Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 30 July 2026

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Indonesia strengthens villages against human trafficking

The Indonesian government is intensifying efforts to combat human trafficking by empowering villages through prevention and economic development programmes. The Village Ministry is collaborating with other agencies to educate communities and ensure safe, legal migration procedures for residents seeking work abroad. These initiatives align with President Prabowo Subianto's vision to make villages central to national development and reduce economic pressures that drive unsafe migration.

Deputy Minister for National Development Planning Reaffirms Commitment to Accelerating Papua's Development

Deputy Minister Febrian Alphyanto Ruddyard has pledged more intensive assistance for local governments across Papua to align regional programmes with national development priorities. The commitment includes forming an optimisation team to help resolve implementation obstacles without overriding local authority. He stressed that every rupiah of development funding, including special autonomy funds, must be managed accountably to address persistent challenges in health, education, and basic infrastructure.

Steel Architectural Awards ASEAN 2026 Advances Design Excellence Through Regional Collaboration

The Steel Architectural Awards ASEAN 2026, organised by NS BlueScope, has expanded its regional partnerships to promote innovation and sustainability in architecture using coated steel. The competition invites architects from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam to submit projects under the theme 'Timeless Design with Coated Steel', with winners gaining international exposure and a learning visit to Australia. The programme underscores the role of durable materials in creating climate-responsive buildings and strengthens professional collaboration across the ASEAN design community.

Albania Seeks Skilled Workers from Indonesia

Indonesia and Albania have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cooperation on the placement and protection of Indonesian migrant workers. The agreement, signed in Jakarta, aims to facilitate the deployment of skilled and professional Indonesian workers to the European nation. This initiative aligns with Indonesia's policy shift towards sending higher-skilled workers abroad and follows a previous state visit by President Prabowo Subianto.

Prabowo sets one-year deadline to clean up Indonesia's waste problem

President Prabowo Subianto has announced an ambitious one-year target to resolve Indonesia's waste crisis, demanding that all rivers and waterways be cleared. He emphasised that environmental cleanliness and forest protection are essential for boosting the national tourism sector. The President also called on regional leaders to preserve nature and prevent illegal logging, even suggesting the planting of hundreds of millions of new trees.

KPK Staffer Leaks Case Info to Father, Used to Extort Pemalang Regent

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has named one of its own administrative staff, Setya Budi Dias Oktavianto, as a suspect for leaking case information. The leaked details were used by his father, Lilik Budi Suprianto, to extort Pemalang Regent Anom Widiyantoro by promising to resolve the regent's legal troubles. The KPK has confirmed that the staffer will face criminal proceedings and potential ethical sanctions from its Supervisory Board.

Riau Police Chief Distributes Ketinting Boat Engines to Inhil Fishermen in Merah Putih Expedition

Riau Police Chief Inspector General Herry Heryawan has distributed 20 ketinting boat engines to fishermen in Concong District, Indragiri Hilir Regency, as part of the 'Ekspedisi Merah Putih Presisi' programme. The initiative, which runs until 17 August 2026 to mark Indonesia's 81st Independence Day, aims to demonstrate the police force's presence and support for communities in the outermost, disadvantaged, and frontier (3T) regions. The programme also includes dialogue sessions, mangrove planting to prevent coastal abrasion, and collaboration with students and environmental activists across 17 locations in Riau Province.

President Prabowo Calls for 'Gentengisasi' to Replace Zinc Roofs, Boost Health and Aesthetics

President Prabowo Subianto has launched a national programme called 'gentengisasi' to replace corrugated zinc and asbestos roofs with traditional clay tiles. He argued that zinc roofs rust and pose health risks, while also detracting from Indonesia's aesthetic appeal, which is crucial for tourism. The President also urged regional leaders to prioritise environmental cleanliness and the maintenance of public buildings.

President Prabowo Pushes for Roof Tile Replacement Programme, Citing Health and Aesthetics

President Prabowo Subianto has urged Indonesians to replace corrugated iron and asbestos roofing with traditional clay tiles, citing both public health risks and the need to improve the nation's aesthetic appeal for tourism. Speaking in Semarang, he linked the use of metal and asbestos roofing to respiratory diseases, including lung cancer in non-smokers. The initiative forms part of a broader directive for regional leaders to enhance environmental cleanliness and urban beauty.

Blood Dripping to Lower Floor Reveals Woman's Body in West Jakarta Boarding House

The body of a woman was discovered in a boarding house in Grogol Petamburan, West Jakarta, after a witness noticed blood dripping from the upper floor. Police are investigating the cause of death, which involved a head injury, and are awaiting autopsy results while searching for the victim's husband.

