Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 18 June 2026

Showing 401-450 of 1,644 articles

Despite Eviction Execution, Hotel Sultan Still Lists Rooms on Online Travel Agents at Exorbitant Prices

As authorities executed an eviction order for the iconic Hotel Sultan in Jakarta following a 20-year ownership dispute, the hotel continued to advertise rooms on several online travel platforms at high rates. The execution was carried out by the Central Jakarta District Court with support from military and police personnel to secure the state asset.

Perumda Pasar Jaya Holds UMKM & Culinary Bazaar to Boost Economic Growth

Jakarta's market authority Perumda Pasar Jaya is hosting a bazaar for micro, small, and medium enterprises (UMKM) at its headquarters to promote local products and culinary offerings. The initiative aims to expand market access for small businesses, stimulate entrepreneurship, and reinforce the role of traditional markets as inclusive economic hubs. The event aligns with the company's transformation strategy to modernise markets and develop them into culinary destinations.

Free Nutritious Meal Programme Suspended During 2026 School Holidays

Indonesia's National Nutrition Agency (BGN) will halt the distribution of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme during the 22 June to 13 July 2026 school holidays. The suspension is intended to allow for operational restructuring, standardisation of governance, and resource efficiency. All beneficiary categories will be affected, and service units will not receive incentives during the break.

Police Question School Bus Driver After Student Dies in South Jakarta Accident

Jakarta police are investigating a fatal accident in Kebayoran Baru that killed a female high school student and injured a motorcyclist. The incident occurred when the motorcycle's handlebars reportedly snagged on a protruding cable, causing the riders to fall into the path of a school bus. Authorities have detained the bus driver and are working to identify the owner of the cable that triggered the crash.

Fortune Southeast Asia 500 Released, National Company in Top Three

The 2026 Fortune Southeast Asia 500 list has been published, with Indonesia's state-owned energy firm Pertamina securing third place with revenues of US$70.9 billion. Branding expert Yuswohady highlighted that Pertamina's ranking not only enhances its corporate image but also reflects Indonesia's national economic strength on the global stage. He emphasised that the company should focus on qualitative improvements such as governance and innovation rather than merely pursuing a higher ranking.

Ministry urges MSMEs to utilise SAPA platform for strategic programmes

Indonesia's Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises is encouraging business owners to use the SAPA UMKM digital platform to access government support programmes. The platform provides information on training, product certification, financing, investment, and market expansion. Officials emphasised that strengthening partnerships and supply chains through the platform can enhance competitiveness and open broader market access for local products.

BRI sees no urgency for significant rate hike despite BI-Rate increase

Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) has stated it does not feel an immediate need to significantly raise its interest rates, despite Bank Indonesia's cumulative 100 basis point hike in the benchmark rate over the past month. The bank cites its broad customer base, low cost of funds, and strong CASA ratio as buffers, while acknowledging some customers have begun requesting special rates.

Iran's Economic Suffering to Persist for Years Despite End of War

Although Iran and the US have signed a memorandum of understanding to end hostilities and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the country's economic devastation is expected to linger for years. Total economic damage is estimated at US$144 billion, with inflation soaring past 50%, food prices up 131%, and millions of jobs lost. While a potential US$300 billion investment figure offers hope, its realisation remains highly uncertain amid political hurdles.

Armed Criminal Group Commander Shot Dead During Arrest Attempt in Papua

An armed criminal group commander in Papua, identified as AP, was shot dead by security forces after attempting to flee into the forest during an arrest operation in Dekai, Yahukimo Regency. The suspect was wanted for multiple shootings, including attacks that injured two civilians in April. Police also seized ammunition, weapons, and communication devices during a prior raid on a suspected group hideout.

DIY Police Confirm Intel Officer Detained by UMY Students on Campus Is Their Member

The Yogyakarta Regional Police (Polda DIY) have confirmed that a man detained by students at Muhammadiyah University of Yogyakarta (UMY) was an intelligence officer assigned to monitor a student demonstration. The police explained the officer was part of a team ensuring the safe return of protesters to campus, and the incident was resolved through dialogue with university officials and students.

