Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 30 July 2026

Showing 1,601-1,630 of 1,630 articles

29 Victims of Tutoring Teacher's Sexual Abuse in Tangerang Receive Psychological Support

Twenty-nine children who were victims of sexual abuse by a private tutor in Panongan, Tangerang Regency, are receiving psychological assistance from local authorities. The suspect, a 28-year-old teacher, allegedly abused the boys, who were his students, and has been detained by the police. The case has been handled under Indonesia's Child Protection Law, with the perpetrator facing up to 15 years in prison.

Freedom of Speech Must Be Accompanied by Responsibility and Strong Arguments

A discussion in Jakarta has highlighted that while freedom of speech is a vital part of Indonesia's democracy, criticism must be based on verified data and strong arguments. Co-Founder of the Malaka Project, Dea Anugrah, emphasised that responsible critique contributes positively to public policy and democratic health. He also urged students to move beyond traditional protests and engage more deeply with communities to strengthen democratic practices.

Pelindo Regional 4 partners with multiple parties to strengthen anti-bribery culture

State-owned port operator Pelindo Regional 4 is collaborating with stakeholders to reinforce anti-bribery and anti-fraud measures within its operations. The initiative aims to build a clean and transparent port governance ecosystem through socialisation and shared commitment. The company emphasised that professional service delivery depends on integrity across all business processes.

BAW Expands into Indonesia, Plans Local Knock-Down Assembly

Chinese automaker Beijing Automobile Works (BAW) has officially entered the Indonesian market at GIIAS 2026, unveiling five new models including electric commercial and passenger vehicles. The company announced the establishment of a local subsidiary and plans for knock-down assembly to boost supply chain efficiency and support the growing domestic EV market.

Public Transport Becomes Strategic Channel for Cross-Border Tourism Promotion

Tourism Malaysia has launched a six-month campaign on Jakarta's Commuter Line to promote the Visit Malaysia 2026 initiative, turning daily commutes into immersive travel experiences. The collaboration with KAI Commuter and Alternative Media Group aims to reach millions of Indonesian commuters by wrapping 20 train sets with destination imagery. Officials highlight the strategy as a way to strengthen people-to-people ties and boost Indonesian tourist arrivals by integrating promotion into everyday public spaces.

KADIN Emphasises Regulatory Certainty as Key to Attracting Chinese Investment

The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) has highlighted that regulatory certainty is the primary factor for Chinese investors, outweighing political stability. Indonesia's production costs, estimated at one-third of China's, combined with a clear legal framework, offer significant appeal. KADIN also noted that Nusa Tenggara Barat's 13.64% economic growth in 2025 demonstrates the success of diversification and serves as a model for attracting foreign direct investment.

Data Infrastructure, Not Investment, Is the Biggest Challenge for AI Adoption

A global survey reveals that 72% of IT leaders struggle to scale AI implementation due to inadequate real-time data infrastructure, rather than a lack of investment. The report highlights fragmented data ownership and poor data quality as major obstacles, with only 32% of companies successfully deploying autonomous AI in production. In Indonesia, the challenge is even more pronounced, with 82% of IT leaders facing significant hurdles, yet optimism for data streaming as a solution is the highest globally.

Creative Economy Minister Equips Patriot Expedition 2026 Team with Rindekraf Blueprint

Minister Teuku Riefky Harsya has briefed the Patriot Expedition 2026 team on strategies to map the creative economic potential of transmigration areas. The initiative aims to provide data-driven policy recommendations aligned with the National Creative Economy Master Plan (Rindekraf) 2026โ€“2045. The programme involves over 1,200 young academics and talents tasked with identifying leading sub-sectors and strengthening local ecosystems.

Government Gathers Thousands of Students and MSMEs in Bandung to Foster Independent Young Generation

The Indonesian government is intensifying efforts to cultivate young, innovative entrepreneurs by hosting the KUMITRA Jambore 2026 in Bandung. The event, organised by the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, aims to connect MSMEs, students, and strategic partners to strengthen the national entrepreneurship ecosystem. This initiative is part of the implementation of a presidential regulation targeting 10 million business operators and workers.

Indonesians file complaint against Netanyahu for Gaza flotilla arrest 'abuses'

Nine Indonesian activists have lodged a criminal complaint with Indonesia's Attorney General against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, alleging crimes against humanity following their detention during a Gaza aid flotilla interception. The complaint invokes universal jurisdiction under Indonesia's criminal code and includes testimony of alleged abuses suffered in Israeli custody. The move adds to growing international legal scrutiny over Israel's treatment of the activists.

