Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 11 August 2026

Showing 451-500 of 1,526 articles

Birth Certificates Now Issued Instantly After Delivery via Digital Integration

The Indonesian government has launched a digital integration system that allows birth certificates to be issued automatically and sent online immediately after a child is born. The initiative connects health facilities with the civil registration system, aiming to eliminate bureaucratic delays and ensure every newborn receives legal identity from day one. Officials emphasised that the move is part of a broader effort to create a seamless, data-driven public service ecosystem.

Inaugurated by Megawati, TMP to Become PDIP's Engine to Court Millennials and Gen Z in 2029

The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) has inaugurated the new leadership of its youth wing, Taruna Merah Putih (TMP), for the 2025–2030 term. Chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri directly instructed the organisation to engage young people, as data projects that Millennial and Gen Z voters will constitute 56 per cent of the electorate in the 2029 election. The TMP aims to dismantle negative stigmas around politics through a campaign called 'Politics is Fun' to attract and eventually turn young people into party cadres.

SCG Sharing the Dream 2026 Distributes Hundreds of Scholarships to Develop Indonesia's Young Human Resources

SCG has reaffirmed its commitment to developing Indonesia's youth by awarding 412 scholarships under the 'SCG Sharing the Dream 2026' programme, now in its 14th year. The initiative addresses human capital gaps, noting that 19.44 per cent of Indonesia's population falls into the NEET category. The programme, in partnership with Ancora Foundation, focuses on building leadership, adaptability, and practical skills through capacity building and community projects.

Minister Amran Invites Unhas New Students to Innovate for Food Sovereignty

Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman has called on 10,401 new students at Hasanuddin University to drive innovation in achieving food sovereignty. He emphasised the need for a shift in mindset, technological adaptation, and efficient resource management to boost production. The minister highlighted the strategic role of higher education in producing human resources capable of contributing to national development.

Nusron: Land Service Transformation Aims to Shut Down Mafia Operations

Agrarian Minister Nusron Wahid has stated that the digital transformation of land services is designed to eliminate the systemic loopholes exploited by land mafias. The initiative focuses on accelerating service times and integrating central and regional government data to remove discrepancies. The ministry aims to enhance transparency and human resource integrity as a more effective countermeasure than arrests alone.

Smart Buildings: Hospital and Factory Cut Costs and Downtime

Indonesian hospitals and factories are adopting smart building technologies to significantly reduce operational costs and improve efficiency. SMC Rumah Sakit Telogorejo reversed a 9% annual rise in electricity costs, achieving a 5% reduction after implementing Schneider Electric's Building Management System. The initiatives align with government regulations mandating green and smart building standards to help meet national emissions reduction targets.

New Phenomenon: Behavioural Shift Observed Among Vehicle Insurance Users

The President Director of Oona Insurance Indonesia has identified a notable shift in consumer behaviour, with demand increasingly moving from vehicle-only protection towards personal accident cover for drivers and borrowers. Speaking at a multifinance industry event, Vincent Soegianto highlighted that insurers are now evolving from mere vendors into strategic partners, engaging in tripartite discussions with finance companies and automotive brands to develop affordable, market-acceptable products. He stressed that solid communication between insurers and multifinance firms is key to ensuring industry health and appropriate customer protection.

Iran's Foreign Minister Says US 'Begging' to Resume Negotiations

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has accused the United States of 'begging' to restart stalled negotiations, while firmly denying any ongoing talks between the two nations. Araghchi stated that Washington had initially demanded 'unconditional surrender' but is now seeking dialogue, though Tehran insists no negotiations will occur until the US compensates for violating a prior memorandum of understanding. The remarks underscore the deepening diplomatic rift, with communications currently limited to messages exchanged through mediators.

Attorney General Urges High Prosecutors to Prioritise Cases Affecting Public Livelihood

Attorney General ST Burhanuddin has instructed newly appointed High Prosecutors to focus on cases impacting the public's welfare and the state's economy. He emphasised the need for regional prosecutor's offices to handle strategic corruption cases professionally to ensure equitable enforcement nationwide. The directive was issued during the swearing-in ceremony of 15 new High Prosecutors and 19 other officials in Jakarta.

