Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 13 August 2026

Showing 651-700 of 1,577 articles

Pangdam: Bridges and clean water strengthen regional resilience

The construction of basic infrastructure such as bridges and clean water facilities is a tangible commitment by the state to address the fundamental needs of communities in West Kalimantan. The programme, which includes thousands of bridges and water points built by the TNI and Polri, was inaugurated virtually by President Prabowo Subianto. These projects are intended to accelerate equitable development, boost local economic activity, and reinforce regional resilience.

Parents of Affan Kurniawan urge public not to hold one-year memorial

The parents of the late Affan Kurniawan have appealed to the public and his colleagues to refrain from organising a one-year memorial event for their son. Zulkifli and his wife Erlina stated they only wish for prayers and will hold a modest recitation at a local mosque. The family also objected to the use of Affan's photographs or content in any activities conducted in his name.

Free health screenings in East Jakarta schools frequently detect abnormal blood pressure and anaemia in students

The Jakarta Health Agency reports that free health check-ups in East Jakarta schools are uncovering a worrying number of students with abnormal blood pressure and anaemia. Officials note that findings include hypertension beyond expected levels for their age and low haemoglobin, particularly among adolescent girls. The programme serves as an early detection tool and provides education on prevention, linking the issues to poor diet and lifestyle habits.

Bank Aladin Syariah's Strategy for Maintaining Asset Quality in the Digital Era

Bank Aladin Syariah is reinforcing its commitment to asset quality by adhering to prudential principles and enhancing risk management amidst rapid digitalisation. President Director Koko Rachmadi emphasised that the bank's digital strategy focuses on providing relevant, secure, and convenient financial solutions tailored to customers' evolving daily needs. The approach aims to balance efficiency with robust data privacy and security measures.

Haedar Nashir Receives Special Senior Journalist Card After 42 Years in Journalism

Muhammadiyah Chairman Haedar Nashir has been awarded a Special Senior Journalist Card by the Press Council, recognising his over four decades in journalism since starting at Suara Muhammadiyah in 1984. The award was presented by Press Council Chairman Komaruddin Hidayat, who praised Nashir as a rare figure combining journalism with cultural and intellectual leadership. The ceremony also highlighted concerns about declining press quality, the rise of disinformation, and the phenomenon of 'journalists without newspapers'.

Surabaya Council Pushes for Rental Incentives to Attract Investors to City Assets

The Surabaya Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) has proposed offering rental payment holidays during the construction phase to make underutilised municipal assets more attractive to investors. Deputy Speaker Arif Fathoni argues that the current rigid scheme is a key reason why the city's assets, valued at over IDR 6 trillion, remain idle. He believes that providing such incentives will ultimately boost local revenue, create jobs, and stimulate the local economy.

Presidential Regulation on Online Transport Must Benefit All Parties

A member of Indonesia's House of Representatives Commission V has stated that the implementation of Presidential Regulation No. 27 of 2026 on online transport worker protection must create a mutually beneficial ecosystem. Sudjatmiko emphasised that the regulation should ensure better income for drivers, business certainty for app companies, and safe, affordable services for passengers. He highlighted the 92% minimum income share for drivers as a key breakthrough but stressed the need for strict oversight to prevent new burdens on drivers or passengers.

Prabowo Launches National Electric Motorcycle, Danantara CEO: State Banks Ready to Support

President Prabowo Subianto has launched the national electric motorcycle (Molinas) initiative, with Danantara Indonesia pledging full ecosystem support. CEO Rosan Roeslani highlighted Indonesia's vast nickel reserves and downstream capabilities as key to producing affordable, high-quality bikes. State-owned banks are prepared to offer low-interest, long-term financing and may even eliminate down payments to boost adoption.

Indonesian Seafarer Missing After Attack on Vessel in Bab Al-Mandeb Strait

An Indonesian crew member remains unaccounted for following a drone attack on the MV Tihamah in the Bab Al-Mandeb Strait off Yemen. The Indonesian Foreign Ministry confirmed two other Indonesian nationals survived the incident, with one requiring hospital treatment. Search efforts are ongoing, and the Indonesian Embassy in Muscat is preparing for the possible repatriation of the survivors.

Norwegian SWF Harvests Rp3,000 Trillion Profit, Nvidia and Apple Drive Returns

Norway's sovereign wealth fund, the world's largest, reported a profit exceeding US$184 billion in the first half of 2026, driven largely by the AI boom and surging technology stocks. The fund's total value reached US$2.34 trillion, with top holdings including Nvidia, Apple, and Alphabet. The disclosure also revealed a new US$1.23 billion stake in Elon Musk's SpaceX, joining other state investors like Oman and Singapore in backing the private space company.

