Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 29 July 2026

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Cambodian PM Hun Many Meets Megawati, Expresses Admiration for Indonesia's Unity

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Many expressed admiration for Indonesia's commitment to national unity under the Pancasila ideology during a meeting with Megawati Soekarnoputri. The discussion highlighted Cambodia's interest in learning from Indonesia's experience in forging a national identity amidst diversity. Both nations also explored potential cooperation, including youth exchange programmes and academic conferences, to strengthen national character.

Lampung Pursues TB Elimination by 2030

Bandarlampung has been designated a national pilot project for accelerating tuberculosis elimination by April 2026, with an estimated 5,868 cases but only 882 detected so far. The central government is focusing on active case finding among household contacts and high-risk groups to close the detection gap and break the chain of transmission. The city's 31 community health centres and 51 auxiliary centres are spearheading the effort through diagnosis, treatment, and patient support.

Minister: Transmigration Area Growth Relies on Human Resources and Technology

Transmigration Minister Muhammad Iftitah Sulaiman Suryanagara has stated that inclusive and sustainable economic growth in transmigration areas depends on superior human resources and the application of science and technology. He highlighted the government's role in facilitating collaboration with universities to address local needs. The remarks were made during a briefing for the 2026 Patriot Expedition team, which will deploy 1,476 participants to 53 transmigration areas.

President Prabowo Officially Inaugurates 1,204 IPDN Graduates as Young Civil Servants

President Prabowo Subianto inaugurated 1,204 graduates of the Institute of Domestic Governance (IPDN) as Young Civil Servants (Pamong Praja Muda) in a ceremony in Sumedang, West Java. The President personally presented awards to the top three graduates and administered the oath of office. He urged the new civil servants to serve with dedication, uphold national unity, and be role models for society.

Indonesia Imports Russian Oil via Lemigas Under Government-to-Government Scheme

Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia confirmed that the first phase of Indonesian fuel imports from Russia has been completed through a government-to-government mechanism. The government appointed Lemigas, a technical unit under the Energy Ministry, as a public service agency to handle the procurement. The move aims to secure national energy reserves and stabilise subsidised fuel prices amid global supply chain disruptions.

Rupiah Continues to Weaken to Rp 18,106 Despite Market Optimism Over Destry Damayanti's Appointment

The Indonesian rupiah continued its depreciation, trading at Rp 18,106 per US dollar on Wednesday morning, despite market optimism surrounding the appointment of Destry Damayanti as the new central bank chief. The currency's weakness follows the sudden resignation of former Governor Perry Warjiyo, which briefly triggered negative market sentiment and uncertainty. However, analysts suggest that a smooth leadership transition and the appointment of a credible successor are crucial to maintaining economic stability, with S&P Global Ratings noting the resignation does not directly impact Indonesia's sovereign rating but could increase policy risk.

Public Works Ministry Distributes Clean Water to Drought-Hit Cimahi

The Ministry of Public Works is distributing 40,000 litres of clean water weekly to residents of Leuwigajah, Cimahi, as a prolonged dry season depletes shallow groundwater sources. The area lacks access to piped water services, leaving communities reliant on emergency tanker deliveries. The ministry emphasised that ensuring basic water services is a critical part of sustainable development and climate adaptation.

Government Urged to Require Salt Importers to Absorb Local Production

Economist Muhammad Rizal Taufikurahman has called on the Indonesian government to mandate that salt importers absorb locally produced salt that meets quality standards. He argues this obligation is crucial to ensure rising imports do not undermine domestic producers, especially as the government targets salt self-sufficiency by 2027. The recommendation follows the revocation of a 2017 ministerial regulation that previously enforced such local absorption requirements.

Dozens of Stalls at Tegal Gubug Textile Market Destroyed by Fire, Suspected Electrical Short Circuit

A major fire suspected to be caused by an electrical short circuit has destroyed dozens of stalls at the Tegal Gubug textile market in Cirebon, West Java. The blaze, which started in Block III As-Syafi'iyah, spread rapidly due to strong winds and flammable building materials. Firefighters faced challenges including narrow access roads and a lack of nearby hydrants.

Beyond Just Reading

Despite high school enrolment rates in Indonesia, a deeper crisis of 'reasoning illiteracy' persists, where students can read text but fail to critically analyse it. The author argues that the education system, supported by a constitutional 20% budget allocation, has succeeded quantitatively but remains trapped in a 'banking education' model that stifles critical thinking. Low PISA scores reflect this failure, highlighting a generation vulnerable to disinformation and lacking the analytical skills necessary for true intellectual freedom.

