Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 24 June 2026

Showing 451-500 of 1,678 articles

Government Communication Body Denies Conditioning Public Support for Free Nutritious Meals Demo

Indonesia's Government Communication Body (Bakom) has firmly denied allegations that the administration orchestrated demonstrations in support of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme. Officials stressed that the government respects all public opinions, both for and against its policies, while confirming ongoing improvements to the programme under new leadership.

Pandeglang Government Responds to Villagers' Blood Petition for Road Repair

The Pandeglang district government has responded to a viral protest by Cijaralang villagers who signed a petition in blood demanding repairs to a decades-old damaged road. Officials cited the lack of a Detailed Engineering Design (DED) as the main obstacle, pledging to allocate funds for the design in the upcoming budget revision. The Banten provincial government has also intervened, questioning the readiness of the project's planning documents.

MSCI Appreciates Indonesian Capital Market Reforms, Here's OJK's Response

Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) has welcomed MSCI's decision to retain the country's Emerging Market status in its 2026 review. The global index provider also acknowledged recent capital market reforms aimed at strengthening transparency and integrity. OJK views this recognition as a vote of confidence in Indonesia's economic resilience and a foundation for further enhancing the market's global competitiveness.

UN Nuclear Watchdog Confirms Iran Site Inspections Will Proceed

The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed that inspections of Iranian nuclear sites will take place, though no specific timeline has been set. The announcement follows an initial agreement between Tehran and Washington aimed at ending Middle East tensions, which explicitly mentions IAEA oversight of nuclear activities. Discussions on the timing and locations of the inspections are ongoing in collaboration with the Iranian government.

Community Organisation Members Beat Man to Death in North Sumatra in Case of Mistaken Identity

Six members of a community organisation in Pematangsiantar, North Sumatra, have been arrested for fatally assaulting a 24-year-old man who police say was an innocent bystander. The attack stemmed from a dispute over a tattoo payment, but the victim was wrongly accused of being a friend of the tattoo artist. The suspects are now in custody and face legal proceedings for the fatal beating.

Rumours of Two Automotive Giants Relocating from Indonesia to Vietnam: Ministry of Industry Responds

Indonesia's Ministry of Industry has refuted rumours that two major automotive component manufacturers are relocating their production facilities from East Java to Vietnam. Following a direct investigation, the ministry confirmed that both companies, with a combined investment exceeding Rp 1.9 trillion, are operating normally and have no plans for relocation or layoffs. The government emphasised the false reports risk disrupting the automotive supply chain and damaging the country's manufacturing investment climate.

Prabowo Praises Military and Police Chiefs for Supporting Food Self-Sufficiency: 'This is Our Achievement'

President Prabowo Subianto lauded the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and National Police (Polri) for their role in achieving record food production, including rice and corn, during his administration. Speaking at a national farmers' and fishers' event in Gorontalo, he highlighted the unique involvement of security forces in agriculture as a strategic factor in Indonesia's rise. The President also expressed gratitude to his ministerial team for their contributions to the food self-sufficiency milestone.

MARI to Strengthen Digital Ecosystem, Transforming Noice into Audio-Visual Platform

PT Mahaka Radio Integra Tbk (MARI) is allocating a significant portion of a US$1 million investment to develop its digital business, focusing on transforming its Noice platform from audio-only to audio-visual. The strategy aims to adapt to shifting media consumption trends towards multimedia and interactive content, with a strong emphasis on strengthening local content. The company reported net revenue of Rp70.32 billion in 2025 and views digital business development as a key driver for long-term sustainable growth.

Job Fair in West Jakarta Attracts Disabled Job Seekers Seeking Genuine Opportunities

A West Jakarta job fair saw participation from disabled job seekers, including a 53-year-old man who travelled from Depok to highlight the need for meaningful employment beyond administrative roles. Organisers affirmed their commitment to inclusivity, providing sign language interpreters and requiring companies to report on hiring outcomes to ensure the event is not merely a formality.

Minister Fadli Zon Launches Gala Cerita Rakyat to Preserve Indonesian Folklore Through Oral Tradition

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon announced the Gala Cerita Rakyat Indonesia 2026 programme, which aims to preserve the nation's cultural identity by revitalising the oral tradition of storytelling. The initiative successfully gathered 1,737 video submissions from 2,797 participants across 30 provinces, using digital platforms to document and share folklore. The programme is designed to strengthen the character and imagination of the younger generation while ensuring traditional narratives remain accessible in the modern era.

