Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 24 June 2026

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Dismissed for Fraud and Online Gambling, Briptu AN Expelled from National Police

A police officer in Kutai Kartanegara, East Kalimantan, has been dishonourably discharged after being found guilty of fraud and online gambling. The dismissal ceremony, led by the local police chief, was described as a firm sanction reflecting the institution's commitment to rooting out personnel who damage its integrity. The case highlights the severe consequences for law enforcement officers whose criminal actions betray public trust.

Financial Influencers Now Regulated by OJK, Must Provide Accurate Financial Information

Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) has issued a new regulation governing financial influencers to ensure they provide clear, accurate, and non-misleading information. The rule aims to protect consumers and improve financial literacy by establishing a code of conduct for individuals with public influence in the financial sector. The regulation is designed to prevent consumer harm and foster a trustworthy financial ecosystem.

Indonesia, FBI step up efforts to repatriate cultural artifacts

Indonesia's Ministry of Culture is intensifying collaboration with the FBI to streamline the return of cultural heritage objects held abroad. Minister Fadli Zon emphasised that clearer procedures are being developed to overcome remaining obstacles, while FBI Legal Attaché Robert Lafferty noted significant progress over the past year. The repatriation drive is part of a broader government commitment to safeguard national identity and utilise returned artifacts for education and research.

Fire at Warkopolim Causes Estimated Losses of Rp10 Million

A fire at the Warkopolim shop house in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta, caused an estimated Rp10 million in damages. The blaze, which started early Wednesday morning, was triggered by sparks from an electric air fryer igniting residual oil on the wall. Firefighters managed to extinguish the fire within 45 minutes of arriving at the scene.

Prabowo: Farmers and Fishermen Are the Backbone of the Republic

President Prabowo Subianto declared farmers and fishermen as the backbone of the Indonesian Republic during the National Farmers and Fishermen Contact Week in Gorontalo. He pledged his administration would work tirelessly to improve their welfare and safeguard the nation's resources. The President was also awarded the Adhi Bhakti Tani Nelayan Maha Utama gold medal by the national farming and fishing association.

Jakarta's PPAPP says RPTRA must support human resource development

The DKI Jakarta Child Protection and Population Control Agency (PPAPP) has emphasised that the city's Child-Friendly Integrated Public Spaces (RPTRA) must play a role in human resource development through integrated programmes. The agency highlighted the integration of family welfare, child protection, and community health initiatives at the 324 RPTRA sites across the capital. The number of RPTRA has already exceeded the initial target of 267, with most funded by the regional budget and corporate social responsibility contributions.

DPR Commission IX Warns of Layoff Storm Amid Japanese Automotive Plant Relocation Issue

A member of Indonesia's House of Representatives (DPR) Commission IX has warned of potential mass layoffs affecting up to 7,000 workers if two Japanese automotive component manufacturers relocate from East Java to Vietnam. The legislator described the situation as an early alarm for deindustrialisation, urging the government to address regulatory instability that is driving foreign investors away. He also called on the companies to ensure responsible transition processes and fulfil workers' rights.

China Overtakes US as World Number One in Supercomputing, Trump Responds

China's domestically-designed LineShine supercomputer has topped the TOP500 global ranking, displacing the US El Capitan system. The achievement highlights China's ambition for self-sufficiency in computing systems, though experts caution it does not necessarily signify dominance in artificial intelligence workloads. The development comes amid heightened US-China tech rivalry, with President Trump recently signing an executive order to secure American leadership in quantum computing.

Cobra Slithers into Bedroom at Night, Bogor Resident Calls Fire Brigade

A Javan spitting cobra entered a resident's bedroom in Gunung Sindur, Bogor, prompting an emergency call to the local fire brigade. Firefighters successfully evacuated the venomous snake within 15 minutes of arriving at the scene. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges of human-wildlife interaction in residential areas of West Java.

MBG: Proof of President Prabowo's Pro-People Stance Reaching the Plates of the Poor

The Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme is presented as tangible evidence of the government's commitment to welfare, moving beyond political slogans. With a budget allocation of Rp335 trillion for 2026, the initiative aims to reach 82.9 million beneficiaries while simultaneously stimulating the grassroots economy. The programme is credited with engaging nearly 59,000 MSMEs and absorbing 1.28 million workers, creating a Keynesian multiplier effect that channels state funds directly back to the people.

