Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 13 August 2026

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KH Hasanuddin Kriyani Passes Away, Sidkon Djampi Remembers an Exemplary Ulama

KH Hasanuddin Kriyani, a revered elder of Pondok Buntet Pesantren, has passed away at the Army Central Hospital in Jakarta. West Java DPRD member Sidkon Djampi described him as a humble and compassionate ulama whose loss is deeply felt by the pesantren community. The late kyai had recently been entrusted with leadership roles, including chairing the institution's Board of Trustees.

OPEC lowers oil demand growth forecast for 2026

OPEC has revised down its forecast for global oil demand growth in 2026 to 600,000 barrels per day, citing weaker expectations for Asian markets. The organisation simultaneously raised its 2027 outlook, projecting a 2.2 million bpd increase driven by stronger demand from the same region.

Deputy Health Minister Reviews Integrated Free Health Screening and TB Detection at Gorontalo Prison

Deputy Health Minister Benjamin Paulinus Octavianus and Deputy Home Affairs Minister Akhmad Wiyagus inspected the integration of the Free Health Check (CKG) programme with tuberculosis screening at the Class IIA Correctional Facility in Gorontalo. The visit assessed the readiness of prison clinics to expand healthcare access for inmates, focusing on early detection of non-communicable diseases and TB. The government plans to strengthen all 532 prison clinics across Indonesia with medical equipment to ensure continuous health monitoring and timely medical intervention for inmates.

National Police Chief Reports to Prabowo on Bridge Construction and Renovation Connecting 1,314 Villages

National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo has reported the progress of the Merah Putih Presisi bridge programme to President Prabowo Subianto, with 874 bridges completed across 30 regional police jurisdictions. The initiative, which spans a total length of 19.2 kilometres, connects 1,314 villages and benefits approximately two million people, including schoolchildren, farmers, and small business owners. The programme represents a collaborative effort by the police to address basic infrastructure needs in rural areas with limited access.

Video: Indonesia Must Maintain Investment Climate to Compete with Vietnam's Economy

Indonesia needs to consistently maintain its investment climate and policies to sustain economic growth and compete with regional peers like Vietnam, according to Bank Mandiri's chief economist. While government spending has supported growth, a shift towards boosting exports and investment is crucial as fiscal stimulus is tapered. The discussion highlights the need to elevate economic growth above 5 per cent and increase per capita income through manufacturing and plantation sectors.

2027 Corporate Action Strategy: The Vital Role of Appraisers Amid Economic Uncertainty

With Indonesia targeting economic growth of 5.8% to 6.5% in 2027, businesses face a volatile landscape shaped by global conflicts and market dynamics. Experts from KJPP Wawat Jatmika & Rekan stress that accurate valuation is crucial for navigating regulatory compliance and executing strategic moves like mergers, acquisitions, and restructuring. The profession's strict adherence to independence and objectivity is highlighted as essential for sustainable business growth.

BRI Credit Card Offers Practical Loan On App and Loan On Phone Facilities

Bank BRI has introduced 'Loan On App' and 'Loan On Phone' facilities for its credit card holders, allowing them to convert a portion of their credit limit into cash transferred directly to a BRI savings account. The service, accessible via the BRImo app or contact centre, offers loans starting from Rp1 million up to Rp75 million with flexible tenors of up to 36 months. This digital solution aims to provide quick and easy access to funds for various needs without requiring a branch visit.

Indonesia's Nickel Production Cuts Send Global Prices Soaring

The Indonesian government has revealed that its decision to manage and reduce nickel production capacity has directly triggered a sharp increase in global prices. A senior official noted that the market is highly sensitive to Indonesia's output, with prices jumping to US$18,000 per ton following the announcement of production controls. The move highlights the country's dominant influence over the global nickel market.

Single-Door Export Policy Must Include Fair Price Guarantees for Farmers, Says POPSI

The Indonesian Palm Oil Farmers Organisation (POPSI) has urged the government to ensure its single-door export policy includes mechanisms guaranteeing fair prices and bargaining power for smallholders. The group warns that without such safeguards, the policy could create a new layer of profiteering that disadvantages the approximately 2.5 million independent farmers managing 6.5 million hectares. Environmental group Satya Bumi echoed the call for strong governance and transparency, particularly given the complexity of strategic commodity supply chains.

