Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 24 June 2026

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Riau Police Renovate Resident's Home in Pekanbaru Ahead of 80th Bhayangkara Day

The Riau Regional Police have launched a house renovation programme for an underprivileged resident in Pekanbaru as part of the 80th Bhayangkara Day commemorations. The initiative, carried out by the Water and Air Police Directorate, aims to provide a safer and more comfortable home for Ida Sihombing. Officials stated the project reflects the police force's commitment to social welfare and strengthening community relations beyond their security duties.

Lembah Anai Landslide Severs Main Padang-Bukittinggi Road

A landslide in the Lembah Anai area of Tanah Datar, West Sumatra, has completely cut off the main road connecting Padang and Bukittinggi. The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon, with unstable ground conditions preventing immediate clearance operations. Authorities have closed the route indefinitely and are advising motorists to seek alternative paths.

4 Priority Lists for Free Nutritious Meal Recipients - Europe Sizzles, Citizens 'Panic Buying'

Indonesia's National Nutrition Agency has updated the target focus for the Free Nutritious Meal programme, prioritising groups deemed most in need of nutritional intervention. Meanwhile, an extreme heatwave is battering Europe, with France, Italy, the UK, and Spain recording temperatures of 42 degrees Celsius, triggering panic buying of fans among residents.

Bima Arya Equips IPDN Papua Cadets with Three Core Leadership Foundations

Deputy Home Affairs Minister Bima Arya Sugiarto outlined three essential leadership foundations—ideology, strategy, and tactics—for future regional leaders and bureaucrats. He stressed that leaders must be guided by values to avoid transactional politics and must translate ideology into actionable strategies that benefit the public. Bima also highlighted the importance of field execution, citing Bogor's revenue growth and public space improvements as examples of effective strategic implementation.

Rupiah Loses Ground Against Ringgit, Singapore Dollar, and Baht

The Indonesian rupiah has weakened significantly not only against the US dollar but also against key regional currencies, including the Malaysian ringgit, Singapore dollar, and Thai baht. The depreciation reflects a combination of a strong US dollar and domestic market concerns over monetary policy and fiscal conditions. The rupiah's regional underperformance highlights its vulnerability compared to neighbours with stronger trade balances and monetary credibility.

MSCI Acknowledges Indonesian Capital Market Reforms, Retains Emerging Market Status

MSCI has maintained Indonesia's classification as an Emerging Market in its 2026 review, reflecting global investor confidence in the nation's economic resilience and financial sector stability. The Financial Services Authority (OJK) welcomed the decision, noting MSCI's specific recognition of recent market integrity reforms. Indonesia's market accessibility was also rated among the best in the Asia-Pacific region, aligning with a similar positive assessment from FTSE Russell earlier in the year.

West Java Police Urge Other Victims to Report After Taufik Hidayat Abuse Allegations Go Viral

West Java Police have acknowledged social media posts from individuals claiming to be additional victims of Taufik Hidayat, who is suspected of false imprisonment and assault. Authorities are urging anyone with information or who believes they were victimised to file an official report, while investigators continue to probe the motive behind the alleged crimes.

Local product sellers on marketplaces to soon enjoy 50 percent incentive

Indonesia's Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (UMKM) has confirmed that sellers of local products on digital marketplaces will receive up to a 50 percent reduction in service fees within the next one to two months. The incentive, mandated by Ministerial Regulation No. 3 of 2026, aims to boost the competitiveness of domestic goods against cheaper imports. The ministry is currently coordinating with digital platforms to establish the verification and implementation systems.

DPR Calls for Evaluation of Kopdes Training Militarisation After Two Deaths

An Indonesian legislator has urged the Ministry of Defence and the TNI to evaluate the military-style basic training for village cooperative managers after two participants died. One death was attributed to heat stroke and the other to cardiac arrest, prompting calls for a greater focus on cooperative management skills over physical military drills.

UNJ Details Tuition Fee Determination and Appeal Mechanism for New Students

Universitas Negeri Jakarta (UNJ) has outlined the process for setting single tuition fees (UKT) for the 2026/2027 academic year, based on verified family economic data. The university also provides a formal procedure for students to appeal their assigned fee group if their financial circumstances change. The policy aims to ensure fairness, transparency, and sustainable access to higher education.