Batang Regency Government to Provide Free School Uniforms for New Students

The Batang Regency administration in Central Java is introducing a policy to provide free school uniforms for all new elementary and junior high school students, including those in private and religious-based schools. The programme aims to alleviate the financial burden on parents at the start of the academic year and promote equal access to education. To ensure a proper fit, schools will measure each student individually before the uniforms are procured centrally.

Lunch and the Process Behind It Become a Subject in China

A primary school in Yinchuan, China, has developed a hands-on 'field-to-table' education system where students learn practical life skills through farming, cooking, and cleaning. The programme aims to teach children the effort behind daily meals and foster respect for labour, moving beyond symbolic gestures to tangible experience. The initiative reflects a broader national push to reintegrate labour education into Chinese schools, overcoming challenges such as limited space and teacher training.

Prabowo: UN Predicts Global Hunger Threat, Indonesia Begins Exports Instead

President Prabowo Subianto has declared Indonesia's food sector is in a strong position, with the country now exporting agricultural products despite United Nations warnings of a global hunger crisis. He revealed that Australia and other nations have requested fertiliser and rice supplies from Indonesia. Prabowo stressed that exports must proceed without disadvantaging domestic farmers, ensuring they benefit from rising global demand.

Prabowo Claims to Know Masterminds and Funders Behind Recent Demonstrations

President Prabowo Subianto has publicly claimed he knows the identities of those orchestrating and financing recent demonstrations across Indonesia. Speaking at a national farmers and fishermen event, he alleged some protesters were paid Rp 200,000 to participate. He also issued warnings to corrupt officials and called for national unity, comparing the nation to a football team that should be supported during competition.

Bara Puan Cooks at Central Java Governor's Office: A Mothers' Way of Criticising Free Nutritious Meals

A women's collective in Semarang staged a public cooking protest outside the Central Java governor's office to criticise the government's Free Nutritious Meals programme. The group, Bara Puan, highlighted the disconnect between the programme's procurement and local farmers and fishermen, who feel their produce is being overlooked. They called for better synchronisation between state-created programmes and existing community potential.

The Influence of Human Resource Quality on Regional Economic Development

The quality of human resources (HR) is a critical driver of regional economic development, influencing productivity, innovation, and investment. Higher HR quality, measured through education, health, and skills, leads to reduced poverty and unemployment, while disparities in access to these factors remain a key challenge in Indonesia. Prioritising improvements in education, healthcare, and vocational training is essential for achieving sustainable and equitable regional growth.

Video: SUNI and RAJA Distribute Dividends, BBTN Plans Share Buyback

Three Indonesian listed companies have announced key corporate actions. PT Bank Tabungan Negara (BBTN) is considering a share buyback, citing its solid fundamentals. Meanwhile, PT Rukun Raharja (RAJA) and PT Sunindo Pratama (SUNI) have both secured shareholder approval to distribute cash dividends for the 2025 financial year.

HWP and Textile Museum Present Rare Textile Exhibition

The Himpunan Wastraprema (HWP) and the Jakarta Textile Museum are celebrating their 50th anniversary with an exhibition of rare and historic Indonesian textiles. The event, titled 'Menjaga Warisan untuk Masa Depan' (Preserving Heritage for the Future), showcases curated pieces from significant donors, including a recent contribution of 114 rare ulos cloths. Officials emphasised the museum's vital role in preserving cultural heritage and inspiring public engagement with the nation's textile traditions.

Customs and West Java Government Destroy 44 Million Illegal Cigarettes Worth IDR 65 Billion

The West Java Customs and Excise Office, in collaboration with the provincial government, has destroyed over 44 million illegal cigarettes valued at IDR 65.18 billion. The destruction, carried out in Purwakarta, represents proceeds from enforcement actions between July 2025 and May 2026. The operation prevented an estimated IDR 32.95 billion in potential state losses.

House Commission X Urges Free Meal Protests Not to Involve Students

A senior Indonesian lawmaker has called for students to be kept out of public demonstrations related to the Free Nutritious Meal programme, following reports that the Batam education agency mobilised pupils for a pro-MBG rally. The deputy chair of House Commission X argued that such actions disrupt learning and that grievances should be channelled through teachers and local education offices. The Batam education chief confirmed organising the rally, citing parental complaints over stalled programme funding.

