Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 17 June 2026

Showing 1,201-1,250 of 1,429 articles

Banser Readies for NU Conference, Gus Ipul: From Ulama for the Nation

Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Secretary-General Saifullah Yusuf, known as Gus Ipul, led a readiness parade for the Banser multipurpose force ahead of the 2026 NU National Conference of Alim Ulama and Grand Conference in Kediri. He emphasised that Banser, alongside internal pesantren security, will play a crucial role in securing the strategic forum. Gus Ipul highlighted Banser's historic duty in safeguarding both the ulama and the nation.

After Buying Back Rp237.61 Billion in Shares, Indonesian Issuer Ends Buyback

PT Merdeka Battery Materials Tbk. (MBMA) has concluded its share buyback programme, having repurchased 492.68 million shares for a total of Rp237.61 billion. The buyback, initiated during a period of significant market fluctuation, fell short of the maximum Rp1.7 trillion allocation. The nickel mining issuer's shares rose 6.86% in early trading following the announcement.

UGM Discussion Disrupted, Qodari: Democracy Requires Dialogue

A government official has stressed the importance of dialogue in a democracy after a discussion at Gadjah Mada University was disrupted by protesting students. Muhammad Qodari, head of the Government Communication Body, argued that demands to halt the free nutritious meal programme are undemocratic as the policy was a key election mandate. He called for constructive feedback on implementation rather than categorical rejection of the president's campaign promises.

Cirebon Deputy Speaker Nana Apologises for 'Chubby' Comment

Nana Kencanawati, Deputy Speaker of the Cirebon Regency DPRD, has publicly apologised after a body-shaming comment she made on social media went viral. The Gerindra Party politician admitted her remark towards a woman protesting a government programme was inappropriate and did not reflect the conduct expected of a public official. The incident has sparked widespread criticism and led Nana to make her social media accounts private.

Start-up cases test line between failed bets and criminal acts

Corruption charges against executives at state-owned venture capital firms BRI Ventures and MDI Ventures over a US$25 million investment in agritech start-up TaniHub are testing the legal boundaries of business failure. The case raises concerns about whether investment decisions should be judged on outcomes or on their reasonableness at the time they were made. Prosecutors allege procedural irregularities and inadequate due diligence, with state losses estimated at $5 million, and a verdict is expected from the Central Jakarta District Court.

Scientific Research Concludes, Yet 'Fire House' Phenomenon in Seyegan, Sleman Remains a Mystery

Investigations by Gadjah Mada University and UPN 'Veteran' Yogyakarta into the mysterious recurring fires at a resident's home in Seyegan, Sleman, have concluded without finding a natural cause. The research ruled out natural gas seepage, thermal anomalies, and self-ignition, while police are now gathering facts to determine if there was any deliberate human element. The unexplained phenomenon, which saw multiple household items spontaneously ignite daily, continues to baffle authorities.

OMO-X Begins First Global Deliveries, Bringing Motorcycles into the 3.0 Era

OMOWAY has commenced global deliveries of its OMO-X smart motorcycle, starting in Indonesia with over 100 pioneer users. The launch marks a shift towards intelligent two-wheeled mobility, integrating advanced robotics and connectivity. The company projects pre-orders will surpass 10,000 units soon, positioning Indonesia as a strategic launchpad for expansion into Southeast Asia and Europe.

Three Student Executive Bodies Deny Joining 'BEM Fakultas Bersatu' Press Conference, Claim Attendees Were Not Organisational Representatives

Three university student executive bodies (BEM) have publicly denied involvement with a group calling itself 'BEM Fakultas Bersatu' that held a press conference rejecting recent student protests as politically motivated. The organisations clarified they never authorised any individual to represent them at the event, with one also refuting the identity of a named attendee. The controversy follows the group's allegations linking a former UGM student leader to a retired military figure.

Banten Customs Tightens Surveillance on Illegal Cigarette Shipments

The Banten Regional Customs Office has intensified its crackdown on illegal cigarette distribution by inspecting courier companies during Operation Gurita. The initiative aims to prevent the circulation of untaxed or improperly stamped tobacco products through parcel delivery channels. Officials also provided education to businesses and the public to promote compliance with excise regulations.

East Jakarta Firefighters Evacuate 120 kg Body from Second Floor of House

East Jakarta firefighters successfully evacuated the body of a resident weighing 120 kg from the second floor of a house in Pulogadung. The operation, which took 57 minutes, was requested due to the narrow access and difficulty of moving the deceased for funeral preparations. Officials highlighted the humanitarian role of the fire service beyond firefighting.

