Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 10 August 2026

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Tambakberas and the Test of NU Leadership

As Nahdlatul Ulama approaches its 35th Congress at Pondok Pesantren Bahrul Ulum Tambakberas, the focus is shifting from individual candidates to the future direction of the organisation. The emergence of several prominent figures, including current ministers, has sparked debate about the compatibility of holding public office while leading the religious organisation. The article argues that NU's internal democracy and historical precedents should guide the resolution of such issues, emphasising that the congress is fundamentally about preserving the organisation's legacy of service and unity.

BGN Chief Issues Stern Warning on Free Meals, Urges Teachers to Take Action

The Head of Indonesia's National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has called on teachers to eat the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) alongside students as an educational tool for proper dining etiquette. Teachers are also being tasked with acting as the final food safety checkers, with strict instructions to discard any meals that appear unfit for consumption. The agency further announced it will enforce mandatory expiry time labels on meal containers to bolster food safety protocols.

Lawyer Reveals Deceased Sutrimo Was a Confidant of Former Junior Attorney General Febrie Adriansyah

The legal representative for the family of the late Sutrimo has disclosed that he was a trusted aide to former Junior Attorney General for Special Crimes (Jampidsus) Febrie Adriansyah. Initially hired as a labourer to build Febrie's house, Sutrimo was later entrusted with managing household affairs and various payments. Despite his long service, Sutrimo's family claims they never had direct communication with Febrie, who reportedly only dealt with Sutrimo himself.

Railway Signal Cable Sabotaged in Cikarang, One Suspect Arrested

A suspect has been arrested and two others are being pursued after the sabotage of a railway signalling cable in Cikarang, West Java. The damage to the track circuit cable was detected early on Sunday morning, but KAI confirmed that train services remained safe and on schedule. Authorities are investigating the incident as theft and endangering public transport safety.

LPS Chief Hails Destry Damayanti as 'Complete Package' for Sole BI Governor Candidate

LPS Chairman Anggito Abimanyu has endorsed Destry Damayanti as the sole candidate for Bank Indonesia Governor, describing her as a 'complete package' with extensive experience across fiscal and monetary institutions. President Prabowo Subianto has formally submitted Damayanti's name to the House of Representatives for the definitive role. The appointment is expected to ensure stability and smooth coordination within the Financial System Stability Committee.

Global Diversification Becomes Key Strategy for Indonesian Retail Investors

Indonesian retail investors are increasingly diversifying their portfolios into global markets, particularly US stocks and ETFs, as access to regulated foreign investment instruments expands. Data from Pluang shows a significant rise in active US stock investors and a shift towards long-term holding, with many investors from outside major cities also participating. The platform highlights that its transition to the PALN scheme ensures direct ownership of underlying shares and enhanced investor protection.

Nagita Slavina Partners with Mayora to Develop Cipungland Using RANS IPO Funds

PT RANS Entertainment Indonesia Tbk (RANS) is collaborating with PT Mayora Indah Tbk to develop its intellectual property ventures, including RANS Carnival and Cipungland in Lombok. The project is part of the allocation of the company's Rp 429.25 billion initial public offering (IPO) proceeds. RANS also confirmed that a portion of the IPO funds has been used to repay investment loans.

Nurdiansyah Alasta Enters Race for Chair of Democratic Party's Aceh Chapter

Nurdiansyah Alasta has officially registered as a candidate for the chairmanship of the Democratic Party's Aceh Regional Executive Board (DPD) for the 2026-2031 period. The registration, submitted at the party's Aceh office, coincided with the birthday of Democratic Party Chairman Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono. Supporters have called for the upcoming regional conference (Musda) to be a healthy and democratic contest of ideas, free from claims of senior patronage.

Joint Team Investigates KKB EK-PN Involvement in Walesi Shooting

A joint security team in Papua's Jayawijaya Regency is investigating the suspected involvement of the EK-PN armed criminal group (KKB) in a shooting at the Baliem Valley Cultural Festival site in Walesi. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, left two civilians wounded as they were delivering food. Authorities have processed the crime scene, recovering shell casings and projectile fragments, and are pursuing the alleged perpetrators.

