Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 12 August 2026

Showing 101-150 of 1,433 articles

AGO Names Two Suspects in PT TPL Transfer Pricing Case

The Attorney General's Office has named two suspects in a corruption case involving transfer pricing practices by PT Toba Pulp Lestari (TPL) between 2008 and 2025. The company is alleged to have misclassified its dissolving pulp exports as lower-value paper grade pulp, resulting in an estimated state loss of Rp2 trillion. Two tax office supervisors are accused of neglecting their audit duties in exchange for payments from the company.

Three Men in East Nusa Tenggara Arrested for Burning Owl Alive Over Black Magic Superstition

Police in West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara, have arrested three men for torturing and burning an owl alive, an act they believed would eliminate a black magic threat. The suspects, who filmed the cruelty and posted it on social media, were tracked down by a cyber patrol unit after the video went viral and sparked public outrage. Authorities stated the men acted on a local superstition that the presence of an owl signified an evil omen.

Indonesia to gradually restrict Pertalite for top income groups

The Indonesian government plans to gradually restrict the purchase of subsidized Pertalite fuel for the highest income deciles to improve subsidy targeting. The policy, discussed by Downstream Oil and Gas Regulatory Agency head Bahlil Lahadalia and Finance Ministry officials, aims to safeguard the state budget amid volatile global oil prices. Implementation will be phased, with the government monitoring economic impacts before expanding the restrictions.

Ministry, Danantara deepen tourism development cooperation

Indonesia's Tourism Ministry and sovereign wealth fund Danantara have signed a memorandum of understanding to accelerate tourism development through investment and infrastructure. The partnership aims to leverage Danantara's financing capacity to enhance destinations, develop the tourism workforce, and strengthen the industry's ecosystem. The government highlighted tourism's significant economic contribution, generating US$18.27 billion in foreign exchange in 2025 and supporting 25.91 million jobs.

Analyst Assesses Ride-Hailing Presidential Regulation as Creating a Healthy Business Climate

Political analyst Boni Hargens has stated that the upcoming Presidential Regulation on online ride-hailing services will provide crucial legal certainty and welfare protection for millions of drivers. The regulation aims to cap application commission fees at 8%, guarantee social security, and prevent unilateral account suspensions by platform companies. The government is finalising the draft, which will also extend oversight to food delivery and logistics sectors, ahead of its targeted signing before Indonesia's Independence Day on 17 August 2026.

ASDP Supports Evacuation of Passengers from Burning Ferry KMP Putri Yasmin in Lombok Strait

State-owned ferry operator ASDP provided crucial support during the evacuation of passengers from the KMP Putri Yasmin, which caught fire in the Lombok Strait. ASDP's vessel KMP Portlink II assisted in rescuing 35 people, while a total of 173 passengers were evacuated, with one reported fatality. The company coordinated with SAR teams and port authorities to ensure the survivors received prompt care upon arrival at Lembar Port.

PSDKP Monitors Estuarine Crocodile Movements in Tulungagung Waters

The Marine and Fisheries Resources Monitoring Directorate (PSDKP) is tracking a wild crocodile that has been moving between beaches along the southern coast of Tulungagung, East Java. Evacuation efforts are currently deemed too risky as the animal remains mostly submerged, displaying aggressive behaviour and strong swimming abilities. Authorities are prioritising surveillance to map its movement patterns and have urged local residents and fishermen to avoid approaching the reptile.

Indonesia's Correctional System Shifts from Punishment to Rehabilitation, Ministry Says

The Indonesian Ministry of Immigration and Corrections has detailed a transformation of the country's correctional system, moving its focus from punishment to rehabilitation and reintegration. The new approach aims to equip inmates with character building and vocational skills, including food security and small business empowerment, to help them become productive members of society. Conditional rights such as remission and parole are granted to inmates who successfully complete rehabilitation programmes.

Navy Spokesperson Clarifies Indonesian Warship's Passage Through Multiple Countries

The Indonesian Navy has clarified that the KRI I Gusti Ngurah Rai-332's journey home from a military exercise in Russia, which includes passing through the waters of several nations, is not for combat training. The planned passing exercises are described as standard diplomatic practices to build communication and trust between navies. The spokesperson emphasised the activities align with Indonesia's free and active foreign policy, fostering balanced partnerships without aligning with any geopolitical bloc.

Sapa UMKM app to ease operations for Indonesian MSMEs

The Indonesian government is developing the Sapa UMKM application to streamline licensing, certification, and market access for the country's 57 million micro, small, and medium enterprises. The app is being integrated with various government bodies, including halal certification and regional trade offices, to provide a one-stop service. The ultimate goal is to evolve the platform into a dedicated marketplace to support business growth and export opportunities.

