Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 25 June 2026

Showing 1,101-1,150 of 1,504 articles

Sleman Prosecutor's Office Reports Witness in Ex-Regent Purnomo's Grant Fund Corruption Case to Police

The Sleman District Prosecutor's Office has filed a police report against a witness in the corruption trial of former Sleman Regent Sri Purnomo, alleging the individual provided false testimony. The witness, identified by the initials KA, is believed to be Karunia Anas Hidayat, the former head of the Sleman Regency Youth Organisation. The case relates to the alleged misuse of tourism grant funds in 2020, which prosecutors claim was used to solicit votes for a political campaign.

NATO Chief Woos US President with 'Trump Trillion', Response: I Only Ask for Their Loyalty

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte presented charts in the Oval Office showing a surge in European and Canadian defence spending, attributing the increase to pressure from President Donald Trump. Rutte dubbed the additional 250 billion US dollars the 'Trump Trillion' in an effort to placate the US leader. Trump responded by stating his primary demand from allies was simply their loyalty, following criticism of nations like Italy, the UK, and Spain.

Illegal Buildings on Depok's Juanda Street Demolished, Causing Traffic Congestion

Joint enforcement officers have demolished illegal structures along Jalan Ir Juanda in Depok, West Java, citing violations of a regional regulation on public order. The operation, which involved military and police personnel, targeted shops, dwellings, and other buildings erected on a gas pipeline right-of-way. The demolition caused significant traffic disruption, and authorities stated it followed repeated warnings that were ignored by residents.

Police hunt truck driver who crashed into Transjakarta shelter in South Jakarta

Jakarta traffic police are searching for a truck driver who fled after crashing into the Tebet Eco Park Transjakarta shelter early Thursday morning. The incident occurred during a traffic diversion for roadworks, causing significant damage to the shelter's roof, doors, and electronic gate system. Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage to identify the vehicle and its driver.

Ministry of Human Rights to Recruit 200 Village Human Rights Activists to Strengthen Grassroots Protection

Indonesia's Ministry of Human Rights is recruiting 200 human rights activists for deployment at the village and sub-district level to embed human rights principles into local development. The initiative aims to make villages the driving force for respecting, protecting, and fulfilling human rights, addressing issues from education and health to the protection of vulnerable groups. The ministry also encourages village governments to base their local policies and development planning on human rights principles.

Part-Time PPPK Workers in Jakarta Yet to Receive 13th-Month Salary

Part-time government workers (PPPK) under the Jakarta Health Agency have not received their 13th-month salary due to a lack of specific regulations. The Jakarta Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) has urged the provincial government to coordinate with central authorities to resolve the legal vacuum. The health agency insists it cannot disburse the funds without a clear regulatory basis to avoid potential legal and administrative issues.

Membidik Investor di Business Investment Expo 2026, DKP Sulbar Poles Data Potensi Bahari

The Marine and Fisheries Agency of West Sulawesi is consolidating and refining its maritime investment data ahead of the Business Investment Expo 2026 to attract both domestic and global investors. The initiative aims to present accurate, synchronised information on sectors such as downstream product processing and modern port infrastructure, while emphasising labour-intensive programmes and local SME integration. Officials stress that the investment drive is designed not only for capital inflow but also to ensure tangible benefits for coastal communities and the long-term sustainability of the marine ecosystem.

Forestry Ministry revises governance rules to strengthen KPH role

Indonesia's Ministry of Forestry is finalising revisions to a key ministerial regulation to bolster the role of Forest Management Units (KPH) as on-site landscape managers. The updated rules aim to resolve bottlenecks in forest governance by enhancing the KPH's capacity to coordinate between regulators, businesses, and social forestry operators. This regulatory intervention is also aligned with the government's push for a bioeconomy approach to ensure forest conservation incentives.