Baznas Provides Sewing Skills Training to 50 Underprivileged in Kendal to Secure Factory Jobs

The National Alms Agency (Baznas) has equipped 50 underprivileged residents in Kendal, Central Java, with garment operator skills through a vocational training programme. The initiative, a collaboration with Ruang Amal Indonesia, aims to ensure participants are job-ready for the local textile industry. Local officials highlighted the programme's importance in boosting the competitiveness of the workforce near the Kendal Industrial Area.

8,000 New USK Aceh Students Undergo Academic and Character Development

Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK) in Aceh has commenced its annual academic and character development programme for approximately 8,000 new students. The rector emphasised that the university aims to produce graduates who are not only academically excellent but also possess strong character and integrity. The hybrid programme, which runs from 10 to 13 August, is described as the largest student orientation activity within the university.

Government Urges Public to Be Wise on Social Media Ahead of Independence Day

The Indonesian government has called on citizens to exercise caution and verify information on social media ahead of the 81st Independence Day celebrations. Head of the Government Communication Agency (Bakom) Muhammad Qodari emphasised that the national security situation remains stable and urged the public to rely on official sources. The appeal comes amid broader concerns about digital ethics and the spread of misinformation online.

NTB on High Alert as 5,000 Hectares Burn Ahead of El Niño Peak

Approximately 5,000 hectares of land in West Nusa Tenggara have been scorched since January 2026, prompting the provincial government to tighten forest and land fire prevention measures. With the peak of the El Niño phenomenon expected in the coming months, authorities are focusing on preventing new hotspots, particularly in vulnerable areas like East Lombok, Dompu, and Bima. The province is seeking additional support from the central government for firefighting equipment and field personnel incentives due to limited local resources.

Nezar Highlights Cyber Threats from Quantum Computing

Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Nezar Patria has warned of emerging cyber threats posed by quantum computing, particularly the 'harvest now, decrypt later' strategy where attackers store encrypted data to unlock it once quantum capabilities mature. He stressed the urgent need for Indonesia to adopt post-quantum cryptography and integrate security by design into digital infrastructure, citing the 2024 ransomware attack on the Temporary National Data Centre as a key lesson.

Former Bekasi BUMD Director Detained After Evading Summons Three Times

A former director of the Bekasi municipal water company, Perumda Tirta Bhagasasi, has been detained over an alleged corruption case involving new customer connections. The scheme, which involved charging customers above the official rate and diverting funds to a private account, reportedly caused state losses of Rp4.5 billion. The suspect had previously failed to appear for questioning on three occasions before finally surrendering.

Israeli Military Blockades Christian Village of Taybeh in West Bank

The Israeli military has imposed a blockade on the predominantly Palestinian Christian village of Taybeh in the West Bank, citing the need to prevent settler violence. The closure restricts non-residents from entering, amidst a reported rise in attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians. A United Nations investigation has also highlighted direct Israeli military involvement in such attacks, which have resulted in fatalities and displacement.

Proposed New Excise Tax Layer for Cigarettes Risks Increasing Complexity and Corruption

A proposal to add a new layer to Indonesia's cigarette excise tax structure is facing criticism from a University of Indonesia researcher, who argues it will not curb illegal cigarette circulation. The senior researcher warns that lowering prices through new tax brackets could encourage downtrading, increase consumption, and reduce state revenue. Critics also suggest the added complexity might open the door to corruption and negotiations, urging the government to prioritise public health and fiscal goals over industry interests.

Before His Death, Sutrimo Sent Family a Photo of Fried Chicken and a Picture Outside Ex-Deputy Attorney General's House

The family of the late Sutrimo has disclosed his final WhatsApp messages, which included a photo of fried chicken and a picture of him sitting near the house of former Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes, Febrie Adriansyah. His lawyer noted that while Sutrimo had previously complained of swollen legs, his communications in the hours before his death appeared normal and showed no signs of distress. The details add a layer of mystery to the circumstances preceding his death.

Komjak Urges NTT High Prosecutor's Office to Resolve Alleged Corruption in East Timor Ex-Fighters' Housing Project

The Indonesian Prosecutorial Commission (Komjak) has called on the NTT High Prosecutor's Office to thoroughly investigate alleged corruption in a Rp400 billion project to build 2,100 homes for former East Timor fighters. Technical assessments revealed construction defects, including inadequate soil compaction and substandard concrete work. The case remains under investigation with no suspects named, as Komjak stresses the need for transparency and accountability to protect vulnerable groups.