Bandung City Council Ratifies Regulation on Preventing Risky Sexual Behaviour

The Bandung City Council has officially passed a regional regulation aimed at preventing and controlling risky sexual behaviour and sexual deviance. The regulation focuses on education, rehabilitation, and stakeholder collaboration rather than criminalisation, addressing rising concerns over HIV/AIDS, underage marriage, and the impact of social media on youth. It is framed as a long-term social investment to protect children, strengthen family resilience, and uphold the city's moral and cultural values.

Indonesia, Russia deepen legal cooperation with new agreement

Indonesia and Russia have signed a new agreement to enhance legal cooperation, enabling information exchange, joint research, and the movement of legal experts. The pact serves as a technical derivative of the 2019 mutual legal assistance treaty, under which Russia has submitted seven requests to Jakarta. The deal was signed during Indonesian Law Minister Supratman Andi Agtas's visit to the Saint Petersburg International Legal Forum.

Genesis: Bengkulu loses 712 hectares of coastal land to abrasion

A study by the Genesis Foundation reveals that Bengkulu Province has lost 712.81 hectares of coastal land to abrasion between 2002 and 2024, affecting 109 villages. The foundation also identified 190.24 kilometres of actively eroding coastline, threatening settlements, public facilities, and ecosystems. The findings aim to inform multi-stakeholder discussions on sustainable and measurable coastal protection measures.

Attempted Murder Suspect in Malaka Arrested in Kupang

A 22-year-old man suspected of attempted murder in Malaka Regency has been arrested in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara. The suspect, identified as ANB, was apprehended by the provincial police's criminal investigation unit after fleeing the scene of the April 2026 incident. Police have reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing all criminal suspects attempting to evade legal proceedings.

RI envoy underscores three priorities for ASEAN vaccine ecosystem

Indonesia's envoy outlined three key priorities for building a regional vaccine ecosystem in ASEAN, emphasising the need for sustainable demand, regulatory harmonisation, and enhanced production capacity. The initiative aims to strengthen pandemic preparedness across the 650-million-strong region by creating an accessible supply chain and preventing technology monopolies. Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin stressed that Indonesia's large population requires a resilient health ecosystem to withstand future global supply chain disruptions.

Russia Will Not Support Temporary Solutions to Ukraine Crisis, Says Foreign Minister Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has stated that Moscow will not endorse any temporary fixes or imposed ultimatums regarding the Ukraine crisis. He warned the West must abandon its military, political, and ideological expansion into Russia's vital interest zones. Lavrov maintained that a diplomatic resolution remains possible and reaffirmed Russia's commitment to previously reached agreements.

KPK Hands Over IDR 153 Billion to PT Taspen from ANS Kosasih Asset Seizure

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has transferred IDR 153 billion in seized assets to state-owned insurer PT Taspen, the victim in a fictitious investment case involving its former CEO. The handover, executed on Wednesday, includes cash, luxury goods, and vehicles, bringing total asset recovery for PT Taspen to over IDR 1 trillion. The seized luxury items and properties will be auctioned to further offset the replacement money owed by the convicted former director.

Mass Exodus from Google: Many Users Switch to Alternatives

Google's dominance in search is being challenged as users increasingly migrate to alternatives like DuckDuckGo, Microsoft Bing, and AI-powered chatbots such as ChatGPT. The shift is driven by a surge in AI adoption and privacy-focused tools, though public scepticism about AI remains high. Google is also facing a brain drain, with key talent departing for rivals like OpenAI and Anthropic amid fierce industry competition.

Not Yet UK PM, Analyst: Burnham is a Chameleon, His Popularity Will Plummet

Andy Burnham is poised to become the UK's seventh prime minister in under a decade following Keir Starmer's resignation as Labour leader. An analyst warns that despite Burnham's current momentum, he faces deep internal party divisions and is labelled a political chameleon whose popularity may soon collapse. Starmer stepped down after months of pressure and poor local election results, with Health Secretary Wes Streeting backing Burnham for the leadership contest scheduled for 9 July.

Pharmacy Higher Education Must Transform into a National Health Innovation Hub

Indonesia's pharmacy faculties are urged to evolve from mere teaching institutions into national health innovation hubs to address drug import dependency and technological shifts. The launch of the PUSIDI innovation centre at Universitas Islam Indonesia, in partnership with BRIN, exemplifies a new model integrating research, industry, and public policy. This transformation is deemed essential for achieving the nation's 2045 developed country vision and pharmaceutical self-reliance.

