Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 11 August 2026

Showing 1,451-1,500 of 1,526 articles

List of Regional Heads at Odds Amid Discourse on Deputy-Free Elections

A growing number of public disputes between Indonesian regional heads and their deputies has prompted the House of Representatives (DPR) to consider scrapping the direct election of deputies. Lawmakers argue that many deputies are reduced to mere 'vote getters' and that disharmony is rife, with one claiming 60 percent of such pairings are dysfunctional. The proposal suggests allowing elected heads to appoint their own deputies, potentially more than one, based on workload.

Brokers Accused of Crashing Egg Prices in Yogyakarta

Egg farmers in Yogyakarta have protested against plummeting prices by distributing 1,600 culled hens, blaming overpopulation and the role of brokers in a government nutrition programme. The local agriculture agency has pledged to investigate, noting that direct purchasing from farmers by the programme's kitchens has been minimal, which may have contributed to the market distortion.

Climate Change Begins to Erode Europe's Economy

Economists warn that the record-breaking heatwaves and droughts across Europe this year are clear symptoms of climate change, with economic impacts already materialising. Disruptions to cargo shipping on key rivers, nuclear reactor shutdowns, and sharp declines in agricultural output are expected to cost billions of euros. The damage is projected to persist and even magnify in subsequent years, potentially shaving up to 7 per cent off economic growth by 2030.

Deputy Minister Nezar Patra warns of quantum cyber threat

Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Nezar Patria has warned of the emerging threat of 'harvest now, decrypt later' quantum cyberattacks, urging Indonesia to adopt post-quantum cryptography. Speaking at the launch of the ITSEC Cyber & AI Academy, he highlighted the urgent need to address the country's digital talent gap to secure national data against increasingly complex AI-driven threats. The government is embedding a 'security by design' approach following the 2024 ransomware attack on the Temporary National Data Center.

Why is pole climbing a 17th August tradition? Here's the history

The pole climbing contest, or 'panjat pinang', is a staple of Indonesia's Independence Day celebrations, but its origins trace back to the Dutch colonial era. Over time, the game has been reinterpreted as a symbol of the struggle for independence, embodying values of teamwork, perseverance, and mutual cooperation. The tradition remains popular today for its ability to foster community spirit and entertainment.

Djamari Warns Regional Military and Police Chiefs Could Be Dismissed for Failing to Tackle Forest Fires

Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago has reiterated that regional military commanders (Pangdam) and police chiefs (Kapolda) face dismissal if they fail to control forest and land fires in their jurisdictions. He stressed that the regulation remains in effect and that their career progression depends on successfully managing such incidents. The central government measures success by the ability of field officers to extinguish hotspots, with failure resulting in replacement.

Central Java's Revola Programme Transforms Idle Land into Productive Farms

Central Java's Revola programme has turned long-abandoned land in Banjarnegara into a productive smart farming hub, combining coffee, horticulture, livestock, and fisheries. Governor Ahmad Luthfi aims to expand the model across all 35 districts and cities to bolster food security and reduce poverty. The initiative empowers local communities, particularly young farmers, by integrating modern agricultural technology.

Tug-of-War Over the Strait of Hormuz

Iran remains steadfast in its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, insisting the strategic waterway will not reopen until the United States meets a list of stringent conditions. These demands include ending the war, lifting sanctions, unfreezing assets, and paying compensation for war damages. The standoff continues as Tehran describes the strait as a battlefield, while Washington adopts a wait-and-see approach.

BMKG forecasts thick cloud cover across most of Indonesia on Tuesday

The Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has forecast predominantly thick cloud cover across much of the country for Tuesday. Several regions, including parts of Sumatra, Java, and Sulawesi, are expected to experience overcast skies, while light rain is anticipated in Medan, Tanjung Selor, Ambon, and areas of Papua. The agency has also issued an alert for potential moderate to heavy rainfall in northern Sumatra, Yogyakarta, northern Sulawesi, and parts of West Papua.

DKI Jakarta roundup: Independence Day preparations to Thousand Islands transport

The Jakarta provincial government is ramping up preparations for the 81st Independence Day, with South Jakarta authorities ordering the removal of illegal banners and street vendors. Governor Pramono Anung has also expressed his desire for Transjakarta to manage transport services to the Thousand Islands, citing strong public trust in the municipally owned company. Meanwhile, the LRT Jakarta Phase 1B project is nearly complete at 97.99 percent and is expected to finish this month.