JCI Under Pressure, Here Are the Stocks on the Radar for Today's Recommendations

The Jakarta Composite Index (JCI) weakened by 0.89% to 6,130.58 on Tuesday, pressured by large-cap stocks as markets await the outcome of the Federal Reserve's FOMC meeting. Six of the eleven sectoral indices fell into the red, with property and healthcare experiencing the deepest corrections. Amid the sideways movement, technical analysis suggests stocks like ADMR are on the radar with a 'Buy on Weakness' strategy for Wednesday's trading session.

Chronic Financial Stress Linked to Brain Shrinkage and Dementia Risk, Study Finds

A new study from University College London reveals that prolonged financial hardship can accelerate brain ageing, leading to reduced cognitive function and a higher risk of dementia. Researchers found that individuals facing persistent economic difficulties from early to mid-adulthood performed worse on cognitive tests at age 53 and showed significant brain atrophy by age 71. The findings suggest that the chronic stress of financial strain may deplete mental capacity over time.

IDX Monitors Four Stocks for Unusual Market Activity, One Surges 185% in a Month

The Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) is scrutinising four listed companies due to unusual market activity (UMA) in their share transactions. The stocks under watch include PT Estika Tata Tiara Tbk (BEEF), which saw a 185% monthly surge, alongside PT Puri Sentul Permai Tbk (KDTN), PT Saranacentral Bajatama Tbk (BAJA), and PT Bintang Samudera Mandiri Lines Tbk (BSML). The exchange emphasised that the UMA announcement is a standard procedure to protect investors and does not necessarily indicate a violation of capital market regulations.

Alleged Chicken Thief Wielded Weapon, Threatened Murder Before Fatal Mob Attack

An alleged chicken thief in Bali reportedly brandished a sharp weapon and threatened to kill the owner before being beaten to death by a mob. Five residents of Batunya Village, Tabanan, have been named suspects in the fatal assault, which occurred after a traditional emergency signal was sounded. Bali Governor Wayan Koster plans to meet village leaders to prevent future vigilante actions, while police continue to gather evidence in the case.

BI maintains stability to support sustainable economic growth

Bank Indonesia is reinforcing rupiah exchange rate stabilisation amid high global uncertainty to support inflation targets and economic activity. The central bank is optimising its monetary policy mix, including triple intervention in the foreign exchange market and instruments like SRBI, to attract foreign capital flows. It is also strengthening macroprudential liquidity incentives and accelerating payment system digitalisation to bolster sustainable growth.

Police Officer Who Robbed Gold Shop in South Aceh Dismissed

The Aceh Regional Police have dishonourably discharged an officer, Briptu MZ, for robbing a gold shop in South Aceh. The decision was made after an ethics commission found him guilty of committing a disgraceful act. The officer, who used his service firearm during the robbery, accepted the verdict and did not appeal.

Enjoying Jakarta from Atop a Bus: How the DKI Provincial Government is Reviving City Tourism

The Jakarta provincial government has launched a new Open Top Tour bus route, 'Jakarta Batavia', connecting Sarinah to Kota Tua to boost historical tourism. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to extend tourist stays and stimulate economic activity for local businesses along the route. A trial for a premium 'Open Dining' bus service, combining city tours with fine dining, has also commenced ahead of a public launch in August 2026.

Samota SEZ in Sumbawa Poised to Become New Investment Magnet for Eastern Indonesia Tourism

The Indonesian government is evaluating the proposed Samota Special Economic Zone in West Nusa Tenggara as a potential new hub for tourism and the blue economy. Officials stress that the zone's success hinges on a robust investment ecosystem, including land certainty, infrastructure, and committed investors. The initiative aims to create quality jobs and drive long-term economic growth in eastern Indonesia.

Antam Gold Price Drops Rp12,000 to Rp2.601 Million per Gram on Wednesday

The price of gold bullion produced by state miner PT Aneka Tambang (Antam) fell by Rp12,000 to Rp2.601 million per gram on Wednesday morning. The buyback price also declined to Rp2.346 million per gram. Transactions are subject to applicable taxes, including a 1.5 per cent income tax on buybacks exceeding Rp10 million.

Purbaya Confirms Danantara Has No Voting Rights in KSSK

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has clarified that the Danantara investment body will only provide input to the Financial System Stability Committee (KSSK) and will not have voting rights. The move aims to incorporate real-world business perspectives into economic decision-making, ensuring policies are not solely driven by monetary and fiscal data. CEO Rosan Roeslani stated that Danantara's involvement is intended to make KSSK decisions more impactful for national economic growth.

