Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 24 June 2026

Showing 851-900 of 1,678 articles

‘I’m not at peace’: 76 years after Korean War began, ex-prisoners still seek closure

Seventy-six years after the Korean War began, former prisoners of war from both sides continue to grapple with unresolved trauma and separation. Lee Seon-woo, a 95-year-old South Korean veteran who escaped the North in 2006 after 53 years, laments the loss of his family and the lack of a peace treaty. Meanwhile, former North Korean prisoner Ahn Hak-sop, who chose to remain in the South, still longs to return to his homeland, highlighting the enduring human cost of the technically ongoing conflict.

Minister Reveals Fishermen's Villages Can Produce 2.8 Million Tonnes

Indonesia's Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, has announced that the Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih (KNMP) programme could yield up to 2.8 million tonnes of fishery products by the end of 2026. The initiative aims to integrate the fishery ecosystem from upstream to downstream, enhancing product quality and economic value for coastal communities. The government also plans to introduce modern technology such as slurry ice and mini processing facilities to improve freshness and supply chain traceability.

DEN Applauds Pertamina's Third-Place Ranking in Fortune Southeast Asia 500

Indonesia's National Energy Council has praised Pertamina for securing third place in the Fortune Southeast Asia 500 list, highlighting the state-owned energy firm's improved regional competitiveness. The ranking, driven by revenues of USD 70.89 billion, underscores Pertamina's stability amid global challenges and its dual role in pursuing profit while safeguarding national energy security.

Documents Required to Register a PT PMA in Indonesia: Foreign Investor Checklist

The article outlines the critical documentation and strategic decisions required for foreign investors to establish a PT PMA in Indonesia via the OSS-RBA system. It highlights common pitfalls such as mismatched KBLI codes, delays in legalising corporate shareholder documents, and the necessity of securing a director's KITAS early to avoid stalling bank account openings and capital deposits. The piece advises investors to confirm their business classification, capital structure, and compliance obligations before finalising the notarial deed to prevent costly amendments.

Warkopolim in South Jakarta Catches Fire, Suspected Cause is Air Fryer

A fire broke out at the Warkopolim café owned by Gofar Hilman in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta, in the early hours of Wednesday. The blaze is believed to have been sparked by an air fryer, igniting residual oil on a wall before spreading to the exhaust system. The fire was extinguished within 45 minutes, with estimated losses of around Rp10 million.

Ministry pushes stronger OHS culture at workplaces

Deputy Manpower Minister Afriansyah Noor has called for a fundamental shift towards embedding occupational health and safety (OHS) culture in organisational values, beyond mere regulatory compliance. While workplace accidents in Indonesia declined from 462,241 cases in 2024 to 319,382 in 2025, the ministry stressed that a mature safety culture improves risk management, protects workers, and ultimately boosts productivity and industrial competitiveness.

UI Research: Rp2,000-Rp20,000 Banknotes Displaced by QRIS and E-Wallets

A study by the University of Indonesia's LPEM FEB reveals that small to medium denomination banknotes, specifically Rp2,000 to Rp20,000, are increasingly being substituted by digital payment methods like QRIS and e-wallets. The research indicates that while these notes are being displaced for daily transactions, larger denominations and coins remain resilient. The findings highlight significant implications for monetary authorities in managing currency demand and circulation.

Government Allocates Rp 6.26 Trillion for National Internship Programme and to Tackle Layoffs

The Indonesian government has earmarked Rp 6.26 trillion for a national internship programme and vocational training aimed at addressing unemployment. The funds will support 150,000 interns with living allowances and provide skills training for 220,000 vocational school graduates and 50,000 workers affected by layoffs. The initiative, part of a broader economic stimulus package, is set to launch in July 2026.

Analyst: IHSG Falls 3% on Hawkish Global Interest Rate Outlook

The Indonesian Stock Exchange (IDX) Composite index dropped 3% as global investors adopted a risk-off stance amid expectations of hawkish monetary policy from central banks. Market analyst Reydi Octa noted that domestic factors, including prolonged foreign outflows and a lack of strong catalysts, are also weighing on sentiment. The index fell to 5,917.57, with all eleven sectors closing in negative territory.

Ambassador Wang: China Ready to Support MBG Implementation with AI Adoption

China's Ambassador to Indonesia, Wang Lutong, has expressed China's readiness to support Indonesia's Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme, with Chinese tech giant Tencent developing an AI device to automatically track student attendance for meal planning. The technology aims to help local nutrition service units determine daily meal portions, reflecting broader Chinese business community support for President Prabowo's priority policies. This initiative aligns with Indonesia's own plans to utilise government technology for improving the efficiency of MBG and other social aid programmes.