540 Personnel Deployed to Reinforce Firefighting Efforts at Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park

The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has deployed 540 joint personnel to extinguish forest and land fires in the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park (TNBTS) in East Java. The operation focuses on the Bukit Dingklik-Pusung Duwur area in Pasuruan Regency, which has an estimated affected area of 78.69 hectares, while monitoring continues in Probolinggo Regency where 842.73 hectares have been impacted. Authorities are targeting to fully extinguish the fires by the end of this week.

Forest and Land Fires Dominate Incidents in Majalengka Throughout July

Forest and land fires (karhutla) were the most frequent disaster in Majalengka during July 2026, with 30 out of 35 recorded incidents involving land blazes that scorched approximately 27 hectares. The local disaster mitigation agency (BPBD) has urged residents to exercise extreme caution, particularly as the El Niño phenomenon intensifies drought conditions across the Ciayumajakuning region. Authorities have warned that deliberate burning or negligence could lead to criminal prosecution.

UN Reveals Critical Tipping Point in Palestine, Future at Stake

United Nations officials have warned the Security Council that the occupied West Bank has reached a critical tipping point due to escalating settler violence and systematic pressure on Palestinian communities. The crisis is marked by the deaths of over 174 children since January 2024, the administrative detention of hundreds of minors, and a severe financial shortfall of approximately US$6 billion facing the Palestinian Authority. UN representatives stressed that only political decisions, not just humanitarian aid, can create the conditions necessary for Palestinian children to live in safety and prevent a de facto annexation of the territory.

Minister Rini: Digital Transformation Must Solve Citizens' Problems, Not Just Launch Apps

Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform Minister Rini Widyantini has stressed that the success of digital transformation should be measured by its ability to solve citizens' difficulties, not by the number of applications launched. Speaking during a review of digital social protection data collection in Sumedang, she highlighted the government's development of a shared Digital Public Infrastructure to streamline services. The initiative aims to ensure social assistance is accurately targeted, with nearly 92% of registrations in Sumedang facilitated by active local agents conducting door-to-door assistance.

Pandeglang Residents Sign Blood Petition Over Damaged Roads, Banten Provincial Government Promises Repairs

Residents of Cijaralang Village in Pandeglang resorted to signing a petition in their own blood to protest decades of neglected road damage. The Banten provincial government has responded by pledging to fund repairs, with construction expected to begin during the revised budget period. Officials have also urged the Pandeglang district government to allocate its own budget for road maintenance to ensure a collaborative effort.

NASA Debunks Hoax Claiming Earth Will Lose Gravity on 12 August 2026

NASA has officially refuted a viral hoax alleging that Earth will momentarily lose gravity on 12 August 2026, causing global catastrophe. The space agency clarified that the planet's gravity is determined by its mass and cannot simply disappear, dismissing the rumour as scientifically impossible. The false claim, linked to a fabricated secret project, resurfaced ahead of a total solar eclipse.

Supreme Court Candidate Urges Completion of Tax Court Transfer to MA

A candidate for the Supreme Court's special tax chamber has called for the full transfer of the Tax Court's administration from the Ministry of Finance to the Supreme Court to be completed promptly. The candidate, Yeheskiel Minggus Tiranda, highlighted that the current dual oversight system creates institutional problems, as the ministry also oversees the tax authority which is a party in disputes. He stressed that the transfer is mandated by a Constitutional Court ruling with a deadline of 31 December 2026.

Garut Police Chief Shows 'Magic Hand' Smashing Bottles to Intimidate Alcohol Distributor

A police chief in Garut, West Java, demonstrated his martial arts skills by smashing a bottle of liquor during the interrogation of an illegal alcohol distributor. The officer expressed frustration over alcohol being a trigger for crime and juvenile delinquency. The suspect, a 33-year-old man from Tasikmalaya, was arrested before he could distribute hundreds of bottles.

List of 4 Candidates for Bank Indonesia Board of Governors Chosen by Prabowo

President Prabowo Subianto has proposed four candidates to fill positions on the Board of Governors of Bank Indonesia. The nominees include Destry Damayanti for Governor and Aida S. Budiman for Senior Deputy Governor. The House of Representatives will begin processing the nominations after the new session opens on 14 August 2026.