US deploys 21 ships to Middle East in support of military operations

The United States has deployed more than 20 vessels to the Middle East to support ongoing military operations, including the enforcement of a naval blockade against Iran. The deployment follows a breakdown in a June ceasefire understanding, with both sides exchanging attacks since early July. The escalation has led to the collapse of the truce agreement, according to former US President Donald Trump.

DPR Invites Home Affairs Minister and Regional Heads for Recess Talks on Regional Fiscal Issues

The House of Representatives (DPR) will convene a hearing with the Home Affairs Minister and regional heads during the recess period to address pressing regional fiscal problems. The meeting aims to categorise regions by their fiscal urgency and formulate a relaxation of the Transfer to Regions (TKD) policy. Approximately 39 districts and cities have been identified as requiring central government budget assistance, particularly to cover civil servant and contract worker salaries.

Trimegah Strengthens Digital Investment Ecosystem, Trima+ Now Features Bond and IPO Transactions

PT Trimegah Sekuritas Indonesia Tbk has upgraded its Trima+ digital investment platform to include corporate and government bond trading, as well as IPO access. The move positions Trimegah as the first Indonesian securities firm to offer online corporate bond IPO purchases via an app. The update aims to meet growing investor demand for integrated, real-time access to diverse instruments and market data.

Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo Confirms All Indonesian Citizens Safe After M7.1 Earthquake in Japan

The Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo has confirmed that no Indonesian citizens were affected by the magnitude 7.1 earthquake that struck Kumamoto, Kyushu, Japan. The quake caused significant damage, including five fatalities and widespread power outages, but all Indonesian nationals in the region are reported safe. The embassy continues to monitor the situation and coordinate with local community leaders.

Rupiah Opens Weaker, US Dollar Touches Rp18,100 This Morning

The Indonesian rupiah opened weaker against the US dollar on Wednesday, depreciating 0.25% to touch the psychological level of Rp18,100. Market caution ahead of the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision and ongoing Middle East tensions are influencing the currency's movement. Bank Indonesia has reiterated its commitment to stabilising the rupiah through triple intervention and other monetary instruments.

Jakarta Mobile Samsat Locations and Schedule for Wednesday, 29 July 2026

The Jakarta Metro Police's Traffic Directorate is operating mobile Samsat (vehicle tax) services across 14 locations in the Greater Jakarta area today. The service allows residents to conveniently pay their annual vehicle tax, while the police also remind the public that five-year registration renewals and plate changes must be completed at main Samsat offices. Taxpayers can alternatively use the national SIGNAL app for online payments, provided their vehicle tax is not more than one year in arrears.

Over 31,000 Students in Karangasem Undergo Free Health Screening for Early Disease Detection

A total of 31,953 students in Karangasem, Bali, have participated in the Free Health Screening (CKG) programme, representing 38.87% of the target. The initiative aims to detect disease risk factors early, with findings showing primary school children lack physical activity, while senior high school students exhibit elevated blood pressure. Health officials are urging parental support to complete screenings before August 2026 to combat the shift of serious illnesses towards younger age groups.

China Confident Indonesia Will Protect Chinese Company Investments

China's Foreign Ministry has expressed confidence that Indonesia remains committed to safeguarding Chinese investments, dismissing suggestions that recent Indonesian remarks about foreign exploitation of natural resources were aimed at Beijing. A spokesperson described Indonesia as an important friend and partner, highlighting the proven mutual benefits of bilateral trade and investment cooperation. The ministry also stated it sees a promising future for economic relations and believes Indonesia maintains a conducive environment for Chinese businesses.

Makassar City Government and Manpower Ministry Strengthen Entrepreneurial Opportunities for People with Disabilities

The Makassar City Government, in collaboration with the Ministry of Manpower, is launching an entrepreneurship training programme for 50 people with disabilities. The initiative aims to enhance skills, foster independence, and create business opportunities as part of an inclusive development strategy. Officials emphasised that the programme reflects a commitment to ensuring equal economic opportunities for all citizens, particularly vulnerable groups.

Agriculture Minister and National Nutrition Agency Head Strengthen Agricultural Absorption for Free Nutritious Meals Programme

Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman and newly appointed National Nutrition Agency (BGN) Head Sudaryono have pledged to deepen collaboration to ensure the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme absorbs national agricultural output. The synergy aims to secure a stable market for farmers' produce while supporting the government's priority initiative. Sudaryono, the former Deputy Agriculture Minister, described the programme as a key off-taker for domestic commodities that will boost farmer welfare.

