Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 13 August 2026

Showing 451-500 of 1,577 articles

Cimahi Residents Erect 'For Sale' Signs in Unison to Protest Chocolate Factory

Residents of the Melong Green Garden complex in Cimahi, West Java, have staged a coordinated protest by placing 'For Sale' signs on their homes, directing potential buyers to the city government. The action is the culmination of years of complaints about a neighbouring chocolate factory, which they claim has caused environmental damage and disrupted their lives since 2016. The local council has pledged to summon all relevant parties to address the residents' grievances.

Constitutional Court Ruling on Internet Quota Expiry: Operators Retain Flexibility

The Constitutional Court's decision to abolish the practice of internet quota expiry does not mandate that all data packages last indefinitely. Experts clarify that the ruling primarily ensures consumers have alternative options, such as rollover or refund schemes, while allowing operators to maintain flexible business models.

Online Motorcycle Taxi Drivers Reject UMKM Status, Affirm Position as Workers

The Indonesian Transport Workers Union (SPAI) has firmly rejected a government proposal to reclassify online motorcycle taxi drivers as micro, small, and medium enterprises (UMKM), insisting they must be legally recognised as workers. The union argues the drivers meet all criteria for an employment relationship under existing labour law, including performing work, receiving wages, and being subject to orders. SPAI warns that forcing UMKM status would strip drivers of fundamental rights such as minimum wage, working hour limits, and social security protections.

Komnas HAM Records 124,931 Refugees from Central Papua Conflict, What Is Their Fate?

Indonesia's National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) has reported that approximately 124,931 people have been displaced by the ongoing conflict in Central Papua. The commission is urging stronger cross-ministerial collaboration to address the humanitarian crisis, emphasising the need for coordinated aid distribution. The Ministry of Social Affairs has provided initial assistance but stresses that further action depends on local government data and proposals.

Bengkulu Seeks Inclusion in Trans-Sumatra Railway Project

The Bengkulu provincial government has formally proposed that the city be included in the central government's planned Trans-Sumatra railway network. Officials argue the rail link is crucial to overcome the region's challenging topography and high logistics costs, which have long hindered access. The province is also seeking central government support for financing, as the project exceeds the capacity of its regional budget.

Financial Expert's Advice Before Applying for an Online Loan

A financial planner has outlined key considerations for Indonesians before taking out online loans, emphasising the importance of understanding total repayment amounts, interest rates, and the risks of default. The advice comes as data from the Financial Services Authority (OJK) shows outstanding online loan balances reached Rp 105.14 trillion by mid-2026, with a significant portion of defaults attributed to borrower ignorance. Industry players like AdaKami are responding by increasing educational efforts and tightening risk assessments, leading to higher rejection rates for loan applications.

Bandung City Government and PNM Strengthen Women-Led MSMEs to Help Them Level Up

The Bandung City Government is collaborating with state-owned enterprise PT Permodalan Nasional Madani (PNM) to empower women micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) owners. The initiative provided 250 clients with training in capital management, credit, risk, and business innovation. Officials emphasised that structured economic empowerment, particularly through a joint liability group model, is key to improving family welfare and the city's economic ecosystem.

Abang None 2026 Officially Launched, Groomed as Jakarta's Cultural Ambassadors

The Jakarta provincial government has officially launched the 54th Abang None Jakarta pageant, refocusing the competition to prepare youth as cultural ambassadors ahead of the city's 500th anniversary in 2027. Deputy Governor Rano Karno emphasised that the event is a platform for preserving Betawi heritage and nurturing a generation capable of promoting Jakarta on the global stage. The 36 finalists will undergo training not only in communication but also in the history and development trajectory of the city as it aims to climb the Global Cities Index.

Forget Boeing-Airbus, China's 'King of the Sky' Officially Launches onto the World Stage

China's homegrown C919 passenger jet has commenced its first scheduled international commercial flight, marking a significant milestone in Beijing's ambition to challenge the Boeing-Airbus duopoly. The Air China-operated aircraft flew from Beijing to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, signalling COMAC's intent to become a global contender. However, analysts caution that the programme remains heavily reliant on foreign components and faces substantial production and supply chain hurdles.

Sudirman Cycle Lane Barriers Repainted Ahead of Indonesia's Independence Day

Around 100 personnel have repainted over a kilometre of cycle lane barriers along Jalan Jenderal Sudirman in South Jakarta to enhance the area's aesthetics ahead of the 81st anniversary of Indonesian independence. The work, carried out at night to minimise disruption, also aims to improve safety by clarifying boundaries for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. Officials have urged the public to maintain the newly refurbished public space.

