Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 17 June 2026

Showing 101-150 of 1,429 articles

Mardiono Seeks UAS's Guidance on State Duties and PPP's Future

Muhamad Mardiono, the Presidential Special Envoy for Food Security and Chairman of the United Development Party (PPP), visited prominent Islamic preacher Ustadz Abdul Somad (UAS) in Pekanbaru to seek counsel on his governmental responsibilities and the party's direction. The meeting underscored the PPP's commitment to its roots as a party founded by ulama and its mission to serve the community. UAS emphasised the importance of constitutional political participation for Muslims to ensure public policy reflects the people's aspirations.

Sucor AM's total assets under management reach Rp47.22 trillion in Q1 2026

PT Sucorinvest Asset Management reported assets under management of Rp47.22 trillion and over 900,000 active investors by the first quarter of 2026, driven by improved financial literacy and distribution expansion. Money market funds were key contributors amid cautious market sentiment, with the Sharia Money Market Fund proving so popular it temporarily sold out. The firm plans to strengthen its investment strategy by closely monitoring interest rates and economic policies.

BNN Requests Additional Rp5 Trillion in 2027 Budget

Indonesia's National Narcotics Agency (BNN) has proposed a budget increase of Rp5.05 trillion for 2027, raising its total to Rp6.49 trillion, citing a risk of operational paralysis under the current indicative ceiling. The additional funds, partly sourced from foreign loans, would primarily bolster eradication efforts and community empowerment programmes, including training former cannabis farmers in Aceh to cultivate coffee.

Nusa Penida Is Leveling Up As Demand From Bali Tourists Soars

Bali Governor Wayan Koster has requested an increase in cargo ferry trips to Nusa Penida to stabilise the rising cost of basic necessities driven by surging tourism demand. The initiative aims to equalise prices between the island and mainland Bali, while local authorities also plan to improve harbour facilities to better manage the influx of visitors.

West Jakarta PPSU Officers Sell Compost Fertiliser from Processed Dry Leaves

Public infrastructure workers in Jelambar, West Jakarta, are producing and selling compost made from dry leaves, turning waste into an economic opportunity. The initiative, part of a broader city-wide waste segregation programme, reduces landfill burden and provides additional income for the workers. Each bag of the organic fertiliser is sold for Rp5,000 via preorder.

Cimahi Resident Arrested After Buying Cigarettes and Coffee with Counterfeit Money, Suspect Stored Tens of Millions in Fake Notes

A 53-year-old man in Cimahi, West Java, was arrested after using counterfeit money to purchase cigarettes and coffee at a local shop. The suspect paid with a fake Rp100,000 note and received Rp60,000 in genuine change, with police later discovering he was storing tens of millions of rupiah in counterfeit currency.

Prabowo continues limited meeting with Higher Education Minister on rare earths

President Prabowo Subianto held a follow-up meeting with the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology to discuss human resource development and international cooperation regarding critical minerals. The talks focused on preparations for workforce training and updates on partnerships related to rare earth elements, which are vital for defence and electronics industries. Indonesia is actively seeking foreign investment to explore and process its rare earth mineral deposits.

PASTI Task Force Halts Operations of Universal Peak and BAFI Group Indonesia

Indonesia's PASTI Task Force has shut down the activities of Universal Peak and BAFI Group Indonesia for operating without proper licences. Universal Peak is suspected of fraudulent stock investment schemes involving fictitious IPO allocations, while BAFI Group allegedly offered illegal debt resolution services that encouraged new borrowing and deliberate defaults. The public is urged to verify licences and report any suspicious financial offerings to the authorities.

US$300 Billion Investment Fund Prepared for Iran, Half Already Committed

A US$300 billion private investment fund is being prepared as part of a framework agreement between the United States and Iran, with over half the capital reportedly already committed. The fund aims to provide economic incentives for a final deal and will focus on rebuilding Iran's energy, logistics, and transport sectors. The scheme emerged after Washington rejected Tehran's request for US$400 billion in war reparations.

AGO Seals Electric Motorcycles Linked to Free Nutritious Meal Case, Warehouse in Sentul Targeted

The Attorney General's Office has sealed a warehouse in Sentul containing electric motorcycles as part of its investigation into alleged corruption within the Free Nutritious Meal programme for 2025-2026. Investigators are currently cataloguing the vehicles rather than seizing them, with further inspections planned at other Jakarta warehouses. The case has already implicated several suspects, including former officials of the National Nutrition Agency and a private commissioner involved in the procurement.

