Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 25 June 2026

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Health Minister Addresses Income Disparity and Career Gaps Among Indonesian Doctors

Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin has acknowledged significant income and career disparities within Indonesia's medical profession, noting that senior doctors can earn up to 3,000 times more than junior colleagues. The government is reviewing incentive schemes, including a Rp30 million monthly allowance for 1,370 specialist doctors, and considering extending similar support to general practitioners and dentists in remote areas. The ministry also aims to resolve career stagnation in primary care and the monopolisation of hospital practice permits by senior doctors.

Paramadina Economist Urges Judicial Review of Article 50A in P2SK Law

An economist from Paramadina University has called for a judicial review of Article 50A in the Financial Sector Law, arguing it facilitates money laundering through special bonds issued by Danantara. The provision grants immunity from criminal and civil prosecution for purchasers of Patriot Bonds and Merah Putih Bonds, which the economist claims violates anti-money laundering principles and the Santiago Principles. Danantara maintains the bonds are investment products for national development and commits to transparency and good governance.

DPR pushes for thorough investigation into woman's confinement case in Bandung

The Indonesian House of Representatives has urged law enforcement to fully investigate the alleged confinement and abuse of a woman in Bandung, including probing the possible involvement of other parties. Deputy Speaker Sari Yuliati stressed that the main perpetrator and any accomplices must be held accountable under the Sexual Violence Crime Law and the Criminal Code. The West Java Police have arrested a suspect, identified as TH, in connection with the case.

PBNU Chairman Declares NU Members' Loyalty to Nation Before Prabowo

Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) Chairman Yahya Cholil Staquf affirmed the organisation's loyalty to the Indonesian state and its readiness to fight for the nation's interests during a speech attended by President Prabowo Subianto. The statement was made at the closing of the NU National Conference in Bangkalan, East Java. Staquf also expressed gratitude for the President's presence and sought blessings for the upcoming 35th NU Congress.

CCT-DMSL to Build Rp300 Billion Rest Area on Cimanggis Toll Road

PT Cimanggis Cibitung Tollways and PT DMS Laguna are investing Rp300 billion to construct a new rest area at KM 63 of the Cimanggis-Cibitung Toll Road. The joint venture aims to enhance operational service quality and provide greater benefits to road users. The Type A rest area, spanning 12 hectares, is targeted to begin operations in the second half of 2028.

Former Customs Officials in Bribery Case to Face First Trial on 3 July

Three former senior officials from Indonesia's Directorate General of Customs and Excise will stand trial on 3 July 2026 for alleged bribery and gratification related to counterfeit goods imports. The case stems from a Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) sting operation in February 2026, which also implicated three private sector suspects from Blueray Cargo. The trial marks a significant development in a major customs corruption scandal involving tens of billions of rupiah.

IPB Expert Offers Three Solutions to Strengthen Forest Management Units to Tackle Deforestation

An IPB University professor has proposed three strategic measures to empower Indonesia's Forest Management Units (KPH) as the frontline against deforestation and illegal logging. The recommendations include strengthening KPH authority over concession holders, building social legitimacy, and ensuring adequate human resources, infrastructure, and funding. The proposals come as the Ministry of Forestry revises regulations to potentially grant KPHs greater financial independence.

Luhut Meets BlackRock, Urges Not to Be Pessimistic About Indonesia

Indonesia's National Economic Council Chair Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan revealed he met with representatives from US investment giant BlackRock last week. Luhut urged them not to be pessimistic about Indonesia's prospects, highlighting that AI-based government technology (GovTech) will solve many problems. He also stated that President Prabowo Subianto will review a digital social protection pilot project next month ahead of a national rollout in October-November 2026.

Ex-UGM Student Body Chair Tiyo Says Those Reporting Him to Police Are Seeking President's Favour

Former UGM student leader Tiyo Ardiyanto has responded to police reports filed against him for allegedly insulting President Prabowo Subianto, claiming the accusers are exploiting the situation to demonstrate loyalty. Tiyo stated he remains focused on substantive civic engagement and has not yet received a police summons. He was reported by lawyer Firdaus Oiwobo and the pro-Prabowo group Garda Prabowo over comments deemed defamatory towards the president and his free meal programme.

TP PKK Expert Yane Ardian Backs NTT Moringa as High-Value Nutritional and Economic Commodity

Yane Ardian, a staff expert for the Family Welfare Empowerment Team (TP PKK), has endorsed moringa from East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) as a superior commodity with high nutritional and economic value. Speaking at a training event in Belu Regency, she highlighted the plant's dense nutrient content due to the region's dry soil and extreme climate. The initiative aims to boost family food security, improve public nutrition, and combat stunting through the sustainable cultivation and processing of moringa.