Governor KDM Interrogates Student Who Fatally Struck Police Officer, Reveals Perpetrator Was Intoxicated

West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi personally interrogated a university student who killed a police officer in a hit-and-run incident in Bandung. The suspect, identified only as A, admitted to driving a borrowed sedan while intoxicated when he struck Aiptu Asep Suhara. The governor stated the public interrogation was intended to demonstrate transparency and dispel any suspicion of a cover-up.

Principal of SMAN 1 Jonggat Urged to Resign as 57 Teachers Sign No-Confidence Motion

The headmaster of a state senior high school in Lombok is facing calls to resign from both students and staff. Students protested over poor facilities including damaged furniture, broken windows, and a lack of textbooks, while 57 teachers signed a motion of no confidence. The principal has dismissed the demands, stating that his employment status is a matter for his superiors, not the students.

Narcotics Cases Dominate Jakarta Probation Office's Parole Clients

The Central Jakarta Correctional Centre (Bapas) reports that drug-related offences constitute the majority of cases among its 783 clients undergoing parole and supervised release. Officials stress that combating narcotics requires a multi-sectoral approach beyond the correctional system, involving education and social support. The agency is providing skills training and guidance to help former inmates reintegrate and avoid reoffending.

West Java's Tasikmalaya Set to Become Indonesia's Furniture and Craft Hub

The Indonesian Furniture and Handicraft Industry Association (HIMKI) is spearheading a plan to transform the Priangan region, particularly Tasikmalaya, into a major export-oriented centre for furniture and crafts. The initiative aims to shift local artisans from a subcontractor mindset to becoming original design manufacturers with direct access to global markets. The strategy involves curating 30 to 50 potential companies, with the goal of generating initial export orders within six to twelve months.

Nusron on Post-17 August Reshuffle Issue: It's Unseemly for Ministers to Discuss It

Minister of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning Nusron Wahid has responded to speculation about a cabinet reshuffle after 17 August, stating it is the prerogative of President Prabowo Subianto. He emphasised that it is inappropriate for ministers to comment on the matter, as their sole duty is to work. The remarks follow a suggestion from a PKS politician that any new cabinet members should be professionals rather than party figures.

Unhas represents Indonesia at Peace Conference in Hiroshima

Universitas Hasanuddin (Unhas) was the sole Indonesian university to participate in the 6th University Presidents for Peace Conference in Hiroshima, Japan. The forum, which coincided with the 81st anniversary of the atomic bombing, saw 17 universities from 11 countries adopt a joint declaration committing to peace and sustainability through education and research. Unhas highlighted the importance of translating historical experience into academic collaboration and fostering a generation open to diversity.

IKD Becomes Gateway to Digital Population Administration Services

The Indonesian Ministry of Home Affairs is promoting the Digital Population Identity (IKD) as a single access point for civil administration services. The application allows citizens to manage family cards, birth certificates, and other documents digitally, with future plans including secure remote onboarding and international standard adoption.

Mayor Fadly Amran and PRR Task Force Inspect Flood Impact in Padang

Padang Mayor Fadly Amran, alongside the national PRR Task Force, has inspected areas severely affected by the 3 August 2026 floods. The visit highlighted the need to update the city's Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Plan (R3P) to include integrated, long-term flood mitigation. The proposed projects, including a retention basin and drainage improvements, carry an estimated cost of IDR 955.73 billion.

BCA Syariah Says Gold Remains a Preferred Long-Term Investment Choice

PT Bank BCA Syariah reports that gold continues to be a favoured long-term investment instrument among the public, evidenced by a 127.6 percent surge in its gold financing portfolio. The bank's gold financing grew from Rp301 billion in June 2025 to Rp684 billion in June 2026, supported by a lower minimum financing threshold and expanded product variety. The director noted that gold prices have risen by more than 200 percent over the past decade.

Central Java Governor: Waste Management Requires Collective Action

Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi has called for a united effort involving government, communities, and businesses to tackle waste management, emphasising public awareness as the key factor. The province has consistently ranked first in Indonesia for volunteer numbers during World Cleanup Day, with this year marking the eighth edition of the global event. Organisers highlighted ongoing initiatives like the Zero Waste School programme in Kudus and stressed the need for stronger regulations to shift public mindsets away from viewing waste solely as a government responsibility.

PDI-P Launches Youth Wing to Engage Millennial and Gen Z Voters Ahead of 2029 Election

The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) has inaugurated its new central board for the Taruna Merah Putih youth wing, signalling a strategic push to connect with younger voters. With Millennials and Gen Z projected to make up 56% of the electorate in 2029, the organisation aims to reshape perceptions of politics through a campaign called 'Politics is Fun'. The initiative will focus on creating a welcoming entry point for young people before developing them into committed party cadres.

