Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 25 June 2026

Showing 201-250 of 1,504 articles

House Commission VII Urges Regional Water Companies to Improve Ready-to-Drink Water Services

The Indonesian House of Representatives' Commission VII has called on regional water companies (PDAM) to upgrade their services to provide ready-to-drink water, reducing public reliance on bottled water. During a working visit, the commission highlighted that PDAMs currently only supply water suitable for bathing, while the state must ensure access to this basic necessity. The commission also discussed broader issues in the bottled water industry, including resource conservation and plastic waste management.

Indonesia develops palm oil by-product crafts for business growth

Indonesia's Industry Ministry is promoting the use of palm oil waste and by-products to develop the handicraft sector, aiming to boost the creative economy and support a sustainable circular economy. The initiative includes skills training and collaboration with the Indonesia Plantation Fund, with a recent workshop held in North Kalimantan to help local businesses create woven crafts and art paper. The effort comes as Indonesia's handicraft exports rose 4.08 percent in the first quarter of 2026 to US$165.17 million, reflecting growing international demand.

Accurate Diagnosis Crucial in Trauma Care, Not Just Speed

Effective trauma management relies not only on rapid hospital transfer but also on precise initial diagnosis, particularly for hidden injuries to the head, spine, and internal organs. Bethsaida Hospital Serang has launched an Advanced Trauma Center featuring 1.5T MRI technology to improve diagnostic accuracy. The initiative highlights the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration to ensure timely and appropriate treatment for complex trauma cases.

Analyst says performance and public closeness boost Teddy's popularity

Political communication analyst Hendri Satrio attributes the rising popularity of Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya to his consistent public presence and responsiveness to issues, rather than political machinery. Satrio noted that Teddy's appeal spans both urban and rural areas, as evidenced by public enthusiasm during official visits. He suggested that other politicians and bureaucrats should learn from this phenomenon, which highlights the importance of genuine public engagement over mere image-building.

Gianyar Police Inaugurate Borehole Well for Pinda Residents

The Gianyar Police have inaugurated a new borehole well in Banjar Pinda, Blahbatuh, to address persistent clean water shortages affecting local residents. The facility, named Tirta Chandra Kupa, was launched as part of the 80th Bhayangkara Day celebrations. Residents previously relied on the Petanu River for bathing when the municipal water supply failed.

South Jakarta KPKP Promotes Food Security Through MSME Bazaar and Urban Farming

The South Jakarta Food Security, Marine, and Agriculture Agency (KPKP) is strengthening urban food security and local economic growth through a bazaar featuring 16 fostered MSMEs and urban farming initiatives. The event, held to celebrate Jakarta's 499th anniversary, also includes educational activities on food plating and local food utilization. Officials hope the collaboration will expand market access for small businesses and build a resilient local economic ecosystem.

New Strategy in Indonesia's Marketing Ecosystem: Spillify.io Lets Users 'Spill' and Earn Money

Indonesian startup Spillify.io launches a consumer activation platform connecting brands with everyday users who earn money by completing verified 'Quests' like store visits and product reviews. The platform aims to provide a more authentic and cost-effective alternative to expensive Key Opinion Leader (KOL) marketing. It has already attracted large organic communities, including a mom influencer group and an affiliate network, seeking to monetise their genuine product recommendations.

On World Seafarers' Day, Pelindo Vows to Strengthen Indonesia's Role in the Malacca Strait

State-owned port operator Pelindo has called for Indonesia to play a larger role in the Malacca Strait, one of the world's busiest shipping lanes, to capture greater economic value. The company is expanding its maritime services, including a new anchorage area in the Riau Islands, to ensure the country is not merely a transit point but an integral part of the global logistics chain. The initiative, announced during the Day of the Seafarer 2026, also aims to enhance shipping safety, protect the marine environment, and create more opportunities for Indonesian seafarers.

DIY High Prosecutor's Office Searches Cooperatives and SMEs Agency Over Milk Production Machine Corruption

Investigators from the Yogyakarta Special Region (DIY) High Prosecutor's Office have searched the office of the DIY Cooperatives and SMEs Agency in connection with an alleged corruption case involving the procurement of milk production machinery. The case concerns a 2023 project funded by the APBN, where a commissioning test revealed the equipment was non-functional and a technical report concluded zero percent progress had been made against the contract.

Sultan HB X Unwell, Deputy Paku Alam X Appointed Acting Governor of Yogyakarta

The Deputy Governor of the Special Region of Yogyakarta, KGPAA Paku Alam X, has been appointed acting governor while Sultan Hamengku Buwono X undergoes a medical check-up. The provincial secretary emphasised that the appointment is a standard administrative procedure to ensure continuity of governance and public services. Officials have dismissed speculation of a leadership crisis, stating the Sultan is only temporarily unavailable for medical reasons.

