Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 11 August 2026

Showing 651-700 of 1,526 articles

Nigerian National Named Suspect After 3,073-Day Overstay, Detained in Bekasi Prison

A Nigerian citizen has been named a suspect by Indonesian immigration authorities after overstaying his visa by more than eight years. The individual, identified by the initials OCO, was detained following an immigration surveillance operation at an apartment in Bekasi. He is now being held at the Class IIA Bekasi Prison while legal proceedings continue.

ICW Proposes 10 Principles to Prevent Abuse of Power in Asset Forfeiture Bill

Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) has proposed ten key principles to the House of Representatives to ensure the Asset Forfeiture Bill does not become a tool for injustice or political intimidation. The recommendations stress that permanent asset forfeiture must be decided by an independent court and that the burden of proof remains with the state. The group also calls for explicit protections against political abuse and clear mechanisms for compensation in cases of wrongful seizure.

Home Affairs Minister Simplifies Digital Birth Certificates for Babies Born Outside Health Facilities

Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian is preparing a circular to ensure village heads report births occurring outside health facilities, enabling access to digital birth certificates. The initiative supports the integration of the SatuSehat health data system with civil registry data, allowing certificates to be issued immediately after birth. The circular will also mandate village-level reporting of deaths to streamline the issuance of death certificates and improve population data collection.

BCA Syariah Ready to Upgrade to KBMI 2, Awaits Capital Injection from Parent BCA

BCA Syariah has declared its readiness to ascend to the KBMI 2 category, contingent on a capital injection from its parent company, PT Bank Central Asia Tbk. The bank has already prepared the necessary infrastructure and business capacity to manage the anticipated scale-up. The decision on the additional capital rests solely with BCA.

Three NTB Police Officers Caught in Anti-Drug Operation, Two Placed Under Special Supervision, One Detained

Three police officers in West Nusa Tenggara have been arrested during the 2026 Antik Operation targeting narcotics. Two officers from the NTB Police Narcotics Directorate and West Lombok Police are undergoing special supervision for drug use, while a third officer from Bima City Police has been detained on criminal charges for allegedly supplying methamphetamine.

Two South Jakarta Primary Schools to Relocate During Vertical School Construction

Two state primary schools in Kebayoran Lama, South Jakarta, will temporarily relocate to other schools starting mid-August 2026 to allow for the construction of new vertical school buildings. The relocation affects SDN Kebayoran Lama Selatan 09 and SDN Kebayoran Lama Selatan 11, whose original buildings had collapsed. The Jakarta administration has coordinated with local stakeholders and prepared adjustments for the receiving schools to ensure uninterrupted learning.

DPR and Government Discuss Strategic Issues and Urgent Agrarian Conflicts

The House of Representatives (DPR) and the government have convened to address pressing strategic issues and agrarian conflicts. The meeting, led by Deputy Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, included several ministers and focused on the need for swift coordination. One specific issue highlighted was the status of 73,000 hectares of rice fields currently recorded as forest area.

Politician Condemns Quran Recitation Challenge for Free Alcohol as 'Blasphemy'

A Gerindra Party politician has strongly condemned a promotion at The Sounds Project music festival that offered free alcohol in exchange for reciting Quranic verses, calling it a clear act of blasphemy. The event organiser has distanced itself from the incident, stating the action was beyond its control and expressing outrage. The master of ceremonies involved has also issued a public apology, admitting negligence in allowing an audience member to take the microphone.

New BGN Chief Seeks Legal Assistance and Oversight from Attorney General's Office for Free Nutritious Meals Programme

The newly appointed Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has visited the Attorney General's Office (Kejagung) to request legal assistance and oversight for the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme. The BGN leadership is committed to improving governance and service delivery following recent corruption cases. The Attorney General's Office has pledged its full support to ensure past mismanagement is not repeated.

Singapore Raises 2026 Growth Forecast to 4.5-5.5% on AI Investment Boom

Singapore has significantly upgraded its economic growth forecast for 2026 to a range of 4.5 to 5.5 percent, citing a stronger-than-expected first half and a global surge in artificial intelligence-related capital expenditure. The Ministry of Trade and Industry noted that robust global demand for AI has provided a significant boost to the city-state's electronics and precision engineering sectors. However, it cautioned that downside risks remain, including geopolitical conflicts and potential shifts in financial market sentiment.