President Prabowo Inaugurates 1,204 IPDN Graduates, Leads Pledge Ceremony

President Prabowo Subianto inaugurated 1,204 new civil servants from the Institute of Domestic Governance (IPDN) Class of 2026 in Sumedang, West Java. During the ceremony, he personally led the recitation of the civil service pledge and presented awards to the top ten graduates. The event marked the graduation of a total of 1,404 students across various academic programmes.

IHSG Opens Higher, Poised for Rebound Amid Weak Asian Markets and Mixed Wall Street

The Jakarta Composite Index (IHSG) opened slightly higher on Wednesday, with analysts predicting a technical rebound despite significant losses across Asian markets. The regional downturn was driven by a sell-off in chip-related stocks following news that China has begun producing its own immersion DUV lithography machines, challenging ASML's dominance. Meanwhile, Wall Street closed mixed as gains in Boeing and Coca-Cola offset declines in the technology sector.

IHSG Opens Higher by 0.17% Ahead of Fed Decision

The Jakarta Composite Index (IHSG) opened slightly higher on Wednesday as markets adopted a wait-and-see approach ahead of the US Federal Reserve's interest rate decision. Strong first-half earnings from major Indonesian banks provided a domestic catalyst, while geopolitical tensions in the Middle East pushed oil prices higher.

Political roundup: Hotman meets PWI, TNI sharpens bomb disposal skills

A series of political events unfolded on 28 July, including a meeting between lawyer Hotman Paris Hutapea and the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) chairman facilitated by a senior politician. Separately, the government urged regional heads facing salary payment difficulties not to resort to layoffs, while Indonesian Air Force personnel conducted bomb disposal training in the United States.

A Look at the Omoda O4's Arrival in Indonesia

Omoda & Jaecoo has previewed its new Omoda O4 electric vehicle in Indonesia, featuring a futuristic 'Cyber Mecha Design' and an AI-powered cockpit. The battery electric vehicle boasts a range of up to 553 kilometres and supports fast charging. The launch in Indonesia marks the initial step in the model's global expansion, with sales planned for Southeast Asia and the Middle East in late 2026.

Swift Response: West Java Provincial and Sukabumi Regency Governments Handle Fire Affecting 51 Homes in Cisolok

A massive fire, exacerbated by extreme temperatures and drought, destroyed 51 homes and several public facilities in Cisolok, Sukabumi Regency. The West Java Provincial Government and Sukabumi Regency Government have established an emergency response post and are coordinating relief efforts for the 159 displaced residents. No casualties were reported, but authorities are focusing on providing basic necessities and assessing the full extent of the damage.

UN Chief and Cypriot President Discuss Resumption of Negotiations

UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides have held talks on restarting negotiations over the Cyprus issue. The Cypriot government expressed hope that talks could resume before Guterres' term ends in early 2027, while accusing Turkey of disregarding international law. A joint meeting involving Guterres, Christodoulides, and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman is scheduled for Wednesday.

PIHPS: Bird's Eye Chilli at Rp54,350/kg, Chicken Eggs at Rp29,600/kg

The National Strategic Food Price Information Centre (PIHPS), managed by Bank Indonesia, has released its latest retail price data for key food commodities. Bird's eye chilli prices remain elevated at Rp54,350 per kilogramme, while chicken eggs are recorded at Rp29,600 per kilogramme. The data provides a snapshot of current food inflation pressures across the archipelago.

Social Affairs Minister Assures PT Pos Role Unaffected by Village Cooperative Aid Distribution Trial

Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf confirmed that the trial distribution of social assistance through Village Cooperatives (KDMP) will not replace the existing role of PT Pos. The pilot project, involving 900 locations, aims to bring access closer to beneficiaries in villages, while PT Pos will continue to deliver aid directly to recipients in remote 3T regions and those with special needs. The current regulatory mechanism remains unchanged, with state-owned banks (Himbara) acting as agents within the cooperatives.

BMKG: Weather Modification Operations Can Increase Rainfall by 40 Percent to Prevent Forest Fires

Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) reports that Weather Modification Operations (OMC) can boost rainfall by 30 to 40 percent in targeted areas. The technique is being used as a key strategy to mitigate forest and land fires during the El Niño-influenced dry season. The operations are specifically deployed based on groundwater level data to keep peatlands saturated and prevent them from igniting.

