Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 2 June 2026

Showing 251-300 of 1,852 articles

East Jakarta Social Services and Red Cross Provide Aid to LPG Explosion Victims

The East Jakarta Social Services and the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) have distributed essential food supplies and emergency kits to victims of an LPG explosion in Kalisari. The incident, which occurred last Sunday, resulted in several serious injuries and the destruction of four residential properties.

AAJI: New Life Insurance Business Premiums Reach Rp27.90 Trillion in Q1

The Indonesian Life Insurance Association (AAJI) reported a 5.0 per cent year-on-year growth in new business premiums, reaching Rp27.90 trillion in the first quarter of 2026. This growth was driven by increased interest in unit-linked products and a significant rise in the number of people covered by life insurance policies.

Chinese airlines to cut domestic fuel surcharges

Major Chinese airlines, including Air China, have announced a reduction in fuel surcharges for domestic routes within mainland China. The new rates, effective from 6 June, aim to lower costs for passengers on both short and long-haul domestic flights.

Vietnam Has Reaped Massive Profits from UK Cooperation; Is Indonesia Feeling Left Behind?

The UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA) has driven a significant surge in bilateral trade, with Vietnam's exports to the UK reaching US$8.39 billion in 2025. This success highlights the competitive advantage gained through tariff reductions, presenting a potential blueprint for Indonesia to follow.

Baznas Receives 12 Cattle for Qurbani Donation from PT Indonesia Kendaraan Terminal

PT Indonesia Kendaraan Terminal Tbk has donated 12 cattle to the National Board for Zakat Management (Baznas) as part of its ESG commitment. The donation is part of the 'Qurbani Berkah Berdayakan Desa' programme, aimed at improving community welfare and supporting micro-enterprises.

Death of Sumatran Elephants: IPB Expert Highlights Weak Law Enforcement

An expert from IPB University has raised alarms over the deaths of Sumatran elephants, citing ineffective law enforcement and the prioritisation of economic interests over ecology. The expert warns that habitat fragmentation caused by mining and plantation expansion is driving human-wildlife conflict.

KPK Officially Detains Three Suspects in Lamongan Regency Office Corruption Case, State Losses Reach Rp151 Billion

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has detained three individuals involved in the corruption of the Lamongan Regency Office building construction project. The case, which spans the 2017-2019 fiscal years, has resulted in estimated state losses of Rp151 billion.

Volcanology Post reports Mount Marapi eruption on Tuesday night

Mount Marapi in West Sumatra experienced an eruption on Tuesday evening, though no ash column was observed. The volcano remains at Level II (Alert) status, with authorities issuing safety recommendations for local residents.

Motive of Ex-Wife in Murder of South Korean National: Resentment and Desire to Seize Victim's Assets

Police in Bekasi have identified the motives behind the premeditated murder of South Korean furniture entrepreneur Byong Chan Sang. The investigation revealed that the victim's ex-wife orchestrated the killing due to personal grievances and a desire to claim his wealth, hiring an accomplice for the crime.

PNM's RE3 For-E Initiative Drives Chain of Benefits for Laundry Customers

PT Permodalan Nasional Madani (PNM) has launched the RE3 For-E programme to celebrate its 27th anniversary, focusing on environmental sustainability and economic empowerment. The initiative involves processing 17 tonnes of donated clothing through laundry businesses owned by PNM Mekaar micro-entrepreneurs, creating additional income for local small businesses.

Russian Attacks on Ukraine Kill 10 and Injure Dozens

A massive wave of Russian drone and missile strikes across Ukraine has resulted in at least 10 deaths and dozens of injuries. The attacks caused significant damage to residential buildings and infrastructure in Kyiv and Dnipro.

Government Evaluates Options to Relocate Kemayoran Fire Victims to Low-Cost Flats

The Indonesian government is exploring long-term solutions for residents affected by the recent fire in the Pasar Jiung area of Kemayoran, Jakarta. One primary option under consideration is the provision of low-cost flats (rusun) to ensure residents have access to safer and more dignified housing.

Student Allegedly Hit by Stray Bullet at Padang State University

Two individuals, including a female sociology student, were injured by suspected stray gunfire at the Padang State University (UNP) campus. The incident occurred near the Rectorate building during a celebration following a seminar proposal examination.

