Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 25 June 2026

Showing 1,351-1,400 of 1,504 articles

Spa Therapist Who Emptied Client's ATM of Rp1.2 Billion Faces Three-Year Prison Demand

Prosecutors in Surabaya have demanded a three-year prison sentence for Nur Hasannah, a spa therapist accused of stealing Rp1.28 billion from a client's bank account. The defence argues the matter is a civil dispute, claiming the victim voluntarily shared his ATM card and PIN during a romantic relationship and had agreed to a repayment plan. The defendant, a single mother of two, has pleaded for leniency, stating she has already repaid Rp350 million.

Schneider Electric Prepares Major Fund for Clean Energy Startups, with Indonesia in the Spotlight

Schneider Electric has partnered with Swiss-Asia Financial Services to launch the SEEAA Fund II, a blended finance vehicle aimed at closing the early-stage funding gap for clean energy startups in South and Southeast Asia. The fund will target technology-driven business models in countries including Indonesia, India, Vietnam, and the Philippines, with a focus on energy generation, efficiency, and the circular economy. The initiative builds on the success of its predecessor, which supported 13 companies, and aims to significantly reduce CO2 emissions while creating thousands of jobs in the region.

The Case of the Primary School Teacher in Lombok Who Embezzled Rp 105 Million in Student Savings

A senior teacher at a state primary school in West Lombok is accused of embezzling approximately Rp 105 million in savings belonging to 30 third-grade students, allegedly using the funds for personal land certificate redemption. Parents have threatened legal action if the money is not returned within a week, while the Ombudsman has highlighted weak oversight by the local education agency regarding the management of student savings programmes.

Haj Minister: 350 Indonesian Pilgrims Died, Over 100 Fewer Than Last Year

Indonesia's Minister of Haj and Umrah reports 350 pilgrim deaths during the 2026 Haj season, a decrease of more than 100 compared to the previous year. The government plans to tighten health eligibility requirements for future pilgrims.

Presidential Regulation on Grand Design of Bureaucratic Reform Being Finalised

The Indonesian government is accelerating the finalisation of a Presidential Regulation outlining the Grand Design of National Bureaucratic Reform (DBRBN) for 2026-2045. The regulation aims to align governance transformation with the National Long-Term Development Plan and ensure policy continuity after the previous grand design expires. It sets five key targets, including digital government, merit-based appointments, and inclusive public services.

Doctor Tifa Withdraws Pretrial Motion After Not Being Detained by Prosecutors

Tifauziah Tyassuma, known as Doctor Tifa, has withdrawn her pretrial motion against the police regarding her arrest in a defamation case linked to former President Joko Widodo's diploma. The decision came after prosecutors granted her a suspension of detention, meaning she will not be held during the legal process. Her case has been separated from that of co-defendant Roy Suryo, requiring independent legal strategies.

First Hearing for 3 Customs Officials in Importation Case Set for 3 July

The initial hearing for three senior officials from the Directorate General of Customs and Excise, accused of accepting bribes and gratuities totalling more than Rp 71 billion, will commence on 3 July at the Central Jakarta District Court. The defendants, including the Director of Enforcement and Investigation, will hear the indictment read against them. Three private sector defendants from Blueray Cargo have already received sentencing demands ranging from 2.5 to 3 years in prison.

BNPB: 2,533 Homes Damaged by Earthquake in Sigi, Central Sulawesi

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reports that 2,533 homes have been damaged following an earthquake in Sigi Regency, Central Sulawesi, which triggered over a thousand aftershocks. While aftershock activity is now declining, the local government has declared a 14-day emergency response status. Authorities are currently building 50 temporary shelters and preparing for the rehabilitation and reconstruction phase.

Iranian Foreign Minister Says Gaza Included in Negotiations with US

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi informed Hamas official Bassem Naim that the situation in Gaza is part of ongoing discussions with the United States. The talks, mediated by Qatar and Pakistan in Switzerland, aim to implement a memorandum of understanding that calls for a permanent ceasefire. Iran reaffirmed its support for the Palestinian cause while highlighting the continued Israeli military operations and rising casualties.