Bogor Angkot Drivers Protest Addition of Biskita Bus Stops

Public minivan (angkot) drivers and owners in Bogor protested at the city's transportation office over the addition of eight new Biskita bus stops along Jalan Raya Tajur. They claim the expansion of the subsidised bus service has slashed their income by nearly 50 per cent. The transportation agency stated the new stops were added to meet public demand for safe, comfortable, and affordable transport.

Impact of Fuel Price Hike on Food Supply Chain and Agribusiness Strategies

The recent increase in non-subsidised fuel prices in Indonesia is raising concerns about a domino effect on the agribusiness supply chain, from production to consumer prices. A UGM academic highlights that the sector's heavy reliance on transport makes it particularly vulnerable, urging efficiency strategies and government support. Strengthening domestic food production is seen as a fundamental long-term solution to reduce exposure to global energy price fluctuations.

OJK Entrusts New IDX Board with Integrity Reform and Market Deepening

Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) has selected seven new directors for the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) for the 2026-2030 period. The new board, led by Jeffrey Hendrik, is tasked with continuing integrity reforms and deepening the capital market. The official appointment will be ratified at a shareholders' meeting on 29 June 2026.

InJourney Provides Photography Training for Photographers at TWC Destinations

InJourney Destination Management (IDM) has conducted photography training for 108 photographers at Borobudur, Prambanan, and Ratu Boko temple compounds. The initiative aims to enhance the skills of local tourism workers and improve service quality at these UNESCO World Heritage sites. The programme also included hospitality training to help photographers create compelling visual narratives for visitors.

Dasco Leads Coordination with OJK and New BEI Chief to Reform Stock Exchange Governance

Deputy Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad held a coordination meeting with the OJK and the newly appointed board of the Indonesia Stock Exchange (BEI) to discuss improving the bourse's governance. The OJK commissioner urged the new directors to commit to integrity reforms, while the BEI's new chief pledged to enhance transparency and elevate the exchange to world-class standards.

Home Affairs Ministry Pushes for Faster SP2D Online Implementation in Local Government Digitalisation Drive

Indonesia's Ministry of Home Affairs is accelerating the implementation of online fund disbursement orders (SP2D) to enhance transparency and efficiency in local government financial management. A coordination meeting with the Financial Services Authority (OJK), Bank Indonesia, and regional development banks discussed regulatory support and digital integration. The initiative is part of a broader national agenda to digitalise public financial governance through the SIPD RI system.

Indonesia's rice reserves sufficient for next 10 months: Minister

Indonesia's Agriculture Minister has confirmed that national rice reserves, combined with standing crop potential and private stocks, are sufficient to cover the next 10 to 11 months. The government is also implementing mitigation measures such as irrigation systems and land optimisation to address the potential impacts of the Godzilla El Nino phenomenon. These efforts aim to maintain food security and production stability ahead of the peak harvest in March.

School Holidays: National Nutrition Agency to Evaluate Thousands of Problematic Kitchens

The Free Nutritious Meals programme will be paused during the 18-day school holiday period from 22 June to 13 July 2026. The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) will use this time to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of 27,820 service units, many of which have been found to fall short of operational standards. The review follows reports of substandard kitchens and aims to restructure or relocate services to ensure quality across Indonesia.

PRR Task Force Urges Ministries and Regional Governments to Accelerate Permanent Recovery

The Post-Disaster Recovery and Reconstruction (PRR) Task Force for Sumatra has called on ministries and regional administrations to swiftly utilise allocated recovery funds. A total budget of Rp100.1 trillion has been prepared for the 2026-2028 period to rehabilitate infrastructure, housing, and economic sectors in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra. Five ministries have already received their budget allocations, while regional governments are being urged to immediately spend the additional Rp10.6 trillion in fiscal transfers disbursed since May 2026.

DPR Encourages Riau Women SMEs to Strengthen Four Pillars

A member of Indonesia's House of Representatives has urged women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises in Riau to bolster their national spirit and entrepreneurship. The initiative, conducted through a socialisation of the MPR's Four Pillars, aims to help these businesses scale up and increase their contribution to regional economic growth.

Questioned on Not Meeting Protesting Students, Central Java Governor Retorts: 'Are You Demonstrating or Interviewing?'

Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi deflected journalists' questions about his absence from student protests, asking reporters whether they were demonstrating or interviewing. The students, who have held three rallies in a week, are demanding a direct meeting to present research on the impact of government policies.

Government Urged to Anticipate Food Price Hikes Following Non-Subsidised Fuel Increase

The Indonesian government is being urged to implement anticipatory measures to prevent a surge in food prices after the price of non-subsidised Pertamax fuel was raised. An agricultural economist warns that the increase will significantly impact logistics costs throughout the food supply chain, particularly straining distribution from production centres to markets. The call comes amid reports of immediate price spikes for staples like chillies and cooking oil in areas such as Depok.

DPR Urges Police to Name Wife of Hanania Travel Boss as Suspect in Umrah Fraud Case

Indonesia's House of Representatives Commission III has urged Jakarta police to name the wife of the Hanania Group boss as a suspect in an alleged umrah travel fraud case. The commission argues her role as company commissioner makes her accountable and that delaying her suspect status risks evidence tampering. Police currently consider her a witness needed to trace the primary suspect's assets.

Bank Mandiri Introduces New Transaction Features on Kopra Mobile

State-owned Bank Mandiri has updated its Kopra Mobile application to streamline business transactions for corporate and commercial clients. The upgrade introduces mobile cash management initiation, simplified bulk transaction approvals, and real-time account monitoring. The bank aims to support the growing demand for digital banking solutions that enhance business mobility and decision-making speed.

Kupang Faces Rp 134 Billion Shortfall for PPPK Salaries, Regent Writes to Finance Ministry Three Times

The Kupang regency government is grappling with a Rp 134 billion deficit in personnel expenditure, primarily for PPPK salaries, holiday bonuses, and the 13th-month salary. Regent Yosef Lede attributes the shortfall to reduced central government transfers and has formally requested additional funds from the Ministry of Finance three times. Should the central government fail to provide support, the regency has prepared contingency measures including reallocating discretionary funds and evaluating additional employee income allowances.

Indonesian Citizens Urged to Be Cautious as Europe Tightens Migration Rules

The European Parliament has approved stricter migration regulations, including faster deportations and the potential establishment of migrant detention centres outside EU territory. The changes signal a tougher stance on foreigners who overstay visas or lack legal residency, making compliance with immigration rules increasingly critical for Indonesian nationals travelling to or residing in Europe.

How to Check Your BPJS Kesehatan Contribution Status via WhatsApp

The article provides a step-by-step guide for Indonesian citizens to check their BPJS Kesehatan membership and contribution status online. It details how to use the official WhatsApp service, Pandawa, alongside other digital channels like the Mobile JKN app, Care Center 165, and the CHIKA chatbot. The piece also reminds users to pay their premiums before the 10th of each month to maintain active coverage.

Deputy Home Minister Wiyagus Stresses Cross-Regional Synergy as Key to Forest Fire Control Ahead of 2026–2027 El Niño

Deputy Home Minister Akhmad Wiyagus has called for strengthened inter-regional cooperation to tackle forest and land fires in anticipation of the 2026–2027 El Niño phenomenon. He emphasised that disaster impacts transcend administrative borders, making integrated planning and collaboration essential. The Ministry of Home Affairs is facilitating this through existing regulations and by boosting the capacity of local agencies and communities.

Life Insurance Industry Strengthens Financial Resilience Amid Positive Premium Growth

Indonesia's life insurance sector recorded a 20% increase in the number of insured individuals, reaching 118 million in the first quarter of 2026, despite global economic headwinds. The industry's long-term orientation is credited for its stability, with total premiums growing 1.2% year-on-year to Rp14.29 trillion. The sector is also focusing on enhancing agent professionalism through competency certification and global forums to boost financial literacy and public trust.

Impact of Further BI Rate Hike on Consumption and Investment

Bank Indonesia's decision to raise its benchmark interest rate to 5.75 percent is seen as a pre-emptive move to stabilise the rupiah amid global uncertainty. Analysts warn the aggressive tightening, while potentially attracting foreign capital, will increase the cost of funds and may dampen domestic consumption and investment. The central bank has raised rates by 100 basis points in roughly one month, a pace described as aggressive by historical standards.

