowo Summons Hajj Oversight Team and Ministers to Hambalang

President Prabowo Subianto convened the Hajj Oversight Team and several ministers at his Hambalang residence to discuss the 2026 Hajj implementation and human resource development. The meeting also covered updates on education, training, and international cooperation regarding critical minerals and rare earth elements. The Deputy Minister of Hajj noted that 20 improvement points for Hajj services would be presented to the President.

Police Science College Chief Requests Public Feedback if Graduates Still Deviate

The head of Indonesia's Police Science College (STIK) has invited public input to help correct any behavioural deviations among its graduates. Inspector General Eko Rudi Sudarto emphasised that the institution is responsible for instilling ethics, logic, and empathy, and is currently developing into a full university. The call for inclusive feedback was made during a graduation ceremony for 289 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral students.

Jakarta Seeks Singapore Investment in MRT Expansion, TOD Projects

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has pitched Transit-Oriented Development projects and MRT network expansion to Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, seeking to attract investment into Phases 3 and 4 of the capital's mass transit system. The governor emphasised policy certainty and Jakarta's role as a gateway to Southeast Asia's market, framing the collaboration as a boost to Indonesia's economic growth and ASEAN cooperation. The proposed MRT extensions would add 84 kilometres from Cikarang to Balaraja and a 12-kilometre circular route in South and East Jakarta.

PT Acset Indonusa Fined Rp350 Million in MBZ Toll Road Corruption Case

The Jakarta Corruption Court has fined construction firm PT Acset Indonusa Rp350 million for its role in corrupt practices during the Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed (MBZ) elevated toll road project. The company was found to have illicitly enriched itself by Rp179.99 billion through a joint operation, contributing to total state losses of Rp510.08 billion. The court also ordered the repayment of the Rp179.99 billion, with the sentence being lighter than the prosecutors' demand of a Rp750 million fine.

Three Sidoarjo Regency Civil Servants Suffer Mental Disorders, Face Early Retirement

Three female civil servants in Sidoarjo Regency, East Java, are undergoing intensive medical therapy for mental health disorders and risk early retirement if deemed unfit for duty. The local personnel agency confirmed the cases and is launching preventive programmes, including promoting supportive teamwork and encouraging employees to seek professional help. The agency stressed the importance of early detection to prevent career-ending and personal impacts from mental health issues.

Jakarta Opens 2,843 Labour-Intensive Job Vacancies, Registration Closes End of June

The Jakarta provincial government has announced 2,843 job openings under its labour-intensive programme across various agencies, including public works and parks departments. The majority of the three-month contracts are set to begin on 1 July 2026, with registration deadlines falling in late June. The initiative aims to boost employment while accelerating infrastructure and public service projects ahead of the city's 500th anniversary.

Shallow Crustal Earthquake Devastates Palu, Experts Identify Hazard Sources

A magnitude 6.7 shallow crustal earthquake struck Central Sulawesi on Tuesday, causing significant damage and casualties. Experts attribute the destructive ground shaking to a combination of minimal seismic wave attenuation and local site amplification due to soft sediment basins. The event highlights the persistent seismic threat from complex fault branches surrounding the main Palu-Koro Fault, necessitating a paradigm shift in mitigation and spatial planning.

BRI-MI Partners with Ayovest to Expand Mutual Fund Investment Access

PT BRI Manajemen Investasi (BRI-MI) has partnered with digital investment platform Ayovest to broaden the distribution of its mutual fund products. The collaboration aims to reach more retail investors and boost assets under management through digital channels and public investment education. A range of BRI-MI products, including money market and sharia-compliant funds, will now be available on the Ayovest platform.

Visa and Mintoak Join Forces to Bring Merchant SaaS Capabilities to Acquirers Across Asia Pacific

Visa and Mintoak have announced a partnership to provide cloud-native, API-led merchant SaaS platforms to acquirers across the Asia Pacific region. The collaboration aims to help banks and financial institutions move beyond basic transaction processing by offering value-added services such as omnichannel payment acceptance, data-driven insights, and integrated banking solutions. This initiative is designed to accelerate the digitisation of small and medium-sized businesses, drive transaction growth, and strengthen merchant relationships in underpenetrated markets.