Danantara Begins Semiconductor Investment, Names Off-takers

Indonesia's sovereign wealth fund, Danantara, has commenced investing in the semiconductor industry, with 94% of its chosen platform utilising proprietary technology. The fund is also establishing a state-owned enterprise, Perminas, to manage rare earth elements and develop downstream industries such as permanent magnets. Danantara's CTO highlighted technology transfer as the primary challenge in mineral downstreaming, prompting strategic partnerships with universities to build research and development centres.

Riau Police Chief Reports on 'Red and White Expedition' to Prabowo, Targeting 3T Regions

Riau Police Chief Inspector General Herry Heryawan reported directly to President Prabowo Subianto on the 'Red and White Expedition', a programme designed to reach communities in underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost (3T) areas. The initiative includes mangrove restoration to combat coastal abrasion and has seen the construction of 110 precision bridges in the province. President Prabowo commended the National Police for their dedication, noting the force has built or renovated 895 such bridges nationwide, demonstrating the state's presence in remote villages.

69 Participants Enliven Cultural Parade in Kupang City for Indonesia's 81st Independence Day

A total of 69 participants took part in the Development Parade and Cultural Carnival in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, to mark Indonesia's 81st Independence Day. Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena opened the event, noting that many government agencies had not been invited and called for broader inclusion next year. Organisers emphasised the parade as a symbolic journey from diversity towards unity and progress.

BPN and Manokwari Regency Government Designate Aimasi for Land Consolidation Programme

The National Land Agency (BPN) and the Manokwari Regency administration have selected Kampung Aimasi as the site for a land consolidation programme targeting 100 plots. The initiative aims to improve spatial planning, provide road infrastructure, and enhance environmental health without extinguishing community land rights. A formal decree for the location is being prepared for the Regent's signature.

Minister backs stronger ecosystem for hazardous waste management

Environment Minister Hidayat has called for a stronger hazardous waste management ecosystem built on traceability, waste mass balance, and consistent law enforcement. During a visit to a Bogor facility, he praised PT Prasadha Pamunah Limbah Industri's three decades of integrated management and urged other industry players to adopt similar responsible practices. The minister also stressed the need for proper decontamination of used medical materials and direct contracts between waste generators and processors.

Medical costs for KMP Putri Yasmin fire victims covered by Jasa Raharja

State-owned insurer PT Jasa Raharja has confirmed it will cover the medical expenses of victims from the KMP Putri Yasmin ferry fire, with a combined cover of up to Rp57.5 million per person. The company is prioritising all injured victims, though it has yet to verify whether all 212 evacuees are eligible for compensation. Officials also visited the family of the sole fatality to offer condolences and hand over symbolic compensation.

Prabowo reminds youth of the importance of learning history

President Prabowo Subianto has urged young Indonesians to study history, warning that nations ignorant of their past are condemned by it. He highlighted the post-independence struggles, including a five-year war and various rebellions, to underscore the nation's resilience. The President stressed that historical understanding is meant to prevent repeating mistakes, not to foster hatred towards other nations.

Sabang City Wins First Place in Waste Management at 2026 Outstanding Local Government Awards

Sabang City has been awarded first place in the Waste Management and Clean Environment category at the 2026 Outstanding Local Government Awards for the Sumatra region. The accolade, presented by the Ministry of Home Affairs, includes a fiscal incentive of Rp 2 billion. The city's mayor emphasised that the achievement reflects a collective and sustainable commitment to environmental cleanliness beyond merely winning awards.

South Sulawesi Social Agency Reports 2,700 Student Applicants for 'Sekolah Rakyat' Programme

The South Sulawesi Social Agency has reported a surge in interest for the government's 'Sekolah Rakyat' (People's Schools) programme, with 2,700 students registered for the 2026/2027 academic year. The initiative, which provides free boarding education for children from impoverished families, is expanding rapidly with 16 locations across the province. Authorities are now focused on ensuring the quality of education and the sustainability of facilities to match the high public demand.

Prabowo Reveals EV Ecosystem Under Construction in Subang, Mass Production Targeted for 2028

President Prabowo Subianto has announced that a major electric vehicle manufacturing ecosystem is being developed in the Purwakarta-Subang corridor, with large-scale production expected by 2028. The initiative aims to reduce Indonesia's annual fuel import bill of up to USD 30 billion and bolster national energy security. The government is also preparing incentive schemes, including trade-in programmes, to accelerate public adoption of electric vehicles.