Airlangga Clarifies Fate of Coal Export Contracts Following Establishment of DSI

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto has assured businesses that existing export contracts for strategic commodities will be respected under the new single-door mechanism. The government is transitioning export management for coal, CPO, and ferroalloy to PT Danantara Sumberdaya Indonesia (DSI) starting June 2026.

Sekolah Rakyat Expands Educational Access to Various Regions

The Indonesian government is advancing the construction of 'Sekolah Rakyat' (People's School) in Minahasa, North Sulawesi, to improve educational equity. This integrated boarding school project, managed by state-owned enterprise PT Brantas Abipraya, aims to provide comprehensive facilities from primary to senior high school levels to support human capital development towards Indonesia Emas 2045.

Karawang Environmental Agency Urges Residents Not to Consume Mass-Dead Fish in Irrigation Canals

The Karawang Environmental Agency has issued a warning to residents against consuming fish found dead in irrigation canals in East Karawang. Authorities are currently awaiting laboratory results to determine the cause of the mass die-off, which could be linked to water contamination.

New Campus Construction to Meet Rising International Education Demand

Sekolah Pelita Harapan (SPH) Pluit has commenced construction on a new permanent campus in North Jakarta to accommodate the growing demand for international education. The project, which aims to increase student capacity from 500 to 1,200, is expected to be completed by December 2027.

Emotional Moments as First Batch of Hajj Pilgrims Return to Indonesia

The first group of Hajj pilgrims for the 1447 Hijri year has begun arriving back in Indonesia across various regions. Emotional reunions were witnessed in Jakarta, Banten, West Java, and South Sumatra as pilgrims returned from the Holy Land.

Sangkuriang Train Passengers Reach 64,248 During First Month of Operation

The Sangkuriang train service, connecting Ketapang and Bandung, recorded over 64,000 passengers in its first month of operation. Jember Station emerged as a primary hub for both arrivals and departures, reflecting high demand for long-distance rail travel between East and West Java.

Integration of ESG and CSR Drives Sustainable Social Impact in Indonesia

LippoLand has been recognised at the TOP CSR Awards 2026 for its successful integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into its core business strategy. The real estate developer's sustainability framework has reached over 192,000 beneficiaries through various community, education, and environmental initiatives across Indonesia.

Nadiem claims Chromebook procurement saved state funds by Rp3.9 trillion

Former Minister of Education Nadiem Makarim has testified in court that the decision to use the Chrome operating system saved the state Rp3.9 trillion. He denies involvement in the procurement process, asserting that the technical team made the decision independently to reduce costs.

Xiaomi states rupiah depreciation and memory supply affect gadget prices

Xiaomi Indonesia has warned that the weakening of the rupiah against the US dollar and global memory component shortages could lead to price increases for mobile devices. The company is currently monitoring industry conditions before making any definitive decisions regarding product price adjustments in the Indonesian market.

West Jakarta Education Office Opens Student Admission Service Post at SMAN 78

The West Jakarta Region 2 Education Office has established a dedicated service post at SMAN 78 Jakarta to assist with the 2026 student admission process. The centre aims to provide technical assistance and resolve registration issues that cannot be handled at the individual school level.

Google Seeks Government Permission to Release 32 Million Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes

Google's subsidiary, Verily, has applied for US federal permission to release 32 million mosquitoes in California and Florida to combat disease-carrying species. The project aims to use Wolbachia-infected male mosquitoes to reduce populations of Aedes aegypti, though the plan has faced political and ecological criticism.

Google to Meta Taxes Escaping to Singapore, Says Celios

The Centre of Economic and Law Studies (Celios) has highlighted that tax revenues from global Over-the-Top (OTT) platforms are disproportionately low compared to their massive revenues in Indonesia. The study suggests that because major tech giants like Google and Meta are headquartered in Singapore, much of the advertising tax revenue bypasses the Indonesian treasury.

Former KPU Chair Proposes Special Agency to Oversee Campaign Funds in Election Bill

Former Chairman of the General Elections Commission (KPU), Ramlan Surbakti, has proposed the establishment of a dedicated agency to monitor and enforce campaign finance regulations. He argues that the current oversight burden is too heavy for the KPU and highlights the risks posed by unregulated informal fundraising activities.