South Kalimantan Develops Floating Rice Cultivation in Swamplands

South Kalimantan is advancing food security through an innovative floating rice cultivation method in its swampy regions, with harvests reaching 6.5 tonnes per hectare. The system allows farmers to grow rice on floating rafts during flood seasons, and is currently being expanded across several districts including Tapin and Barito Kuala.

Minister P2MI: Remittances from Indonesian Migrant Workers Boost National Economy

Minister of Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (P2MI) Mukhtarudin highlighted a significant rise in remittances from Indonesian migrant workers, reaching Rp288 trillion in 2025. These remittances contribute approximately 1.2% to the national GDP and strengthen foreign exchange reserves. The minister also provided updates on credit and housing subsidy programmes for former migrant workers.

Pelaku Usaha Manfaatkan Forum B2B IGS Makassar 2026 untuk Buka Peluang Ekspor

Forum Business to Business (B2B) dalam rangkaian Indonesia Gastrodiplomacy Series (IGS) 2026 di Makassar mempertemukan delegasi internasional dengan perusahaan lokal untuk menjajaki peluang ekspor dan investasi. Sesi yang berlangsung intensif ini memfasilitasi diskusi di sektor pariwisata, perdagangan, dan rantai pasok komoditas unggulan seperti kopi dan perikanan. Pemerintah Kota Makassar menerapkan sistem tindak lanjut untuk memastikan pertemuan ini menghasilkan kerja sama konkret dalam waktu dekat.

Kepri Investment Office Holds Business Meeting to Boost Local and Malaysian Investment

The Kepulauan Riau Investment and One-Stop Service Office (DPM-PTSP) hosted a business meeting in Batam to attract investment from local and Malaysian entrepreneurs. The event highlighted key investment opportunities across the province, including tourism in Bintan, water supply in Natuna, and oil and gas storage in Karimun. Officials pledged full support and assistance for investors from the pre- to post-investment stages.

Banten Police Chief Urges Coastal Residents to Report Maritime Crimes

Banten Police Chief Inspector General Hengki has committed to intensifying maritime patrols with 18 vessels and an additional unit from the national police. He also called on coastal communities to assist in surveillance by reporting suspicious activities at sea. The announcement was made during the 80th Bhayangkara Day commemoration in Cilegon.

Ministers Yassierli and Ara Visit Purbaya to Discuss Tapera and the Fate of Low-Income Housing

Three Indonesian ministers convened to advance President Prabowo Subianto's directive on building subsidised flats for low-income communities. The meeting also addressed the evaluation and future plans for the BP Tapera housing savings programme. An initial phase of 140,000 subsidised flat units is slated for construction in the Cikarang industrial area, with the government urging swift collaboration with private developers.

Regent Sanjaya Proposes Four Strategic Draft Bylaws, Tabanan Maintains Unqualified Opinion

Tabanan Regent I Komang Gede Sanjaya has submitted four draft regional regulations (Ranperda) to the local parliament, covering budget accountability, long-term housing development, disaster management, and environmental protection. The regent also announced that the district has successfully maintained an Unqualified Opinion (WTP) audit status for its financial reports for the twelfth consecutive year.

Unexpected Reactions from Ojol Drivers on Grab-Gojek Commission Cut to 8%

Indonesian ride-hailing drivers have expressed mixed reactions to the new 8% commission cap for two-wheeled services set by Grab and Gojek, effective 1 July 2026. While some welcome the potential for increased income and transparency, others remain indifferent, prioritising consistent order flow over the reduced fee. The policy was announced at the House of Representatives and aims to improve driver welfare.

Prudential Syariah Pays Out IDR 8.5 Trillion in Claims to 325,000 Customers

Prudential Syariah has disbursed total claims of IDR 8.5 trillion to over 325,000 participants since its establishment as an independent entity in 2022. The company highlights its commitment to providing comprehensive sharia-compliant protection, sharing a customer's story of how critical illness coverage saved his family from financial ruin due to multiple surgeries costing hundreds of millions of rupiah.

Breaking: IHSG Plunges Over 3%, 590 Stocks in the Red

The Jakarta Composite Index (IHSG) fell sharply by more than 3% on Wednesday, erasing early gains, as 590 stocks declined. The drop followed MSCI's decision to retain Indonesia's emerging market status while flagging concerns over ownership transparency and coordinated trading practices.