Prabowo Recounts Four Election Defeats: 'Losing Is Not Pleasant'

President Prabowo Subianto shared his political journey, recalling his four electoral losses before finally winning the presidency in 2024. He also reiterated his long-standing criticism of government policies, citing a past appeal to prevent rice imports during a harvest season to protect local farmers.

Batam Health Office Intensifies TB Screening and Treatment in Prisons

The Batam Health Office is expanding tuberculosis screening and treatment programmes into correctional facilities across the city. Routine testing of inmates is conducted under an agreement with prisons, while medication is supplied by local community health centres. The initiative has identified 1,870 positive cases so far, including 31 drug-resistant strains.

Ahead of Kuningan, Klungkung's Pasar Galiran Traders Complain of Quiet Market

Traders at Pasar Galiran in Klungkung, Bali, report unusually low customer turnout ahead of the Kuningan religious holiday, with some comparing the sluggish sales to the 1998 financial crisis. Vendors of eggs, spices, and vegetables note that demand has been declining since the previous Galungan-Kuningan period. They suspect reduced purchasing power may be linked to other financial obligations such as loan repayments and school fees.

Investment Forum IGS 2026, Buka Peluang Kerja Sama Sektor Perikanan hingga Pariwisata

The Makassar city government is hosting the Business Forum Indonesia Gastrodiplomacy Series (IGS) 2026 to attract international investment and foster collaboration across fisheries, tourism, and other sectors. The forum facilitates Business-to-Business and Government-to-Government meetings involving 20 business actors and representatives from 23 regencies in South Sulawesi. Officials highlight the event as a strategic platform for initial partnership exploration between local stakeholders and foreign delegations.

378 Hajj Pilgrims from NTT Return Home, Two Remain Hospitalised in Medina

The majority of the 380 Hajj pilgrims from East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) in Kloter SUB 80 have safely returned to Indonesia via Surabaya. Two pilgrims remain under medical care in Medina but are reported to be in improving condition. The group is part of a total of 533 pilgrims from NTT this season, with the final phase of the Hajj repatriation operation now underway.

Construction of Central Java People's School 2 Reaches 90 Percent Completion

The construction of Sekolah Rakyat Jawa Tengah 2 in Semarang has reached 90 percent completion as of 24 June 2026. The school, built on 65,000 square metres of land, is designed to accommodate up to 1,080 students across primary, junior high, and senior high levels. It is scheduled for completion by 10 July 2026, in time for the 2026/2027 academic year.

Penatarsewu Village Government Intensifies Stunting Forum to Reduce Chronic Malnutrition

The Penatarsewu Village Government in Kediri is strengthening its commitment to public health by intensifying the 'Rembug Stunting' programme. This community forum integrates local health workers, cadres, and community leaders to map data and plan targeted interventions for children under five. The initiative aims to achieve zero stunting through early detection and active parental participation.

Starting the day without fried food: steamed and boiled dishes gain popularity

Health-conscious urban workers in Jakarta are increasingly swapping fried breakfasts for affordable steamed and boiled snacks like corn and sweet potato, driving a new micro-economy at commuter stations. Vendors report daily turnovers exceeding IDR 1 million, while surveys show over 85 per cent of young Indonesians have recently purchased such minimally processed foods. Nutritionists welcome the trend but caution against completely eliminating fats from the diet.

Indonesia and ASEAN push for regional vaccine self-sufficiency to prepare for future pandemics

Indonesia is spearheading a regional initiative to strengthen the vaccine, medicine, and diagnostics ecosystem across Southeast Asia to avoid supply chain disruptions in future pandemics. Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin stressed that health technology must be shared, not monopolised, and highlighted that much of Indonesia's healthcare spending currently leaks abroad due to import reliance. The government is promoting downstream industries, such as paracetamol and blood plasma processing, to ensure domestic health expenditure boosts the national economy.

Warning of Renewed War: US-Iran Clash Over Nuclear Inspections, Netanyahu Seeks Opening

Tensions between the United States and Iran have reignited over disputed UN nuclear site inspections, threatening a fragile ceasefire and plans to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. While technical talks continue in Switzerland and Iran's president visits Pakistan, Israel's prime minister insists his military retains full freedom of action in southern Lebanon. A planned evacuation of 11,000 stranded seafarers from the blockaded strait offers a glimmer of hope for global supply chains.