Prabowo Reveals Reason for Entering Politics: Saw No Effort by Elite for the People

President Prabowo Subianto stated that his motivation to enter politics stemmed from a perceived lack of effort by Indonesian elites to improve the lives of ordinary citizens. Speaking at a national farmers and fishermen event in Gorontalo, he emphasised that independence is meaningless without public welfare. He credited agricultural organisations as key to his electoral victory.

National Police Chief Distributes 6,000 Social Aid Packages for 80th Bhayangkara Anniversary

National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo distributed 6,000 social aid packages and launched a priority health card for workers during the peak of the 80th Bhayangkara Day health service event in South Jakarta. The nationwide programme, running from 1 June to 1 July 2026, has provided nearly 665,000 health services including free check-ups, specialist treatments, and surgeries. The initiative underscores the police force's commitment to expanding public healthcare access and supporting worker welfare across Indonesia.

Pegadaian Supports 2,000 Trees Programme in East Kalimantan to Boost Green Initiative

State-owned pawnbroker PT Pegadaian has participated in a tree-planting programme in Samarinda, East Kalimantan, as part of its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitments. The initiative, involving government, businesses, and youth groups, aims to foster environmental awareness and sustainable development. Company officials stressed that cross-sector collaboration is essential for creating a lasting positive impact on the ecosystem.

Transport Ministry Prepares eVTOL Regulations for Logistics in Indonesia's 3T Regions

Indonesia's Ministry of Transportation is drafting technical regulations to permit electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to operate in the country's airspace, focusing initially on logistics support for remote, frontier, and outermost (3T) regions. The rules will cover safety certifications, pilot licensing, and airspace usage, with a clear policy stance that commercial passenger transport is not yet permitted. Key challenges remain, including the absence of a commercial ticketing scheme and the need for robust cybersecurity measures for remotely piloted aircraft.

OJK: BI-Rate Hike Impacts Insurance Industry

Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) has stated that the recent increase in the benchmark BI-Rate to 5.75% will influence the investment strategies of the insurance industry, particularly in fixed-income and money market instruments. Despite the rate hike, the OJK noted that stable yields on government bonds and positive investment yields in the general insurance sector are helping to maintain performance. The regulator emphasised that it continues to supervise the sector to ensure prudent investment governance and the protection of policyholders.

Pakistan says US-Iran technical talks to resume next week

Pakistan's Foreign Ministry has announced that technical-level discussions between the United States and Iran will recommence early next week following a temporary pause. The talks, which included a summit in Switzerland, underscore the role of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving disputes. A memorandum of understanding was reportedly signed by the US and Iranian presidents the previous week.

Two SPPI Kopdes-Kampung Nelayan Participants Die During Military Training, Palace Responds

The Indonesian Presidential Palace has addressed the deaths of two participants in the Sarjana Penggerak Pembangunan Indonesia (SPPI) programme during basic military training. Deputy Minister of State Secretary Juri Ardiantoro stated that mitigation measures and evaluations are being prepared, while confirming the Koperasi Desa Merah Putih programme will continue. The Ministry of Defence confirmed both deceased participants had passed pre-training health screenings.

House of Representatives Urges Ministry to Draft New Stunting Reduction Roadmap

Indonesia's House of Representatives has called on the Ministry of Population and Family Development to formulate a new roadmap to accelerate stunting reduction, targeting a 14 per cent prevalence rate by 2029. The ministry is also being urged to strengthen its role as the lead coordinator for integrated interventions, including sanitation and family education. The move follows a consistent decline in national stunting rates, which fell to 19.8 per cent in 2024.

Investment Can Create Independence in Indonesia's Health Industry, How?

Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin asserts that Indonesia's healthcare industry can achieve self-sufficiency and attract significant investment, spurred by pandemic lessons and robust annual spending growth of 9-11%. He revealed ongoing discussions with a Japanese firm for a USD 1 billion investment and noted interest from other global players like GE and Apollo Hospitals, alongside domestic giants Astra and Djarum.

Airlangga: Indonesia Remains Attractive to Investors Amid Global Turmoil

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto asserts that Indonesia continues to be an appealing investment destination despite rising global uncertainty. He highlighted the Indo-Pacific region's perceived safety and profitability, noting that anticipated peace between the US and Iran would positively impact the global economic outlook and supply chains. Strong ASEAN growth and regional stability are key factors maintaining investor confidence.

