Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 26 June 2026

Showing 451-500 of 1,505 articles

Cirebon Regency Government Strengthens Position of Mask Art as Regional Cultural Icon

The Cirebon Regency Government is reinforcing the status of traditional mask art as a regional cultural icon through a scientific study. The research aims to document the historical, philosophical, and spiritual values of the masks to support cultural preservation, tourism, and education. The initiative seeks to ensure the art form remains relevant for younger generations without losing its original character.

Director General of Immigration Reveals Three Pillars for Strengthening Indonesia's Border Security

Indonesia's Director General of Immigration outlined a three-pillar strategy focusing on border checks, foreign national surveillance, and digital service integration to bolster national security. The strategy, presented at an ASEAN forum in Cambodia, has already enabled early detection of immigration violations and transnational crimes. Indonesia also proposed a ballot system to Australia for working holiday visas and was appointed lead shepherd for people smuggling issues in the region.

24 Hours of Terror! Major Earthquakes Strike Multiple Countries, Coincidence?

A series of powerful earthquakes struck various parts of the world within a 24-hour period, including Venezuela, Japan, and California. While the events appear connected, seismologists explain they are largely a statistical coincidence, as the quakes occurred on different tectonic systems. The cluster serves as a reminder of the planet's constant seismic activity, amplified by modern real-time monitoring.

Public Trust in Police Reaches 82.4%, Sahroni Credits General Sigit's Hard Work

Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian House of Representatives' Commission III, Ahmad Sahroni, has attributed the rising public trust in the National Police to the leadership of General Listyo Sigit Prabowo. A recent Kompas Litbang survey indicates that 82.4% of respondents are confident in the institution's future performance. Sahroni urged the police force to maintain this momentum and address remaining challenges, including street crime and digital offences.

China's Most Wanted Online Scam Fugitive Arrested After Landing at Soekarno-Hatta Airport

Indonesian authorities have arrested Zheng Rongjing, a Chinese national on Interpol's most-wanted list for online scams, moments after his flight landed at Soekarno-Hatta Airport. The fugitive is suspected of being a major player in a large-scale scam operation based in Cambodia. The arrest highlights ongoing international police cooperation against transnational organised crime and raises concerns about the potential establishment of scam infrastructure in Indonesia.

School Fee Needs Drive Up Gold Pawning at BSI Surabaya

PT Bank Syariah Indonesia (BSI) in Surabaya reported a surge in gold pawning transactions in June 2026, exceeding IDR 50 billion, driven by parents seeking funds for new school year fees. The bank's gold savings accounts also grew by over 92 percent year-on-year, adding more than 31,000 new accounts. BSI is now shifting its focus towards professionals and entrepreneurs to ensure more sustainable investment activity, while expanding its branch network and digital services.

10 mg Tar Limit Could Threaten National Kretek Cigarette Industry

Indonesia's Ministry of Industry has warned that a proposed 10 milligram tar limit could devastate the domestic kretek cigarette industry, which dominates 97% of the market. The current national standard allows up to 55 mg, while average kretek tar levels are around 35 mg. The sector's economic contribution is estimated at nearly Rp700 trillion, raising concerns about the broader impact of the regulation.

Finance Minister says AIIB to open representative office in Indonesia

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) plans to open a representative office in Indonesia, with the government providing land and a building. This follows a visit by Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa to China, which also secured a USD 17 billion project financing commitment. The minister also noted strong Chinese investor interest in a planned Panda Bond issuance, potentially exceeding the initial USD 1 billion target.

Metro Jaya Police Uncover Gambling Operation Disguised as Children's Arcade

Jakarta police have exposed a sophisticated illegal gambling ring operating under the guise of family-friendly arcades in West and North Jakarta. The two venues, named Dissney Timezone and Sky Timezone, used a coupon system and on-site 'referees' to conceal their activities, generating a combined monthly turnover of Rp2.1 billion. Authorities have named 69 suspects, including three owners who face money laundering charges carrying a maximum sentence of 15 years.

After Previous 'Misstep', Purbaya Admits Ties with BGN Are Now 'Closer'

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has stated that cooperation with the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has significantly improved under its new leadership. The Ministry of Finance will now assist in monitoring the Free Nutritious Meals programme in the regions and has been granted the authority to recommend the closure of non-compliant kitchens. This follows a previous controversy where Purbaya admitted he was 'caught off guard' by a hidden Rp 1 trillion budget item for electric motorbikes.