ORI: GNPP a Concrete Step Towards Public Services Free from Maladministration

The Indonesian Ombudsman (ORI) has endorsed the National Public Service Movement (GNPP) as a concrete measure to ensure public services are free from maladministration. The initiative, launched jointly with the Ministry of State Apparatus Empowerment and Bureaucratic Reform and the Ministry of Home Affairs, aims to accelerate nationwide improvements in service quality. A joint circular has been issued to guide all public service providers in implementing collaborative and measurable actions.

Minister of Higher Education Reminds New Students: Absorb as Much Knowledge as Possible, Graduate in 4 Years

Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto has urged new students at Universitas Pendidikan Ganesha in Bali to make the most of their university years. Speaking at the campus orientation event, he stressed that higher education is a privilege not all Indonesians enjoy and should be used to build competence and character. The minister also highlighted the need for adaptability in the face of rapid technological and scientific changes.

Jakarta Can Serve as a Showcase to Introduce Nusantara Cuisine

Jakarta's role as a melting pot positions it as an ideal showcase for Indonesia's diverse regional cuisines, according to a mall executive. The Kampung Legendaris food festival aims to promote authentic local flavours to both domestic and international visitors. This initiative also supports micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and aligns with the government's gastronomic tourism development efforts.

Forest and Land Fires in South Kalimantan Worsen, 3,387 Hectares Burned

Forest and land fires in South Kalimantan have scorched over 3,387 hectares across 13 districts and cities, with Banjar, Tanah Laut, and Banjarbaru being the worst affected. Governor Muhidin and the regional police chief have joined firefighting efforts on the ground, particularly in peatland areas. Authorities are facing challenges due to receding water sources and the inability to conduct weather modification operations because of a lack of rain clouds.

KMP Putri Yasmin Drifts into Indian Ocean as KNKT Investigates Fire

The KMP Putri Yasmin ferry, which caught fire off the coast of Lombok, has drifted into the Indian Ocean. The National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT) has arrived to investigate the cause of the blaze, while authorities urge the public to avoid speculation. The Transportation Minister confirmed the vessel was deemed seaworthy during its last inspection, and search and rescue operations continue for a further seven days.

Senior IRGC Adviser: Prolonging Conflict with US is a Strategy for Deterrence

A senior adviser to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has stated that extending the conflict with the United States serves as an effective deterrent strategy. Mohammad Reza Naqdi argued that a drawn-out confrontation would demonstrate the high and sustained costs of military action against Tehran. He also claimed Iran's domestic missile production outpaces its battlefield usage, ensuring its ability to maintain a prolonged military campaign.

MP Rajiv Urges Government to Budget for Elephant Calf Vaccines

House of Representatives member Rajiv has called on the government to allocate specific funding for vaccines following the death of a Sumatran elephant calf from a herpesvirus in Aceh. He stressed that wildlife conservation policy must include robust animal health measures, not just habitat protection. The MP urged the Ministry of Forestry to conduct systematic health evaluations of remaining elephants to prevent further losses.

Home Credit Expands PayLater Service to 24,000 Indomaret Outlets

PT Home Credit Indonesia has partnered with Indomaret to offer its BayarNanti (PayLater) service across 24,000 convenience stores nationwide. The collaboration allows over 700,000 eligible customers to use their existing credit limits for daily purchases. The move aims to provide greater payment flexibility and is supported by MUFG Bank, reflecting a broader push into Indonesia's retail financing ecosystem.

Student Who Fatally Struck Police Officer Aiptu Asep Was Driving Under the Influence

Bandung police have revealed that a university student, identified only as A, was intoxicated when he struck and killed police officer Aiptu Asep Suhara in a hit-and-run incident. The suspect was driving a borrowed car belonging to a member of the Indonesian military after leaving a café in the Simpang Lima area. Authorities used traffic accident analysis and scientific crime investigation to identify the student as the sole perpetrator.

Danantara CTO Visits Purbaya's Office, Discusses Potential Additional Tax Revenue

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa met with BPI Danantara's Chief Technology Officer Sigit Pudji to explore how the government could support Danantara's programmes, particularly regarding potential tax contributions. The meeting focused on identifying areas where Danantara might increase its tax payments to the state. Discussions on electric vehicle incentives were noted to be a matter between Danantara and President Prabowo Subianto directly.

Ahead of NU Congress, Kiai Asep Chalim Warns Against 'Hijacking' by Self-Serving Young Factions

Senior cleric KH Asep Saifuddin Chalim has issued a stark warning ahead of the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Muktamar, alleging that recent leadership processes have been manipulated by young factions acting on personal whims. He urged a return to the organisation's founding principles of national unity and moderate Islam, calling for an end to deviations and injustice to safeguard NU's future in its second century.