Bekasi Regency DPRD Member Named Suspect in Assault Case

Police have named a member of the Bekasi Regency Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD) and two others as suspects in an assault that occurred at a restaurant in South Cikarang last October. The case file has been declared complete and handed over to prosecutors, with the police emphasising their commitment to impartial law enforcement. The victim reported being beaten by a group after questioning why the council member's driver was staring at him.

KY Says Two Bribery-Convicted Judges in Central Java to Still Receive Pensions After Dismissal

The Judicial Commission (KY) has revealed that two Central Java High Court judges found guilty of accepting bribes will be dishonourably discharged but will retain their pension rights. The rulings were made during a series of seven Honour Council of Judges (MKH) sessions held in the first half of 2026. Other judges faced sanctions ranging from permanent dismissal to non-judicial roles for offences including bribery, child abandonment, adultery, and assault.

Police Arrest Three ATM Skimming Suspects at Pamulang Hospital

Police in South Tangerang have arrested three men suspected of tampering with cash machines at a hospital in Pamulang. The suspects allegedly jammed the card slots of three ATMs to disrupt transactions and facilitate theft. Authorities are investigating their roles and possible involvement in similar crimes.

Deputy Minister: 2026 Patriot Expedition to Strengthen Commodity Governance in 53 Transmigration Areas

The Indonesian Ministry of Transmigration is deploying 1,476 academics and graduates to 53 transmigration areas in 2026 to enhance the governance of key commodities like coffee, cocoa, and durian. The Patriot Expedition aims to build on previous research by implementing technical innovations and creating integrated management systems from cultivation to market access. The initiative is projected to significantly boost economic productivity and potentially generate up to Rp120 trillion in new export value annually.

Complete: The Number and Value of Danantara Shares in 52 State-Owned Enterprises

The Indonesian government has transferred its Series B and/or C shares in 52 state-owned enterprises to the Danantara operational holding company, with the total value reaching Rp1,030.28 trillion. The largest transfers involved energy and infrastructure giants Pertamina, PLN, and Hutama Karya. This move consolidates state assets under the newly launched investment management body while the government retains special rights through Series A Dwiwarna shares.

Central Lombok Chief Prosecutor Putri Ayu Wulandari Transferred to Kulon Progo

The Chief Prosecutor of Central Lombok, Putri Ayu Wulandari, has been transferred to Kulon Progo, Yogyakarta, following a decree from the Attorney General's Office. During her tenure, she led the office to be named the best in West Nusa Tenggara in 2025 and strengthened restorative justice programmes. Her successor, Bayu Novrian Dinata, is expected to continue these initiatives and enhance cooperation with local government and law enforcement agencies.

Zionists Who Hate Jews: Book Argues Ideology Has Long Harmed the People It Claims to Protect

A new book by Joss Sheldon argues that Zionism has historically denigrated and harmed Jewish people, challenging the premise that the ideology serves their interests. The work cites prominent historians to claim that Zionist leaders often held antisemitic views and allied with antisemites. It contends that Zionism and antisemitism have operated in tandem, with the denigration of diaspora Jews used to fuel the project for a 'Jewish state'.

Following Malaysia's Lead, Hospitals Accelerate Robotic Surgery Adoption

Indonesia's Ministry of Health is pushing for the rapid adoption of robotic surgery to improve medical precision, as the country lags behind regional neighbours like Malaysia. Hospital executives acknowledge the urgent need to address rising metabolic and malignant diseases but cite high investment costs as a major barrier. The discussion highlights the government's broader digital transformation strategy for healthcare services.

Regent Speaks Out as Drought Grips Gunungkidul

Gunungkidul Regent Endah Subekti Kuntariningsih has ordered the acceleration of clean water distribution as drought intensifies across the region. The local government is deploying funds from sub-district budgets, the disaster mitigation agency, and unexpected expenditure reserves to prevent delays in the response. Officials are also partnering with Baznas to install 5,000-litre water storage tanks at critical points to ease access for affected residents.

Gunungkidul Government Prepares 5,000 Litre Water Tanks to Combat Drought

The Gunungkidul Regency Government is accelerating the distribution of clean water to drought-stricken areas by deploying 5,000-litre communal water tanks. Bupati Endah Subekti Kuntariningsih stated that funding is being sourced from sub-district budgets, the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), and the Unexpected Expenditure (BTT) fund to ensure rapid response. The initiative aims to provide accessible water storage for residents who lack their own facilities, as the current dry season is proving more severe and prolonged than the previous year.

