Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 26 June 2026

Showing 401-450 of 1,505 articles

Minister Reveals Prabowo's Directive Behind 'Transmigrasi Patriot'

Transmigration Minister Iftitah Sulaiman Suryanagara has disclosed that the 'Transmigrasi Patriot' programme was initiated under President Prabowo Subianto's directive to stimulate economic growth in transmigration areas. The minister stated that the programme aims to transform these regions into research laboratories to support the President's ambition of producing Indonesian Nobel laureates. The initiative also seeks to industrialise human resources by distributing skilled individuals across transmigration zones.

PAM Jaya Director Apologises for Traffic Disruption Caused by Pipe Project

Jakarta's water utility PAM Jaya has apologised for traffic congestion resulting from its ongoing 1,000-kilometre pipeline expansion. The project aims to achieve 100% piped water coverage for the capital by 2029, a target set by Governor Pramono Anung.

Prabowo Recalls Four Presidential Election Defeats: 'But I Never Disturbed the Mandated Leader'

President Prabowo Subianto reflected on his four unsuccessful presidential bids, emphasising that he never disrupted leaders who received the people's mandate. Speaking at a national seminar in Jakarta, he highlighted the importance of accepting democratic outcomes to avoid perpetual national discord. He called on intellectuals and leaders to dedicate their abilities to the welfare of the poorest and weakest citizens.

Apindo Jabar and Provincial Government Prioritise Investment to Prevent Layoffs

The Indonesian Employers' Association (Apindo) of West Java and the provincial government have pledged to strengthen the investment climate to safeguard jobs amid a global economic slowdown. The commitment was made following the inauguration of the Apindo West Java board for the 2026-2031 period. Strategies include seeking local markets, reducing working hours as an alternative to layoffs, and improving infrastructure and vocational training to boost industrial competitiveness.

Chinese Tenants Drive Industrial Land Sales at Modernland

PT Modernland Realty Tbk (MDLN) reported that its industrial estate segment, particularly Modern Industrial Estate Cikande, was the largest revenue contributor in 2025, driven predominantly by tenants from China. The company has opted not to distribute dividends for the 2025 financial year despite returning to profitability, instead focusing on strengthening its financial structure. Looking ahead, Modernland plans to optimise existing residential products and capitalise on growth opportunities in its industrial segment amid cautious global market sentiment.

UI Student Develops Model for Determining EV Charging Station Locations

A doctoral student at the University of Indonesia has formulated a new model for planning public electric vehicle charging station (SPKLU) locations. The model uniquely integrates predictions of EV adoption rates with user travel behaviour to ensure infrastructure development is more adaptive to future needs. The research aims to provide a reference for stakeholders in developing Indonesia's electric vehicle ecosystem.

Prabowo Questions Why Indonesia's Palm Oil Productivity Lags Behind Malaysia

President Prabowo Subianto has publicly questioned why Indonesia's palm oil productivity per hectare trails that of neighbouring Malaysia, highlighting a broader concern over the nation's industrial and agricultural output. Speaking at a national science and industry convention, he challenged academics and officials to explain the country's continued reliance on imports for goods like wheat and its inability to produce a fully indigenous motor vehicle. He also expressed personal pride in using the domestically designed Maung vehicle, despite noting minor quality issues.

Transport Minister: New Airfare Price Cap Formulated, Implementation Awaits Stable Avtur Prices

The Indonesian government has completed the formulation of a new upper limit for domestic economy class airfares. However, the implementation of the revised tariff will be delayed until global avtur prices and geopolitical conditions stabilise. The policy aims to balance affordable public access with the sustainability of the national aviation industry.

Russia Signals Acceptance of US Proposal on Ukraine

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov indicated that Moscow has accepted a US proposal discussed during a summit in Alaska, potentially paving the way for progress in ending the war in Ukraine. Lavrov's comments suggest a shift in tone, though he noted that further clarification is still needed.

Metro Jaya Police Uncover 'Pil Jin' Factory in Semarang and Jakarta, Four Arrested

The Metro Jaya Police have dismantled a clandestine laboratory producing 'Pil Jin' (Carisoprodol) pills, arresting four suspects in Semarang and Jakarta. The operation was disguised within an animal feed warehouse to avoid detection. Authorities seized 308,000 pills and 2,587.8 tonnes of precursor chemicals.