Maluku Presents Replica of Admiral Maeda's House for 81st Indonesian Independence Day

The Maluku provincial government has erected a replica of Admiral Tadashi Maeda's historic residence in Ambon to commemorate the 81st anniversary of Indonesian independence. The installation aims to educate younger generations about the pivotal role the original house in Jakarta played in the formulation of the Proclamation of Independence text. Organisers hope the visual representation will strengthen national spirit and connect the struggle for freedom with contemporary development challenges.

Indonesia's $21 Billion Gas Gamble: A Long-Delayed Mega-Project Takes Shape in the Remote East

Indonesia's long-stalled Abadi gas field project in the Masela Block has entered physical construction, marking a $20.9 billion investment aimed at shifting the nation's industrial centre eastward. The development, operated by INPEX alongside Pertamina and Petronas, is designed to produce 9.5 million metric tons of LNG annually while legally mandating 40% of its gas output for domestic consumption. Analysts caution that the massive capital influx into the remote Tanimbar Islands requires careful management to avoid inflationary pressures and social friction, even as the project incorporates carbon capture technology to meet global environmental standards.

Government to Limit Subsidised Pertalite Fuel Consumption

The Indonesian government is planning to restrict the purchase of subsidised Pertalite fuel for high-income groups, specifically targeting households in the top two economic deciles. The policy aims to ensure that the substantial fuel subsidy budget is directed towards those who genuinely need it, while motorcycles will remain exempt from any purchase restrictions.

South Jakarta City Government Distributes National Flags Ahead of Independence Day

The South Jakarta City Government has launched a movement to distribute Indonesian flags to residents in the lead-up to the 81st anniversary of the nation's independence. The initiative aims to foster nationalism and encourage widespread flag displays across the city. Officials have instructed all regional apparatus to participate actively and have set a deadline of 31 August 2026 for the flags to be flown.

Minister Pigai Orders KemenHAM to Help Control El Niño Impacts

Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai has instructed all staff of the Ministry of Human Rights across Indonesia to actively coordinate with central and regional governments to mitigate the social impacts of the El Niño phenomenon. The directive aims to ensure that the effects of prolonged dry weather, such as forest fires, drought, and crop failure, are anticipated and managed collaboratively. The ministry is also tasked with directly monitoring vulnerable communities to safeguard their rights during the crisis.

Forestry Minister Raja Juli Refuses to Comment on Incomplete Return of Cash to KPK

Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni declined to address allegations that he did not fully return cash linked to a corruption case involving a former regent. The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) stated the minister returned only 12,000 of the 14,000 Singapore dollars allegedly given to him. The case is connected to a bribery investigation concerning the release of forest production areas in Kuantan Singingi.

Airlangga: Debottlenecking Task Force Resolves 124 Company Complaints

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto announced that the government's Debottlenecking Task Force has resolved 124 out of 170 complaints from companies, aiming to accelerate the removal of business and investment hurdles. The task force was established to help firms overcome operational obstacles, ensuring smoother and more productive business activities. Airlangga also urged publicly listed companies to maintain performance, strengthen governance, and utilise the capital market for expansion.

Student Charged with Fatal Hit-and-Run of Police Officer While Driving Under the Influence

A university student has been named a suspect in a fatal hit-and-run incident that killed a Bandung police officer. The suspect, identified only as A, was driving under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. Two members of the Indonesian military were passengers in the vehicle and are being treated as witnesses.

South Sumatra Police Distribute Water to Drought-Affected Residents in Empat Lawang

The South Sumatra Police have delivered clean water aid to residents of Tanjung Kupang sub-district in Empat Lawang Regency who are struggling with water scarcity due to the prolonged dry season. The initiative, led by the local police chief, aims to ease the burden on communities facing limited access to clean water. Officials also urged residents to use water wisely and protect existing water sources.

Finance Minister Purbaya on Destry Damayanti as Sole Candidate for BI Governor: Good, I Am Quite Close

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has endorsed the nomination of Destry Damayanti as the sole candidate for Bank Indonesia Governor, citing her ample experience and their close working relationship. President Prabowo Subianto has formally submitted Damayanti's name to the House of Representatives for a fit and proper test. Purbaya expressed confidence in future coordination, noting their smooth collaboration during his tenure as Chairman of the Indonesia Deposit Insurance Corporation.