Educational Inequality in Indonesia's 3T Regions

Indonesia's frontier, outermost, and disadvantaged regions, known as 3T, face severe educational disparities driven by geographical isolation, inadequate infrastructure, and a chronic shortage of teachers. These challenges perpetuate low human resource quality and limit employment opportunities, reinforcing cycles of intergenerational poverty. Government efforts, including infrastructure development and teacher distribution programmes, aim to address these systemic inequalities.

US Government Urges Meta to Submit AI Model for Security Evaluation

The United States government is pressing Meta to hand over its artificial intelligence model for a mandatory security review, making it the only major tech firm yet to comply voluntarily. The evaluation aims to analyse the model's capabilities and identify potential vulnerabilities, following similar assessments of AI systems from OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, and Microsoft. This push comes amid heightened US government scrutiny of AI technologies, including a recent executive order by President Donald Trump to establish a pre-release evaluation framework.

Bahlil Likens Global Geopolitical Uncertainty to Malaria as It Disrupts Indonesia's Oil Supply

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has described current global geopolitical uncertainty as akin to malaria, with conditions fluctuating rapidly and unpredictably. He highlighted that this volatility, combined with Indonesia's domestic oil production slumping to 610,000 barrels per day against a demand of 1.6 million, has forced the nation to import roughly 1 million barrels daily. President Prabowo has consequently embarked on a roadshow to oil-exporting nations to secure alternative supply sources amid rising tensions in the Middle East.

Withdrawing BPJS Employment JHT Funds Subject to Tax, Here's the Explanation

Workers in Indonesia looking to withdraw their Jaminan Hari Tua (JHT) old-age savings from BPJS Ketenagakerjaan will be subject to income tax under long-standing regulations. The tax is not deducted monthly from salaries but is applied upon disbursement, with rates varying based on the withdrawal period and amount. Withdrawals made within two years face a final tax of up to 5%, while those after two years are subject to progressive income tax rates.

Cash Waqf as a Strategic Solution for National Public Infrastructure Financing

Indonesia is exploring cash waqf (wakaf uang) as an alternative to debt-laden state budgets for funding massive public infrastructure. The innovative Cash Waqf Linked Sukuk (CWLS) scheme allows the government to invest collective endowments in sovereign Islamic bonds, using the returns to finance social facilities without eroding the principal. While offering a path to fiscal independence, the initiative faces significant hurdles in public literacy and trust in waqf management institutions.

Bapanas: Government Rice Reserve Distribution for Supply Stability Reaches 1.02 Million Tonnes

Indonesia's National Food Agency (Bapanas) reported that the distribution of government rice reserves (CBP) to maintain supply and price stability has reached 1.02 million tonnes as of late June 2026. The distribution includes food aid, market operations, and emergency response, while national rice stocks managed by Bulog stand at 5.17 million tonnes. Bapanas noted that despite a recent price increase, average rice prices remain within the government's set retail price ceiling across all zones.

Fresh Graduates Advised Not to Squander First Pay Cheque on Hedonistic Pursuits

Fresh graduates entering the workforce are being cautioned against spending their first salary on lifestyle indulgences or self-rewards. Bank Jago advises that initial earnings should be allocated towards daily needs, savings, emergency funds, and long-term financial goals. The bank emphasises that building sound money management habits from the start of one's career is more crucial than viewing the first pay cheque as a symbol of financial freedom.

Reconstructing Development Success Through the Lens of Maqashid Syariah

The global development discourse is criticised for its over-reliance on GDP as the sole measure of success, often masking environmental damage and social inequality. Islamic development economics proposes a fundamental shift towards the holistic framework of Maqashid Syariah, which prioritises the preservation of faith, life, intellect, progeny, and wealth. Scholars are now developing an Islamic Human Development Index (I-HDI) to integrate material and spiritual metrics, aiming to guide national planning towards a more balanced and humane prosperity.