Ministry of Industry Warns Tar and Nicotine Limits Could 'Kill' Indonesia's Kretek Industry

Indonesia's Ministry of Industry has voiced strong opposition to proposed limits on tar and nicotine in tobacco products, warning the regulations could devastate the domestic kretek industry. Officials argue that the proposed maximum of 1 mg of nicotine is incompatible with local tobacco characteristics and that a 10 mg tar cap would cripple 97% of national kretek production. The ministry is urging the government to reconsider the limits and agree on a realistic transition timeline to protect the ecosystem and farmers.

Prabowo: I Lost Four Presidential Elections but Never Disrupted the Elected Leader

President Prabowo Subianto stated that despite losing four presidential elections, he never sought to undermine the elected leaders, framing respect for democratic outcomes as essential for national stability. Speaking at a national convention, he argued that post-election turmoil hinders public welfare and urged Indonesian elites to cooperate across differences. He cited ongoing global conflicts as cautionary examples of what happens when a nation's leaders fail to work together.

Indonesia arrests Beijing's most-wanted online fraud fugitive

Indonesian authorities have arrested Zheng Rongjing, a Chinese national on Interpol's most-wanted list for online fraud, following a request from Beijing. The suspect, believed to be a major player in a Cambodian scam compound, was detained at Soekarno-Hatta Airport shortly after arriving in Indonesia. The arrest highlights ongoing cross-border law enforcement cooperation to dismantle international fraud networks.

Bareskrim Traces Rp13.9 Trillion in Fund Flows from Hayam Wuruk Online Gambling Case

The Indonesian National Police's Criminal Investigation Unit (Bareskrim) is tracing fund flows amounting to Rp13.9 trillion linked to an international online gambling network operating in Jakarta. Investigators are collaborating with the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (PPATK) and have seized Rp8.5 billion in cash along with various foreign currencies. Authorities are preparing to apply money laundering charges as they work to identify assets and other involved parties.

ESDM to Revise Ministerial Decree on Low Gas Prices for Industry

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) plans to revise the ministerial decree on the Certain Natural Gas Price (HGBT) scheme to improve distribution governance. The revision aims to align upstream supply data with industrial demand, addressing claims of shortages. Meanwhile, the government is seeking solutions to mitigate rising non-HGBT gas prices caused by declining local production and increased reliance on costlier LNG from other regions.

Prabowo Satisfied to Ride Indonesian-Made Car, Despite Initial Leaks During Rain

President Prabowo Subianto expressed deep satisfaction and pride in using an Indonesian-made vehicle after his inauguration, despite admitting the car initially leaked during heavy rain. He emphasised that no car in the world uses components from a single country and that achieving 65-70 per cent local content justifies the 'made in Indonesia' claim. The president stated he returned the vehicle for repairs and stressed the importance of daring to start using domestic products, given Indonesia's status as the world's fourth-largest nation.

Lavrov: Russia Accepts US Proposal on Ukraine During Alaska Summit

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Moscow accepted a US proposal regarding Ukraine during the recent summit in Alaska. He contested remarks by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who had characterised the outcome as merely a proposal rather than an agreement. Lavrov argued that if one party proposes a settlement and the other agrees, it constitutes a de facto agreement, though he noted the situation still requires further clarification.

Jokowi Returns to Politics, Campaigns for PSI in Lampung

Former Indonesian President Joko Widodo has re-entered the political arena, embarking on a regional tour to support the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI), which is chaired by his youngest son, Kaesang Pangarep. His first stop was Lampung province, where he praised the local branch for nearly completing its party structure down to the village level. Jokowi urged party cadres to maintain a constant presence in communities and set a target for PSI to win seats in the national parliament in the 2029 legislative election.

KPK Examines Two More Witnesses in Alleged Extortion of Foreign Nationals at Bali Immigration

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has questioned two additional witnesses in Denpasar as part of an investigation into alleged extortion involving foreign nationals' residence permits. The witnesses, both agents from service bureaus, were questioned about suspected unofficial payments demanded at immigration counters. The case implicates a former deputy minister and seven other officials, with the alleged scheme running from 2022 to 2026.

Health Ministry Partners with North Sumatra Youth to Restore Post-Disaster Health Services

Indonesia's Ministry of Health has collaborated with a North Sumatran youth group to donate medical equipment aimed at restoring health services in areas affected by hydrometeorological disasters. The donation, which includes tensimeters, anthropometry kits, and dental units, will be distributed to community health centres (Puskesmas) across eight affected districts in Aceh and North Sumatra. The initiative highlights a public-private partnership model to strengthen frontline healthcare facilities while government funds focus on hospital recovery.

