The Indonesian Marine Corps has successfully test-fired 122mm calibre rockets from its Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) Vampire at a combat training centre in Situbondo, East Java. The test was conducted to ensure the newly delivered munitions from the Ministry of Defence meet operational standards and are fit for service.

The defence for former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas has contested the prosecution's claim of Rp622 billion in state losses during the inaugural hearing of a hajj quota corruption case. The legal team questioned how funds originating from pilgrims and received by private hajj operators could be classified as a loss to the state. Yaqut and three other defendants face charges of corruption and illicit enrichment related to the 2023-2024 hajj period.

President Donald Trump has asserted that the United States holds full control over the Strait of Hormuz and will maintain a naval blockade that Iran is powerless to resist. The claim comes amid a nearly six-month conflict that has seen Iran effectively disrupt shipping through the vital waterway, shaking the global economy. Trump indicated a shift towards a 'low-key' blockade strategy focused on strangling Iran's economy rather than seeking a decisive military victory.

Indonesian tech company PT Ilmuprogram Teknologi Informasi has launched a new enterprise AI platform, advocating for a full ownership model over traditional software licensing. The firm argues that owning the source code and infrastructure offers long-term cost savings, greater customisation flexibility, and ensures data sovereignty, particularly in light of Indonesia's Personal Data Protection Law.

Tickets for the Merdeka Run 2026 sold out within two hours of opening, reflecting strong public enthusiasm for celebrating Indonesia's 81st Independence Day through sport. Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir highlighted the event's role in promoting fitness, national unity, and economic activity by involving micro, small, and medium enterprises.

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has ordered strict legal action against those responsible for an illegal 5.8-hectare waste dump in Nagrak, Cilincing, North Jakarta. The site, operated by a private entity without government authorisation, primarily receives commercial waste from hotels, restaurants, and cafés. Authorities plan to publicly name the perpetrators and offer alternative employment programmes for informal waste workers affected by the closure.

The Attorney General's Office (AGO) is investigating financial transactions linked to former Junior Attorney General for Special Crimes, Febrie Adriansyah, as part of a money laundering case. Investigators have questioned witnesses from the banking and private sectors to trace the flow of funds. The probe aims to clarify a series of transactions without yet seizing any documents from the banks involved.

PT Bank Danamon Indonesia Tbk has reported a 20% annual growth in its wealth management assets under management from December 2022 to December 2025. The performance was highlighted as the bank secured two accolades at the Asian Banking & Finance Retail Banking Awards 2026, recognising its investment product innovation and priority banking services. The lender also noted a 25% increase in its Danamon Privilege customer base since December 2023.

Two US media groups have filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump, alleging his scheme to charge for early access to his Truth Social posts is corrupt and unconstitutional. The lawsuit claims the service, which can cost up to $100,000 per month, provides paying subscribers with market-moving information seconds before the public. Trump Media and Technology Group has dismissed concerns about the product, known as Truth API.

The Indonesian Health Ministry has called on Prof. Dr. I.G.N.G. Ngoerah Hospital in Denpasar to change the mindset of its health workers and management to support health service reform and digitalisation. The directive was made during a field visit focused on the implementation of competency-based referral systems and new diagnosis-related groups. The hospital is already trialling an integrated digital system, Simetris, to streamline patient journeys and claims processing.

The Buleleng Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) is urging the local government to more aggressively boost its Regional Original Revenue (PAD), arguing the Rp 840 billion target in the 2027 KUA-PPAS can be raised further. Lawmakers have identified under-optimised sectors including hotel and restaurant taxes, as well as non-metal mineral and rock taxes, as key areas for improvement. The council is also pushing for a modernised tax management system and a comprehensive audit of tax arrears to strengthen the regency's fiscal independence.

President Prabowo Subianto has submitted four names to the House of Representatives (DPR) for the leadership of Bank Indonesia. Destry Damayanti has been proposed as the sole candidate for Governor, while Aida S. Budiman is nominated for Senior Deputy Governor. Solikin M. Juhro and M. Anwar Bashori have been put forward for the two Deputy Governor positions, with all four currently holding roles within the central bank.

Indonesia aims to implement a 20 percent ethanol blend (E20) in domestic gasoline by 2029, a significant increase from the current 5 percent mandate. The government plans to boost feedstock production using sugarcane and cassava, partly sourced from new food estate projects in Papua, as part of a broader strategy to strengthen energy security and reduce import dependence. Officials also confirmed that subsidised fuel prices will remain unchanged until the end of the year.