Khofifah and PPPA Minister Strengthen Child Protection in East Java's Digital Space

East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa and Minister of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Arifatul Choiri Fauzi have launched the 'Perisai Anak' movement to bolster child protection in the digital realm. The initiative focuses on preventive education, regulatory strengthening, and cross-sector collaboration to create a safe online ecosystem. It aims to combat cyberbullying, online sexual exploitation, and other digital threats facing children in the province.

Indo Livestock 2027 Officially Launched, Ministry of Agriculture Pushes Global Collaboration to Accelerate Investment and Downstreaming

Indonesia's Ministry of Agriculture has officially launched Indo Livestock 2027 Expo & Forum, scheduled for July 2027 in Surabaya, as a strategic platform to attract investment and accelerate the downstream processing of the livestock sector. The event aims to bring together government, businesses, academics, and international partners to modernise the industry and boost the competitiveness of Indonesian animal products. Organisers are targeting participation from 300 companies and 30 countries, building on the momentum of the previous year's event which drew over 20,000 visitors.

US-Iran War Escalates in Middle East, Iraqi Drones Attack Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia's air defence systems intercepted drones launched from Iraq targeting oil facilities in the Eastern Province, marking the second such attack in two days. The incident heightens regional tensions as Iraq's prime minister ordered an investigation, vowing not to allow its territory to be used for attacks on neighbours. The strikes occurred amid ongoing US-Iran hostilities and parallel diplomatic talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia over the Strait of Hormuz.

President Prabowo to Inaugurate 1,204 Civil Service Cadets

President Prabowo Subianto is scheduled to swear in 1,204 graduates of the Institute of Domestic Governance (IPDN) in Sumedang, West Java. The new civil servants will be deployed across central and regional governments, including underdeveloped and frontier regions. The ceremony underscores the government's commitment to bureaucratic reform and strengthening public service delivery.

Coordinating Minister Muhaimin Strengthens Indonesia-Japan Labour Cooperation

Coordinating Minister Abdul Muhaimin Iskandar has held bilateral talks with Japan's Justice Minister to enhance labour cooperation and improve the quality of Indonesian human resources in the global market. The discussions focused on finalising the Employment Skill Development Programme and extending the Specified Skilled Worker scheme, with Indonesia seeking clearer transition pathways for its workers. Jakarta also proposed a visa fee facilitation scheme and the expansion of competency test centres to ensure better protection and access for Indonesian migrant workers.

House Deputy Speaker Confident Jakarta Police Can Solve Mysterious Death of Sutrimo

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives' Commission III, Ahmad Sahroni, has expressed confidence in the Jakarta Metropolitan Police's ability to investigate the mysterious death of a man named Sutrimo. The victim was found dead in front of a beauty clinic in South Jakarta, and the cause of death remains unknown. Police are conducting a thorough investigation, including revisiting the crime scene, to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.

JCI Remains Volatile, These Stocks Are Worth Watching

The Jakarta Composite Index (JCI) continued its volatile trend, closing lower on Tuesday, though several stocks showed resilience. Amid the broader market pressure, corporate earnings reports for the first half of 2026 from companies like ESSA Industries, Indosat, and Samator Indo Gas revealed significant profit growth, prompting analysts to highlight specific stock recommendations.

Witnessing the creativity of Sekolah Rakyat students in JFC

Fifteen students from the government-backed Sekolah Rakyat Terintegrasi 6 Jember are participating in the prestigious Jember Fashion Carnaval (JFC) 2026, contributing to the creation of spectacular costumes from recycled materials. The initiative serves as a co-curricular activity aimed at building confidence and essential skills for children from underprivileged families. Their involvement highlights the school's commitment to providing creative and industry-relevant learning experiences beyond the classroom.

Indonesia's Data Centre Market Fastest Growing in Asia

Indonesia is cementing its position as one of the fastest-growing data centre markets in Southeast Asia, driven by rapid digitalisation and significant hyperscaler investment. Operational capacity currently stands at 468MW, with a further 1,957MW projected to come online by 2030. The market is also underpinned by a 4.5GW land bank, ensuring a robust foundation for long-term expansion.

Aceh Enters Disaster Reconstruction Phase with Rp58.9 Trillion Allocated

Aceh is transitioning from emergency recovery to a three-year rehabilitation and reconstruction phase starting 1 August 2026, backed by a Rp58.9 trillion master plan. The decision follows the end of the ecological disaster emergency status, which affected over 2.5 million people and caused 562 deaths. Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian has approved the plan but stressed the need for transparent budget management and flexibility for regions still facing emergency conditions.