West Java DPRD Flags Potential Gaps in New Student Admission Verification, Calls for System Evaluation and Staff Training

A West Java legislator has raised concerns over the implementation of the new Student Admission System (SPMB), highlighting potential unfairness in the 'buffer school' mechanism where students living closer to a school are rejected while those from farther away are accepted. He is urging the government to provide better training for school-level verification officers to ensure document authenticity and to use the allocated budget to improve the overall quality and transparency of the admission process.

French National Charged with Defaming West Nusa Tenggara Police Chief

A French citizen, Ludovic Roche, has been charged with insulting and defaming the West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Police Chief via social media videos. The Mataram District Court read the indictment on Thursday, noting the charges carry a maximum penalty of under five years. The court has opened the possibility for restorative justice mediation between the defendant and the complainant ahead of the next hearing.

TaniHub Case: Four Venture Capital Executives Sentenced to 2-5 Years in Prison

Four former executives from MDI Ventures and BRI Ventures have been found guilty of corruption in the TaniHub Group investment case, receiving prison sentences ranging from two to five years. The court ruled they had approved $25 million in investments without proper due diligence or audited financial reports, causing state losses of approximately Rp 364 billion. The sentences were significantly lighter than the 9-12 years sought by prosecutors, with judges citing the defendants' contributions to Indonesia's digital innovation ecosystem and the absence of personal enrichment as mitigating factors.

Platform Siap MBG: Papuan Youth's Geospatial Innovation for Public Transparency

Young digital talents in Central Papua have developed a monitoring platform called SIAP-MBG to enhance transparency in the Free Nutritious Meals programme. The application features a geospatial dashboard allowing the public to track planning, finances, and distribution locations in Nabire. Officials hope this locally created tool can serve as a national model for improving programme governance.

BPOM Oversees Biosimilar Development and Export Expansion in Sidoarjo

Indonesia's Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) is intensively monitoring the development of biosimilar technology and processed food exports in Sidoarjo. The agency has issued a key manufacturing certificate for a clinical trial biosimilar and inspected a major cracker factory exporting to over 30 countries. BPOM emphasised that its strict oversight serves as both public health protection and a strategic enabler for national pharmaceutical independence and global market competitiveness.

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

House of Representatives (DPR) leaders convened with the Financial Services Authority (OJK) and Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) directors to coordinate on improving stock exchange governance. Deputy Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad stated that the DPR has urged the OJK to enhance market supervision. The meeting reportedly reached several agreements aimed at achieving better exchange governance in the future.

BGN Halts Free Nutritious Meals During School Holidays, Claims Savings of IDR 3 Trillion

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has temporarily suspended the distribution of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme during the upcoming school holidays. The policy aims to standardise operational governance and achieve resource efficiency, with the government estimating savings of over IDR 3 trillion by withholding incentives from non-operational service units.

PRR Task Force Urges Ministries and Local Governments to Accelerate Permanent Recovery as Budget Begins to Flow

The Sumatran Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Task Force (Satgas PRR) is pushing for the swift implementation of permanent recovery programmes in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra. A total budget of Rp100.1 trillion has been allocated for the 2026–2028 period, with five ministries already receiving their disbursements. Local governments are also being urged to utilise an additional Rp10.6 trillion in fiscal transfers to address priority infrastructure and public service needs.

Bank Indonesia Caps Dollar Purchases Without Underlying at US$10,000

Bank Indonesia will lower the threshold for foreign currency purchases without an underlying transaction to US$10,000 per person per month starting July 2026. The central bank aims to strengthen governance, deepen money and foreign exchange markets, and support rupiah stabilisation. The outgoing transfer documentation threshold will also be tightened from US$50,000 to US$25,000.

Former Navy Chief of Staff Admiral Achmad Sutjipto Passes Away

Retired Admiral Achmad Sutjipto, former Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Navy, has died at the age of 81. He is remembered as a dedicated national figure who made significant contributions to the development of Indonesia's maritime defence forces. His body will be interred at the Kalibata Heroes Cemetery in Jakarta.

