Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 25 June 2026

Showing 451-500 of 1,504 articles

NTT Police Hold Mass USEFT Training Ahead of 80th Bhayangkara Anniversary

The East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Regional Police have introduced a novel mental health and emotional management programme for its personnel using the Ultimate Source Body, Mind, Soul Emotional Freedom Technique (USEFT). The mass training, held in Kupang, aims to build psychological resilience among officers facing increasingly complex duties. The initiative is also being extended to the public, including inmates, as part of the force's community outreach.

Woman Held Captive by Taufik Hidayat Now Able to Speak, Albeit Limited

The victim held captive for three years in Bandung, identified as YTR, is showing signs of recovery and can now speak in a limited capacity while receiving intensive care at Hasan Sadikin Hospital. Her family has expressed both relief at the perpetrator's arrest and lingering anger over the brutal crime. They are demanding the heaviest possible punishment for the suspect, Taufik Hidayat.

Extreme Heat Causes Economic Losses in Germany

A new study warns that extreme heatwaves are inflicting significant economic damage on Germany, with productivity losses and rising energy costs potentially reducing GDP by up to 3% by 2030. The country's infrastructure and workforce are ill-prepared for increasingly frequent temperatures above 30°C, as only a small fraction of households have air conditioning. Economists are urging the government to treat heat resilience as a permanent economic policy challenge, calling for investment in building design and urban planning.

Minister to Upgrade Jaga Desa App to Maximise Village Potential

Villages Minister Yandri Susanto announced plans to upgrade the Jaga Desa digital monitoring programme to better support village economic development. The initiative, a collaboration with the Attorney General's Office, aims to improve financial administration and marketing for village-owned enterprises. The minister also highlighted the system's role in preventing misuse of village funds and deterring extortion by corrupt officials.

Indonesia Ready to Become Asia-Pacific Carbon Storage Hub, Says MPR Deputy Speaker

Indonesia is positioning itself to become the leading carbon storage hub in the Asia-Pacific region, leveraging an estimated storage capacity of 600 gigatonnes of CO2. Deputy Speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly Eddy Soeparno highlighted the nation's strategic advantages during London Climate Week, citing decades of oil and gas experience and existing infrastructure. He emphasised that cross-border collaboration and regulatory harmonisation are essential for regional decarbonisation, with Indonesia already advancing international partnerships and comprehensive legal frameworks to attract up to US$43 billion in investment.

Governor: Tabut Festival Preserves Culture and Drives Economy

The Governor of Bengkulu has highlighted the dual role of the Tabut Festival in safeguarding cultural heritage and boosting the local economy. The event, part of the national Kharisma Event Nusantara calendar, is estimated to have generated over IDR 20 billion in economic turnover. Officials noted that the festival's activities, including a bazaar for micro, small, and medium enterprises, significantly benefit the tourism and trade sectors.

MPR Deputy Speaker Highlights Importance of Implementing Ki Hajar Dewantara's Tri-Centre Education Concept

Deputy Speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Lestari Moerdijat has called for the national education system to return to the philosophical foundations of Ki Hajar Dewantara's Tri-Centre Education concept. She stressed that the ongoing revision of the National Education System Bill must focus on the synergy between family, school, and community rather than mere administrative nomenclature. The discussion also highlighted the need to integrate cultural values and proper parental involvement to prepare for Indonesia's 2045 Golden Generation vision.

Bank BSN Holds Mass Contract Signing for 6,000 Subsidised Homes, Pursuing 2026 FLPP Mortgage Distribution Target

PT Bank Syariah Nasional (Bank BSN) conducted a simultaneous mass contract signing for 6,000 subsidised housing units across its national branches to accelerate the distribution of government-backed mortgages. The event, centred in Deli Serdang, North Sumatra, supports the government's priority programme to provide housing for low-income communities. Bank BSN aims to meet its 2026 allocation of 73,700 units under the Housing Financing Liquidity Facility (FLPP) scheme, having already distributed 28,000 units by June.

Sinaksak-Simpang Panei Toll Road to Implement Tariffs, Operator Prepares 24-Hour Services

The Sinaksak-Simpang Panei toll road section in North Sumatra will soon begin charging tariffs after operating free of charge for over a month. Operator Hamawas has prepared 24-hour operational services including patrols, rescue, and paramedics to support the transition. The 12.55-kilometre segment is part of the Kuala Tanjung-Tebing Tinggi-Parapat toll road and aims to boost regional connectivity and tourism access to Lake Toba.

