Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 8 June 2026

Showing 751-800 of 1,593 articles

AI Threatens Water and Land Supplies as Data Centre Electricity Consumption Projected to Surge

A recent United Nations University study warns that the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence could severely strain global water and land resources. Beyond rising electricity demands, the infrastructure required for AI data centres is projected to consume vast amounts of water and land by 2030.

How to Download Hajj Certificates: A Step-by-Step Guide

Pilgrims returning from the Hajj season can now digitally access their certificates using the Nusuk Card. The guide also outlines strict aviation regulations regarding prohibited items in luggage, including specific rules for Zamzam water and large sums of cash.

Former Deputy Minister Silmy Karim Undergoes First Interrogation Following KPK Detention

Former Deputy Minister of Immigration and Correctional Services, Silmy Karim, has undergone his first interrogation by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) regarding alleged extortion and bribery involving foreign resident permits. The investigation involves eight suspects and has led to the seizure of luxury vehicles and various foreign currencies.

Ministry expands strategies to improve teacher quality, welfare

The Indonesian Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is accelerating the Teacher Professional Education (PPG) programme to certify 230,000 active teachers. Alongside professional development, the government has increased the Teacher Professional Allowance to Rp2 million per month as part of a broader initiative to enhance educator welfare.

Experts Urge Pregnant Women to Understand BPA Exposure Risks from Reusable Water Gallons

Medical experts are warning pregnant women about the potential risks of Bisphenol A (BPA) exposure from reusable plastic containers, which is linked to early puberty in children. The advisory emphasises that health precautions should begin even before conception to prevent long-term reproductive issues.

Said Iqbal Arrives at Palace, Ready to be Inaugurated as Prabowo's Special Advisor

Said Iqbal, President of the Indonesian Workers Union Confederation, has arrived at the Presidential Palace ahead of his inauguration as Special Advisor to President Prabowo Subianto for Labour Affairs. The ceremony will also include the inauguration of three leaders for the National Nutrition Agency.

Polri Presisi Bridge in Serang Provides Greater Ease for Residents

The completion of the Merah Putih Presisi Bridge in Serang, Banten, is set to significantly improve mobility and economic access for local communities. The infrastructure project, completed by the Serang Police, aims to facilitate easier access to education and streamline the distribution of agricultural products.

Perpetrator of Sexual Abuse of Seven Students at Tebo Islamic Boarding School Faces 12 Years in Prison

The Tebo Police have arrested a teacher and caretaker at an Islamic boarding school in Jambi for the sexual abuse of seven female students. The suspect, identified by his initials AF, allegedly carried out the offences in various locations within the school premises, including classrooms and livestock pens.

Audit Board Highlights Issues with Grant Fund Management in Bali Provincial 2025 Budget

The Indonesian Audit Board (BPK) has identified irregularities in the management of grant funds and construction consultancy contracts within the Bali Provincial Government's 2025 budget. Despite these findings, the provincial government has successfully achieved an Unqualified Opinion (WTP) for the 13th consecutive year.

Unqualified Opinion Strengthens Quality of Regional Financial Management

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has highlighted the significance of the Unqualified Opinion (WTP) received from the Audit Board of Indonesia (BPK RI) for the 2025 fiscal year. The Governor outlined several strategic steps to further enhance regional financial governance, including the development of regional government information systems and improved asset management.

Home Affairs Minister Tito: Non-Civil Servant Employees are a Ticking Time Bomb

Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian has warned that the recruitment of non-civil servant employees (honorer) poses a significant fiscal threat to regional budgets. He urged regional leaders to halt new recruitments and instead focus on increasing local revenue through streamlined licensing and improved regional-owned enterprises.

IDX records decline in IPO pipeline to 12 companies

The Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) has reported a reduction in its Initial Public Offering (IPO) pipeline, with the number of companies awaiting listing dropping to 12. The current queue includes a mix of large and medium-scale asset companies across various sectors, including consumer goods, healthcare, and infrastructure.