Motive Behind Taufik's Three-Year Confinement and Torture of YTR Remains Unclear

West Java Police are still investigating the motive behind the alleged torture and confinement of a woman identified as YTR by suspect Taufik Hidayat in Bandung. Forensic evidence reportedly indicates the victim's injuries resulted from prolonged violence, contradicting initial claims of an accident. Authorities have also opened a complaint hotline following social media posts from other individuals claiming to be victims of the suspect.

West Java Police to Conduct Psychiatric Evaluation on Suspect in Woman's Three-Year Confinement

West Java Police will involve psychiatric experts to examine Taufik Hidayat, the suspect accused of confining and abusing a 29-year-old woman for three years. The police chief described the alleged actions as unusually sadistic and beyond normal behaviour. The suspect is being held in a special isolation cell under CCTV surveillance while investigations continue.

Police hunt suspect in East Jakarta ojol motorcycle theft

Police in Duren Sawit, East Jakarta, are searching for a suspect identified as SY who fled after stealing a motorcycle belonging to an online motorcycle taxi (ojol) driver on Jalan Raya Kalimalang in May 2026. One accomplice, OM, has been arrested after residents and police officers gave chase, and the stolen motorcycle—used by the victim for his daily livelihood—has been returned to its owner.

Prabowo: Food Self-Sufficiency is a Collective Effort, Not One Person's Work

President Prabowo Subianto emphasised that achieving food self-sufficiency in Indonesia is the result of collective teamwork involving farmers, central and regional governments, and security forces. He noted that current rice and corn production has reached record highs, with the government aiming to make this self-sufficiency permanent. Agriculture Minister Amran Sulaiman added that farmer welfare is at its highest in over three decades, supported by increased production, exports, and reduced imports.

UBSI and Indonesian National Police Explore Renewed Partnership for Human Resource Development

Bina Sarana Informatika University (UBSI) and the Indonesian National Police (Polri) are discussing the extension of their strategic partnership to enhance human resource development. The collaboration aims to expand beyond administrative formalities into concrete programmes covering education, research, and community service. UBSI highlighted its 'Excellent' accreditation and nationwide programme offerings as opportunities for police personnel and their families to pursue higher education.

13 Suspects in Little Aresha Daycare Child Abuse Case to Stand Trial Soon

Prosecutors in Yogyakarta have received the case files for 13 suspects in the alleged child abuse scandal at Little Aresha Daycare, declaring the dossier complete. The handover marks a significant step towards trial, with the prosecution now preparing the indictment. Police have indicated that investigations continue and additional suspects may be named from the 17 staff members initially placed under mandatory reporting.

Battery Waste Management Becomes Focus of Industrial Development

Indonesia is shifting its electric vehicle battery industry focus from pure development to end-of-life waste management. A senior economic ministry official stressed the need for robust recycling systems to secure critical material supply chains and ensure sustainability. The government is looking to adopt circular economy principles and learn from policies in countries like Japan, South Korea, and Singapore.

Ministry Partners with TNI to Accelerate School Reconstruction in Aceh

The Indonesian Ministry of Elementary and Secondary Education, in collaboration with the Indonesian Army (TNI AD), is accelerating the rehabilitation of 190 schools in Aceh damaged by hydrometeorological disasters. The initiative aims to ensure students can return to safe and proper learning environments, with the government targeting the majority of schools to be operational by the 2026/2027 academic year.

Rupiah Closes Weak, US Dollar Climbs to Rp17,925

The Indonesian rupiah extended its losing streak to four days, closing 0.50% lower at Rp17,925 per US dollar amid a strengthening greenback. The dollar's rally is driven by hawkish expectations for the Federal Reserve under new Chair Kevin Warsh, with markets pricing in higher chances of a rate hike. Bank Indonesia has urged public support for the currency and tightened foreign exchange purchase rules to curb speculation.

Meeting BGN Leadership, Luhut Offers Advice for Free Nutritious Meal Programme

Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Chairman of the National Economic Council, has advised the National Nutrition Agency to implement the Free Nutritious Meal programme in a more gradual, phased manner to improve efficiency. He noted that while initial rapid deployment caused some field issues, coordination has addressed them and quality is expected to improve over the next six to twelve months. The programme's realisation reached Rp 88.15 trillion by May 2026, though the government has cut its annual budget from Rp 335 trillion to Rp 268 trillion.