YPMAK Explores Cooperation with Hospitals in Java for Referral Patients

The Amungme and Kamoro Community Empowerment Foundation (YPMAK) is expanding its healthcare partnerships with hospitals in Java to manage referral patients from Mimika, Papua. The foundation, which manages PT Freeport Indonesia's partnership funds, recently renewed an agreement with Dr. Soeharso Orthopaedic Hospital in Solo and is exploring new collaborations in Yogyakarta and Surabaya. The initiative aims to provide continued medical care for indigenous Papuans, including students on YPMAK scholarships studying in Java.

Tokyo EV Subsidies Could Halve Toyota bZ4X Price, Boost Tesla Sales

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government's enhanced electric vehicle subsidies, combined with national incentives, could reduce the price of a Toyota bZ4X by more than half to around ¥2.2 million. The scheme, which also offers additional benefits for vehicles with Japanese-made batteries, aims to boost Japan's sluggish EV adoption rate, which stood at just 1.6% of new car sales in 2025. Tesla is already capitalising on the policy, selling over 10,000 vehicles in Japan in 2025 and expanding its delivery network to meet rising demand.

KPK to Investigate Alleged US$1 Million Handover from Yaqut to House Hajj Special Committee

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has pledged to investigate allegations that former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas prepared US$1 million to influence the House of Representatives' Hajj Special Committee. The information emerged during the reading of Yaqut's indictment on 11 August, where he was accused of preparing the funds to condition the outcome of the 2024 Hajj inquiry. The KPK is now working to determine whether the money was actually delivered to members of the special committee.

PKB Forms 'Prabowonomics' Task Force to Oversee President's Economic Agenda

The National Awakening Party (PKB) has launched a 'Prabowonomics' task force to support and monitor the implementation of President Prabowo Subianto's economic policies. The group aims to ensure these policies align with constitutional economic principles, particularly Articles 33 and 34 of the 1945 Constitution, focusing on equitable welfare. The task force plans to conduct studies and field monitoring to ensure government programmes directly benefit the lower classes and grassroots economic actors.

Message Alleging Extortion of Supreme Court Candidates Circulates, House Commission III Denies

A chain message demanding 'participation funds' from candidates undergoing fit and proper tests for Indonesia's Supreme Court has been dismissed as a hoax by House of Representatives Commission III. Commission member Nasir Djamil stated the message, which falsely used the name of the commission's leadership, is a fraud and urged candidates to report it to the police. The commission affirmed its commitment to maintaining the integrity and transparency of the selection process for supreme court justices and ad hoc judges.

22 Chinese Nationals in Labuan Bajo Defrauded by Bogus Travel Agent, Bekasi Man Named Suspect

A man from Bekasi has been named a suspect for allegedly defrauding a Canadian tour operator of Rp 244.2 million intended for a premium tour package for 22 Chinese tourists in Labuan Bajo. The suspect, operating a fictitious travel agency, failed to pay for the chartered vessel and operational costs, spending all the money on personal needs. Police confirmed the suspect has cooperated with the investigation and admitted to the fraud.

IHCBS 2026 Aims to Equip Indonesian Workforce for AI Era

The Indonesia Human Capital and Beyond Summit (IHCBS) 2026 seeks to transform human resource management into a driver of national productivity amid rapid AI advancement. Organisers highlight a significant productivity gap, with Indonesian workers generating roughly half the output per hour compared to their Malaysian counterparts. The summit will focus on bridging this divide by enhancing employability and entrepreneurial capabilities through technology.

House of Representatives Scrutinises KMP Putri Yasmin Manifest Discrepancy: 114 Registered, 212 Evacuated

Indonesia's House of Representatives (DPR) has raised serious concerns over a significant discrepancy in the passenger manifest of the fire-stricken ferry KMP Putri Yasmin, where 212 people were evacuated despite only 114 being officially listed. Lawmakers are urging a thorough investigation and demanding stricter safety protocols, including mandatory firefighting training for crew and tighter cargo screening at ports. The incident has also prompted a broader review of the seaworthiness of older vessels operating on the NTB-Bali route.

Minister Yandri Reports 73 Social Media Accounts to Bareskrim Over AI Deepfake

Villages and Disadvantaged Regions Minister Yandri Susanto has filed a police complaint against 73 social media accounts for spreading a deepfake video. The AI-manipulated content falsely depicted him calling for village shops to be closed in favour of the Red and White Village Cooperative programme. The case is now under review by the National Police's Cyber Crime Directorate.

Indonesia Condemns Israel's Rejection of Gaza Recovery Roadmap

Indonesia has strongly condemned Israel's rejection of a 15-point roadmap for the comprehensive recovery of the Gaza Strip, viewing it as an attempt to derail an internationally endorsed agreement. The roadmap, which has received backing from the UN Security Council, is seen by Jakarta as a collective global effort to restore Palestinian life and regional stability. The condemnation follows Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's refusal to withdraw troops until Hamas is fully disarmed, even as Hamas itself committed to the plan.