Health Minister Proposes Reducing Student Quotas for Medical Faculties with High Failure Rates

Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin has proposed limiting new student intake for medical faculties that produce high numbers of 'retakers'—graduates who fail professional competency exams. The proposal aims to improve educational quality and address the national shortage of approximately 93,200 general practitioners.

No changes to mineral, coal profit-sharing scheme: Minister

Minister Lahadalia has confirmed that the existing profit-sharing regulations for the mineral and coal sectors will remain unchanged. He clarified that the gross split scheme, which is currently utilised in the oil and gas sector, will not be implemented within the mining industry.

Gorontalo Residents Remain on Alert, Monitoring Sea Level Fluctuations Following Earthquake

Residents in North Gorontalo are monitoring unusual sea level fluctuations following a series of significant earthquakes. Local authorities have maintained a tsunami warning status, prompting some villagers to undertake self-evacuation to higher ground.

UGM Team Detects Cracks Suspected to be Gas Pathways Triggering Fires in Sleman House

Researchers from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) have identified subsurface cracks beneath a residence in Sleman, DIY, which may serve as pathways for flammable gases. The investigation aims to determine if these geological structures are responsible for the repeated spontaneous combustion incidents reported at the property.

Andre Rosiade Urges West Sumatra Provincial Government to Demolish Haji Agus Salim Stadium for Renovation

Deputy Chairman of Commission VI of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Andre Rosiade, has called on the West Sumatra Provincial Government to expedite the demolition of Haji Agus Salim Stadium. While central government funding via the State Budget (APBN) has been secured, the commencement of construction depends on the provincial government's ability to clear the site.

Immigration Authorities Deport Vietnamese National for Illegal Dental Practice in South Tangerang

South Jakarta immigration officials have deported a Vietnamese national, identified as TAT, for violating immigration laws by practising dentistry under a visit visa. The individual was caught operating illegally at a clinic in Ciputat, leading to his immediate removal from Indonesia.

Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education: Teachers Should Become Learning Architects via Deep Learning

The Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Fajar Riza Ul Haq, has called on teachers to adopt a 'deep learning' approach to foster meaningful student engagement. He emphasised that educators should act as 'learning architects' rather than mere operators, focusing on comprehension and real-world application rather than just completing the curriculum.

Rp 40 Million Cocaine Distribution Thwarted in Buleleng; Surabaya-Linked Recidivist Arrested

Buleleng Police have successfully intercepted a shipment of cocaine worth approximately Rp 40 million during the 'Antik Agung 2026' operation. The arrest of a known drug recidivist has prevented the expansion of a narcotics network originating from Surabaya into the Buleleng region.

XLSMART to Introduce ESTA Prime at BRAVO 500 Summit 2026

PT XLSMART Telecom Sejahtera Tbk is set to unveil its ESTA Prime platform during the upcoming BRAVO 500 Summit 2026 in Jakarta. The initiative aims to accelerate Indonesia's national digital transformation by integrating AI, IoT, and 5G connectivity into a unified enterprise ecosystem.

War Resumes with Israel, Iran Claims US is Responsible

The Iranian government has blamed the United States for the resurgence of hostilities with Israel, asserting that Israeli military actions are inseparable from US policy. The escalation follows Israeli airstrikes on various Iranian targets, despite calls for restraint from US President Donald Trump.

From Nanik S Deyang to Trenggono: Officials Arrive at Palace Ahead of Prabowo's Inauguration

The leadership of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) is set to be inaugurated today at the Presidential Palace. The ceremony follows President Prabowo Subianto's recent decision to replace the previous heads of the agency.

Rupiah Hits Rp18,000 per US Dollar: Strategies to Protect Your Finances

As the Rupiah weakens to Rp18,000 per US Dollar, financial experts are advising Indonesians to strengthen emergency funds and re-evaluate lifestyle spending. The depreciation is expected to impact purchasing power, necessitating a shift towards more economical consumption habits.

Oil, Fuel, and LPG Imports to be Managed via Lemigas, Explains Bahlil

Indonesia's Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, has announced a new scheme to manage the import of crude oil, fuel, and LPG through Lemigas. This initiative, following Presidential Regulation No. 26 of 2026, aims to utilise Government-to-Government (G2G) agreements to streamline the supply chain and ensure national energy security.