Bittime Reveals RWA Growth and Rising Interest in Global Asset Investment

Indonesian investor interest in tokenised real-world assets (RWA) is surging, with Bittime reporting a 2.5-fold increase in Tokenized US Stocks transactions in July 2026. Industry leaders attribute this growth to a maturing digital asset ecosystem, progressive regulation, and a shift in investor preference towards transparent and secure instruments. Indonesia is seen as having significant potential to become a key RWA market in Southeast Asia.

West Sumatra BKSDA Evacuates Sumatran Tiger That Preyed on Livestock

A two-year-old Sumatran tiger has been safely evacuated in Agam, West Sumatra, after entering a trap cage. The protected animal had previously preyed on local livestock, causing concern among residents. The joint operation is part of ongoing efforts to manage human-wildlife conflict in the region.

SUTET Development in North Jakarta to Spur Local Economic Growth

The construction of the 500 kV Priok–Muara Tawar Extra High Voltage Overhead Line (SUTET) in North Jakarta is expected to boost local economic growth, attract investment, and create new jobs. The project is a key part of the Jakarta Looping network, designed to enhance the reliability of the electricity supply in western Java and prevent major blackouts. Authorities are also conducting community outreach to explain the benefits and the transparent compensation process for affected residents.

House Speaker Puan Maharani Tells Youth Parliament DPR is Frequent Target of Hoaxes

House Speaker Puan Maharani met with top participants of the 2024 and 2025 Youth Parliament programme, discussing the challenges of public perception. She highlighted that the House of Representatives (DPR) is often targeted by hoaxes, citing false claims about the Job Creation Law as an example. The session also covered the complexities of the legislative process and efforts to increase women's representation.

Balikpapan Police Destroy 1.09 kg of Methamphetamine, Claim to Have Saved Thousands of Lives

The Balikpapan Police in East Kalimantan destroyed 1.09 kilograms of methamphetamine seized during July and early August 2026. The destruction of the evidence, authorised by the local prosecutor's office, is part of an effort to sever the drug supply chain. Authorities estimate that the seizure prevented the narcotics from reaching approximately 10,970 potential users.

University of Lampung Forges Research Partnership with PTPN III

The University of Lampung (Unila) has signed a memorandum of understanding with state-owned plantation firm PTPN III to align academic research with industrial needs. The collaboration aims to leverage Unila's academic resources, including 156 professors, to address productivity, efficiency, and sustainability challenges in the plantation sector. The partnership will also explore cassava development to support the government's energy security agenda through bioethanol.

First hearing for CPO export corruption case using POME disguise set for next week

The inaugural trial for an alleged corruption scheme involving the export of crude palm oil disguised as palm oil mill effluent will commence next week at the Central Jakarta Corruption Court. Eleven defendants, including customs officials and company directors, are accused of misclassifying high-acid CPO to circumvent export restrictions, causing state losses estimated at Rp 7.3 trillion. The case highlights a major regulatory breach during a period of government-mandated domestic supply controls.

Senator Fahira Idris Urges Alcohol Regulation Review After Quran Memorisation Case

Senator Fahira Idris has called for a thorough investigation and stricter alcohol regulations following an incident where memorising a Quranic verse was used as a challenge for free alcohol at a Jakarta music festival. She highlighted the need to examine compliance with the Trade Minister's Regulation on direct alcohol sales, including licensing and age verification. Idris urged that the case be a catalyst for a comprehensive national law governing the production, distribution, and consumption of alcoholic beverages.

Tri Tito Urges Posyandu Transformation to Strengthen Services Across Six Minimum Service Standards

Tri Tito Karnavian, Chair of the Posyandu Development Team, has called for the accelerated transformation of Posyandu (integrated health posts) to support six basic service areas. The shift expands their traditional health focus to include education, public works, and social affairs, in line with Home Affairs Ministerial Regulation No. 13 of 2024. She also stressed the need for nationwide registration of all Posyandu to map their capabilities and ensure the programme's success through collaboration between central and local governments.

Government Boosts Nutrition Literacy and Food Safety for Teachers in Free Meals Programme

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education are collaborating to enhance nutrition literacy and food safety knowledge among teachers to support the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme. The initiative targets over 658,000 educators across Jakarta, West Java, and Banten, aiming to embed healthy eating habits within schools and homes. Officials stressed that the programme's success relies not just on food provision but on comprehensive education about balanced nutrition, hygiene, and food safety checks.