Lululemon apologises for featuring Japanese Taiko drum during promotional event in China

Canadian athleisure brand Lululemon has issued a public apology after facing backlash from Chinese netizens for using a Japanese Taiko drum instead of a traditional Chinese instrument during a yoga event at the Great Wall. The incident, which was intended to celebrate Chinese culture, was criticised for evoking painful historical memories and misleading the public at a site of national symbolic importance. The controversy highlights the heightened scrutiny foreign brands face in China over cultural sensitivity and historical symbolism.

Qodari Affirms Prabowo's Free Nutritious Meal Programme as a People's Mandate

Head of the Government Communication Body, Muhammad Qodari, has stated that the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme is a direct democratic mandate from the people to President Prabowo Subianto and cannot be halted. He acknowledged implementation challenges but stressed the programme's vital role in tackling child malnutrition and stunting. The government remains open to public input to improve the programme's management and delivery.

Deputy Minister Dahnil Brings 20 Notes on 2026 Hajj Implementation to Prabowo

Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak presented 20 improvement points for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage to President Prabowo Subianto during an evaluation meeting in Hambalang. The President has emphasised his commitment to facilitating the pilgrimage, which he described as a dream for the majority of Indonesian Muslims. The meeting focused on reviewing past implementations to ensure the event runs smoothly.

Minister of Cooperatives Responds to Student Demands to Halt KDMP

Minister of Cooperatives Ferry Juliantono has dismissed student demands to terminate the controversial Koperasi Desa-kelurahan Merah Putih (KDMP) programme. He affirmed that the programme will continue in order to boost public productivity, as mandated by Article 33 of the 1945 Constitution. The minister also pledged to improve the operational quality of the village cooperatives.

Xinhua Silk Road: Thematic cultural week held in SE China county to deepen cross-Strait exchanges

Gutian County in Fujian province hosted a Chen Jinggu cultural week to strengthen cultural ties and promote integrated development across the Taiwan Strait. The event, centred on a folk belief shared by millions, included a cross-Strait exchange pilot programme and activities aimed at fostering youth entrepreneurship and industrial collaboration. Local officials emphasised the cultural bond as a bridge for deeper economic and social integration with Taiwan.

Volex Strengthens Investment in Batam, Partners with Polibatam and Discusses Expansion

PT Volex Indonesia has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Batam State Polytechnic to develop local talent and align graduate competencies with industry needs. The British company also held strategic talks with the Batam Concession Agency (BP Batam) regarding its business expansion plans and licensing processes. BP Batam welcomed the continued investment, citing it as evidence of a conducive investment climate in the region.

Temanggung's tobacco planting area shrinks by 5,000 hectares

The area planted with tobacco in Temanggung Regency, Central Java, has declined by nearly 5,000 hectares since 2021, falling from 18,600 to 13,133 hectares. Officials attribute the shift primarily to farmers voluntarily switching to more profitable horticultural crops like chilli, rather than to regulatory pressure. A dialogue hosted by the Muhammadiyah Tobacco Control Centre emphasised the need for policies that balance farmer welfare with public health through diversification and sustainable farming.

Housewives Rally at Patung Kuda to Support Continuation of Free Nutritious Meal Programme

A group of predominantly housewives staged a rally in Central Jakarta to voice support for the government's Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme. Participants highlighted how the initiative has eased the financial burden on families, particularly for children who often skip breakfast. They also offered constructive feedback, suggesting greater menu variety and proposing a scheme to involve parents directly in meal preparation.

Creative Economy Ministry: AI utilisation strengthens product competitiveness

Indonesia's Creative Economy Ministry is urging young people to harness artificial intelligence to boost the value of creative products and enhance competitiveness in the digital era. The initiative, part of a collaboration with Indosat and Adobe, aims to equip youth with AI skills to create business opportunities and compete globally. The programme targets reaching 15,000 young Indonesians this year after previously training over 10,000.

Latest Update on Andrie Yunus, KontraS Activist Attacked with Acid by TNI Personnel

Andrie Yunus, the deputy coordinator of the human rights group KontraS, is recovering through outpatient physiotherapy after being attacked with acid by members of the Indonesian military. While his motor functions are improving, his right eye still requires intensive care and a further operation is expected in August. He remains under the protection of the Witness and Victim Protection Agency and is not yet fit to give a direct statement to the police.

