Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 10 August 2026

Showing 351-400 of 1,377 articles

Rare Earth Processing Design: Bahlil Aims for Full Domestic Refining

The Indonesian government is designing a strategy to ensure all rare earth element (REE) processing is conducted domestically, according to Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia. This move follows the recent resolution of a mineral export blockage caused by differing interpretations of regulations regarding REE content in commodities like nickel and alumina. The Presidential Staff Office confirmed that the resolution has allowed nearly 400,000 tonnes of mineral commodities worth Rp2.2 trillion to be exported again.

Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Reveals Six Provinces Prone to Forest and Land Fires: Jambi to South Kalimantan

The Indonesian government has identified six provinces as highly vulnerable to forest and land fires, primarily due to their extensive peatland areas. Coordinating Minister Djamari Chaniago stated that Riau, Jambi, South Sumatra, West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, and South Kalimantan are the most critical regions. Authorities have deployed 43 helicopters and are using flexible tanks for ground operations to combat the blazes, which have so far affected approximately 107,000 hectares.

Schooling in Remote Kerinci Village: The Sole Educational Lifeline

SDN 226/III Renah Kasah in Kerinci, Jambi, serves as the only primary school for a remote village, operating with just three classrooms for its 38 pupils. The limited facilities mean that graduates must leave their village to pursue secondary education. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges of educational access and infrastructure in Indonesia's isolated rural communities.

DPD speaker Najamudin highlights regional representation at annual session

DPD speaker Sultan Najamudin emphasised the body's role in bridging regional aspirations with national policy during the annual parliamentary session. He noted that the DPD's oversight function has contributed to more effective development, with government programmes increasingly reaching the regions. Najamudin described the DPD as a complementary pillar of parliament, ensuring regional voices are heard alongside the political representation of the DPR.

AAUI Predicts Government Bonds Will Remain Dominant in Insurance Investment Portfolios Until End of 2026

The Indonesian General Insurance Association (AAUI) expects government bonds (SBN) to continue dominating the investment portfolios of commercial insurers through the end of 2026, provided market conditions remain stable. The association's chairman highlighted that SBNs offer a combination of security, liquidity, and stable returns that align with prudential requirements. OJK data shows SBNs already account for 42.94% of the industry's total investments, which reached Rp977.71 trillion as of May 2026.

Germany Tightens Stance on Migrant Returns Following New EU Pact

Germany is seeking to resume the transfer of migrants back to Italy and Greece under the Dublin regulation, following the entry into force of the new EU Migration and Asylum Pact on 12 June. Berlin considers the functioning of the Dublin system essential for the success of the common European asylum framework. Meanwhile, Italy argues that migrants who arrived before the pact's implementation are exempt and that a compensation mechanism should apply to new arrivals.

Minister Yandri Urges Central TAPM to Be More Productive for Village Advancement

Minister of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions, Yandri Susanto, has called on the Central Community Empowerment Expert Team (TAPM) to enhance their productivity and contribution to village progress. He emphasised their pivotal role in coordinating thousands of village facilitators and ensuring government programmes are effectively implemented. The Minister also stressed the need for rigorous evaluation and a shift in mindset, warning against complacency among the central team.

Ministry of Agriculture Prepares Ship to Transport 200 Dairy Cows for Milk Self-Sufficiency

The Ministry of Agriculture is preparing the KM Camara Nusantara I vessel to transport 200 pregnant dairy cows from Central Java as part of a national milk self-sufficiency programme. The ministry is coordinating with multiple agencies, including the Directorate General of Sea Transportation and PT Pelni, to ensure the animals' welfare during the voyage. Officials emphasised that the success of the shipment depends on meeting all livestock needs during transit, including feed, water, ventilation, and safe flooring.

Bank Mandiri Partners with Paramount to Drive Sustainable Property Growth

Bank Mandiri has entered into a strategic partnership with developer Paramount Group to provide integrated banking services and support the development of sustainable property zones. The collaboration includes digitalised mortgage solutions and a focus on ESG principles, marked by the handover of a carbon emission reduction certificate. The synergy aims to strengthen the national property ecosystem and deliver broader economic benefits.

Coordinating Minister asks Central and West Kalimantan to halt land-burning permits

Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago has urged the regional governments of Central and West Kalimantan to suspend permits allowing land burning for plantations amid the El Niño phenomenon. The extreme heat and drought conditions are feared to trigger uncontrollable forest and land fires. The National Disaster Management Agency has also requested that relevant local regulations be temporarily set aside until the dry season ends.