KPK Transfers Noel Ebenezer and 10 Convicts in K3 Certification Extortion Case to Sukamiskin Prison

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has executed the imprisonment of former Deputy Minister of Manpower Immanuel Ebenezer Gerungan and ten other convicts at Sukamiskin Prison in Bandung. The group was convicted in a high-profile extortion case involving the issuance of occupational safety and health (K3) certification within the Ministry of Manpower. The transfer was carried out after all parties accepted the court's ruling, making the verdict legally binding.

BPOM and Tourism Ministry Collaborate to Strengthen Health-Based Tourism

Indonesia's Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) and the Ministry of Tourism are joining forces to develop the nation's health tourism sector. The initiative includes providing special access schemes for certain medications at international-standard hospitals and mentoring herbal product SMEs in tourist villages. The collaboration aims to capitalise on the rapidly growing global wellness and medical tourism markets, projected to be worth trillions of dollars.

Russia Calls Nuclear Weapons the Only Deterrent Against Global War

The Kremlin has declared nuclear arms the sole safeguard preventing a global conflict, amid the expiration of the last major arms control treaty with the United States. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov warned that emerging non-nuclear technologies could eventually match nuclear destructive power, while prospects for a new pact remain uncertain due to disagreements over including China and European nuclear states.

Tapera Committee Meeting Results: Maximum Mortgage Tenor Extended to 40 Years

Indonesia's Tapera Committee has approved extending the maximum tenor for subsidised mortgages to 40 years for low-income earners. The meeting also fixed interest rates at 5% for subsidised landed houses and 6% for subsidised flats, while the housing microcredit ceiling was raised to Rp50 trillion. These measures aim to boost affordable housing delivery in line with President Prabowo's directives.

AGO Rejects Justice Collaborator Status for MBG Scandal Suspect, Urges Full Disclosure

The Indonesian Attorney General's Office has rejected a justice collaborator application from former BGN deputy head Sony Sonjaya, deeming him a main perpetrator in the MBG corruption case. Despite the rejection, investigators are urging all suspects and witnesses to fully disclose the corruption mechanisms and involved parties. The AGO emphasised the investigation's importance for improving governance and transparency in the MBG programme.

Clash at OKI Palm Oil Plantation Leaves One Dead, Two Injured

A violent confrontation at a palm oil plantation in Ogan Komering Ilir, South Sumatra, resulted in the death of one resident and gunshot injuries to two others. The clash, which also injured a police officer, reportedly began after security forces seized vehicles carrying allegedly stolen palm fruit. Authorities are now focused on restoring order and conducting a transparent investigation into the incident.

DKI Jakarta Governor urges residents to use vehicle tax amnesty: 'It may not happen every year'

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has called on residents to take advantage of the ongoing vehicle tax amnesty programme, warning that such relief may not be offered annually. The policy, tied to the city's 499th anniversary and Indonesia's Independence Day, waives administrative penalties on overdue vehicle taxes and title transfer fees until August.

Ornamental Plants in Maguwoharjo's New Park Become Regular Target for Thieves

Ornamental plants in a newly developed park near Maguwoharjo Stadium in Sleman have been repeatedly stolen, prompting the local environmental agency to seek a solution. The agency plans to replace the attractive, higher-value plants with more economical varieties to deter theft. They are also coordinating with other government bodies to increase patrols and potentially install CCTV.

State Deemed Not Yet to Recognise Indigenous Peoples' Right to Veto

Academics from Universitas Gadjah Mada have warned that the draft Law on Indigenous Peoples, slated for the 2026 National Legislation Programme, still contains fundamental weaknesses. The absence of a robust Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) mechanism in national law is cited as the root cause of ongoing conflicts and land dispossession. Experts argue the bill must transform from a mere compensation instrument into a genuine expression of sovereignty for indigenous communities.

SPPG Volunteer Work System Deemed in Violation of Labour Law

A labour activist has alleged that the volunteer work scheme within the National Nutrition Agency's (BGN) service units violates Indonesia's Labour Law. The critique centres on the classification of workers as 'volunteers' despite them receiving daily wages and following work orders. The activist argues this is a deliberate misnomer to bypass formal employment contracts.