Industry Minister: Investment competition now between regions, not countries

Indonesia's Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita has highlighted a shift in global investment competition from the national to the regional level, where industrial estates compete directly against each other. He stressed that the speed of transforming investment commitments into production and business certainty are now the primary factors for global firms. The minister urged Indonesian industrial estates to become 'investment enablers' by integrating supply chains, providing renewable energy, and ensuring fast, certain permitting to meet the demands of export markets.

Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture and Farmers: Nicotine Threshold Discourse Not Yet a Priority

Indonesian tobacco farmers have staged a protest against a proposed regulation to limit nicotine and tar levels, which they argue would devastate their livelihoods. The Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture (Kemenko PMK) has responded by stating that the policy is still in the early public testing phase and will not be implemented in the near future. The ministry pledged to seek a balanced solution that considers public health, economic sustainability, and the welfare of the 2.5 million tobacco farmers.

Pemalang Regent Caught in KPK Sting, Central Java Golkar: This is an Introspection for Us

The Central Java Golkar Party will consult with its central board regarding legal aid for Pemalang Regent Anom Widyantoro after he was caught in a Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) sting operation. The party admitted it is still awaiting official details on the alleged corruption and gratification related to projects and position trading in Pemalang Regency. The party chairman stated the incident serves as a moment of introspection for the party.

Japan Says Legok Nangka WtE Plant Will Be Model for Modern Waste Processing in Indonesia

Japan's Chargé d'Affaires ad interim, Myochin Mitsuru, has expressed confidence that the Legok Nangka Waste-to-Energy (WtE) project in West Bandung will serve as a benchmark for modern, technology-driven waste management across Indonesia. The project, which has completed key stages including the Power Purchase Agreement, is expected to begin construction this year. It is seen as a significant international collaboration involving Japanese and Dutch investors, aimed at solving waste issues while generating electricity and creating local employment.

Prabowo Attends Mass Mortgage Contract Signing for 62,000 FLPP Homes in Batang, Central Java

President Prabowo Subianto witnessed the mass contract signing for 62,000 home mortgages under the Housing Financing Liquidity Facility (FLPP) scheme in Batang, Central Java. The event, part of the government's Three Million Homes Programme, aims to expand access to affordable housing for low-income communities. As of July 2026, over 107,000 low-income families have benefited from the FLPP scheme, with an occupancy rate exceeding 93%.

Clean Water Crisis in Tangerang Expands to 12 Sub-Districts, Affecting 8,135 Families

The clean water crisis in Tangerang Regency, Banten, has expanded to 12 sub-districts, impacting 8,135 families across 31 villages. The local disaster mitigation agency (BPBD) is coordinating with the regional water company and the Indonesian Red Cross to distribute aid. Authorities are also considering proposing weather modification operations if the drought worsens.

Jordan Shoots Down Five Iranian Missiles Following Massive US Strikes

Jordanian air defences intercepted five missiles launched from Iran on Thursday morning, hours after the United States military announced a large-scale wave of strikes against Iranian targets. The US strikes, which hit dozens of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps sites, were a response to an earlier Iranian missile attack on an American base in Jordan. Tehran has condemned the joint US-Saudi strikes in Iraq as a blatant violation of sovereignty and an attempt to widen the regional conflict.

Sociologist Says Melukat Trend Driven by Urban Society's Need for Healing

A sociologist from IPB University has attributed the rising popularity of the Balinese purification ritual 'melukat' among young people to a convergence of modern psychological needs, social media dynamics, and the wellness tourism industry. Dr Ivanovich Agusta noted a shift from conventional consumerism towards holistic health approaches, with urbanites seeking catharsis from high-pressure lifestyles. The trend is amplified by celebrities sharing their experiences, transforming a local religious practice into a widely sought-after, inclusive spiritual experience.

West Java Governor Declares War on Thuggery at Legok Nangka Waste-to-Energy Project

West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi has ordered a 24-hour security detail for the Legok Nangka waste processing site, vowing to eliminate illegal levies and thuggery that could disrupt the strategic project. The governor warned that allowing people to profit without working sets a dangerous precedent. The facility is a key part of the province's emergency waste management strategy and is projected to generate up to 40.79 megawatts of electricity using high-temperature incinerator technology.

Texas Oil Tycoon Plans Rp80 Trillion Refinery to Bypass Iran Blockade

A Texas oil magnate is spearheading a US$5 billion refinery project in the Gulf of Oman to circumvent Iranian blockades of the Strait of Hormuz. The facility, backed by Middle Eastern investment funds, aims to secure crude exports for GCC members and stabilise global energy supply chains. The plan emerges amid heightened regional tensions and military escalations that have disrupted vital shipping lanes.