Bareskrim detains two new suspects in illegal gold mining case

The Indonesian National Police's Criminal Investigation Unit (Bareskrim) has detained two directors of PT SJU as new suspects in an illegal gold mining and money laundering network. The suspects, identified as DHB and VC, were taken into custody after failing to attend an initial summons. The investigation is expanding to trace assets with the help of the financial intelligence unit PPATK.

Elza Syarief Suspects Sony Sonjaya Is Still Concealing Information

Lawyer Elza Syarief alleges that former BGN deputy chief Sony Sonjaya is withholding information in the corruption case surrounding the free nutritious meal programme. She claims her access to Sony was obstructed by his brother and another lawyer, suggesting they feared full disclosure. Syarief believes this lack of transparency will hinder Sony's bid to become a justice collaborator, especially given evidence of regular payments he received from a co-defendant.

Fictitious Hajj Substitution Scams Cost Victims Hundreds of Millions, Komnas Haji Cites Weak Regulations

Indonesia's National Hajj Commission (Komnas Haji) has called for stricter regulations governing paid Hajj substitution services (badal haji) after a series of fraud cases. The commission argues that current practices, often relying solely on photos and certificates as proof, are insufficient and vulnerable to forgery. This follows the recent arrest of a Saudi-based resident accused of embezzling Rp306.8 million from Indonesian pilgrims through fictitious badal and sacrificial animal schemes.

Stuck at Floor Price for Over a Month, GoTo Plans Rp3.5 Trillion Buyback

PT GoTo Gojek Tokopedia Tbk. (GOTO) has announced a share buyback plan worth up to Rp3.5 trillion, funded entirely from internal cash reserves. The move comes as the company's stock has been stagnant at Rp50 per share for over a month, with management hoping the buyback will better reflect the firm's fundamental value. Shareholder approval will be sought at an extraordinary general meeting scheduled for 18 June 2026.

Jakarta Governor Explores Strategic Partnership with Singapore

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung met with Singaporean ministers to strengthen bilateral cooperation in investment, urban development, and public transport. The discussions aim to accelerate Jakarta's transformation into a global city ahead of its 500th anniversary. Singapore welcomed the initiative, highlighting strong existing ties and potential for collaboration in urban governance and sustainability.

Neglected on Earth, Why Is This Type of Human So Famous in Heaven?

This article explores the Islamic teaching that worldly status and divine recognition are often inversely related. It recounts the Quranic revelation of Surah Al-An'am verse 52, which admonished even the Prophet Muhammad against dismissing poor but devout followers to appease arrogant Quraysh elites. The piece argues that true value lies in the heart's devotion to God, not in wealth or social standing.

Cathay United Bank's Ho Chi Minh City Branch Wins The Asian Banker Award for Consumer Lending Technology

Cathay United Bank's Ho Chi Minh City branch has been named 'Best Consumer Lending Technology in Vietnam' at The Asian Banker Financial Technology Innovation Vietnam Awards 2026. The accolade recognises the bank's digital loan service via its CUB Vietnam app, which offers a revolving credit line of up to VND 40 million with approvals possible in around five minutes. The award underscores the bank's growing digital footprint in Vietnam, where it has also been honoured for sustainable infrastructure financing.

Everest Medicines Enters into Exclusive Licensing Agreement with Dimerix for DMX-200 in Greater China, South Korea and Southeast Asia

Everest Medicines has secured exclusive rights to Dimerix's kidney disease drug DMX-200 across Greater China, South Korea and Southeast Asia, paying up to US$340 million in upfront and milestone payments plus royalties. The deal strengthens Everest's nephrology portfolio, targeting a significant unmet need for FSGS treatment in China, where an estimated 500,000 to 1 million patients are affected. This collaboration is viewed as a strategic move to expand Everest's commercial footprint and innovative drug pipeline across the Asia-Pacific region.

Government to Use School Holidays for Free Meal Programme Evaluation and Overhaul

The Indonesian government will utilise the extended school holiday period to conduct a comprehensive evaluation and restructuring of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme's service units (SPPG). The assessment will lead to a grading system for kitchens, with higher-rated units receiving greater incentives, while underperforming or non-compliant kitchens face closure.