Bromo Fire Expands to 742 Hectares

The forest and land fire in the Mount Bromo area of East Java has expanded to 742 hectares, prompting a large-scale response involving water bombing and ground crews. Authorities have deployed three helicopters, a drone, and eight fire engines, while the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park remains closed to tourists indefinitely. The fire, which began on 3 August, is now reportedly approaching residential areas, though no casualties have been reported.

Islamic Financial Literacy and Inclusion Rates Decline in 2026, Why?

Indonesia's 2026 National Survey on Financial Literacy and Inclusion (SNLIK) reveals a decline in Islamic financial literacy and inclusion, even as conventional financial metrics improved nationally. The Islamic financial literacy index fell to 43.07 percent, while the inclusion index dropped to 13.24 percent. BPS Chief Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti attributed the discrepancy partly to a more comprehensive survey methodology that extended to the provincial level, requiring a more detailed analysis for accurate comparison.

Mojtaba Khamenei Appoints Two Generals to Lead Iran's Armed Forces and IRGC

Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has made his first senior military appointments since succeeding his late father, naming Major General Ali Abdollahi as chief of staff of the armed forces and Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi as commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The reshuffle also sees former IRGC commander Mohsen Rezaei appointed as head of the Supreme National Security Council, replacing Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr. The appointments come amid heightened regional tensions and ongoing conflict with the United States.

Sukarno Street in Tunisia: Hundreds of Indonesians Celebrate Independence Day with a Run

The Indonesian Embassy in Tunis commenced the 81st Independence Day celebrations with a 'Merdeka Summer Run' involving hundreds of Indonesian citizens. The event, led by Ambassador Zuhairi Misrawi, followed a symbolic route from a statue of Ibn Khaldun on Habib Bourguiba Street to Sukarno Street, highlighting the historical friendship between the two nations. The ambassador emphasised the importance of instilling the historical and revolutionary meaning of independence in the younger generation.

ESG at Samudera Indonesia (SMDR): Navigating the Shipping Business with Low-Emission Vessels

PT Samudera Indonesia Tbk (SMDR) is aligning its fleet with global decarbonisation targets set by the International Maritime Organization, which aims for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping by around 2050. The company is investing in low-emission vessels and more efficient technologies to meet increasingly stringent operational standards, particularly in markets like Europe. This strategic shift underscores the growing importance of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) compliance in the maritime logistics sector.

Trump Demands Compensation from Iran for Conflicts He Initiated

US President Donald Trump has introduced a new demand for Iran to compensate victims of attacks and domestic oppression, complicating negotiations over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The demand follows Iran's insistence that Washington pay reparations for damage caused by US and Israeli strikes. Trump's claim notably includes a call for compensation for the USS Cole bombing, which the FBI attributed to al-Qaeda rather than Iran.

Expert Reveals Regional Elections Without Deputies Could Violate Constitution

A proposal to eliminate the direct election of deputy regional heads in Indonesia has drawn criticism from a democracy researcher. Perludem's Iqbal Kholidin argues the plan risks violating the 1945 Constitution and would merely shift transactional politics to after the election. He suggests clearer division of duties is a better solution to the frequent conflicts between regional heads and their deputies.

Flowdesk Secures Full VARA Licence for Broker-Dealer Services

Flowdesk has obtained a full broker-dealer licence from Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), strengthening its regulated global footprint. The licence allows the firm to serve qualified and institutional investors in and from Dubai, marking the completion of a rigorous multi-stage application process. The approval positions Flowdesk alongside a select group of fully licensed virtual asset institutions in the UAE.

Gold ETF Launches to Deepen Capital Market, Offering New Way to Collect Bullion

The Indonesia Stock Exchange (BEI) has officially launched five gold-backed Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), marking a significant step in the capital market's deepening reform agenda. The new instruments are expected to enhance market inclusivity and provide domestic investors with a modern alternative to physical gold ownership. The launch is part of an integrated market deepening action plan overseen by the Financial Services Authority (OJK).

Indonesia Reconsiders Hybrid Car Incentives as Sales Surge 45%

The Indonesian government is questioning the need for further hybrid vehicle incentives after sales jumped 45% in early 2026, with Economic Affairs Minister Airlangga Hartarto arguing existing support has already achieved its goals of boosting domestic production and exports. Automakers, however, are urging continued broad-based industry support to protect investments and maintain competitiveness against regional rivals like Thailand and the Philippines. The debate highlights the tension between the government's focus on attracting manufacturing investment and the industry's call for sustained stimulus to secure the 750,000 jobs supported by the automotive sector.

