Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 14 July 2026

Showing 901-950 of 1,599 articles

Johor government calls for probe into startup community based in Forest City over alleged Israeli links

The Johor state government has ordered an investigation into the Network School, a co-living startup community in Forest City, following allegations that Israeli nationals participated using second passports. Chief Minister Onn Hafiz Ghazi stressed that the state will not tolerate any activities conflicting with Malaysian laws or sovereignty, and has directed multiple agencies, including immigration and the Home Affairs Ministry, to scrutinise the identities, travel documents, and compliance of those involved. The probe will also examine whether the school's operations require official registration or approval under Malaysian law.

Protelindo Acquires 51% Stake in DATA, Displacing iForte as Controlling Shareholder

PT Profesional Telekomunikasi Indonesia (Protelindo) has acquired a 51% controlling stake in PT Remala Abadi Tbk (DATA), effectively displacing iForte Solusi Infotek as the controlling shareholder. The transaction involved Protelindo purchasing shares from both iForte and a founding shareholder, Verah Wahyudi Singgih. This reshuffles ownership within the Djarum Group's telecommunications infrastructure assets.

Teluk Lamong Flyover Construction Complete, Pelindo Prepares Operational Phase

PT Pelindo Sinergi Lokaseva has completed the physical construction of the Teluk Lamong Flyover in East Java, reaching 100 per cent progress. The infrastructure is designed to improve logistics flow and strengthen connectivity between the industrial area and the port. Preparations are now underway for the pre-operational phase, covering technical, safety, and governance aspects before full utilisation.

Police Name Suspect in SDN Srengseng Sawah 15 Bomb Threat Case

Jakarta police have named a 34-year-old man, identified as MY, as a suspect for sending a bomb threat to SDN Srengseng Sawah 15 on the first day of the school orientation programme. The suspect allegedly sent a WhatsApp message threatening to detonate bombs at 11 locations within the school. Authorities have charged him under Article 601 of the Criminal Code, with initial investigations suggesting the act was motivated by mischief.

Govt limits students' gadget use in schools to promote safety

The Indonesian government has introduced a policy to regulate, rather than ban, the use of electronic devices in schools to ensure they are used wisely for educational purposes. The initiative aims to create a safer learning environment, improve student concentration, and protect children from digital risks such as addiction and exposure to harmful content. The ministry is encouraging schools to adapt their own regulations while fostering collaboration between families, communities, and digital service providers.

Defiant Minibuses Keep Operating After Raid, 10 Old Angkots in Bogor Impounded

The Bogor city government has impounded 10 aged public minibuses (angkot) that continued to operate despite having their documents seized in a previous raid. A total of 21 vehicles over 20 years old were stopped during the operation on Jalan Juanda, with 16 others ticketed for lacking valid permits and driving licences. The crackdown, led by the deputy mayor, aims to enforce roadworthiness and licensing regulations for the city's ageing public transport fleet.

Hotman 911 Team Accuses Police and Religious Affairs Ministry of Covering Up Santri Burning Case in Lombok

The Hotman 911 legal team has accused the police and the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Central Lombok of conspiring to cover up the alleged burning of three Islamic boarding school students. During a hearing with the House of Representatives' Commission III, the team claimed that local police were aware of the incident from the start but failed to conduct a proper investigation. They also alleged that the ministry directed the school to pursue an out-of-court settlement and urged the National Police Chief to take over the case and sanction the officers involved.

PLN EPI Holds Environmental Education for 100 Orphans and Underprivileged Children

PT PLN Energi Primer Indonesia (PLN EPI), through its Baitul Maal Foundation, has provided environmental education to 100 orphans and underprivileged children at the Cibubur Bee Park in West Java. The initiative aimed to broaden the children's knowledge and foster environmental awareness from an early age by teaching them about the crucial role of bees in the ecosystem. The programme is part of the foundation's commitment to delivering social programmes funded by employee zakat, infak, and sedekah contributions.