IPB Professor Urges Increased Consumption of Red Palm Oil for Health and Economic Benefits

A professor from IPB University has called for greater consumption of red palm oil, highlighting its high nutritional content as a potential solution to stunting in Indonesia. The academic suggests presenting the oil as a supplement, similar to fish oil, to increase public acceptance. Stakeholders also see the downstream product as a driver for village-level economic growth and job creation through cooperative distribution networks.

South Jakarta Administration Prepares Manggarai LRT Station Area Ahead of 26 August Launch

The South Jakarta city administration is finalising pedestrian infrastructure and beautification around the Manggarai LRT Station in Setiabudi. The works aim to ensure seamless mobility and comfort for commuters when the Kelapa Gading–Manggarai route begins operations on 26 August. Officials have called on the public to help maintain the new facilities.

Reason Alumna Slapped Three Junior High School Girls in Bogor: Upset Over Gossip About Bringing Men to Her Boarding House

Police in Bogor, West Java, have revealed that a female alumnus assaulted three junior high school students because she was angered by rumours they spread about her. The gossip alleged that the perpetrator frequently brought male friends to her boarding house late at night. The incident, which was intended as a confrontation to clarify the rumours, escalated into physical violence.

Aceh receives Rp27 billion grant to strengthen forest governance

The Indonesian province of Aceh has secured a Rp27 billion grant from the Green Climate Fund's REDD+ Results-Based Payment scheme to enhance forest management. The funding, facilitated by the Indonesian Environment Fund and Yayasan PETAI, aims to support emission reduction efforts and ensure economic benefits flow to local communities. Acehnese officials have committed to translating the programme into concrete, measurable actions integrated with post-disaster rehabilitation and sustainable development.

Palestinian Ulama Hopes Makkah Pact Will Pioneer Unity of Muslim Nations

A senior Palestinian cleric has expressed hope that the recent defence pact between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey will serve as a catalyst for broader Islamic unity against Zionism and Western colonialism. Marwan Abu Ras, chairman of the Al-Quds and Palestine Committee for the International Union of Muslim Scholars, made the remarks during a visit to Jakarta. The agreement, signed in Makkah, includes provisions for mutual defence, intelligence sharing, and military cooperation among the three nations.

Wuling Aira ev 2026 Jakarta OTR Price and Estimates for Other Regions

Wuling Motors has launched the Aira ev in Indonesia, offering a competitively priced electric vehicle with two variants. The Standard Range starts at Rp155 million in Jakarta, while the Long Range is priced at Rp175 million, with regional prices expected to vary due to shipping and local taxes. The launch is supported by government VAT incentives aimed at accelerating electric vehicle adoption.

Meta Blocks Over 750,000 Accounts in Australia Under Social Media Age Restrictions

Meta has blocked more than 750,000 accounts in Australia as part of compliance with strict new laws barring children under 16 from social media. The move follows similar regulations introduced in Indonesia, though Australia is recognised as the first country to enforce such a ban. The crackdown comes amid government threats of massive fines and accusations that tech platforms are deliberately undermining the restrictions.

Baznas Partners with University of Indonesia to Build Zakat Ecosystem Among Art Workers

Indonesia's National Zakat Agency (Baznas) is collaborating with the University of Indonesia's Directorate of Culture to cultivate a culture of almsgiving among art workers. The partnership aims to boost welfare through economic empowerment programmes for artists who qualify as mustahik, or eligible zakat recipients. The initiative will integrate zakat collection with community-based charity performances and transparent fund management.

Rehearsal for 2026 Annual Session Features National and Regional Songs

A full rehearsal for the 2026 MPR Annual Session and the Joint Session of the DPR-DPD took place at the parliamentary complex in Senayan, Jakarta. The event featured an orchestra performing national compulsory songs and regional melodies, including 'Ampar-ampar Pisang' and 'Tanah Airku'. The rehearsal simulated the arrival of President Prabowo Subianto and the presentation of government programme achievements.

LRT Jakarta Kelapa Gading-Manggarai Passengers Projected to Reach 80,000 Daily

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo projects daily ridership on the LRT Jakarta's Kelapa Gading-Manggarai route will surge to 80,000 once operations normalise. This marks a significant increase from the previous route's 4,000 daily passengers. The service is expected to become a new backbone for the capital's transport network, with operating hours aligned to the commuter rail schedule.