Prabowo Proud of Indonesia's Highest-Ever Rice and Corn Production

President Prabowo Subianto has declared that Indonesia has achieved food self-sufficiency, with rice and corn production reaching the highest levels in the nation's history. Speaking at a national farmers' and fishers' event in Gorontalo, he credited the milestone to the hard work of agricultural workers and the strategic involvement of the military and police. He also alluded to unnamed parties who do not wish to see Indonesia prosper.

Baznas Partners with Coach Indra Sjafri to Expand Zakat Literacy Among Youth

Indonesia's National Zakat Agency (Baznas) is collaborating with national football coach Indra Sjafri to promote zakat awareness and literacy, particularly among young people. The partnership aims to integrate zakat education with character building through sports, framing the Islamic obligation as a pathway to shared prosperity. Both parties emphasised that zakat collection and distribution programmes are designed to empower all segments of society, including athletes.

Jakarta to Launch Its Own LPDP Next Year, Offering 75 Overseas Scholarships

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung announced the city will establish its own education fund management body, modelled on the national LPDP, to provide scholarships for 50 to 75 students to study abroad starting next year. The initiative underscores the provincial government's commitment to prioritising education, with Pramono also confirming that existing programmes like KJP and KJMU will not face budget cuts.

Fadli Zon: Soeharto's Leadership Worthy of Study for Today's Generation

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon has stated that the leadership of former President Soeharto offers valuable lessons for contemporary Indonesia. Speaking at a seminar, Zon highlighted Soeharto's fact-based decision-making, military heroism, and international mediation roles. He also pointed to Soeharto's economic policies, particularly achieving food self-sufficiency in 1984, as a model for current governance.

Prabowo Jokes That Police Chief and TNI Commander Are 'Hard to Replace'

President Prabowo Subianto made a light-hearted remark at a national farmers' and fishermen's event, suggesting that TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto and National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo are difficult to replace. He jokingly attributed this to their names, noting Subiyanto's surname and Sigit's middle name 'Prabowo'. Both officials were appointed during the previous administration under President Joko Widodo.

Yusril: Coordinating Ministry an Instrument to Ensure Effective Coordination

Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra has emphasised that his ministry's role is to foster effective cross-sectoral policy coordination, not to act as a superior to other ministries. The statement came during a meeting with the Minister for State Apparatus Empowerment and Bureaucratic Reform, Rini Widyantini, aimed at clarifying institutional functions and eliminating overlapping authority. Both parties agreed to continue synchronising tasks to strengthen integrated governance and public service delivery.

Mother Becomes Victim of Domestic Violence, Husband Arrested in East Kalimantan

A housewife in Samboja, Kutai Kartanegara, was allegedly physically assaulted by her husband after a domestic argument. The suspect has been arrested and faces up to five years in prison under Indonesia's Domestic Violence Elimination Law.

Family Thanks West Java Police, Demands Heavy Sentence for Taufik Hidayat

The family of a woman allegedly abused and held captive by her boyfriend has expressed gratitude to West Java Police for his arrest, while demanding the maximum penalty. The victim, YTR, has reportedly suffered permanent physical disability as a result of the ordeal. The family has pledged to follow the legal process despite their anger.

LPS Chief Predicts IDR 1.18 Trillion in Deposit Guarantee Funds Needed This Year

The Indonesia Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS) has spent IDR 830 billion of its IDR 2 trillion operational budget so far this year. LPS Chairman Anggito Abimanyu estimates that total claims for bank resolutions, particularly for rural banks (BPR), could reach IDR 1.18 trillion by year-end.

Apindo on Layoffs: The Triggers Must Be Addressed

The Indonesian Employers' Association (Apindo) argues that the focus should be on resolving the root causes of rising layoffs, such as energy supply issues and declining competitiveness, rather than the layoffs themselves. Apindo highlights structural problems like high logistics costs and raw material difficulties, while also promoting preventive measures to avoid job cuts.