Japanese Pharma Giant Takeda Pours Rp 539 Billion into Building Plasma Bank in Indonesia

Japanese biopharmaceutical company Takeda is investing US$30 million to develop a plasma-derived product ecosystem in Indonesia, with the first plasma bank expected to be operational by 2027. The investment is seen as a strategic move to boost technology transfer and strengthen the nation's healthcare supply chain. The Ministry of Investment highlighted the project as a reflection of growing global investor confidence in Indonesia's high-tech health sector.

10 Global Institutions Forecast Silver Prices, Is Its Future Really Gloomy?

Silver prices have plunged 19% year-to-date and over 38% since the Iran-Israel conflict erupted in late February 2026, driven by a stronger US dollar and expectations of further interest rate hikes. While the short-term outlook remains bearish due to geopolitical tensions and weakening industrial demand, analysts maintain a positive long-term view, citing supply deficits and future demand from green energy sectors. Major financial institutions have consequently revised their silver price targets downwards for the end of 2026 and into 2027.

Expert Urges Effective Asset Forfeiture Bill to Combat Crime, Prevent Abuse of Power

A legal expert has called for the immediate conclusion of Indonesia's Asset Forfeiture Bill, stressing it must effectively confiscate proceeds of crime while safeguarding human rights. Zaenur Rohman of Pukat UGM warned against limiting the law to corruption, advocating its application to all criminal proceeds, including narcotics. He also cautioned that asset management should be handled by an independent body, not law enforcement, to prevent potential abuse of power.

Indonesia pioneers global B50 policy for energy, economic boost

Indonesia has officially launched its mandatory B50 biodiesel programme, requiring a 50% blend of palm oil-based biofuel in diesel, as a strategic move to cut fuel imports and strengthen economic resilience. The government estimates the policy will save up to Rp170 trillion in foreign exchange by end-2026, add significant value to domestic crude palm oil, and support over two million jobs. A three-month transition is underway, with all fuel stations targeted to sell B50 by October 2026.

Grasberg Mine Recovery Targeted for 2027

PT Freeport Indonesia expects its Grasberg mine to return to full production capacity by the end of 2027, following a landslide in September 2025. Production this year is forecast at only 65 per cent of capacity, with a gradual ramp-up planned. The recovery will also boost output at the company's Gresik smelter and precious metals refinery.

Truck Stuck Under Tendean Footbridge Evacuated After 12 Hours

A 12-hour operation successfully evacuated a truck that became stuck under the Kapten Tendean pedestrian bridge in South Jakarta, causing significant structural damage and severe traffic congestion. The incident, which occurred when the truck's load exceeded the bridge's height clearance, prompted a multi-agency response involving the military, police, and local government. The driver has been detained for questioning, and authorities are assessing whether the damaged bridge must be demolished or can be repaired.

NTT Police Question Four Suspects in Alleged Intimidation Case of Dr Icha

Investigators from the East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Regional Police have summoned four individuals for questioning as witnesses in the inquiry into the alleged intimidation of the late Dr Eliza Princila Utami Pakaenoni, known as Dr Icha. The examination, conducted by a joint investigation team, follows the prior questioning of 32 witnesses, including healthcare workers, patients, and family members. Police will also seek expert opinions from psychologists, victimologists, criminologists, and criminal law specialists to determine if criminal elements exist in the case.

LRT Jakarta Extension to Dukuh Atas to Cost Rp2.7 Trillion, Targets 80,000 Daily Passengers

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has confirmed the continuation of the LRT Jakarta project to Dukuh Atas, a 2.1-kilometre stretch costing Rp2.7 trillion. The extension, which requires no land acquisition, aims to enhance intermodal connectivity by linking the LRT with the MRT network. Once fully operational, the entire Kelapa Gading-Manggarai line is projected to serve 80,000 passengers daily.