Luhut Admits Free Nutritious Meal Programme Was Rushed, Offers Explanation

Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Chairman of Indonesia's National Economic Council, has acknowledged that the rollout of the flagship Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme was overly hasty, leading to implementation issues. He recommended a phased approach for better execution but expressed optimism that the programme, which channels significant funds to local economies, will improve within six to twelve months.

House Commission XIII Urges Police to Uncover Motive Behind Taufik Hidayat's Abuse and Confinement of Girlfriend

House of Representatives Commission XIII has called on the police to swiftly uncover the motive behind Taufik Hidayat's brutal abuse and confinement of his girlfriend in Bandung. The commission's chairman praised the police for the arrest but stressed the need for a thorough investigation to ensure justice for the victim and the public. Police are also investigating claims of other potential victims following reports on social media.

Gerindra: Bribery Case Should Not Drive a Wedge Between Prabowo and Gibran

The Gerindra Party has dismissed allegations linking Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka to a bribery scandal involving students at Bung Karno University (UBK). A party official stated the case should not be used to create a rift between President Prabowo Subianto and Gibran, while the university has suspended the student body chairman who admitted to receiving money.

Asian Markets Mostly Higher This Morning, Kospi Soars 5%

Asia-Pacific stock markets broadly advanced on Thursday, led by a more than 5% surge in South Korea's Kospi, tracking a sector rotation on Wall Street. Investors are also awaiting the release of key US economic data, including the Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge, the Personal Consumption Expenditures index.

NU Scholars Issue Fatwa: Spreading Past Misdeeds Online Permissible for Public Interest

Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) scholars have ruled that disseminating individuals' past misdeeds online is fundamentally forbidden (haram) as a form of ghibah, but is permissible when required for public interest, particularly to assess the integrity of candidates for public office. The fatwa emerged from the Bahtsul Masail commission during the 2026 NU National Conference in Kediri, which also examined the 'Right to be Forgotten' in the digital era.

A New Era Begins: A Glimpse of the World's Future Energy Map

The global energy landscape is shifting rapidly, with coal's dominance projected to halve by 2050 while solar and wind power surge to fill the gap. Despite this, fossil fuels, led by oil, are expected to still meet 67% of global demand by mid-century, indicating a gradual transition. Indonesia's own roadmap targets 61% of new power capacity from renewables, requiring over IDR 1,682 trillion in investment.

Unhas Rector: Impact Rankings Achievement Proves University's Maritime Campus Identity

Universitas Hasanuddin (Unhas) Rector Prof Jamaluddin Jompa stated that the university's top national ranking and strong global standing in the 2026 THE Sustainable Impact Rankings affirm its role as a maritime-focused institution. The achievement highlights Unhas's consistent contributions to sustainable marine resource management, research, and coastal community empowerment. The ranking specifically recognises the university's work under SDG 14: Life Below Water.

Body Found in Juanda Airport Car Park Identified as Bangkalan Civil Servant

The body of a woman discovered in a car at Surabaya's Juanda Airport has been identified as a 50-year-old civil servant from the Bangkalan Public Housing and Settlement Department. The family's legal representative has highlighted several suspicious circumstances, including the body being found in the passenger seat and the lack of any known reason for her to be at the airport. Police are currently investigating the case, which the family hopes will be resolved quickly.

Egypt Offers Assistance for Indonesia's New Capital Development

Egypt has offered to share its technical expertise and experience from building its own new administrative capital to support Indonesia's ongoing IKN Nusantara project. The Egyptian ambassador highlighted potential collaboration on connectivity and knowledge transfer, following a recent visit by an Indonesian ministerial delegation to Cairo.

PPI Explains Two Reasons PDIP Is Pressured by Government Coalition on 'Friend or Foe' Stance

A political analyst from Parameter Politik Indonesia (PPI) has outlined two key reasons why the ruling coalition is pressuring PDIP to clarify its political stance. The first is PDIP's defeat in the 2024 presidential election and its subsequent refusal to formally join the government, while the second involves accusations that the party is orchestrating recent regional protests. The analyst suggests the coalition should simply declare PDIP as the opposition rather than engaging in prolonged political drama.

