Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 30 July 2026

Showing 1,501-1,550 of 1,630 articles

Judicial Commission Ensures Women's Representation in Supreme Court Justice Selection

The Judicial Commission (KY) has confirmed that women are well represented in the 2026 selection process for Supreme Court and ad hoc judges, with five female candidates among the 23 who passed the health and personality assessments. These five candidates, comprising high court judges, a court clerk, an advocate, and a notary, represent 40 per cent of the successful applicants moving to the final interview stage. A KY commissioner described the quality of the female candidates as 'top' and 'monumental', moving beyond mere representation.

Al Azhar Professor Backs Attorney General's Efforts to Recover State Funds

A prominent legal academic has urged the Attorney General's Office to remain steadfast in its anti-corruption drive despite recent cases involving former high-ranking officials. Professor Suparji Ahmad emphasised that criminal liability rests with individuals, not institutions, and that the current situation should be a catalyst for reform. He called for the strengthening of internal oversight and risk management to maintain public trust.

15 British Companies Explore Railway Projects in Indonesia

The UK government has brought 15 leading railway companies to Indonesia to explore cooperation in the transport sector. The delegation, spanning engineering, consultancy, and financing, is eyeing projects including the Surabaya urban railway, which has already entered a feasibility study phase. The initiative is supported by UK Export Finance and aims to bolster sustainable infrastructure development under the MELAJU partnership.

Viral Trend of Sitting Backwards in Cars Deemed Dangerous, Experts Urge Public Not to Imitate

A viral social media trend showing passengers sitting backwards in moving vehicles has been condemned as extremely dangerous by Indonesian transport experts. The practice prevents proper seatbelt use and renders airbags ineffective, significantly increasing the risk of fatal head and chest injuries in the event of a crash. Authorities are urging the public, particularly young people, to stop imitating the trend and are calling for road safety education to be introduced early in school curriculums.

15 Government Agencies with the Largest Official Travel Budgets

Official travel expenditure across Indonesia's central government agencies fell sharply by 49.25% to Rp 28.16 trillion in 2025, driven by President Prabowo's efficiency policies and the end of the election cycle. The Ministry of Education, Ministry of Defence, and Ministry of Religious Affairs topped the list of the biggest spenders. The Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) attributed the decline to reduced spending on regular travel, meetings, and overseas trips.

15 Government Institutions Bear the Largest Official Travel Burden in 2025

The Indonesian central government's official travel expenditure fell sharply by 49.25% to Rp 28.16 trillion in 2025, driven by budget efficiency policies and the conclusion of the 2024 elections. The Ministry of Education, Ministry of Defence, and Ministry of Religious Affairs topped the list of institutions with the highest travel costs. The decline was recorded across all travel categories, including ordinary domestic trips and meeting packages.

Indonesia Reported to Seek Sukhoi Su-35 and Ilyushin Il-78MK-90A

The Russian government has reportedly received a request from Indonesia for a range of military equipment for the 2025-2030 period. The proposal from Rosoboronexport includes fifth-generation Su-57E and Su-35 fighter jets, an Il-78MK-90A tanker aircraft, helicopters, and drones. There has been no official confirmation from the Indonesian Ministry of Defence regarding the potential procurement.

Golkar Calls Suspension of Members Accused of Intimidating Doctor Fair

The Golkar Party has deemed the suspension of three East Nusa Tenggara councillors, including one of its own members, a fair decision following allegations they intimidated a doctor who later took her own life. The DPRD of Timor Tengah Utara temporarily suspended the members pending an ongoing police investigation. Golkar's deputy chairman stated the party respects the decision and trusts law enforcement to handle the case professionally and transparently.

OJK to Tighten Rules on Government Shareholding in Stock Exchange

Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) is drafting a regulation to ensure that government ownership in the Indonesia Stock Exchange (BEI) does not compromise its independence. The new rule, expected by mid-September 2026, will detail mechanisms for decision-making and regulatory frameworks requiring OJK approval. This follows a legal revision allowing the Ministry of Finance, Bank Indonesia, and the Danantara sovereign wealth fund to become shareholders of the demutualised exchange.

Indonesia Expands Trade Reach to Latin America and Caribbean

Indonesia is intensifying efforts to diversify its export markets by strengthening economic ties with Latin America and the Caribbean. The Ministry of Trade and Ministry of Foreign Affairs are collaborating on the annual INA-LAC Business Forum to connect local businesses with regional partners. This initiative aims to maximise existing trade agreements and boost national export volumes beyond traditional partners.