Person Struck by KRL Green Line Train at Jurangmangu Station

A person was struck by a KRL Commuter Line train on the Green Line route at Jurangmangu Station, causing temporary delays on the Tanah Abang-Parung Panjang service. The individual was evacuated and train services have since returned to normal. KAI Commuter apologised for the disruption and urged passengers to follow instructions from on-site officers.

Bappisus Chief Discusses Optimising State Budget with Attorney General's Intelligence Division

The Head of the Special Development and Investigation Control Agency (Bappisus) has held talks with the Junior Attorney General for Intelligence to explore how law enforcement intelligence can support the optimisation of the state budget. The discussion focused on synergising efforts to ensure budget efficiency extends to regional levels, leveraging the Attorney General's Office's nationwide reach. Both parties affirmed their solid cooperation in combating corruption and financial crimes detrimental to the state.

AGO Examines Seven Witnesses in Money Laundering Case Against Former Jampidsus Febrie Adriansyah

The Attorney General's Office (Kejagung) has examined seven witnesses in the money laundering case involving former Junior Attorney General for Special Crimes (Jampidsus) Febrie Adriansyah. The investigation, transferred from the National Police, includes significant evidence such as 74 kilograms of gold and hundreds of billions of Rupiah in foreign currency. Authorities are tracing the flow of funds and have committed to handling the case professionally and transparently.

Indonesia's Financial Literacy and Inclusion Index Surges in 2026, BPS Reports

Indonesia's Financial Literacy Index rose to 69.57% in 2026, up 2.93% from the previous year, according to the Central Statistics Agency (BPS). The Financial Inclusion Index also increased, reaching 93.61%, driven by gains in conventional finance. The survey highlighted significant improvements in literacy among citizens with only elementary-level education.

Overcoming Price Slumps, Company Ensures Absorption of All Farmers' Harvests

Rumah Tani Nusantara is directly absorbing 38,000 tonnes of agricultural commodities annually from farmers to cut lengthy supply chains and prevent price crashes during peak harvest. The company provides minimum price guarantees for chillies, deploys mobile corn shelling facilities, and distributes produce to modern retailers and e-commerce platforms. This initiative aims to liberate farmers from exploitative middlemen and stabilise incomes for commodities including corn, potatoes, and shallots.

Freeport to Begin Production at New Underground Mine in 2029

PT Freeport Indonesia is developing the Kucing Liar underground mine in Papua, targeting initial production in 2029. The company has invested US$1.4 billion so far, with total projected costs reaching US$4 billion by 2033. Once fully operational, the mine is expected to produce 750 million pounds of copper and 735,000 ounces of gold annually.

West Lombok DPRD Member Sentenced to Four Years for Mukena and Sarong Corruption

The Nusa Tenggara Barat High Court has increased the prison sentence for inactive West Lombok DPRD member Ahmad Zainuri to four years for his role in a corruption case involving the procurement of prayer garments and sarongs. Zainuri was also ordered to pay a fine and restitution, with the total state losses from the scheme estimated at Rp 1.7 billion. The case also implicates three other individuals, including officials from the West Lombok Social Affairs Agency.

Minister: Presidential Regulation on Online Motorcycle Taxis Only Covers Two-Wheeled Vehicles

Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi has clarified that the forthcoming presidential regulation will specifically govern two-wheeled online motorcycle taxi services, excluding four-wheeled online taxis. The regulation, which is being finalised ahead of Indonesia's 81st Independence Day, will also categorise drivers as micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The MSME Minister confirmed that drivers will not be taxed and will gain access to government incentive packages.

Bigmo Grilled with 40 Questions Over Vape Content Involving Children, Claims No Defensiveness

YouTuber Muhammad Jannah, known as Bigmo, has been questioned by Jakarta police over a livestream in which he involved minors in promoting e-liquid for electronic cigarettes. His lawyer stated that Bigmo answered approximately 40 questions, admitted his mistake, and claimed the interaction was spontaneous rather than scripted. The case highlights legal scrutiny of social media content that potentially exploits children.

Forest Fires Spread, BMKG Reveals Why Cloud Seeding Cannot Yet Be Conducted

Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has stated that Weather Modification Operations to combat spreading forest and land fires cannot be implemented due to a lack of convective clouds. The necessary conditions for cloud seeding are not expected to be met for at least the next ten days. Meanwhile, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency reports that fires have affected numerous regions, including a significant blaze that has scorched 520 hectares in the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park.