Get Ready! Bahlil Urges Indonesians to Use CNG to Reduce LPG Imports

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has called on Indonesians to switch to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a strategy to curb the nation's significant LPG imports, which currently drain Rp 150 trillion annually. Speaking at an energy forum, he outlined broader plans to bolster national energy resilience, including boosting domestic oil lifting and advancing the B50 biodiesel programme. The government is also grappling with declining oil production and high fuel consumption, while assuring that subsidised fuel prices will remain unchanged to protect the poor.

Rupiah Nears 18,000: How Resilient is Indonesian Banking?

The Indonesian rupiah's approach towards the 18,000 per US dollar mark has prompted scrutiny of the banking sector's resilience. The Financial Services Authority (OJK) reports that the sector remains stable, supported by a low Net Open Position and strong capital adequacy. While direct impacts are limited, authorities are monitoring potential indirect risks to credit quality from import-dependent debtors.

Sumedang Prepares Mitigation for Agricultural Land Amid Long Dry Season

The Sumedang Regency government is implementing measures to protect agricultural output from the impacts of a prolonged dry season. Optimising water sources, repairing irrigation networks, and deploying water pumps are among the key steps being taken. The local administration is working to ensure the sector's contribution to the regional economy is maintained despite the challenges posed by the El Niño phenomenon.

AHY Announces Indonesia to Begin New Era of 'Green' Aviation Fuel in 2027, Here Are the Details

The Indonesian government is mandating the use of 1% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for international flights departing from Soekarno-Hatta and I Gusti Ngurah Rai airports starting in 2027. Coordinating Minister Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono stated this initiative marks a milestone in the nation's aviation decarbonisation strategy and aims to build a domestic SAF supply chain. The policy is part of a broader effort to develop low-emission airports and reduce the industry's reliance on volatile global energy prices.

AI Proposed for Disease Analysis, Health Minister Says Doctors Must Still Touch and See Patients

Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin has responded to a parliamentary proposal to use artificial intelligence to address doctor shortages in remote areas. He stressed that the government's primary focus must remain on increasing the number of doctors and distributing them to underserved regions. Budi argued that AI cannot replace the essential need for medical professionals to physically examine and touch their patients.

Marines Outline Medical Procedures for Cooperative Manager Trainees During Basic Military Training

The Indonesian Marine Corps has detailed its medical response protocols for participants in the basic military training programme for prospective managers of the Red and White Village Cooperative (KDMP). Trainees with chronic health conditions are exempted from strenuous physical activities and directed towards classroom-based learning. The programme, involving 674 participants, aims to instil discipline and nationalistic values for cooperative management.

Bandarlampung Health Office Urges SPPG to Strengthen Free Nutritious Meal Programme Governance

The Bandarlampung Health Office has called on the local Nutritional Fulfilment Service Unit (SPPG) to enhance the governance of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme. The initiative is viewed as a strategic investment in human capital to support the Indonesia Emas 2045 vision. Authorities are focusing on food safety supervision and prioritising vulnerable groups to prevent foodborne diseases.

KPK Uncovers Alleged BPK Intervention to Alter Muara Enim Audit Opinion to WTP

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has found evidence suggesting central BPK officials intervened to change the Muara Enim regency's audit opinion to Unqualified (WTP). The discovery was made during a search of the South Sumatra BPK office, linked to a bribery case involving the regency's non-active head, Edison. The case relates to efforts to cover up findings in a smart board procurement project.

Kejaksaan Mulai Proses DPA Korporasi Meski Pedoman Pelaksanaan Masih Disusun

Kejaksaan Agung telah mulai memproses permohonan Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA) dari korporasi, termasuk kasus PT Kraustig, meskipun pedoman teknis pelaksanaannya masih dalam tahap penyusunan. Langkah ini memunculkan kekhawatiran dari kalangan praktisi hukum mengenai kepastian hukum bagi dunia usaha. Sementara itu, pelaku bisnis menekankan pentingnya penerapan Business Judgment Rule untuk melindungi direksi dari risiko pidana atas keputusan bisnis yang diambil dengan itikad baik.

Pandu Sjahrir: Business Judgment Rule Perkuat Kepastian Hukum bagi Investor

Chief Investment Officer BPI Danantara, Pandu Sjahrir, menekankan pentingnya penerapan Business Judgment Rule untuk memberikan kepastian hukum dan melindungi pengambil keputusan bisnis di Indonesia. Ia menyatakan bahwa aturan ini, yang mensyaratkan keputusan berbasis informasi memadai dan itikad baik, krusial untuk mengurangi ketakutan akan risiko hukum dan mendorong investasi produktif. Penerapan prinsip ini diharapkan dapat meningkatkan kredibilitas institusi di mata investor global serta menurunkan risk premium, sehingga memperkuat daya saing ekonomi nasional.