Top Indonesian Polling Firm Indikator Clarifies: No July 2026 National Survey Release

Indikator Politik Indonesia has formally denied releasing any national survey for July 2026, following the circulation of unauthorised polling figures. The firm's director emphasised that official results are only published through its verified channels, prompting one financial news outlet to retract related articles. The incident underscores the sensitivity of political polling data and the importance of strict release protocols in Indonesia's public discourse.

Heavy Equipment Giant United Tractors Plunges 48% as Quota Cuts and Mining Halts Drag Profit

PT United Tractors Tbk, Indonesia's largest heavy equipment distributor, reported a 48% drop in underlying net profit for the first half of 2026, driven by national coal production quota cuts and a temporary halt at its Martabe gold mine. The revenue decline was partially offset by foreign exchange gains in its mining contracting division, while the company's balance sheet swung to a net debt position following acquisitions and a share buyback programme. The results highlight the significant operational risks facing mining conglomerates from tighter government regulatory approvals.

Judicial Commission Finds Alleged Ethics Violations by Judges in Andrie Yunus and Nadiem Cases

Indonesia's Judicial Commission (KY) has identified suspected ethical breaches by judges handling the separate cases of Andrie Yunus and Nadiem Makarim. The commission is actively monitoring both cases and has received public complaints, with the Nadiem Makarim report alone citing 12 alleged violation points. Further investigation and clarification from involved parties will be conducted to substantiate the claims.

Salary Hike Fails to Curb Ethical Violations by Judges, KY Strengthens Oversight

The Judicial Commission (KY) has acknowledged that increased salaries and benefits have not fully curbed ethical violations among judges. Despite receiving 1,402 public reports in the first half of 2026, only 88 were formally registered for investigation after verification. The KY is now strengthening oversight by actively monitoring court proceedings to prevent misconduct.

Baznas Distributes 48,000 Litres of Clean Water to Drought-Hit Pandeglang

The National Amil Zakat Agency (Baznas) has distributed 48,000 litres of clean water to 250 families in Pandeglang, Banten, as part of a rapid response to the ongoing drought. The aid aims to prevent the emergence of new mustahik (zakat recipients) due to water scarcity and to support the region, which is also a key food production area. Baznas plans to expand the distribution across 34 provinces and implement long-term solutions such as boreholes and piped water systems.

Leaders Who Know the Button

The appointment of 41-year-old Sudaryono as head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) highlights a shift towards human-centred digital governance in Indonesia. His immediate push for a transparent system allowing parents to track their children's free nutritious meals underscores that bureaucratic complexity often masks simple technological solutions. The core issue is not technical sophistication but leadership with the digital imagination to turn stored data into accessible public service.

South Jakarta Hopes Genre Ambassadors Can Educate on Family Planning

The South Jakarta city administration has appointed new Generation Berencana (Genre) ambassadors for 2026, tasking them with educating local teenagers on family life planning. The initiative, supported by the DKI Jakarta Child Protection Agency, aims to increase youth participation in the programme and promote healthy, productive lifestyles. The winners emerged from a two-month selection and quarantine process involving 30 finalists.

Ministry of Forestry Makes West Kalimantan a Pilot for National Peatland Fire Risk Mapping

The Ministry of Forestry has designated West Kalimantan as a pilot province for developing a new, more accurate peatland fire risk map. The initiative, conducted with BRIN and Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara, employs updated modelling tailored to specific ecosystem characteristics. The resulting map aims to provide a scientific basis for strengthening fire prevention policies, particularly as West Kalimantan accounted for 27 per cent of the national burned area in early 2026.

OJK Reveals 7 Investment Managers to Participate in Gold ETF Launch on 10 August

Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) has announced that between five and seven investment managers will take part in the initial launch of gold Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) on 10 August 2026. The launch is set to coincide with the 49th anniversary of the Indonesian capital market. The regulator emphasised that the issuance process will prioritise regulatory compliance and investor protection.

Prabowo Orders KAI and Transport Minister to Build Railway Lines in Sumatra and Kalimantan

President Prabowo Subianto has directed state railway company PT KAI and the Ministry of Transportation to develop the Trans-Sumatra railway and continue the Trans-Kalimantan project. Speaking at the inauguration of Semarang Tawang Station's renovation, he urged simultaneous construction to connect both islands. The President emphasised the need for ambitious national development and a broad vision for Indonesia's railway expansion.