UK Records Zero Cervical Cancer Deaths in Young Women for First Time After HPV Vaccination Programme

England has recorded zero deaths from cervical cancer among women aged 20 to 24 for the first time, a milestone attributed to the national HPV vaccination programme. The study, published in The Lancet, estimates the vaccine has already prevented around 200 deaths, but experts warn that declining vaccination uptake could threaten the goal of eliminating the disease.

Ombudsman records declining trend in investment and downstreaming sector complaints

The Indonesian Ombudsman has noted a downward trend in public complaints regarding the investment and downstreaming sector, with 183 reports in 2025 and 90 by mid-2026. The Ombudsman is pushing for faster resolution through better inter-agency coordination and the appointment of dedicated liaison officers. The Investment and Downstreaming Ministry, which already holds a 'good' public service rating, aims to improve its score by adhering to public service laws and enhancing staff capacity.

Zohran Mamdani Successfully Backs Two Anti-Israel Democratic Candidates in New York

Two anti-Israel candidates backed by the Democratic Socialists of America have won Democratic primaries for congressional seats in New York City. The victories, supported by Mayor Zohran Mamdani, signal a potential expansion of the DSA's influence in Congress. All three Mamdani-endorsed candidates are expected to win in the November general election.

Man Who Threw Cat into Semarang Flood Canal Detained by Police

A 44-year-old man in Semarang has been detained by police after a video of him throwing a cat into the Banjir Kanal Timur went viral. The suspect claimed he acted out of frustration because the cat defecated in his bedroom and no one in the neighbourhood WhatsApp group claimed ownership. Authorities are still investigating the case and searching for the cat, while assessing potential criminal charges.

West Jakarta Residents Learn Waste Sorting to Support Governor's Instruction

Residents of West Jakarta are participating in waste sorting training to back the Jakarta provincial government's new mandatory waste management policy. The initiative aims to build a culture of separating organic, inorganic, and residual waste at the household level. Governor Pramono Anung has issued an instruction requiring source-level waste sorting as the city's Bantargebang landfill reaches capacity, processing around 9,000 tonnes of waste daily.

Health Ministry to Strengthen BPJS Kesehatan Coverage to Curb Medical Inflation

The Indonesian Ministry of Health is pushing to expand the coverage of the national health insurance scheme, BPJS Kesehatan, from the current 20-25% to 60-80% of total health spending. Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin argues that a larger pool of participants will give the agency greater negotiating power to control rising healthcare costs, operating on a mutual cooperation principle similar to taxation.

House Condemns 'Inhumane' Confinement of Woman in Bandung, Perpetrator Could Face TPKS Law Charges

A member of Indonesia's House of Representatives has strongly condemned the alleged three-year confinement and torture of a woman by her boyfriend in Bandung, calling it a serious warning for the state's protection of women. The lawmaker urged law enforcement to arrest the perpetrator and pursue the case transparently, noting the suspect could be charged under the general criminal code as well as the Sexual Violence Crime Law (UU TPKS). She also emphasised the critical role of the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) in providing comprehensive support and rehabilitation for the traumatised victim.

Experts Affirm State Land Management Agency's Legal Validity

Legal experts have affirmed the constitutional validity of Indonesia's Land Bank Agency, stating it operates as a public legal entity under state mandate. The agency's non-profit status and role in managing land for agrarian reform and public interest were emphasised during a Constitutional Court hearing. As of early 2026, the agency holds 34,806 hectares, with over a third allocated for agrarian reform.

Indonesia promotes global forestry agenda at London forum

Indonesia outlined three key strategies for global forest conservation at a London forum, including developing a high-integrity carbon market, strengthening the International Tropical Peatland Center, and utilising the World Mangrove Center. Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni emphasised the country's commitment to leveraging its vast tropical forests and peatlands to attract climate financing and foster international collaboration. The initiatives aim to position Indonesia as a leading contributor to nature-based solutions for climate change, biodiversity, and sustainable development.

PNM Reaches 23.1 Million Customers Through Ultra-Micro Financing

PT Permodalan Nasional Madani (PNM) has expanded its ultra-micro financing to reach 23.1 million customers across Indonesia, making it the world's largest empowerment and financing institution for underprivileged women. The state-owned enterprise, now part of the Danantara ecosystem, combines financing with mentoring and training to support women entrepreneurs. Danantara's leadership praised PNM for exceeding its targets and extending economic empowerment to remote regions, including the frontier, outermost, and disadvantaged areas.