Govt to issue presidential rule on 'ojol' before August 17

The Indonesian government is finalising a presidential regulation for two-wheeled ride-hailing and logistics services, with Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi confirming the draft is being reviewed word by word. Under the new framework, online motorcycle taxi drivers will be formally classified as micro, small, and medium enterprises, granting them flexible working hours and access to government incentive packages. Officials have also dismissed rumours of new tax liabilities for drivers earning between Rp10 million and Rp15 million.

ESDM says IMERC 2026 is a platform to boost competence, Freeport named overall champion

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has stated that the Indonesia Mining Emergency Response Community (IMERC) 2026 competition serves as a crucial platform for mine rescuers to enhance their technical skills and emergency preparedness. PT Freeport Indonesia emerged as the overall champion, topping the final standings ahead of 24 emergency response teams from Indonesian and Australian mining companies. Officials emphasised that the experience gained should be applied to strengthen real-world safety systems and readiness at their respective companies.

West Jakarta Agency Captures Over 2,000 Suckermouth Catfish in 2026

The West Jakarta Food Security, Marine and Agriculture Agency (Sudin KPKP) has culled nearly 3,000 invasive suckermouth catfish from local rivers and reservoirs between April and August 2026. The operation aims to protect native fish habitats and prevent damage to flood control infrastructure. Authorities destroyed the catch immediately to stop the fish from being illegally processed into food products.

LPS rates Destry Damayanti as 'complete package' for BI Governor

The head of Indonesia's Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS) has endorsed Destry Damayanti as a highly qualified sole candidate for Bank Indonesia Governor, citing her extensive background across key financial institutions. Damayanti's career spans the Ministry of Finance, LPS, and the central bank, where she currently serves as Senior Deputy Governor. Her nomination by President Prabowo Subianto now awaits a fit and proper test by the House of Representatives.

Deputy Minister Vows Clean Hajj Governance Free from Irregularities

Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak has pledged to eradicate irregularities in hajj management, following reports of manipulation and misconduct. He emphasised that the newly established ministry must adopt a culture of integrity, transparency, and service, warning that officials involved in corrupt practices will face consequences. The transformation aligns with President Prabowo Subianto's directive for fundamental reform in hajj administration.

Golkar Responds to PKS Proposal: Cabinet Policy is the President's Prerogative

The Golkar Party has responded to a proposal from the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) suggesting President Prabowo Subianto recruit non-party professionals into his cabinet. While agreeing on the need for a merit-based system, Golkar executives stressed that the final decision on the cabinet's composition remains the exclusive prerogative of the president. The PKS had earlier argued that recruiting individuals with high integrity and capacity from outside political parties could help address declining public satisfaction with the government's performance.

Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Assures Haze from Forest Fires Has Not Affected Neighbouring Countries

Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago has stated that smoke from forest and land fires in several Indonesian regions has not yet crossed into neighbouring countries. The government is intensifying efforts to prevent the haze from spreading internationally, framing the issue as a matter of national pride and environmental responsibility.

Ecstasy Safe Uncovered in Batam Nightclub 'Narcotics Den'

Indonesia's National Police Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) raided a nightclub in Batam, Riau Islands, uncovering a safe containing ecstasy pills. The operation, conducted early Monday morning, resulted in the detention of 32 individuals and is suspected to involve the venue's management. Authorities are currently cataloguing the seized evidence before releasing further details.

Iran Responds to Turkey-Saudi-Pakistan Defence Pact, Says It Feels No Threat

Iran has stated it does not feel threatened by the newly formed Makkah Defence Pact between Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan, despite the agreement's mutual defence clause resembling NATO's Article 5. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said the pact reflects a shift in regional countries' reliance on the United States for security. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan clarified the agreement is not directed against any specific nation, including Iran.

Bigmo Apologises to Family of Child Used in Vape Promotion

YouTuber Muhammad Jannah, known as Bigmo, has apologised to the family of a minor he involved in a vape liquid promotion during a live stream. His lawyer stated the act was ethically and morally indefensible, but the family has accepted the apology. Bigmo, who was questioned by police, expressed regret and pledged to create more positive and educational content in the future.

Why Reading Remains Essential in the Age of Instant Answers and Social Media

An opinion piece argues that despite the convenience of social media and AI providing instant information, these tools foster shallow thinking and filter bubbles. The author contends that deep reading is a critical antidote, necessary for building analytical skills, combating misinformation, and ensuring a well-informed society.