DP World Plans New Fujairah Port as Alternative to Strait of Hormuz

Dubai-based DP World is planning a new multipurpose port on the UAE's eastern coast in Fujairah to bypass the increasingly volatile Strait of Hormuz. The move follows a sharp decline in activity at Jebel Ali port and heightened regional tensions, including US plans to impose cargo fees and a blockade on Iran. The project is in early discussion stages as the logistics giant seeks to mitigate future disruptions.

Creative Economy Investment Grows 30 Percent, Becoming Engine of Economic Growth

Indonesia's creative economy sector recorded investment growth exceeding 30 percent in 2025, signalling strong prospects as a new engine for national economic growth. The Ministry of Creative Economy highlighted that the application subsector dominated investment figures, followed by crafts, fashion, and culinary, reflecting the rapid expansion of the digital economy. The government is now focused on expanding this investment to the regions and improving the recording of creative service exports.

Bali's 'Sekolah Rakyat' in Karangasem Welcomes 163 New Students, Primary Level Sees Low Demand

The Sekolah Rakyat Terintegrasi 3 in Tulamben, Karangasem, Bali, has enrolled 163 new students for the 2026/2027 academic year, with the majority entering secondary and high school. The primary school level attracted the fewest pupils, a trend attributed by the headmaster to young children's reluctance to live away from their parents in the boarding school system. The institution is also consolidating its operations by relocating students from a previous site in Tabanan to the centralised Karangasem campus.

Taipei's Active Volcano Threat and Taiwan-UGM Resilience Collaboration

Taipei is revealed to be situated less than 15 kilometres from an active volcano, a proximity closer than Yogyakarta is to Mount Merapi. Despite Taiwan's advanced earthquake notification technology, the country is collaborating with Indonesia's Universitas Gadjah Mada to learn community-based disaster resilience. The partnership, formalised through a summer course on interprofessional healthcare, aims to combine technological warning systems with local wisdom to create new international standards for disaster management.

Indonesia rules out tax rate hikes, focuses on expanding base via digital capture

The Indonesian government has ruled out increasing tax rates in the medium term, instead prioritising base expansion by leveraging data and technology to capture the digital, shadow, and informal economies. Customs and excise revenue will be strengthened through digitalisation, enhanced audits, and a crackdown on illegal imports. The strategy aims to preserve a favourable investment climate while addressing a projected tax revenue shortfall of Rp46.9 trillion for 2026, a significant improvement on the previous year's gap.

Heavy Equipment Truck Evacuated from Under Collapsed Tendean Footbridge

A heavy equipment transporter that struck and collapsed the Kapten Tendean pedestrian footbridge in South Jakarta has been successfully removed after a tense 12-hour operation. The incident caused severe traffic congestion, prompting the police to implement extensive traffic diversions and coordinate with the DKI Jakarta Bina Marga Agency. Authorities worked carefully to lift the damaged bridge structure and free the trapped vehicle.

TNI AL and Police Foil Three Consecutive Drug Smuggling Attempts at Juanda Airport

Indonesian Navy personnel and airport security at Juanda International Airport in Sidoarjo successfully thwarted three separate attempts to smuggle methamphetamine and illegal pharmaceuticals over three consecutive days. The seized contraband, destined for Makassar and Jayapura, had an estimated total value of Rp336.4 million. The evidence has been handed over to the Sidoarjo Police for further investigation and was subsequently destroyed.

Jakarta Governor Pramono Urges Eligible Seniors to Register for KLJ Card Offering Free Transport and Health Services

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has called on underprivileged elderly residents to register for the Kartu Lansia Jakarta (KLJ) programme, which provides monthly cash assistance, free public transport, and priority healthcare. He clarified that the programme is strictly for those in financial need, while the administration also continues to expand its 'Sekolah Lansia' initiative to support senior citizens' productivity and mental health.