Viral: Cirebon Deputy Speaker's Social Media Account Comments on 'Fat' Resident

Nana Kencanawati, Deputy Speaker of the Cirebon Regency DPRD from the Gerindra Party, has faced public backlash after a body-shaming comment appeared on her Instagram account targeting a woman protesting the Free Nutritious Meals programme. Nana claimed the comment was made spontaneously by a member of her social media team and has since issued a public apology. The incident has sparked controversy given her position as a public official in the party led by President Prabowo Subianto.

Gibran Advises Students to Use AI as a Tool, Not a Shortcut

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka urged Indonesian students to use artificial intelligence to enhance learning rather than as a shortcut that fosters laziness. He also called on teachers to leverage AI for administrative tasks to free up time for character building and reminded parents to stay informed about their children's digital activities.

Baby Has Fever After Immunisation? Here's How to Handle It Properly

Fever in infants following immunisation is a common and normal reaction indicating the body is building protection. Most cases can be managed at home with simple measures such as ensuring adequate fluid intake and dressing the baby in light clothing. Parents are advised to seek medical attention if the fever occurs in babies under three months, exceeds 40 degrees Celsius, or lasts more than three days.

Ministry Allocates Rp 5.2 Trillion to Build Nearly One Million Household Gas Connections in 2027

Indonesia's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has earmarked Rp 5.2 trillion for the 2027 fiscal year to expand household natural gas networks, targeting 959,232 new connections. The funding is part of a broader Rp 27.33 trillion indicative budget, with the government accelerating the shift from imported LPG to domestic natural gas to improve economic efficiency. Officials claim using piped gas can be up to 40 percent cheaper than subsidised LPG cylinders.

MBG Kitchen Governance to Be Completely Overhauled, Bakom: Focus on Quality, Not Quantity

The Indonesian government is overhauling the management of its Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme, prioritising service quality over expansion. A moratorium on new kitchen construction has been imposed, and a grading system will be introduced to link incentives to performance. The reforms aim to strengthen operational standards across the existing 28,000 service units that currently reach 63 million beneficiaries.

6 Facts About the M 6.7 Earthquake in Central Sulawesi

A shallow, destructive magnitude 6.7 earthquake struck Central Sulawesi on 16 June 2026, causing significant damage to homes, public facilities, and infrastructure. Experts highlight the quake's complex tectonic setting involving multiple active faults and a normal fault mechanism that amplified ground shaking. Authorities confirmed no tsunami threat despite a minor rise in sea level at one port.

Indonesia Raises Fuel Prices, but Neighbours Face Even Steeper Costs

Indonesia has increased prices for non-subsidised petrol, with Pertamax rising to Rp16,250 per litre, while subsidised fuels remain unchanged. The adjustment follows a regional trend driven by global crude oil spikes from Middle East tensions. A comparison reveals that fuel prices in neighbouring countries like Singapore and Laos are significantly higher, with Singapore's petrol averaging Rp42,971 per litre.

Indonesian Women's Alliance to Stage Protest Against Free Nutritious Meals Programme Tomorrow

The Indonesian Women's Alliance plans a symbolic street protest in Jakarta on Thursday, demanding lower staple food prices, a temporary halt to President Prabowo's flagship free nutritious meals programme (MBG) for a comprehensive audit, and the fulfilment of job creation promises amid rising layoffs.

Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Strengthens Children's Role Through National Children's Forum Workshop

The Indonesian Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection is enhancing children's participation in development through the 2026 National Children's Forum Workshop. The initiative aims to build children's capacity as pioneers and reporters, ensuring their voices are considered in policy-making. The workshop also seeks to instil character values, nationalism, and diversity while supporting the formulation of the 2026 Suara Anak Indonesia report.

Duco Painter Who Extorted Billboard Workers in Central Jakarta Tests Positive for Drugs

A duco painter arrested for allegedly extorting billboard workers in Senen, Central Jakarta, has tested positive for methamphetamine. Police apprehended the 43-year-old suspect at his home after a viral video showed him demanding money from workers changing a Pegadaian banner. Authorities are urging the public to report any criminal or thuggish behaviour to ensure community safety.

This Indonesian Minister Owned No House and Lived in Poverty Despite Leading Mega-Projects

Sutami, who served as Indonesia's Minister of Public Works for 14 years across eight cabinets during the New Order era, consistently refused to enrich himself despite overseeing massive infrastructure budgets. He chose a life of extreme simplicity, earning the nickname 'the poorest minister', because he believed officials should not live luxuriously while many citizens suffered. His legacy includes vital projects like the Jagorawi Toll Road and Semanggi Bridge, yet he died without owning a home and once had his electricity cut off for non-payment.

