Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 17 June 2026

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Bandung Basin BRT Construction Begins, Expected to Ease Greater Bandung Congestion

Construction of the Bandung Metropolitan Basin Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system has commenced, aiming to alleviate chronic traffic congestion in Greater Bandung. State-owned contractor PT Brantas Abipraya is leading the project, which includes dedicated lanes, shelters, and pedestrian improvements. The initiative is expected to enhance public transport accessibility and stimulate economic activity along its corridors.

Hoax! Global power blackout for 9 days starting 18 July 2026

A viral TikTok post claiming a nine-day global blackout will begin on 18 July 2026 as part of 'Agenda 2030' has been debunked. Fact-checkers found no official announcements or credible evidence to support the claim, noting that the world's electricity grids are not centrally controlled. The narrative is a baseless conspiracy theory circulating on social media.

Former Southeast Sulawesi Governor Nur Alam Joins PSI After Meeting Jokowi

Former Southeast Sulawesi Governor Nur Alam has announced his membership in the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) following a visit to former President Joko Widodo in Solo. Alam stated he had been de facto active in the party for some time and considered Jokowi's blessing as official validation, despite not yet holding a membership card. PSI officials welcomed the move, expressing hope it would encourage other retired regional leaders to join the party.

Hoax: Pertamina Removes Pertalite Fuel

A social media claim that Pertamina has discontinued the subsidised Pertalite fuel is false. The company's corporate secretary confirmed that Pertalite stocks are available and distribution continues normally across all filling stations. Isolated shortages at specific stations do not indicate a nationwide removal of the product.

Agriculture Minister Outlines Government Measures to Stabilise Farm-Level Egg Prices

Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman has detailed government interventions to support struggling poultry farmers facing falling egg prices due to market oversupply. Key measures include boosting consumption through the free nutritious meal programme, enforcing price-standardised purchases by large buyers, and providing feed assistance.

Police Distribute 750 Social Aid Packages to Ease Residents' Economic Burden

The Indonesian National Police distributed 750 social aid packages at Kampung Rambutan Terminal in East Jakarta as part of the 80th Bhayangkara Day commemorations. The initiative aims to alleviate household expenses and demonstrates the force's commitment to community welfare. The police also outlined other humanitarian programmes, including clean water provision and agricultural assistance.

Elza Syarief Claims She Was Deceived, Fellow Lawyer Sony Sonjaya: I Am Confused by Mrs Elza's Statements

A dispute has erupted within the legal team of Sony Sonjaya, a suspect in a corruption case involving the Free Nutritious Meals programme. Advocate Krisna Murti expressed confusion and regret over Elza Syarief's resignation, stating he was unaware of her reasons and that the family had revoked her power of attorney. Krisna also contradicted Elza's public statements, asserting that Sony had already provided full disclosure to investigators.

State Palace Reveals Reasons for Prabowo's Cancellation of Russia Trip

The Indonesian State Palace has explained President Prabowo Subianto's decision to skip the Russia-ASEAN Summit in Kazan, citing a need to focus on unresolved domestic issues. Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi noted that Prabowo had already engaged with ASEAN leaders at a summit in the Philippines and held bilateral talks with President Vladimir Putin. The summit, scheduled for 17-19 June 2026, was set to address economic partnership, energy security, digital transformation, and regional security cooperation.

Pramono Anung meets Singaporean ministers, pushes global city goal

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung met with Singaporean ministers Chee Hong Tat and Vivian Balakrishnan to strengthen bilateral cooperation in investment, urban development, and public transportation. The discussions focused on accelerating Jakarta's transformation into a top global city ahead of its 500th anniversary, with an emphasis on transit-oriented development and improving residents' quality of life. Both sides welcomed deeper collaboration, including potential Singaporean investment in Jakarta's infrastructure projects.

Seven Kiosks at Tulikup Market in Gianyar, Bali, Destroyed by Fire

A fire destroyed seven grocery and basic goods kiosks at the Tulikup Market complex in Gianyar Regency, Bali, on Wednesday afternoon. No casualties were reported, but material losses are estimated at around Rp 300 million. Authorities suspect an electrical short circuit caused the blaze and are conducting further investigations.

DPR Urges National Police to Reinstate Patrol Funds to Prevent Officers from 'Begging'

A member of Indonesia's House of Representatives (DPR) has called on the National Police to restore operational patrol and community policing funds. The legislator argued that the absence of these funds forces officers to seek money improperly while on duty, undermining public trust and professionalism.