Plain Packaging Deemed to Disrupt Investment and Suppress Creative Business

Indonesia's plan to enforce plain packaging for tobacco products is facing pushback from advertising and creative industry groups. They argue the policy will further pressure the already heavily regulated sector, potentially harming investment, advertising ecosystems, and the national film industry. The concerns arise as the government simultaneously seeks to boost economic growth and creative sector competitiveness.

Environment Minister Backs Carbon Trading Collaboration with Village Cooperatives

Environment Minister Muhammad Jumhur Hidayat has endorsed a carbon trading partnership with President Prabowo Subianto's flagship 'Red and White Village Cooperatives' (KDMP) programme. The minister emphasised that high-integrity carbon markets require local communities to directly benefit from carbon unit sales. He noted that Indonesia's carbon trading value could reach tens of thousands of trillion rupiah, making the collaboration vital for ensuring economic benefits reach the people.

Energy Subsidy Distribution Using NIK: Accurate and Transparent Data Key to Targeted Delivery, Says Lawmaker

A member of Indonesia's House of Representatives has endorsed a new inter-agency agreement to use national identity numbers (NIK) for verifying recipients of subsidised 3 kg LPG cylinders. The lawmaker stressed that accurate and transparent data is essential to ensure subsidies reach the intended beneficiaries, such as low-income households and micro-enterprises. The initiative aims to curb misuse and maintain the sustainability of the energy subsidy budget.

GOTO Removed from MSCI Index, Analysts Cite Technical Factors Over Fundamentals

Analysts have responded to MSCI's decision to drop GoTo Gojek Tokopedia (GOTO) from its global index, attributing the move to technical trading factors rather than the company's fundamental performance. The removal was triggered by GOTO's share price stagnating at Rp50 and a significant drop in trading liquidity. Despite the index exclusion, the company has reported consecutive quarterly profits for the first time in its history.

Wuling Aira EV vs BYD Atto 1: A Comprehensive Comparison for the Indonesian Market

The Indonesian electric vehicle market sees a new rivalry as the Wuling Aira EV and BYD Atto 1 compete in the affordable segment. The Aira EV excels in urban manoeuvrability with a tight turning radius, while the BYD Atto 1 offers superior performance, space, and a more comprehensive package for a slightly higher price. The choice ultimately depends on whether the buyer prioritises city agility or a more substantial hatchback experience.

Government Targets 2028 for Mass Production of Indonesian Electric Vehicles

President Prabowo Subianto has announced that the government is developing an electric vehicle ecosystem in the Purwakarta-Subang area, with mass production targeted by 2028. The initiative aims to reduce dependence on imported fuel and save up to 70% on mobility costs. The government also plans to expand the programme to include electric buses and tractors, while boosting national electric motorcycle production.

Pasar Baru assessed to have great potential for further development

The historic Pasar Baru area in Central Jakarta is considered to have significant potential for integrated development as a cultural, historical, and economic hub. A focus group discussion was held to gather ideas for a strategic guidebook aimed at revitalising the area while preserving its heritage. Officials hope the revitalisation will emulate the success of other transformed historic districts like Blok M in South Jakarta.

Bandung Mayor Farhan Encourages Persib to Pursue IPO on Indonesian Stock Exchange

Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan is urging the city's football club, Persib, to consider an Initial Public Offering (IPO) to raise capital. He believes that expanding cooperation on the utilisation of city assets, such as the GBLA Stadium, could significantly increase the club's valuation. The Indonesia Stock Exchange has expressed its readiness to facilitate the process as the club moves towards demutualisation.

DPMPTSP Mimika Perkuat Perizinan Berbasis Risiko Lewat Bimtek OSS RBA

The Mimika Regency Government is strengthening risk-based business licensing through technical guidance on the OSS RBA system, aiming to create a faster, more transparent, and legally certain service for business actors. The initiative, supported by the Ministry of Investment and Downstreaming, is expected to improve the local investment climate and ensure compliance with updated national regulations. Officials emphasised that streamlined licensing and ongoing supervision are key to fostering a legal and secure investment ecosystem in the region.

House of Representatives Commission III Approves 11 Supreme Court Justices and 3 Ad Hoc Judges

The House of Representatives' Commission III has approved 11 candidates for Supreme Court justices and 3 candidates for ad hoc judges, covering criminal, civil, religious, and tax chambers, as well as human rights and corruption courts.

