Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 14 July 2026

Showing 251-300 of 1,599 articles

Hoax! Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi announces pension fund assistance

A Facebook post claiming Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi announced a pension fund assistance programme is false. The video used in the post was manipulated using artificial intelligence to fabricate his voice. The original footage was from a press conference where he discussed government programmes, not pension aid.

Sorong Deputy Mayor Pushes for Acceleration of National Food Programme Through Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih

Sorong's Deputy Mayor, Anshar Karim, is urging the acceleration of the national food priority programme by strengthening the Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih (KNMP) initiative. Progress was reported across nine sub-districts, though the Saoka location faces community resistance being addressed through dialogue. The local government is also seeking central support for cooperative infrastructure to bolster food distribution and stabilise prices in the region.

Industry Ministry Strengthens Chemical Governance to Support Indonesia's OECD Accession

Indonesia's Ministry of Industry is intensifying efforts to align its chemical management regulations with OECD standards through a fact-finding mission in Jakarta. The initiative aims to not only facilitate the country's accession to the organisation but also to build a safer, more competitive, and sustainable national chemical industry. Discussions covered policy harmonisation, illegal pesticide trade, and laboratory practices, with the sector showing strong export growth of 16.83 percent in the first quarter of 2026.

Forest and Land Fires Scorch 7.5 Hectares of Peatland in Rokan Hilir

Firefighting teams in Rokan Hilir, Riau, are working to extinguish a forest and land fire that has burned 7.5 hectares of peatland. While open flames have been subdued, smoke continues to billow from several points, requiring ongoing cooling operations. Authorities have also detected a new fire spot in the Bangko sub-district, prompting the deployment of additional response teams.

Defence Minister Sjafrie Hosts Finnish and South Korean Envoys for Strategic Talks

Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin held separate meetings with the ambassadors of Finland and South Korea in Jakarta to discuss strengthening bilateral defence cooperation. The talks focused on cybersecurity, maritime domain awareness, and the acceleration of joint military projects.

Harmony in Diversity Award aims to strengthen Southeast Asian leadership

The Harmony in Diversity Award, launched by Temasek Foundation and 5P Global Movement, seeks to honour individuals fostering social cohesion in Southeast Asia. Organisers emphasise that harmony requires active dialogue and leadership, not just passive coexistence. Filipino Cardinal Orlando Beltran Quevedo will be the first recipient for his decades-long peacebuilding and interfaith work in Mindanao.

Generator Fire on Pinisi Ship in Labuan Bajo, No Casualties Reported

A fire broke out on a portable generator aboard the tourist vessel Somerdive while it was anchored off Labuan Bajo's Kampung Ujung seafood area. The head of the local port authority confirmed the ship itself was not damaged and there were no casualties. A full inspection of the vessel will be conducted by a marine inspector.

Probolinggo City Government Continues Cheap Food Markets Until Prices Stabilise

The Probolinggo City Government in East Java is continuing its Gerakan Pangan Murah (Cheap Food Movement) programme to stabilise staple food prices. The initiative offers essential commodities like rice, sugar, and cooking oil below traditional market rates. Officials stated the programme will persist until market prices return to normal, balancing consumer relief with the interests of local traders.

NasDem Youth Wing Transformation: Prananda Surya Paloh Prepares Inclusive Hub for Cross-Professional Youths

Prananda Surya Paloh, Chairman of Garda Pemuda NasDem, has announced a strategic transformation ahead of the organisation's second congress in July 2026. The youth wing aims to become an inclusive 'big house' for young Indonesians from various professional backgrounds, moving beyond practical politics. The initiative seeks to foster national contribution through creativity and professional development, crystallising under the congress theme 'Independent Youth, Sovereign Nation'.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mocks Trump's Proposed 20% Tariff on Hormuz Shipping

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has derided President Donald Trump's plan to impose a 20% tariff on cargo transiting the Strait of Hormuz, asserting Iran's role as the waterway's traditional guardian. Trump announced the levy alongside a renewed blockade of Iranian ports, claiming the US would act as the strait's protector. The exchange heightens tensions over the strategic chokepoint, through which a fifth of the world's oil passes.