Prabowo Summons Ministers and DPR Members to Hambalang: What's on the Agenda?

President Prabowo Subianto convened a meeting at his Hambalang residence with ministers and members of the House of Representatives (DPR) to evaluate the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage. The agenda also included a limited cabinet meeting on human resource development and critical mineral cooperation. The President additionally addressed the recent earthquake in Palu and extended Islamic New Year greetings.

Minister Ara: Sumatra Flood Victim Housing and Relocation Not Yet in 2027 Budget Ceiling

Minister of Housing and Settlement Areas Maruarar Sirait has revealed that the indicative budget ceiling for 2027 does not yet cover the relocation and renovation of homes for flood victims in Sumatra. The current ceiling of Rp9.913 trillion falls significantly short of the ministry's estimated requirement of Rp106 trillion to meet national housing targets. The minister is seeking parliamentary support for an additional Rp96.09 trillion to fund priority programmes, including disaster relocation in West Sumatra, North Sumatra, and Aceh.

STIK Professor on Police Officers with Doctorates: There Are 200, and Their Degrees Are Genuine

A senior professor at the Police Education and Training Institute (Lemdiklat Polri) has confirmed that around 200 Indonesian police officers hold genuine doctoral degrees. He argued that advanced education should foster greater public sensitivity, moving away from heavy-handed crowd control tactics. The STIK chairman also emphasised the institution's commitment to producing graduates with strong ethics, logic, and social awareness.

Prabowo Summons Hajj Minister and Deputy to Hambalang

President Prabowo Subianto has summoned the Minister and Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah to his private residence in Hambalang to discuss improvements to the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage. The Deputy Minister indicated that a report containing 20 points of reform, including health services for pilgrims, would be presented. The meeting underscores the President's direct attention to enhancing the quality of services for Indonesian pilgrims.

Jakarta Provincial Government Opens 2,843 Vacancies in Labour-Intensive Programme

The Jakarta Provincial Government has launched a labour-intensive programme offering 2,843 short-term jobs across various public service sectors in 2026. Participants will receive wages equivalent to the provincial minimum wage of approximately Rp5.7 million per month, with the scheme designed as a social safety net amid growing economic pressures. The initiative aims to reduce unemployment and stimulate economic turnover at the neighbourhood level.

National Police Propose Rp 66.1 Trillion Budget Top-Up for 2027, Outline Allocations

The Indonesian National Police (Polri) has requested an additional budget of Rp 66.1 trillion for the 2027 fiscal year, citing a significant shortfall from its indicative ceiling of Rp 118 trillion against an ideal requirement of Rp 184 trillion. The proposed top-up, submitted to the Ministry of Finance and Bappenas, is driven by rising fuel prices, a weakening rupiah, and unmet operational needs. The extra funds are earmarked for personnel expenditure, operational goods, and capital investments including electric service vehicles, new police facilities, and preparations for the 2029 general election security.

TNI Foils Smuggling of 21.4 kg of Methamphetamine from Malaysia

Indonesian Army personnel from the Yonarhanud 1/PBC/1 Kostrad border security task force intercepted 21.4 kilograms of methamphetamine being smuggled from Malaysia via Entikong, West Kalimantan. A Malaysian national was arrested after a tip-off from local residents, with the drugs concealed in Chinese tea packaging. The seizure brings the task force's total narcotics interdiction to 167 kg of methamphetamine, 12 kg of marijuana, and 1,700 ecstasy pills as of mid-June 2026.

Still Short, Social Affairs Minister Gus Ipul to Recruit 5,000 New Teachers for Sekolah Rakyat

Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf has announced plans to recruit over 5,000 new teachers and education staff for the government's Sekolah Rakyat programme. The move addresses reported teacher shortages at several locations, though existing staff have so far managed to cover the gaps. The recruitment drive aims to strengthen human resources ahead of the 2026-2027 academic year, when student numbers are expected to rise significantly.

Jakarta Council Questions Lack of New Cemeteries Amid Park Construction Boom

A Jakarta councillor has criticised the provincial government for prioritising the construction of new parks while neglecting the urgent need for additional burial grounds. Despite acknowledging the aesthetic improvements from new green spaces, the councillor warned that residents face a growing crisis in finding burial plots. The Parks and Forestry Agency confirmed only one new cemetery was built in 2025, relying instead on clearing illegal structures to expand existing sites.