Ministry pushes science to preserve local traditions

The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology is advocating for a stronger scientific culture to help preserve Indonesia's history, culture, and local traditions. Officials argue that science is not foreign to the archipelago, citing historical empirical knowledge in maritime technology, agriculture, and medicine. A recent national survey revealed that while public trust in science is high at 87.9 per cent, participation in scientific activities remains very low, highlighting the need to bring scientific thinking into public spaces and everyday life.

Indonesia Says 107,000 Hectares of Forest Fires Not Yet Affecting Neighbouring Countries

The Indonesian government has stated that smoke from forest and land fires, which have burned approximately 107,000 hectares, has not yet caused any reported disturbances to neighbouring countries. Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago confirmed that no complaints have been received, while the government intensifies firefighting efforts using dozens of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. The fires have affected several regions, including peatland areas and national parks such as Mount Bromo, Mount Gede Pangrango, and Mount Rinjani.

Oil Giants Reap Massive Profits Amid War, Trump Fumes

The world's five largest oil companies have reported combined profits of around US$48 billion in the second quarter of 2026, sparking political backlash. US President Donald Trump has criticised the firms for profiteering from high fuel prices during the Iran conflict, while analysts note the windfall is largely being used to strengthen balance sheets and reward shareholders rather than boost production. Environmental groups are now calling for a windfall tax, a move the industry warns could deter long-term energy investment.

Learning to Revitalise Village-Owned Enterprises from Talang Duku Village

A student community service programme in Talang Duku Village, Muaro Jambi, provided firsthand insight into efforts to strengthen Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes). The initiative, supported by PT Pelindo and local government, focused on institutional management and sustainable business development. The experience highlighted the importance of synergy between corporations, village authorities, and youth to drive rural economic independence.

SSRN Journal Scandal: Minister Brian Confirms Investigation into Unauthorised Use of Prabowo's Name Continues

Indonesia's Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Brian Yuliarto, has confirmed an ongoing investigation into a scientific paper that falsely listed President Prabowo Subianto and other prominent figures as co-authors. Preliminary findings indicate the lead author added the names without permission and also used a fake academic title. The ministry is continuing to probe the ethical violations and will take action based on the investigation's outcome.

From Village to Global Market: Accelerating Regional Economies Through Digital Connectivity

The expansion of internet access in rural Indonesia is fundamentally reshaping local economies by dismantling traditional supply chains and fostering financial inclusion. Digital platforms are enabling direct market access for farmers and artisans, significantly boosting their income margins. However, the full potential of this digital transformation is still challenged by persistent gaps in digital literacy and infrastructure.

Real-Time Financial Reporting: The Twilight of Periodic Bookkeeping Systems

The shift from periodic bookkeeping to real-time financial reporting, driven by AI, cloud computing, and Big Data, is fundamentally transforming corporate accounting. This transition promises dramatic efficiency gains and faster crisis response, but faces significant hurdles in data governance, cybersecurity, and organisational culture. The article explores how continuous accounting is rendering traditional lagging indicators obsolete in the modern business environment.

Bandung Mayor Farhan Explains Why Padel Court Was Not Sealed Over Tree Felling Case

Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan clarified that the padel court was not sealed because it is operated by a different company than the one responsible for illegally felling trees on Jalan Riau. The videotron owner admitted to cutting down the trees on their own initiative to improve visibility, leading to the sealing of the videotron structure only. Farhan stated there was no legal basis to link the two separate business entities in the enforcement action.

Crackdown on Illegal Mining Catalyses Production Surge and Profitability for Timah

The Indonesian government's intensified crackdown on illegal tin mining in Bangka Belitung is proving to be a significant catalyst for state-owned miner PT Timah (TINS). The company reported a 75% surge in ore production and an 805% leap in net profit for the first half of 2026, driven by the normalisation of supply chains and high global tin prices. Analysts view the stock positively, citing strong fundamentals and sustained demand from the semiconductor and AI industries.

Alleged Child Exploitation Case: Streamer Bigmo Grilled with 40 Questions

Internet streamer Muhammad Jannah, known as Bigmo, faced 40 questions from Jakarta police over alleged child exploitation during a live broadcast. His lawyer stated Bigmo was cooperative, admitted ethical lapses, and claimed the incident was spontaneous. The streamer has apologised and pledged to create more educational content in the future.