Tendean Traffic Partially Reopens After Truck Collision, Blok M Route Still Closed

Traffic on Jalan Kapten Tendean heading towards Pancoran has been reopened after a temporary closure due to the dismantling of a pedestrian bridge struck by a truck. The route towards Blok M remains closed, causing significant congestion during rush hour. The bridge was severely damaged early Tuesday morning when a truck carrying a crane, whose driver was reportedly distracted by a mobile phone, collided with the structure.

Transjakarta 'Skyline' Corridor Disrupted by Footbridge Demolition, Causing Gridlock

Transjakarta's Corridor 13 services, including the 'Jalur Langit' (Skyline) route, faced significant disruption and passenger backlogs on Tuesday due to severe traffic congestion. The gridlock was caused by the demolition of a pedestrian footbridge on Jalan Kapten Tendean in South Jakarta. Services were temporarily halted and routes truncated before normal operations resumed.

Sahroni Urges Police to Investigate Alleged Patient Abuse at Martapura Hospital in South Sumatra

House of Representatives Deputy Chairman Ahmad Sahroni has called on the police to thoroughly investigate an alleged sexual assault of a female patient by a healthcare worker at a hospital in Martapura, East Ogan Komering Ulu, South Sumatra. The local police have confirmed receiving an official report and are currently gathering evidence. Sahroni stressed that such abuse, particularly against a vulnerable patient, is unacceptable and must be prosecuted to the full extent of the law to ensure justice and restore public trust.

Aurra Markets Strengthens MENA Presence Following Appearance at Money Expo Abu Dhabi 2026

Aurra Markets, a global multi-asset CFD brokerage, has reinforced its footprint in the Middle East and North Africa region after participating as a diamond sponsor at the Money Expo Abu Dhabi 2026. The firm showcased its institutional-grade liquidity and low-latency trading infrastructure while expanding its partnership programmes. The event also featured a demonstration of its integrated Aurra Wallet, designed to streamline fiat and digital asset transactions for clients.

PTBA Supports Police in Uncovering Illegal Coal Mining Operation in Muara Enim

State-owned coal miner PT Bukit Asam (PTBA) has expressed its full support for the police following the arrest of 11 suspects involved in illegal coal mining within its concession area in Muara Enim, South Sumatra. The operation, conducted in two phases, uncovered that the illicit activity had caused potential state losses of approximately Rp 95.9 billion. PTBA reiterated its commitment to collaborating with law enforcement to protect state assets and ensure mining activities adhere to good mining practices.

Prabowo Holds Meeting with Luhut and Others in Hambalang to Discuss GovTech Refinement

President Prabowo Subianto convened with the National Economic Council, led by Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, at his private residence in Hambalang to discuss the nation's economic resilience and the advancement of digital government transformation. The meeting focused on refining the GovTech system to improve data accuracy for social assistance programmes. The initiative aims to minimise targeting errors and foster a more modern, efficient, and transparent governance framework.

Indonesia to use trade to build peace amid global fragmentation

Indonesia has pledged to leverage trade as a tool for fostering peace and prosperity in response to rising geopolitical tensions and protectionism. Deputy Trade Minister Dyah Roro Esti outlined a strategy centred on open economic diplomacy, export diversification, and supply chain resilience, while advocating for reforms at the WTO and IMF. The government is also employing a 'pentahelix' collaborative model to strengthen its global economic diplomacy.

Lawyer Seeks to Join Judicial Review of Police Law, Citing Reform Safeguards

An Indonesian lawyer has filed a request to become a related party in the Constitutional Court's formal review of the revised Police Law. The applicant argues that the new legislation, rather than being procedurally flawed, actually strengthens police reform by enhancing accountability and oversight. The move comes amid broader public debate and legal challenges concerning the 2026 revision of the Police Law.

Government says global uncertainty has become the 'new normal'

Indonesia's government asserts that global uncertainty is now a 'new normal', necessitating stronger governance to safeguard the national economy. Ferry Irawan from the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs highlighted ongoing geopolitical tensions and market volatility as key risks. He noted that Indonesia is reinforcing market integrity and expanding international cooperation to maintain economic resilience amid these persistent challenges.

WALHI: Don't Just Extinguish Fires, Fix the Root Causes of Forest and Land Fires

The Indonesian Forum for the Environment (WALHI) has urged the government to address the root causes of recurring forest and land fires, rather than just focusing on firefighting efforts. The NGO argues that weak law enforcement against companies and poor peatland governance are the main drivers, evidenced by repeated fires in the same concession areas. WALHI warns that the strengthening El Niño phenomenon could trigger more extensive fires if systemic issues are not resolved.