Allianz Indonesia Shares Five Financial Health Check Steps Amid Rising Medical Costs

Allianz Indonesia urges the public to conduct regular financial check-ups to safeguard against health-related financial shocks, noting that the company paid out significant health claims in the first half of 2026. Chief Investment Officer Ni Made Daryanti outlined five key steps, including evaluating emergency funds, cutting unnecessary expenses, maintaining healthy debt ratios, reviewing health insurance coverage, and setting realistic savings targets to build financial resilience.

Coal Prices Soar Again, Boosted by War, India, and China

Thermal coal prices surged 3.6% to a five-day high of US$135.5 per ton, erasing recent losses amid a broader rally in crude oil. The increase was further supported by tightening mine-mouth supply in China and a massive investment plan by India's NTPC to expand its coal-fired power capacity.

Mobile Samsat Locations in Jakarta, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi Today

The Metro Jaya Regional Police have deployed mobile Samsat units to 14 locations across the Jadetabek area today to facilitate annual vehicle tax payments. The service aims to make it easier for residents to fulfil their motor vehicle tax obligations. Taxpayers are reminded that the mobile units only handle annual tax payments, while five-year registration renewals must be completed at main Samsat offices.

Reasons Behind the Closure of Dozens of Free Nutritious Meal Kitchens in Yogyakarta

At least 17 kitchens for the Free Nutritious Meal programme in the Special Region of Yogyakarta have been temporarily shut down. The primary reason cited is incomplete licensing, particularly the lack of a Hygiene and Sanitation Eligibility Certificate. The regional task force is working to ensure all operational requirements are met before the kitchens can resume service.

Aletra Prepares L7 Electric LMPV for Indonesian Families

PT Aletra Mobil Nusantara has unveiled a prototype of its new electric LMPV, the Aletra L7, at the GIIAS 2026 auto show. The company aims to offer an affordable electric vehicle for Indonesian families, with a market launch planned for October 2026. The model is being developed in collaboration with Linxys and adapted for local road conditions.

BKPM Records US$2.3 Billion Coal-to-Methanol Investment

Indonesia's Investment Ministry has recorded a US$2.3 billion investment for a coal-to-methanol downstream project in East Kalimantan. The project, led by PT Bumi Etam Chemical, aims to produce 2 million tonnes of methanol annually and reduce the country's reliance on imports. Officials emphasised the initiative's role in boosting technological independence and creating local employment.

India Supplied Hundreds of Thousands of Weapons to Israel During Gaza Genocide, Report Reveals

A new Amnesty International report reveals that Indian companies, both state-owned and private, shipped hundreds of thousands of weapons components to Israel between October 2023 and November 2025. The supplies, which included machine gun parts, high-explosive artillery shells, and drone warheads, were sent during Israel's military operations in Gaza. The findings suggest India played a significant role in Israel's military supply chain, with data indicating it was the second-largest exporter of military-related goods to Israel during the period.

Scientists Uncover Secrets to Longevity of Siblings Aged 316 Combined

Researchers in Brazil are studying three sisters with a combined age of 316 years to identify genetic factors behind their exceptional longevity. The siblings, recognised by Guinness World Records as the world's oldest living trio, credit a healthy diet and active lifestyle for their advanced ages. Scientists aim to compare their DNA with others to pinpoint protective genes that guard against age-related physical and cognitive decline.

Drying Mangroves Sound Alarm for Indonesia's Coastlines

Mangrove trees in the coastal area of Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi, are showing signs of drying out, highlighting the ongoing degradation of coastal ecosystems. The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries reports that Indonesia loses approximately 52,000 hectares of mangrove annually, with nearly a fifth of the national ecosystem in critical condition. The situation underscores the urgent need for sustainable conservation efforts to protect coastlines from erosion and preserve vital marine habitats.