Schneider Electric's Strategy to Boost Clean Energy Growth in Indonesia

Schneider Electric is targeting Indonesia's clean energy market through its SEEAA II fund, aiming to bridge the critical early-stage funding gap for startups. The fund employs patient capital, technical support, and blended finance to help innovative firms survive the 'valley of death' and reach commercial scale. Indonesia is seen as a strategic market due to its rising energy demand, archipelagic geography favouring decentralised solutions, and significant decarbonisation potential.

Drug Lord Koko Erwin Transferred to Bima District Attorney's Office

Suspected drug lord Koko Erwin has been formally transferred to the Bima District Attorney's Office, joining two other suspects already in custody. The handover included evidence such as cash and vehicles, and follows the earlier transfers of former local police officials implicated in the case.

House of Representatives Notes Business Complaints on DMO Coal Price, Here's the Reaction

Indonesia's House of Representatives (DPR) has acknowledged complaints from domestic coal mining companies regarding the unchanged US$70 per tonne Domestic Market Obligation (DMO) price cap since 2018. Businesses argue the flat rate fails to account for varying coal qualities and production costs. While open to evaluation, the DPR insists the DMO policy remains crucial for securing national energy supply and balancing domestic needs against lucrative export markets.

Discovery of 100 Fictitious SPPG Sites in Cilacap, DPR Says MBG Corruption Suspects Will Increase

The House of Representatives (DPR) has responded to the discovery of 100 fictitious Satuan Pelayanan Pemenuhan Gizi (SPPG) kitchens for the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme in Cilacap. Lawmakers believe the administrative fraud, involving daily payments for non-existent facilities, constitutes a legal violation requiring firm action. They expect the corruption case within the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) to ensnare more suspects beyond the three already named.

Kejagung: The Hunt for Eddy Tansil's Assets Is Not Over

The Indonesian Attorney General's Office (Kejagung) is continuing its pursuit of assets belonging to fugitive corruption convict Eddy Tansil, who has been on the run for 30 years. Despite recently securing Rp51.6 billion in cash and several properties, authorities are targeting additional assets to fulfil a court-ordered Rp500 billion restitution payment. Tansil was convicted in the 1990s for embezzling funds from Bank Bapindo, and his whereabouts remain unknown despite efforts to locate him.

Police Examine 28 Witnesses in Bantul Church Service Disruption Case

The Yogyakarta Regional Police have questioned 28 individuals in connection with the forced disruption of a worship service at Gereja Misi Sejahtera (GMS) in Sewon, Bantul. Investigators are preparing to hold a case conference to determine suspects, while local authorities confirmed they had attempted to prevent the incident. The case has drawn public attention after reports of intolerance and violence circulated on social media.

Corporate Banter and the Cost of Insensitivity

The trend of 'brand banter' on social media, where corporations adopt casual and humorous personas, is backfiring for Indonesian state-owned enterprises and sensitive sectors. Recent online activity by Pertamina and a funeral supplies brand has sparked public criticism, highlighting a growing disconnect between playful digital engagement and the public's demand for empathy during times of reputational strain.

Tax Office Uncovers Business Splitting Scheme to Retain 0.5% MSME Tax Rate

Indonesia's Directorate General of Taxes has identified a pattern of business owners deliberately creating multiple new entities to continue benefiting from the 0.5% final income tax rate for micro, small, and medium enterprises. The findings, which include individuals controlling over 50 companies, prompted the government to revoke this facility for limited liability companies and CVs under the new PP 20 regulation. The policy change aims to curb abuse and encourage genuine business growth, while the 0.5% rate remains permanently available for individual taxpayers.

Israeli Media Says Turkey Now a Greater Strategic Challenge Than Iran

An Israeli newspaper analysis identifies Turkey as a greater long-term strategic challenge than Iran, citing Ankara's rapidly advancing military capabilities and defence industry self-sufficiency. The assessment highlights Turkey's position as NATO's second-largest military power and its growing naval strength as a potential threat to Israeli security interests.

Tomy Winata Boosts Investment Optimism, Says Indonesia Holds Global Prestige Value

Artha Graha Peduli founder Tomy Winata has urged business players to remain optimistic about Indonesia's economic prospects, citing the country's strategic geographic position and commodity hub status as key assets. A senior researcher supports this view, noting that Indonesia's large domestic consumer base acts as a natural buffer against global recessionary shocks. The positive narrative is seen as providing a psychological boost to capital markets, though structural challenges in manufacturing, logistics, and green financing remain.