Yudhistira Tasli Elected Chairman of FKLD-KODI DKI Jakarta Presidium

Yudhistira Tasli has been elected as the Chairman of the Presidium of the Communication Forum for Da'wah Institutions (FKLD-KODI) for DKI Jakarta for the 2026-2031 period. He has pledged to strengthen the organisation's role through closer collaboration with the government and Islamic community institutions. The new leadership aims to enhance coordination among 51 Islamic organisations to promote social harmony and address community issues in the capital.

Online Transport Presidential Regulation Must Benefit All Parties, Says Lawmaker

House Commission V member Sudjatmiko has urged that the implementation of Presidential Regulation No. 27/2026 on online transport worker protection should create a balanced ecosystem benefiting drivers, application companies, and passengers alike. He highlighted the new 92% minimum income share for drivers and called for robust government oversight to ensure fairness in algorithms, account suspensions, and dispute resolution. The lawmaker also stressed the need for supporting infrastructure, such as designated pick-up and drop-off shelters, and adequate health and accident insurance for drivers.

Prabowo: Even Our Poorest People Can Still Smile

President Prabowo Subianto expressed admiration for the resilience of Indonesia's poorest citizens, noting they can still smile despite severe hardship. He highlighted the nation's inherent friendliness, which he believes is often mistaken for weakness by other countries. Prabowo also warned that Indonesia's resources have been exploited for too long and urged the youth to learn from history to avoid being victimised.

EU Again Delays Launch of ETIAS Travel Authorisation Scheme

The European Union has once again postponed the implementation of its ETIAS travel authorisation system, leaving the launch date uncertain. Technical issues and delays with the related Entry/Exit System (EES) have contributed to the setback, with reports suggesting a 2027 launch is now more likely.

Diaspora Develops Culinary Business in the Netherlands with BNI Support

Indonesian diaspora entrepreneur Suprapti is expanding her authentic Minangkabau restaurant, Waroeng Padang Lapek, in the Netherlands with financial backing from state-owned bank BNI. The funding has enabled the acquisition of a central kitchen property in Den Haag and plans for a new branch in Amsterdam by 2026. BNI views this as a prime example of how banking support can help diaspora businesses promote Indonesian culture globally.

Bali Ready to Become Pilot for Competency-Based Health Referral Reform

Bali Governor Wayan Koster has expressed the province's readiness to serve as a national pilot for reforming the health referral system to be competency-based. The proposed reform aims to streamline patient referrals by directing them immediately to hospitals with the appropriate capabilities, bypassing the current lengthy tiered process. Koster also linked the healthcare improvements to boosting Bali's health tourism sector, while the Health Ministry noted Bali's JKN coverage has reached 88 percent, outpacing the national average.

MBG and Red-and-White Cooperatives Become New Engines for Indonesian Economic Investment

Government priority programmes such as the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) and the Red-and-White Village Cooperatives (KDMP) are credited with driving investment growth in the second quarter of 2026. Bank Mandiri's chief economist noted that spending from these initiatives boosted gross fixed capital formation, which grew 6.67% year-on-year. While this state-led demand is a positive signal, sustaining momentum will require a greater contribution from private sector investment.

Jakarta LRT Velodrome-Manggarai Progress Reaches 97.99 Percent, Ready for Operation

The construction of the Jakarta LRT Velodrome-Manggarai route is nearly complete, with physical and system progress reaching 97.99 percent. Governor Pramono Anung confirmed that remaining technical issues, primarily concerning signalling, are expected to be resolved by 20 August. The 12.2-kilometre line, representing an investment of Rp12.1 trillion, is set to connect North, East, and South Jakarta, with its inauguration likely to be conducted by President Prabowo Subianto.

Trade Minister and MSME Minister Discuss Import Products Disrupting Local Businesses

Trade Minister Budi Santoso and MSME Minister Maman Abdurrahman are collaborating to identify imported goods that harm local micro, small, and medium enterprises. The government is reviewing import policies, which vary by commodity, to balance national needs with domestic production capacity. This initiative follows concerns that cheap and illegal imports are undermining the competitiveness of Indonesian MSMEs in the domestic market.

Indonesia highlights West Sumatra's role in IORA

A senior Indonesian diplomat has emphasised West Sumatra's strategic importance as the nation's primary gateway to the Indian Ocean during a public lecture at Andalas University. The Director General for Asia-Pacific and Africa outlined how Indonesia's upcoming 2026 IORA chairmanship will prioritise diplomacy to secure energy supplies, trade routes, and regional stability. He stressed that the forum's focus on the blue economy, fisheries, and disaster mitigation directly benefits local communities and research institutions.