South Sulawesi Prosecutor's Office Raids Education Agency, Seizes Documents on Rp18 Billion Digital Library Project

Investigators from the South Sulawesi High Prosecutor's Office have raided the provincial Education Agency in Makassar, seizing key documents related to a suspected corruption case. The probe centres on the procurement of a 'Bookless Library' digital project for the 2022 fiscal year, which involved a budget of Rp18 billion. The seizure of planning, contract, and financial documents marks a significant escalation in the effort to trace the alleged misappropriation of funds.

PLN Requires 154 Million Tonnes of Coal for Power Plants, Still Facing This Shortfall

Indonesia's state electricity company PLN needs 154 million tonnes of coal annually, but current contracted supply stands at only 132 million tonnes, leaving a 20 million tonne deficit. The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources is working to close this gap through production adjustments and synchronising PLN's actual needs with domestic miners' commitments. The government has also formed a joint procurement team to address pricing and availability issues, particularly for medium-grade coal.

Former UGM Student Body President Tiyo Reported to Police by Lawyer in South Tangerang

Tiyo Ardianto, the former president of Gadjah Mada University's student executive body, has been formally reported to the South Tangerang Metro Police by lawyer Firdaus Oiwobo. The police have confirmed the report but have not yet disclosed the nature of the allegations. The case is currently under preliminary investigation by the criminal investigation unit.

Minister urges students to be optimistic about Red-White Village Coops

Cooperatives Minister Ferry Juliantono has called on students to remain optimistic about the Red and White Village Cooperatives (KDMP) programme despite operational challenges. He explained the initiative is a government effort to drive productive village-level economic activity, requiring time and a qualitative approach to ensure profitability. The government aims to have 40,000 cooperatives operational by the end of 2026.

North Sumatra Government Issues Vape Ban for Civil Servants and Regional Employees

The North Sumatra provincial government has issued a gubernatorial instruction banning the use of vapes or electronic cigarettes for all civil servants, non-civil servant government staff, and regional-owned enterprise employees. The policy, prompted by a recommendation from the National Narcotics Agency, aims to protect the public, especially the youth, from the increasing misuse of liquid narcotics in vaping devices. Regional heads across the province are ordered to enforce the ban, install warning signs, and encourage private businesses and organisations to adopt similar prohibitions.

Switzerland Expands Sanctions Against Russia, Targeting 16 Individuals

Switzerland has broadened its sanctions list related to the situation in Ukraine, adding 16 individuals and seven organisations. The new measures, effective from 16 June, target officials in Russian-annexed territories, including youth department heads, teachers, and children's organisation leaders. The move aligns with similar restrictions imposed by the European Union in May.

Students Protest in Surabaya, Malang, and Bandung Over Free Nutritious Meals and Fiscal Policy

University students across several Indonesian cities staged protests criticising the government's Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme and the nation's fiscal condition. Demonstrators in Surabaya, Malang, and Bandung called for an evaluation of the MBG, alleging it has become a breeding ground for corruption. The protests also demanded fiscal responsibility and a reallocation of spending to strengthen public purchasing power and the manufacturing sector.

Sigi Education Office suspends teaching activities following earthquake

The Sigi Regency Education and Culture Office in Central Sulawesi has suspended all face-to-face teaching at kindergartens, primary, and junior secondary schools for two days following an earthquake. The decision prioritises the safety of students, teachers, and staff while structural assessments are conducted. Local disaster data indicates the quake damaged 800 homes and several public facilities.

Perludem Highlights Political Calculations Stalling Election Law Revision

The prolonged delay in revising Indonesia's Election Law is being driven by political parties prioritising electoral calculations over fundamental reforms, according to election watchdog Perludem. With the terms of the KPU and Bawaslu commissioners ending in October, experts warn that using the old law for recruitment while applying a new law to the election would create legal disharmony. The organisation also highlighted the heavy burden of simultaneous elections and the persistent, opaque problem of political financing.