President Prabowo Recalls Maung's Leaky Roof, Urges Boldness in National Industry

President Prabowo Subianto shared an anecdote about his presidential car, the Maung, leaking during heavy rain, while expressing pride in using a domestically produced vehicle. He urged PT Pindad to make improvements and stressed the importance of starting national production despite initial flaws. Prabowo also questioned why Indonesia still imports wheat, lags behind Malaysia in palm oil productivity, and has not produced a fully national car after 81 years of independence.

Another Candidate Manager of the Merah Putih Village Cooperative Dies During Military Training

A fourth candidate manager for the Merah Putih Village Cooperative programme has died during military training in Jakarta. Muhammad Rifki Renaldi Gunawan passed away early on Friday after a history of hypertension, bringing the total fatalities to four since mid-June. The deaths raise serious questions about the health screening and physical demands of the government's cooperative manager training scheme.

National Police Chief Promotes Officer Who Uncovered 128 kg of Methamphetamine to Kotabaru Police Chief

National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo has promoted AKBP Ade Harri Sistriawan to Chief of Kotabaru Police in South Kalimantan. The promotion recognises his role in uncovering major narcotics cases, including the recent seizure of 128 kilograms of methamphetamine linked to the Fredy Pratama network. The South Kalimantan Police also plan to award him and his team during the upcoming Bhayangkara Day celebrations.

Full Chronology of Taufik Hidayat's Torture: YTR's Face Beaten with Helmet and Table

West Java Police have detailed the prolonged abuse suffered by a man known as YTR at the hands of Taufik Hidayat, whom he met on a dating app in 2024. The victim endured severe torture, including being burned with cigarettes and repeatedly struck with a helmet and a small table, across multiple rented rooms in Bandung. The case came to light after the victim's family could not locate him, despite being told he had moved to Majalengka.

Family of Bangkalan Official Found Dead at Juanda Airport Demands Police Access CCTV

The family of a deceased Bangkalan housing official is urging police to examine CCTV footage from Juanda International Airport, suspecting he was murdered. The victim's body was found decomposing in his car after four days, with initial reports indicating blunt force trauma and missing jewellery. Investigators are currently gathering digital evidence and awaiting autopsy results to determine the exact cause of death.

Bappenas moves to strengthen press and media ecosystem in SW Papua

Bappenas is spearheading an initiative to bolster the press and media ecosystem in Southwest Papua, recognising its vital role in enhancing democracy and public participation. The ministry has identified key challenges including a lack of verification mechanisms and digital infrastructure, and is formulating policy recommendations focused on institutional capacity, digital transformation, and business sustainability for local media.

US Government Rejects Polestar Sales Permit

The United States government has denied a sales permit for Polestar electric vehicles starting from the 2027 model year under new connected vehicle regulations. The decision, based on the carmaker's Chinese ownership rather than its American or South Korean assembly locations, signals a significant escalation in geopolitical influence over the global automotive trade. This move contrasts with the treatment of Volvo, which is also owned by Geely but deemed to have a more independent corporate structure.

Viral: UNY Vice-Rector Debates Students Over Banner Containing Criticism

A video showing a vice-rector at Yogyakarta State University (UNY) calling a student protest banner 'rubbish' has gone viral. The banner criticised the university's potential involvement in managing a Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) kitchen, a government programme. The incident occurred when students attempted to display the banner during a graduation ceremony without permission.

School Season Boosts Gold Pawning at BSI Region Office VIII Surabaya

PT Bank Syariah Indonesia (BSI) Region Office VIII Surabaya has reported a significant surge in gold pawning transactions driven by the new school year, with financing values exceeding Rp50 billion in June 2026. The bank also recorded a 92.57 per cent increase in gold savings accounts, adding over 31,000 new accounts. BSI is now shifting its focus towards professionals and entrepreneurs for more sustainable investment activity, while expanding its branch network and digital services.

Undana, ATSEA partner to study dugongs to support blue economy

Nusa Cendana University (Undana) and the ATSEA regional forum have launched a joint research project on dugong populations and seagrass health in Rote Ndao waters. The collaboration aims to generate scientific data to underpin sustainable coastal management and strengthen East Nusa Tenggara's position as a blue economy development region. The initiative, supported by Indonesia's Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, also involves Australia and Papua New Guinea and seeks to enhance human resource capacity and regional research collaboration.

