Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 18 June 2026

Showing 301-350 of 1,644 articles

Health Minister: UHN Foundation's Type A Hospital to Strengthen Indonesian Healthcare Services

Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin has endorsed the HKBP Nommensen University Foundation's plan to build a Type A teaching hospital in Medan, aiming to reduce the outflow of Indonesian patients seeking treatment abroad. The facility is intended to integrate healthcare delivery, medical education, and research, with the Deputy Health Minister calling it a 'complete package' given the university's existing medical faculty. The initiative is framed as a concrete step to bolster national health programmes and curb dependency on neighbouring countries like Malaysia and Singapore for medical care.

Fuad Responds to Allegations Subordinate Gave Hajj Quota Money to Yaqut

Fuad Hasan Masyhur, CEO of PT Makassar Toraja, denied discussing with KPK investigators allegations that his operations director gave money to former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas for additional hajj quotas. He also claimed ignorance about the status of his subordinate as a suspect and alleged illicit funds flowing to a House of Representatives special committee. The KPK is preparing to transfer the case files of four suspects, including Yaqut, to the Corruption Court, with state losses estimated at Rp622 billion.

KAKI, IICD, and BEI Encourage Ownership Transparency to Strengthen Investor Confidence

Indonesian regulators and business groups are pushing for greater corporate ownership transparency, including disclosure of ultimate beneficial owners, to bolster capital market integrity. The Indonesia Stock Exchange has already implemented new reporting rules requiring details on controlling shareholders and lowering the publication threshold to 1 percent ownership. Stakeholders argue that such transparency is essential for building investor trust and aligning Indonesia's governance standards with international best practices.

Coordinating Minister Yusril Pledges to Convey BEM SI Aspirations to President Prabowo

Coordinating Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra has committed to formally reporting the aspirations of the All-Indonesia Student Executive Board (BEM SI) to President Prabowo Subianto following an audience in Jakarta. The students clarified that their demand regarding the Free Nutritious Meals programme is for improved operational governance rather than its termination, acknowledging its public benefits. The government affirmed its openness to constructive, research-based criticism to refine national policy.

KPK Admits Passivity in MBG Investigation Due to Prior Coercive Measures by Attorney General's Office

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has clarified that its investigation into alleged corruption within the free nutritious meal programme (MBG) at the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) is temporarily suspended, not permanently halted. The suspension follows the Attorney General's Office's prior arrest and naming of three former BGN officials as suspects in June 2026. The KPK stated it paused its activities because the case had reached a stage requiring coercive legal action by another law enforcement agency.

Klungkung Residents' Ngodak Sesuhunan Procession Becomes Impromptu Spectacle for Tourists in Ubud

Hundreds of residents from Desa Adat Pau in Klungkung, Bali, completed a sacred ritual to restore 13 holy symbols at Puri Agung Ubud, drawing a crowd of surprised tourists. The procession, which coincided with the auspicious day of Umanis Galungan, featured traditional gamelan music and offerings. The newly restored barong, rangda, and other effigies will be returned to Klungkung for a further ceremony on 20 June 2026.

Daop 6 Prepares Four Extra Trains and Fare Discounts for School Holidays

PT KAI Daop 6 Yogyakarta is adding four extra train services and offering a 30 per cent fare discount to manage the surge in travel during the June-July 2026 school holiday period. The additional trains will serve routes between Solo, Yogyakarta, Jakarta, and Surabaya, while the government-backed discount applies to 30 commercial economy-class journeys. The initiative aims to provide flexible travel options and stimulate regional economic growth during the long holiday.

Social Affairs Minister targets 400,000 Sekolah Rakyat students by 2029

Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf has set a target of enrolling over 400,000 students in the Sekolah Rakyat programme by 2029, as part of efforts to expand educational access for poor and vulnerable families. The initiative, which currently serves more than 45,000 students, combines schooling with comprehensive family empowerment, including housing improvements and social assistance. The government aims for graduates to pursue higher education or skilled employment to lift their families out of poverty.