Budiman Sudjatmiko Urges Free Nutritious Meal Programme to Drive Village Economy via KDKMP

Head of the Poverty Alleviation Acceleration Agency, Budiman Sudjatmiko, has called for the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme to stimulate village economies by sourcing 80 per cent of its supplies locally. He warned that without integrating local farmers, MSMEs, and village-owned enterprises through the Merah Putih Village Cooperative (KDKMP), the economic benefits risk flowing to external businesses. The initiative aims to link village supply chains with the programme's nutritional service units to boost food security and reduce poverty.

Danantara says state banks ready to provide funding support for Molinas

Danantara CEO Rosan Perkasa has confirmed that all state-owned banks under its umbrella are prepared to support the national electric motorcycle programme, Molinas, with lower interest rates and longer tenors. The initiative also includes plans to reduce or eliminate the 10 per cent down payment to boost consumer adoption. President Prabowo Subianto officially launched the Molinas ecosystem, praising private sector courage in competing against foreign manufacturers and framing the effort as part of reducing national fuel import dependency.

Social Affairs Ministry Sends Clean Water Aid to Thousands in Pangandaran

The Ministry of Social Affairs has dispatched clean water aid to nearly 8,000 residents across nine sub-districts in Pangandaran, West Java, as a prolonged drought continues. The distribution, involving water tankers and purification kits, targets areas that have seen no rain since May 2026. The local government has declared a drought emergency status until the end of September to expedite recovery efforts.

Economist Warns Government on Decile-Based Subsidies: Don't Just Ease Fiscal Burden

An economist has cautioned the Indonesian government against using a decile-based targeting system merely to cut the number of subsidy recipients and reduce state spending. Rizal Taufikurrahman from Indef stressed that while the approach is more rational than universal subsidies, its success hinges on accurate data to avoid excluding vulnerable households. He warned that rigid application across multiple programmes could lead to systemic policy errors if the underlying data is not precise and frequently updated.

National Electric Motorcycle Assessed as Embodiment of Indonesia Incorporated

President Prabowo Subianto has hailed the launch of the national electric motorcycle (molinas) and its supporting ecosystem as a prime example of the 'Indonesia Incorporated' concept. The initiative unites private companies, state-owned enterprises, entrepreneurs, and academics in a collaborative effort to build national economic and technological strength. The government aims to develop a comprehensive ecosystem encompassing manufacturing, battery infrastructure, and financing to reduce fuel dependency and boost domestic industry.

Indonesia launches Molinas in push for electric vehicle self-reliance

Indonesia has launched the Molinas national electric motorcycle, a collaboration between the government, state-owned enterprises, and private firms aimed at boosting self-reliance in the transportation sector. Investment Minister Rosan Roeslani highlighted that the country possesses the necessary nickel reserves and technology to produce affordable, high-quality batteries domestically. President Prabowo Subianto praised the initiative as a strategic move to reduce fuel imports and strengthen the national economy.

BI Encourages Sharia Financing for Corporate Expansion

Bank Indonesia is promoting sharia-compliant financing as a strategic option for corporate investment and expansion to boost the national economy. The central bank emphasises the need for stronger connectivity between the halal industry and the Islamic financial sector, alongside the development of bankable and sustainable financing pipelines. This initiative is supported by positive growth in sharia banking, with financing reaching Rp720 trillion and sukuk outstanding at around Rp95 trillion.

KPK Examines Jakarta Council Member Bebizie in Coal Corruption Case

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has questioned Bebizie Sri Mulyati, a member of the Jakarta Regional House of Representatives, as a witness in a money laundering case linked to coal mining gratuities in Kutai Kartanegara. The investigation is connected to former regent Rita Widyasari and involves three coal companies allegedly used to receive illicit payments. The examination marks a widening of the probe into political figures associated with the case.

73 Accounts Hunted! Village Minister Yandri Reports to Bareskrim Over 'Warung Closures' Hoax

Minister of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions (Mendes PDT) Yandri Susanto has reported the spread of a deepfake video to the National Police's Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim). The video falsely depicts him announcing the closure of village shops due to the 'Kopdes Merah Putih' cooperative programme. Authorities have identified 73 social media accounts suspected of disseminating the AI-generated hoax content.

Four Key Facts in the PT TPL Transfer Pricing Case Allegedly Costing the State Rp 2 Trillion

Indonesia's Attorney General's Office has named two tax officials as suspects in a long-running transfer pricing scandal involving PT Toba Pulp Lestari (TPL) Tbk. The company is accused of misreporting premium dissolving pulp exports as lower-grade paper pulp to reduce its corporate tax burden, with the collusion of tax supervisors. Preliminary estimates suggest the scheme, which ran from 2008 to 2025, has caused state losses of up to Rp 2 trillion.