Fadli Zon Calls for Comprehensive Historical Writing on Nusantara Civilisations

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon has urged Indonesian scholars to produce comprehensive historical works on the nation's great kingdoms, noting that the history of Majapahit and other civilisations has not been written in a holistic manner. He highlighted the government's commitment to advancing the humanities alongside STEM fields, citing a recent increase in the research budget by the President.

Indonesia's Carbon Industry Seeks to Expand Access to International Markets

Indonesia's carbon industry is looking beyond the voluntary carbon market to strengthen its access to international compliance markets. A recent meeting between industry players and the Environment Minister discussed the need for robust regulations and clear benefit-sharing mechanisms. The collaboration with South Korea under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement is seen as a key opportunity to translate bilateral agreements into concrete transactions for domestic carbon projects.

When We All Become News Producers: The Blurring Line Between Creator and Consumer

The digital age has dissolved the traditional boundary between media producers and consumers, turning everyday users into 'produsers' who simultaneously create and consume content. This shift, while democratising public discourse, also introduces new challenges as algorithms quietly curate which voices are amplified, often favouring sensationalism over accuracy. The article argues that this newfound freedom demands a collective responsibility for verification and awareness of the engineered nature of online platforms.

WhatsApp Accounts Suddenly Blocked and Used for Online Gambling: Here's How

Indonesian WhatsApp users are reporting sudden account blocks, with investigations revealing their accounts were used to send mass broadcasts of online gambling links. Cybersecurity expert Alfons Tanujaya identifies session hijacking via QR code scanning as a primary attack vector, which bypasses two-step verification. Users are advised to avoid modified apps, regularly check linked devices, and never share OTP codes or scan QR codes for untrusted parties.

KPAI Urges Jakarta Government to Provide Psychosocial Support for Students After Weapons and Drugs Found at School

The Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) has called on the Jakarta provincial government to provide immediate psychosocial assistance to hundreds of students traumatised by the discovery of weapons, narcotics, and pornographic materials at their private school in South Jakarta. The students are currently engaged in distance learning due to fear of being in the school environment. KPAI noted that the relevant local protection units have yet to act, partly because no formal complaint has been lodged.

Armed Robbery Gang Targeting Cooperative Employees in Bekasi Arrested, Two Shot

Police have apprehended six members of an armed robbery gang that targeted cooperative employees in the Bekasi area. The group had carried out at least three similar violent thefts across Bekasi Regency, Bekasi City, and East Jakarta. Two suspects were shot by officers after resisting arrest.

Approximately 120,000 People Displaced by Conflict in Central Papua

The ongoing conflict in Puncak Regency, Central Papua, has displaced an estimated 124,931 people, according to Indonesia's National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM). The commission is urging the government to strengthen cross-ministerial coordination to ensure the basic needs of the displaced are met, including food, clothing, and healthcare. The government has begun distributing aid, but Komnas HAM also suggests involving the private sector through corporate social responsibility programmes to ease the burden on the state budget.

The Bitter Crisis Behind the Sweetness of Chocolate

The global cocoa industry is facing its greatest pressure in decades, with production falling by 14 percent in the 2023–2024 season, driving prices to record highs above US$12,000 per ton. This crisis reflects deeper vulnerabilities in tropical cocoa farming, including climate change impacts on pollination and pest pressures. Sustainable solutions such as ecological pest control, agroforestry, and new resistant clones are emerging as vital pathways for the industry's future.

BGN Emphasises Zero Tolerance for Free Nutritious Meal Poisoning, Monitoring is Key

Indonesia's National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards food poisoning incidents within the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme, stressing that enhanced monitoring and multi-party collaboration are essential. BGN Head Sudaryono highlighted that food safety is a non-negotiable principle, requiring the involvement of schools, teachers, and students alongside programme organisers. The agency also urged students to consume meals within the designated timeframe and not to take food home, where its safety and quality cannot be assured.

TOTL Clarifies Share Price Surge and Transaction Volatility

PT Total Bangun Persada Tbk (TOTL) has issued an official clarification to the Indonesia Stock Exchange regarding a significant 23.72% surge in its share price and increased trading volatility. The company stated that management is unaware of any material information or impending corporate actions that could have influenced the price movement.