East Java Deputy Governor Reveals Initial Suspected Cause of Bromo Fire: Human Negligence

East Java Deputy Governor Emil Elestianto Dardak has indicated that human negligence is the suspected initial cause of the wildfire in the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park area. While the primary focus remains on extinguishing the flames, which have now affected 742 hectares, the fire at the initial P-30 peak has been declared extinguished. A new fire spot has emerged in the Penanjakan area, though its cause remains unconfirmed, and officials are coordinating with central government as similar fires occur across Indonesia during the current dry season.

Ex-Pakistani General: Makkah Pact Useless Without Iran

A former senior Pakistani military commander has warned that the new defence pact between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan is fundamentally flawed due to Iran's exclusion. Lieutenant General (Retired) Tariq Khan described the agreement as merely 'cosmetic' without the involvement of Tehran, a major regional military power. The criticism comes as diplomatic discussions continue, with Turkey suggesting Egypt could also join the defensive alliance.

KPK Opens Possibility of Re-examining Ridwan Kamil in Bank BJB Corruption Case

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has indicated it may summon former West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil for further questioning regarding the Bank BJB advertising procurement corruption case. This development follows the recent detention of four suspects and an estimated state loss of Rp223 billion. Investigators are continuing to trace the flow of funds and have previously seized assets from Kamil's residence.

Taiwan Holds War Drills with Attack Sirens and Tanks Amid China Threat

Taiwan has commenced its annual Han Kuang military exercises, simulating defence scenarios against a potential Chinese invasion. The drills include air raid sirens, live-fire tank exercises, and for the first time, simulated communication disruptions such as throttled internet access. The exercises underscore Taiwan's ongoing efforts to bolster its civil and military preparedness in the face of persistent threats from Beijing.

Human Skeleton Discovered After Land Fire in Tanjungpinang

Police in Tanjungpinang, Riau Islands, are investigating the discovery of a human skeleton found by a resident shortly after a land fire was extinguished. The remains were located near a water reservoir and have been sent to Raja Ahmad Tabib Hospital for forensic examination. Authorities are appealing to the public for any information that could help identify the deceased and determine the cause of death.

Trump Signs Executive Order to Reduce Childhood Vaccinations and Separate MMR Shot

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order reducing the number of mandatory childhood vaccinations and recommending the separation of the combined measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The order limits the recommended schedule to 11 core vaccines and promotes giving the MMR components as individual shots, despite the CDC and global medical consensus stating there is no scientific evidence to support separating the vaccine. The move is framed by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as providing parental choice, though school vaccination requirements remain under state jurisdiction.

Israeli Forces Shoot Dead 13-Year-Old Girl in Gaza Despite Ceasefire Agreement

A 13-year-old Palestinian girl has died after being shot in the head by Israeli forces in southern Gaza, medical sources reported. The killing occurred despite a ceasefire agreement in place since October 2025, with artillery and tank fire continuing in multiple areas. According to Gaza's Health Ministry, Israeli actions during the ceasefire have killed at least 1,258 Palestinians and wounded 4,139 others.

PDI-P Rejects Proposal to Abolish Deputy Regional Head Positions in Local Elections

The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) has firmly opposed a proposal to eliminate the position of deputy regional head in local elections. Party Secretary-General Hasto Kristiyanto argued the role is an integral part of the governance system and essential for succession, while also criticising the high political costs that burden candidates.

When Guests Lock the Door: The Erosion of Local Sovereignty in Bali's Public Spaces

An opinion piece argues that the exclusion of local residents from a public road in Bali by an expatriate community event signals a deeper crisis of spatial sovereignty. The author analyses thousands of social media comments, finding that sarkasme and cynicism have become the dominant form of resistance against perceived state inaction and the privatisation of communal land. The article calls for urgent regulatory reform to ensure local communities hold veto power over the use of public spaces and to establish genuine cultural mediation forums.

BMKG Records 7,578 Hotspots Up to August

Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has detected 7,578 high-confidence hotspots across the country from January to early August 2026. West Kalimantan recorded the highest number, and the agency warns that the ongoing El Niño phenomenon, combined with a longer and drier dry season, could significantly exacerbate land and forest fires. BMKG emphasised that while weather conditions increase fire risk, human activities such as land clearing by burning remain the primary trigger.

Minister Claims Prabowo Fully Supports Ecosystem Restoration Efforts

Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni stated that President Prabowo Subianto has given his full support to ecosystem restoration initiatives in Indonesia. The commitment includes restoring 12 million hectares of degraded land and significantly increasing the number of forest rangers. The Minister acknowledged budgetary constraints but emphasised the need for collaboration with external parties to achieve the targets.