Cabinet Secretary advises military cadets to continuously improve skills

Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya urged over 1,600 cadets at the Indonesian Military Academy in Magelang to continuously enhance their capabilities, emphasising that a free nation requires a strong military. He encouraged the cadets to build a solid career foundation by mastering diverse skills, including technology, languages, and the arts. The briefing took place on Monday as part of the academy's educational programme for cadets.

Japanese Firm Invests Rp539 Billion to Build Plasma Industry

Japanese biopharmaceutical company Takeda is investing USD30 million, or approximately Rp539 billion, to establish a plasma bank network in Indonesia. The investment aims to foster technology transfer, human resource development, and strengthen the national biopharmaceutical industry. The government is targeting the first plasma bank to be operational by 2027, adhering to international standards.

Is the Fake CIA Agent Fraud Against Prabowo a Hoax?

Tempo's investigation reveals a coordinated social media campaign aimed at discrediting its report on a fraudster who posed as a CIA agent to infiltrate President Prabowo Subianto's circle. The operation, involving dozens of accounts on X and Instagram, pushed the narrative that Prabowo was never deceived by Gaurav Srivastava. Tempo's findings, however, detail a years-long relationship between Srivastava and Prabowo, including access to high-level defence meetings.

Japanese Biopharma Firm Takeda Injects IDR 539 Billion into Indonesia, Building Plasma Bank

Japanese biopharmaceutical company Takeda is investing USD 30 million to establish a national plasma bank network in Indonesia, laying the groundwork for a plasma-derived medicinal products industry. The investment, welcomed by the Ministry of Investment, is seen as a strategic move to boost technology transfer and strengthen the domestic healthcare manufacturing ecosystem. The government aims for the first plasma bank to be operational by 2027, reducing reliance on imports.

Amman Mineral Targets 16 Tonnes of Gold Production in 2026

PT Amman Mineral Nusa Tenggara (AMNT) is targeting gold production of 16 tonnes in 2026, supported by the operation of its new precious metal refinery. The company also plans to produce 162,000 tonnes of copper cathode, 45 tonnes of silver, and 91 tonnes of selenium this year. Production is expected to increase further over the next three years as mining advances to Phase 8.

Sarmuji: Pancasila Must Be Re-cultivated Through Cultural Strategy in the Digital and AI Era

Golkar Party politician M Sarmuji has called for a shift from merely memorising Pancasila to revitalising its values through Indonesia's local wisdom. Speaking at a seminar, he argued that the state ideology was unearthed from the nation's own traditions and must be nurtured using modern channels like social media and artificial intelligence. He stressed that digital platforms should be seen as tools for cultivation rather than threats.

Widespread Traffic Chaos After Crane Truck Collapses Tendean Footbridge

A pedestrian bridge on Jalan Kapten Tendean in South Jakarta collapsed after being struck by a crane truck early Tuesday morning, causing severe traffic congestion across the city throughout the day. The driver was reportedly distracted by his mobile phone and failed to account for the vehicle's height. The subsequent demolition and road closures triggered gridlock extending from Kuningan to Senopati and Gatot Subroto, with disruptions persisting into the evening rush hour.

Gus Ipul Opens First Permanent School Orientation for 'Sekolah Rakyat' in Sragen

Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf inaugurated the first student orientation at the permanent Sekolah Rakyat campus in Sragen, Central Java, marking a new academic year for 28,000 students. The minister emphasised that the programme relies on outreach rather than open registration to enrol children from underprivileged families. The event featured various student performances, including multilingual speeches and martial arts demonstrations.

Ministry Blocks 3.7 Million Online Gambling Contents Since October 2024

Indonesia's Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs has blocked 3.7 million online gambling sites and content items since October 2024. The effort, announced at an OJK forum, relies on public reports and collaboration with the financial services authority and banking sector. The ministry has also reported 38,000 suspect bank accounts to the OJK for closure.

From Dedication to Worship: PNM Sends Hundreds of Employees to the Holy Land

State-owned enterprise PT Permodalan Nasional Madani (PNM) has rewarded its top-performing employees with an umrah pilgrimage to Mecca. The programme is designed to honour dedication and foster a strong workplace culture, with one recipient expressing gratitude after 17 years of service. The initiative underscores PNM's commitment to employee welfare alongside its mission to empower millions of underprivileged women across Indonesia.