ALMI Reports 'Quran Challenge' at The Sound Project to Bareskrim

The Association of Muslim Lawyers Indonesia (ALMI) has reported an alleged act of religious blasphemy to the National Police's Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim). The case involves a challenge at The Sound Project music festival where attendees were offered alcoholic drinks for reciting a Quranic verse. The group insists the incident is a serious matter of religious defamation and not mere entertainment.

CORE: Downstreaming Projects Must Align with Workforce Skills to Boost Local Employment

An economist has urged the government to align the skills required for downstream industrial projects with the competencies produced by educational institutions. This synergy is deemed crucial to ensure that the 276,000 jobs projected from 18 priority downstream projects are absorbed by local workers. The call comes amid concerns that the growth of formal employment is lagging behind the increase in job seekers.

Reorganising the National Broadcasting System: Adopting Russian and Chinese Firmness in the Digital Public Sphere

The article argues that Indonesia's digital public sphere, while open, lacks the moral standards and regulatory clarity seen in Russia and China. It suggests that the controversial Electronic Information and Transactions Law (UU ITE) creates a chilling effect, and proposes that the solution lies in revising the Broadcasting Law to establish a clear ethical framework for digital media without resorting to legal intimidation.

Indonesia Enhances Forest Fire Response Amid El Niño Threat

The Indonesian government is intensifying its response to forest and land fires, deploying air and ground resources as over 107,000 hectares have been affected. Coordinating Minister Djamari Chaniago highlighted the use of weather modification and mobile water tanks, with six provinces including Riau and South Sumatra under close monitoring. Authorities remain on high alert as the strengthening El Niño is expected to prolong the dry season and heighten fire risks.

Joint Task Force Handles 899.35 Hectares of Fire-Affected Land in Mount Bromo Area

A joint task force is tackling wildfires that have scorched an estimated 899.35 hectares of land in the Mount Bromo area of East Java since 3 August 2026. Integrated firefighting operations involving ministries, the military, police, and four local governments have successfully contained the fire's spread. Authorities are now focusing on extinguishing remaining active hotspots while facing challenges from strong winds, dry weather, and thick fog limiting aerial operations.

Police Reveal Woman's Death in Tangerang Was Murder, Not Suicide

Police in Tangerang have revealed that a woman initially thought to have died by suicide was actually murdered by her boyfriend. The discovery of the victim's feet touching the floor while she was found hanging raised initial suspicions. The suspect, who was already married, killed her after she demanded he take responsibility for her pregnancy.

Bahlil and Purbaya Discuss Plan to Restrict Subsidised Pertalite Fuel Usage

The Indonesian government is planning to restrict the use of subsidised Pertalite fuel for high-income groups to ensure subsidies are better targeted. Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa and Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia discussed the implementation system, aiming to exclude the top two income deciles from accessing the subsidised fuel. The move aligns with President Prabowo's directive to redirect hundreds of trillions of rupiah in subsidies to those who genuinely need them.

China's Cheap Yuan Distorts Global Trade, Not Just a Domestic Issue

The undervalued yuan is not merely a reflection of China's high savings and low consumption but an active policy tool that sustains its export-led growth model, critics argue. While a stronger currency could ease global trade tensions and lower import costs for China, it risks triggering deflation and must be paired with domestic reforms. China's trade surplus hit a record US$1.19 trillion in 2025, intensifying international concerns.

DPR Commission III Urges Transparent Investigation into Death of Police Officer's Ex-Wife in Medan

Commission III of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) has called for a professional and transparent investigation into the death of Winda Lorenza Gowasa, the former wife of a police officer in Medan. The family has deemed the circumstances of her death suspicious. The Medan Police Chief stated that investigators are accelerating the process, including crime scene analysis and forensic laboratory tests, under the article on murder in the new Criminal Code.

Palestinian Man Faces 15-Month Prison Sentence at Denpasar District Court

A Palestinian national has been recommended for a 15-month prison sentence by prosecutors at the Denpasar District Court for stealing an iPhone 17 Pro Max and a MacBook Pro worth a total of Rp 58.248 million. The defendant allegedly fled with the devices after requesting a cash-on-delivery transaction at a villa in Canggu. The case is now awaiting the defence's plea before the judges deliver their verdict.