Masela Block's Abadi LNG: A New Pillar of National Energy Sovereignty from Eastern Indonesia

The Indonesian government has highlighted the strategic value of the Abadi LNG project in the Masela Block, emphasizing its role in national energy security and local economic development. With a total investment of USD 20.9 billion, the project is mandated to allocate a minimum of 60 percent of its production to domestic needs. The offshore facility is expected to produce 9.5 million tonnes of LNG annually and will incorporate carbon capture and storage technology.

Protected Birds in Papua Sold via Facebook, One Person Arrested

Authorities in Jayapura, Papua, have arrested a 35-year-old man for allegedly trading protected bird species through Facebook. The operation, led by the Forestry Law Enforcement Agency, resulted in the seizure of seven protected birds, including Black-capped Lories and a Sulphur-crested Cockatoo. The case highlights the growing challenge of wildlife trafficking adapting to digital platforms and the government's commitment to strengthening biodiversity protection.

Surge Subsidiary Issues Rp2.4 Trillion Samurai Bond in Japan to Strengthen Digital Infrastructure Expansion

PT Integrasi Jaringan Ekosistem (WEAVE), a subsidiary of PT Solusi Sinergi Digital Tbk (SURGE), has successfully issued Samurai Bonds worth JPY21.4 billion (approximately Rp2.4 trillion) in the Japanese capital market. The bonds, rated BBB+ by the Japan Credit Rating Agency, were arranged by Daiwa Securities and will fund the expansion of fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) networks across Indonesia. The issuance marks one of the first by a private Indonesian company in the Samurai Bond market, reflecting growing global investor confidence in the country's digital infrastructure sector.

PT Timah Exceeds Target by 169 Percent, Posts Rp 2.71 Trillion Net Profit in First Half of 2026

State-owned tin miner PT Timah reported a net profit of Rp 2.71 trillion for the first half of 2026, surpassing its full-year target by 169 percent. The company's revenue soared 247 percent year-on-year to Rp 10.42 trillion, driven by increased sales volumes and higher average selling prices. Operational performance also saw significant gains, with tin ore production rising 75 percent to 12,325 tonnes.

Former PT DSI Director Files Exception, Requests Full Disclosure of Company Documents

Mery Yuniarni, a former director of PT Dana Syariah Indonesia (DSI) and defendant in a major fraud case, has filed an exception in Depok District Court. She argues that the alleged illegal fundraising and fictitious projects occurred after her resignation, and she therefore bears no responsibility. Yuniarni has requested the court to open all operational documents to objectively determine who held authority during the period in question.

Gowa Regent Questioned as Witness in Rp14 Billion School Uniform Corruption Case

Gowa Regent Sitti Husniah Talenrang has been questioned by South Sulawesi Police as a witness in an alleged corruption case involving the procurement of school uniforms. The case concerns a 2025 budget allocation of over Rp14 billion for 20,000 pairs of uniforms for primary and secondary school students. Police have stated that an audit by the national audit board is underway to determine state losses, while eight witnesses, including education officials, have already been examined.

Over 60,000 Children in Gaza Have Lost a Parent Since October 2023, Health Ministry Reports

Gaza's Health Ministry has reported that more than 60,000 children have lost at least one parent since the conflict began in October 2023. The data indicates that 2,713 children have been orphaned, losing both parents, while 2,276 families have been entirely erased from the civil registry. The ministry also stated that over 73,000 Palestinians have been killed, with attacks continuing despite a ceasefire agreement reached in October.

Backed by Danantara, BSI Bullion Customers Soar 700 Percent and Gold Business Fee-Based Income Jumps

PT Bank Syariah Indonesia (BSI) has reported a 700 percent year-on-year surge in bullion customers, reaching 1.3 million, alongside a 712 percent increase in fee-based income from its gold business. The growth, recorded up to June 2026, is attributed to strategic support from the Daya Anagata Nusantara Investment Management Agency (Danantara). BSI traded 8.06 tonnes of gold during the period, cementing its role as Indonesia's first bullion bank with a robust ecosystem supported by state investment optimisation.

Student Wins Naming Contest for Singaraja's Zero Kilometre Point

A student from the Mpu Kuturan State Hindu Institute has won a competition to name the Zero Kilometre Point in Singaraja, Bali. Kadek Dika Wirawan's winning entry, 'Praja Mandala Singa Ambara Raja', combines traditional spatial concepts with the city's historical identity. The name was officially announced during a consecration ceremony for the area, which is intended to serve as a civic and cultural hub.

BEC to Develop US$2 Billion Coal Gasification Project

PT Bumi Etam Chemical is advancing a US$2.3 billion coal downstreaming project in East Kutai, East Kalimantan, to produce methanol. The national strategic project aims to produce two million tonnes of methanol annually using low-calorie coal. The initiative is expected to reduce Indonesia's reliance on methanol imports and create significant local employment.