Basarnas Shifts Budget Allocation to Strengthen Technical SAR Operations

Indonesia's National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) is reallocating internal spending to boost funding for its core search and rescue technical programmes in 2027. The adjustment, made without altering the indicative budget ceiling, aims to maintain operational readiness despite a significant gap between the allocated Rp1.25 trillion and the ideal requirement of Rp3.86 trillion. The proposal has been submitted through a tripartite meeting with the Ministry of National Development Planning and the Ministry of Finance.

Police question PLN over death of SMAN 6 student caused by dangling cable

Jakarta police are investigating state electricity firm PLN after a high school student was killed when her motorcycle snagged on a low-hanging cable. The incident occurred in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta, causing the rider to fall and be struck by a passing school bus. Officers have questioned the bus driver and passenger, and are awaiting a suitable time to interview the victim's family.

Missing Woman at Masceti Beach Found by Foreign Surfers

A 48-year-old woman who went missing after being swept away by waves at Masceti Beach in Bali was found by foreign surfers. She was discovered floating in the water and transported on a surfboard, but was reportedly not breathing when found.

Schools in Tokyo suburb to get bear sprays

A Tokyo suburb is spending 15 million yen on bear deterrents for schools and community groups as bear encounters in urban areas surge across Japan. The move follows a record number of fatal bear attacks nationwide and recent incidents of bears roaming cities, prompting local authorities to draft emergency response plans with police and hunters.

ICLARIS 2027: Transforming Theses into Publications, Connecting Research with Global Impact

Universitas Esa Unggul is hosting the International Conference on Law, Regulation, and Artificial Intelligence Studies (ICLARIS) 2027 to bridge academic research with real-world policy and industry solutions. The conference, supported by Arizona State University, offers students and researchers a platform to convert theses into international publications and collaborate on AI governance, digital law, and fintech. It aims to strengthen Indonesia's research culture and global academic competitiveness through a hybrid format and opportunities for Scopus-indexed journal publication.

Foreign Media Highlight MSCI's Decision on Indonesian Market

International media have reported on MSCI's decision to extend its review of Indonesia's market accessibility until November 2026, allowing the country to retain its emerging market status for now. While the delay was seen as a better-than-expected outcome, analysts caution that downgrade risks persist and sentiment remains subdued. MSCI cited ongoing concerns about investability and will continue to evaluate reforms by Indonesian authorities.

BKPM Offers Rp 1,900 Trillion Investment Opportunity in EV Battery Industry

Indonesia is offering investment opportunities worth US$121 billion to develop an integrated electric vehicle battery manufacturing ecosystem. The country aims to become a top-five global EV battery producer by 2045, leveraging its dominance in key raw materials such as nickel, bauxite, manganese, and copper. The government estimates the downstream strategy could generate US$618 billion in national investment, boost exports by US$857 billion, and create over 3 million jobs.

Police Seize Unusual Items in YTR Torture Case: Machete, Cutter, and IV Bags

West Java Police have unveiled a range of unusual evidence in the high-profile torture case of YTR, including a machete, cutter, and empty IV bags. The items were seized following the arrest of the suspect, Taufik Hidayat, who allegedly held and tortured his girlfriend for three years. Investigators are currently synchronising the physical evidence with witness and victim statements before drawing conclusions.

DPR Member Urges Police to Investigate Officer Allegedly Giving Rp20 Million to Student Leader

A member of Indonesia's House of Representatives (DPR) has called on the National Police to transparently investigate allegations that a police officer gave Rp20 million to a student leader following a recent demonstration. The lawmaker warned that inaction could fuel public speculation and undermine trust in the police. The student coordinator has since admitted to receiving the money and issued a public apology.

KDM Says Woman's Confinement Case in Bandung Result of Neglectful Community

West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi has attributed the recent case of a woman being confined and abused in a Bandung boarding house to a neglectful community environment. He urged residents to be more vigilant about newcomers and called for stricter reporting systems. The governor also questioned the lax oversight of boarding house operations by local authorities.

Indonesia eyes battery recycling to sustain EV growth

Indonesia is prioritising battery waste management as electric vehicle adoption accelerates, with sales reaching 103,000 units in 2025. A government official stressed that effective recycling systems are essential to secure critical mineral supplies and support the country's downstream industrial ambitions. Policymakers are looking to adopt circular-economy frameworks from partners like South Korea and Japan to build a sustainable battery industry.