ASUS ExpertBook Relies on Offline AI and Multi-Layered Security for Professionals

ASUS is strengthening its ExpertBook business laptop line with offline AI capabilities and enhanced security features to meet the demands of modern professionals. The new devices utilise a Neural Processing Unit to perform tasks such as transcription and document summarisation locally, bolstering data privacy. The laptops also feature dual BIOS protection, encrypted storage, and a durable magnesium-lithium alloy chassis, with assembly in Batam to comply with local content requirements.

DPR Member: PT Pos Indonesia Has an Advantage in Facilities and Infrastructure

A member of Indonesia's House of Representatives has urged PT Pos Indonesia to accelerate its digital transformation and consolidate its fragmented national assets. The state-owned postal company is advised to leverage its extensive physical network to build a competitive digital logistics ecosystem. Success will be measured by its ability to lower national logistics costs and compete directly with private sector businesses.

Entering 3rd Trial Phase, Bahlil Prepares 3 Kg CNG as LPG Alternative

The Indonesian government is accelerating the adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a substitute for imported LPG, with trials now entering a third phase for 3-kilogram household canisters. Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia stated the move aims to reduce import dependency, noting that the 2006 kerosene-to-LPG conversion programme was not accompanied by domestic LPG industrial development. Larger CNG canisters are already in use commercially, including in the Free Nutritious Meals programme and hospitality sectors.

AI Adoption Makes Job Hunting Harder for Fresh Graduates, Companies Reluctant to Hire

The widespread adoption of artificial intelligence is significantly reducing entry-level job opportunities for university graduates, with a Swiss study showing a 32 per cent drop in advertised junior positions compared to the pre-AI era. Sectors such as marketing, administration, finance, and IT are most affected, while demand for junior staff remains strong in healthcare, construction, and trades. The trend is fuelling anxiety among young workers, with 41 per cent of those under 25 fearing obsolescence due to AI.

Announcement! Transjakarta Routes 1N and 10D Officially Discontinued from 1 July

Transjakarta will cease operations of routes 1N (Tanah Abang - Blok M) and 10D (Tanjung Priok - Kampung Rambutan) starting 1 July to reduce service overlap and improve fleet efficiency. Affected passengers are advised to use alternative routes and connecting services. The operator has provided detailed transit options for commuters travelling to the affected destinations.

Tri Tito Karnavian Says Accelerating Registration Strengthens Posyandu's Role

Tri Tito Karnavian, Chair of the Posyandu Development Team, has stressed the urgency of accelerating Posyandu registration to bolster its role in delivering basic services. She highlighted that many village governments remain unaware that Posyandu is a village community institution eligible for village budget support. The registration drive is part of a broader transformation aligned with the 2025-2029 National Medium-Term Development Plan.

KPK Suspects Maktour Owner Played Role in Hajj Quota Distribution

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) suspects Fuad Hasan Masyhur, owner of hajj travel operator Maktour, played a crucial role in the distribution of additional hajj quotas. The anti-graft body alleges the quotas were sold to prospective pilgrims, with funds flowing from special hajj operators to officials at the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Fuad Hasan has not yet been named a suspect, though former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas and several others have been detained in connection with the case.

Former UGM Student Body Chairman Tiyo Cancels Police Report Over Two Trackers Found on Car

Tiyo Ardianto, the former chairman of Gadjah Mada University's student executive body, has decided against filing a police report regarding the discovery of two tracking devices on his vehicle. He stated the incident serves as a deliberate warning and an alarm for democracy, suggesting anyone concerned with the nation could be shadowed by danger. Tiyo declined to investigate the perpetrator, speculating it could be the work of the authorities or parties seeking to pit him against the government.

Legislator urges quality assurance in hospital-based specialist doctor education programme

A member of Indonesia's House of Representatives has called for rigorous quality control in the new hospital-based residency programme for medical specialists. The legislator stressed that while the programme aims to accelerate the distribution of specialists to underserved regions, it must not compromise the clinical competence of graduates. Ensuring adequate teaching staff and diverse case exposure is deemed critical to the programme's success.

Bahlil Seeks Middle Ground on Industrial Gas Price Hike

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia is working to find a compromise with stakeholders to address the impact of rising industrial gas prices. The government is holding technical meetings with Pertamina to determine an ideal price, particularly for industries not covered by the state-subsidised HGBT scheme. The price increase has raised concerns about potential mass layoffs, with reports suggesting over 50,000 workers at a ceramics factory in Bekasi could be affected.