Trump Irked by Netanyahu's Public Remarks on Iran's Nuclear Facility

US President Donald Trump expressed frustration with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for publicly discussing Iran's underground nuclear facility at Pickaxe Mountain, suggesting the matter should have been raised privately. Trump believes Netanyahu's public comments were intended to pressure Washington into remaining engaged in a conflict with Iran. Israel has denied attempting to dictate US foreign policy, insisting both leaders share the same goal of preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

Locations and Schedule for Mobile SIM Services in Jakarta Today

The Metro Jaya Police Traffic Directorate is operating mobile driving licence renewal services across five areas of Jakarta today. The service, available from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM WIB, is intended to facilitate the public in extending the validity of their legal driving documents. Applicants must bring required documents including a valid ID card, original driving licence, and proof of health and psychological tests, with renewal fees set at Rp80,000 for SIM A and Rp75,000 for SIM C.

Indonesia-Europe transport partnership to Legok Nangka waste-to-energy project

A roundup of key economic developments includes Indonesia and Europe strengthening their sustainable transport partnership, while West Java begins construction of the Legok Nangka waste-to-energy facility to tackle the Bandung Raya waste crisis. Bank Indonesia also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining stability to support sustainable economic growth.

Mystery of Unram Student's Murder Solved, Suspect Arrested After Two Months on the Run

Police in Mataram have arrested a man suspected of murdering a female student from the University of Mataram (Unram) after a two-month manhunt. The suspect confessed to killing the victim spontaneously when she caught him attempting to steal from her boarding room. Authorities are still investigating the full motive and have recovered the victim's motorcycle, while the search for her mobile phones continues.

EU Commits Low-Carbon Transport Investment for Indonesia

The European Union has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Indonesia's transition to sustainable transport through strategic investments and partnerships. A key initiative is the €236 million first-phase financing for the Surabaya Regional Railway Line, aimed at modernising and electrifying the commuter route. The collaboration, discussed at a forum in Jakarta, focuses on integrating multimodal systems and developing climate-resilient infrastructure.

Hundreds of Water Siphoning Hoses Snake Across Kalidadap, Bantul

Residents of Kalidadap I in Bantul, Yogyakarta, are relying on hundreds of hoses connected to the Wonosari Spring to secure clean water during a prolonged drought. The practice, dating back to the 1970s, has become essential as local wells run dry and there is no piped water supply. Villagers, mostly elderly, make multiple trips daily to siphon water for drinking, cooking, and bathing, while expressing hope for government assistance in providing boreholes or piped water connections.

Mobile Samsat Outlets Available at 14 Locations in Greater Jakarta on Thursday

The Metro Jaya Regional Police are providing mobile Samsat services at 14 locations across Jakarta, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi on Thursday to facilitate annual vehicle tax payments. The service operates at various times and locations, including markets, malls, and sub-district offices. Motorists are reminded to bring original and photocopied identity and vehicle documents, and that the mobile service is only for annual tax payments, not five-year STNK renewals or plate changes.

LKPP 2025: Other Financing Realisation Skyrockets 35,855% Above Target

Indonesia's other financing realisation in the 2025 state budget surged to Rp 93.92 trillion, far exceeding the initial target of Rp 262 billion. The massive increase, reported in the LKPP 2025, was primarily driven by the use of the excess budget balance and domestic financing receipts. The report highlights the significant role of non-debt and non-investment financial transactions in supporting the state budget.

GWM Expands Portfolio at GIIAS 2026: ORA 5 Debuts and Tank Diesel Gets Refresh

Great Wall Motor (GWM) Indonesia unveiled three product updates at the GAIKINDO Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) 2026, including the debut of the ORA 5 and a special edition Tank 500. The company emphasised its commitment to delivering enhanced value to Indonesian consumers. The refreshed lineup features the Tank 500 Diesel Black Warrior Edition priced at Rp 925 million and a new Sand Beige colour option for the Tank 300 Diesel.

China Opposes US Sanctions on Research Institutes

China has expressed strong opposition to the United States after the US Department of Defense added several Chinese research institutes to a sanctions list. Beijing argues the move politicises scientific cooperation and violates international norms. It has vowed to take necessary measures to protect the rights of its institutions.

PKB Says Regional Head Corruption Reaches Emergency Level, Solutions Must Be Fundamental

A senior PKB politician has described the level of corruption among Indonesia's regional heads as an 'emergency' following the latest KPK arrest. He argues that piecemeal solutions are insufficient and that fundamental reforms are needed to address the root causes. The politician identified recruitment, procurement, and licensing as the three main patterns of graft that must be closed through improved mechanisms and oversight.