Shoes Gifted by Kuansing Police Chief Bring Joy to Primary School Students

The Kuansing Police Chief has donated 12 pairs of shoes to students at SDN 003 Kampung Tengah in Riau. The initiative, part of the 'JALUR' programme, aims to support education and alleviate the financial burden on parents.

Deputy Head of National Nutrition Agency Reveals Reasons for Early Retirement from TNI

Major General Trenggono has officially resigned from the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) following his appointment as Deputy Head of the National Nutrition Agency. The officer clarified that his decision to retire early was voluntary and not directed by President Prabowo Subianto.

Golkar MPR Faction Chair Reveals Expert Institutions to Oversee Regional Bonds

The Golkar Party Faction in the MPR stated that expert institutions and underwriters will be utilised to monitor regional bond issuances to prevent defaults. The initiative aims to ensure financial and legal stability to maintain investor confidence in local government debt instruments.

YES Program Strengthens Bridge Between Indonesian and US Youth

The US Embassy in Indonesia has highlighted the importance of the Youth Exchange and Study (YES) programme in fostering people-to-people connections between Indonesia and the United States. The programme aims to develop future leaders by providing Indonesian students with immersive cultural and educational experiences in America.

Central Java Provincial Government Achieves 15th Consecutive Unqualified Opinion, Highest Follow-up Rate in Indonesia

The Central Java Provincial Government has secured its 15th consecutive Unqualified Opinion (WTP) from the Audit Board of Indonesia (BPK). Notably, the province also recorded the highest rate of follow-up on audit recommendations in the country, reaching 96.48 per cent.

House of Representatives Prepares Revision of Regional Personnel Expenditure Limit Rules

The Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) is planning to revise the Law on Financial Relations between the Central Government and Regional Governments (HKPD) to address regional budget constraints. The proposed revision aims to provide legal certainty for local governments currently unable to meet the 30 per cent cap on personnel expenditure.

Former Police Officer Convicted in Brigadier Nurhadi Death Case Files Cassation

Former Police Lieutenant Colonel I Made Yogi Purusa Utama has filed for cassation to the Supreme Court following an appeal verdict that increased his prison sentence. The defendant is accused of involvement in the death of Brigadier Muhammad Nurhadi and obstruction of justice.

Ombudsman Chair Hery Susanto Dishonourably Dismissed by Ethics Council

The Ethics Council of the Indonesian Ombudsman has issued a dishonourable dismissal against inactive Chair Hery Susanto following findings of severe ethical violations. The decision follows allegations of corruption involving nickel mining governance in Southeast Sulawesi and conflicts of interest.

XLSMART to Launch Solutions for Business Operational Efficiency

PT XLSMART Telecom Sejahtera Tbk is set to unveil ESTA PRIME, an innovative enterprise technology and automation solution, at the BRAVO 500 Summit 2026. The platform aims to transition the company from a connectivity provider to a digital transformation partner by integrating AI, Cloud, and cybersecurity services.

Presentation of Ambassador Credentials to Prabowo Held Behind Closed Doors

A closed-door ceremony was held at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta for several ambassadors to present their letters of credence to President Prabowo Subianto. While the lack of media access drew attention, officials stated the private nature of the event was due to technical reasons.

Nanik S Deyang arrives at Palace ahead of inauguration as Head of National Nutrition Agency

Nanik S Deyang has arrived at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta ahead of her official inauguration as the Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN). The leadership reshuffle follows the dismissal of previous officials amid corruption investigations related to the Free Nutritious Meal programme.

KAI accelerates Jabodetabek Commuter Rail fleet regeneration through State Capital Injection

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) is fast-tracking the replacement of ageing Jabodetabek commuter rail units using State Capital Injection (PMN). The project aims to modernise a fleet where many trains are over 30 years old to accommodate a projected passenger increase to 437 million by 2030.