New Facts Emerge in Padang School Explosion: Police Say Perpetrator Was Victim of Bullying

Police in West Sumatra have revealed that a 17-year-old student who allegedly detonated a homemade bomb at MAN 3 Padang was a victim of prolonged bullying. The suspect, identified as R, reportedly suffered deep psychological distress due to constant mockery from peers. Authorities are now prioritising psychological recovery alongside the criminal investigation.

Bogor Regent Allows Street Vendors to Trade at Tegar Beriman Square with Conditions

Bogor Regent Rudy Susmanto has permitted street vendors to operate at Tegar Beriman Square in Cibinong during evening hours, provided they maintain cleanliness and order. The policy includes mandatory vendor registration, designated operating times, and a future requirement for traders to wear traditional Sundanese attire. The initiative aims to balance economic opportunity for residents with the upkeep of public facilities.

Police Chief's Safari to TNI and AGO Headquarters Seen as Move to Ease Inter-Agency Tensions

Analysts view National Police Chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo's visits to the TNI and Attorney General's Office as a strategic effort to reduce friction between law enforcement agencies. The visits follow the naming of a former senior prosecutor as a corruption suspect, which had raised inter-institutional tensions. The move is seen as implementing President Prabowo's directive for solidity among the nation's legal and security pillars.

Nusa Penida Set to Become Green Island as Electric Vehicles Arrive

The Klungkung Regency government has partnered with PT RVE and Bank Mandiri to transform Nusa Penida into a green island through an integrated electric vehicle ecosystem. The initiative, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding, aims to balance economic growth with environmental preservation by targeting 100 per cent renewable energy use by 2030. The collaboration includes the provision of electric vehicle fleets, charging infrastructure, and digital platforms to pioneer green mobility tourism in Indonesia.

BNPB: Clean Water Supply Reaches Six Sub-districts in Banyumas

The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has confirmed that clean water distribution is now reaching six sub-districts in Banyumas, Central Java, to combat the effects of widespread drought. The operation targets over 5,600 residents affected by reduced rainfall during the dry season. Local disaster agencies are deploying water trucks and installing storage tanks to mitigate the risk of ongoing water scarcity.

Drought Hits Six Villages in Bekasi, BPBD and PMI Distribute Hundreds of Thousands of Litres of Clean Water

Prolonged dry weather has triggered a water crisis across six villages in three sub-districts of Bekasi Regency, West Java, affecting over 2,400 families. The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) and the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) have responded by distributing 575,000 litres of clean water to 20 priority locations. Authorities warn the dry season is expected to peak in September and have urged residents to conserve water while maintaining emergency stocks for further distribution.

OJK: Banks Close 51,200 Accounts Linked to Online Gambling

Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) has revealed that banks have terminated business relationships with 51,200 customers due to transactions linked to online gambling activities up to May 2026. The regulator also reported that banks rejected 2.8 million prospective customers during the same period as part of intensified anti-money laundering measures. The crackdown, which includes blocking 32,453 accounts, reflects a significant increase in suspicious transaction reports related to gambling, which now account for over a third of all such reports.

Gridlock Spreads to Gatot Subroto as Tendean Footbridge Demolition Continues

The demolition of a damaged footbridge on Jalan Kapten Tendean in South Jakarta has triggered severe traffic congestion across the city's main thoroughfares. The knock-on effects have gridlocked Jalan Gatot Subroto heading towards Kuningan and disrupted TransJakarta bus services, with routes being shortened and diverted. Police are managing traffic flows as the removal operation, caused by an earlier collision with a truck, extends into the evening rush hour.

Construction Begins on 1,133 Permanent Homes for Padangsidimpuan Disaster Survivors

The Task Force for the Acceleration of Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (Satgas PRR) has commenced the construction of 1,133 permanent homes for flood survivors in Padangsidimpuan, North Sumatra. The project, built on 27 hectares of land, is a cross-ministerial effort to provide safe and sustainable relocation. The first phase targets the completion of 200 units by December 2026.

Indonesia to use trade as a bridge for peace amid global fragmentation

Indonesia is positioning trade as a tool for peace and cooperation rather than confrontation, according to Deputy Trade Minister Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri. Speaking at the Jakarta Geopolitical Forum, she outlined Indonesia's strategy of open economic diplomacy, market diversification, and advocating for reforms in global institutions like the WTO and IMF. The country is leveraging its middle-power status and a 'pentahelix' collaborative approach to navigate geopolitical tensions and build resilient supply chains.