Iran's Qaani Secretly Visits Baghdad to Warn Against Disarming Iraqi Militias

General Esmail Qaani, commander of Iran's Quds Force, made a clandestine visit to Baghdad to deliver Tehran's firm opposition to plans to disarm Iraqi militias. The visit places Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi in a difficult position as he faces a deadline to bring all weapons under state control. The development comes amid heightened regional tensions, including joint US-Saudi airstrikes on Iranian proxy sites in Iraq.

Prabowo Proposes Aida S Budiman as Candidate for BI Senior Deputy Governor

President Prabowo Subianto has submitted names to the House of Representatives for key Bank Indonesia positions, including Aida S. Budiman as candidate for Senior Deputy Governor. House Speaker Puan Maharani confirmed the proposal also includes Destry Damayanti for Governor. The parliamentary vetting process is scheduled to begin after the new session opens on 14 August 2026.

North Kalimantan Forestry Service Engages Community to Prevent and Extinguish Forest Fires

The North Kalimantan Forestry Service is bolstering its fire prevention efforts by partnering with dozens of community fire awareness groups (MPA) across the province. These groups are equipped with basic firefighting tools to conduct early detection and initial suppression, particularly in fire-prone villages. The service has also deployed 18 dedicated fire brigade squads and urged the public to refrain from slash-and-burn land clearing during the current dry, windy weather.

Police Rely on Scientific Evidence in Sutrimo Death Investigation

The Metro Jaya Police have stated that the investigation into the death of Sutrimo is being conducted professionally and transparently, relying strictly on scientific crime investigation methods. A forensic team has completed an autopsy and found no external signs of blunt or sharp force trauma, but the definitive cause of death awaits laboratory analysis. The police have committed to updating the family proportionally while respecting the ongoing scientific process.

Petrokimia Gresik's GladiAgro Innovation Wins SDGs Award for Soil Restoration

PT Petrokimia Gresik's 'GladiAgro' programme has been recognised as an SDGs Innovation Accelerator for its use of microbial technology to restore soil health and boost agricultural productivity. The initiative converts agricultural waste into organic nutrients, addressing the widespread issue of declining soil quality across Indonesia. The state-owned enterprise hopes to present the innovation at the UN Global Compact forum in New York in 2026.

FBI Quietly Builds Cooperation with China and Russia: What Is Behind It?

The FBI under Director Kash Patel is discreetly strengthening cooperation with China and Russia to combat transnational crime, despite ongoing geopolitical rivalries. This pragmatic shift includes joint operations against cyber fraud and human trafficking, as well as the institutionalisation of working groups with Beijing. Analysts suggest the approach reflects a pattern of cooperating where interests align while maintaining strategic competition elsewhere.

IDX Ready for Private Placement to IPO to Welcome New Strategic Investors

The Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) is preparing for a demutualisation process that could involve private placements and an eventual initial public offering to bring in new strategic investors. The transformation will shift the bourse's legal structure from a member-based mutual entity to a profit-oriented public company. The Financial Services Authority (OJK) is currently drafting regulations that will govern the process, including potential maximum ownership limits for strategic partners.

Recycling Industry Must Strengthen Data Infrastructure to Boost Circular Economy

Indonesia's recycling industry is being urged to build robust digital data systems to trace material origins and verify environmental impacts, moving beyond merely increasing collection volumes. A new partnership between ADUPI, IDCTA, and ESGIN aims to develop digital traceability and monitoring infrastructure to integrate the fragmented recycling ecosystem. The collaboration is seen as crucial for meeting the government's 2029 waste management targets and preparing the industry for environmental and carbon markets.

DKI Jakarta DPRD Affirms Commitment to Transparent Budgeting

The Jakarta Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) and the provincial government have pledged to uphold professional and transparent budget management, formalised through the signing of an Integrity Pact for the 2027 Regional Budget. The agreement, which includes the KUA-PPAS and a pact on regional bonds, aims to ensure accountability and prevent irregularities. Officials emphasised that the planned bond issuance must be managed prudently to strengthen development financing while maintaining fiscal sustainability.

How Free Nutritious Meals are changing children's lives in Papua

The Indonesian government's Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme is tackling chronic malnutrition and poor classroom concentration among children in Highland Papua by providing balanced, locally sourced meals. The initiative, which also targets pregnant women and toddlers to curb stunting, is being prioritised in remote regions with new kitchens and parliamentary oversight to ensure quality. Officials view the programme as a cornerstone for building human capital and achieving the Golden Indonesia 2045 vision, building upon earlier local efforts like Tolikara's decade-old school breakfast scheme.