Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 25 June 2026

Showing 951-1,000 of 1,504 articles

Central Java Ready to Synchronise Data for Rp1 Million Monthly Religious Teacher Incentive

The Central Java provincial government has welcomed a central government plan to provide a monthly incentive of Rp1 million for religious teachers starting in 2027. Authorities are preparing to synchronise recipient data with the Ministry of Religious Affairs to ensure the programme is accurately targeted. The initiative aims to improve the welfare of tens of thousands of currently unreached educators at Madrasah Diniyah and Qur'anic learning centres.

Tense! Italy Suddenly Lashes Out at NATO Chief Over Iran War

Italy has publicly rebuked NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte after he claimed hundreds of US warplanes flew from Italian bases to support operations against Iran. Rome insists it only authorised technical and logistical flights, not direct combat missions, deepening a diplomatic rift with Washington. The controversy has intensified domestic political pressure on Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to clarify the extent of US military activities on Italian soil.

West Java Health Office Warns of Disease Risks Amid Extreme Dry Season

The West Java Health Office has urged the public to be vigilant as an extended, drier dry season is predicted to increase the risk of diseases such as diarrhoea, acute respiratory infections, and heatstroke. Reduced clean water availability and deteriorating air quality are key factors contributing to the heightened health threats. The office has issued guidance on preventive measures, including maintaining hydration and avoiding open burning.

Lemigas Signs Contract for Russian Oil Imports

Indonesia's Lemigas has signed a contract to import crude oil from Russia, with the potential for increased volumes in the future. The deal follows a government-to-government agreement and is enabled by a new presidential regulation allowing the public service agency to conduct imports. The government is also exploring LPG imports from Russia to address a significant domestic supply deficit.

The Secret to Starfish Fertility: A Key to the Future of Human Reproduction

A new study reveals that bat starfish, which can live for centuries, share remarkably similar genetic and cellular mechanisms for egg production with humans. Despite lacking a brain, their ovaries contain germline stem cells that continuously renew their egg supply, a stark contrast to the finite supply in mammals. Scientists believe understanding how starfish regulate these shared genes could pave the way for new therapies to restore human fertility.

CATL: 20,000 Electric Vehicles to Use Sodium-Ion Batteries by 2026

Chinese battery giant CATL projects that 10,000 to 20,000 electric vehicles will use its sodium-ion batteries this year, as it accelerates a dual lithium-sodium technology strategy. The company also introduced the Tener Sodium energy storage system, with initial deliveries in China planned for September and global shipments by June 2027. The push into sodium-ion technology is driven by lithium price volatility and aims to enhance supply chain resilience.

Teacher in West Lombok Reprimanded for Embezzling Rp 105 Million in Student Savings

A primary school teacher in West Lombok has received a written reprimand for embezzling Rp 105 million in savings belonging to third-grade students. The local education authority has ordered the teacher to sign a formal pledge to return the funds, warning that failure to do so could result in harsher sanctions, including potential dismissal. The case has prompted a review of student savings mechanisms, with a new requirement for schools to deposit funds directly with official financial institutions.

Japan to Quintuple Visa Fees, Impacting Indonesian Tourists

Japan will increase its tourist visa fees fivefold starting July 2026, the first hike in nearly 50 years, citing inflation and exchange rate fluctuations. The move is expected to affect Indonesian travellers, who rank among the top ten nationalities visiting Japan, with over half a million arrivals recorded in the first eleven months of 2025.

Health Minister Reveals Bullying: Junior Doctors in New Regions Still Often Pressured by Seniors

Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin has revealed that bullying is the most common complaint among Indonesian doctors, with pressure often coming from senior colleagues rather than patients. The government is mapping various forms of pressure, including physical threats and legal issues, but finds intra-professional bullying particularly high. The minister cited examples of doctors being pressured when starting work in new regions or by seniors at new workplaces.

RI presents three strategic pillars of immigration at ASEAN forum

Indonesia's Director General of Immigration outlined three strategic pillars—border inspection strengthening, foreign national supervision, and digital service integration—at the ASEAN Directors-General of Immigration Deputies Meeting. The forum also saw Indonesia appointed as Voluntary Lead Shepherd on people smuggling, while a bilateral meeting with Australia proposed a ballot system for Indonesian Working Holiday Visa applicants. The initiatives underscore Indonesia's push for enhanced regional security cooperation and streamlined migration management.