Police question student suspected of assembling bomb in Padang

Police in Padang, West Sumatra, are investigating a 17-year-old student suspected of assembling an explosive device that detonated at a state Islamic senior high school. The suspect is being questioned with parental accompaniment as authorities probe his motives and methods. No fatalities were reported, though the blast caused property damage and alarmed the school community.

Southeast Sulawesi holds People's Market to help residents obtain cheap staples

The Southeast Sulawesi provincial government has organised a two-day People's Market in Kendari to provide affordable basic foodstuffs and free health checks. The event, marking the 79th National Cooperative Day, involves cooperatives, MSMEs, and the state logistics agency Bulog. It aims to deliver direct economic benefits and strengthen the role of cooperatives in supporting regional welfare.

Jakarta Fair Becomes an Educational Platform for Paylater Usage

The Jakarta Fair Kemayoran 2026 is being used by financial industry players to educate the public on the responsible use of digital financing services like paylater. This initiative comes as Indonesia's financial inclusion index reaches 80.51 percent, highlighting the growing need for consumer protection and literacy. SPayLater's participation aims to teach visitors about understanding fees, terms, and the importance of using only OJK-licensed services.

Land Fire at KM 9 Penajam Successfully Contained, No Casualties

A land fire at KM 9, Nipah-Nipah Village in Penajam Paser Utara, East Kalimantan, was swiftly brought under control on Tuesday. The rapid response by the local police and the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) prevented the blaze from spreading. No casualties or material losses were reported in the incident.

OJK Chief Confident Indonesia's Economic Fundamentals Remain Strong After S&P Affirms Rating

The head of 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 rating agency cited strong domestic demand, prudent fiscal policy, and a credible policy framework as key supports. The OJK pledged to continue strengthening the financial sector through integrated supervision and market deepening.

PT KCN Strengthens Role as Supporting Port Amid Rising Logistics Activity

PT Karya Citra Nusantara (KCN) has stepped in to alleviate container service congestion in Marunda, North Jakarta, by providing its operational area as a temporary unloading site. The move follows a mediation involving stakeholders, including drivers and authorities, to address bottlenecks caused by a surge in logistics activity at Tanjung Priok Port. The incident highlights the critical need for collaboration between logistics nodes and the role of supporting ports in maintaining supply chain fluidity.

ATR/BPN Tightens Oversight of Strategic Programmes to Ensure Public Benefit

Indonesia's Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning (ATR/BPN) is intensifying thematic supervision of key national programmes like PTSL and RDTR in the second half of the year. The move aims to ensure the large budgets allocated deliver tangible outcomes for the public and avoid scrutiny from law enforcement. Officials have urged regional heads to conduct weekly evaluations and prepare technical strategies to meet a 98 percent target by 2026.

Indonesia expands forest carbon market to boost green growth

Indonesia is expanding its forest carbon market by allowing international institutions to issue forestry carbon units, a move designed to support the nation's carbon pricing framework. The strategy includes rehabilitating 12.3 million hectares of degraded land and sustainably managing 48.9 million hectares of production and protected forests, which could generate 13.4 billion tons of carbon credits by 2050. The policy also opens carbon market participation to social forestry and Indigenous communities, aiming to create new income streams while strengthening the country's position in global carbon trading.

Expert Calls for Accelerated Integration of Halal Industry to Boost Competitiveness

An economist has urged the Indonesian government to speed up the integration of the halal industry's production, financing, and logistics to enhance global competitiveness. Despite high domestic consumption, Indonesia's halal exports remain dominated by palm oil, with processed, high-value products lagging behind. The key challenge is shifting from merely expanding halal certification to building an integrated value chain that drives value-added exports.

LPDB Koperasi Strengthens Sharia Financing Governance

Indonesia's Revolving Fund Management Agency for Cooperatives (LPDB) is enhancing its sharia financing governance by appointing supervisory consultants to ensure compliance with Islamic principles. The move aims to build partner trust and improve the quality of revolving fund distribution, which reached Rp1.74 trillion in 2025. LPDB targets Rp2.1 trillion in disbursements for 2026, with a focus on the real sector.