Home Affairs Minister on July Inflation of 2.88 Percent: Still Within Ideal Range

Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian stated that Indonesia's annual inflation rate of 2.88 percent in July 2026 remains within the government's target range. He noted a month-to-month deflation of 0.14 percent from June, though transport and education costs were key contributors. The minister urged regional governments to remain vigilant as several provinces recorded inflation above the 3.5 percent upper limit.

Central Java Farmers Use Solar-Powered Pumps to Cut Production Costs

Farmers in Central Java are adopting solar-powered water pumps (PATS) to reduce reliance on diesel fuel and lower production costs. The initiative, highlighted by Governor Ahmad Luthfi, has been implemented in three locations including Pekalongan, Brebes, and Cilacap, with plans to expand it as a model for renewable energy in agriculture. Farmers report significant savings on fuel and the ability to irrigate more efficiently, even during dry seasons.

Targeting the Australian Property Market, This Indonesian Entrepreneur Reveals His Reasons

Indonesian entrepreneur Chandra Leonardi is developing townhouses in Sydney, citing the city's global demand as a key factor in reducing investment risk. Despite the strong market, he highlights the stringent and lengthy approval process, which took up to 24 months and involved 16 consultants for his latest project. The development in Roselands will see units priced at approximately Rp30 billion each, with the company retaining three of the seven units for its investment portfolio.

Foundation Dispute at South Jakarta School Uncovers Alleged Embezzlement and Weapons Cache

A leadership dispute at the Harapan Ibu Islamic School Foundation in South Jakarta has escalated, with allegations of embezzlement and the discovery of a large cache of weapons. The conflict, which began with a 2011 takeover, has led to claims that the former chairman and his family misappropriated foundation funds and land. The situation intensified when the new management found hundreds of firearms in a locked room on the school premises.

Deputy Hajj Minister Dahnil Conducts Surprise Inspection at East Jakarta Hajj Office: 'The Most Cases Here'

Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak made an unannounced visit to the East Jakarta Hajj Office following the discovery of numerous alleged hajj mafia practices. He noted the office had the highest number of cases involving quota transfers and mahram issues, according to findings by the BPK and KPK. Dahnil also reprimanded the office head for not arriving by 9.30 a.m. and warned staff to abandon old practices or resign.

Ahead of 81st Independence Day, Phase II Rice Aid Prepared for 33.24 Million Families

The Indonesian government is preparing to distribute Phase II of its Rice Food Aid programme to 33.24 million beneficiary families nationwide, with nearly one million tonnes of rice allocated for July to September 2026. The Ministry of Finance has approved an additional budget of Rp 17.52 trillion for the scheme, which will be disbursed in a single instalment of 30 kg per family starting 17 August. Officials stated the programme aims to protect purchasing power, stabilise rice prices, and utilise the substantial government rice reserves currently standing at over five million tonnes.

TNI Commander Asserts Responsibility for Public Security Across Indonesia Ahead of Independence Day

General Agus Subiyanto, Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), has affirmed his institution's responsibility for maintaining security and order nationwide. The statement was made following a coordination meeting with parliamentary leaders and the National Police Chief in Jakarta. The TNI will intensify patrols and coordinate closely with the police to ensure public safety during the upcoming 81st Independence Day celebrations.

Dekranasda DKI Affirms Nusantara Craftsmanship Must Be Present in Urban Spaces

The Jakarta chapter of the National Crafts Council (Dekranasda DKI) has called for traditional Indonesian crafts to be integrated into modern urban environments. Chairperson Hani Pramono highlighted a mall exhibition as proof that Nusantara textiles can coexist with contemporary lifestyles. The initiative aims to expand market access for artisans and small businesses through public-private collaboration.

Khariq Anhar Faces Six-Month Prison Demand in Electronic Information Manipulation Case

Prosecutors have demanded a six-month prison sentence for Khariq Anhar, a student activist, for allegedly manipulating electronic information related to the August 2025 protests. The prosecution argued Anhar deliberately altered a media post featuring Labour Party Chairman Said Iqbal without permission, spreading false information. The court previously acquitted Anhar and three colleagues of incitement charges, but that verdict is under appeal.

DPR Calls Teacher Welfare a National Priority, Urges Government to Raise Teacher Salaries

A senior Indonesian legislator has urged the government to immediately increase teacher salaries and allowances, framing it as a critical national priority. The call from House of Representatives (DPR) Commission X Deputy Chairman Lalu Hadrian Irfani follows a recent government decision to raise performance allowances for military personnel. He argued that improving teacher welfare is a vital investment in the nation's human resources and future.