Corporate Strategies for Compliance with Personal Data Protection Regulations

As digital economies expand, companies are facing increasing pressure to comply with Indonesia's Personal Data Protection Law (UU PDP). This article outlines essential strategies for businesses, including data mapping, implementing data minimisation, and strengthening cybersecurity to build customer trust and mitigate financial risks.

Deputy Speaker of MPR Urges Continuity of Vocational Programmes Amid Economic Volatility

The Deputy Speaker of the MPR has called for a comprehensive improvement of the vocational education ecosystem to address high unemployment rates among vocational school graduates. She emphasised that certification programmes must be paired with stronger industry-school linkages to ensure graduates are effectively absorbed into the workforce.

678 New HIV Cases Reported in Bali up to April 2026, Denpasar Highest, Bali KPA Gathers Hundreds of Counsellors

The Bali AIDS Commission (KPA) has convened hundreds of counsellors to strengthen HIV/AIDS prevention efforts following the discovery of 678 new cases in the province between January and April 2026. Denpasar recorded the highest number of infections, prompting the provincial government to reaffirm its commitment to achieving AIDS elimination by 2030.

Pancasila Day: Students Highlight Importance of Free Nutritious Meals as Human Resource Investment

University students in Indonesia are advocating for the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme to be treated as mandatory spending for human resource development. They argue that the initiative is a strategic long-term investment to achieve the 'Golden Indonesia 204s' vision by improving public health and national competitiveness.

BPH Migas to Update QR Code System for Subsidised Fuel Purchases

The Downstream Oil and Gas Regulatory Agency (BPH Migas) is set to transition from static to dynamic QR codes for subsidised fuel purchases. This move aims to prevent the misuse and forgery of barcodes facilitated by artificial intelligence technology.

Government Launches 100 GW Solar Power Programme, Experts Offer Strategic Advice

President Prabowo Subianto has unveiled an ambitious plan to develop 100 GW of solar power capacity in Indonesia by 2029. The Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR) suggests focusing on 'quick win' initiatives such as diesel reduction and battery storage to ensure the programme's success.

Bappenas-GGGI Partnership Creates 271,095 Jobs, New Projects En Route

The partnership between Indonesia's Ministry of National Development Planning (Bappenas) and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) has successfully facilitated the creation of over 271,000 green jobs and mobilised US$776.5 million in green investments. The collaboration is now transitioning into the ambitious 'Green Indonesia Future Initiative' (GIFT) 2026-2030, which aims to mobilise US$2 billion in green investment by 2030.

Former Wife Identified as Mastermind Behind Murder of South Korean National in Bekasi; Former Legislative Candidate

Police in Bekasi have identified a former legislative candidate, SJ, as the mastermind behind the murder of a South Korean national in Tambun Selatan. The suspect allegedly orchestrated the crime and recruited an accomplice, HW, to carry out the execution.

KPK Detains Three of Four Suspects in Lamongan Regency Office Building Case

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has detained three suspects involved in the alleged corruption of the Lamongan Regency Government building construction project. The case, spanning the 2017โ€“2019 fiscal years, involves an estimated state loss of approximately Rp151 billion.

BRIN Completes Expeditionary Research on Dayak Loksado Indigenous Community

The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has concluded its second phase of expeditionary research focusing on the oral traditions and customs of the Dayak Loksado people in South Kalimantan. The study highlights the 'Pamali Meratus' system, a set of traditional prohibitions that serve as an indigenous method for environmental conservation.

Megawati appreciates GNTI for achieving high maize productivity

PDI Perjuangan Chairperson Megawati Soekarnoputri has commended the Indonesian Fishermen and Farmers Movement (GNTI) for developing maize varieties with higher productivity than conventional methods. The initiative highlights the successful integration of modern agricultural technology, such as drones and combine harvesters, to bolster national food security.

DPR Commission IX Vice Chair Criticises National Nutrition Agency Head Over Proposed Free Nutritious Meal Scheme in Saudi Arabia

Yahya Zaini, Vice Chair of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives, has dismissed the National Nutrition Agency's proposal to extend the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme to Indonesian students in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, as irrelevant. He urged the agency to focus on meeting domestic targets and improving food safety standards within Indonesia instead.