NTT Law Ministry Prepares Two Ende Products for Geographical Indication Status

The East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Regional Office of the Ministry of Law is preparing Ubi Nuabosi and Pisang Baranga from Ende Regency as prospective Geographical Indication (GI) products. The initiative aims to strengthen regional intellectual property protection and boost the economic value and competitiveness of local commodities. Officials are also evaluating the existing GI status of Tenun Ikat Ende to ensure quality and authenticity are maintained.

PNM Sends Hundreds of Employees on Umrah Pilgrimage

State-owned enterprise PT Permodalan Nasional Madani (PNM) has rewarded its top-performing employees with an all-expenses-paid Umrah pilgrimage to Mecca. The programme is designed to honour dedication and loyalty, while also distinguishing the company's commitment to staff welfare from that of loan sharks. PNM, which has served over 23.3 million underprivileged women, views the initiative as a key part of building a sustainable and high-performing corporate culture.

East Nusa Tenggara Police Uncover Illegal Cigarette Trade in Four Regencies, Seize 185,420 Sticks

The East Nusa Tenggara Regional Police's Special Criminal Investigation Directorate has seized 185,420 sticks of illegal cigarettes during raids across four regencies. The operation targeted kiosks and shops in Ende, Nagekeo, Ngada, and West Manggarai, uncovering products traded without proper permits. Authorities are coordinating with customs officials to trace the distribution network and have charged suspects under the Trade Law.

Electronics Sellers Rack Their Brains as US Dollar Strength Leaves Mobile Phone Sales Flat

The weakening of the rupiah against the US dollar has driven up electronics prices and dampened consumer demand in Indonesian shopping centres. Retail staff in South Jakarta report a noticeable drop in foot traffic and sales of items such as tablets and smartphones. To counter the slowdown, shops are offering substantial discounts and zero-interest instalment schemes to attract buyers.

Bogor Police Chief Continues Silaturahmi to Prosecutor's Office, Strengthens Police-Prosecutor Synergy

Bogor Police Chief AKBP Wikha Ardilestanto visited the Bogor District Prosecutor's Office to reinforce inter-agency cooperation. The meeting focused on aligning perceptions and strengthening the integrated criminal justice system. Both institutions committed to maintaining legal stability and ensuring a clean, professional law enforcement process in the region.

OJK Welcomes S&P's Decision to Maintain Indonesia's Sovereign Debt Rating

Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) has welcomed S&P Global Ratings' decision to maintain the country's sovereign credit rating at BBB with a stable outlook. The OJK views the rating as a positive signal of Indonesia's strong economic fundamentals and financial system stability amid global uncertainty. The agency also highlighted the government's commitment to fiscal discipline and effective policy implementation as key supporting factors.

MPR Chairman Ahmad Muzani Calls for Peace During Khamenei Funeral Visit

Ahmad Muzani, Chairman of Indonesia's People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), conveyed a message of peace to Iranian officials during his visit to Tehran for the funeral of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Muzani expressed Indonesia's hope that Iran and the United States can de-escalate tensions. The assignment also sparked domestic debate regarding the constitutional relationship between the legislative and executive branches, with Muzani clarifying he was acting as a special envoy of the President.

OJK Urges Balinese Public to Beware of Credit Settlement Scams

The Financial Services Authority (OJK) in Bali has warned residents about a fraudulent scheme promising credit settlements using fake sovereign debt instruments. Scammers are targeting defaulted debtors, inciting them not to pay their obligations and charging registration fees. The OJK is coordinating with the Bali Police to investigate the perpetrators behind this misleading practice.

KPK probes alleged bid rigging at Transport Ministry to favour PT IPA

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is investigating suspected bid rigging within the Ministry of Transportation's procurement bureau to benefit corporate suspect PT Istana Putra Agung. The probe is part of a broader railway corruption case that has ensnared 21 individuals and two companies. The alleged manipulation reportedly occurred across multiple railway projects in Java, Sumatra, and Sulawesi.