House Commission I Urges New Central Information Commission Members to Eliminate Barriers to Public Information Disclosure

The House of Representatives' Commission I has called on the newly selected members of the Central Information Commission (KI Pusat) to focus on removing obstacles to public information disclosure rather than merely increasing publications. The statement was made during the final session of the fit and proper test for candidates for the 2026-2030 period. The commission will now hold internal discussions to follow up on the results of the selection process.

Foreign Media Suddenly Highlights Indonesia's Free Nutritious Meal Budget, Citing This

International media has spotlighted Indonesia's plan to slash the budget for its flagship free nutritious meal programme by up to Rp50 trillion. The reported cuts, driven by fiscal pressures and governance concerns, would reduce the number of beneficiaries and halt the construction of new kitchens. The evaluation follows the dismissal and arrest of the former head of the National Nutrition Agency over alleged mismanagement and corruption.

Sidoarjo Police Renovate Resident's Home, Distribute Aid Ahead of 80th Bhayangkara Day

The Sidoarjo Resort Police (Polresta) conducted a house renovation and social service programme in Krian District to mark the upcoming 80th Bhayangkara Day. The initiative, which included distributing clean water and agricultural tools, aims to demonstrate the National Police's commitment to community welfare beyond security duties. The beneficiary, a furniture finisher, expressed gratitude for the transformation of his previously flood-prone home.

South Jakarta Utilises Flood Control Technology to Monitor Water Levels

The South Jakarta administration is deploying a Flood Control System to monitor water levels in real time as part of its rainy season preparations. Mayor Syafrin Liputo also highlighted parallel efforts including embung construction, infiltration wells, and mass clean-up activities. The initiative was discussed alongside calls for stricter action against illegal parking and transparent implementation of labour-intensive programmes.

Black Monday 1987: Chronology, Causes, and Its Impact on Indonesia

The article examines the Black Monday stock market crash of 1987, detailing the events leading up to the historic single-day plunge that wiped out billions in market value globally. It explains the combination of factors behind the crash, including computerised trading and geopolitical tensions, and highlights how the crisis spurred regulatory changes worldwide. Notably, it reveals that Indonesia's implementation of auto-rejection mechanisms (ARA and ARB) on its stock exchange was a direct consequence of the Black Monday turmoil.

Google Play Store Payment System Changes: Could Digital Subscription Prices Fall?

Google's new alternative payment options for the Play Store may reduce service fees for developers, but any savings are not guaranteed to be passed on to consumers. The policy shift follows a definitive ruling by Indonesia's Supreme Court and the competition authority KPPU, which ordered Google to cease mandating its proprietary billing system. Ultimately, whether subscription and in-app purchase prices become more competitive depends on individual developer strategies.

Yili Launches AI-Powered Comic Series to Visualise Dairy Supply Chain Transparency at China Expo

Chinese dairy giant Yili Group has unveiled a pioneering AI-generated comic series at the fourth China International Supply Chain Expo to demystify its global supply chain. The initiative transforms complex data from its 2,000 partners across 39 countries into an engaging narrative, tracing the journey of milk from pasture to glass. The company, which enforces quality standards exceeding EU norms, aims to foster public trust and highlight its commitment to a greener, smarter, and more collaborative dairy ecosystem.

Police Leadership School Sharpens Future Generals with Digital Leadership and Social Empathy

The Indonesian National Police's High Command and Leadership School (Sespimti) is training its 35th cohort of senior officers with a curriculum focused on digital leadership, cross-sector collaboration, and social empathy. The programme includes domestic community projects, such as renovating houses and providing disaster relief in West Java, alongside an international comparative study on smart policing in Shanghai, China. The course culminates in a 'Leader Expo' where participants present and defend their transformational policy ideas.

Indonesia Opens Tuban Gas Plant to Reduce LPG Imports

Indonesia has inaugurated a mini-LNG plant in Tuban, East Java, operated by PT Sumber Aneka Gas, as part of efforts to curb heavy reliance on imported LPG. The facility will process domestic gas reserves to produce LPG, condensate, and CNG, with its entire output earmarked for local industries. The government views such strategic infrastructure as vital for strengthening national energy security and reducing the import burden, given that domestic LPG production currently meets less than a quarter of national demand.