Gold Prices Surge Despite Hawkish Fed as Traders Search for Clues

Gold prices rallied sharply even after the US Federal Reserve maintained its hawkish stance on interest rates. The surge was driven by a weakening US dollar and safe-haven demand amid market uncertainty over the Fed's complex messaging. Traders are now looking ahead to upcoming US inflation data for further direction.

French Intelligence Investigates Ex-Rafale Pilot Over Alleged China Links

A former French Navy Rafale pilot, Pierre-Henri Chuet, is under formal investigation in Paris on suspicion of intelligence activities benefiting China. The probe, led by France's domestic intelligence agency DGSI, includes allegations of disclosing national defence secrets and passing information to a foreign power. Chuet, who now runs a YouTube channel, had previously stirred controversy by claiming India lost a Rafale jet in a clash with Pakistan and by praising Chinese-made fighter aircraft.

IRGC Claims Successful Strike on US Airbase in Jordan, Seizes Oil Tankers in Strait of Hormuz

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed responsibility for a ballistic missile attack on a US airbase in Jordan, framing it as retaliation for American strikes. The IRGC also reported intercepting and stopping oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, warning against US interference in the region. The incidents mark a significant escalation in the ongoing tit-for-tat military exchanges between the two nations.

Medan Sub-District Head Apologises After Viral Video of Mocking Resident's Complaint

Syerly, the Lurah of Paya Pasir in Medan, has publicly apologised after a video of her laughing at a resident's complaint about broken streetlights went viral. The incident occurred during a visit by Medan Mayor Rico Waas, who has referred the matter to the Inspectorate for investigation. The resident had complained about having to pay for street lighting due to safety concerns over rampant theft in the area.

US-Iran War Escalates: Drone Strike Hits Gas Tanker in Egypt

A drone struck a US-owned gas storage tanker in the Egyptian port of Damietta, causing a fire amid escalating conflict between the United States and Iran. The attack, which resulted in no casualties, occurred as the war enters its fifth month with no end in sight. Oil prices surged over 8% following the incident, reversing earlier declines.

Japan's Japanese Population Falls Below 120 Million for First Time in 42 Years

The number of Japanese citizens has dropped below 120 million for the first time since records began, falling by 917,000 to 119.7 million. Tokyo was the only prefecture to record an increase in Japanese nationals, while the foreign resident population surged to a record high of over 4 million. The data highlights Japan's deepening demographic crisis, offset only partially by a rise in foreign inhabitants.

PortPress 2026: PTP Nonpetikemas Awards Journalistic Excellence and Media Synergy

PTP Nonpetikemas, part of the Pelindo Group, held the PortPress 2026 journalistic competition in Jakarta to recognise media contributions to the port and logistics sector. The event, themed around ports driving logistics and regional economies, featured discussions on strategic communication and AI. Awards were presented for feature writing, hard news, and photojournalism, with winners from Kompas, Katadata, and Antara News among others.

How a Home Address Can Determine the Future

Surabaya is grappling with a significant administrative gap where hundreds of thousands of residents are not living at their registered addresses. This discrepancy undermines the accuracy of digital public services, potentially causing misdirected social aid and flawed urban planning. The situation highlights that the success of digital governance relies not only on technology but also on public discipline in updating civil data.

Thousands of Free Meal Omprengs Stolen, Security Guard the Mastermind

A security guard at a government nutrition programme kitchen in South Tangerang has been arrested for stealing 1,700 stainless steel food containers. The suspect, assisted by three accomplices, sold the containers to a scrap dealer to fund his drug habit. Police are still pursuing one remaining suspect.

Fifteen Iraqi paramilitary members killed in US-Saudi strikes

At least 15 members of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) were killed in joint US-Saudi airstrikes targeting positions across several Iraqi provinces. The PMF condemned the attacks as a dangerous escalation and a violation of Iraqi sovereignty. The strikes, confirmed by US Central Command, were reportedly in response to drone attacks on American forces and Saudi energy infrastructure.

Kopdes Manager Salaries to Be Covered by State Budget for Two Years, Then from Sales Profits

The Indonesian government will fund the salaries of managers for the newly established Koperasi Desa/Kelurahan Merah Putih (KDKMP) through the state budget for the first two years of operation. After this initial period, the cooperatives are expected to become self-sufficient and pay manager salaries from their own business revenues. The scheme will be formalised in a forthcoming Presidential Regulation on the governance of the village cooperatives.