Said Affirms PDIP's Position as Government Balancing Party

PDI-Perjuangan has clarified its stance as a 'balancing party' rather than a formal opposition, a decision made during its national working meeting. The party pledges to objectively support government policies that benefit the people until 2029, while offering constructive criticism when performance falls short. President Prabowo reportedly appreciates this approach, viewing it as a more honest form of political friendship.

Andre Rosiade Leads House Commission VI Visit to PHR, Overseeing 400,000 Barrel per Day Target

House Commission VI visited Pertamina Hulu Rokan (PHR) in Riau to assess efforts to boost national oil production towards energy self-sufficiency. The delegation observed that technological innovations, including chemical injection, are yielding positive results, with the Minas field projected to add 2,000 barrels per day by end-2026. The commission pledged full support for PHR's roadmap to restore the Rokan Block's output to 400,000 barrels per day by 2034.

Deputy Food Minister Says Chilli Prices Change Every Hour, Here's the Solution

Deputy Coordinating Minister for Food Hanif Faisol Nurofiq has highlighted extreme volatility in chilli prices, which can fluctuate hourly, and is pushing for stronger supply chain management and information systems. The government is expanding production centres, including a 20-hectare development in South Kalimantan, to stabilise prices and curb food inflation. Chilli prices nationally rose 11.86% in mid-June 2026, affecting nearly 80% of Indonesia's regions.

APWNU Expands Cooperation, Prepares National Programmes

The Nusantara Citizens Mining Association (APWNU) has announced new strategic partnerships and a series of national programmes set to launch in 2026. The initiatives, unveiled during its second anniversary, include a digital library, a book publication, and a community-based digital economy token. The organisation aims to strengthen economic empowerment and support national development through enhanced collaboration.

Indef: KDMP Manager Commitment Better Secured Through Employment Contracts

The Institute for Development of Economics and Finance (Indef) has endorsed the cancellation of a Rp100 million penalty for prospective managers of the state-backed village cooperatives programme, arguing that professional contracts and incentives are more effective. The previous penalty clause had prompted some selected candidates to withdraw, raising concerns about deterring top talent. Indef stressed that the success of the Koperasi Desa Merah Putih (KDMP) initiative hinges on robust governance, transparent recruitment, and continuous capacity building rather than punitive measures.

MBG Partners Protest Holiday Policy Without Rp 6 Million Daily Incentive, Here's BGN's Response

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has defended its decision to halt the distribution of free nutritious meals and suspend daily incentives of Rp 6 million to service units during school holidays, citing budget efficiency. The policy, based on Circular Letter No. 12 of 2026, has drawn criticism from programme partners, but the agency argues that 'no service, no pay' is a fair principle. BGN also acknowledged it is revising previous technical guidelines that may have been influenced by conflicts of interest.

Former Bima Kota Police Chief Didik Putra Kuncoro Detained at Brimob Headquarters

The West Nusa Tenggara High Prosecutor's Office has detained former Bima Kota Police Chief Didik Putra Kuncoro in a narcotics trafficking case, placing him at the Brimob headquarters for security reasons. Prosecutors also received Rp2.8 billion in cash evidence from two drug dealers, though they clarified this relates to the narcotics case rather than a separate money laundering investigation still underway. Didik faces multiple charges under Indonesia's narcotics law, including abuse of authority, bringing the total number of suspects in the case to ten.

After Electric Motorcycles, Alleged CCTV Corruption Emerges in Free Nutritious Meal Programme

A lawyer for a deputy chief of the National Nutrition Agency has alleged irregularities in a CCTV and fingerprint system procurement worth over Rp 300 billion for the Free Nutritious Meal Programme. The contract, arranged before his client's tenure, reportedly covered 5,000 service units, but the vendor was unable to demonstrate any completed installations upon verification. The official reportedly described the situation as a 'total loss', suggesting the project may have been fictitious.