TASPEN Wins Silver at IDEAS 2026 for Realising Equal Employment Rights

PT TASPEN (Persero) has secured a Silver Winner award at the Indonesia DEI & ESG Awards (IDEAS) 2026 for its disability inclusion programme. The state-owned enterprise was recognised for championing equal employment opportunities internally and providing disability-friendly public services. The award underscores TASPEN's commitment to integrating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion principles into its core operations, ensuring no pensioner is left behind.

On S&P Credit Rating, Purbaya: Honest International Institutions See Our Policies as Sound

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa stated that S&P's decision to maintain Indonesia's credit rating is proof that honest and independent international bodies view the government's policies favourably. He noted the rating counters negative market sentiment that had circulated since early 2026. The stable outlook reflects sustained confidence in the government's economic direction, bolstered by recent communications with investors in the United States.

Chinese Party Official Dismissed Over Family Corruption and Sex Scandal

A former senior Chinese Communist Party official, Ma Xingrui, has been expelled from the party following an investigation that uncovered large-scale 'family corruption', abuse of power, and sexual misconduct. The case marks the latest escalation in President Xi Jinping's sweeping anti-corruption campaign, which has now ensnared multiple high-ranking Politburo members since 2025. Ma was found to have illegally accepted gifts, helped relatives purchase property below market value, and engaged in the trading of power, money, and sex.

PLN Yogyakarta's Zakat Programme Provides Free Circumcision for 51 Children

Yayasan Baitul Maal (YBM) of PT PLN (Persero) Yogyakarta held a free mass circumcision programme for 51 children from underprivileged families at RH Medika Clinic. The initiative, part of the 'Muharram Berkah 1448 Hijriyah' thematic programme, was funded by zakat, infak, and sedekah contributions from PLN employees. The event aimed to ease the financial burden on families while providing a comfortable and child-friendly medical experience.

Danamon, Manulife, and Prasmul Synergise to Form Future Education Planning Ecosystem for Children

Bank Danamon, Universitas Prasetiya Mulya, and Manulife Indonesia have launched Danamon Prasmul EduWealth (DPEW), an integrated ecosystem designed to help Indonesian families plan for their children's education. The initiative combines educational perspectives, banking solutions, and insurance protection to ensure funding is prepared and safeguarded against life's uncertainties. The collaboration aims to foster a generation better prepared for future challenges through structured, long-term financial planning.

Finance Minister Purbaya: Rising Debt-to-GDP Ratio Remains Safe and Under Control

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has assured that Indonesia's debt-to-GDP ratio, which rose to 40.54% in 2025, remains well within the legal limit of 60%. He outlined a four-pillar strategy to manage the debt, including fiscal coordination and active portfolio management. The government maintains its debt position is prudent compared to regional peers like Singapore and Malaysia.

Hormuz Strait Tensions Escalate: Two UAE Supertankers Hit by Iranian Missiles, One Crew Member Killed

The United Arab Emirates has accused Iran of striking two of its supertankers with cruise missiles in the southern Strait of Hormuz, resulting in the death of an Indian crew member. Tehran claims the vessels were disabled after entering an unauthorised shipping lane that had been mined, warning that cooperation with the United States could further destabilise the region. The incident marks a significant escalation in the strategic waterway, threatening global energy supplies and heightening regional security risks.

MPR and Unpad Experts Discuss Strengthening People's Sovereignty Through Constitutional Implementation

The People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) and academics from Padjadjaran University (Unpad) have discussed the implementation of the constitution and the future of democracy to strengthen people's sovereignty. The discussion highlighted the need to move beyond transactional politics towards programmatic accountability and ensure meaningful public participation in policymaking. Experts also warned against the dominance of political parties weakening legislative accountability and stressed the importance of protecting academic freedom as a form of democratic control.

Brutal Murderer Who Stabbed Online Motorcycle Taxi Driver While Sleeping in Tangerang Arrested

Police have arrested a 25-year-old man suspected of fatally stabbing an online motorcycle taxi driver while he slept at a base camp in Kosambi, Tangerang. The suspect allegedly stole the victim's Honda PCX motorcycle and mobile phone after the attack. The victim was found dead at the scene with a stab wound to the neck.