South Tangerang City Government to Announce Junior High School Admission Results Online Tonight

The South Tangerang city administration will release the first-stage results of its state junior high school admissions (SPMB) this evening via its official website. The domicile-based selection system uses automated coordinate mapping to minimise manual intervention. Further admission stages for transfer, academic achievement, and affirmative action pathways are scheduled throughout early July.

Officers foil protected wildlife smuggling attempt at Ambon Port

Joint officers have thwarted an attempt to smuggle protected wildlife hidden aboard the KM Ciremai at Yos Sudarso Port in Ambon, Maluku. The operation, conducted on 24-25 June 2026, resulted in the seizure of several endemic species, including a cockatoo and various parrots. The seized animals have been handed over to the Maluku Natural Resources Conservation Agency for further action.

Liquidity Dries Up, Purbaya Again Places Rp 400 Trillion in Himbara Banks

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has announced the placement of an additional Rp 400 trillion in state funds with state-owned banks (Himbara) to address a liquidity crunch. The decision follows complaints from the banks and aims to ensure the wheels of the economy keep turning. Purbaya stated the move was coordinated with President Prabowo and is intended to bolster economic prospects and strengthen the rupiah.

AMAL and Wakaf Salman Deliver Waqf Wells, 15,000 Gaza Residents Now Enjoy Access to Clean Water

A collaborative water well project by AMAL and Wakaf Salman is now providing clean water access to 15,000 residents monthly in the Tel Hawa district of southern Gaza. The initiative aims to address the humanitarian crisis and infrastructure shortages caused by the prolonged conflict. The project, supported by Indonesian donors, serves approximately 1,500 people daily, improving health and sanitation conditions.

Menko PM urges prospective migrant workers to use legal channels for protection

Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment Abdul Muhaimin Iskandar has called on prospective Indonesian migrant workers to follow official and legal procedures to ensure their safety and success abroad. The government is developing an integrated ecosystem for global talent placement, backed by significant funding of over Rp3 trillion this year and up to Rp30 trillion by 2029. The minister stressed that illegal departures leave workers vulnerable and without proper protection.

Transport Minister: School Holiday Stimulus to Reach Millions of Passengers

The Indonesian government is rolling out a comprehensive transport stimulus package for the upcoming school holidays, offering fare reductions and incentives across land, sea, air, and rail services. The initiative aims to boost accessibility and support economic activity by making travel more affordable for millions of citizens. The Ministry of Transportation expects the measures to benefit a significant number of passengers, including over one million train travellers alone.

Cambodian Journalists Sentenced to 14 Years, Press Freedom Eroded

Cambodia's Supreme Court has upheld a 14-year prison sentence for two journalists convicted of treason for posting photos on Facebook related to border clashes with Thailand. The ruling has drawn sharp criticism from human rights groups, who accuse Prime Minister Hun Manet's government of using the judiciary to silence independent media.

Ciputra Development Posts Rp 2.66 Trillion Net Profit in 2025, Distributes Rp 667 Billion Cash Dividend

PT Ciputra Development Tbk (CTRA) reported a net profit of Rp 2.66 trillion for the 2025 fiscal year, a 25% increase from the previous year, and announced a cash dividend of Rp 667 billion. The company has set a conservative marketing sales target of Rp 9.5 trillion for 2026, citing weakened purchasing power and sluggish property demand in some regions. To achieve this target, Ciputra plans to launch new residential projects and leverage government-borne VAT incentive programmes.

Bontang Mayor Inaugurates LNG Badak Clinic's Physio Centre

The Mayor of Bontang, Neni Moerniaeni, has officially opened a new Physio Centre at the LNG Badak Primary Clinic, coinciding with the clinic's 11th anniversary. The facility, which has been trialled since early June, aims to improve public access to rehabilitation services and aligns with the city's strategic health development plans. The centre handles an average of 20 patients daily, offering intensive one-on-one physiotherapy sessions.