KPAI Receives Formal Complaint from School and Foundation Following Weapons Discovery

The Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) has received an official complaint from a private school and its foundation after a police raid uncovered nearly 1,000 airsoft guns, narcotics, and pornographic materials on the premises in South Jakarta. The commission stated that approximately 500 students require special protection, classifying the incident as an emergency situation for children. The school has implemented distance learning for a week to ensure student safety during the ongoing police investigation.

If War with Iran Erupts Again, Can the US Withstand It? Here's What Analysts Say

Analysts are questioning the sustainability of US military stockpiles in the event of a renewed conflict with Iran. The intensive use of advanced munitions is reportedly depleting strategic reserves faster than they can be replaced. Concerns are mounting over the strain on supply chains for critical components and rare earth minerals.

BNPB Reports Forest and Land Fires Across Sumatra, Java, Sulawesi, Maluku, and Papua

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has reported widespread forest and land fires across multiple Indonesian islands, including Java, Sumatra, Sulawesi, Maluku, and Papua, triggered by the ongoing dry season. Significant incidents include a 520-hectare blaze at Mount Bromo in East Java, which has forced the temporary closure of the national park, and fires in Aceh and Bangka Belitung caused by land clearing activities. Firefighting teams from various agencies have been deployed and have largely managed to extinguish the fires, though monitoring continues in vulnerable areas.

North Korea Urges Citizens to Eat Dog Meat Soup Amid Extreme Heatwave

North Korean state media has recommended citizens consume traditional foods, including dog meat soup, to cope with an extreme heatwave that has pushed temperatures to a record 36.7 degrees Celsius. The advice, rooted in traditional beliefs about combating the 'dog days of summer', was published alongside tips on refreshing foods like watermelon and cucumber. State outlets also highlighted leader Kim Jong Un's past endurance of harsh weather during public inspections, linking his dedication to the people's wellbeing.

Paspampres Commander Leads Troop Readiness Roll Call for 81st Indonesian Independence Day Events

Major General Edwin Adrian Sumantha, Commander of the Presidential Security Force (Paspampres), has led a readiness roll call for 1,147 personnel assigned to secure the upcoming 81st Indonesian Independence Day commemorations in Jakarta. The troops will be deployed across key state events, including the MPR Annual Session and the flag ceremony at the Merdeka Palace. The commander stressed the importance of proactive and preventive security measures to ensure no threats materialise during the VVIP protection operations.

Government Focuses on Forest Fire Management in Six High-Risk Provinces

The Indonesian government is concentrating its forest and land fire mitigation efforts on six provinces deemed most vulnerable due to their extensive peatlands and the ongoing dry season exacerbated by El Niño. Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago identified Riau, Jambi, South Sumatra, West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, and South Kalimantan as the most critical areas. Authorities have deployed 43 helicopters and up to 15 fixed-wing aircraft to combat the blazes, with total burnt land currently estimated at 107,000 hectares.

IDX records addition of 9.9 million investors in 7.5 months

The Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) has added approximately 9.9 million capital market investors in the first seven and a half months of 2026, bringing the total to around 30.2 million. This marks the highest investor growth in the history of the Indonesian capital market, according to IDX President Director Jeffrey Hendrik. The growth occurred despite a 25.87 percent year-to-date correction in the Jakarta Composite Index (JCI).

Chronology of Aiptu Asep Suhara Becoming a Victim of a Hit-and-Run During Night Patrol in Bandung

A police officer from the Bandung City Police, Aiptu Asep Suhara, was killed in a hit-and-run incident while conducting a night patrol on Jalan Merdeka, Bandung. The officer was struck from behind by a minibus carrying four passengers, who then fled the scene without providing assistance. Authorities are currently investigating CCTV footage and witness statements to identify the vehicle and its occupants.

Sawah Besar Police Arrest Foreign National for Alleged Fatal Assault in Pasar Baru

Police in Central Jakarta have arrested a Nigerian national suspected of assaulting a Cameroonian man who later died, following an altercation at a café in Pasar Baru. The dispute allegedly stemmed from an unpaid business loan. Authorities are continuing to investigate the full circumstances surrounding the victim's death.

Man Arrested in Denpasar for Rape of Minor

A 28-year-old man has been arrested in Denpasar, Bali, for the alleged rape of a minor. The suspect was apprehended after the victim's family filed a police report, and authorities are coordinating with social services to provide psychological support for the child. Police have confirmed they have sufficient preliminary evidence and are continuing to gather witness statements and coordinate with prosecutors.