Gus Salam Considered Worthy to Become PBNU Chairman, Here's Why

Ahead of Nahdlatul Ulama's 35th Congress, KH Abdussalam Shohib, known as Gus Salam, is gaining support as a candidate for chairman. Participants in a leadership training course praised his discipline, openness, and inspirational leadership. He has pledged to promote economic independence within NU's pesantren and community if elected.

Customs and Barantin Launch SSM QC Service at Cikarang Dry Port to Strengthen Export-Import Services

Indonesia's Customs and Excise Directorate and the National Quarantine Agency (Barantin) have jointly launched the Single Submission Quarantine and Customs (SSM QC) service at Cikarang Dry Port. The initiative aims to streamline export-import business processes by integrating customs and quarantine services into a single electronic system. The move is expected to enhance efficiency, reduce duplication, and provide greater certainty for businesses within the National Logistics Ecosystem.

KPK targets anti-corruption e-learning for 6.7 million civil servants

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) aims to deliver an integrity-focused e-learning programme to all 6.7 million civil servants (ASN) to strengthen anti-corruption culture within the bureaucracy. The programme, launched in collaboration with the National Institute of Public Administration (LAN), will be rolled out gradually due to varying digital readiness across ministries and local governments. Officials hope to accelerate the 2029 completion target through inter-agency collaboration.

PDIP Denies Links to Former UGM BEM Chair Tiyo, Said Abdullah: 'Completely Illogical'

The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) has firmly denied any connection to activist and former UGM student council chairman Tiyo Ardianto. Senior party official Said Abdullah dismissed the allegations as nonsensical and reiterated that the party, under the directive of Chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri, has no involvement in recent student or public demonstrations. He cautioned the public against interpreting the presence of individuals close to the party as official PDIP participation.

Luhut Confident Digital Ecosystem Can Prevent Budget Leakages Worth Thousands of Trillion Rupiah

Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, head of the government's digital transformation committee, has stated that expanding digital ecosystems like the Simbara mineral and coal monitoring system could save the state thousands of trillion rupiah by closing corruption loopholes. He also highlighted the rapid progress of the digital social protection portal, which has slashed registration times from 200 days to mere minutes and reduced costs for citizens. The initiatives, built on Digital Public Infrastructure, are being piloted in 42 regencies and cities with a target for national expansion by October 2026.

Russian Artist Who Satirised Putin Shot Dead in Poland

A Russian satirical artist known for provocative caricatures of President Vladimir Putin has been shot dead in eastern Poland. Two Belarusian nationals have been arrested in connection with the murder, which Polish officials say involved the victim being shot multiple times at close range. The killing adds a violent international dimension to artistic dissent against the Kremlin.

Coalition of Students Stages Protest Outside Surabaya's Grahadi Building

Thousands of university students from across Surabaya demonstrated outside the Grahadi State Building, demanding the government halt the Free Nutritious Meals programme and the Red and White Village Cooperatives scheme. The protesters also called for the revocation of the Police and Military Laws, accusing the administration of undermining democracy and misusing the armed forces. A total of 16 demands were presented, including calls for anti-corruption reforms, protection of press freedom, and a full evaluation of the Prabowo-Gibran government's performance.

Rismon on Jokowi's Authentic Diploma Book: My Moral Obligation

Rismon Hasiholan Sianipar has authored a new book authenticating former President Joko Widodo's diploma, reversing his previous claims of forgery. He describes the work as a moral obligation and a purely scientific study, unaffiliated with any political interests. Jokowi reportedly welcomed the book and suggested it be distributed to universities, with the first review planned at Gadjah Mada University.

Fadli Zon Defends Prabowo's Overseas Trips: Results Are Effective and Efficient

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon has defended President Prabowo Subianto's numerous overseas working visits, asserting they are highly effective and efficient. He cited a five-minute meeting with the Emir of Qatar that secured a $4 billion investment commitment as evidence of Prabowo's decisive diplomacy. Zon also dismissed criticism that the President merely enjoys travelling abroad, noting his extensive international upbringing.

Firdaus Oiwobo Reports Former UGM Student Body Chairman Tiyo Ardianto to Police

Lawyer Firdaus Oiwobo has filed a police report against Tiyo Ardianto, the former chairman of Gadjah Mada University's student executive body. The South Tangerang Metro Police have confirmed receipt of the report and are currently investigating the matter. The specific nature of the allegation has not yet been disclosed as inquiries continue.