Kejagung Examines 12 Witnesses in Alleged MBG Programme Corruption

The Attorney General's Office (Kejagung) has questioned 12 witnesses, including a secretary to the Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), in connection with alleged corruption in the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme for 2025-2026. The investigation aims to strengthen the case files of seven named suspects and trace assets derived from the alleged criminal activity. The case involves suspected irregularities in the appointment of programme partners and mark-ups in procurement, including electric motorcycles and tablets.

ICW Urges Distinction Between Temporary Seizure and Permanent Forfeiture in Asset Forfeiture Bill

Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) has urged lawmakers to clearly distinguish between temporary seizure and permanent asset forfeiture in the proposed Asset Forfeiture Bill. The organisation stressed that permanent forfeiture must be decided by an independent court and that the state bears the full burden of proof. ICW also warned against allowing law enforcement to unilaterally determine asset ownership based on suspicion alone.

Iran's President Pezeshkian Says Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei in Good Health

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has confirmed that Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is in good health following a seven-hour meeting. The discussions focused on national unity, public livelihoods, employment, housing, and the impact of sanctions. This marks a rare update on the new supreme leader, who has not appeared publicly since his appointment in March.

Minister Bahlil Discusses Targeted Fuel Subsidy Distribution with Finance Minister

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia met with Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa to discuss reforming the distribution of fuel subsidies. Bahlil stated that the current system is not accurately targeted, with affluent individuals still receiving subsidised fuel. The government is seeking a new distribution mechanism to ensure the hundreds of trillions of rupiah allocated annually reach those who are truly entitled.

Minister Urges Hasanuddin University to Spearhead Human Resource Development in Eastern Indonesia

Transmigration Minister Iftitah Sulaiman Suryanagara has called on universities, particularly Hasanuddin University, to play a greater role in developing superior human resources in remote areas of Eastern Indonesia. He highlighted the strategic position of Unhas as a centre of excellence and expressed concern over undocumented foreign business activities in the regions. The minister stressed that higher education institutions must not only educate but also provide solutions to societal challenges.

Cultural Investment Boosts Tourism and Creative Economy, Says Deputy Minister

Deputy Minister of Culture Giring Ganesha Djumaryo has stated that investment in culture provides significant long-term benefits for accelerating tourism and the creative economy. He cited Yogyakarta and Bali as successful examples where cultural development has enhanced the tourism sector and community well-being. Giring urged the Southwest Papua provincial government to optimise local cultural potential, particularly in Raja Ampat, to ensure visitors return for more than just the natural beauty.

RSUD Koja Holds Kultura Market to Elevate Local Products

The Koja Regional General Hospital (RSUD Koja) in North Jakarta is hosting the Kultura Market bazaar to help local micro, small, and medium enterprises (UMKM) upgrade their products. The event, a collaboration with the North Jakarta Food Security, Marine and Agriculture Sub-agency, runs from 11 to 14 August 2026. Officials highlighted the market as a platform for collaboration, education, and expanding the market reach of local goods.

Jakarta Governor Pramono Addresses Air Pollution, Plans Artificial Rain and Boosts Public Transport

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has attributed the city's worsening air pollution to a prolonged lack of rainfall and announced plans to conduct cloud seeding. He also highlighted a significant increase in public transport usage, with TransJakarta ridership up 15% and MRT up 23%, as part of efforts to reduce emissions.

House Commission III Urges North Sumatra Police to Supervise Investigation into Winda Lorenza Gowasa's Death

The Indonesian House of Representatives' Commission III has called on the North Sumatra Regional Police to supervise the investigation into the death of Winda Lorenza Gowasa, who was allegedly shot by her ex-husband, a former police officer. The commission insists on a transparent and professional handling of the case, demanding that the victim's family be given access to information regarding the evidence and progress of the investigation. Police initially suspected the death was a suicide, but the case has drawn significant public scrutiny.

Car Bomb Kills Eastern Libya's Military Intelligence Chief

Major General Fawzi al-Mansouri, the head of military intelligence for eastern Libyan forces, was assassinated by a car bomb in Benghazi. The attack highlights the persistent instability and political fragmentation in Libya, which remains divided between rival administrations in the east and west.