Jakarta's 499th Anniversary Peak Celebration at Bundaran HI: Schedule and Events

The Jakarta provincial government has announced the peak celebration for the city's 499th anniversary will be held at the Bundaran HI roundabout on 27 June 2026. The event, running from 3 PM to 10 PM, will feature a lighting show, video mapping, and the launch of the 'Towards 5 Centuries of Jakarta' logo. The festivities are part of a broader programme marking the capital's journey towards its 500th year.

West Java Governor Demands Maximum Sentence for Sadistic Abuse of Girlfriend

West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi has called for the heaviest possible punishment for a man who kidnapped and brutally tortured his girlfriend in Bandung Regency, leaving her blind and severely disfigured. The suspect, Taufik Hidayat, was arrested by police after a manhunt, and the governor expressed gratitude for the swift action. A previously announced reward of Rp250 million for information leading to the suspect's capture is under review as the arrest was made by officers rather than a member of the public.

GoTo to Implement 8% Commission on GoRide Services from 1 July 2026

PT GoTo Gojek Tokopedia Tbk (GOTO) will introduce an 8% application commission for its GoRide motorcycle taxi service starting 1 July 2026. The move follows President Prabowo Subianto's directive to improve the welfare of online motorcycle taxi drivers. The company acknowledges the implementation challenges and pledges to balance driver income, customer affordability, and ecosystem sustainability.

Russia Exploring Labour Cooperation Opportunities with Indonesia

Russia is in early-stage talks with Indonesia regarding the potential supply of migrant workers to address labour shortages caused by an ageing population. The Russian Ambassador to Indonesia confirmed contact with relevant Indonesian ministries and stressed the need for legal guarantees and transparent protection of workers' rights. The initiative is seen as a promising future topic in bilateral relations.

NATO Boosts Military Budget to Rp9,300 Trillion, Putin Accuses West of Preparing for War with Russia

President Vladimir Putin has accused Western nations of openly preparing for war with Russia, citing NATO's significant increase in defence spending to $574 billion. Speaking to military graduates in the Kremlin, Putin claimed the West is using a perceived Russian threat to justify massive militarisation, drawing parallels to pre-World War II propaganda. The remarks come amid accelerated military modernisation across NATO member states and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Indonesia Stops Medium Rice Imports, Minister Reveals Massive Impact on Farmers

Agriculture Minister Amran Sulaiman reported to President Prabowo that the cessation of medium-grade rice imports has resulted in a total gain of Rp 200 trillion for farmers, driven by increased exports and reduced imports. The agricultural sector's economic growth reached 5.74%, the highest in 25 years, while the farmer exchange rate hit a 34-year peak of 127%.

Government Opens Public Polling for 81st Indonesian Independence Day Logo

The Indonesian government has launched a public poll to select the official logo for the 81st Independence Day celebrations, marking the first time citizens are directly involved in the decision. Voting runs from 24 to 28 June 2026 via a dedicated presidential website, with five curated designs available. The Creative Economy Minister emphasised that the chosen logo should serve as a symbol of national pride, reflecting the spirit of a sovereign, just, and prosperous Indonesia.

Deputy Police Chief Leads National Pilgrimage Ahead of 80th Bhayangkara Day

Deputy National Police Chief Commissioner General Dedi Prasetyo led a national pilgrimage and flower-scattering ceremony at Kalibata Heroes Cemetery and other sites across Indonesia. The event, held ahead of the 80th Police Day (Hari Bhayangkara), honoured national heroes, former police chiefs, and maritime fighters. Prasetyo emphasised that the tradition serves to reinforce the values of sacrifice, integrity, and dedication within the police force.

Ministry of Defence Confirms Domestic Industry Capable of Maintaining Navy Vessels

Indonesia's Ministry of Defence has confirmed that domestic marine engineering firms can now maintain the Navy's Italian-built warships, KRI Brawijaya and KRI Prabu Siliwangi. This follows an offset agreement where PT Dieselindo Utama Nusa received a mock-up engine block and training facilities from Fincantieri. The transfer of technology is expected to boost the international competitiveness of the local shipbuilding industry.