Prabowo at KSTI: Professors Are the Smartest People in a Nation

President Prabowo Subianto has described professors as the most intelligent individuals in a country, emphasising their crucial role in driving national progress. Speaking at the 2026 National Science, Technology, and Industry Convention in Jakarta, he stated that a nation's advancement depends on harnessing the innovative potential of its academics. He stressed that all major civilisational leaps originate from the thinking of the best minds.

This Week in the Indonesian Economy (19-25 Jun 2026)

The week of 19 to 25 June 2026 delivered a dense and consequential slate of developments for the Indonesian economy, touching everything from an industrial gas crisis threatening tens of thousands of jobs to a landmark biodiesel mandate, a slipping competitiveness ranking, and a rupiah under sustained pressure.

RSHS Reveals Maggots Found in Head of Taufik Hidayat's Victim

Doctors at Hasan Sadikin Hospital (RSHS) in Bandung have disclosed that the female victim of an assault by Taufik Hidayat arrived in a helpless state with severe head injuries infested with maggots. The hospital performed emergency surgery to clean the infected wounds and is planning a staged facial reconstruction once the infection is fully resolved. The case highlights the severity of the attack, with the victim's arrival at the hospital captured on CCTV.

This Week in Indonesian Politics (19-25 Jun 2026)

The week of 19 to 25 June 2026 proved to be one of considerable turbulence for Indonesia's domestic politics, with the Prabowo Subianto administration navigating a confluence of pressures: street protests, a spiralling corruption landscape, troubling deaths in a flagship civilian training programme, and a simmering debate over the integrity of the student movement.

Indonesia Delays $1 Billion Panda Bond Sale as Chinese Demand Builds

Indonesia has postponed its inaugural Panda Bond issuance to late July to allow Chinese investors more time for internal approvals, signalling robust demand. The government views the yuan-denominated bond as a strategic tool to diversify funding sources and reduce reliance on the US dollar, potentially easing pressure on the rupiah. The final offering size may exceed the initial $1 billion target if market appetite remains strong.

Pemerintah Beri Waktu 18 Bulan Seller Online Bikin NIB

Kementerian Perdagangan memberikan masa transisi 18 bulan bagi pedagang daring untuk mengurus Nomor Induk Berusaha (NIB) sesuai Permendag Nomor 19 Tahun 2026. Kebijakan ini berlaku sejak 8 Juni 2026 dan mewajibkan seluruh pelaku usaha, termasuk pedagang dalam dan luar negeri, untuk memiliki NIB melalui sistem OSS. Pemerintah juga menyediakan pendampingan guna memastikan kepatuhan pelaku usaha terhadap regulasi perdagangan elektronik yang baru.

This Week in Indonesian Business and Investment (19-25 Jun 2026)

It was a week in which Indonesia's financial markets lurched between anxiety and relief, its policymakers pressed ahead with ambitious structural reforms, and the broader investment climate was shaped by a volatile cocktail of geopolitical tremors, monetary tightening, and long-overdue institutional change.

Komnas Perempuan: Delayed Access to Justice Can Be a Form of Torture

Indonesia's National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) has warned that delays in handling legal cases, particularly for victims of domestic and sexual violence, can amount to torture or cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment. The commission highlighted the overlooked issue of maternal rights for female detainees and the normalisation of certain violent practices. They are urging stakeholders to strengthen protections and ensure swift, human rights-based access to justice for all women.

Bandung City Government Prepares Infrastructure Ahead of Husein Sastranegara Airport Reactivation

The Bandung city administration is accelerating infrastructure preparations for the planned reactivation of Husein Sastranegara Airport. Works include road access improvements, public lighting, and parking facilities ahead of the initial operational phase scheduled for July to September 2026. The airport is expected to serve around 3,000 passengers daily initially, with plans to accommodate jet aircraft such as Boeing 737-500s and Airbus A320s by August 2026.

Government Tightly Controls Coal Supply for Indonesian Power Plants

The Indonesian government has secured 141 million metric tonnes of coal for domestic power generation, nearing the annual requirement of 154 million metric tonnes. This follows a temporary hold on certain coal exports to guarantee supply for PLN's power plants, with normal export activities now resumed. Future procurement will face stricter oversight involving the BPKP and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources to enforce the Domestic Market Obligation.