Former Ombudsman Chairman Stands Trial in Nickel Corruption Case

Hery Susanto, the former chairman of the Indonesian Ombudsman for the 2026 period, faced his first trial hearing at the Jakarta Corruption Court on Thursday. He is accused of accepting bribes totalling billions of rupiah, including a house, in exchange for issuing favourable audit reports related to nickel mining governance. The case highlights ongoing efforts by the Attorney General's Office to tackle graft within regulatory bodies overseeing the country's lucrative mining sector.

Foreign Ministry Monitors Case of Acehnese Woman and Baby Allegedly Murdered in Malaysia

Indonesia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy in Kuala Lumpur are providing consular assistance following the alleged murder of a pregnant woman from Aceh in Malaysia. The victim, identified as a 22-year-old Indonesian national, reportedly died after being tortured, and her prematurely born baby was also allegedly killed. Malaysian police have arrested a suspect, and the repatriation of the victim's remains is being arranged.

Doctor Tifa Withdraws Pretrial Motion Against Arrest

Tifauziah Tyassuma, known as Doctor Tifa, has withdrawn her pretrial motion challenging her arrest by Jakarta police over alleged defamation related to President Jokowi's university diploma. The decision follows the granting of a suspension of detention during the trial process. Doctor Tifa and co-defendant Roy Suryo are now preparing separate legal strategies for the ongoing case.

Prabowo Warns Parties Funding Demonstrations

President Prabowo Subianto has issued a stern warning to individuals he claims are financing recent demonstrations, asserting he knows their identities. Speaking at a national farmers' and fishers' event in Gorontalo, he accused corrupt figures of orchestrating protests against his administration. Prabowo urged national unity, comparing the country to a football team that should be supported during a match rather than jeered.

The Fate of BREN Shares After the MSCI Announcement

Despite a massive foreign sell-off triggered by MSCI's decision to extend its review of Indonesia's market classification, shares of Barito Renewables Energy (BREN) recorded the largest net foreign buy. However, the stock still fell, deepening its year-to-date decline of over 62%, while the broader market index dropped 3.56%.

Academics Support BUMN Consolidation by Danantara

Indonesian academics have voiced support for the state-owned enterprise (BUMN) consolidation led by Danantara CEO Rosan Roeslani, viewing it as a strategic move to enhance efficiency and competitiveness. The initiative has already consolidated 258 of 1,077 BUMN entities, with plans to streamline 300 more, while also exploring new growth sectors such as tourism, sports events, and the creative industry.

E-Commerce Fee Increases Must Now Be Announced 90 Days in Advance

Indonesia's Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (UMKM) has issued a new regulation requiring e-commerce platforms to notify sellers at least 90 days before implementing any increase in service fees or commissions. The rule, part of Ministerial Regulation No. 3 of 2026, aims to protect small businesses from sudden cost hikes through mandatory Digital-Based Partnership agreements. Platforms that violate the rule face graduated sanctions, including written warnings, public disclosure, and ultimately a recommendation for licence revocation.

Prabowo Stresses Importance of Free Nutritious Meals, Gerindra Denies Monitoring Gibran

President Prabowo Subianto has underscored the importance of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme in tackling hunger, particularly among children, while dismissing its critics. Meanwhile, the Gerindra Party has denied social media rumours that its parliamentary faction leader requested oversight of Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka's activities.

National Police Transfer Grace Natalie Case Over JK Video to Metro Jaya Police

The Indonesian National Police's Criminal Investigation Unit (Bareskrim) has transferred a case involving politician Grace Natalie and others, related to a polemical video of former Vice President Jusuf Kalla, to the Metro Jaya Regional Police. The transfer was made because the locus, timing, and subject matter of the report overlap with an existing case being handled by the regional police. Bareskrim will continue to assist Metro Jaya Police in the investigation.

Tax Office Reveals Business Splitting Scheme to Exploit SME Tax Rate

The Directorate General of Taxes has uncovered a widespread practice where entrepreneurs establish multiple limited liability companies (PTs) and limited partnerships (CVs) to artificially keep revenue below the threshold for the 0.5% final income tax rate for micro, small, and medium enterprises. The government has responded by revoking this preferential tax facility for PT and CV entities under the new Government Regulation No. 20 of 2026, while retaining it for individual taxpayers who meet the criteria.