On World Maritime Day, KAI Highlights Rail Connectivity to Ports Across Indonesia

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) marked World Maritime Day by emphasising the crucial role of rail services in connecting ports to cities and economic centres across the archipelago. The state-owned railway company detailed passenger and freight volumes at key port-adjacent stations, including Merak, Ketapang, and Tanjung Priok, demonstrating the integrated nature of sea and land transport. KAI also highlighted its support for logistics, noting that freight services transported over 28 million tonnes of goods in the first five months of 2026.

Risen Energy Showcases Energy Innovations for Multiple Segments at Intersolar Europe 2026

Risen Energy has unveiled a suite of new energy solutions at Intersolar Europe 2026 in Munich, targeting residential, commercial and industrial, and utility-scale segments. The product portfolio, including AI-powered home energy management and liquid-cooled storage, reflects the company's 'Full-Stack Risen' strategy. The showcase also features advanced solar modules for terrestrial use and ultra-thin wafer technology designed for low Earth orbit satellites.

Bullied in School Toilet, Semarang Junior High Student Absent for Nearly Three Months

A junior high school student in Semarang has been absent from school for almost three months after allegedly being confined and assaulted by older pupils in a school toilet. The victim's mother says her child is traumatised and afraid of both the school and the toilet where the incident occurred. Police have confirmed the case is now under formal investigation.

Identity of 20 Stacked Ancient Human Remains Revealed, Scientists Stunned

New analysis of Homo naledi fossils discovered in a remote South African cave has revealed that all 20 identifiable individuals were likely female, baffling anthropologists. The findings, based on dental enamel protein testing, challenge previous assumptions about the species' social structure and suggest complex mortuary behaviour may have emerged far earlier than previously thought. The discovery raises profound questions about the role of females in this small-brained hominin group and the origins of ritualistic practices.

Prospective Red and White Village Cooperative Managers Undergo Basic Military Training

A total of 674 participants from the Sarjana Penggerak Pembangunan Indonesia (SPPI) programme are undergoing basic military training in Jakarta to prepare them for roles as managers of the Red and White Village Cooperatives (KDMP). The training aims to instil character traits such as integrity, loyalty, discipline, and empathy deemed essential for their duties. The programme underscores the government's focus on building a disciplined cadre to drive rural economic development through cooperatives.

WTI Oil Price Falls Below US$70

US crude oil prices, specifically West Texas Intermediate (WTI), have dropped below US$70 per barrel as geopolitical risk premiums in the Middle East ease. The decline is attributed to progress in US-Iran peace efforts and improved tanker activity in the Strait of Hormuz, alongside weak Chinese demand and signs of global oversupply. While lower crude prices may benefit transport and consumer sectors, they could pressure energy stocks and producer-state revenues if sustained.

Padang City Government to Switch Civil Servant Salaries to Sharia System from 1 July

The Padang City Government will transition the payroll system for thousands of its civil servants to a sharia-compliant financial system starting 1 July 2026. The policy, announced by Deputy Mayor Maigus Nasir, is a strategic move to accelerate the implementation of a comprehensive Islamic economic ecosystem in the region. The initiative is grounded in local regulations and the Minangkabau philosophy of 'Adat Basandi Syarak, Syarak Basandi Kitabullah', though officials acknowledge challenges in human resource readiness and the dominance of conventional banking.

Director General of SPSK confirms Panda Bond launch remains on schedule

Indonesia's Ministry of Finance has confirmed that the planned issuance of Panda Bonds remains on track for late June or early July 2026. The process is advancing following a meeting between Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa and the Governor of the People's Bank of China to expedite licensing. The government is targeting an initial issuance of USD 1 billion as part of a strategy to diversify international financing sources and support rupiah stability.

Q1 Investment Absorbs 939 Indonesian Workers in Bontang

Investment realisation in Bontang during the first quarter of 2026 absorbed 939 Indonesian workers, according to the local Investment and One-Stop Integrated Services Agency (DPMPTSP). Domestic investment accounted for the vast majority of job creation, with 920 workers employed compared to 19 from foreign investment. The local government highlighted the industrial sector as a key driver of employment and pledged to maintain a conducive investment climate through streamlined licensing and business support.

Government Hints at Panda Bond Issuance Schedule for Early July 2026

The Indonesian government has confirmed that the issuance of its global bonds denominated in yuan, known as Panda Bonds, remains on track for early July 2026. Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has secured strong support and a commitment for an accelerated licensing process from the People's Bank of China. The move is part of a broader strategy to diversify national development financing sources away from reliance on a single currency.

Rubio: US Military Directly Monitoring Lebanon Ceasefire

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that the American military is directly monitoring the implementation of the ceasefire in Lebanon, coordinating with both Lebanese and Israeli armed forces. He emphasised that CENTCOM can now independently verify the situation on the ground rather than relying solely on reports from other parties. The development comes amid a new round of US-mediated negotiations in Washington, despite reports of continued Israeli air strikes in southern Lebanon.