Former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Temporarily Released from KPK Detention Again, Here's Why

Former Indonesian Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qumas has been granted a temporary suspension of detention by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) due to a digestive tract illness. The decision, effective 24 June 2026, was made after a medical examination recommended hospitalisation at the Kramatjati Police Hospital. This marks the second time the suspect in the hajj quota corruption case has been allowed out of detention on health grounds.

Customs Approves Special Treatment Permit for PT Doocheon Automotive Indonesia

The Jakarta Customs Office has granted a special treatment permit to PT Doocheon Automotive Indonesia, a bonded zone company, to enhance its operational efficiency. The permit allows the automotive firm to utilise open areas for handling large-volume and specialised goods under customs supervision. The move is part of broader efforts to streamline logistics, improve the investment climate, and bolster the competitiveness of national industry.

Posyandu Chair Stresses Registration Drive to Strengthen Role as Community Service Hub

The head of the Posyandu Steering Team, Tri Tito Karnavian, has called for the acceleration of Posyandu registration to solidify their role in delivering basic services. She highlighted that many village governments remain unaware that Posyandu are official village community institutions eligible for local budget support. The registration process is seen as crucial for providing verified identities, enabling these integrated health posts to better access resources and coordinate services from health to social protection.

Central Java Police Chief Distributes 1,000 Free Pairs of Shoes to Students in Sukoharjo

The Central Java Regional Police distributed 1,000 free pairs of school shoes to students in Sukoharjo as part of the 80th Bhayangkara Day celebrations. The initiative, led by Inspector General Ribut Hari Wibowo, also included a public order declaration with local youth and highlighted ongoing police programmes in artificial intelligence training and e-sports. The effort underscores a collaborative approach between law enforcement, local government, and private enterprise to support education and youth development.

31 Honourary Staff in West Lombok Avoid Dismissal Through Outsourcing and BOS Schemes

The West Lombok Regency Government has reversed its decision to dismiss 31 non-civil servant (non-ASN) workers after finding alternative employment schemes. The workers, initially let go due to data mismatches that prevented the issuance of their civil service identification numbers, will now be retained through outsourcing, school operational assistance (BOS) funds, or transfers to regional public service bodies. The local parliament had previously urged the regent to find a solution, citing the workers' long years of service.

Former Ombudsman Chairman Hery Susanto Charged with Accepting Rp4.8 Billion in Bribes

Former Indonesian Ombudsman Chairman Hery Susanto has been charged with accepting bribes totalling Rp4.8 billion to abuse his authority. Prosecutors allege the payments were made to influence his rulings on cases involving two companies and the Ministry of Environment and Forestry. The trial commenced at the Jakarta Corruption Court on Thursday.

Former Ombudsman Chairman Charged with Accepting Rp4.8 Billion in Bribes and a House

Former Ombudsman Chairman Hery Susanto has been formally charged with accepting bribes totalling Rp4.8 billion, including cash and a house, in connection with a nickel mining governance case. Prosecutors allege he abused his authority to manipulate official reports, benefiting several mining companies. The charges relate to violations of anti-corruption laws and the Ombudsman's code of ethics.

Venezuela Declares National Emergency After Major Earthquakes; 32 Dead, Many Still Trapped

Venezuela's acting president has declared a state of emergency after two powerful earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck the capital Caracas in quick succession. At least 32 people have been confirmed dead, with the toll expected to rise as rescue teams search for survivors in the rubble of collapsed high-rise buildings. The country's main international airport has been closed due to serious damage.

No Standard for Internship Allowances, 6 Students Challenge Manpower Law

Six university students have filed a judicial review with Indonesia's Constitutional Court against the 2003 Manpower Law, arguing the absence of a minimum allowance standard for interns violates their constitutional rights. The petitioners claim the legal vacuum legitimises exploitative practices, forcing students to bear operational costs while performing work equivalent to formal employees. They seek a conditional ruling that mandates fair and proportional compensation based on workload and contribution.

Yaqut's wife appreciates KPK's decision on detention deferral

Eny Retno Yaqut, wife of former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, has expressed gratitude for the Corruption Eradication Commission's (KPK) decision to defer her husband's detention. Yaqut is currently hospitalised due to a severe digestive ailment. The KPK is investigating an alleged corruption case related to Indonesia's hajj quota for 2023-2024, with state losses estimated at Rp622 billion.