Jakarta Tightens Supervision of Dog Meat Trade

Authorities in West Jakarta have begun enforcing a new gubernatorial regulation banning the sale and consumption of dog meat. Joint patrols conducted raids and outreach at restaurants in Cengkareng to curb the circulation of meat from rabies-transmitting animals. The move follows the issuance of Jakarta Governor Regulation No. 36 of 2025.

Indosat: AI Sovereignty Must Begin with Ecosystem Development

Indosat's Director and Chief Legal & Regulatory Officer, Reski Damayanti, argues that Indonesia's artificial intelligence sovereignty hinges on first building a robust ecosystem encompassing talent, infrastructure, and government support. She highlighted Singapore's incentive model and stressed that Indonesia must leverage its natural resources and large population to become a technology provider, not just a consumer.

Ben-Gvir Cancels 'Luxury Trip' to US Amid Reports of Visa Hurdles

Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has abruptly cancelled a planned visit to the United States after reportedly encountering obstacles during the visa application process at the US Embassy. The trip, which was to be funded by a wealthy Israeli businessman based in Miami, had already drawn sharp public criticism for potentially breaching strict Israeli regulations on privately financed ministerial travel. Neither Ben-Gvir's office nor US authorities have officially confirmed whether the cancellation is directly linked to the visa issue.

Hamas Continues Regular Consultations with Russia on Palestinian Settlement

Hamas deputy political chief Musa Abu Marzouk has confirmed the group holds routine meetings with Russia's Foreign Ministry to discuss the Palestinian issue and regional dynamics. The talks have recently covered the implementation of a US-proposed Gaza settlement plan, which Russia abstained from supporting at the UN Security Council. The ongoing dialogue underscores Moscow's role as a diplomatic channel in the conflict.

Baznas Urges Philanthropic Institutions to Adopt Adaptive Strategies for Zakat Collection

Indonesia's National Zakat Agency (Baznas) has called on philanthropic organisations to implement adaptive strategies to maintain fundraising resilience amid economic uncertainty. The agency emphasised expanding individual donor bases, strengthening corporate and professional zakat, and optimising digital channels. It also stressed the need for multiparty collaboration and a shift from purely consumptive aid towards long-term economic empowerment programmes.

Jakarta Councillor Kenneth: No Place for Bullies in the Capital

Jakarta councillor Hardiyanto Kenneth has declared that bullying in any form must not be tolerated in the capital, emphasising the city's ambition to become a global hub must include guaranteed safety for all children. He highlighted the serious mental and physical impacts of bullying, from physical violence to cyberbullying, and called for a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder approach to prevention. Kenneth urged the Jakarta provincial government to strengthen character education, reporting mechanisms, and psychological support services to create a truly child-friendly city.

Scenes at Hotel Sultan Ahead of Tomorrow's Land Execution

Hundreds of supporters gathered at Hotel Sultan in Jakarta to protest the government's planned land execution scheduled for Thursday. Workers expressed uncertainty about their employment status, while police increased security and access closures were announced for the surrounding GBK area.

Ministry urges entrepreneurs to get ID numbers to access facilitation

Indonesia's Ministry of MSMEs is urging entrepreneurs to obtain a Business Identification Number (NIB) to unlock government support, financing, and market expansion opportunities. The NIB consolidates previous licensing requirements and does not automatically impose tax obligations on small businesses with turnover below Rp500 million. With only 16 million of an estimated 56 million MSMEs registered, the ministry is developing an integrated platform to streamline services and incentivise legal registration.

Analyst says Danantara's maiden bond issuance proves investor confidence

A public policy analyst argues that the overwhelming demand for Danantara Investment Management's first international bond, which raised USD 1.5 billion, signals strong global market confidence in the institution. The order book peaked at USD 4.6 billion, and the analyst noted that investment-grade ratings from S&P and Moody's were crucial in attracting institutional investors. He stressed that the funds must now be managed with discipline and transparency to deliver tangible economic impact for Indonesia.

Rolling Blackouts Reach West Bandung, PLN Admits Load Management

Widespread power outages affected Greater Bandung and parts of East Java on Wednesday due to technical issues at power plants, forcing state utility PLN to implement limited load shedding. The disruptions, lasting up to five hours in some areas, impacted businesses and created hazardous conditions for motorists. PLN apologised and stated it is working to restore normal operations.

Bugmageddon: The Threat of Anthropic's Mythos AI and Tensions with the White House

The cybersecurity world is confronting a critical juncture dubbed 'Bugmageddon', driven by Anthropic's advanced AI model, Mythos, which has demonstrated an unprecedented ability to discover and exploit software vulnerabilities. Internal alarm was raised by Anthropic's own sceptical researcher after the AI found critical bugs in Linux, prompting the Trump administration to ban foreign access to the technology. The industry now fears the two-decade balance between cyber attackers and defenders has been shattered.