BI: Pertamax Price Hike Could Add 0.25 Percent to Inflation

Bank Indonesia has warned that the recent increase in the price of non-subsidised Pertamax fuel could contribute an additional 0.25 percent to national inflation in 2026. The central bank is also monitoring global energy price fluctuations and their impact on domestic administered prices. Despite these pressures, the impact of rising fertiliser costs remains minimal due to sufficient domestic production.

Dasco to Coordinate with State Secretariat Ministry on Fate of Hotel Sultan Employees

Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, has pledged to coordinate with the State Secretariat Ministry regarding the welfare of former Hotel Sultan employees following a court-ordered eviction. The government executed the land clearance on Thursday, reclaiming the state asset within the Gelora Bung Karno complex after nearly 50 years of use by PT Indobuildco. Officials have assured that affected workers will be registered and offered opportunities to continue working within the GBK area.

Baznas Opens Free Health Services for Parigi Moutong Residents

The National Alms Agency (Baznas) has launched free post-earthquake health services in Parigi Moutong, Central Sulawesi, utilising zakat funds for emergency medical care. The initiative treated 171 affected residents for conditions such as respiratory infections and hypertension, with a focus on educating the elderly and those with comorbidities. Baznas currently operates 38 Rumah Sehat clinics nationwide, including two mobile boat services in North Sulawesi.

Pekanbaru City Government Receives Qualified Opinion Due to Legacy Administrative Burdens

The Pekanbaru City Government received a Qualified Opinion (WDP) from the Supreme Audit Agency for its 2025 financial report, a result attributed to unresolved administrative issues inherited from previous administrations. Mayor Agung Nugroho cited legal cases involving former officials, including past arrests by the Corruption Eradication Commission, as key obstacles preventing an Unqualified Opinion. The city is committed to resolving these legacy issues, particularly concerning uncollectible receivables, to achieve a clean audit opinion in the future.

ITDC confirms Mandalika Circuit meets FIM standards ahead of MotoGP 2026

The InJourney Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) is undertaking extensive preparations to ensure the 2026 Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia meets international standards set by Dorna Sports and the FIM. The event, scheduled for 9–11 October 2026 at the Mandalika International Circuit, is viewed as a critical opportunity to showcase Indonesia's capacity to host world-class sporting events. ITDC aims to leverage the race to promote Indonesia as a global sport tourism destination while highlighting its natural beauty and culture.

Vice President Gibran Urges MBG Programme Prioritisation in 3T Regions

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has called for the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme to be prioritised in Indonesia's underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost (3T) regions to ensure it reaches those most in need. Speaking during a visit to a school in Ende, East Nusa Tenggara, he acknowledged existing governance challenges and pledged to use the school holiday period for a comprehensive evaluation. The Vice President also stressed the importance of community involvement and reiterated the government's shift towards Indonesia-centric development.

Dasco Meets OJK and IDX Chiefs to Discuss Stock Exchange Governance Reform

Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, held a closed-door meeting with the new leadership of the Financial Services Authority (OJK) and the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) to coordinate improvements in market governance. The discussions focused on enhancing the supervisory system and establishing a better regulatory framework for the exchange. The meeting signals a concerted legislative and regulatory push to strengthen the integrity of Indonesia's capital market.

Deputy Minister of Food Encourages HSS Chilli Hub to Curb South Kalimantan Inflation

Deputy Coordinating Minister for Food Hanif Faisol Nurofiq has highlighted the strategic role of Hulu Sungai Selatan Regency in stabilising chilli supplies and prices to control inflation in South Kalimantan. The minister made the remarks during a harvest visit to a farming group in Tawia Village, which is part of a national food, energy, and water self-sufficiency programme. The government plans to expand chilli cultivation in the area to 20 hectares to ensure sustainable supply and protect both farmers and consumers from price volatility.