Two Men in Dompu Shot with Arrows After Social Media Feud

Two men in Dompu, West Nusa Tenggara, were shot with arrows after a Facebook dispute escalated into vandalism. The suspect, MN, allegedly attacked the victims when they returned to the area following the destruction of his property. Police have since arrested the alleged perpetrator.

Waste-to-Electricity Projects Designated as National Strategic Projects, When Can Operations Begin?

The Indonesian government has designated three waste-to-energy (PSEL) projects as National Strategic Projects (PSN) to accelerate their development. Coordinating Ministry for Food Affairs officials stated that regulatory barriers, which have stalled progress for 11 years, are being dismantled through Presidential Regulation 109/2025, aiming for operations across 72 locations by 2027-2028. The regulation introduces competitive electricity tariffs and streamlined administrative processes to attract investment.

Subsidised Fuel Prices Unchanged, Bahlil Details How to Cover State Budget Burden

Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has outlined the government's strategy to absorb rising global oil prices without increasing subsidised fuel costs. The plan relies on additional state revenue from higher oil and gas lifting, increased mining royalties, and efficiency measures. The approach aims to protect lower-income groups while managing the fiscal impact on the 2026 state budget.

Indonesia Outlines Three Immigration Pillars for Border Security at ASEAN Forum

Indonesia has presented a three-pillar national strategy focusing on border checks, foreign national surveillance, and digital service integration at the 29th ASEAN DGICM in Cambodia. The Director General of Immigration highlighted recent successes, including the arrest of 210 foreign nationals in Batam for investment fraud, facilitated by cross-agency data sharing. Indonesia was also appointed as the voluntary lead for people smuggling issues within the regional action plan.

Bright Prospects for Law Degrees in the Digital Era: Career Opportunities Beyond Becoming a Lawyer

The demand for law graduates in Indonesia is expanding beyond traditional roles such as lawyers and judges, driven by digital transformation and increasingly complex business and societal issues. Universitas Bina Sarana Informatika's rector emphasised that legal education cultivates critical, analytical, and argumentative skills essential across various modern sectors. Graduates are now sought after in numerous fields to ensure activities comply with regulations and principles of justice.

Tobacco Farmers Hold Joint Prayers: Many Regulations Don't Consider Us

Hundreds of tobacco farmers in Temanggung, Central Java, have voiced their concerns over planned derivative regulations of Government Regulation No. 28/2024 on Health, which they fear will harm the tobacco sector. The farmers, led by the head of the Indonesian Tobacco Farmers Association, are calling for the cancellation of rules on tar and nicotine limits and standardised cigarette packaging, arguing they fail to account for local tobacco characteristics and farmers' livelihoods. They held a joint prayer as part of a cultural tradition, hoping to encourage the government to engage in broader dialogue before finalising the policy.

Ketapang-Gilimanuk Port Congestion Signals Urgent Need for New Docks

Severe congestion at the Ketapang-Gilimanuk ferry crossing has highlighted the urgent need for accelerated port infrastructure development. Industry association Gapasdap stated the bottleneck is not a shortage of vessels, but rather the limited capacity of the docks, which can only effectively accommodate half of the 56 licensed ships. The situation has impacted logistics, tourism, and public mobility, especially during the school holiday period.

Minister Bahlil Reveals Reasons Behind Rotating Power Cuts in Several Regions

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has disclosed the findings of an investigation into recent rotating power outages across Indonesia. A high-level meeting identified a shortfall in medium-calorie coal supplies for power plants, despite overall domestic supply commitments appearing sufficient. The government has since formed a Primary Energy Procurement Team to ensure transparency and prevent future disruptions.

State Palace Explains Logo Selection for Independence Day Embodies Spirit of Mutual Cooperation

Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi has explained that the public was involved in selecting the logo for the 81st Indonesian Independence Day, reflecting democratic and collaborative values. The process invited participation from students, creative communities, and the general public to choose a visual identity representing national aspirations. The government hopes the chosen logo will serve as a symbol of unity and a reminder of the collective struggle to preserve independence.

Tebet Eco Park Bus Stop Remains Operational After Being Hit by Truck

The Tebet Eco Park Transjakarta bus stop continues to serve passengers despite sustaining significant damage when a truck collided with it early Thursday morning. Repairs are underway, with access available through two doors, while police are actively searching for the driver who fled the scene. The incident occurred during a traffic diversion for road resurfacing works.