Residents Demand Halt to Plan to Maximise RDF Rorotan Capacity

Residents of Cakung Timur, East Jakarta, are demanding the cancellation of plans to boost the RDF Rorotan waste processing plant's capacity to 2,500 tonnes per day, citing environmental and health concerns. A community representative argues the plant should honour prior agreements and that the focus should be on ensuring waste is sorted at the source rather than expanding capacity. The local council's special committee had previously highlighted infrastructure constraints hindering the plant's optimisation.

M6.7 Palu Earthquake Reveals Complexity of Active Faults in Palu-Sigi

A magnitude 6.7 earthquake that struck Palu and Sigi in Central Sulawesi has highlighted the region's complex active fault system. According to an Indonesian disaster expert, the shallow depth, soft sediment amplification, and interaction of multiple fault lines contributed to the strong shaking and structural damage. The event underscores the persistent seismic threat in the area, with historical records showing a pattern of significant earthquakes.

Chinese Airline Spring Airlines to Launch New Routes to Jakarta

Spring Airlines will commence flights from Guangzhou and Shenzhen to Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in June 2026, marking a strategic expansion of air connectivity between Indonesia and China. The new routes are expected to boost tourism, trade, and investment, while reinforcing the airport's status as Indonesia's primary international hub. The move follows a similar expansion by South Korea's T'way Air, signalling growing global airline confidence in the Indonesian market.

Myanmar-Thailand border reopens, trade recovery expected

The reopening of the Myawaddy-Mae Sot border crossing between Myanmar and Thailand after a nine-month closure is expected to boost trade. However, recovery faces hurdles due to Myanmar's import licensing and foreign exchange regulations. Thailand's Foreign Trade Department plans to negotiate relaxations of these restrictions at an upcoming Joint Trade Council meeting.

DKI Jakarta Provincial Government to Hold Grand Haul for Betawi Ulama and Habaib

The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government will host a Grand Haul for Betawi ulama and habaib as part of the city's 499th anniversary celebrations in 2026. The event aims to honour the religious leaders' contributions to education and social development while promoting religious harmony amid diversity. Activities include mosque clean-ups, pilgrimages to 176 documented scholars' graves, a mass Qur'an recitation, and a main ceremony at Monas expected to draw 20,000 attendees.

BMW Revises 2026 Business Targets Amid Middle East Crisis and Sluggish Chinese Market

German premium carmaker BMW AG has slashed its 2026 performance projections, citing prolonged Middle East conflict and a weakening Chinese automotive market. The company now expects vehicle sales to decline and has revised its automotive division's operating margin target down to just 1-3 per cent. The downgrade signals broader challenges for the global automotive industry, including geopolitical instability and dampened consumer confidence.

Constitutional Court Witness Reveals Teachers Paid Rp 50,000 Per Month

A witness at Indonesia's Constitutional Court has revealed that some teachers receive as little as Rp 50,000 per month, highlighting a severe decline in educator welfare. The testimony, part of a judicial review of the 2026 state budget, alleges that the government's free nutritious meal programme has diverted funds from teacher salaries and led to mass dismissals. The case underscores growing tensions between flagship social programmes and the constitutional mandate to prioritise education spending.

UGM Discussion Stormed, Qodari: Democracy Requires Dialogue, Without It Becomes 'My Way or the Highway'

Head of the Government Communication Body Muhammad Qodari has stressed that dialogue is essential in a democracy, responding to the disruption of a discussion at Gadjah Mada University by students protesting government officials. Qodari argued that demands without dialogue are undemocratic and reaffirmed the government's commitment to its priority programmes, including the Free Nutritious Meals initiative. He stated that the programme, a key mandate from President Prabowo Subianto's election victory, cannot simply be halted on demand.

Motorcycle Robbers in Cileungsi Claim Proceeds Were for Wife

Police in Bogor have arrested two suspected motorcycle thieves who targeted a student in Cileungsi. The suspects claimed they intended to pawn the stolen vehicle and hand the money over to one of their wives. Initial investigations also revealed the perpetrators were users of the restricted drug Tramadol.

Rupiah and Won Fall as Yen and Singapore Dollar Kick the Dollar in Asia

Most Asian currencies weakened against the US dollar on Wednesday, with the South Korean won leading losses amid cautious market sentiment. The Indonesian rupiah also depreciated, while the Japanese yen and Singapore dollar managed to strengthen. Investors are weighing the potential US-Iran peace deal against President Trump's warning of renewed military action if nuclear terms are not finalised.