No Need to Fear Crisis, Indonesian Companies' Cash Reserves Are Now Much Thicker

A comparative analysis of free cash flow data reveals that major Indonesian companies are entering 2025 with significantly stronger liquidity positions than they held before the 2008 financial crisis. While some mining and property firms face cyclical cash tightening due to aggressive capital expenditure, the robust cash reserves in the telecommunications, consumer goods, and heavy equipment sectors provide a solid buffer against potential macroeconomic shocks.

Komnas Perempuan Urges Prioritising Victim Recovery in Bandung False Imprisonment Case

Indonesia's National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) has called on authorities to prioritise the comprehensive recovery of a female victim who was allegedly held captive and tortured for three years in Bandung. The commission stressed that the victim should not be forced to recount her traumatic experiences before she is psychologically ready. It also demanded thorough medical and psychiatric examinations to secure evidence for the legal proceedings against the perpetrator.

Sultan Appoints Paku Alam X as Acting Governor of Yogyakarta

The Yogyakarta Special Region Secretary has confirmed that Governor Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X has appointed his deputy, KGPAA Paku Alam X, as the acting governor. The appointment, effective from 24 June to 1 July 2026, is described as a standard administrative procedure to ensure continuity of governance while the Sultan undergoes a medical check-up. Officials have urged the public not to speculate about a leadership crisis, stating the move is a routine measure to prevent a vacuum of authority.

Iran's IRGC Rejects New Navigation Route in Strait of Hormuz, Deems It Dangerous

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy has rejected a newly announced navigation route in the Strait of Hormuz, calling it unacceptable and dangerous. The IRGC insists that the only safe passage is through routes designated by Iran and warns that all vessels must coordinate directly with Iranian naval forces. The move underscores ongoing tensions over control and safety procedures in the strategically vital waterway.

Health Ministry to Study Incentives for General Practitioners and Dentists in Remote Areas

The Indonesian Ministry of Health is planning to study the provision of incentives for general practitioners and dentists serving in remote, border, and island areas (DTPK). Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin highlighted that while a similar incentive scheme has been implemented for specialists, significant income disparities and uneven distribution of medical personnel remain major challenges. The ministry intends to collaborate with other government bodies to address these systemic issues, including the monopolisation of practice licenses by senior doctors.

Digital Transactions to Boost Indonesian Game Developers' Global Expansion, Says Deputy Minister

Indonesia's Deputy Minister for Creative Economy, Irene Umar, stated that digital payment platforms are crucial for strengthening the global expansion of local game developers. The ministry has signed a memorandum of understanding with digital content monetisation platform Coda to facilitate this. Coda's CEO noted that Indonesia is a significant market, with about 20 percent of the company's revenue coming from Indonesian customers.

Amidst the Mental Health Discourse, UBSI Reveals It Has a Psychology Programme

Universitas Bina Sarana Informatika (UBSI), widely known as a digital and creative campus, is highlighting its Psychology programme to address the growing societal focus on mental health. The university argues that the discipline offers a scientific understanding of human behaviour, emotions, and decision-making, moving beyond social media trends. The programme aims to prepare graduates for careers in human resources, education, and social services, where the demand for understanding human complexity is increasing.

West Java Police Investigate Alleged Sexual Violence in YTR Case

The West Java Regional Police are investigating potential sexual violence in the case of YTR, a 29-year-old victim of alleged severe abuse and confinement. Authorities have formed a joint task force to expedite the investigation, though they are currently unable to confirm the sexual violence element due to limited and inconsistent testimony. The victim is still undergoing medical treatment and recovery, which has hindered the process of obtaining a complete account of the events.

16 Chinese Nationals Deported by South Sumatra Immigration for Immigration Violations

Immigration authorities in South Sumatra have deported 16 Chinese nationals for violating their residence permits. The individuals were found to be conducting suspicious activities and claimed to be establishing an investment company, which was later discovered to be fictitious. They were residing in Palembang for two weeks, moving between different locations and causing unrest in the local community.

Tencent Ready to Support Indonesia's Free Nutritious Meal Programme with AI Technology

China's ambassador to Indonesia has indicated potential cooperation involving technology giant Tencent to support the country's Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme. Tencent is reportedly developing AI-based technology to automatically record daily student attendance, enabling accurate meal distribution from central kitchens. The initiative aims to ensure the programme's smooth operation through bilateral technological collaboration.