Aceh Customs Destroys 22.28 Million Illegal Cigarettes Worth IDR 43 Billion

Customs and excise officials in Aceh have destroyed 22.28 million illegal cigarettes valued at IDR 43 billion, representing a major crackdown on illicit trade. The operation, which prevented an estimated IDR 22.43 billion in state losses, underscores ongoing efforts to protect state revenue and ensure fair business competition in the tobacco industry.

Prospective Kopdes Manager Dies, DPR Member: Reduce Military Training, Focus on Cooperative Management

A member of Indonesia's House of Representatives has called for an urgent evaluation of the training programme for prospective managers of the Koperasi Desa Merah Putih (KDMP) following the deaths of two participants. TB Hasanuddin stressed that health screenings must be prioritised and that the curriculum should be refocused on cooperative management skills rather than military-style drills. The fatalities were reportedly caused by illness and heat stroke during the physically demanding activities.

Kresna Life Boss Michael Steven Arrested, Issuer KREN Speaks Out

PT Quantum Clovera Investama Tbk (KREN) has stated its operations remain normal following the arrest of Michael Steven, a former commissioner and key figure in the Kresna Group, on money laundering charges. The company is conducting an internal review to determine any links between the case and the firm or its subsidiaries. Steven is also the figure behind PT Asuransi Jiwa Kresna, which previously defaulted on approximately Rp6.4 trillion in payments affecting around 8,900 policyholders.

Former UGM Student Body President Tiyo Responds with Satire to Police Report Filed by Firdaus Oiwobo

Tiyo Ardianto, the former president of Gadjah Mada University's student executive body, has responded satirically to a police report filed against him for allegedly insulting President Prabowo Subianto. He suggested the reports were a way for the complainants to demonstrate their loyalty to the president. Tiyo stated he remains undaunted and will continue his role as a critical citizen, focusing on raising political awareness among young people.

Museum as a Node of Diplomacy

The West Nusa Tenggara State Museum uses the history of the Samalas and Tambora eruptions to connect local heritage with global narratives. The institution is repositioning itself as a space for soft diplomacy, fostering cultural identity and international understanding. Its community-based programmes aim to introduce the region's character to the world while supporting creative economy and academic collaboration.

Three Major Earthquakes Strike Three Countries in 12 Hours: Are They Linked to Megathrust Effects?

Three powerful earthquakes struck Northern California, Venezuela, and Japan within a 12-hour period, raising questions about potential links. An Indonesian disaster expert has clarified that the events were unrelated, triggered by distinct local fault lines and subduction activity. The expert urged Indonesia to view the incidents as a critical reminder to strengthen earthquake-resistant building standards and public preparedness.

Baznas and BP Taskin Strengthen Collaboration to Alleviate Poverty

Indonesia's National Alms Agency (Baznas) and the Poverty Alleviation Acceleration Agency (BP Taskin) are enhancing their strategic partnership to combat poverty through economic empowerment programmes. The collaboration aims to synergise their overlapping programmes, particularly targeting the destitute and poor, to achieve the government's ambitious target of zero percent extreme poverty by 2026. Officials stressed that the focus must shift from social assistance to fostering self-reliance among vulnerable groups.

Health Minister: Some Doctors Earn Billions, Others Earn Like Parking Attendants

Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin has highlighted a staggering income gap among Indonesian doctors, where some specialists earn billions of rupiah monthly while others receive only a few hundred thousand. He cited extreme disparities in regional allowances, such as specialist doctors receiving Rp 3 million in Bone Regency compared to Rp 80 million in Mahakam Ulu. The minister also noted the uneven distribution of doctors, with many community health centres lacking personnel, and pledged to address these structural inequalities.

BRIS Gold Pawn Reaches Rp13 Trillion, Up 100%: The Upstream-to-Downstream Gold Ecosystem Strategy

PT Bank Syariah Indonesia's (BRIS) gold pawn outstanding has doubled year-on-year to Rp13 trillion in the first half of 2026, reinforcing its position as the country's most comprehensive sharia gold ecosystem. The surge is driven by an integrated strategy spanning digital gold savings, instalment plans, and pawn services, which has significantly boosted fee-based income. Analysts view the bank's bullion bank licence and closed-loop ecosystem as a key competitive advantage that is difficult for rivals to replicate.

Transmigration Ministry Facilitates Youth Involvement in Development via TEP

Indonesia's Ministry of Transmigration is engaging young people in national development through the 2026 Patriot Expedition Team (TEP) programme. The initiative aims to channel the aspirations of the youth by deploying them to map regional potential and formulate economic development ideas. A total of 246 team leaders and 1,230 members have been selected from over 10,000 applicants, including graduates from top international universities.