Sony Sonjaya Officially Files to Become Justice Collaborator in MBG Case

Former Deputy Head of the National Nutrition Agency, Sony Sonjaya, has applied for Justice Collaborator status regarding the corruption scandal involving the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme. His legal counsel claims that Sonjaya has already identified over 20 high-profile figures potentially involved in the mismanagement of the presidential flagship programme.

China Responds to Iran-Israel Exchange of Attacks

China has expressed deep concern regarding the escalating military exchanges between Israel and Iran, calling for all parties to respect ceasefire commitments. The tension has intensified following Israeli missile strikes on petrochemical complexes in Iran and retaliatory actions, raising significant fears regarding global trade stability in the Red Sea.

US Import Tariffs for Indonesia Not Yet Final, Trade Minister Reveals Potential for Lighter Scheme

The Indonesian government is actively negotiating with the United States to secure more competitive import tariffs for national exports. Trade Minister Budi Santoso stated that the current proposals from the USTR remain dynamic and subject to change through ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Regarding the Proposal for an Indonesian Mineral Exchange, Bahlil: Seeking the Right Formula

The Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, stated that the government is still determining the appropriate framework for establishing a domestic mineral and strategic commodities exchange. The initiative aims to reduce Indonesia's reliance on foreign exchanges for commodities that the country produces itself.

Palestine Records 23 Israeli Attacks on Al-Aqsa Mosque

The Palestinian Ministry of Waqf and Religious Affairs has reported a significant increase in Israeli incursions and restrictions at holy sites during May. The report highlights 23 attacks on the Al-Aqsa Mosque and numerous prohibitions on prayer at the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron.

Residents of Sukakarya Reject 'Kampung Bahagia' Programme Due to Pertamina Red Zone Designation

Hundreds of residents in Jambi have rejected the Jambi City Government's 'Kampung Bahagia' programme because their area has been designated as a Pertamina 'Red Zone'. This designation has led to the blocking of hundreds of land certificates by the National Land Agency (BPN), causing significant legal and economic distress for the community.

Government to Cease Use of Minyakita for Food Assistance

The Minister of Trade, Budi Santoso, has announced that the government will no longer include Minyakita cooking oil in food assistance programmes. Instead, the supply will be distributed directly to traditional markets to ensure easy access for the general public.

Minister of Home Affairs Reveals Many Contract Workers Were Former Campaign Success Teams

Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian has urged regional heads to cease recruiting new non-civil servant contract workers, particularly in administrative roles. He noted that many such positions were previously filled by campaign success teams, creating a long-term financial burden on regional budgets.

Minister of Home Affairs Urges Local Governments to Cease Recruitment of New Non-Permanent Staff

Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian has called on regional heads to strictly adhere to the moratorium on recruiting new non-permanent staff (honorer) to prevent excessive personnel spending. He warned that uncontrolled recruitment creates a 'time bomb' for future administrations and limits fiscal space for regional development.

Reliable Services Enable TASPEN Participants to Remain Productive and Independent

PT TASPEN (Persero) continues to demonstrate its commitment to reliable social security services through the precise distribution of pension benefits. The company's digital innovations, such as digital authentication, are helping retirees maintain productivity and independence in their post-retirement years.

OJK Supports Formation of Regional Bond Bill, Provides Key Notes

The Financial Services Authority (OJK) has expressed support for the proposed Regional Bond Bill, viewing it as a way to enhance regional financial independence. The regulator emphasised the need for transparency and the establishment of dedicated management units to mitigate risks associated with regional debt issuance.

43 Hunters Questioned by Police Following Death of Boy Attacked by Dog in Bogor

Police are investigating the death of a nine-year-old boy in Jasinga, Bogor, who was allegedly attacked by a hunting dog. Authorities have detained 43 hunters and seized several vehicles and dogs as part of the ongoing investigation into the incident.

Prabowo Officially Receives Credentials from Ambassadors of Eight Friendly Nations

President Prabowo Subianto has formally accepted the Letters of Credential from ambassadors representing eight friendly nations during a closed-door ceremony at the Presidential Palace. The President also reaffirmed Indonesia's 'free and active' foreign policy principle and addressed recent delays in the diplomatic scheduling.