Perpetrator Under Influence of Alcohol When Raping and Murdering Woman in Tangerang

A man identified as KF has been arrested for the rape and murder of a 20-year-old woman in a rented house in Benda, Tangerang City. Police stated the perpetrator was intoxicated and entered the victim's unlocked room while she was alone. The suspect was apprehended by the Jakarta Metropolitan Police's Jatanras unit within 24 hours of the incident.

Joint forces raid immigrant shelters in Pekanbaru, Riau

Indonesian authorities conducted a coordinated raid on several immigrant shelters in Pekanbaru, Riau, targeting undocumented foreign nationals. The operation, involving immigration, military, police, and local government agencies, aims to enforce regulations and ensure public safety. Officials found refugees driving without licences and trading on pavements, issuing warnings to prevent future violations.

Home Affairs Minister Applauds Regional Governments, Highlights Balanced Development Approach

Minister of Home Affairs Muhammad Tito Karnavian has presented awards to high-performing regional governments in Sumatra, emphasising that the recognition serves as a balance to the ministry's regulatory and supervisory roles. The awards were given across four categories, including healthcare access, housing programme implementation, waste management, and education access. The event is part of a broader national programme to incentivise innovation and performance in local governance.

Bill Gates' Daughter Phoebe Faces 20-Year Prison Threat Over Affiliate Commission Fraud

Phoebe Gates, the youngest daughter of Microsoft founder Bill Gates, faces up to 20 years in prison after her e-commerce startup Phia was accused of serious online marketing commission fraud. Leaked internal messages reportedly show she was aware of the 'cookie stuffing' scheme months before it was exposed, which allegedly generated the majority of the company's revenue. The case carries a heavy irony as one of Phia's investors, eBay, previously sued a perpetrator of a similar fraud.

Local Firm Targets Enterprise Software Market with Ownership Model

Indonesian tech company PT Ilmuprogram Teknologi Informasi is challenging the dominant subscription-based enterprise software model by offering clients full ownership, including source code. The firm argues this approach provides greater flexibility and long-term cost control, particularly as businesses seek to integrate AI into their core systems. The strategy aims to shift competition from pricing to data sovereignty and development autonomy.

South Sumatra Governor Lauds KUD Sejahtera CPO Mill as Cooperative Milestone

South Sumatra Governor Herman Deru has praised the inauguration of the KUD Sejahtera crude palm oil (CPO) mill in Musi Banyuasin as a significant achievement for the cooperative movement. The governor highlighted the plant as a model for downstream processing and announced plans to integrate cooperative studies into the school curriculum. The central government, represented by the Cooperatives Minister and Presidential Chief of Staff, expressed strong support for the initiative, viewing it as a strategic step to strengthen village economies and boost farmer welfare.

Pramono Encourages DKI Provincial Government and OJK Synergy to Strengthen Regional Economy

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has called for stronger synergy between the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government and the Financial Services Authority (OJK) to accelerate regional economic development. He emphasised the OJK's crucial role in boosting investment, expanding financing access, and empowering MSMEs. The statement was made during a briefing for 45 prospective OJK regional office heads at City Hall.

The Mecca Pact and a New Chapter in Middle East Security

Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan have signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, a trilateral pact that treats an attack on one as an attack on all. The alliance brings together the Gulf's economic powerhouse, a major NATO military, and a nuclear-armed state, signalling a shift towards a more autonomous regional security architecture. While the signatories insist the pact is not aimed at any specific country, the new strategic configuration is likely to alter the balance of power and raise concerns in Iran.

BNI Strengthens Human Resources Through BNSP Licence and International ISO Standards

State-owned bank BNI has reinforced its commitment to human capital development by officially launching its licensed Professional Certification Institute and adopting international standards at its corporate university. The move aims to ensure measurable professionalism among employees and support the bank's business transformation. BNI Corporate University also secured ISO 21001:2018 and ISO 30422:2022 certifications, aligning with broader state-owned enterprise reform efforts.

Purbaya Surprised as Debottlenecking Task Force Resolves 126 Cases in Just 13 Sessions

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa expressed astonishment that the government's Debottlenecking Task Force has resolved 126 business impediment cases as of 12 August 2026, after only 13 formal hearings. Officials clarified that many cases were settled at a technical level without requiring escalation to a full session. The task force, established in December 2026, has achieved an 81 per cent resolution rate from 170 total complaints, with licensing issues forming the bulk of grievances.