Deputy Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Inaugurates 107 Officials to Strengthen Organisational Performance and Governance

Deputy Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Yuliot Tanjung inaugurated 107 administrator and supervisory officials in Jakarta, aiming to enhance organisational performance and good governance. The rotation and refreshment are intended to enrich technical experience and ensure the continuity of leadership within the ministry. The new officials were urged to uphold integrity, discipline, and the core values of public service free from corruption.

Pertamax Fuel Price Confirmed Able to Fall Again, Here Are the Conditions

The Indonesian government has confirmed that the price of non-subsidised RON 92 Pertamax fuel could decrease again if global oil prices fall. The pricing follows a market mechanism, and the government previously delayed price hikes since April to maintain economic stability and purchasing power. Subsidised fuels like Pertalite and diesel remain unchanged to protect vulnerable communities.

Eligible Professors and National Competitiveness Amidst the Nation

New stringent regulations for professorship in Indonesia have led to a surge in 'Eligible Professors'—academics who meet most criteria but lack specific high-impact journal publications. This pool, now double the number of definitive professors, highlights a bottleneck as the country's professor ratio remains low at 3% compared to 10-15% in developed nations. The challenge is finding a solution to accommodate these eligible academics, especially those nearing retirement, amidst government efficiency policies.

ORI: Drafting of Sharia Economy Bill Must Prioritise Public Protection

The Indonesian Ombudsman (ORI) has urged lawmakers to embed robust public protection mechanisms within the draft Sharia Economy Bill. The body stressed that sharia banking, business, and strategic sectors fall under public service law, requiring transparent, non-discriminatory, and accountable standards. It also called for an integrated institutional framework to ensure the ecosystem develops fairly and benefits the wider community.

KPK examines PBNU Treasurer as witness in hajj quota corruption case

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has questioned Mohammad Nuruzzaman, Treasurer of the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board, as a witness in the ongoing investigation into alleged corruption in the 2023-2024 hajj quota allocation. Nuruzzaman was examined in his capacity as a former special staff member to ex-Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, who is a named suspect in the case. The investigation has so far resulted in four suspects, including the former minister and two travel industry figures.

Jakarta Government Reveals New Illegal Levy Scheme in Burials, Involving Local RT and RW Officials

The Jakarta Parks and Urban Forest Agency has uncovered a new form of illegal levy in the city's free burial service, now perpetrated by unscrupulous neighbourhood (RT) and community (RW) officials rather than cemetery staff. The agency acknowledged that while internal corruption has been curbed, external actors are exploiting grieving families by demanding payments during the burial process. Lawmakers have urged the administration to end the practice, emphasising that public cemetery services are officially free of charge.

Purbaya Courts Chinese Investors Ahead of Panda Bond Issuance

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa visited Beijing to discuss Indonesia's planned issuance of sovereign Panda Bonds, a strategic move to diversify funding sources and deepen financial cooperation with China. The yuan-denominated bonds are intended to support the use of local currencies in bilateral transactions, despite recent market pressures on the rupiah and stock index. Purbaya emphasised that Indonesia's solid economic fundamentals, including manageable debt and fiscal discipline, position the country for confident and mutually beneficial partnerships.

Village Officials Pledge Support for Free Nutritious Meals and Village Cooperatives Before Minister Yandri

The Indonesian Village Officials Association (PPDI) has formally endorsed President Prabowo's flagship programmes, including the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) and the Merah Putih Village Cooperatives. Minister of Villages Yandri Susanto welcomed the support, emphasising that any implementation shortcomings should be addressed through improved governance rather than scrapping the initiatives. The minister also announced the issuance of a new government regulation ensuring timely salary transfers for village officials.

Indonesian Air Force Upgrades Three Air Bases from Type C to Type B

The Indonesian Air Force has elevated the status of three air bases in Tasikmalaya, Lampung, and Timika to enhance national air defence operations. The upgrade is deemed a strategic move to bolster support for military tasks, humanitarian aid, and disaster response. The bases will see increased capacity and combat support facilities to maximise operational effectiveness.

Making Indonesia the world's gold vault

As global central banks diversify gold storage away from traditional hubs like New York and London, Indonesia has a strategic opportunity to become a trusted international custodian. Despite being a top gold producer with a stable, trillion-dollar economy, the country currently lacks the financial ecosystem to capture the value-added benefits of gold storage and trade. Establishing itself as a gold vault could yield significant reputational gains, reflecting international confidence in its institutional quality and political stability.