Hormuz Strait Traffic Resumes After Attack on Singapore-Flagged Vessel

Maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz continued in both directions on Friday despite a recent attack on a container ship that prompted some owners to review transit plans. The incident, the first since a provisional US-Iran peace deal, caused temporary hesitancy but did not halt the gradual recovery of shipping through the critical energy corridor. Meanwhile, the United States has warned against any toll system for the strait, urging Iran to keep the waterway free of charge.

Two Women Arrested in Serang for Hajj Package Fraud, Losses Reach IDR 7.65 Billion

Police in Banten have arrested two women for allegedly defrauding a business owner and 18 others of IDR 7.65 billion through a fictitious VIP Hajj package. The suspects promised a special Mujamalah Hajj departure with upgraded services but failed to secure the necessary visas. One suspect was apprehended while allegedly attempting to flee abroad.

Bank Mandiri Lending Rises 20.6% to Rp1,580 Trillion as of May 2026

PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk reported a 20.6% year-on-year increase in lending to Rp1,580 trillion as of May 2026, driven by productive sectors including downstream industries and MSMEs. The state-owned bank also posted a 22% rise in third-party funds to Rp1,716 trillion and an 18.6% increase in net profit to Rp23.3 trillion. The strong performance was supported by disciplined risk management and the growing adoption of its digital platforms, Livin' and Kopra.

RI eyes over US$1 billion from Panda Bond issuance as demand surges

Indonesia is considering expanding its debut Panda Bond issuance beyond the initial US$1 billion target, potentially raising over US$1 billion, as investor demand from China surges. The government has delayed the issuance to late July 2026 at the request of major Chinese investment managers and banks needing more time for internal approvals. This strong interest is seen as a vote of confidence in Indonesia's macroeconomic stability, with several Chinese financial institutions also seeking to act as underwriters.

Jakarta Police Seize 17.45 Tonnes of Narcotics in Major Six-Month Operation

The Jakarta Metropolitan Police have confiscated 17.45 tonnes of narcotics and arrested 5,196 suspects during a large-scale operation from January to June 2026. The haul included over 13 tonnes of dangerous pharmaceuticals, 355 kg of cannabis, and 197 kg of crystal methamphetamine. The operation, part of the 'Jakarta Plus' programme, also led to the arrest of 39 foreign nationals from 15 countries.

Aqsa Working Group Statement on the Second Anti-Zionist Jewish Congress

The Aqsa Working Group (AWG) has expressed support for the Second Anti-Zionist Jewish Congress (JAZIC) in Dublin, calling it a global voice of conscience against Zionism. The group, however, regrets that it will be unable to attend the event due to an unapproved visa application at the Irish Embassy in Jakarta. AWG views the invitation as recognition of Indonesia's consistent civil society efforts in defending Palestinian justice on the international stage.

Cigarette Factory Workers at Risk of Mass Layoffs, Manpower Ministry Issues Warning

Indonesia's Manpower Ministry has cautioned that policies targeting the tobacco industry must consider the livelihoods of millions of workers. The sector employs an estimated 5.3 million people across its supply chain, with many being women with low education levels who would struggle to find new jobs. The ministry is urging the government to ensure mitigation strategies are in place before implementing stricter regulations.

Bareskrim Finds 15 Companies Sponsoring Foreign Nationals Suspected in Hayam Wuruk Online Gambling

Indonesia's Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) has identified 15 local companies suspected of sponsoring the stay of hundreds of foreign nationals involved in a major online gambling syndicate in West Jakarta. The suspects, primarily from China and Vietnam, allegedly disguised their illegal operations as a technology and digital marketing firm. Authorities are now coordinating with the Directorate General of Immigration to investigate the companies that acted as guarantors for the 287 foreign suspects.

Ministry bolsters food program oversight with risk management

The Indonesian government is implementing a new risk management framework to improve oversight of national food programmes, including the free nutritious meal initiative. The move aims to avoid past failures in food estate projects by addressing weak governance and ensuring measurable, transparent execution. The strategy is also designed to support the target of raising the National Food Security Index from 73 to 82 by 2029.

Indonesia charges 287 foreign nationals in major online gambling bust

Indonesian police have named 287 foreign nationals as suspects following a raid on an international online gambling syndicate operating from an office in Jakarta. The suspects, predominantly from China and Vietnam, held various roles including customer service, programming, and finance, while four Indonesians were also charged. Authorities are now using digital forensics to identify the network's leaders, as the operation is believed to be a structured criminal enterprise managing platforms, users, and financial transactions.