Bina Marga Undertakes Phased Clean-Up of Chaotic Cables in Kalideres

The West Jakarta Bina Marga agency is gradually relocating overhead utility cables underground in Kalideres following public complaints about dangling wires causing accidents. The project, coordinated with telecommunications associations, aims to complete key corridors by year-end while ensuring uninterrupted services. Residents have reported frequent incidents involving trucks snagging low-hanging cables, leading to hazards for motorists.

Prabowo: What is the Point of DPR and DPD if the People Are Not Prosperous?

President Prabowo Subianto questioned the purpose of Indonesia's legislative bodies if they fail to deliver prosperity to the people, emphasising that national independence was meant to ensure public welfare. Speaking at a farmers and fishermen event in Gorontalo, he criticised the elite's lack of effort in improving the lives of ordinary citizens. Prabowo also reiterated his personal political determination, driven by a desire to see the people smile and live well.

Mari Elka: Build RI-ASEAN vaccine resilience through three aspects

Indonesia's special envoy Mari Elka Pangestu has outlined three key areas for ASEAN cooperation to strengthen the region's vaccine ecosystem: demand, regulation, and research. Speaking at a high-level forum in Jakarta, she stressed the need for a robust regional supply chain and mutual recognition agreements to ensure rapid distribution of medicines. The initiative aims to bolster pandemic preparedness across the 650-million-strong region.

Bhayangkari Polda Metro Jaya Distributes 750 Food Packages in Bojongsari, Depok

The Bhayangkari of Polda Metro Jaya distributed 750 food packages to residents in Bojongsari, Depok, as part of the 80th Bhayangkara Day celebrations. The social initiative aims to ease the burden on local communities and strengthen ties between police families and the public.

Indonesia considers expanding visa-free travel to drive tourism growth

Indonesia's Tourism Ministry is pushing to expand its visa-free entry list, citing a 2016 policy that boosted foreign tourist demand by up to 32.4 percent. The move aims to improve the country's competitiveness against regional neighbours like Malaysia and Thailand, which currently offer broader visa exemptions. The ministry stressed that any expansion must carefully balance economic benefits with national security and reciprocity considerations.

Aceh BKSDA rescues orangutan from plantation area

The Aceh Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) and partners have rescued a dehydrated and malnourished male Sumatran orangutan from a plantation concession in Nagan Raya Regency. The critically endangered primate, estimated to be eight years old, was found with a leg injury limiting its movement and requires intensive care. It has been recommended for transfer to a quarantine and rehabilitation centre in North Sumatra for further treatment.

Pertamina Issues Written Warnings to 25 Petrol Stations in West Sumatra Suspected of Misappropriation

PT Pertamina Patra Niaga has issued formal written warnings to up to 25 petrol stations in West Sumatra for allegedly misdirecting subsidised fuel. The stations were found to be serving the same vehicles repeatedly, indicating misuse. The state-owned energy firm is also enhancing oversight by integrating CCTV systems online and expanding digitalisation to ensure subsidies reach their intended recipients.

LPS Targets Reduction of Unbanked Indonesians to 13 Million

Indonesia's Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS) aims to reduce the number of unbanked citizens of productive age to 13 million by the end of 2026, following a presidential directive for universal bank account access within three years. The unbanked population has already declined from 59.8 million in 2023 to 49.7 million in 2025, with financial literacy festivals being used as a key outreach tool. Meanwhile, the number of dormant accounts nationwide has risen to 173.42 million, highlighting persistent challenges in financial inclusion.

ASDP CEO: Tanjung Kalian wharf development strengthens connectivity

State-owned ferry operator PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry has commenced a strategic expansion of Tanjung Kalian Port in West Bangka to bolster inter-island connectivity and stimulate regional economic growth. The project includes constructing a new wharf and upgrading existing facilities to accommodate larger vessels and rising passenger demand. The Governor of Bangka Belitung Islands highlighted the port's critical role as the main gateway linking the province with Sumatra.

Sony Sonjaya's Camp Disappointed as Attorney General's Office Rejects Justice Collaborator Status

The legal team for Sony Sonjaya, a suspect in the free nutritious meal programme corruption case, has expressed disappointment after the Attorney General's Office rejected his application for justice collaborator status. The defence argues that Sonjaya is prepared to reveal the involvement of other major parties and provide valid evidence. However, investigators deemed him ineligible because he is considered a main perpetrator and has not admitted to his actions.