House Commission VII Gathers Bottled Water Industry Issues During Bogor Visit

House of Representatives Commission VII visited a bottled water company in Bogor to collect industry concerns for its working committee. The panel is examining issues ranging from water resource use and environmental conservation to plastic waste management and microplastic risks. The commission stressed that companies must balance water extraction with conservation efforts and urged the food and drug authority to set microplastic limits.

Law Minister says Indonesia expands community-based access to justice

Indonesia is broadening access to justice through a people-centred approach, Law Minister Supratman Andi Agtas announced at the 14th Saint Petersburg International Legal Forum. Key initiatives include village-level legal aid posts across all Indonesian villages, offering information, consultation, mediation, and advocacy. The minister also held bilateral talks with Russian officials on prisoner transfers and BRICS international arbitration.

KI DKI Appreciates Jakarta Public Bodies' Participation in E-Monev

The DKI Jakarta Information Commission (KI DKI) has praised the high participation of public bodies in the E-Monev monitoring and evaluation system, making Jakarta the region with the largest number of participants nationally. The number of participants is targeted to increase from 829 in 2025 to 1,001 in 2026. KI DKI also highlighted the need for improved facilities and ongoing educational programmes to strengthen public information disclosure.

Understanding ASPD: The Personality Disorder That Enables Cruelty Without Empathy

Psychologist Samanta Clara Elsener explains that Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) can drive individuals to commit repeated acts of violence without remorse. The condition, often associated with the terms psychopath or sociopath, is a serious mental disorder affecting emotional processing. The explanation comes amid public attention on a case involving a woman allegedly held captive and tortured for three years in Bandung.

Why Gen Z Struggles to Save: It's Not Always About Low Salaries

Financial experts argue that Gen Z's difficulty in saving is a classic middle-class problem rooted in poor financial behaviour rather than just low income. The phenomenon of 'lifestyle inflation', where increased earnings lead to higher consumption, keeps savings rates low. Establishing clear, measurable financial goals is also identified as a crucial missing motivator for young people.

East Kalimantan Residents Now Have Access to an Integrated Cardiac Service

East Kalimantan has inaugurated the Awang Faroek Tower, a modern integrated cardiac centre at RSUD dr Kanujoso Djatiwibowo in Balikpapan. The facility aims to strengthen regional healthcare by providing advanced cardiovascular treatment, including open-heart surgery, and reducing the need for residents to seek care outside the province. Governor Rudy Mas'ud emphasised that the new infrastructure must be matched with competent and compassionate human resources to maximise its benefits.

Bank Deposit War Intensifies as LPS Hikes Guaranteed Interest Rates

The Indonesia Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS) has unexpectedly raised its guaranteed interest rates for rupiah deposits in response to intensifying competition among banks. The rate for commercial banks will increase to 3.75% and for rural banks to 6.25%, effective from 1 July to 1 September 2026. The decision aims to anticipate a potential decline in deposit coverage levels amid rising market interest rates and shifting liquidity conditions.

House Commission VII Calls for Unified Licensing Mechanism for Bottled Water Industry

Indonesia's House Commission VII has urged the government to harmonise the licensing process for the bottled drinking water (AMDK) industry to strengthen consumer protection. The current system involves multiple agencies, including the Public Works and Energy Ministries, leading to overlapping authority. A unified mechanism is deemed essential to clarify supervisory responsibilities and ensure product safety.

KPK Investigates 'Click' Money in Foreigner Residence Permit Scandal, Summons Six Witnesses

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is probing a bribery scheme involving the processing of residence permits for foreign nationals, which has ensnared former Deputy Minister of Immigration and Corrections Silmy Karim. Investigators are examining alleged payments from visa agents to immigration offices in Bali, where fees of up to Rp 2.5 million per application were demanded to ensure documents were processed. The case, involving an estimated total of Rp 145.5 billion, has led to the naming of eight suspects, including several high-ranking immigration officials.

BPOM Assures All Reusable Gallons with Marketing Authorisation and SNI Certification Are Safe for Use

Indonesia's Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) has confirmed that all reusable gallons circulating in the market are safe, provided they hold BPOM marketing authorisation and meet Indonesian National Standards (SNI). The agency emphasised its rigorous oversight of production processes and packaging safety, while also urging consumers to maintain hygiene and check expiry dates. The statement comes amid public concerns regarding the health risks of older reusable gallons, which experts have dismissed, pointing instead to cleanliness and sanitation as the primary safety factors.