Ombudsman Investigates Alleged Maladministration in West Java's PCMB-SPMB Student Selection

The West Java Ombudsman is investigating alleged maladministration in the 2026 high school student mapping and admission selection processes (PCMB-SPMB). The inquiry follows complaints from parents and the Indonesian Education Retirees Association, who claim the West Java Education Agency's actions caused significant public harm. The Ombudsman will coordinate with the agency and may conduct confidential examinations.

SAR Team: Five Survive, One Missing in Kotabaru Boat Collision

A joint search and rescue operation is underway for a missing crew member after a fishing vessel collision off the coast of Kotabaru, South Kalimantan. Five of the seven people on board were rescued, while one was found deceased. Authorities have urged maritime safety vigilance as the search continues in favourable weather conditions.

Indonesia shuts down illegal foreign-owned beauty clinic in Bali

Indonesian authorities have closed an unlicensed beauty clinic in Bali operated by foreign nationals, citing serious violations of medical, immigration, and labour laws. The multi-agency raid underscores the government's commitment to safeguarding public health and preserving Bali's reputation as a safe wellness tourism destination. Officials warn that unregulated medical practices pose severe risks and urge the public to verify healthcare providers through official registries.

President Prabowo to Receive 2026 Hajj Report and Discuss Critical Minerals at Hambalang

President Prabowo Subianto is holding a limited meeting at his private residence in Hambalang, Bogor, to receive a comprehensive report on the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage, including 20 improvement points from the Hajj and Umrah Ministry. The agenda also includes a routine briefing with the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology to discuss human resource development and cooperation on critical minerals and rare earth elements.

Chinese Heavy Equipment Contractor Enters Indonesian Mining Sector, Sees Major Potential

PT Liugong Machinery Indonesia, a Chinese distributor of heavy equipment and technology, is expanding its operations in Indonesia, targeting the country's vast mining and agricultural sectors. The company views Indonesia's rich natural resources, particularly coal, nickel, and palm oil, alongside the government's downstreaming policy for minerals and coal, as key drivers for sustained demand. The expansion reflects growing foreign interest in supporting Indonesia's industrial and resource processing ambitions.

KPK examines PTDI lecturer as witness in DJKA Ministry of Transportation case

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has questioned a lecturer from the Indonesian Land Transportation Polytechnic (PTDI) as a witness in an ongoing bribery investigation. The case involves alleged corruption in railway construction and maintenance projects under the Directorate General of Railways at the Ministry of Transportation. The investigation has expanded to include 21 individual suspects and two corporate entities.

Minister Ara Wants Senen Temporary Housing Residents to Harvest Chillies and Fish, But When?

Minister of Housing and Settlement Areas Maruarar Sirait has inspected the nearly completed Senen housing project in Jakarta, built to relocate residents from railway trackside slums. He noted the need for improved lighting and proposed using available space for productive chilli farming and fish cultivation to boost the local economy. The project, a collaboration between state-owned enterprises, was completed ahead of schedule.

Palu 6.7-magnitude quake carries no tsunami threat: BNPB

Indonesia's National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has clarified that a 6.7-magnitude earthquake in Central Sulawesi poses no tsunami risk, countering social media panic over receding sea levels which were attributed to normal astronomical tides. The quake has affected 109 people, injured 32, and damaged dozens of homes, places of worship, and infrastructure including a collapsed section of a provincial road.

Mobileye enters the robotaxi industry fray

Mobileye has announced its entry into the autonomous mobility market, planning to launch its own robotaxi service in the United States next year. The company, traditionally a supplier of self-driving technology, will initially deploy around 100 sensor-equipped vehicles in major metropolitan areas. This move intensifies competition in a sector already contested by Tesla, Waymo, Zoox, and Uber.

BEM FTI UBSI Denies Involvement in BEM Bersatu Alliance, Refutes Existence of Member Named Ahmad

The Student Executive Board of the Faculty of Engineering and Informatics at Bina Sarana Informatika University (BEM FTI UBSI) has publicly disavowed any connection to the BEM Bersatu student alliance. The denial follows reports of an individual claiming to represent the organisation at a press conference where the alliance rejected the co-opting of student movements for practical political interests. BEM FTI UBSI confirmed it has no member or official named Ahmad and did not authorise any participation in the event.