Sutrimo's Family Questions Chronology Form, Missing Phone and Wallet

The family of Sutrimo, who died outside a South Jakarta beauty clinic, has raised concerns over inconsistencies surrounding his death. Their lawyer revealed that a hospital chronology form detailing foam at his mouth and nose was withheld from the family, and his mobile phone and wallet have not been returned. The family, who initially accepted the death due to Sutrimo's diabetes history, now suspects foul play but fears the implications of challenging powerful figures.

East Java's 2026 Revised Budget prioritises public services and infrastructure

The East Java Provincial Government is prioritising public services, education, health, and infrastructure in its 2026 Revised Regional Budget (APBD-P), with total spending rising to IDR 29.86 trillion. Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa stated the increased budget, supported by a surplus from the 2025 fiscal year, will fund scholarships for 50,000 underprivileged students and improve provincial roads. The budget allocates 32.90 per cent to infrastructure and 31.93 per cent to education, despite recording a deficit of IDR 3.37 trillion.

Push for BPKH Transparency and Independence Continues to Strengthen

Calls for greater transparency and independence in the management of Indonesia's Hajj funds are intensifying as the Hajj Financial Management Agency (BPKH) oversees assets worth Rp184.45 trillion. Experts and lawmakers argue that while the introduction of virtual accounts has improved accountability, investment portfolios require further openness to prevent mismanagement. The proposed revision of the Hajj Financial Management Law aims to strengthen governance and ensure the agency operates free from external interference.

ITERA and ITB collaborate on five-year fast track bachelor's to master's programme

The Sumatran Institute of Technology (ITERA) and the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) have launched an integrated fast track programme enabling high-achieving students to complete both bachelor's and master's degrees in just five years. The scheme allows ITERA undergraduates to begin preparatory master's coursework in their seventh semester before formally enrolling at ITB. The initiative aims to enhance academic quality and strengthen collaboration between the two Indonesian technology institutes.

Danantara Could Become a BEI Shareholder, OJK Still Finalising Rules

Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) has indicated that the Danantara Investment Authority could become a shareholder of the Indonesia Stock Exchange (BEI) following its demutualisation. The OJK is currently drafting regulations that will set maximum ownership limits to prevent any single entity from becoming a controlling shareholder. The rules will also serve as a benchmark, referencing similar frameworks adopted by other countries.

Chinese Robot Maker Unitree Opens IPO Orders Amid Strong Investor Interest

Chinese robotics firm Unitree has commenced the book-building process for its initial public offering on Shanghai's STAR Market, with early indications pointing to overwhelming investor demand. The Hangzhou-based company, known for its humanoid and quadrupedal robots, plans to raise approximately 6.1 billion yuan. Unitree's prospectus reveals it sold over 5,500 humanoid robots in 2025 alone, highlighting its rapid commercialisation in the embodied intelligence sector.

PAM Jaya to build 7,000 km of new pipe network to expand services

Jakarta's water utility PAM Jaya plans to construct approximately 7,000 kilometres of new pipelines in the coming years, expanding its total network to 20,000 km. The massive infrastructure push aims to achieve 100 per cent piped water coverage across the capital by 2029. The company is simultaneously strengthening field supervision and enforcing strict occupational health and safety standards among its numerous contracting partners.

Pegadaian Officially Becomes the Sole Bullion Bank Underlying Provider for Gold ETFs in Indonesia

Indonesia has launched its first Gold Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) on the Indonesia Stock Exchange, marking a significant step in broadening public access to gold investment through the capital market. State-owned pawnbroker PT Pegadaian has been appointed as the sole underlying provider for the ETF, supplying physical gold via Electronic Gold Receipts. Officials expressed optimism that the new instrument, which includes a Sharia-compliant variant, will deepen the domestic financial market and allow Indonesia to compete globally, leveraging Pegadaian's substantial gold holdings.

Rental Homes to Be Taxed in 2027? Tax Office Clarifies

Indonesia's Directorate General of Taxes has denied plans to introduce a new tax specifically targeting rental property owners in 2027. The clarification follows public discussion where rental income was cited merely as an example in talks about strengthening the tax base. The DJP emphasised that income from land and building rentals is already subject to existing income tax regulations.

Bogor Botanical Gardens develops experience-based tourism

Bogor Botanical Gardens is expanding its role beyond a recreational space by introducing experience-based tourism, offering hands-on educational classes in plant propagation and creative crafts. The initiative, managed by PT Mitra Natura Raya, aims to deepen public knowledge of plant conservation through direct interaction with nature. The programme includes activities such as composting, grafting, and the Japanese art of Oshibana, designed to foster creativity and environmental awareness among visitors.