Ministry of Higher Education Opens Digital Collaboration Opportunities with Telkom

The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology has invited PT Telkom to strengthen industry-academia collaboration in research and innovation, particularly in artificial intelligence, computing, and digital security. Minister Brian Yuliarto highlighted the need to bridge the gap between academic research and commercial application. The partnership also includes Telkom's support for the 'Sekolah Garuda' programme across four locations.

Former Sumbawa Deputy Regent Transferred to Prosecutors Over Mask Corruption Case

Former Sumbawa Deputy Regent Dewi Noviany and five other suspects have been handed over to prosecutors in Mataram for their alleged involvement in a corruption case concerning the procurement of COVID-19 masks. The case involves a budget of Rp 12.3 billion and caused state losses of Rp 1.58 billion. The suspects, who held various positions in the NTB provincial administration, had their case files declared complete in April 2026.

Bogor Barber Clarifies Intimidation Claims After Meeting with Subdistrict Head Over Flag Dispute

A barber in Bogor, West Java, has clarified that he was not intimidated by local officials during a campaign to encourage residents to fly the national flag ahead of Independence Day. The clarification came after a meeting with the Rancabungur Subdistrict Head, where the barber explained that a journalist, not a government officer, had pressured him into making a video apology. The barber also elaborated on his viral 'not yet independent' remark, stating it referred to his personal economic struggles rather than a rejection of nationalism.

Iran Tells France and Others to Stop Lecturing on Human Rights

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has accused France and other Western nations of hypocrisy for criticising Tehran's human rights record while supporting what he described as Israeli 'genocide' in Gaza. The rebuke follows a joint statement by 32 countries, including France, the UK, and Canada, condemning Iran's use of the death penalty against protesters. The statement called for an immediate end to executions and the release of arbitrarily detained individuals.

HNW Advocates for Social Assistance Distribution to 121 Beneficiaries

Deputy Speaker of the MPR and member of House Commission VIII, Hidayat Nur Wahid, has facilitated the distribution of Social Rehabilitation Assistance (Atensi) worth over Rp 341 million to 121 beneficiaries in Jakarta. The aid, channelled through the Ministry of Social Affairs' Sentra Mulya Jaya, targets vulnerable groups including children, persons with disabilities, and victims of human trafficking. HNW emphasised the importance of state presence and accurate targeting to ensure social protection programmes genuinely reach those in need and foster long-term self-sufficiency.

Minister Yandri Reports 73 Accounts to Police Over AI Deepfake Video on Village Shops

Village Minister Yandri Susanto has reported 73 social media accounts to the National Police's Criminal Investigation Agency for allegedly spreading a deepfake video. The AI-generated video falsely depicted him stating that the new 'Red and White Village Cooperative' programme would force village shops to close. Officials clarified that the cooperative scheme is actually intended to support and grow small businesses and village-owned enterprises.

Expert Says Cash and Gold Found at Febrie Adriansyah's Home Strengthens Money Laundering Indication

A money laundering expert argues that the discovery of cash and gold bullion at the residence of former senior prosecutor Febrie Adriansyah provides strong grounds for investigators to probe deeper into the case. The findings must be scrutinised against his official income profile, with the expert suggesting the alleged corruption may involve bribery or gratification. The Attorney General's Office is continuing to examine witnesses and trace assets linked to the case.

Foreign Ministry Clarifies Indonesia-China Naval Exercise

Indonesia's Foreign Ministry has clarified that a recent naval exercise with China was a routine 'passing exercise' (Passex), not a combat drill. The ministry emphasised the activity was a standard professional interaction aimed at building maritime communication and trust, and does not signal a shift in Indonesia's free and active foreign policy.

Three-terminal strategy boosts container throughput by 13.3 percent

PT Terminal Teluk Lamong reported a 13.3 percent year-on-year increase in container throughput across its three integrated terminals, reaching 1.75 million TEUs by July 2026. The growth was driven by new international shipping services and improved domestic connectivity. The Teluk Lamong terminal led the surge with a 23.6 percent rise, supported by joint slot services from COSCO/OOCL and GSL/XPF.

Prabowo Officially Launches National Electric Motorcycle Ecosystem: Our Country is Very Rich!

President Prabowo Subianto has officially launched the National Electric Motorcycle (Molinas) and its supporting ecosystem in Cikarang, West Java. He described the initiative as a prime example of 'Indonesia Incorporated', aimed at strengthening national capabilities in science and technology. The President emphasised that mastering technology is key to managing Indonesia's vast natural resource wealth and ensuring the nation's success.