BRI Private Collaborates with mylegacy.id to Offer Inheritance Planning Services

BRI Private has partnered with mylegacy.id to provide comprehensive inheritance planning services for its high-net-worth clients. The initiative aims to help families manage the complex transition of wealth, ensuring business continuity and family harmony across generations. This service comes as a PwC survey reveals that only 13% of Indonesian family businesses have a formal will in place.

Focus on asset quality and business synergy: CASA's strategic plan

PT Capital Financial Indonesia Tbk (CASA) is refining its business roadmap by strengthening inter-segment synergy and digitalisation. The company reported total assets of Rp37.30 trillion and a net profit of Rp189.66 billion for 2025, achieving 90.6% of its target. For 2026, CASA has set a conservative net profit target of Rp149.58 billion, prioritising asset quality maintenance and selective expansion.

East Jakarta Transportation Agency Cracks Down on Parking Violations on Viral Mayjen Sutoyo Road

The East Jakarta Transportation Agency has clarified that parking is permitted on Jalan Mayjen Sutoyo in Cawang only at designated times and in specific formations, following viral complaints about congestion. Officials stated the issue is not the parking itself, but vehicles exceeding capacity and failing to adhere to the prescribed parallel or angled parking patterns. The agency has pledged stricter enforcement and will penalise illegally parked vehicles to ensure smooth traffic flow.

Guangxi Visit of the 'Together on the Long March' International Communication Project Takes Place in Quanzhou

An international communication project brought together Chinese and overseas guests, including ASEAN youth, in Guilin's Quanzhou and Xing'an counties to retrace the Red Army's Long March. The event combined visits to revolutionary heritage sites with field studies of rural industries, aiming to foster understanding of the Long March spirit and contemporary rural revitalisation. Organisers highlighted the project's role in strengthening China-ASEAN people-to-people exchanges and building consensus for a shared future.

Indonesia bolsters irrigation and water supplies to mitigate El Nino

The Indonesian government is accelerating the development of deep groundwater wells and tertiary irrigation networks to counter the impacts of El Niño on agriculture and public water access. Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo has established a cross-unit task force and is prioritising drought-prone regions like Gunungkidul and East Nusa Tenggara. The initiative aligns with a presidential instruction to support national food self-sufficiency through improved irrigation infrastructure.

Former Ombudsman Chief Used Aliases Like 'John Lennon' and 'Tolkeyem' in WhatsApp Chats with Briber

Prosecutors have revealed that former Ombudsman Chairman Hery Susanto used multiple pseudonyms, including 'John Lennon' and 'Tolkeyem', in WhatsApp communications to facilitate a bribery scheme. He is accused of receiving a total of Rp 4.8 billion in cash and assets to issue favourable administrative recommendations for several mining companies. The bribes were allegedly paid to influence findings of maladministration related to non-tax state revenue payments and mining permit upgrades.

Female Bank Employee in Bantul Arrested for Fictitious Credit Scheme Causing Rp 711 Million in Losses

A female employee of a state-owned bank in Sanden, Bantul, has been arrested for orchestrating a fictitious credit scheme that resulted in state losses of Rp 711 million. The suspect, identified as AIIM, allegedly used third-party brokers to process fraudulent loans for non-existent businesses and charged a 10% fee on disbursed funds. She faces up to 20 years in prison under Indonesia's anti-corruption laws.

Trade Minister: Banyumas Palm Sugar Poised to Dominate Global Market

Indonesian Trade Minister Budi Santoso expressed confidence that organic palm sugar from Banyumas, Central Java, can become a leading global commodity. The optimism follows the export of 46,000 US dollars worth of the product to Chicago, leveraging international trade agreements. The government is also supporting local producers to improve quality standards and expand market access.

Amid Global Uncertainty, Pertamina Reveals Strategy to Secure Energy

Pertamina's Vice President Director Oki Muraza has outlined a multi-layered mitigation strategy to secure domestic energy supply and resilience. The state-owned energy firm plans to boost upstream production to cut crude imports while diversifying downstream with higher biodiesel blends and bioethanol. The company is also pursuing internal efficiencies through a downstream subholding merger to create better value.

Health Minister Reveals Many Doctors Face Bullying and Threats from Colleagues

Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin has highlighted a troubling trend of bullying and threats among healthcare workers, revealing that peer-to-peer intimidation is the most common complaint received by the ministry. He noted that junior doctors are often pressured by seniors, particularly when seeking to work outside their alma mater's network. The Ministry of Health has established a reporting channel to protect medical personnel from physical and psychological violence, including from their own colleagues.