Red Bird's Eye Chilli Price Hits Rp73,000 on 17 June 2026

The price of red bird's eye chilli in Indonesia has surged to Rp73,000 per kilogram, according to the National Strategic Food Price Information Centre. Other horticultural commodities such as shallots and garlic also recorded high prices, while staple food prices varied. The data serves as a key reference for monitoring domestic food price fluctuations and anticipating food inflation.

Rupiah Opens Slightly Weaker at Rp17,738 per US Dollar on 17 June 2026

The Indonesian rupiah opened marginally weaker against the US dollar on Wednesday morning, edging down 13 points to Rp17,738. The slight depreciation reflects short-term pressure as market participants adopt a cautious stance ahead of US economic data releases and Federal Reserve policy signals. Bank Indonesia is expected to intervene to prevent further depreciation amid global uncertainty.

Cabinet Secretary Teddy Discusses PM Modi's Planned Visit to Indonesia with Indian Ambassador

Indonesian Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya met with Indian Ambassador Sandeep Chakravorty to discuss bilateral cooperation and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's planned visit to Indonesia in mid-2026. The visit is expected to strengthen the 76-year partnership and reciprocate President Prabowo Subianto's state visit to India in January 2025. The ambassador also highlighted the presence of over 150,000 Indian diaspora members residing in Indonesia.

Bareskrim Detains Two Suspects in Illegal Gold Mining Case

Indonesia's Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) has detained two directors of PT Simba Jaya Utama for their alleged involvement in illegal gold mining and money laundering. The suspects, identified as DHB and VC, were taken into custody after failing to appear for an initial summons. Authorities are coordinating with the financial intelligence unit PPATK to trace asset flows linked to the illicit operation.

BGN Reforms Free Nutritious Meals Programme: Scraps Rp6 Million Incentive, Bans Staff from Owning SPPG

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) is overhauling its Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme by eliminating the flat Rp6 million daily incentive for service units and tying future payments to the actual number of beneficiaries served. The agency has also prohibited its employees from owning or managing nutrition fulfilment service units (SPPG) to prevent conflicts of interest. These reforms aim to sharpen the programme's targeting and ensure government nutrition interventions reach those most in need.

Pertamina Fuel Prices June 2026: Pertamax Surges Sharply to Rp16,250

Pertamina has significantly raised the prices of several non-subsidised fuels effective 10 June 2026, with Pertamax RON 92 jumping from Rp12,300 to Rp16,250 per litre. The adjustments are attributed to global crude oil price fluctuations and the weakening Rupiah exchange rate. The price hikes have prompted reactions from various government officials and parliamentary commissions concerned about the impact on public services and potential consumer shifts to subsidised fuels.

Qodari on UGM Discussion: Without Dialogue, It's Just 'Whatever I Want'

Head of the Government Communication Agency (Bakom) RI, Muhammad Qodari, has stressed the importance of dialogue in a democracy following the disruption of a discussion at Gadjah Mada University. He argued that demanding the cessation of the Free Nutritious Meal programme without dialogue is undemocratic, as the policy is a mandate from the majority of voters. Qodari suggested that while political opposition to the programme is non-negotiable, technical feedback for improvement is welcome.

Execution of Hotel Sultan to Proceed Tomorrow

The execution of the court order to vacate the former Hotel Sultan in the Gelora Bung Karno complex is scheduled for tomorrow, 18 June 2026. The transition team has prepared 300 personnel to document and secure assets, citing a lack of cooperation from the current operator, PT Indobuildco. The move aims to enforce the court's ruling whilst safeguarding the company's movable property rights.

Rupiah Weakens to Rp 17,738 Amid Trump's New Import Tariff Threat on Indonesian Manufacturing

The Indonesian rupiah weakened in early spot trading on Wednesday, pressured by renewed trade war fears after the United States announced plans for new import tariffs on Indonesian manufactured goods. The proposed tariffs, which could rise to 18 percent, threaten to undermine the competitiveness of Indonesia's non-oil and gas exports to its second-largest market. Analysts warn the policy could impact factory utilisation, investment, and employment in the manufacturing sector.

IHSG Today 17 June 2026: Opens Stronger at 6,321 Level

The Jakarta Composite Index (IHSG) surged at the opening bell on Wednesday, 17 June 2026, gaining over one percent to reach 6,321.96. The sharp rise reflects strong investor optimism driven by positive domestic and global sentiment. Market participants are now watching whether the index can maintain its momentum above the psychological level of 6,300 throughout the trading session.