Death Toll from Venezuela Twin Earthquakes Rises to 164

The death toll from the twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela has climbed to 164, with over 970 injured, as rescue efforts continue. The 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes, the strongest to hit the country in over a century, caused widespread destruction near the capital Caracas, with the coastal state of La Guaira bearing the brunt of the damage. International offers of assistance have been made as survivors spend the night searching for loved ones amidst power outages and collapsed buildings.

Government Strategy to Forge Santri into Competitive Digital Talent

The Indonesian government is expanding digital training and certification access for Islamic boarding school students, known as santri, to prepare them for diverse careers beyond religious roles. Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Nezar Patria highlighted the importance of equipping santri with skills in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. The initiative includes technology-based entrepreneurship programmes to transform students into competitive players in the digital economy.

PDIP Secretary General: We Are Immune to Accusations, Remain Loyal to the People

PDIP Secretary General Hasto Kristiyanto dismissed accusations that the party is behind recent student protests, stating the party is immune to such claims as long as it remains loyal to the people and Pancasila ideology. He acknowledged that political pressure is a risk but claimed it strengthens the party's resolve to defend the poor and oppressed. Hasto also expressed trust in the idealism of students while urging action against those who seek to manipulate their movements.

Industry Ministry Reveals Fate of Thousands of PT Pakerin Employees Facing Layoff Threat

The Ministry of Industry has intervened to assist PT Pakerin after reports emerged that thousands of workers face potential redundancy. The company's cardboard production line has been idle since December 2024 due to internal issues, though its caustic soda facility remains operational. The government is facilitating raw material supplies to help restart production and safeguard jobs at the Mojokerto-based manufacturer.

Legal Certainty Key to Investment: Peradi SAI Discusses New Era of Corporate Criminal Liability

The Indonesian Advocates Association (Peradi SAI) convened a legal and economic forum to bridge the gap between businesses and law enforcement following the enactment of the new Criminal Code (KUHP). The forum highlighted that the new code significantly expands corporate criminal liability, moving beyond special crimes to cover broader governance and compliance failures. Stakeholders stressed that clear, fair enforcement is essential to maintaining a healthy investment climate and preventing the criminalisation of good-faith business decisions.

100 Kings Scheduled to Attend Nusantara Cultural Festival in Salatiga

Over 100 kings, sultans, and traditional leaders from Indonesia and abroad are expected to attend the 7th Nusantara Traditional Culture Festival in Salatiga, Central Java, in July 2026. The event will feature a royal dinner, the first Princess of the Palace Festival, and the signing of the Salatiga Charter, a joint declaration to strengthen the role of royal institutions in preserving national cultural values. Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi has expressed support and plans to attend the festival.

Six Children in East Nusa Tenggara Exposed to Radicalism Through Online Games

Authorities in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) have identified six children who have been positively exposed to radical ideologies, primarily through online gaming applications. The discovery prompted Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena to issue a regulation on protecting children from terrorist networks. Officials warn the known cases may represent only a fraction of the problem, describing it as a 'tip of the iceberg' phenomenon.

Purbaya Inspects Chinese Steel Company Over Taxation

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa conducted a surprise inspection of a Chinese steel company in Pulogadung following indications of a discrepancy between its business scale and reported tax obligations. The minister stated the process is currently at a clarification stage and welcomed the company's cooperative stance. The government plans similar measures for other firms as part of a strategy to strengthen tax compliance and ensure fair business competition.

Bapemperda Reviews Private Clinic Involvement to Ease Puskesmas Queues

Jakarta's Regional Regulation Formation Agency (Bapemperda) is exploring the inclusion of private clinics to help reduce chronic patient queues at public health centres (Puskesmas). The proposal, aimed at optimising minimum service standards, is part of the ongoing deliberation of the Regional Health System Bill. Officials noted that long waiting times not only hinder effective care but also increase the risk of disease transmission in waiting areas.

BSN Holds Mass Mortgage Signing for 6,000 Homes to Accelerate Subsidised Housing

PT Bank Syariah Nasional (BSN) has conducted a simultaneous mass mortgage signing for 6,000 subsidised homes across its national branch network. The event is part of the bank's strategy to accelerate the distribution of Housing Financing Liquidity Facility (FLPP) mortgages, targeting 73,700 units for 2026. BSN's market share in subsidised mortgages has risen to 24.6 per cent, reflecting strong demand from low-income communities.