Bahlil: Government Pursues Three-Pronged Strategy to Boost Domestic Oil Lifting

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has outlined a three-pronged strategy to increase domestic crude oil production, aiming to reduce reliance on imports. Indonesia's oil lifting has fallen to around 605,000-610,000 barrels per day, while daily consumption has surged to 1.6 million barrels. The government plans to revive stalled development plans, apply new technology, and accelerate exploration, including tendering 120 potential new wells.

France Isolates Five Suspected Ebola Contacts After Doctor Tests Positive

French health authorities have isolated five individuals who travelled on the same flight as a doctor who later tested positive for Ebola. The doctor, who had been working in the Democratic Republic of Congo, did not exhibit symptoms during the flight but raised the alarm after developing a headache. The patient has been placed in isolation for a 21-day incubation period.

Minister: Public Participation in Choosing 81st Independence Day Logo Embodies Gotong Royong

State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi stated that public involvement in selecting the logo for Indonesia's 81st Independence Day reflects the spirit of democracy and mutual cooperation (gotong royong). The government has launched an official website allowing citizens to vote for one of five curated logo designs. This marks a shift from previous years, where President Prabowo Subianto reportedly requested that the final choice be made by the public rather than the palace.

ChinaMarket has embarked on a global journey

As demand for prefabricated modular buildings surges in Indonesia's mining and infrastructure sectors, project owners are shifting focus from unit cost to end-to-end execution reliability. The article highlights that the true test of a cross-border supplier is not the contract but the physical verification of components upon arrival and seamless on-site installation. ChinaMarket is positioning itself as an execution assurance partner, integrating supplier qualification, production monitoring, logistics, and local installation support to reduce project risk.

Iran Threatens Ships Deviating from Routes in Strait of Hormuz

Iran's Revolutionary Guard has warned vessels to adhere strictly to designated shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz, declaring any alternative routes dangerous and prohibited. The threat signals Tehran's intent to maintain strategic control over the critical energy chokepoint despite a recent peace deal with the US. The move has raised concerns about long-term impacts on global maritime trade flows.

Marketplaces to Start Collecting Tax from Online Merchants on 1 July 2026

Digital marketplace platforms in Indonesia will begin collecting income tax from online merchants starting 1 July 2026, following a ministerial regulation. The 0.5% tax on gross turnover aims to create parity between online and conventional brick-and-mortar businesses. Tax authorities are currently finalising preparations and coordinating with e-commerce associations ahead of the implementation.

Workers Earning Rp2.8 Million Targeted for 40-Year Subsidised Mortgage Tenor

Indonesia's Public Housing Savings Agency (BP Tapera) has proposed extending the tenor of subsidised mortgages to 40 years to help low-income earners, particularly those with monthly salaries around Rp2.8 million, afford their first homes. The scheme, which maintains fixed interest rates of 5% for landed houses and 6% for flats, aims to reduce monthly instalments to between Rp500,000 and Rp700,000. The initiative has received backing from the Housing Minister and is part of broader government efforts to meet a target of 350,000 subsidised home units this year.

Autopsy of Woman Found at Juanda Airport Reveals Blunt Force Trauma and Signs of Asphyxiation

A forensic examination of a woman found dead in a car at Juanda Airport has uncovered a torn earlobe and indications of asphyxiation. The body, discovered in a government vehicle, showed signs of decomposition suggesting she had been dead for two to three days. Authorities are awaiting toxicology and pathology results to determine the exact cause of death.

Public Urged to Heighten Awareness of Digital Fraud and Cybercrime

The National Cyber and Crypto Agency (BSSN) and industry stakeholders have called for cross-sector collaboration to boost national cyber security literacy. Officials warn that cyber threats are increasingly targeting the psychological vulnerabilities of the productive 25-49 age group through sophisticated AI and deepfake scams. The initiative includes educational campaigns like the Crypto Literacy Month to help the public safely navigate digital finance and blockchain technology.

Minister of Religious Affairs Proposes 10 Muharram as National 'Lebaran' for Orphans and Disabled

Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar has proposed making the 10th of Muharram a national tradition to support orphans and people with disabilities. He envisions the Islamic month of Muharram as a time of compassion, marked by concrete actions to alleviate the suffering of these vulnerable groups. The initiative aims to collaborate with Islamic philanthropic bodies such as Baznas and BWI to channel aid.