Balikpapan Mayor Urges Kadin to Produce Concrete Steps to Face Economic Challenges

Balikpapan Mayor Rahmad Mas'ud has called on the local Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) to move beyond organisational consolidation and deliver concrete programmes that address the needs of the business community. He stressed the importance of capturing local economic opportunities and strengthening collaboration between large companies and MSMEs. The mayor emphasised that Kadin must act as a strategic partner to the government and a home for business development.

Revising the National Education System Law: Time for Asymmetric Decentralisation

The revision of Indonesia's National Education System Law should move beyond administrative authority to embrace asymmetric decentralisation based on education quality. The state must intervene in regions where learning outcomes are poor or stagnating, not to take over control, but to provide targeted support and accelerate capacity building. This approach ensures that all Indonesian children, regardless of location, receive a quality education that meets national standards.

Deep Learning: Will It Change When the Minister Changes?

The introduction of 'deep learning' as a pedagogical approach in Indonesian schools raises concerns about policy continuity amidst frequent ministerial changes. The article argues that the substance of meaningful, conscious, and joyful learning must be institutionalised beyond political tenures, rather than becoming a mere administrative label. It warns against reducing the concept to rigid compliance, emphasising that true success lies in classroom practices that foster reasoning, application, and reflection.

MUI Condemns Alcohol Brand's Challenge Requiring Quran Recitation for Free Drinks

The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has strongly condemned a marketing challenge by an alcoholic beverage brand that required participants to recite Surah Ad-Dhuha to win free alcohol. The MUI stated the act is religiously, morally, and legally indefensible, as it demeans the sanctity of the Quran. A viral video showed a woman successfully reciting the surah and being rewarded with drinks by the brand's promoters.

Government Assures Neighbouring Countries Not Affected by Forest Fire Haze

The Indonesian government has stated that smoke from forest and land fires has not yet disrupted neighbouring countries like Singapore and Malaysia. Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago confirmed that authorities are making every effort to prevent cross-border haze, while relying on weather modification operations to induce rain as El Niño intensifies the dry conditions.

Healthcare Capacity in Samarinda Expands with Opening of New Hospital

Primecare Hospital Samarinda has officially opened, adding 115 beds and a range of specialist services to the city's healthcare infrastructure. The facility, inaugurated by the Mayor of Samarinda, marks the group's first hospital outside Jakarta and includes advanced medical technology such as a 128-Slice CT Scan. The expansion aims to meet growing demand for quality healthcare in Samarinda and the surrounding East Kalimantan region.

Indonesia Adds Record 9.9 Million Capital-Market Investors Despite Stock Slump

Indonesia's capital market has seen a historic surge in participation, adding a record 9.9 million investors in the first seven months of 2026 to surpass 30 million total accounts. The growth, driven largely by younger demographics, starkly contrasts with the domestic stock market's performance, where the Jakarta Composite Index has fallen nearly 26 per cent year-to-date. Regulators noted that the influx of new, typically smaller-scale investors explains why the expansion in account numbers has not yet translated into a proportional increase in overall market asset values.

Misbakhun Warns Regional Heads Against Budget Mismanagement, Highlights BPK Audit Role

House Commission XI member Mukhamad Misbakhun has cautioned regional leaders and officials to maintain strict discipline in budget utilisation and accountability. He stressed that regional budgets must tangibly benefit the public through improved services and infrastructure. Misbakhun also emphasised that audits by the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) should be viewed as a tool for improving governance rather than merely a punitive measure.

Tourism Minister Opens Golo Koe 2026 Festival in Labuan Bajo

Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana has officially inaugurated the Golo Koe 2026 Festival in Labuan Bajo, an event recognised among the nation's top 10 tourism events. She stressed that tourism development must preserve the cultural identity of the local Manggarai community while delivering significant economic benefits. The festival, running until 15 August, is credited with supporting thousands of workers and hundreds of small businesses in the region.

Trump Demands Compensation from Iran as Strait of Hormuz Negotiations Stall

US President Donald Trump has demanded compensation from Iran for decades of alleged attacks, complicating stalled negotiations to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The demand comes in direct response to Iran's own insistence on war reparations from the US as a precondition for ending hostilities. The deadlock over the strategically vital waterway continues to pressure global fuel prices and the US economy ahead of midterm elections.