Police Investigate Six Debt Collectors Who Accosted Woman in Rawamangun, East Jakarta

Police in East Jakarta are investigating an incident in which six third-party debt collectors forcibly stopped a 24-year-old woman in Rawamangun. The confrontation, which was captured on video and circulated on social media, involved a dispute over a motorcycle that the woman's family claimed had been fully paid off years ago. Authorities are currently gathering witness statements and have urged the public to remain calm while the investigation proceeds.

Why Online Businesses Are Being Recorded in the Economic Census

Indonesia's Central Statistics Agency (BPS) is expanding the scope of the 2026 Economic Census to include online marketplace traders, reflecting the growing dominance of digital commerce. The initiative aims to capture the true scale of economic activity that has shifted from physical shops to digital platforms, particularly post-pandemic. Accurate data on these digital enterprises is deemed essential for formulating effective government policies on SME support, job creation, and infrastructure development.

Bekasi Mayor Urges Karang Taruna to Strengthen Youth Capacity

Bekasi Mayor Tri Adhianto has called on the Karang Taruna youth organisation to enhance its role in building youth capacity and expanding access to employment opportunities. He stressed the need for the organisation to provide tangible benefits, such as skills training, to prepare young people for a competitive job market, including legal overseas employment. The call was made during the organisation's seventh regional meeting, which also saw the election of Darkam Suryadi as the new chairman for the 2026-2031 period.

The First Time in Ottoman History: No Adhan and Friday Prayers, Offenders Threatened with Sanctions

For the first and only time in the history of the Ottoman Empire, the adhan was silenced and Friday prayers were suspended on 29 September 1730. This unprecedented event occurred during the Tulip Era when all mosques were ordered closed. The incident marked a significant historical anomaly in an empire where the Islamic call to prayer had otherwise never ceased since its founding in 1299.

LBH Jakarta Invites Public to Become Amicus Curiae in Free Nutritious Meal Lawsuit

The Jakarta Legal Aid Institute (LBH Jakarta) is calling on the public to submit amicus curiae briefs in the judicial review of the state budget law concerning the free nutritious meal (MBG) programme. Several organisations, including a campus workers' union, have already filed, citing concerns over the programme's impact on educators' welfare. The Constitutional Court is currently reviewing multiple petitions that challenge the allocation of education funds to the national nutrition agency.

Tasikmalaya Health Office Records 4,985 Diarrhoea Cases During Seasonal Transition

The Tasikmalaya City Health Office in West Java has documented 4,985 cases of diarrhoea between January and May 2026, with numbers rising as the region enters the transitional season. Health officials attribute the increase to reduced water supply, infrequent rainfall, and poor hygiene practices. Residents are being urged to maintain strict personal and environmental cleanliness to curb the spread of the illness.

Indonesia fast-tracks CNG use to reduce LPG imports: Bahlil

The Indonesian government is accelerating the adoption of compressed natural gas (CNG) to curb a significant drain on foreign exchange reserves caused by heavy reliance on imported LPG. With domestic LPG production at only 1.91 million metric tons against consumption exceeding 8.5 million, the shift to domestically abundant methane and ethane is seen as critical for achieving energy sovereignty. Trials for household CNG cylinders are underway with state firm Pertamina, following successful commercial sector implementation.

Imparsial: Military Approach Inappropriate for Civilians After Deaths of Cooperative Manager Candidates

Imparsial Director Ardi Manto Adiputra has condemned the use of military training for civilian cooperative managers following the deaths of three candidates. He argued the approach contradicts the TNI Law, erodes critical thinking, and replaces democratic dialogue with authoritarian command structures. The organisation has called for a full investigation and the immediate suspension of the programme.

Former Ombudsman Chairman Denies Accepting Rp4.8 Billion Bribe: 'It's an Old House'

Hery Susanto, the former Chairman of the Indonesian Ombudsman, has denied receiving bribes totalling Rp4.85 billion in cash and property, dismissing the house in question as an 'old house'. He is accused of accepting the bribes to manipulate official reports regarding mining business governance. His legal team plans to challenge the substance of the charges rather than the formal aspects of the indictment.

Piling Up in Big Cities, Several Community Health Centres in Central Java Lack General Practitioners

The Central Java Health Office has acknowledged that a number of community health centres (Puskesmas) across the province are operating without general practitioners. Officials attribute the shortage not to a lack of doctors overall, but to their concentration in major urban centres like Semarang, Solo, and Banyumas. The disparity is partly driven by income gaps, with a national internship programme being used to temporarily fill vacancies in underserved areas.

KPK Raids BPK South Sumatra Office, Seizes Documentary Evidence

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has raided the South Sumatra office of the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) as part of an investigation into alleged bribery. The bribery case relates to the manipulation of audit findings concerning procurement projects within the Muara Enim Regency government. Investigators seized working papers and documents detailing changes to audit opinions, including alleged interventions to alter findings from qualified to unqualified.