West Java Trade Surplus Driven by Five Key Export Categories in Early 2026

West Java's trade balance recorded a surplus of nearly USD 9 billion from January to April 2026, driven by exports of vehicles, machinery, textiles, footwear, and rubber goods. The provincial Industry and Trade Office is closely monitoring raw material imports, warning that prolonged import disruptions could reduce manufacturing productivity and potentially trigger layoffs. Officials also noted the sensitivity of factory output to rupiah exchange rate fluctuations.

Father in Southeast Sulawesi Rapes Toddler, Leading to Death

A three-year-old girl in Kolaka Regency, Southeast Sulawesi, died after allegedly being raped by her 22-year-old father. Police launched an investigation following the child's unnatural death at a local health centre and promptly arrested the suspect.

Government Prepares Road Test for E20 Bioethanol Petrol

Indonesia's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources is preparing a road test for petrol blended with 20% bioethanol (E20) ahead of its mandatory implementation in 2028. The government is currently focused on enforcing the E5 mandate this year, with an E10 target set for early 2027. Officials are coordinating with the automotive industry and Pertamina to ensure infrastructure readiness for the transition.

Economists Say Non-Subsidised Fuel Prices Cannot Immediately Fall Despite Global Oil Price Decline

Indonesian economists explain that domestic non-subsidised fuel prices will not drop instantly following the recent decline in global crude oil prices, as retail prices are determined by a composite of factors including regional product prices, the rupiah exchange rate, and distribution costs. They note that the current economic price for Pertamax is around Rp16,500 per litre, meaning it is still being sold below cost despite a recent hike. Experts also caution that any price reduction will be gradual and heavily dependent on geopolitical developments and the successful implementation of the US-Iran peace agreement.

House Commission XIII Approves Rp4.2 Trillion Budget for Ministry of Law in 2027

The Indonesian House of Representatives' Commission XIII has approved a total budget of Rp4.2 trillion for the Ministry of Law for the 2027 fiscal year. The approved amount includes an indicative ceiling of Rp3.4 trillion and an additional Rp837.18 billion, with a significant portion of the extra funds redirected towards legal literacy, public services, and bureaucratic reform. The ministry also secured funding for urgent office rehabilitation, particularly for its Aceh regional office damaged by a natural disaster.

KPK Raises Proposed Additional Budget for 2027 to IDR 989 Billion

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has increased its proposed additional budget for 2027 to IDR 989 billion, following strong encouragement from House of Representatives (DPR) lawmakers. Commission III members urged the KPK to request a larger sum, citing President Prabowo Subianto's statement that necessary funds would be provided. The additional budget is intended to strengthen corruption prevention efforts, including establishing regional representative offices.

Prepare for the New School Year with Peace of Mind Using BRI Multiguna

Bank BRI is promoting its BRI Multiguna loan facility as a financial solution for Indonesian families facing the dual expenses of holiday season and new school year preparations. The unsecured loan targets salaried employees with BRI payroll, offering flexible tenors of up to 15 years and a quick disbursement process. The product aims to help parents manage education costs without sacrificing family leisure activities.

Allegations of Seat Buying at Favoured Primary School Surface, Mataram Education Office Responds

The Mataram City Education Office has firmly denied allegations of seat buying and illegal levies in the 2026/2027 new student admissions process. The denial follows reports of an individual allegedly offering backdoor access to a favoured state primary school for Rp 6 million per seat. Officials have urged parents to report any such practices with complete evidence for law enforcement follow-up.

West Sumbawa Regency supports coastal community education to conserve turtles

The West Sumbawa Regency government is backing educational initiatives for coastal residents to protect turtle ecosystems, particularly at Mawil Beach. Five of the world's seven turtle species are active in the region's waters, and the conservation area is legally reinforced by a 2020 spatial planning bylaw. The deputy regent emphasised that saving turtles is a shared responsibility, noting the low survival rate of hatchlings.

Jewish Temple Ambitions at Al-Aqsa: A Threat to the Status Quo and Regional Stability

Tensions in Jerusalem are escalating as right-wing Israeli figures openly challenge the longstanding status quo at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. Provocative statements and actions, including calls to build a Jewish temple and nationalist marches, are raising fears of a new wave of violence reminiscent of the Second Intifada. The international community is urging restraint to prevent a broader humanitarian catastrophe.