Gorontalo Province Launches TB Alert Subdistrict

Gorontalo Province has officially established a Tuberculosis Alert Subdistrict in Tilango, Gorontalo Regency, inaugurated by the Deputy Ministers of Health and Home Affairs. The initiative is part of a national priority programme under President Prabowo Subianto to accelerate TB elimination through prevention, early detection, and cross-sector collaboration. The central government is providing equipment, funding, and monitoring to ensure the programme's effectiveness at the local level.

Millennium Hotels and Resorts Partners with HXE to Strengthen Global MICE Business Through Digital Innovation

Millennium Hotels and Resorts (MHR) has entered a strategic partnership with digital MICE platform HXE to capture new opportunities in the corporate meetings and events sector. The collaboration integrates MHR's global hotel network with HXE's technology platform, aiming to streamline event planning and enhance visibility among corporate clients. The partnership is part of MHR's strategy to bolster its position in the global MICE ecosystem and will commence in August.

Ministry of Public Works Optimises Use of 'Red and White Asphalt' for Toll Roads

Indonesia's Ministry of Public Works is accelerating the use of domestically produced 'Red and White Asphalt' in toll road construction to reduce reliance on imports. The policy, backed by a new ministerial regulation, aims to boost the utilisation of Buton asphalt from the current 4% to around 30%. Minister Dody Hanggodo stressed that the shift must not increase costs for operators or the public.

Civil Coalition Questions Quality of Supreme Court Candidates Lacking Basic Legal Knowledge

A coalition of civil society organisations has sharply criticised the Judicial Commission's selection of 14 Supreme Court and ad hoc judge candidates for 2026, citing a lack of understanding of basic legal theory among some nominees. The coalition highlighted instances where candidates failed to answer fundamental questions on legal concepts and questioned the integrity of the rapid deliberation process. They have urged the House of Representatives to conduct a thorough and objective fit and proper test to ensure only qualified individuals are appointed.

Jakarta Governor Pramono Says Cakung Lama River Normalisation Could Cut Flooding by 20%

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has set a 2028 target for the completion of the Cakung Lama River normalisation project, which is expected to reduce flooding in the Kelapa Gading and Cilincing districts by up to 20%. The project is one of three river normalisation priorities for the Jakarta administration, alongside the Ciliwung and Krukut rivers. Officials noted that land acquisition, particularly at a bottleneck in Kampung Begog, remains a key challenge to ensuring smooth water flow to the sea.

Police Investigate Viral Video of Three Girl Scouts Slapped in Bogor

A video showing three female students in scout uniforms being slapped by another student in Bogor, West Java, has gone viral, prompting a police investigation. Authorities have identified several individuals in the footage and are currently probing the motive and chronology of the incident. The case has drawn public attention to the issue of bullying among schoolchildren.

Government Pushes for Advanced Gold Mine Exploration

The Indonesian government is mandating gold mining companies to conduct further exploration across their entire concession areas to accurately map national reserves and ensure production sustainability. The policy aims to unlock the potential of Indonesia's estimated 3,600 tonnes of gold reserves, which are currently under-exploited, while also enforcing professional competency standards for reserve calculations.

Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs on Quran Memorisation for Alcohol Case: The Law Must Be Enforced

Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Romo Muhammad Syafii has called for a thorough legal investigation into a viral incident where a music festival booth offered alcohol in exchange for reciting a Quranic verse. He urged law enforcement to act professionally and warned businesses against using religion as a marketing gimmick. Police have detained two suspects, while the event organiser and involved parties have issued apologies, claiming the act was spontaneous and unauthorised.

Drug Raid Near Railway Tracks Briefly Disrupts KRL Services in Tanjung Priok

A drug raid by the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) and police in Kampung Bahari, North Jakarta, caused temporary disruption to Commuter Line services on Thursday morning. The operation, which involved the arrest of a suspected drug lord and a subsequent clash with his loyalists, led to a crowd spilling onto the railway tracks. Train services were halted for safety reasons but have since returned to normal.

Garut Regent Inaugurates 3 Village Heads, Promotes Public ...

The Regent of Garut has officially inaugurated three newly appointed village heads. The ceremony was accompanied by a call for the new officials to prioritize public service and community development. This routine administrative event underscores the local government's commitment to maintaining governance structures at the village level.