Minister calls for campus labs to spawn world-class industries

Indonesia's Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology has urged researchers to commercialise laboratory innovations into globally competitive companies, highlighting the need to cross the 'valley of death' between research and industry. He cited Taiwan's success in building semiconductor giants from state R&D institutions as a model for Indonesia's leap toward becoming a developed nation. BRIN's head also outlined three strategies to accelerate economic growth ahead of the Golden Indonesia 2045 vision, including boosting MSME productivity and strengthening national industry competitiveness through advanced research.

Transport Minister Opens Investment Opportunities to Accelerate Railway Network Development

The Indonesian government is actively seeking investment, both domestic and foreign, to expand the national railway network, with a focus on boosting logistics connectivity in Sumatra and Kalimantan. Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi stated that the government is open to all interested parties, though specific routes and investment values are still under review. The development plan prioritises lines that offer significant economic benefits and support regional growth.

Dissecting Road Rage Through the Lens of Humanist Aesthetics

The rise in public aggression, particularly road rage, reflects a deeper societal crisis of emotional regulation and empathy in Indonesia. Psychological factors such as fragile self-esteem, stress, and the anonymity of a vehicle cabin contribute to the phenomenon of 'moral disengagement'. Experts suggest that cultivating emotional intelligence and self-awareness is key to mitigating such destructive behaviour.

BPS: Financial literacy and inclusion indices rise in 2026

Indonesia's financial literacy index rose to 69.57% in 2026, up 2.93 basis points from the previous year, according to the national statistics agency BPS. The financial inclusion index also climbed to 93.61%, driven primarily by an increase in conventional financial services. The survey highlighted a persistent gap between urban and rural areas, with urban regions scoring higher on both measures.

NTB High Prosecutor's Office Appeals Acquittal of Three Regional Legislators in 'Ghost Money' Graft Case

The West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) High Prosecutor's Office has officially filed an appeal against the acquittal of three provincial legislators in a high-profile 'ghost money' gratuity case. The prosecutors are challenging the Mataram Corruption Court's verdict, which cleared the three DPRD members despite the judge's belief that dozens of councillors had received illicit funds. The appeal is being pursued under Article 299 of the Criminal Procedure Code, as the acquittal prevents the case from being escalated to the Supreme Court for cassation.

Qodari: 5.29 Percent Economic Growth Increasingly High Quality

Head of the Government Communication Body, Muhammad Qodari, stated that Indonesia's economic growth of 5.29 percent in the second quarter of 2026 is increasingly high quality, accompanied by a reduction in poverty and unemployment. The growth was supported by household consumption and strong investment activity. The government is maintaining momentum through a stimulus package and long-term strategies including industrial downstreaming and infrastructure development.

President scheduled to open 35th NU Congress in Jombang

President Prabowo Subianto is scheduled to inaugurate the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Congress in Jombang, East Java, on 27 August 2026. Organisers anticipate the presidential visit will significantly increase attendance and mobility, prompting traffic management measures around the pesantren venues. The congress holds special significance as it returns to the Tambakberas Islamic boarding school, closely linked to the history of NU's founders.

Indonesia Progresses on Dumai-Sei Mangkei Gas Pipeline Construction

The Indonesian government reports that construction of the Dumai-Sei Mangkei (Dusem) gas transmission pipeline has reached 37.494% completion as of late July 2026. The project, funded by the state budget, is a National Strategic Project aimed at accelerating energy self-sufficiency and is being built in two segments with a target completion within 22 months. Officials emphasised the importance of transparency and adherence to standards to prevent budget leakages and ensure the project delivers economic benefits.

BMKG Reveals Why Cloud Seeding Cannot Yet Be Used to Fight Forest Fires

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has stated that weather modification operations to combat spreading forest and land fires cannot yet be conducted due to a lack of convective clouds. The agency estimates that conditions will not be favourable for at least another 10 days. The fires have already affected hundreds of hectares across multiple provinces, including a significant blaze in the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park.

Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park Closes All Tourist Access Due to Forest Fires

The Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park (TNBTS) authority has temporarily closed all access to the Mount Bromo tourist area in East Java due to ongoing forest and land fires. The closure, effective since Saturday night, aims to ensure visitor safety and facilitate firefighting efforts. Nearby destinations such as Seruni Point and the Bromo Glass Bridge remain open as officials continue to monitor the situation.