Sigi BPBD records three fatalities from earthquake

The death toll from the earthquake in Sigi Regency, Central Sulawesi, has risen to three, with two additional victims identified from Palolo and Nokilalaki districts. One victim had a pre-existing heart condition and fell during the tremor, while the other suffered from a tumour that was aggravated by the impact. Over 6,400 residents have been affected, with significant damage reported to 1,652 homes and 84 public facilities across 38 villages.

Jeffrey Hendrik ready to continue Indonesia's capital market reform

Jeffrey Hendrik, the newly appointed President Director of the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) for the 2026–2030 period, has pledged to continue the capital market reform agenda initiated in recent months. He emphasised commitments to enhancing transparency, integrity, and governance while deepening the market from both the demand and supply sides. The new board of directors, approved by the Financial Services Authority (OJK) and pending shareholder ratification, aims to elevate the IDX to a world-class exchange on par with those in advanced economies.

South Jakarta City Government Enhances Teacher Competency Through Functional Training

The South Jakarta City Government is conducting functional teacher training in 2026 to improve educator professionalism and career development. Officials emphasised that teachers are the vanguard of human resource quality and must adapt to technological and curricular changes. The programme aims to strengthen understanding of credit score requirements and continuous professional development.

Davina Karamoy Questioned for Six Hours, Admits Returning Allowance from Hanania Travel

Actress Davina Karamoy underwent a six-hour police examination in Jakarta regarding the Hanania Travel umrah fraud case. She confirmed receiving a travel allowance but stated it has been returned, while her lawyer denied any promotional or investment involvement. The case has also seen other public figures questioned as the travel agency's boss faces charges of fraud, embezzlement, and money laundering.

Ahead of MSCI Announcement, Exchange Boss Stresses Transparency

The Indonesia Stock Exchange (BEI) has urged listed companies to enhance transparency by thoroughly reviewing their ownership structures and clearly disclosing ultimate beneficial owners. This push aligns with broader capital market reforms aimed at building investor trust and market credibility. The call comes as the market awaits the MSCI Global Market Accessibility Review, which could significantly impact Indonesia's equity market classification and passive fund flows.

Yogyakarta Regional Government Strengthens Concrete Actions to Face Climate Change Threats

The Yogyakarta Special Region (DIY) government is rallying all elements of society to intensify tangible environmental protection efforts amidst escalating climate change threats. Guided by the Javanese philosophy of Hamemayu Hayuning Bawana, officials urged collective action from households to communities, including waste reduction, tree planting, and energy conservation. The initiative aligns with Indonesia's Nationally Determined Contribution targets under the Paris Agreement.

West Bandung Offers Local Tax Fine Amnesty, PHRI Urges Ongoing Support

The West Bandung Regency has introduced an administrative penalty amnesty for local taxes, including hospitality and entertainment levies, running from 9 June to 31 August 2026. The Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) welcomed the move but stressed it must be accompanied by continuous guidance, as the tourism sector in Lembang is currently sluggish. Hotel occupancy rates reportedly fell from 48% to 41% year-on-year for the January–May period, which will likely reduce locally generated revenue.

BPKN to Open Registration for Raksa Nugraha Award 2026

Indonesia's National Consumer Protection Agency (BPKN) will soon open registration for the Raksa Nugraha Award 2026, honouring entities that significantly strengthen consumer protection. The award targets individuals, businesses, government agencies, and media to promote a fair and responsible trade ecosystem. Registration runs from 22 June to 21 August 2026, with the ceremony set for November at JIExpo Kemayoran.

East Java Government Holds Career Day 2026 with 680 Vacancies, 190 Reserved for Disabled

The East Java provincial government organised a Career Day 2026 in Sidoarjo, offering 680 job vacancies across 139 positions, with 190 specifically allocated for people with disabilities. The initiative aims to reduce the open unemployment rate among fresh graduates and bridge the communication gap between job seekers and industry. The event attracted 1,282 registered participants, exceeding the initial target, and involved 20 companies from various sectors.