UBSI Lecturers Secure Kemendiktisaintek Grant to Assist Farming Group in Boosting Cassava Product Value

Lecturers from Universitas Bina Sarana Informatika (UBSI) have won a community service grant from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology to support the Cikeas Sukses Sejahtera farming group. The programme aims to increase the added value of cassava products through production capacity building, digital financial management, and technology-based business development. The initiative underscores the role of higher education in empowering local economic potential and supporting digital transformation in the agricultural sector.

Jokowi Set to Tour Indonesia: Lampung Visit Scheduled for Friday Morning

Former Indonesian President Joko Widodo has announced plans to begin a nationwide tour, starting with a visit to Lampung on Friday morning. Speaking to reporters at his residence in Solo, Jokowi confirmed his departure and had earlier teased the trip to residents from Lampung who were queuing to meet him. The tour marks his first major public movement since leaving office.

BKPM's Strategy to Make Renewable Energy Investment Cheaper and More Attractive

Indonesia's Investment Ministry and BKPM are pushing to expand investment and downstream processing into non-mining sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, and renewable energy. Deputy Minister Todotua Pasaribu highlighted that these sectors are viewed as sources of sustainable economic growth, with strategies including regulatory strengthening and fiscal incentives to attract green energy investment. The government aims for investment and downstream activities to absorb up to 3 million workers by 2025.

Ministry of Culture Launches GALA Indonesia Bercerita 2027

The Ministry of Culture has launched the GALA Indonesia Bercerita 2027, a national movement aimed at reviving storytelling culture for character building and cultural preservation. The initiative follows the success of the 2026 Gala Cerita Rakyat Indonesia, which attracted 1,737 entries from across 34 provinces. The programme will involve families, schools, and communities to ensure oral traditions are passed down to future generations.

State Secretary Explains Why Public Is Invited to Choose Logo for Indonesia's 81st Independence Day

State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi has stated that public participation in selecting the logo for Indonesia's 81st Independence Day celebration is a tangible form of community involvement. He emphasised that the initiative allows citizens to contribute to determining the visual identity of the 17 August 2026 commemoration, rather than merely being spectators. The process is intended to reflect the spirit of democracy, mutual cooperation, and a sense of ownership over national symbols.

ICC Judges Sue Trump Over Sanctions: 'Never Happened Before'

Three International Criminal Court judges sanctioned by the United States have filed an unprecedented lawsuit against President Donald Trump and senior US officials. The judges argue the sanctions, imposed in retaliation for the ICC's investigation into alleged war crimes by Israel, constitute unlawful extrajudicial pressure and a 'financial death sentence'. The 66-page complaint demands the sanctions be lifted, marking a historic legal challenge to US actions against the international tribunal.

Lebak Regency Government Allocates Rp 75 Billion for Construction of 53 Road Sections

The Lebak Regency Government has earmarked approximately Rp 75 billion for the construction and improvement of 53 road sections in 2026. The funding will cover 11 regency roads and 42 village arterial roads, aiming to strengthen connectivity and support economic activity. The project is part of a broader strategy to accelerate equitable infrastructure distribution and boost village economic growth.

Article 50A, Patriot Bond-Merah Putih Bond, and the Wager of National Trust

Indonesia's new Article 50A, which grants legal immunity to buyers of special bonds issued by Danantara, has sparked constitutional debate over equality before the law. The provision aims to repatriate offshore Indonesian funds for national development but risks undermining the integrity of the financial oversight architecture built since the 1997-1998 crisis. MSCI has warned that such policy inconsistencies could lead to Indonesia's downgrade from emerging to frontier market status.

Time for Indonesia to Look at Nuclear Power

As Indonesia pursues its net-zero emission target by 2060, the country must overcome its deep-seated stigma against nuclear energy and begin serious discussions on its adoption. The article argues that modern fourth-generation reactors offer vastly improved passive safety features, while providing reliable, carbon-free baseload power that intermittent renewables cannot match. With over 450 reactors operating globally and decades of safety lessons learned, the author contends that ignoring nuclear power would make Indonesia's clean energy transition significantly harder.