Government Finalises 40-Year Tenor Subsidised Mortgage, Monthly Instalments from IDR 500,000

Indonesia's BP Tapera has confirmed a new subsidised mortgage scheme with a 40-year tenor, aimed at expanding homeownership access for low-income earners. The extended repayment period is expected to lower monthly instalments to between IDR 500,000 and IDR 700,000, making housing more affordable for workers earning around IDR 2.8 million per month. The policy, which follows a directive from President Prabowo Subianto, retains fixed interest rates of 5% for landed houses and 6% for apartments.

List of Asia's Most Peaceful Countries in 2026, Indonesia Misses Out

The 2026 Global Peace Index ranks Singapore, Japan, and Malaysia as the most peaceful nations in Asia, while Indonesia places 69th globally. The report, published by the Institute for Economics & Peace, assesses 163 countries using indicators of societal safety, ongoing conflict, and militarisation.

Special Cell for Kidnapping Suspect, Roy Suryo's Pretrial: A Roundup of Legal Events

A suspect in a kidnapping and abuse case has been placed in a special isolation cell in West Java, while former minister Roy Suryo has filed a pretrial motion against his arrest over alleged defamation of former President Joko Widodo. The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is also investigating a graft case at the Directorate General of Railways, and the police have searched the Juanda Customs Office over illegal mobile phone imports.

Free Nutritious Meal Programme Considers AI Adoption and Expansion to Tuberculosis Patients

Indonesia's flagship Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme is preparing a roadmap to integrate artificial intelligence for menu planning and monitoring, as part of a broader national AI strategy awaiting presidential approval. Concurrently, Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin has proposed including tuberculosis patients as priority recipients, citing the country's one million annual cases and 160,000 deaths, though lawmakers have questioned the budgetary feasibility.

Police Mediate Dispute After Online Motorcycle Taxi Drivers Confront Customer in Yogyakarta Over Missing Food Order

A misunderstanding over a missing food item led a group of online motorcycle taxi drivers to confront a customer at their residence in the Sidokabul area of Yogyakarta. Police intervened and mediated a peaceful resolution between the customer, the driver, and the restaurant, which admitted fault in the order. The incident, which went viral on social media, was resolved amicably with all parties acknowledging their mistakes.

Health Minister Says BPJS Kesehatan Will Receive Another Fund Injection Next Year

Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin announced that the government will provide additional funding to BPJS Kesehatan next year to strengthen the national health insurance scheme. He emphasised the need to increase BPJS Kesehatan's coverage of healthcare spending to curb medical inflation and called for a 'gotong royong' approach where wealthier citizens pay higher premiums.

Beware of Fake Customer Service on Social Media Targeting User Data

Cybercriminals are increasingly impersonating customer service accounts on social media to steal personal data and funds from users. They respond to public complaints with fake accounts mimicking official brands, then redirect victims to unofficial channels to extract sensitive information. Authorities urge the public to verify account authenticity and avoid sharing personal or financial details with unverified contacts.

Dr Tifa Withdraws Pretrial Motion Over Arrest in South Jakarta Court

Tifauziah Tyassuma, known as Dr Tifa, has withdrawn her pretrial motion challenging her arrest and search by Jakarta police in a defamation case linked to the authenticity of former President Joko Widodo's diplomas. The decision follows the granting of a suspension of detention, meaning she will not be held in custody during the trial process.

PGRI Appreciates Prabowo's Acknowledgment, Hopes for Teacher Salary Increase

The Indonesian Teachers Association (PGRI) has welcomed President Prabowo Subianto's candid admission that teacher and civil servant salaries are inadequate due to state fund leakages. PGRI Chairwoman Unifah Rosyidi expressed hope that the government will improve education governance and efficiency to raise teacher welfare. She also called for a standardised minimum salary equivalent to at least one month's base pay, as stipulated in existing law.

Zohran Mamdani's Political Manoeuvre Sends Shockwaves Through US Politics, Coalition Fractures Emerge

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani's progressive movement has successfully unseated senior Democratic figures in recent primaries, solidifying his influence. However, his tactical shift in endorsements, particularly against veteran Congressman Adriano Espaillat, has triggered a backlash and exposed growing fractures within the Democratic coalition.