Consumers expect inflation to remain high following oil price surge

Eurozone consumers anticipate sustained high inflation following a sharp rise in oil and energy prices triggered by conflict in Iran. The latest ECB survey reveals that perceived inflation rose to 4.0 per cent in April, alongside weakening expectations for household income and economic growth.

YIA Primacy in Serving Hajj Pilgrims' Debarkation for 2026

Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA) has successfully managed its first debarkation of Hajj pilgrims, marking its official role as a primary embarkation and debarkation hub for the 2026 season. The airport has implemented specialised arrival protocols, including streamlined immigration and health checks, to ensure the smooth processing of large-scale international arrivals.

Indonesia Gojek Founder Warns of Investor Concerns in Graft Defence Plea

Former Education Minister and Gojek founder Nadiem Makarim has delivered his final defence plea, denying allegations of corruption regarding laptop procurement during the pandemic. Makarim warned that the high-profile case and the perceived criminalisation of professionals could spook international investors due to growing legal uncertainties in Indonesia.

In Pursuit of BTS Concert Tickets, Fans Gather to Pray at Temples

BTS fans in Taiwan are turning to spiritual intervention, visiting the Longshan Bangka Temple to pray to the God of Marriage, Yue Lao, for help securing concert tickets. This phenomenon follows the group's announcement of their highly anticipated 2026 world tour following their military service completion.

Repatriation of Indonesian Migrant Worker from Japan to Proceed, Funded by Donations

The remains of Kadek Mas Heriadi, an Indonesian migrant worker from Jembrana, are scheduled to be returned from Japan to Bali on 5 June 2026. The repatriation costs are being entirely covered by donations from fellow migrant workers, amounting to approximately Rp 150 million.

Creative Economy Ministry proposes additional Rp937 billion budget for creative economy programmes

The Minister of Creative Economy, Teuku Riefky Harsya, has proposed an additional budget of Rp937 billion through 2026 to accelerate national targets. The funding aims to strengthen the capacity of creative industry players, expand market access, and boost investment and exports.

Smuggling of 47,872 Illegal Lobster Seeds Worth Rp7.1 Billion Thwarted in Jambi

Jambi Police have intercepted a major smuggling attempt involving over 47,000 lobster seeds valued at approximately Rp7.1 billion. The suspects were using fake vehicle licence plates to evade detection while transporting the illegal cargo from Banten to Riau.

Afghanistan distributes 35,000 plots of land for returning refugees

The Afghan government has allocated over 35,000 plots of land to assist returning refugees in constructing homes. This initiative aims to address the surging demand for housing as hundreds of thousands of Afghans return from neighbouring Pakistan and Iran.

US Economy Threatened by Recession, Mark Zandi: Trump Has One Week Maximum

Moody's Chief Economist Mark Zandi warns that the US economy faces a serious recession risk if peace negotiations with Iran fail to reach a conclusion within a week. The threat of a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz has already triggered a 7% surge in global crude oil prices, heightening fears of economic instability.

Tangerang Resident Files Police Report After Being Confronted by Angry Neighbours

A resident in Pasar Kemis, Tangerang, has reported alleged physical assault to the police following a confrontation with neighbours. The dispute originated from the individual's repeated habit of spraying water onto the street, which reportedly affected residents heading to prayer.

Trans-Sumatra Toll Road Not Yet Fully Connected, Here Are the Reasons

The Minister of Public Works, Dody Hanggodo, has announced that the Trans-Sumatra Toll Road (JTTS) will not be fully operational from Lampung to Aceh this year due to ongoing land acquisition processes. Significant sections of the network, particularly between Palembang, Jambi, and Pekanbaru, remain disconnected, requiring motorists to use national roads.

Warning from Bappenas! Economic Losses Due to Climate Change Predicted to Exceed Rp2,005 Trillion

The Indonesian Ministry of National Development Planning (Bappenas) has warned that economic losses from climate change could surge to Rp2,005 trillion by 2029. To combat this, the government is implementing various mitigation strategies and aiming to mobilise US$2 billion in green investment by 2030.