Indonesian Air Force Inaugurates Squadron 18, Home to Falcon 8X Aircraft

The Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) has officially inaugurated Squadron 18 at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base, which will house six Dassault Falcon 8X aircraft. The squadron is tasked with providing VIP and VVIP transport for state officials and dignitaries. Air Chief Marshal Mohamad Tonny Harjono emphasised the high standards of professionalism and security required for these missions.

Maritime Safety Must Be a Priority for All Stakeholders

Indonesian classification bureau BKI has convened a strategic forum to align regulatory understanding and improve safety standards for the national fleet. The event brought together regulators, industry players, and maritime stakeholders to discuss the implementation of bottom damage stability and double hull requirements. Officials stressed that maritime safety is a shared responsibility essential for protecting lives, assets, and the sustainability of the domestic shipping industry.

BGN Removes 76 Schools in Java from Free Nutritious Meal Programme, More Likely to Follow

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has removed 76 schools in Java from the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme, affecting 39,352 students, as part of a refocusing effort to target those most in need. The agency deemed these schools capable of independently meeting students' nutritional needs and will redirect resources to underdeveloped regions and vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers. The number of delisted schools is expected to rise as the BGN continues to review and update its beneficiary data.

Tasikmalaya BPBD on High Alert for Forest and Land Fires

The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Tasikmalaya Regency is intensifying public education and outreach to prevent forest and land fires as the dry season approaches. With 39 sub-districts facing medium to high drought risk, officials are urging residents to avoid burning waste and clearing land with fire. The warning comes as the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) predicts the El Niño phenomenon will have a significant impact starting in June.

Iran Hails 'Historic' MoU with US, Warns Implementation Will Be Harder

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has welcomed a Memorandum of Understanding with the United States to end hostilities, calling it a historic document. However, Tehran's Foreign Ministry cautioned that enforcing the agreement would be more difficult than drafting it, given past US non-compliance. Iran vowed to ensure Washington fulfils its commitments and threatened reciprocal non-compliance if the US fails to uphold its obligations.

BI Governor Says Rupiah Strengthening Supported by Surge in Foreign Ownership of SRBI

Bank Indonesia Governor Perry Warjiyo stated that the rupiah's recent appreciation has been bolstered by a significant increase in non-resident holdings of Bank Indonesia Rupiah Securities (SRBI), which reached Rp 238.09 trillion. The central bank's policy measures, including raising SRBI interest rates and intensifying foreign exchange interventions, have helped attract foreign portfolio inflows and stabilise the currency amid global uncertainty.

Genetic Factors Not the Main Cause of Obesity, Nutrition Expert Explains

A clinical nutrition specialist has clarified that genetics play a minor role in obesity, accounting for less than 20% of cases. Lifestyle and environmental factors are the dominant and modifiable causes. The expert also stressed that obesity is defined by excess body fat, not just weight, and highlighted the 'skinny fat' phenomenon.

Learn from the Libby Zion Case

The article draws parallels between the landmark 1984 Libby Zion medical negligence case in the United States and the recent deaths of four Indonesian internship doctors in 2026. It argues that systemic issues, particularly resident doctor burnout and lack of supervision, are endangering patient safety and violating Indonesian health laws. The author calls for introspection and policy reform to ensure internship programmes comply with legal mandates on supervision and doctor welfare.

Deputy Home Affairs Minister Stresses Interregional Synergy to Control Forest and Land Fires

Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Akhmad Wiyagus has called for strengthened interregional cooperation to tackle forest and land fires ahead of the anticipated El Niño phenomenon in 2026-2027. He emphasised that fire impacts transcend administrative boundaries, requiring integrated action and the use of existing regional cooperation regulations. The government is also pushing for better planning, budgeting, and public education to enhance preparedness.

Regenerative Stem Cell Technology Gains Popularity for Healthy Ageing

Regenerative therapies, particularly stem cell treatments, are seeing increased demand in Indonesia as awareness of healthy ageing grows. Medical experts highlight that unlike temporary aesthetic procedures, stem cells work to repair and regenerate ageing or damaged cells, offering a more holistic approach to long-term health. The Indonesian Ministry of Health regulates the use of stem cell therapies, ensuring they are only administered by certified facilities to guarantee safety and quality.