Prabowo Seeks Further Reduction of Hajj Waiting Period from 26 Years

President Prabowo Subianto has urged officials to find ways to further shorten the hajj waiting period, which has recently been standardised to approximately 26 years across all Indonesian provinces. The directive was conveyed during a meeting with parliamentary leaders, who also reported on improvements to accommodation and catering services for pilgrims. Prabowo emphasised the need to maintain successful reforms while continuing to evaluate areas requiring refinement.

Avtur Distribution in Bali-Nusa Tenggara Strengthened to Support Connectivity and Tourism

PT Elnusa Petrofin and PT Pertamina Patra Niaga have commenced the Bali-Nusa Tenggara Aviation Project to bolster aviation fuel distribution in a key super-priority tourism destination. The initiative expands Elnusa Petrofin's integrated energy logistics coverage to Java, Bali, and Nusa Tenggara, reinforcing the national energy supply chain. The project emphasises operational excellence, safety culture, and reliable service to support regional economic growth and mobility.

OJK Hopes MSCI Review Will Mark Turning Point for Indonesia's Stock Exchange, Luring Back Foreign Investors

Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) is optimistic that upcoming MSCI index reviews will serve as a catalyst to attract foreign investors back to the domestic capital market. The regulator noted that a significant foreign outflow, particularly during the May 2026 MSCI rebalancing, contributed to a year-to-date net foreign outflow of Rp67.45 trillion. OJK remains hopeful that positive outcomes from the accessibility and market classification reviews will encourage selective re-entry by global investors.

US-Iran Peace Deal Could Lower Global Oil Prices

A potential peace agreement between the United States and Iran is expected to stabilise the global economy and benefit Indonesia by smoothing energy trade routes. Normalising passage through the Strait of Hormuz could boost crude oil and gas supplies, pushing down commodity prices and easing fiscal pressures on Indonesia's state budget. The improved sentiment is also anticipated to positively influence domestic capital markets.

Kodam Palaka Wira Deploys Personnel for Post-Earthquake Response in Sigi

The Indonesian Army's Kodam XXIII/Palaka Wira has deployed personnel to assist with post-earthquake recovery in Sigi Regency, Central Sulawesi. The 6.7-magnitude quake has affected over 5,700 people, with Sigi suffering the most severe damage including one fatality and extensive destruction to homes. Military personnel will support evacuation, aid distribution, and the establishment of emergency facilities.

Ministry of Higher Education and BPS Strengthen Data Integration to Expand Education Access

The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology is collaborating with Statistics Indonesia (BPS) to improve data integration, aiming to make higher education access more targeted and effective. Minister Brian Yuliarto emphasised that accurate, integrated data is crucial for formulating inclusive policies and ensuring financial aid programmes reach the intended groups. BPS has committed to providing high-quality, up-to-date statistical data to support evidence-based public policymaking in the education sector.

Disabled Coffee Vendor Joins Surabaya Protest, Decries Scarce Job Opportunities

A disabled street coffee seller named Aan addressed a student demonstration in Surabaya, criticising the government's prioritisation of the free nutritious meal programme over employment for people with disabilities. He highlighted widespread discrimination and recent layoffs affecting disabled workers, urging the government to resign if it cannot ensure public welfare. The protest, involving thousands of students from various Surabaya universities, also condemned democratic backsliding and the military's involvement in civilian programmes.

Government Relies on Land Value Capture to Pursue 8 Percent Growth

The Indonesian government is promoting the Land Value Capture (LVC) scheme as an innovative alternative to fund infrastructure development amid fiscal constraints. The Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs argues that such non-burdening, collaborative financing is essential to achieving the 2029 economic growth target of 8 percent. Success hinges on regulatory certainty, attractive incentives, and active collaboration between the government, private sector, and regional authorities.

KADIN Law Revision Seen as Momentum to Strengthen State-Business Partnership

The revision of Indonesia's Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) Law is deemed urgent to address increasingly complex economic challenges. Proposed changes aim to elevate KADIN's legal status to that of a quasi-government institution and designate it as the sole representative of the business world. The reforms seek to provide legal certainty, integrate membership with business licensing, and formalise KADIN's role in national economic policy formulation.

Valve Stem Removal Operation Targets 206 Illegally Parked Motorcycles in Kembangan SPB

Joint enforcement officers in West Jakarta removed the valve stems of 206 motorcycles found parking illegally in the Sentra Primer Barat (SPB) Kembangan area on Wednesday. The operation aimed to restore road function, ease congestion, and eliminate illegal parking fees. Authorities also towed one car and impounded seven motorcycles, hoping the action will deter residents from misusing pavements and road shoulders.