Coalition Launches Petition to Halt Remilitarisation

A broad coalition of Indonesian academics, activists, and civil society organisations has launched a petition demanding an end to the expanding role of the military in civilian affairs. The group argues that the Indonesian National Armed Forces' (TNI) involvement in government programmes, such as free meals and village cooperatives, threatens democracy and revives the dual function doctrine. The petition also highlights concerns over rising violence involving soldiers and calls for legal reforms, including the cessation of military training for civilians and the revision of the military justice system.

Benteng Tiworo Weaving Touches the Runway at BTN IFW 2026

The West Muna Regency's National Craft Council collaborated with designer AIDA AHO to showcase a collection featuring traditional Benteng Tiworo weaving at the BTN Indonesia Fashion Week 2026. The 'Simfoni Tenun Muna Barat Benteng Tiworo' collection translates local motifs and philosophy into modern, luxury ready-to-wear silhouettes. The event, held in Jakarta, aims to elevate regional textiles for a global market while preserving their cultural essence.

LAKON and Euneun highlight cross-cultural craftsmanship values

Indonesian fashion brand LAKON and South Korean bag brand Euneun have launched a collaborative collection rooted in a shared philosophy of craftsmanship. The partnership, stemming from Indonesia-South Korea cooperation, aims to open international market opportunities for both brands. Euneun founder Ham Eun-jung noted that despite cultural differences, both nations share an appreciation for enduring beauty and quality artisanship.

Layered Defence Analysis: Why Intercepting Iranian Missiles Requires a Coalition

A recent Iranian ballistic missile attack targeting US military positions was successfully intercepted, but reports indicate the success relied on a layered defence network involving Jordanian air defences. The joint effort highlights the strategic and financial burdens of missile defence, while raising questions about the true scale of the attack and the potential for further escalation.

ASDP Ferry Stimulus Serves 1.12 Million Passengers During School Holidays

State-owned ferry operator PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry reported that over 1.12 million passengers and vehicles utilised discounted crossing fares during the government's school holiday transport stimulus programme. The initiative, which ran from 20 June to 5 July 2026, disbursed Rp22.2 billion in subsidies across eight strategic national routes. The programme achieved 93.3 per cent of its target beneficiaries and contributed to a 7.1 per cent increase in passenger and vehicle production compared to the same period last year.

Government Mandates Sugar Factories Own Sugarcane Plantations to Pursue Self-Sufficiency

The Indonesian government is enforcing a long-standing regulation requiring all sugar processing factories and importers to establish their own sugarcane plantations. Agriculture Minister Amran Sulaiman stated the move aims to boost national production and achieve sugar self-sufficiency within two years, as directed by President Prabowo Subianto. The policy reinforces existing laws from 2013 and 2014 that have not been optimally implemented.

BPDP: 41 Percent of National Palm Oil Industry Managed by Smallholders

Indonesia's palm oil fund agency (BPDP) has highlighted that smallholder farmers manage 41 percent of the nation's palm oil industry, challenging the common perception that it is dominated by large corporations. These community-run plantations are spread across major islands and produce over 16 million tonnes annually, making them key actors in the supply chain. The sector supports approximately 16.5 million jobs and drives infrastructure development and regional economic growth.

Mazda Introduces New CX-5, Locally Assembled CX-30, and 6e Fastback EV at GIIAS 2026

PT Eurokars Motor Indonesia launched three new Mazda models at GIIAS 2026, including the all-new CX-5, the locally assembled CX-30, and the electric 6e Fastback. The unveiling follows the inauguration of the company's assembly plant in Citeureup, West Java, signalling a strengthened long-term investment in the Indonesian market. The new CX-5 is offered in two variants, priced from Rp 599 million.

Minister Confirms Intern Doctor's Death Not Due to Work Hours, Cites Mental Health Issues

Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin has stated that the death of intern doctor Siti Zahra Maghfira was not caused by excessive working hours but by mental health problems. The Ministry of Health will now enforce stricter mental health screening for all participants in the Indonesian Internship Programme to enable earlier detection of psychological issues.

Four Detained in Aceh Over IDR 21 Billion Student Scholarship Corruption Case

Prosecutors in Banda Aceh have detained four suspects, including a senior regional official, over the alleged embezzlement of IDR 21 billion in scholarship funds. The scheme involved marking up costs for Acehnese students studying at the University of Rhode Island, resulting in state losses of over IDR 14 billion. The suspects face multiple charges under Indonesia's anti-corruption laws.