Rain Disrupts Early Salt Production in Cirebon

Unseasonal rainfall in Cirebon Regency has disrupted the initial phase of salt production, causing the crystallisation process to fail. Farmers report that while some have managed an early harvest, yields remain low at around five quintals per hectare. Despite the limited quantity, farm-gate prices are relatively high, ranging from Rp 1,200 to Rp 1,400 per kilogram, depending on quality and location.

Indofarma Continues Coordination on Capital Injection with Danantara

State-owned pharmaceutical company PT Indofarma Tbk is still in talks with sovereign wealth fund Danantara Indonesia regarding a requested capital injection to support its turnaround. The company has submitted all required documents through its holding company, Bio Farma Group, and is awaiting a decision. Indofarma remains optimistic about posting a net profit in 2026 despite currency headwinds, after slashing its annual loss by 76.7 percent in 2025.

Usually Armed and Drunk, Taufik Hidayat Wept Pitifully Begging for Help to Take Victim to Hospital

Witnesses have begun to reveal the aggressive and temperamental nature of Taufik Hidayat, the suspect in an alleged confinement and abuse case in Indonesia. A boarding house keeper described Hidayat's habit of carrying a machete and frequently returning home drunk and confrontational. In a stark contrast, Hidayat was seen weeping and pleading for assistance to take his wife, the victim, to hospital, claiming she had fallen in the bathroom.

Village Secretary Interrogated for Seven Hours Over Conversion of Communal Land into Luxury Boarding Houses

Prosecutors in Sidoarjo, East Java, are intensifying their investigation into the alleged misuse of village treasury land in Damarsi. The village secretary was questioned alone for nearly seven hours to corroborate new evidence regarding the land's conversion into over a dozen upmarket boarding houses. Authorities are working to complete the case file, while the village head has not yet been summoned for questioning.

Coordinating Ministry for Community Empowerment Launches Integrated Community Empowerment Pilot Project

The Coordinating Ministry for Community Empowerment has inaugurated a pilot project in Banyumas, Central Java, aimed at creating an integrated community empowerment ecosystem centred on coconut sugar exports and women's economic independence. The initiative, which includes the PERMATA poultry programme, is designed as a scalable model for poverty alleviation by leveraging local commodity strengths. Minister A. Muhaimin Iskandar stressed that productive regions with high poverty rates must be the focus of empowerment interventions.

Australian Woman Assaulted, Robbed of iPhone 14 Pro by Teenager on Sumba Beach

A 17-year-old student has been arrested in Southwest Sumba for allegedly sexually assaulting and attempting to rape a 30-year-old Australian tourist. The incident occurred at Pailiang Beach, where the victim was also robbed of her iPhone 14 Pro. Police have confirmed the suspect is in custody and the victim, a Sydney property developer, has undergone a medical examination.

Indonesia ready to deploy rescue team to earthquake-hit Venezuela

Indonesia's National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) has declared its readiness to deploy an international search and rescue team to Venezuela following a devastating 7.5 magnitude earthquake, pending instructions from the central government. The agency confirmed its INASAR team, which holds medium-level INSARAG classification, is prepared to assist in evacuation efforts, though no formal request for international aid has yet been received from Venezuela. Basarnas is also liaising with the Indonesian Embassy in Brazil to ascertain the safety of any Indonesian nationals affected by the disaster.

Ministry coordinates with S. Korea to find missing Indonesian crew

Indonesia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs is coordinating with South Korean authorities after a fishing vessel carrying six Indonesian crew members sank following a collision with an LPG carrier. Four Indonesians were rescued while a search continues for two missing crew members, with the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul providing consular support to their families. The incident highlights the government's recent ratification of ILO Convention 188, which aims to strengthen labour protections and decent work standards for Indonesian fishing crews.

Mastering AI Alone Is Not Enough, University Graduates Need Wisdom and Soft Skills

A university president has cautioned that proficiency in artificial intelligence alone is insufficient for preparing graduates for the rapidly changing job market. Higher education institutions must now also cultivate deep thinking, character, and soft skills. Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) is implementing a phased AI curriculum that treats the technology as a tool to enhance, rather than replace, education.

KPK Probes Alleged Kickbacks from Visa Agents to Immigration Officers in Bali

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is investigating claims that visa and immigration service agents were forced to make illicit payments to officers at the Ngurah Rai and Denpasar immigration offices. The alleged extortion involved processing residence permits for foreign nationals, with agents reportedly threatened with delays if they did not pay fees above the official non-tax state revenue rates. The case has already led to the naming of a former deputy minister and seven other senior immigration officials as suspects.