Customs DG Claims Agency Reform Progress is Evident

The Director General of Customs and Excise, Djaka Budi Utama, asserts that institutional reforms are already showing results, citing the recent seizure of 8.96 million illegal cigarettes. This response follows Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa's deadline of September 2026 for performance improvements, with the minister threatening to outsource customs functions to a private Swiss firm if reforms fail.

Nusa Penida Retribution Levy of IDR 25,000 per Attraction Postponed to 1 September

The Klungkung Regency Government has postponed the implementation of a new retribution levy for tourist attractions in Nusa Penida, Bali, from 12 August to 1 September 2026. The levy, set at IDR 25,000 for adults and IDR 15,000 for children per attraction, will apply to both foreign and domestic visitors. The local hotel and restaurant association has criticised the policy, arguing for a longer socialisation period and calling for infrastructure improvements before additional charges are imposed.

Finance Minister Purbaya Backs Destry Damayanti as Sole Candidate for BI Governor

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has endorsed the nomination of Destry Damayanti as the sole candidate for Bank Indonesia Governor, citing her extensive experience and their close working relationship. President Prabowo Subianto has formally submitted Damayanti's name to the House of Representatives for the definitive role. The move is expected to maintain strong coordination between the Ministry of Finance and the central bank.

Indonesia's Shoe Industry Accelerates as US Faces Pressure from Two Nations

Indonesia's leather and footwear industry recorded its highest growth in 15 quarters, driven by a rebound in export demand. However, the sector faces ongoing challenges including geopolitical uncertainty, rising raw material costs, and US trade tariffs. Opportunities for market expansion into Europe are emerging through the IEU-CEPA trade agreement.

Airlangga seeks Rp2,000 tln MSME funding target to boost production

Coordinating Minister Airlangga Hartarto has proposed raising Indonesia's MSME funding target to Rp2,000 trillion to close the financing gap for growing enterprises. Speaking at a summit in Jakarta, he highlighted India's model of integrating small businesses with large corporations and stressed the role of digitalisation, including QRIS adoption and AI, in improving credit access and productivity. The government is also promoting a national internship programme to help small businesses scale their workforce efficiently.

Viral Illegal Dump in Cilincing: Governor Pram Demands Operator Be Stopped and Sanctioned

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has ordered strict action against the private operator of an illegal waste dump in Cilincing, North Jakarta, after images of vast rubbish piles went viral. The governor stated the site, which processes commercial waste from hotels, restaurants, and cafés, has no connection to the city administration. He has instructed relevant agencies to halt operations and impose sanctions on the responsible party.

Andre Rosiade Receives Aspirations from PT Pos Workers' Unions, Pushes for Joint Solution with Danantara

House Commission VI Deputy Chairman Andre Rosiade has pledged to facilitate further talks between PT Pos Indonesia's workers' unions, Danantara Asset Management, and the company's board of directors. The meeting aims to address worker concerns regarding welfare, restructuring impacts, and the rights of outsourced and courier partners. Rosiade stressed that the transformation of the state-owned enterprise must not neglect the protection and certainty of workers' rights.

Minister threatens to revoke licences of feed and egg price manipulators

Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman has issued a stark warning that the government will revoke business licences of any company found manipulating feed and egg prices. The move aims to stabilise the market and protect national poultry farmers, with a task force already deployed to investigate suspected violators. The government is also enforcing new rules requiring nutritional service units to absorb eggs from local farmers.

Seribu Islands Residents Welcome Transjakarta's Takeover of Sea Transport

Residents of the Seribu Islands have welcomed the Jakarta provincial government's plan to transfer management of sea transport services to city-owned bus operator PT Transjakarta from 2027, citing hopes for improved connectivity, more frequent and affordable services, and a transparent electronic ticketing system to replace the current limited schedule.

Pramono Condemns Quran Memorisation Challenge for Alcohol, Calls It a Desecration

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has strongly condemned a promotional campaign that offered alcoholic beverages as a reward for memorising the Quran, describing it as a desecration of religious life. He has instructed his administration to take firm action against the organisers. The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) also declared the marketing gimmick a violation of religious, moral, and legal norms.