Revealed: Why Prabowo's Personal Secretary Rizki Irmansyah Visited Jokowi's Home

President Prabowo Subianto's personal secretary, Rizki Irmansyah, visited former President Joko Widodo's residence in Solo to personally deliver a wedding invitation. Rizki and his fiancée, Chika Yenalovi, also requested that Jokowi serve as a witness at their upcoming nuptials. The wedding is scheduled to take place in Jakarta this August.

Cries Heard Under Rubble During Venezuela Earthquake Rescue

Rescue teams in Venezuela are working through the night to find survivors trapped under collapsed buildings following a devastating twin earthquake. Officials report hearing voices of people still alive beneath the rubble, with 23 people rescued so far in the Caracas area. The government has confirmed at least 32 deaths and 700 injuries, though the toll is expected to rise as the worst-hit areas are still being assessed.

UMJ Professor: Fix and Prioritise Free Nutritious Meals for Vulnerable Groups

A University of Muhammadiyah Jakarta professor has urged the government to overhaul the governance of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme to restore public trust. He argues that while the programme is vital for human development, it has been undermined by alleged budget cuts, non-standard procedures, and legal cases. The academic recommends refocusing the programme on the truly needy, such as impoverished communities and pregnant women, amid current fiscal pressures.

Government Insists 'Red and White' Village Cooperative Programme Will Continue Despite Fatalities

The Indonesian government has confirmed that the Koperasi Desa Merah Putih (Red and White Village Cooperative) programme will proceed as planned, despite the deaths of three participants during a related basic military training course. Officials stated that the investigation into the fatalities will be handled separately from the programme's implementation. The initiative aims to strengthen village economies through cooperative development.

PNM equips people with disabilities with job-ready skills

State-owned enterprise PT Permodalan Nasional Madani (PNM) has launched a vocational programme to provide job skills for people with disabilities in Brebes, Central Java. The initiative, in collaboration with Mandiri Taspen, aims to expand economic opportunities for vulnerable groups by offering tailored training. Thirty participants from local disabled communities are receiving shoe-stitching operator training, with the prospect of job placement in the region's footwear industry upon completion.

Indef: GDP Growth Could Slow if Middle East Conflict Persists

The Institute for Development of Economics and Finance (Indef) has warned that Indonesia's economic growth could decelerate by 0.21 per cent if the Middle East conflict and rising global energy prices continue. Simulations using a computable general equilibrium model show that prolonged geopolitical tensions would erode purchasing power, push up inflation, and cause exports to contract. Indef projects that GDP growth in the second quarter of 2026 could slow to around 5 per cent year-on-year amid normalising post-Ramadan consumption and ongoing cost pressures.

House Commission IX Urges Nutrition Agency to Consider Free Meals for TB Patients

The House of Representatives Commission IX has urged the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) to consider a proposal to include tuberculosis patients in the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme. Lawmakers argue that proper nutrition is critical for TB recovery, especially given Indonesia's high caseload, which ranks second globally. The BGN is currently refocusing the programme's beneficiaries, prioritising pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers to combat stunting.

Hotel Occupancy in Yogyakarta Soars During School Holidays, but Costs Bite

Hotel occupancy in the Special Region of Yogyakarta jumped to 70 per cent during the June 2026 school holidays, a 20 per cent increase from normal days. However, industry players say they are merely surviving as a sharp rise in operational costs and weak consumer purchasing power prevent them from raising room rates. The surge in guests has not translated into higher revenue, leaving businesses caught in a cost-revenue squeeze.

KKHI Madinah Intensifies Tanazul Programme to Ensure Pilgrims are Fit to Fly

The Indonesian Hajj Health Office (KKHI) in Madinah is intensifying its 'tanazul' programme to ensure sick pilgrims are medically stable before their long flight home. The procedure involves repatriating pilgrims separately from their original flight groups, either earlier or later, to guarantee their safety. KKHI Madinah has handled 51 pilgrims in the second phase, with a strict 'fit to fly' assessment including oxygen saturation and pain levels.

The Story of Mutiara and Agung: Young Hajj Couple Finds Wisdom in Togetherness

A young Indonesian couple performing the Hajj pilgrimage has highlighted the practical advantages of undertaking the journey at a younger age. Mutiara Daru Nur Islam and her husband Agung Azan Nugroho, both 42, found their physical stamina and access to information helped them better prepare for the rituals. Their experience also enabled them to effectively assist older pilgrims in their group, particularly during the demanding Armuzna phase.