PT Telkom Indonesia (Persero) Tbk melalui Telkom Solution meluncurkan layanan Connectivity+ di ajang DTI-CX 2026, menawarkan konektivitas berkecepatan tinggi untuk mendukung transformasi digital sektor industri dan bisnis. Layanan ini dirancang untuk memperluas akses digital hingga ke pelosok Nusantara, termasuk wilayah 3T, dengan memanfaatkan infrastruktur jaringan darat, laut, dan udara milik TelkomGroup. Langkah ini merupakan bagian dari upaya perusahaan sebagai enabler ekosistem digital nasional, bersinergi dengan Danantara untuk mendorong pertumbuhan ekonomi digital yang inklusif.

Vietnam has commenced construction of its largest and most advanced domestically-built anti-submarine frigate in Da Nang. The project marks a significant step in the country's ambition to develop an autonomous and modern defence industry. The multi-purpose vessel underscores Vietnam's drive for self-reliance in military equipment.

East Java Police have exposed a fraudulent online arisan scheme involving Rp71 billion in turnover, arresting one suspect from Bali. The scam, promoted via Instagram and WhatsApp, lured victims with promises of high returns and fake member slots. Authorities are now tracing additional assets and plan to summon public figures who endorsed the scheme.

The Indonesian Navy has confirmed the aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi will arrive in Indonesia on schedule during the third week of September 2026. A task force of 100 Indonesian Navy personnel has been dispatched and will operate the vessel alongside the Italian Navy during the delivery voyage. The journey from Italy will serve as a hands-on training opportunity for the Indonesian crew.

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is considering summoning the aide to Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni and the Kuansing Police Chief for questioning. The investigation concerns a discrepancy in the amount of money returned by the minister, who received an envelope containing 14,000 Singapore dollars from a non-active regent but allegedly returned only 12,000. The case is linked to a broader corruption sting operation involving the buying and selling of positions within the Kuantan Singingi regional government.

Indonesia's Population and Family Development Ministry (BKKBN) is partnering with the Ministry of Housing and Settlement Areas (PKP) to tackle stunting by providing adequate and healthy housing. Minister Wihaji stated that uninhabitable living conditions are a key factor that must be addressed when assisting families at risk of stunting. The collaboration aims to improve the living environment as part of a broader strategy to reduce stunting rates.

The North Jakarta branch of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has issued a three-point statement strongly condemning an alleged act of blasphemy at 'The Sounds Project' music festival in Ancol. The incident involved a challenge to recite Quranic verses in exchange for alcoholic beverages. The MUI has urged the public to remain calm while calling on law enforcement to conduct a swift, objective, and professional investigation.

Adriano Padama, a student at Diponegoro University (Undip) who publicly raised the issue of high rice prices in Alor, East Nusa Tenggara, to the Minister of Agriculture, has been awarded a scholarship for a master's degree. The university is providing a double degree scholarship for him to study at Undip and the University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom. The rector expressed hope that this opportunity will enable Adriano to create a broader positive impact for Indonesia.

Former Indonesian President Megawati Soekarnoputri has publicly criticised the monotony of the government's Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme menu. Speaking at a BPIP event, she urged President Prabowo Subianto to introduce more regional variety, such as rendang, into the meals. Megawati also linked the issue to child stunting, admonishing mothers to prioritise their children's nutrition over personal appearance.

Shares of PT Cipta Selera Murni Tbk (CSMI), the operator of Texas Chicken restaurants in Indonesia, surged 35% to hit the upper auto-rejection limit on 11 August 2026. Despite the share price rally, the company reported a net loss of Rp923.9 million for the first half of 2026, although this was an improvement from the previous year's loss. Revenue grew 4.8% year-on-year to Rp0.9 billion, driven by a strong quarterly recovery in its restaurant operations.

Port police in Lampung have intercepted 98 birds being transported without legal documentation in a vehicle's luggage compartment. The birds, destined for West Java, were discovered during a routine inspection at the Seaport Interdiction area. The case has been handed over to the animal quarantine and natural resources conservation authorities for further action.

A forensic team has addressed reports that Sutrimo, who was allegedly assaulted by Brigadier Febrie, was found with foam around his mouth and nose. The team confirmed they received this information and have taken swab samples for laboratory analysis. The results are expected to help determine the exact cause of death, as initial external and internal examinations revealed no signs of blunt or sharp force trauma.

A dispute over the vandalism of a grave belonging to the father-in-law of the late artist Djaduk Ferianto in Yogyakarta has been resolved through mediation. The caretaker admitted to breaking the headstone due to a communication breakdown regarding maintenance fees, which have since been paid by the family. The case has highlighted the unclear legal status of traditional burial grounds, with the victim's family calling for clearer regulations on land use and management.

Police in West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara, have arrested three men for torturing and burning an owl alive. The suspects claimed the act was driven by a local superstition that the bird's presence signified black magic, and that burning it would remove the threat. The incident, which was filmed and posted on social media, sparked widespread public outrage.