Six Debt Collectors Stop Woman and Attempt to Seize Motorcycle in Rawamangun, Leave After Argument

A group of six debt collectors attempted to seize a motorcycle from a woman in Rawamangun, East Jakarta, but left after a heated argument with her father. The father challenged the repossession attempt, noting the vehicle's licence plate did not match its type. The incident, which occurred on 18 June, went viral on social media.

PAM JAYA Prepares Strategic Steps to Strengthen Jakarta's SPAM Infrastructure

Jakarta's water utility PAM JAYA is advancing plans to revitalise and build new water treatment plants to achieve 100% piped drinking water coverage by 2029. The project involves upgrading facilities in Condet and Muara Karang, and constructing new plants in Semanan and Kanal Banjir Barat 2. The company has appointed a consortium as the initiating partner and will conduct a market sounding exercise to gauge private sector interest.

TelkomMetra Strengthens Business Strategy Through AdMedika Divestment

PT Multimedia Nusantara (TelkomMetra) has fully divested its stake in PT Administrasi Medika (AdMedika) and its subsidiary to Fullerton Health. The move aligns with TelkomGroup's strategy to refocus on its core telecommunications and digital business, as well as the state-owned enterprise portfolio restructuring agenda. The divestment is expected to enhance AdMedika's capabilities and expand its access to a broader regional healthcare ecosystem under its new ownership.

Jakarta to Celebrate 499th Anniversary with Technology, Art, and History at Bundaran HI

The Jakarta provincial government will mark the city's 499th anniversary with a blend of technology, art, and historical narrative at Bundaran HI on 27 June 2026. The event will feature a video mapping show, a flying LED performance, and the launch of the '5 Centuries of Jakarta' logo. The celebration aims to reflect on the city's journey while outlining its vision as a sustainable global city ahead of its 500th anniversary in 2027.

ESDM Strategy to Cut Fuel Imports Could Save 4 Million KL Per Year

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has outlined a strategy to reduce Indonesia's fuel imports by up to 4 million kilolitres annually through the use of ethanol blending in petrol. The plan follows the successful implementation of biodiesel mandates, which have already eliminated the need for diesel imports. The initiative is also expected to boost agricultural incomes and create jobs while supporting the country's net-zero ambitions.

Kopaska Personnel Assist Visually Impaired Community Members in Learning to Dive

Elite Indonesian Navy frogmen from Kopaska have provided a safe scuba diving experience for visually impaired members of the Mata Hati Community. The initiative, held at the Fleet Command II training pool, aimed to boost participants' confidence and demonstrate that disability is not a barrier to new experiences. Participants underwent health checks before diving to a depth of 2.5 metres under full supervision.

Indonesia's Competitiveness Ranking Slips to 48th, Infrastructure Under Scrutiny

Indonesia's global competitiveness ranking has fallen sharply to 48th out of 70 countries in the 2026 IMD World Competitiveness Ranking, marking a decline of eight places from the previous year. The drop extends a two-year weakening trend, with infrastructure and business efficiency identified as the primary drags on the nation's standing. The government has pledged to investigate the causes through its deregulation task force, whilst maintaining that investment interest, particularly in renewable energy, remains robust.

Planting the Future on the Coast of Lamaru, East Kalimantan

Authorities in East Kalimantan have planted 5,000 mangrove trees along the coast of Lamaru Beach, Balikpapan, as a strategic defence against coastal erosion and climate change. The initiative, led by the regional police chief, military commander, and governor, is framed as a long-term ecological investment rather than a mere ceremonial event. Officials highlighted the mangroves' critical role in protecting marine habitats, absorbing carbon, and ultimately bolstering the local fishing economy.