Prabowo: Indonesia's rice and corn production highest in history

President Prabowo Subianto has declared that Indonesia's rice and corn production has reached its highest level since the nation's founding, marking the achievement of food self-sufficiency in key commodities. He credited the success to the hard work of farmers, fishermen, and collaboration across ministries, local governments, and security forces. The President emphasised that food self-sufficiency is a crucial foundation for national resilience.

US Pilot's 'Jellyfish' Drone Formation Claim Sparks Intel Debate Amid Concussion Doubts

A US F-15 pilot's account of Iranian drones moving in a synchronised 'jellyfish' formation has triggered fierce debate within American intelligence circles. Officials are questioning the reliability of the testimony, noting the pilot suffered a concussion and had been shot down twice during the US-Iran conflict. If verified, the reported capability would represent a significant advancement in Iran's drone warfare technology.

President Pezeshkian rules out any negotiation on Iran's defence capabilities

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has categorically rejected any possibility of negotiating the country's defence and deterrence capabilities, stating its missile arsenal has prevented a fate similar to Gaza. Speaking in Islamabad alongside Pakistan's prime minister, he criticised Western nations for hypocrisy on human rights. The remarks reinforce Tehran's longstanding position that its military strength is non-negotiable for safeguarding sovereignty.

Metro Jaya Police Inaugurate Clean Water Facility in Bojongsari, Benefiting 815 Residents

The Metro Jaya Regional Police have inaugurated a new clean water facility in Bojongsari, Depok, to address chronic water shortages. The project, part of the 80th Bhayangkara Day commemorations, includes a drilled well, water tower, and distribution network. It is expected to serve 815 residents across several neighbourhoods, supporting household needs, schools, and places of worship.

Digital Era Tourism Villages: Great Potential Hampered by Skills and Mentoring Gaps

Despite the vast potential of social media for promotion, many tourism village managers in Bogor Regency struggle to leverage digital platforms due to a lack of content creation skills and understanding of digital finance. The digital divide is framed not just as a promotional issue but as an inequality in the capacity to produce information, leaving rural communities less visible in the public sphere. Stakeholders highlight the urgent need for sustained mentoring beyond basic training to help these villages independently develop their economic potential.

Health Minister BGS Discusses Strategies to Increase Hospitals, Doctors, and BPJS Contributions

Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin has outlined plans to strengthen Indonesia's healthcare sector to support national economic growth. Key strategies include incentivising hospital investment in underserved regions, addressing a critical shortage of 70,000 specialist doctors, and reforming BPJS Kesehatan to cover a larger share of healthcare spending. The ministry aims to improve 400 regional hospitals and ease regulations to boost investment competitiveness.

Exporters Flock to Convert Dollars to Rupiah, New DHE Rule Proves Effective

Bank Indonesia reports a surge in exporters converting US dollars to rupiah following the issuance of Government Regulation No. 21 of 2026 on Export Proceeds (DHE). The new rule has provided certainty, prompting many exporters to begin conversions, partly to meet domestic obligations such as debt payments and raw material imports. The central bank expects further conversions as exporters utilise a three-month grace period to place funds in special accounts.

Myth vs Fact: Are You Really Protein Deficient?

Amidst the modern fitness craze, many Indonesians are confused by misinformation about protein intake. This article debunks common myths, explaining that excessive consumption does not automatically build muscle but can strain the kidneys, and highlights that plant-based sources like tempeh and lentils are equally valuable. It emphasises that a balanced diet typically meets the average person's daily needs without the need for high-protein processed products.

LRT Jabodebek Maintains Plinth Track Infrastructure for Safety and Reliability

The LRT Jabodebek is ensuring the safety and punctuality of its services through routine inspection and maintenance of its plinth track system. This concrete-based rail structure, used instead of traditional sleepers, provides high stability and is critical for the reliable operation of the Greater Jakarta light rail transit. Daily checks and periodic assessments of the track geometry and fastening systems are carried out to maintain optimal conditions.

National Food Agency Head confirms rice stocks secure until May next year

Indonesia's National Food Agency chief has confirmed that government rice reserves exceed 5 million tonnes, the highest in history, ensuring supply security until May 2027. The stockpile is part of early anticipatory measures against the El Niño weather phenomenon. Despite a marginal projected production dip in 2026, the country is expected to maintain a surplus of 4 million tonnes.