Police Examine Six Witnesses in Case of Student Groping Female Classmate at Lombok Vocational School

Police in Central Lombok are investigating a sexual harassment case at SMKN 1 Kopang after a photo of a male student groping a female classmate went viral. Six witnesses have been questioned so far, and the school principal has been summoned for questioning. The case remains under investigation by the Women and Children Protection Unit.

Prabowo: Indonesia moving towards fuel self-sufficiency, B50 to launch in July

President Prabowo Subianto has announced that Indonesia will launch B50 biodiesel in July 2026 as part of a drive towards full energy self-sufficiency. The new fuel, containing 50 percent palm oil, is expected to eliminate diesel imports and save up to Rp157.28 trillion in foreign exchange this year. Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia confirmed the 1 July target, citing successful trials across heavy equipment, ships, trains, and agricultural machinery.

Strait of Hormuz Closure for Nearly 3 Months: Here's the Impact on Indonesia's Economy

Bank Indonesia's Senior Deputy Governor has outlined three transmission channels through which a prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz would impact the Indonesian economy. Rising global oil prices are expected to drive domestic fuel costs and inflation, while also creating a silver lining by boosting demand and prices for Indonesian exports like coal and palm oil. The central bank has already raised its benchmark rate by 100 basis points to 5.75% to preemptively curb inflationary pressures and maintain monetary stability amid the global uncertainty.

UBSI Rector Reveals Psychology Degree Increasingly in Demand, Career Opportunities and Prospects

The rector of Universitas Bina Sarana Informatika (UBSI) highlights the growing demand for psychology graduates as awareness of mental health rises across various sectors. He notes that the field offers broad career prospects beyond clinical roles, including human resources, digital marketing, and organisational development. UBSI has designed its psychology programme to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills relevant to the modern workforce.

Attorney General's Office Records Rp 131.5 T in State Funds Recovered from Corruption Since 2020

The Indonesian Attorney General's Office (Kejagung) has reported the recovery of Rp 131.5 trillion in state losses from corruption cases between 2020 and 2026. The funds, secured through legally binding court rulings, have been handed over to the Asset Recovery Agency. The office attributes the significant recoveries to a strategic shift prioritising large-scale cases that impact public welfare and state interests.

Dasco to Lead Parliamentary Safari for Electoral Law Revision

The Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) plans a 'safari' to non-parliamentary parties to gather input on revising the Election Law. Deputy Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad will lead the initiative alongside Commission II members. The move aims to address key issues such as the parliamentary threshold and electoral district boundaries before the 2029 election cycle.

Social Affairs Ministry Backs Film Production on 'Hope' Through Sekolah Rakyat

Indonesia's Ministry of Social Affairs is supporting a collaborative short film project designed to communicate the values of the government's Sekolah Rakyat programme. The 25-minute film will depict a child's journey out of extreme poverty through education, emphasising the state's role in providing accessible schooling. The initiative aims to foster public empathy and understanding of the programme as a tool for poverty alleviation.

YTR's Heartfelt Cry After Taufik Hidayat's Arrest: I Want Him Punished as Severely as Possible

YTR, the victim in a high-profile false imprisonment and abuse case, has expressed relief and gratitude following the arrest of suspect Taufik Hidayat by West Java Police. The victim, who was found in a distressing physical state after years of separation from family, now feels safer and calmer. YTR has called for the maximum possible punishment, stating he wants the perpetrator to experience what he endured.

People's Schools Revive the Spirit of Marginalised Communities in East Kalimantan

The Indonesian government's 'Sekolah Rakyat' (People's Schools) programme is providing free, high-quality education to children from extremely poor families in East Kalimantan. For families of casual labourers who previously viewed proper schooling as an unattainable luxury, the initiative is removing the financial barriers that threatened to force their children to drop out. The programme aims to break the cycle of poverty by nurturing the ambitions of the province's most disadvantaged youth.

DPR Confident Authorities Will Act Professionally on Deaths of Two SPPI Participants

Deputy Chair of House Commission I Dave Laksono has expressed confidence that relevant institutions will handle the deaths of two Sarjana Penggerak Pembangunan Indonesia (SPPI) programme participants with professionalism and seriousness. He emphasised the need for transparency and empathy as the state investigates the fatalities, which occurred during military-style basic training. The Ministry of Defence has confirmed the identities of the deceased and stated they received medical treatment prior to their deaths.