BKPM Assesses Bandung City's Integrated Service Delivery (PTSP) Implementation

Indonesia's Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) is evaluating the implementation of the Integrated Service Delivery (PTSP) system in Bandung City. The assessment aims to streamline licensing and improve the ease of doing business at the municipal level. This review is part of broader national efforts to attract investment by enhancing bureaucratic efficiency.

Pelni Extends Partnership with Attorney General's Office to Strengthen Governance and Legal Risk Mitigation

State-owned shipping company PT Pelni has renewed its cooperation agreement with the Attorney General's Office for civil and state administrative affairs (Jamdatun) to enhance legal assistance and corporate governance. The partnership aims to ensure that all corporate actions and decisions are legally sound from the planning stage, with Jamdatun acting as a strategic legal partner. Previous collaboration has already assisted Pelni in resolving land ownership disputes and managing the use of state capital injections.

Redefining Monetary Resilience

The concept of reserve adequacy is evolving beyond traditional metrics as central banks face multidimensional threats including geopolitics, cyber risks, and digital disruption. While foreign exchange reserves remain a crucial buffer, true monetary resilience now requires deeper financial markets, robust digital infrastructure, and adaptive policy frameworks. Indonesia's approach, as outlined in its Payment System Blueprint 2030, reflects this shift towards strategic stability.

Sections of Cipularang Toll Road Temporarily Closed for Cable Repairs

Jasa Marga has announced temporary closures at several points along the Cipularang Toll Road to facilitate repairs to PLN power cables above the motorway. The works, conducted at KM 84, the Jatiluhur exit, and KM 86, will involve stoppages of up to 10 minutes in both directions. The toll operator has apologised for the disruption and implemented traffic management measures to ensure safety.

Grocery Store in Jetis Destroyed by Fire, Losses Reach Billions of Rupiah

A grocery store in Trimulyo, Jetis, Bantul, was completely destroyed by a fire in the early hours of Thursday morning. The blaze, suspected to have been caused by an electrical short circuit, resulted in estimated material losses of Rp 1.1 billion. No casualties were reported in the incident.

Doctor Tifa Absent, Jokowi Diploma Case Adjourned for Two Weeks

The trial of Tifauziah Tyassuma, known as Doctor Tifa, over allegations of a fake diploma belonging to former President Joko Widodo has been postponed until 27 August 2026. The adjournment was ordered by the East Jakarta District Court after the defendant failed to appear for the reading of the indictment, with the judge ruling the summons period was insufficient. The case is being reheard after a previous indictment was declared null and void by the court.

BPJPH Integrates Halal Certification Services into SAPA UMKM Platform

The Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) is integrating its halal certification services into the Ministry of SMEs' SAPA UMKM digital platform. This collaboration aims to simplify and broaden access for micro, small, and medium enterprises to obtain halal certification. The initiative is part of a wider government effort to synergise empowerment programmes ahead of the mandatory halal certification deadline in October 2026.

President Soekarno Wrote His Own State Address, Refusing to Leave His Room

Historical accounts reveal that Indonesia's first president, Soekarno, dedicated entire days to personally writing his state addresses each August. He would seclude himself in his room, gathering references from global thinkers and working with a small team, often forgetting to eat. Soekarno viewed the annual speech as a direct account of his presidential responsibilities to the people.

War Business with Russia: A Windfall for North Korea's Dictator

North Korea's economy is experiencing a significant, albeit uneven, boom largely fuelled by its military support for Russia's war in Ukraine, including ammunition sales and troop deployments. This influx of revenue has financed visible development in Pyongyang, such as new housing and modern amenities, but experts suggest the prosperity is not reaching the wider population. The partnership has also elevated North Korea's political standing, drawing visits from Russian and Chinese leaders.

NTT Conservation Agency Responds to Three Men Burning an Owl Alive

The East Nusa Tenggara Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BBKSDA NTT) has strongly condemned the torture and burning of an owl by three men in West Manggarai. The suspects, who were arrested after their video went viral, claimed they acted on a local superstition that the bird's presence was a bad omen. The agency emphasised that such cruelty violates conservation laws and undermines efforts to foster harmony between humans and nature.

Expert Assesses Strong Indications of Money Laundering in Case of Former Jampidsus

A legal expert has stated that there are strong indications of money laundering in the case involving former Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes, Febrie Adriansyah. The assessment follows the discovery of cash and gold bars during a search of his residence, with the value deemed disproportionate to his official capacity. The expert also clarified the legal terminology after Febrie claimed he was being 'criminalised'.