Pertamina's Oil and Gas Production Remains Above 1 Million BOEPD in 2025

PT Pertamina maintained its oil and gas production above 1 million barrels of oil equivalent per day throughout 2025, underpinning national energy security. The state-owned energy firm also reported improved refinery yields, a 4 per cent rise in gas transmission, and a 3 per cent increase in renewable electricity production. These operational results were presented as a foundation for both sustaining energy supply and advancing Indonesia's decarbonisation and energy transition agenda.

AMALI Urges Government to Fund Pesantren Proportionally

The Association of Ma'had Aly Indonesia (AMALI) has called on the government to provide proportional funding for pesantren-based higher education, arguing that ambiguous legal phrasing has led to discrimination. They highlighted that Ma'had Aly lecturers lack access to certification and national identification numbers, while students are excluded from state scholarship programmes like Kartu Indonesia Pintar (KIP) Kuliah. AMALI is also pushing for the establishment of a dedicated endowment fund and a Directorate General of Pesantren to improve governance and financial support.

Sony Sanjaya Rejected as Justice Collaborator; Expert Sees Indication He Is Main Perpetrator in MBG Corruption

The Attorney General’s Office has rejected Sony Sanjaya’s request to become a justice collaborator in the alleged corruption case involving the Free Nutritious Meals Programme (MBG). An anti-corruption researcher says the decision is understandable if prosecutors view Sanjaya as the main perpetrator, though the public still hopes the investigation will expose other, possibly more significant, actors in the large-scale scheme.

Gen Z Launches Nayan Project to Educate on Early Colour Blindness Detection

A 16-year-old Indonesian student has launched the Nayan Project to raise awareness about early colour blindness detection, citing low public consciousness. The initiative, which debuted at a Bandung primary school, aims to expand nationally and advocate for BPJS Kesehatan coverage of colour blindness tests. Medical experts stress that early diagnosis allows children to adapt and thrive, rather than limiting their potential.

Pramono Summons Ojol Management to Discuss Parking Solutions That Don't Obstruct Pavements

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung plans to meet with online motorcycle taxi (ojol) company management to address the widespread issue of drivers parking on pavements and public spaces. He stressed that managing ojol parking cannot be the sole responsibility of the Jakarta Provincial Government. Proposed solutions include creating designated parking enclaves to prevent disruption to pedestrians, particularly in newly renovated areas like Jalan HR Rasuna Said.

Government Affirms No New Tax for Online Merchants

The Indonesian government has clarified that designating e-commerce platforms as tax collectors does not constitute a new tax for online businesses. The policy aims to create equal treatment between offline and online merchants while simplifying tax administration. Officials confirmed that existing income thresholds, such as the exemption for annual turnover below Rp500 million, remain unchanged.

Pertamina's Contribution to State Revenue Reaches Rp360.76 Trillion in 2025

Indonesia's state-owned energy giant Pertamina contributed Rp360.76 trillion to state coffers in the 2025 fiscal year through taxes, non-tax revenue, and dividends. The company also reported a net profit of Rp55.20 trillion and domestic investments of Rp97.20 trillion, underscoring its strategic role in both energy security and the national economy. The figures were announced during the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders in Jakarta.

KKP Reveals Indonesia's Fisheries Sector Performance Remains Solid

Indonesia's fisheries sector continues to show robust performance despite global economic headwinds, with annual capture fisheries production averaging 7.5 million tonnes and aquaculture at 5.5 million tonnes. The sector maintains a strong trade surplus, with exports around US$6.5 billion against imports of roughly US$600 million. The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries is advancing thematic village aquaculture programmes and modern shrimp farming in Waingapu to bolster future productivity and international competitiveness.

Private Universities Face Closure Threat as Students Defect to State Campuses

The Association of Indonesian Private Universities (Aptisi) warns that many private institutions are at risk of collapse after losing up to 40 per cent of their new students to state universities. The mass exodus occurs when students who have already registered and paid fees at private campuses withdraw after being accepted into state university independent admission pathways. Aptisi has called the phenomenon a widespread fact, not merely an issue, and criticised the extended registration periods of state universities for exacerbating the problem.

Pertamina Posts Rp1,167 Trillion Revenue, Energy Performance Remains Robust

Indonesian state energy firm Pertamina recorded revenue of Rp1,167 trillion in the 2025 fiscal year, underpinned by stable oil and gas production. The company contributed Rp360.76 trillion to the state through taxes, non-tax revenue, and dividends, while advancing decarbonisation efforts that cut emissions by 2.27 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent. Management emphasised the results reflect strong fundamentals and a commitment to national energy security and the low-carbon transition.