Three Storms Loom for Indonesia: Fed Rate Hike Signals, War, and Soaring Oil

Indonesia's financial markets are bracing for a triple threat as hawkish signals from the US Federal Reserve, escalating conflict in the Middle East, and surging oil prices converge. The Fed's decision to hold rates was overshadowed by dissent favouring hikes and a sharp rise in bond yields, while geopolitical tensions drove oil prices up over 6%. These combined pressures are expected to weigh heavily on the Indonesian market.

Pelindo Group Strengthens Industry Partnership Network to Create Broader Economic Impact

PT Pelabuhan Tanjung Priok (PTP Nonpetikemas), a subsidiary of Pelindo Group, reported a 20% year-on-year increase in throughput for the first half of 2026, reaching 26.8 million tonnes. The company attributes this growth to rising general cargo, liquid bulk, and dry bulk flows, driven by government initiatives in mineral downstreaming and food self-sufficiency. A seminar was held to enhance public understanding of the port's role in logistics and regional economic growth, emphasising strategic communication and collaboration with stakeholders.

Legal Roundup: KPK Arrests Pemalang Regent, Yusril Warns Against Vigilantism, and Dokter Tifa Case Refiled

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has arrested Pemalang Regent Anom Widiyantoro in a sting operation related to alleged project corruption and position trading. Meanwhile, Coordinating Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra urged the public not to take the law into their own hands, and prosecutors have resubmitted the case file of social media figure Dokter Tifa over defamation claims against former President Joko Widodo.

President Swears in Civil Servants, DKPP Sanctions KPU Member

President Prabowo Subianto inaugurated 1,204 graduates of the Institute of Public Administration (IPDN) as young civil servants, urging them to avoid convoluted bureaucracy. Meanwhile, Vice President Gibran Rakabuming responded to the formation of a 'shadow cabinet' by youth groups, and the Election Organiser Ethics Council (DKPP) imposed a stern warning on a KPU member for ethical violations.

BPOM Trains 100 Scout Cadres to Strengthen Public Protection for Drug and Food Safety

The Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) in Surabaya has trained 100 Scout members as community pioneers for drug and food safety. The initiative aims to expand public education and strengthen grassroots surveillance against non-compliant products. The programme is part of a long-term strategy to build a culture of safety awareness through youth empowerment.

Indonesia and Cambodia Commit to Strengthen Collaboration in Eradicating Online Scams

Indonesia and Cambodia have pledged to enhance bilateral cooperation to combat transnational online fraud networks. The commitment was made during a meeting in Phnom Penh where Cambodian officials outlined their ongoing nationwide crackdown, which has seen the closure of 737 scam centres and the deportation of over 21,000 foreign nationals. Indonesia offered support through capacity building for law enforcement and increased cross-border collaboration ahead of an international conference on the issue in September.

Toyota Executive Attributes LCGC Sales Decline to Middle-Class Economic Pressure

Toyota's Vice President, Jap Ernando Demily, has linked the 2025 drop in Low Cost Green Car (LCGC) sales to the weakening purchasing power of Indonesia's middle class. Data from Gaikindo shows LCGC sales fell 30.6 percent in 2025 compared to 2024. Despite the downturn, LCGCs still account for over 15 percent of total national car sales, with Astra International brands dominating the segment.

Jayapura Strengthens Mobile Samsat Services to Boost Local Revenue

The Jayapura city government has handed over new operational vehicles to several regional agencies, including the Samsat tax office, to improve public service delivery. Mayor Abisai Rollo stated that enhanced services, particularly mobile tax collection, are expected to increase taxpayer compliance and drive up locally generated revenue (PAD). The city relies heavily on local revenue due to a lack of natural resources, making service optimisation a critical strategy for financing development.

House Commission II to Discuss Regional Transfers and Fate of Contract-Based Civil Servants

The House of Representatives' Commission II is set to meet with the Minister of Home Affairs and regional heads to discuss fiscal reformulations, including regional transfer funds (TKD) and the salaries of contract-based government employees (PPPK). The commission has identified 39 districts/cities that urgently require state budget (APBN) assistance to pay their PPPK staff. The meeting aims to ensure regional financial stability and that governance activities ultimately boost economic growth and public welfare.