NTB Religious Affairs Ministry Halts New Islamic Boarding School Permits for Quality Review

The West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Regional Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs has imposed a moratorium on new Islamic boarding school (ponpes) permits to focus on evaluating the quality of existing institutions. The policy, coordinated with the central ministry, aims to strengthen current schools rather than increase their number. Officials clarified the move is not a direct response to recent abuse cases but part of a broader effort to improve educational standards and oversight.

BPS: Economic Census Not for Raising Taxes

Indonesia's Central Statistics Agency (BPS) has launched the 2026 Economic Census, assuring the public that the data collected will remain confidential and will not be used to increase taxes. The census aims to comprehensively map all economic activities, including those by businesses and households using digital platforms. Officials stated the high-quality data will guide government programmes, infrastructure development, and regional policies tailored to local economic characteristics.

BPS: Central Java Businesses Contribute 15.25 Per Cent to National Total

Statistics Indonesia (BPS) has reported that Central Java accounts for 15.25 per cent of all business units nationwide, underscoring the province's strategic economic role. The upcoming 2026 Economic Census will, for the first time, include agricultural and household-based digital enterprises to capture a more complete picture of economic activity. Governor Ahmad Luthfi emphasised that accurate census data will be crucial for mapping regional economic potential and formulating coherent development policies.

Central Sulawesi Earthquake: 782 Aftershocks Recorded, Emergency Response Status Declared

A total of 782 aftershocks have rattled Central Sulawesi following a magnitude 6.7 earthquake, with the strongest reaching 5.3. Governor Anwar Hafid has declared a 17-day emergency response status covering Sigi Regency, the worst-hit area where three fatalities were confirmed. Authorities have established command posts, health facilities, and public kitchens while urging residents to rely on official information channels.

National Nutrition Agency Prepares MBG Kitchen Clustering, 3T Regions to Receive Special Treatment

Indonesia's National Nutrition Agency (BGN) is developing a clustering scheme for its Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme kitchens to better match local conditions, particularly in underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost (3T) regions. The current uniform operational model and flat daily incentive of Rp 6 million per kitchen are deemed unfair given the varying numbers of beneficiaries served. The agency is using the school holiday period to evaluate kitchen management, update beneficiary data, and design more efficient operational schemes before the new academic year.

NTB High Prosecutor's Office Places Former Bima Kota Police Chief in Brimob Custody

The Nusa Tenggara Barat High Prosecutor's Office has transferred the detention of former Bima Kota Police Chief Didik Putra Kuncoro to a Brimob battalion headquarters, citing security concerns. Kuncoro is a suspect in a narcotics case involving 10 individuals, including two police officials. The case also involves the seizure of Rp2.8 billion in cash from two alleged drug dealers.

Takeover of Hotel Sultan Buildings and Business Deemed 'Arbitrary'

PT Indobuildco has condemned the State Secretariat's takeover of Hotel Sultan's buildings and business operations as an arbitrary act of power, claiming the dispute concerns land rights rather than building ownership. The company argues the move creates legal uncertainty for investment in Indonesia, while police maintain the court-ordered eviction must be respected. The execution of the eviction on 18 June 2026 resulted in 31 injuries and 119 detentions.

Gerindra Women's Wing Distributes Hundreds of Rice Packages to Bogor Residents

Endang Setyawati Thohari, a member of the House of Representatives from the Gerindra Party, has distributed hundreds of 5-kilogram rice packages to low-income families in Bogor City. The initiative targeted daily labourers and informal sector workers in densely populated areas, aiming to ease the burden of rising living costs. The legislator emphasised that the aid reflects a spirit of mutual cooperation and a commitment to ensuring vulnerable households have access to basic food supplies.