Ageing Infrastructure Overwhelmed, NASA Needs Rp16.4 Trillion for Artemis Mission

NASA's ageing launch infrastructure is struggling to keep pace with a surge in spaceflight activity, threatening the agency's Artemis lunar ambitions. A report from the Office of Inspector General warns that facilities at Kennedy Space Center and Wallops are nearing maximum capacity, requiring an estimated US$1 billion in upgrades. Current funding falls far short, with only US$250 million allocated, while the renewal rate for infrastructure has slowed to a projected 260-year cycle.

KAI Reports 88 Percent of Level Crossing Accidents Caused by Motorists Ignoring Barriers

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) has reported that 118 out of 134 accidents at level crossings up to June 2026 were caused by road users ignoring closed barriers. The state railway operator is urging increased public discipline, especially during the school holiday period, as 48 fatalities have been recorded this year. KAI is strengthening safety campaigns and calling on local governments and law enforcement to help reinforce the message that safety is a shared responsibility.

Four Specialised Window-Jemmying Burglars Arrested in Serang and South Tangerang

Police in Serang have arrested four men suspected of being part of a specialised burglary ring that targeted homes by prying open windows. The suspects were apprehended after attempting to flee during a routine patrol, and two of them are known recidivists. The group is believed to have committed multiple thefts across Serang and South Tangerang.

Ex-UGM Student Leader Tiyo Denies Political Ties, Challenges Accusers to Prove Claims

Former UGM student body chairman Tiyo Ardiyanto has dismissed allegations linking him to the PDI-P party and other claims as attempts to distract him from substantive issues. He challenged his accusers, a group calling itself the BEM Fakultas Bersatu, to provide evidence for their assertions, which include the use of a borrowed vehicle and an affiliation with a retired general. Tiyo maintains his independence and says he will remain focused on strategic matters rather than responding to what he describes as baseless smears.

Former UGM Student Body Chairman Tiyo Responds After Being Reported for Allegedly Insulting President

Tiyo Ardiyanto, the former chairman of Gadjah Mada University's student executive board, has responded to police reports filed against him for allegedly insulting President Prabowo Subianto. Tiyo stated he is prepared to cooperate with any investigation but has not yet received a formal summons. He suggested the reports were made by individuals seeking to demonstrate their loyalty to the president.

Former Ombudsman Chief Allegedly Bribed Rp 4.8 Billion to Declare Maladministration

Former Indonesian Ombudsman Chairman Hery Susanto has been charged with accepting Rp 4.8 billion in bribes, including cash and a house. Prosecutors allege the bribes were given to influence him to issue official reports declaring maladministration in the cases of several mining companies. The charges relate to findings that favoured four companies regarding payment obligations and mining permit upgrades.

Bahlil Reveals Reasons CNG Is an Alternative to LPG

Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has outlined the rationale for promoting Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a substitute for LPG, citing Indonesia's abundant supply of C1 and C2 gas types. The country currently imports 80% of its LPG needs due to a scarcity of C3 and C4 gas domestically. The government is now conducting the third phase of trials for 3-kilogram CNG cylinders for household use, following earlier adoption in commercial sectors.

Bandung Confinement Case: Komnas Perempuan Highlights Lack of Community Awareness

The National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) has stated that the recent case of a woman confined and tortured for three years in Bandung underscores a critical failure of family and community vigilance. The commission questioned how such prolonged abuse could occur in a densely populated neighbourhood without raising suspicion. It has called for a strengthening of social responsibility, particularly among family members and neighbourhood leaders, to prevent extreme violence against women.

Coordinating Ministry for Food Reveals 3 Challenges in Waste-to-Electricity Project

The Indonesian government has identified three major regulatory hurdles that have stalled waste-to-energy (PSEL) projects for 11 years, including complex licensing, lack of investment appeal, and heavy reliance on local government. A new presidential regulation aims to overcome these barriers by streamlining permits, involving the Danantara sovereign wealth fund, and setting a competitive electricity tariff of USD 0.20 per kWh. The government is targeting 72 operational PSEL sites by 2027-2028, with three priority projects in Greater Denpasar, Bekasi, and Greater Bogor now designated as National Strategic Projects to accelerate construction.

Warning Issued Over Malware-Spreading WhatsApp Messages

Cybersecurity researchers have uncovered a campaign distributing malware through compromised WhatsApp accounts, with victims identified in several countries including Malaysia and Singapore. The attackers send malicious VBScript files disguised as routine business documents from trusted contacts to increase the likelihood of infection. Kaspersky urges users to exercise caution with attachments and avoid opening suspicious file types.