Guidelines for Jakarta's 499th Anniversary Eve Celebration Tomorrow

The Jakarta provincial government has issued a set of guidelines and prohibitions for the public attending the 499th anniversary eve celebration on Saturday. The rules cover health protocols, environmental cleanliness, and a ban on political campaigning or hate speech. Additionally, a flat fare of Rp1 for public transport has been announced for the weekend to support the festivities.

BP Batam Evaluates Logistics Costs for Container Services

The Batam Concession Agency (BP Batam) is conducting a comprehensive review of logistics cost structures at Batu Ampar Container Terminal to enhance supply chain efficiency and regional competitiveness. As part of this process, a planned tariff adjustment has been postponed until August 2026, and refunds will be issued to users who have already paid the new rates. The agency found that terminal tariffs contribute only 18 per cent of total Batam-Singapore logistics costs, with the remainder stemming from feeder and transshipment charges.

NTB Police Trace Assets of Drug Trafficking Couple in Mataram

The West Nusa Tenggara Regional Police are continuing to investigate money laundering charges against a married couple previously convicted of drug trafficking in Mataram. Authorities are working with the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (PPATK) to trace the couple's assets. The husband and wife are currently serving prison sentences for narcotics offences, but the police have confirmed the separate money laundering case will proceed regardless.

MPR Encourages Gen Z Digital Economy Based on Four Pillars

An Indonesian legislator is urging Generation Z to seize digital economy opportunities while adhering to the nation's Four Pillars to preserve their identity. Siti Mukaromah highlighted the potential for developing local commodities like Banyumas' export-quality palm sugar through digital marketing. She stressed that technological advancement must be guided by religious and national values to prepare youth for future leadership roles.

Prabowo: I Lost Four Presidential Elections, Never Disturbed the Victorious Leader

President Prabowo Subianto reflected on his four electoral defeats, stating he never sought to undermine the winning candidate, during a national seminar in Jakarta. He emphasised that national progress requires elite unity and warned against post-election discord, citing ongoing global conflicts as cautionary examples. Prabowo argued that political stability is essential for achieving prosperity for the Indonesian people.

Global Trade Disruption Intensifies, Logistics Industry Strengthens Collaboration

Amid rising global economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, Indonesia's logistics sector is prioritising collaboration to mitigate supply chain volatility. PT Cipta Krida Bahari (CKB Logistics) hosted a strategic forum to align industry players, academics, and customs authorities on building resilience. The initiative underscores a shift from cost-driven to resilience-driven operational strategies to ensure business continuity.

US Will Not Sacrifice Everything for a Deal with Iran

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that Washington seeks a genuine and verifiable agreement with Iran but will not do so at any cost. Speaking at a GCC meeting in Bahrain, he assured Gulf allies that their security and stability would not be compromised. Rubio also firmly rejected any Iranian attempts to levy fees on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

Four Indonesian Citizens Involved in Hayam Wuruk Online Gambling Den Case

Indonesia's Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) has named four Indonesian citizens as suspects for facilitating an international online gambling syndicate operating from West Jakarta. The suspects handled financial administration, property rental, and cryptocurrency exchanges for the network, which also involved 287 foreign nationals. Authorities revealed the syndicate managed over 145 gambling websites and processed deposits totalling approximately IDR 13.9 trillion.

Awarded Professorship by Chinese University, Here's Purbaya's Response

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has been awarded an honorary professorship by China's Nankai University. The university cited his outstanding leadership and contributions to international public finance and economic stability in Southeast Asia. Purbaya believes the recognition stems from his economic policies in Indonesia.

Police Show No Leniency for Taufik Hidayat, File Multiple Charges

West Java Police have filed multiple charges against Taufik Hidayat, a 30-year-old man accused of the prolonged confinement and torture of his girlfriend, YTR. Authorities described the violence as exceptionally sadistic and are seeking the maximum penalty of 12 years in prison. The case has drawn widespread condemnation and highlighted concerns over the protection of women from violence.

Police Arrest Zheng Rongjing, Beijing Interpol Fugitive in International Online Fraud Case

Indonesian National Police have arrested Zheng Rongjing, a fugitive on Interpol Beijing's most wanted list, in connection with an international online scam syndicate. The arrest was carried out by the NCB Interpol Indonesia Secretariat within the Police International Relations Division. Zheng is suspected of being a key actor in the cross-border fraud network.