35 State Primary Schools in Temanggung Face Pupil Shortage, One School Has Zero New Enrolments

The Education, Youth, and Sports Office of Temanggung Regency has reported that 35 state primary schools received five or fewer new pupils this academic year, with one school in Jumo District recording no registrations at all. Officials attribute the decline to demographic factors, specifically a low number of school-age children in certain rural hamlets, rather than poor educational quality. The local government is considering school mergers as a solution, but geographical constraints and long distances between schools are complicating the policy's implementation.

1,640 UMK Students Deployed for Uninhabitable Housing Verification

A total of 1,640 students from Universitas Muria Kudus (UMK) undertaking their community service programme (KKN) will be deployed across 132 villages in Kudus and nine in Demak, Central Java, to verify and validate data on uninhabitable houses. The initiative, now in its second year, previously earned the highest appreciation from the provincial government for its performance. The verified data will be processed by the regional development planning agency to support housing renovation proposals through government and corporate social responsibility programmes.

Mossad Chief's Bid to Recruit Ahmadinejad Ended in Resentment, Reports Say

Israel's Mossad intelligence agency attempted to recruit former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as a potential leader of a new regime in Tehran, according to reports. Mossad chief David Barnea even travelled to Budapest to meet with Ahmadinejad, but the plan ultimately failed. The former president, who was reportedly extracted from his home by Mossad agents, is said to have become resentful and is now believed to be in the custody of Iran's Revolutionary Guards.

AGO's Asset Recovery Agency Auctions 90 Apartments Belonging to Benny Tjokrosaputro

The Attorney General's Office Asset Recovery Agency is auctioning 90 apartment units in South Jakarta confiscated from convicted corruption felon Benny Tjokrosaputro. The e-auction, with a total limit value of over Rp219 billion, is scheduled for 29 July. The proceeds will be recorded as non-tax state revenue from the Jiwasraya corruption case.

Navigating AI bubble: Balancing innovation and policy in Indonesia

Deputy Minister Stella Christie has cautioned against blind faith in artificial intelligence, urging Indonesia to learn from past economic bubbles like the dot-com crash to avoid the pitfalls of 'AI washing' and speculative hype. She emphasised the need for human curation to ensure AI investments address genuine needs, while arguing that the government must balance risk mitigation with fostering a domestic innovation ecosystem. The state's role is critical to prevent Indonesia from becoming a mere consumer of foreign technology and to ensure local research and startups can thrive.

MPR and Supreme Court Sign Agreement on Judicial Independence

The People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) and the Supreme Court (MA) have formalised a commitment to uphold the rule of law and safeguard judicial independence. During a meeting in Jakarta, MPR Chairman Ahmad Muzani stated that the assembly would respect the Supreme Court's authority and not interfere in its internal affairs. The two institutions also agreed to avoid discussing any specific court cases as part of this commitment.

Finance Minister Admits Free Nutritious Meal Programme Faces Field Challenges

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has acknowledged that the government's Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme is encountering significant implementation challenges on the ground. He cited issues with supply chains, distribution, and logistical capacity, particularly in frontier, outermost, and underdeveloped regions. The government is responding by encouraging local meal service units to collaborate with community production centres, village-owned enterprises, and small businesses to source ingredients directly from local farmers and fishermen.

PLN Successfully Powers Jakarta Fair 2026, Transactions Reach Rp8.2 Trillion

State electricity company PLN ensured reliable power supply throughout the 32-day Jakarta Fair Kemayoran 2026, which attracted 6.1 million visitors and generated Rp8.2 trillion in transactions. The uninterrupted electricity supported thousands of exhibition stands, concerts, and entertainment attractions, providing a significant boost to SMEs and the creative industry. PLN deployed backup infrastructure and 24-hour monitoring to secure the event's 5,000 kVA power demand.