IDX Chief: Index Review Authority Rests Solely with Global Providers Ahead of MSCI August 2026 Announcement

Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) President Director Jeffrey Hendrik has stated that the final decision on index reviews lies entirely with global index providers, as the market awaits the MSCI August 2026 Index Review. He confirmed that the IDX, along with other Self-Regulatory Organizations and the Financial Services Authority (OJK), have communicated the capital market reform actions to MSCI, FTSE Russell, and global investors. The MSCI announcement is scheduled for 12 August 2026, with any changes effective from the close of trading on 31 August 2026.

Incheon Airport Orders Homeless to Leave Amid Heatwave, Rights Group Protests

Incheon International Airport has posted eviction notices ordering homeless individuals to vacate its terminals, citing a ban on sleeping in the facilities. A human rights group has condemned the move as procedurally flawed and a violation of legal grace periods, demanding the airport and local government provide proper shelter instead. The airport operator claims the action follows complaints and an influx of people seeking relief from the extreme heat.

Student Who Fatally Struck Police Officer in Bandung Named Suspect

Police in Bandung have named a university student, identified only as A, as a suspect in a fatal hit-and-run that killed Police Officer Aiptu Asep Suhara. The incident occurred on Jalan Merdeka when the suspect, driving a borrowed sedan, struck the officer's motorcycle from behind. Authorities used CCTV footage and traffic accident analysis to reconstruct the events and correct misinformation circulating on social media.

BNPB: Wildfire on East Seram Hills Successfully Extinguished

The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) confirmed that a wildfire which broke out on the hills of East Seram Regency, Maluku, was successfully extinguished by a joint task force. The fire, which spread rapidly due to strong winds and prolonged drought, burned 2.5 hectares of dry bushland. Authorities remain on alert for potential reignition and are urging local residents to avoid activities involving fire in vulnerable areas.

Yaqut Denies Graft Charges, Claims Rp4.8 Billion Bribe Allegation is 'Assumption'

Former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas has denied receiving Rp4.8 billion in bribes related to additional hajj quotas, calling the prosecutor's charges mere 'assumptions'. His legal team argued that no state funds were involved as the money originated from pilgrims' fees managed under a wakalah contract, and requested his detention status be changed to house arrest on health grounds.

Digitalisation of Birth Certificates to Boost Child Rights and Data Accuracy, Says BPS

Statistics Indonesia (BPS) reports that around six per cent of Indonesian children still lack a birth certificate, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation. The government is integrating the SatuSehat health platform with the civil registry (SIAK) to enable digital issuance of birth certificates directly by health facilities. Officials hope this will close the current five-year gap between birth and registration, improving vital statistics and ensuring children's rights.

Customs Foils Smuggling of 8.96 Million Illegal Cigarettes via Train in Tanjung Priok

The Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC) has thwarted an attempt to smuggle 8.96 million illegal cigarettes through Tanjung Priok Port. The illicit cigarettes, valued at IDR 13.3 billion, were transported by train from Surabaya and were destined for Sumatra, disguised as pipes and light steel. This operation prevented a potential state loss of IDR 8.66 billion in unpaid excise duties and taxes.

KAI Offers 17% Discount and Rp8 Fares for Independence Day

State-owned railway operator PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) is offering a 17% discount on commercial economy class train tickets and a special Rp8 fare for LRT Jabodebek and Commuter Line services on 17 August 2026 to celebrate Indonesia's 81st Independence Day. The promotion aims to make public transport more accessible and encourage the public to participate in the national celebration. Tickets for the discounted intercity trains can be purchased from 14 to 17 August 2026.

Indonesian Game Industry Can Boost Economy Through Digital Exports, Says Ministry

The Indonesian Ministry of Creative Economy sees the local gaming industry as a significant driver of economic growth through digital exports. With a global market of 8 billion potential users, the sector contributed around Rp750 billion in 2024, with the majority of revenue coming from international consumers. The government is encouraging collaboration to further integrate local developers with global platforms like Nintendo to increase export value.

KOWANI Launches Cassava Innovation Challenge to Boost Women-Led Village Economies

The Indonesian Women's Congress (KOWANI) is pushing for the downstream development of cassava to strengthen food security and women's economic independence. The organisation plans to launch a national innovation challenge from 2026 to 2028 to transform the traditional commodity into high-value products. The initiative aims to build a complete ecosystem from farmers to international markets through collaboration with universities, industry, and the government.