Pegadaian Sweeps Three Gold Awards at Contact Center World Asia Pacific 2026

Indonesian state-owned pawnbroker PT Pegadaian secured three gold awards at the Contact Center World Asia Pacific 2026 event in Putrajaya, Malaysia. The company won top honours in Best Operations Contact Center, Best Use of Social Media, and Best Self-Service Technology categories. The achievement underscores Pegadaian's successful service transformation and its commitment to delivering world-class customer experience.

Health Ministry Warns Prescription Drug Abuse Could Be Gateway to Narcotics

Indonesia's Ministry of Health has warned that the misuse of certain prescription drugs, known as OOT, poses serious health risks and can lead to the abuse of harder narcotics. The ministry is strengthening school-based life skills education and expanding early screening programmes to prevent addiction among the youth. This initiative is part of a broader, cross-sectoral collaboration with agencies like the Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) to curb the rising trend of pharmaceutical abuse.

Namlea Prison in Maluku conducts tilapia farming programme for inmates

Namlea Class III Prison in Buru, Maluku, is strengthening its inmate self-sufficiency programme through tilapia farming, aligning with the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections' 15 Action Programmes. The initiative, which uses a biofloc system across six ponds, aims to equip prisoners with marketable skills for reintegration into society. Officials report positive community response to the fish produced, highlighting the programme's economic and rehabilitative value.

Tomato War: A Tradition of Casting Out Negative Energy and Sowing New Hope

The annual Tomato War Festival took place in Cikareumbi Village, West Bandung Regency, where residents pelted each other with rotten tomatoes. The tradition symbolises the expulsion of negative energy and human vices, while also serving as a cultural arts display. The rotten fruit is subsequently processed into organic fertiliser, reflecting hopes for a better life and improved agriculture.

Boosting Archipelagic Fishing Tourism, Razeto Fishing Intensively Campaigns for Catch and Release

A Pekanbaru-based fishing platform, Razeto Fishing, is spearheading a campaign to promote sustainable angling and 'catch and release' practices across Indonesia. The initiative aims to transform recreational fishing into a driver for local tourism economies while emphasising environmental stewardship. By leveraging educational content, the platform seeks to map and promote the nation's diverse fishing spots as part of a broader responsible tourism movement.

Taufik Hidayat Met YTR in 2024 Through Tinder App

West Java Police Chief Irjen Rudi Setiawan revealed that Taufik Hidayat met the victim, YTR, through the Tinder dating app in 2024. The suspect is accused of committing severe abuse and torture against the victim over a two-year period, including burning with cigarettes and beatings with a helmet. Hidayat faces multiple charges carrying a maximum sentence of 12 years in prison.

Bali's 'Red and White' Village Cooperatives Record Transactions of Rp765.76 Million as of May 2026

The newly established Koperasi Desa Merah Putih (KDMP) in Bali have recorded transactions worth Rp765.76 million as of May 2026, marking their initial economic impact. All 716 villages and sub-districts in the province now have a cooperative unit, with 496 already possessing business identification numbers. The central government has allocated 58.03 per cent of the 2026 Village Fund budget, or Rp34.57 trillion, to support the physical development of these cooperatives nationwide.

Despite Efficiency Drive, BGN to Recruit More Nutritionists to Safeguard MBG Meal Quality

The Ministry of Finance has revealed that the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) plans to hire additional nutritionists to ensure the quality of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme is maintained despite budget efficiency measures. The government has guaranteed that the nutritional value and portion sizes of the meals will not be reduced. The discussions also covered plans to accelerate the programme's rollout in frontier, outermost, and disadvantaged (3T) regions.

Strait of Hormuz traffic flows despite vessel attack

Maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz continues in both directions despite a recent attack on a container ship that prompted some owners to review transit plans. Tracking data shows tankers and gas carriers moving through the vital energy corridor, with traffic gradually normalising after months of disruption. The US has warned Iran against imposing tolls on shipping, stating such actions could jeopardise a permanent peace deal.

Rupiah Strengthens on Positive Market Response to Fiscal Stability

The Indonesian rupiah strengthened against the US dollar on Friday, buoyed by positive market reaction to the government's consideration of further budget efficiencies for its flagship free meal programme. Analysts noted that the planned reduction in the programme's budget, alongside aggressive market intervention by Bank Indonesia, helped stabilise the currency.