West Java Police Open Call Centre for Other Potential Victims of Taufik Hidayat

West Java Regional Police have established a call centre for individuals who may have been victims of violence perpetrated by Taufik Hidayat, following social media reports suggesting there are additional victims beyond the known case. Police are monitoring online posts but have yet to receive any formal reports or new evidence regarding other potential victims. The public can report via the call centre at the Directorate of Women and Children Protection or through the 110 hotline.

Not Medan or Makassar, This Is the Most Digital City Outside Java

East Kalimantan has emerged as the province with the highest digital competitiveness outside Java, with Balikpapan being the only non-Java city in the national top 10. The 2026 East Ventures Digital Competitiveness Index reveals a 50% rise in average provincial scores since 2020, though a stark gap persists between Jakarta and Papua Pegunungan. The report also highlights a strong correlation between digital development and investment, with each index point increase linked to a 6.25% rise in foreign investment.

Bahlil Reveals Reasons Behind Stalled Masela Block Project

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has attributed the decades-long delay of the Masela Block gas project to slow domestic decision-making. The INPEX Corporation-led project has been stalled for approximately 28 years, partly due to prolonged debate over whether to build processing facilities offshore or onshore. Bahlil stressed that while thorough academic discussion is important, the courage to execute decisions is far more critical to realising such investments.

GBK to Get a New Look as Danantara Prepares Masterplan for Former Hotel Sultan Site

The Indonesian government has ordered the Danantara investment authority to design a new masterplan for the Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) complex following the eviction of Hotel Sultan. The redevelopment will prioritise public interest and optimal use of state assets, though specific details on which structures will be retained or demolished remain undisclosed. Concurrently, authorities are verifying former hotel employees for potential re-employment within the GBK management.

Weaving Ukhuwah in the Month of Muharram: Finding Spiritual Common Ground between Musa, Husain, and the Unity of the Ummah

The sacred month of Muharram, while spiritually significant, often highlights sociological tensions between Sunni and Shia Muslims over historical interpretations of Tasu'a and Ashura. This article argues that the month's deeper meaning offers a powerful platform for unification, drawing on shared reverence for the Prophet Musa's deliverance from tyranny and Imam Husain's stand against injustice. By focusing on the Qur'anic command for unity and the universal moral lessons of Karbala, both traditions can find common ground without compromising their distinct jurisprudential identities.

South Sulawesi Provincial Government Offers Investment Potential to 28 Countries

The South Sulawesi Provincial Government is courting investment from 28 nations at the Indonesia Gastrodiplomacy Series 2026 Business Forum. Vice Governor Fatmawati Rusdi highlighted the province's strategic role as an economic hub in eastern Indonesia, underpinned by its international port and strong agricultural base. The initiative aims to foster global partnerships that generate investment, expand market access for local products, and boost regional employment.

Story of YTR's Disappearance: Permission to Watch Concert with Taufik Hidayat Ends in Critical Condition

The family of YTR, a 29-year-old woman from Bandung, has revealed the timeline of her disappearance after she was found in critical condition. She was last seen by her family when she introduced Taufik Hidayat, now a suspect, before they left to attend a concert. The family later discovered she had been forced to resign from her job and was allegedly held against her will.

Clean Energy Treasure! Study Reveals World's Mountain Ranges Store Natural Hydrogen Gas Reserves

A new study suggests that mountain ranges such as the Alps and Pyrenees may hold significant reserves of naturally occurring hydrogen gas, offering a potential boost to the global clean energy transition. Researchers used tectonic plate simulations to show that the formation of these mountains brought mantle rocks to the surface at an ideal speed, allowing them to react with water and release hydrogen. The findings could lead to new methods for identifying other hydrogen-rich mountain ranges worldwide, reducing reliance on costly synthetic hydrogen production.