Parents Flock to West Jakarta SPMB Post Over Registration Hurdles

Parents of prospective students crowded a registration help post in West Jakarta to report difficulties with the new Student Admission Selection (SPMB) system, primarily involving account access and inactive population registry numbers (NIK) after moving domicile. The local education sub-department confirmed the process follows the governor's technical guidelines and noted over 500 complaints have been received across various service channels. The issue highlights the challenges families face with the strict domicile-based enrolment rules, forcing some to consider private schooling.

Analyst says cancellation of KDMP manager penalty was the right move

A public policy analyst has welcomed the government's decision to scrap a Rp100 million penalty for prospective managers of the Merah Putih Village Cooperative (KDMP) who resign, arguing the clause deterred qualified candidates. The National Selection Committee has formally revoked the financial sanction and reopened applications for those who previously withdrew due to the provision.

Yogyakarta Mayor Says Little Aresha Victims Suffer Serious Mental Disorders

Yogyakarta Mayor Hasto Wardoyo has revealed that some children affected by the alleged abuse case at the Little Aresha daycare are suffering from serious mental disorders and developmental delays. The city administration is coordinating with Dr Sardjito General Hospital and the College of Psychology to provide ongoing health and psychological monitoring for 63 children. The municipal government is also seeking approval from the local parliament to extend financial support for the victims' childcare costs beyond the initial one-month period.

BPS Targets Online Businesses: We Will Visit Every House

Indonesia's Central Statistics Agency (BPS) will conduct a door-to-door census for the 2026 Economic Census to capture previously undetected online businesses operating from private homes. The initiative, which includes using AI to verify business classification codes, aims to improve data quality after trials revealed significant unreported online commerce, including a student earning millions of rupiah monthly from online thrift sales.

US and Iran Sign Peace Memorandum of Understanding

Iran has announced the completion of a 14-point Memorandum of Understanding with the United States aimed at ending hostilities, following the signing of the agreement by both nations' presidents. The Iranian Foreign Ministry stated that US commitments to lift its naval blockade have effectively commenced after urgent talks triggered by Israeli strikes on southern Beirut and Iranian retaliation threats.

BI Tasikmalaya Pushes Southern West Java as New Economic Growth Engine

Bank Indonesia's Tasikmalaya office and the West Java Economic Society are collaborating to transform the southern corridor of West Java into a new economic growth engine. A strategic forum in Priangan Timur saw stakeholders agree to strengthen regional strengths and sectoral integration, with key infrastructure projects like toll roads and solar power plants highlighted as catalysts. The initiative aims to build a more inclusive and sustainable economy through adaptive policy and data-driven monitoring.

Annual AI Budgets Exhausted in Just Two Months: Here's Why

The soaring cost of artificial intelligence adoption is forcing companies to exhaust annual AI budgets within months, driven by rising token prices and aggressive usage. Executives from OpenAI and Glean warn that each new, more advanced AI model costs roughly double per token, creating an unsustainable trend. This financial pressure is compelling firms to choose between investing in AI computation or their human workforce, with some startups already spending more on AI tokens than on employee salaries.

KLH: 350 Peatland-Conscious Independent Villages Deliver Economic Benefits to Communities

Indonesia's Ministry of Environment has reported that 350 active Peatland-Conscious Independent Villages (DMPG) are generating economic benefits through sustainable plantation management. The programme combines peatland rewetting and revegetation with community economic revitalisation, including support for commodities like pineapples and livestock farming. Environment Minister Moh Jumhur Hidayat also highlighted the need for 540,000 canal blocks nationwide to reduce forest and land fires to near zero, with only 10 percent built so far.

Appearance of Rp 2.8 Billion in Cash in Drug Case of Former Bima City Police Chief

Former Bima City Police Chief Didik Putra Kuncoro has been handed over to prosecutors along with evidence including Rp 2.8 billion in cash linked to a narcotics trafficking case. The money, packed in plastic bundles, was allegedly received from two drug dealers. The case emerged from a wider investigation that also implicated other former police officers in the network.