Magnitude 7.1 Earthquake Strikes Venezuela, Tsunami Warning Issued

A powerful magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck the coast of Venezuela, prompting a tsunami warning for the region and nearby Caribbean islands. The tremor was felt strongly in the capital Caracas, causing residents to flee buildings in panic. No casualties have been reported so far.

US Breached: Advanced Weapons Supplier Exposes Government Weaknesses

Anthropic's AI model, Mythos, uncovered numerous sensitive vulnerabilities within US government systems in a matter of hours during a limited test programme. The revelation highlights significant security gaps, though officials clarified the model did not simultaneously exploit them. The incident occurs against a backdrop of strained relations between the AI firm and Washington, including export bans and national security blacklisting.

Unravelling Waste, Safeguarding the City

Surabaya managed 95% of its 1,011 tonnes of hazardous and toxic waste (B3) in 2024, but the remaining 5% poses a significant environmental and public health risk. The challenge lies not just in industrial compliance but in preventing household hazardous waste, such as expired medicines and used syringes, from entering the regular waste stream.

Indonesia Affirms Commitment to High-Integrity Carbon Market Development

Indonesia has reiterated its commitment to building a credible and transparent carbon market to mobilise climate finance. Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni highlighted the need for regulatory certainty and trust to unlock large-scale investment in emission reduction and forest protection. The country is set to launch a Carbon Unit Registry System and issue over 30 million tonnes of forestry carbon credits as part of its strengthened national governance framework.

BPJS Deficit Hits Rp2 Trillion Monthly, Health Minister Urges Wealthy to Pay Higher Premiums

Indonesia's national health insurer BPJS Kesehatan faces a monthly deficit of Rp2 trillion as claims outpace revenue. Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin has called for wealthier citizens to pay higher premiums to uphold the 'gotong royong' principle, while assuring that coverage for the poor remains fully subsidised by the government.

Evacuation Process Underway at Hotel Sultan

The Gelora Bung Karno Complex Management Centre (PPKGBK) has commenced the evacuation of assets from Hotel Sultan in Senayan, Jakarta, following a court-ordered execution. Furniture and fittings from four hotel towers and two apartment towers are being relocated to a warehouse complex in Cikarang, Bekasi, ahead of the buildings' demolition. The move marks a significant development in the long-running legal dispute over the prime state-owned land.

Prabowo Defends Free Nutritious Meals Programme: 'A Hungry Stomach, If Not Filled, Will Die'

President Prabowo Subianto has robustly defended the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme against critics who deem it less urgent than other issues. Speaking at a farmers' and fishers' event in Gorontalo, he argued that nothing is more critical than addressing hunger, citing UN warnings of a massive global famine affecting up to 700 million people this year. He challenged sceptics to ask farmers, fishers, and children directly whether the programme is needed.

Cilacap Official Denies Allegations of Fictitious Free Meal Kitchens in Cemeteries

The Cilacap regional coordinator for the National Nutrition Agency has refuted claims by the acting regent that 100 fictitious kitchens were detected for the Free Nutritious Meal programme, including in a cemetery. He clarified that the locations in question are registered but still under construction, with 220 of approximately 300 planned kitchens already operational.

AGO's Asset Recovery Agency Forms Special Task Force to Trace Corruptors' Assets in Old Cases

The Indonesian Attorney General's Office's Asset Recovery Agency (BPA) has established a special task force to track and secure assets from convicted corruptors, including long-unresolved cases. The team recently located assets belonging to Edy Tansil, a fugitive convicted in a major bank fraud case. The BPA is also boosting public participation in asset auctions and managing seized high-value assets to prevent depreciation.

TNI Found Gold in Sukabumi, State Stored It in Prabowo's Grandfather's Bank

A historical account details the discovery of gold and diamonds by the Indonesian National Army (TNI) in Bogor in 1946. The treasure, valued at nearly Rp6 billion at the time, was reported to the government and subsequently stored at Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI-46), which was then led by Margono Djojohadikusumo, the grandfather of current President Prabowo Subianto.

Katz Claims No US Demand for Israel to Withdraw from Lebanon

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that the United States has not demanded Israel withdraw its forces from Lebanon, calling it a diplomatic achievement. The ongoing Israel-Lebanon negotiations in Washington are complicated by Iran's insistence that a ceasefire in Lebanon is a prerequisite for its own deal with the US.