Danantara Prepares Investment as IDX Demutualization Advances

Indonesia's sovereign wealth fund Danantara is preparing to acquire shares in the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) as the Financial Services Authority (OJK) advances the bourse's demutualisation plan. A new OJK regulation, expected by mid-September 2026, will provide the legal framework for the ownership change, with Danantara, Bank Indonesia, and the Ministry of Finance identified as the initial eligible shareholders. The move marks a significant step in restructuring the IDX's institutional framework and expanding state-linked investment in the country's capital market infrastructure.

AI Investment Opens New Revenue Streams for ASEAN Telecom Operators

Surging investment in artificial intelligence is creating fresh revenue opportunities for Southeast Asian telecom operators, driven by soaring demand for high-capacity data centre and GPU cluster connectivity. This shift is moving telecoms beyond conventional services towards providing dedicated infrastructure for AI computing, with regional optical network revenue growing at 22 per cent annually. The trend is also redirecting data centre investment from land-constrained Singapore to Malaysia and Indonesia, positioning the region as a major global AI hub.

Sahroni Praises BNN for Busting 1.3-Ton Ketamine Smuggling Operation: 'Horrifying'

House of Representatives member Ahmad Sahroni commended the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) and other law enforcement for intercepting nearly 1.3 tonnes of ketamine in the Riau Islands. He highlighted the danger of narcotics disguised in vapes and called for a total ban on e-cigarettes to protect the younger generation. The joint operation led to the arrest of eight crew members aboard a vessel carrying the drugs hidden in tea packets.

APBN Only Covers 5% of 2027 Investment Target, Capital Market Urged to Step Up

The Indonesian government has revealed that the state budget (APBN) will only cover around 5% of the total Rp8,705 trillion investment target for 2027. With the private sector expected to finance 91% of the requirement, the government is calling on the capital market to play a strategic role in bridging corporate financing with public funds. To support this, authorities are launching a gold ETF and reviewing tax incentives to deepen the financial market.

Lawsuit Challenging Soeharto's National Hero Title Continues

A legal challenge against the awarding of the National Hero title to former President Soeharto is progressing at the Jakarta Administrative Court. The court has granted a request for Soeharto's daughter, Siti Hardiyanti Hastuti Rukmana, to join the proceedings as an intervening defendant. The civil society group GEMAS argues the title contradicts the state's own findings on past human rights violations and corruption, collusion, and nepotism (KKN) during Soeharto's rule.

Lawsuit Against Soeharto's National Hero Title Continues, Tutut Named Co-Defendant

The legal challenge against the awarding of a National Hero title to former President Soeharto is progressing at the Jakarta Administrative Court, with his daughter Siti Hardiyanti Rukmana (Tutut) now admitted as a co-defendant. The civil society coalition GEMAS argues the title contradicts state documents acknowledging gross human rights violations and corruption during Soeharto's rule. The case has entered the replication and duplication phase, with the plaintiffs asserting the family has no relevant legal interest in a dispute over the legality of a presidential decree.

Auspicious Days for 11 August 2026 According to the Balinese Calendar

The Balinese calendar indicates that 11 August 2026, known as Anggara Kasih Tambir, is generally unfavourable for conducting Manusa Yadnya ceremonies. The day's ala ayuning dewasa calculations highlight specific auspicious and inauspicious times for various traditional activities. The guidance primarily advises on suitable moments for crafting tools, fishing, and hunting, while discouraging life-cycle rituals such as weddings and hair-cutting ceremonies.

Pegadaian Becomes Sole Bullion Bank Providing Underlying Gold ETF on the IDX

PT Pegadaian has been appointed as the exclusive provider of the underlying asset for Indonesia's first Gold Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) via Electronic Gold Receipts (EGR), launched on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. The state-owned pawnbroker's 153-tonne gold holding, equivalent to roughly US$20 billion, and its certified vault infrastructure underpin the new instrument. This integration of the bullion and capital markets is expected to deepen Indonesia's financial market and offer retail investors a liquid, sharia-compliant avenue for gold investment.

Indosat (ISAT) Enters AI Business, Zankore Could Add Rp 1.4 Trillion in Annual Profit

PT Indosat Tbk is poised to secure a new growth engine through the Zankore AI infrastructure project, developed in partnership with Ooredoo Group, Nokia, and NVIDIA. The venture, targeting up to 1 GW of AI factory capacity, could contribute approximately Rp 1.4 trillion annually to Indosat's equity-accounted income from 2028. Mirae Asset Sekuritas maintains a 'buy' rating on ISAT, citing the project's potential to significantly boost net profit and expand the company's portfolio into AI-native infrastructure.