Dr Tifa Absent from Defamation Trial, Judge Postpones Hearing

The trial of Dr Tifauzia Tyassuma, accused of defaming former President Joko Widodo over fake diploma allegations, was postponed after she failed to appear at the East Jakarta District Court. The judge rescheduled the hearing for 27 August 2026 and ordered the public prosecutor to summon the defendant again. This follows a previous ruling where the judge accepted the defence's exception, declaring the initial indictment null and void.

Economist Dissects 5.29% Economic Growth: Are Indonesia's Fundamentals Strong?

Indonesia's economy expanded by 5.29% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2025, bringing first-half growth to 5.46%, though momentum slowed from the previous quarter. Bank Mandiri's Chief Economist highlighted the impact of global volatility and a trade deficit, while noting that government programmes and rising investment provided support. He cautioned that consistency in policy is needed to address structural deficits and attract foreign investors.

JCI Plunges 1.38% as Market Digests MSCI Index Review Results

The Jakarta Composite Index (JCI) fell sharply by 1.38% on Thursday morning as investors reacted to the latest MSCI index review, which saw no new Indonesian stocks added to the Global Standard Indexes. Market sentiment was further dampened by the downgrade and removal of several local stocks, including GOTO and CPIN, from key MSCI indices. Traders are also awaiting US producer price data for further clues on the Federal Reserve's monetary policy direction.

US Navy Denies Surge in Suicide Attempts Aboard USS Abraham Lincoln

The US Navy has refuted reports of a rise in suicide attempts among crew members on the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been deployed for over 260 days. Families of the approximately 5,000 sailors and marines have raised concerns about poor living conditions, including mouldy bathrooms, broken toilets, and food shortages. The carrier was diverted to the Middle East amid preparations for potential military operations against Iran.

OCD Symptoms Can Appear in Young Children, Note These 2 Main Signs

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) can affect children, manifesting through uncontrollable obsessive thoughts and compulsive rituals similar to those seen in adults. Key indicators in children include a persistent need for reassurance about their safety and a fear of having harmed others. These behaviours can become frequent and intense, potentially disrupting a child's daily life and development.

Andre Rosiade Meets Public Works Minister to Accelerate West Sumatra Infrastructure

Gerindra Party politician Andre Rosiade has met with Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo to push for the acceleration of infrastructure projects in West Sumatra. The discussions focused on the continuation of the Inpres Jalan Daerah (IJD) programme, including new road segments and the reconstruction of damaged bridges. The minister emphasised prioritising post-disaster rehabilitation and utilising labour-intensive programmes to boost local economies.

Rupiah Weakens Under Pressure from Middle East Geopolitical Uncertainty

The Indonesian rupiah weakened slightly against the US dollar on Thursday, pressured by ongoing geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East. Market concerns are focused on tensions involving Iran and the strategic Strait of Hormuz, which could disrupt global energy supplies. The currency's movement was also influenced by US inflation data, which met expectations and increased speculation that the Federal Reserve will hold interest rates steady in September.

Flag seller since '90s in South Jakarta hopes for economic recovery on Independence Day

A flag vendor who has been trading in Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta, since 1995 reports that this year's sales are the worst he has ever experienced, even worse than during the COVID-19 pandemic. With daily earnings barely covering meals and his initial capital of Rp8 million yet to be recouped, he laments that the festive atmosphere of the 81st Independence Day has not translated into income for seasonal traders. He hopes the economy will improve for small-scale business owners.

Latest Facts on the Exhumation of Sutrimo's Body by Polda Metro Jaya

The Greater Jakarta Metropolitan Police have exhumed the body of Sutrimo, a former household staff member of an ex-prosecutor, following suspicions of an unnatural death. A joint forensic team is conducting comprehensive laboratory tests, including toxicology and DNA analysis, with results expected in two to three weeks. The legal team for the former official has urged the public not to link the death to ongoing legal cases.

Patimban Port Strengthens Global Connectivity with New Container Service

PT Pelabuhan Patimban Internasional (PPI) has welcomed the maiden call of the MV Sinar Bintan, marking the launch of a new ONE–Samudera container service. The development underscores Patimban's growing role as a multi-carrier hub integrating domestic feeder networks with international shipping routes. The port also achieved an operational milestone by simultaneously handling two large vessels, reinforcing its position as a key export gateway for West Java's industrial regions.