KJRI Kuching Holds Series of 81st Independence Day Events in Sarawak

The Indonesian Consulate General in Kuching organised Independence Day celebrations across Sarawak, drawing around 600 citizens to traditional games and cultural performances at a palm oil plantation. The events aimed to foster national pride, unity, and mutual cooperation among Indonesian migrant workers and their children. The consulate emphasised the importance of maintaining a connection to the homeland, particularly for the younger generation born abroad.

HIMKI targets development of West Java handicraft export strength

The Indonesian Furniture and Handicraft Industry Association (HIMKI) is focusing on the Priangan region of West Java to become a new production hub and export force for handicrafts. The initiative aims to boost global competitiveness by strengthening product quality, identity, and supply chain professionalism. HIMKI plans to map and curate local businesses, guiding them from subcontractors to original brand manufacturers within 12 to 36 months.

Health Minister Reveals 300,000 Drug Addicts in Indonesia, Contributing to Prison Overcrowding

Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin disclosed that approximately 300,000 drug addicts are currently recorded in Indonesia, with the majority incarcerated. He highlighted that this practice is a major cause of prison overcapacity, while an estimated 4 million people are classified as drug abusers. The government is coordinating cross-ministerial efforts to shift treatment from a punitive approach to medical rehabilitation.

Compared to Malaysia and Thailand, Indonesia's Financing Market Remains Very Large

The acting president director of Mandiri Utama Finance (MUF) has stated that Indonesia's multi-finance market still holds immense potential, especially when compared to more mature markets like Malaysia and Thailand. Despite global geopolitical uncertainties, the sector continues to record growth, with vehicle ownership rates in Indonesia significantly lower than its neighbours. The industry is advised to adopt flexible and agile approaches, leveraging digitalisation and data to mitigate customer risks.

Ministry of Social Affairs and INABA University Collaborate on 'Sekolah Rakyat' to Combat Poverty

The Indonesian Ministry of Social Affairs (Kemensos) has formalised a partnership with INABA University to strengthen the 'Sekolah Rakyat' (People's Schools) programme. The initiative aims to provide character building, skills training, and higher education pathways for students from impoverished families. Officials emphasised that the collaboration, which includes teaching coding and artificial intelligence, is designed to help students lift themselves and their families out of poverty.

AI Triggers Fake Interview Crisis as White-Collar Job Hunt Gets Harder

The rise of generative AI is fuelling a surge in fake job interviews, allowing candidates to easily manipulate recruitment processes. This trend is exacerbating hiring challenges amid widespread layoffs and a tightening white-collar job market. Experts warn that traditional resume screening and remote video interviews are no longer reliable indicators of a candidate's true competence.

AGO Exercises Caution in Febrie Probe: 'We Are Dealing with a Former Legal Warrior'

The Indonesian Attorney General's Office (AGO) has stated it is proceeding with meticulous care in the corruption investigation of former senior prosecutor Febrie Adriansyah, describing him as a 'former legal warrior'. A special team of nine experienced prosecutors is handling the case, with the AGO emphasising that core evidence will only be revealed in court to prevent suspects from tampering with assets. Febrie faces multiple charges, including corruption and money laundering linked to the ASABRI scandal, the discovery of 74 kg of gold, and a separate case involving a blackout at a coal-fired power plant.

BPJPH Strengthens Regional HR Competence Ahead of Mandatory Halal 2026

The Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) is bolstering the competence of regional supervisory staff in preparation for the full implementation of the Mandatory Halal policy on 18 October 2026. The initiative aims to ensure effective governance and business compliance with halal regulations. A new regulation on administrative sanctions has also been enacted to strengthen legal certainty within the national halal ecosystem.

Prabowo instructs acceleration of Bromo fire suppression

President Prabowo Subianto has ordered the rapid extinguishing of wildfires in the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, with the central government pledging full support to local authorities. The government has also urged the public to avoid activities that could spark fires during the current dry El Niño conditions, recalling a 2023 blaze caused by flares at a pre-wedding photoshoot. Weather modification operations are being prepared, though their success depends on atmospheric conditions.

BWA Receives Award from Serang City Government for Distributing Qurans to Remote Areas

The Indonesian Quran Waqf Board (BWA) has been honoured by the Serang City Government for its corporate social responsibility efforts in distributing Qurans to remote areas. The award was presented during a city council plenary session marking Serang's 19th anniversary. BWA hopes the recognition will boost its commitment to expanding Quran waqf distribution and benefiting the local community.