AGO Examines Tycoons Tan Kian and Ferry Hongkiriwang in Money Laundering Case

The Attorney General's Office has questioned businessmen Tan Kian and Ferry Hongkiriwang as witnesses in a money laundering investigation involving former junior attorney general for special crimes, Febrie Adriansyah. The probe is linked to a new investigation order following the receipt of evidence including 74 kilograms of gold and hundreds of billions of rupiah in foreign currency from the police. The case is part of a broader series of investigations into corruption and money laundering at state-owned enterprises.

Prabowo Tasks Transport Minister and KAI Chief to Build Lampung-Aceh Railway

President Prabowo Subianto has directed the Minister of Transportation and the head of state railway firm KAI to expedite the Trans Sumatra Railway, a national strategic project linking Bakauheni to Aceh. The directive was issued during the inauguration of the revitalised Semarang Tawang Station. Prabowo also expressed his desire for the simultaneous commencement of the Trans Kalimantan railway network.

BTN Boss Promises Mortgage Disbursement Within 5 Days

State-owned Bank Tabungan Negara (BTN) is accelerating its mortgage (KPR) disbursement process, pledging funds can be released in as little as three to five days through digital transformation. The initiative supports the government's Three Million Houses programme, with BTN aiming to finance 300,000 to 350,000 units while addressing supply-side challenges and offering competitive rates.

Prabowo Pushes for Major KAI Investment: 'I Hear Thousands of Kilometres of Track Remain'

President Prabowo Subianto has called for massive investment in Indonesia's railway sector, framing it as an instrument of economic democratisation and public service. He instructed state-owned railway operator PT KAI to build thousands of kilometres of new track and improve level crossing safety. The president also tasked the transport ministry and KAI with ambitious projects including the Trans-Sumatra and Trans-Kalimantan railways.

House Member Deddy Sitorus Faces Police Report for Calling Journalists a 'Circus Gang'

The Parliamentary Journalists' Coordinator (KWP) has threatened to report House of Representatives (DPR) member Deddy Sitorus to the police and the House Ethics Council after he allegedly referred to journalists covering a meeting as a 'circus gang'. Sitorus claims his remark was taken out of context and was directed at the crowded conditions in the meeting room, not the journalists themselves. The KWP has given him 24 hours to issue a public apology before pursuing legal action.

Food Safety Begins with a Healthy Environment

Indonesia's Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) has stressed that food safety is fundamentally dependent on environmental health, from water quality to raw material sourcing. The agency highlighted that industry compliance with good manufacturing practices must be paired with genuine environmental stewardship to ensure safe, high-quality food. The issue was raised at a key industry event in Jakarta, where cross-sector collaboration was identified as essential for building a secure food ecosystem.

Medan Sub-District Head Denies Saying 'Bah', Claims 'It Was Probably the Wind'

A sub-district head in Medan, Syerly, has clarified a viral video in which she appeared to mock a resident's complaint about street lighting. She insists her remark 'Cie curhat' was a spontaneous, light-hearted comment and denies uttering the dismissive word 'Bah', attributing the sound to coastal winds. The incident occurred during a visit by the Mayor of Medan to inspect roadworks in Paya Pasir.

Jakarta Optimises TPS 3R Waste Management Ahead of Bantargebang Open Dumping Ban

The Jakarta provincial government is optimising its Reduce, Reuse, Recycle waste processing sites (TPS 3R) to ensure only residual waste is sent to the Bantargebang Integrated Waste Processing Site (TPST) starting 1 August 2026. Governor Pramono Anung launched a reactivated facility in Menteng Atas with a capacity of 150 tonnes per day, shifting the paradigm from 'transport-dispose' to 'sort-transport-process'. The administration aims to upgrade 31 existing TPS 3R locations through private sector partnerships to significantly reduce the burden on the city's main landfill.

Prabowo Orders KAI Chief to Build Trans-Sumatra and Kalimantan Railways

President Prabowo Subianto has set an ambitious target for national railway development, instructing state-owned PT KAI to commence construction of a Trans-Sumatra Railway linking Bakauheni to Banda Aceh. He also called for the simultaneous initiation of a Trans-Kalimantan railway network as part of a grand vision to bolster Indonesia's connectivity. The President urged officials to embrace bold thinking, asserting that infrastructure development must match the nation's vast potential.

How a KPK Police Officer Extorted the Pemalang Regent

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has named Pemalang Regent Anom Widiyantoro a suspect in a bribery and extortion case involving his own administration and an attempt to influence an investigation. One of the KPK's own employees, a police officer seconded to the anti-graft body, has also been named a suspect for allegedly facilitating the scheme. The case involves the collection of nearly Rp 2 billion from village officials and private partners, partly intended to pay off the KPK insider to settle a corruption case against the regent.