Baznas and CIDE Australia Explore Partnership to Build Muslim Centre in Sydney

Indonesia's National Zakat Agency (Baznas) and the Centre for Islamic Dakwah and Education (CIDE) are exploring a partnership to fund the construction of a Muslim community centre in Sydney, Australia. The collaboration aims to utilise Baznas's fundraising ecosystem to ensure legal, transparent, and trustworthy cross-border donation collection. The initiative seeks to provide a permanent place of worship and community activities for the Indonesian diaspora, who have been renting facilities for the past nine years.

Prabowo Launches National Electric Motorcycle and Supporting Ecosystem at Alva Factory

President Prabowo Subianto has officially inaugurated the national electric motorcycle programme and its ecosystem at the ALVA factory in Cikarang, West Java. He commended the private sector, particularly PT Indika Energy, for taking the initiative and risk to develop the domestic electric vehicle industry. The President pledged to revisit the facility once production milestones of 200,000 and 2 million units are achieved, signalling strong government support for the sector.

TAUD Highlights Potential Annulment of Sentences for Andrie Yunus Attackers at Appeal

The Advocacy Team for Democracy (TAUD) has raised concerns over a lack of transparency in the appeal process for four soldiers convicted of the acid attack on activist Andrie Yunus. The team fears the defendants' sentences could be reduced or their additional punishment of dismissal from military service annulled. They are also questioning whether the convicted soldiers remain in detention, as mandated by law, and are urging the investigation of other suspected intellectual actors in the chain of command.

Gas Leaks Most Frequent Cause of Fires, Cikini Strengthens Volunteer Firefighters

The Cikini sub-district in Central Jakarta has trained 30 volunteer firefighters to improve community preparedness and early fire response. The initiative aims to equip residents with the skills to prevent fires and take swift action before professional firefighters arrive. A recent fire in the area highlighted the importance of such coordination, as rapid community response prevented the blaze from spreading.

ICE Agents to Be Armed with Electric Shock Gloves Worth Rp314 Billion

The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is set to equip its agents with electric shock gloves under a US$20 million contract. The device, known as GLOVE, is designed to incapacitate targets through pain without firing barbs, but its planned deployment has sparked serious concerns from civil rights groups. Critics fear the 'invisible' weapon will hinder oversight of federal agents, particularly following recent fatal incidents involving ICE personnel.

Revising Presidential Regulations to Decile Classification: Four Years of Empty Hands in Energy Subsidy Reform

Indonesia's long-promised reform of fuel subsidies, particularly for Pertalite, remains stalled despite years of planning. The government has shifted its approach from vehicle specifications to economic decile classification, yet the crucial revision of Presidential Regulation 191/2014 remains unsigned. With an estimated Rp100 trillion of the Rp435 trillion energy subsidy budget potentially misdirected in 2024, the fiscal urgency is mounting.

Minister Rosan Reveals 140 Million Unit Potential for Electric Motorcycles in Indonesia

Investment Minister Rosan Roeslani has highlighted the immense potential of Indonesia's electric motorcycle market, estimating it at 140 million units with an annual demand of six to seven million. Speaking at the launch of a national electric motorcycle, he noted the current market penetration is only one per cent, representing a market size of up to 170 billion US dollars. The initiative is a collaboration between the government, state-owned enterprises, and private companies to boost national self-reliance.

New Toll Road Financing Model Requires Stronger Investment Certainty

Stakeholders at an Indonesian Toll Road Association forum emphasised the need for regulatory certainty and a healthy investment ecosystem to attract private funding for toll road development. With the state budget under pressure, former finance ministers and experts argued that honouring contracts and deregulation are crucial to securing long-term private and foreign investment. The industry aims to shift from physical infrastructure provision to a broader role in national connectivity and economic growth.

North Maluku Nominated for National PTSP Award, BKPM Conducts Direct Assessment

North Maluku Province has been nominated for the 2026 National One-Stop Integrated Service (PTSP) and Business Acceleration Performance Award. A team from the Ministry of Investment/BKPM conducted an on-site verification in Sofifi to assess the province's implementation of risk-based business licensing. Officials expressed hope that North Maluku could progress from a previous regional award to win the national 'Best of the Best' title.

Bareskrim Names Six Suspects in Deed Forgery Case, Two Chinese Nationals

The Indonesian National Police's Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) has named six individuals as suspects in an alleged authentic deed forgery case involving PT Alam Raya Abadi. Two of the suspects, including the company's president director, are Chinese nationals, with one currently listed as a fugitive in a separate embezzlement case. The suspects are accused of falsifying minutes of extraordinary general meetings and notarial deeds to illegally alter the company's board of directors and commissioners.