Tobacco Excise Hike: Manpower Ministry Warns of Potential Layoff Wave

Indonesia's Manpower Ministry has warned that the recent increase in tobacco excise duties could trigger a wave of layoffs in the labour-intensive tobacco industry. The policy, implemented under Government Regulation No. 28 of 2024, is expected to force companies to pursue efficiency measures as production volumes decline due to weakened consumer purchasing power. The ministry cautioned that job losses in the sector would have a domino effect, threatening not only individual incomes but also the broader welfare of workers' families, including their access to education and healthcare.

Police: Hayam Wuruk Online Gambling Den Similar to Operations in Cambodia and Myanmar

Indonesian National Police have revealed that an online gambling syndicate operating in Hayam Wuruk, West Jakarta, mirrors operations previously seen in Cambodia and Myanmar. The syndicate allegedly relocated to Indonesia following massive crackdowns by authorities in those Southeast Asian nations. Police have named 287 foreign nationals as suspects and seized operations managing 145 gambling websites.

Heatwave causes emergency room visits in Italy to rise

A severe heatwave sweeping across Europe has led to a 10 to 15 per cent increase in emergency room visits in major Italian cities, according to health officials. The surge primarily affects the elderly and individuals with mental health conditions, though officials say the increase is not yet alarming. Staff shortages in emergency departments are compounding the challenges posed by the extreme temperatures.

Taufik Hidayat Expresses Regret After Three Years of Holding and Torturing YTR

Taufik Hidayat, a 30-year-old suspect in a kidnapping and torture case, briefly expressed regret during a press conference held by the West Java Regional Police. The victim, YTR, was subjected to severe physical abuse, including beatings, cigarette burns, and attacks with a helmet and sharp objects, across multiple locations in Bandung over a three-year period. Police have charged the suspect under multiple articles of the Criminal Code, with the motive cited as jealousy and the victim being used as an outlet for the suspect's frustrations.

PNM Deputy Director: Compliance Culture Crucial in Supporting Ultra-Micro Businesses

PT Permodalan Nasional Madani (PNM) has emphasised that a strong culture of compliance is essential for maintaining service quality and fostering sustainable economic empowerment. The state-owned enterprise, which provides financing and assistance to over 23.3 million underprivileged women, views good governance as a cornerstone of public trust. This commitment was recently recognised with a Corporate Governance Perception Index award, underscoring the importance of integrity in expanding reliable financial services to the village level.

China Secretly Releases Mysterious Object in Space, Spotted by US

China's Shenlong spacecraft has reportedly released an unidentified object while in orbit, an activity detected by the US-based private space monitoring firm LeoLabs. The object was observed on 22 June 2026 and is believed to be a sub-satellite, consistent with the spacecraft's behaviour on previous missions. The nature and purpose of the released object remain unknown due to the secrecy surrounding China's space programme.

West Java Provincial Government Allocates Rp 1 Billion for Yuvita's Medical Treatment

The West Java Provincial Government has allocated Rp 1 billion to cover the medical expenses of Yuvita Tri Rezeki, a victim of severe abuse and false imprisonment. Governor Dedi Mulyadi described the alleged two-year ordeal as a systematic crime beyond the limits of humanity and pledged to cover all treatment costs until recovery. The police reported that the suspect subjected the victim to repeated violence, including beatings and cigarette burns, after they met on a dating application.

Jakarta Police Highlight Trend of Narcotic Vapes Among Teenagers

Jakarta Metropolitan Police have uncovered a clandestine laboratory producing vape cartridges containing the narcotic etomidate, seizing enough raw materials to manufacture approximately 450,000 cartridges. The operation highlights a growing trend among urban teenagers who favour the drug due to its discreet, vape-based consumption method. Police arrested over 5,000 narcotics suspects in the first half of 2026, with the majority being users directed towards rehabilitation.

Environment Minister Conveys Prabowo's Warm Greetings to King Charles III at St James's Palace

Indonesia's Environment Minister Jumhur Hidayat met with King Charles III during London Climate Action Week, conveying President Prabowo Subianto's warm greetings. The King praised President Prabowo's commitment to public welfare and biodiversity conservation. The exclusive reception at St James's Palace underscored Indonesia's strategic role in global environmental discussions.

Budget for Free Nutritious Meals Cut, Purbaya Guarantees Portions Won't Be Reduced

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has confirmed that the per-portion food budget for the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme will not be reduced, despite significant overall budget cuts. Following a meeting with the Head of the National Nutrition Agency, the minister stated the programme's budget could fall below Rp268 trillion in 2026, down from an initial Rp335 trillion, while ensuring the nutritional content of the meals remains intact.