Health Minister Shocked by Widespread Bullying Among Doctors, Perpetrators Often Colleagues and Seniors

Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin has expressed shock that bullying is the most common complaint among Indonesian medical workers, with perpetrators largely being fellow colleagues and senior doctors. The ministry is systematically identifying various pressures faced by health workers, including patient lawsuits and physical threats, but found workplace bullying to be the most prevalent issue. Budi emphasised the need for protective measures, particularly for junior doctors and those assigned to regions outside their alma mater.

Gus Yaqut's Detention Deferred to Hospital, Wife Appreciates KPK's Move

The wife of former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas has thanked the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) for deferring his detention and transferring him to a police hospital in Jakarta. She stated that the decision was appropriate given his deteriorating health, which includes severe digestive issues. The KPK granted the deferral based on medical recommendations and humanitarian grounds.

Indonesia set to enter new phase of credible carbon market: Minister

Indonesia is moving from policy design to practical implementation of its carbon market, with the Forestry Minister announcing the imminent issuance of over 30 million tons of CO2e in carbon credits. The launch of the Carbon Unit Registration System on 9 July 2026 will provide the core infrastructure for transparency and market confidence. The government is also registering forestry projects under international standards and calling for global cooperation to strengthen high-integrity carbon credit markets.

Breaking Physical Limitations to Embrace True 'Atma Kerthi'

The 48th Bali Arts Festival has provided a prominent platform for inclusivity, featuring around 120 students with disabilities from special schools across Bali. These young artists overcame physical limitations through disciplined training, delivering captivating performances that embodied the festival's theme of 'atma kerthi' (purification of the soul). Their participation highlighted how focusing on spirit and feeling can transcend physical barriers and foster achievement.

Energy Ministry Confirms No Decision Yet on 2026 Nickel RKAB Volume

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has clarified that the total production volume for the 2026 nickel Work Plan and Budget (RKAB) remains under discussion, dismissing market speculation of an imminent decision. The government is currently evaluating industry needs and insists the process is a standard review rather than a relaxation of production quotas. Officials stressed that any revision will carefully balance market conditions, downstream industry supply, and the long-term sustainability of national mineral reserves.

Aide Reveals Purpose of Prabowo's Personal Secretary's Visit to Jokowi in Solo

An aide to former President Joko Widodo has disclosed that the visit by President Prabowo Subianto's personal secretary, Rizky Irmansyah, to Jokowi's residence in Solo was to extend a wedding invitation. The meeting, which lasted 23 minutes, was initially described by Rizky as a casual silaturahmi visit. This follows a separate closed-door meeting between Prabowo's son, Didit, and Jokowi at the same residence a week earlier.

Video: Not Just PSEL, These Are the Strategies to Tackle Indonesia's Waste Problem

The Indonesian government is accelerating the development of waste-to-energy projects (PSEL) in Bogor Raya, Bekasi, and Denpasar Raya, designating them as National Strategic Projects. Beyond PSEL, authorities are promoting alternative technologies such as biomass and plastic waste processing through BRIN's Fast Gen 5 Pyrolysis method. A key administrative reform involves removing the tipping fee burden from local governments, while requiring their commitment to upstream waste management and ensuring a steady supply of feedstock.

Prabowo Prepares 40,000 Villages for Fish Farming with Norwegian Technology

The Indonesian government is launching a large-scale fish farming programme across 40,000 villages to bolster national food security and animal protein production. The initiative, driven by President Prabowo Subianto, will utilise Mini Recirculating Aquaculture System (Mini RAS) technology adopted from Norway. The thematic aquaculture scheme will be tailored to local consumption preferences and export market opportunities, with the potential to require up to 15 billion fish seeds annually once fully realised.

Reported to Police, Tiyo Ardianto Chooses to Keep Fighting

Former UGM student leader Tiyo Ardianto has responded to three police reports filed against him in June 2026 for allegedly insulting President Prabowo Subianto. The activist dismissed the reports as displays of loyalty to the president and stated he would remain cooperative with legal procedures. He emphasised his focus would remain on substantive and strategic matters, calling for critical oversight of the current administration.