Pradi Supriatna: 'Compact, Move, Impact' Becomes the Spirit of Muharram 1448 H

West Java DPRD member Pradi Supriatna has called for the Islamic New Year 1448 H to be a moment of reflection and collective action. He emphasised that the spirit of 'hijrah' should translate into tangible social solidarity, strengthening national unity and support for vulnerable groups. The former Deputy Mayor of Depok urged the people of West Java to embrace the motto 'Compact, Move, Impact' to foster togetherness and deliver real benefits to the community.

Police to conduct psychiatric evaluation on man who sexually abused pet dog in North Jakarta

Jakarta police are arranging a psychiatric assessment for a 24-year-old man caught sexually abusing a dog at a pet café in Penjaringan. The individual, currently a witness, was reported under Indonesia's new criminal code for animal cruelty, which carries a maximum one-year prison sentence. Authorities have secured video evidence, the suspect's mobile phone, and a veterinary visum report as the investigation continues.

Coal price for June period II set at 123.91 US dollars per tonne

Indonesia's coal benchmark price (HBA) for the second period of June 2026 has risen to USD 123.91 per tonne, up from USD 121.83 in the first period. The government is also considering a measured relaxation of coal production quotas to capitalise on favourable pricing, though the exact quota has yet to be determined.

House Receives Problem Inventory List for Cooperatives Bill

The Indonesian government has submitted its Problem Inventory List (DIM) for the Cooperatives Bill to the House of Representatives, targeting completion this year. Key proposals include establishing a Cooperatives Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS Koperasi) and incorporating the development of the 'Red and White Cooperatives' programme. The revision aims to modernise the 34-year-old law, restore public trust after past defaults, and strengthen cooperatives as pillars of the national economy.

Minister: 40-year subsidised mortgage tenor to ease public burden

Housing Minister Maruarar Sirait has confirmed that a new 40-year mortgage tenor for subsidised housing will proceed as directed by President Prabowo, aiming to lower monthly instalments for low-income families. The scheme is currently under review by the Tapera committee, involving the finance and manpower ministers as well as the Financial Services Authority. The government expects the regulation to be finalised this year, while emphasising that the extended tenor will remain optional alongside existing 10-, 20-, and 30-year choices.

Dharma Pongrekun Revises 85 Percent of Health Law Challenge on Outbreaks

Retired police general Dharma Pongrekun has substantially revised his constitutional challenge against Indonesia's Health Law, altering around 85 percent of the petition's substance. The revision, presented to the Constitutional Court, sharpens the argument to focus on the lack of adequate parameters for ministerial authority in declaring extraordinary events. The petitioner now seeks a ruling that such ministerial criteria must be based on strong scientific evidence and be objective, measurable, and verifiable.

Safety Standards Remain a Challenge for Electric Motorcycle Manufacturers

Indonesia's push to accelerate electric motorcycle adoption through incentives has exposed a critical gap in safety standardisation. While the market already hosts 58 brands with varying battery specifications, the government is still studying mandatory safety standards for crucial components like batteries and braking systems. Consumer groups and industry bodies are urging the government to treat safety standards as a primary requirement rather than an optional feature before the market expands further.

US Refuses Israel Access to Draft US-Iran MoU Ahead of Signing

The United States has reportedly denied Israel's request to review a draft memorandum of understanding with Iran before its scheduled signing in Switzerland, deepening a rift between the allies. The MoU, already signed electronically by senior US and Iranian figures, reportedly includes a permanent cessation of hostilities and the lifting of a naval blockade in exchange for Iran's pledge not to pursue nuclear weapons. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel is not a signatory and is not bound by the agreement.

Lanal Palu Deploys Task Force and Builds Emergency Post in Sigi Following Earthquake

The Indonesian Navy's Palu Base (Lanal Palu) has rapidly deployed a disaster response task force to Sigi Biromaru district in Central Sulawesi after a magnitude 6.7 earthquake struck the area. The team has established emergency tents, provided health services, and supplied clean water to affected residents. The operation reflects the Navy's commitment to being a frontline solution during community hardships.

Agreed Revisions to the Andaman Block Gas PoD

The Aceh provincial government and SKK Migas have agreed to revise the Plan of Development for the Tengkulo gas discovery in the South Andaman Block. Aceh is pushing for onshore processing at the KEK Arun facility in Lhokseumawe instead of the central government's floating production (FPSO) scheme. The province argues that onshore processing will deliver greater economic benefits, including revitalising local fertiliser and petrochemical industries and creating more jobs.