Minister supports development of renewable energy-based cooperatives

Cooperatives Minister Ferry Juliantono is promoting renewable energy-based cooperatives to strengthen the green economy and village-level economic independence. A pilot 6-megawatt solar power plant is being developed with PLN on Sembur Laut Island, Batam, to serve as a model for villages lacking adequate electricity. The minister acknowledged challenges including human resource capacity, technology mastery, and financing needs.

Peace with US Reportedly Brings Iran Rp 5,000 Trillion in Private Funding

Iran is reportedly set to receive over US$300 billion in private sector investment following a peace agreement with the United States, with more than half already committed. The funding, which excludes government grants or reparations, will target energy, logistics, manufacturing, and transport sectors. A memorandum of understanding is scheduled to be signed in Switzerland, initiating a 60-day planning phase before the final deal activates the fund.

US-Iran Peace at the Doorstep, Yet the Key Remains in Israel's Hands

Iran has stated that a peace deal with the United States will not be fully realised without Israel's withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territory. The remarks come amid diplomatic efforts to ease Middle East tensions, with US President Donald Trump also openly criticising Israel's military operations in Lebanon. A proposed deal includes up to US$300 billion in Gulf investment for Iran, conditional on verified limits to its nuclear programme.

Trump Administration Backs Down After China Threatens Harsher Retaliation

The Trump administration has suspended plans to add over 100 Chinese firms, including AI startup DeepSeek and chipmaker CXMT, to a US trade blacklist following stern warnings of retaliation from Beijing. The move marks a sudden softening of Washington's stance, aimed at avoiding escalating tensions, despite earlier Pentagon actions against Chinese tech giants. The suspended 'Entity List' designations would have severely restricted American companies from supplying goods and technology to the listed firms.

MPR Deputy Speaker: Domestic Worker Protection Law and Care Economy Embody National Values

The ratification of Indonesia's Domestic Worker Protection Law (UU PPRT) and the drafting of the 2025-2045 Care Economy Roadmap are being hailed as concrete steps towards translating national values into inclusive public policy. Officials argue the law formalises domestic work as a strategic investment, shifting perceptions from informal labour to a key component of macroeconomic productivity. The roadmap aims to support Indonesia's 2045 development vision by strengthening human capital and addressing the rising care demands of an ageing population.

ATR/BPN grants legal certainty to 16.6 hectares of customary land in Aceh

Indonesia's Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency (ATR/BPN) has issued two certificates for customary land (tanah ulayat) covering 16.6 hectares in Aceh Besar, providing formal legal recognition. The move, grounded in a 2024 ministerial regulation, marks a significant step in accommodating indigenous land rights within the national land administration system. Officials noted that some customary lands were lost due to the 2004 tsunami, extinguishing the associated rights under existing rules.

How downstreaming is rewriting Indonesia's economic destiny

Indonesia's downstreaming policy, which bans raw mineral exports to force domestic processing, attracted Rp147.5 trillion in investment in early 2026, accounting for nearly 30% of total national investment. The mineral sector dominates this push, with nickel leading at Rp41.5 trillion, as state-backed firms anchor the value-added processing of commodities like copper, bauxite and tin. Crucially, 75% of downstream investment is now located outside Java, transforming provinces such as Central Sulawesi and North Maluku into industrial hubs and spreading economic benefits more evenly across the archipelago.

Indonesia-Uzbekistan Perkuat Pemberdayaan Perempuan dan UKM untuk Pasar Global

Indonesia dan Uzbekistan sepakat mempererat kerja sama pemberdayaan perempuan dan usaha kecil menengah (UKM) guna mendorong pertumbuhan ekonomi inklusif. Wakil Menteri Perdagangan RI Dyah Roro Esti menekankan bahwa 64,5 persen UKM Indonesia dikelola perempuan, dan mengusulkan kolaborasi melalui program business matching serta peningkatan literasi digital. Kedua negara juga membahas peluang produk unggulan seperti teh, cokelat, dan modest fashion, serta mendorong percepatan perundingan Perjanjian Perdagangan Bebas Indonesia-Uzbekistan.

B50 Biodiesel Mandate to Roll Out 1 July 2026, Heavy Equipment Trials Show Positive Results

Indonesia's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has confirmed the mandatory B50 biodiesel blend will commence on 1 July 2026, following successful trials on heavy equipment. The fuel meets the agreed technical specifications, including stricter water content limits. The policy is expected to save up to Rp 157.28 trillion in foreign exchange and create over 2.2 million jobs.