Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 13 August 2026

Showing 301-350 of 1,577 articles

Nicko Widjaja Appeals TaniHub Investment Conviction, Seeks to Re-Present Key Witnesses

Nicko Widjaja, convicted in the BRI Ventures investment case involving TaniHub Group, is appealing his three-year prison sentence at the Jakarta High Court. His legal team argues the investment decision followed standard operating procedures and lacked criminal intent, seeking to re-present TaniHub's founder to clarify the use of funds. The defence maintains that business losses should not be criminalised, especially as the first-instance court found no malicious intent.

Employee Fired After Requesting Sabbath Leave, Company Fined US$150,000

Apple has agreed to pay US$150,000 in compensation to settle a religious discrimination lawsuit in the United States. The former employee, a long-serving Apple Genius, claimed he was dismissed shortly after his repeated requests for time off to observe the Jewish Sabbath were denied. The settlement includes back pay and damages, though Apple did not admit any wrongdoing.

Prabowo calls Molinas electric motorcycle launch an example of 'Indonesia Incorporated'

President Prabowo Subianto hailed the launch of the national electric motorcycle (Molinas) as a prime example of his 'Indonesia Incorporated' concept, which unites private companies, state-owned enterprises, and academia. The initiative aims to build a comprehensive domestic ecosystem covering manufacturing, batteries, charging infrastructure, and financing. Prabowo emphasised that mastering science and technology through such collaboration is key to strengthening the national economy.

Indonesia Targets 2028 Mass Production of Electric Cars in West Java

President Prabowo Subianto announced plans for mass production of electric cars by 2028 at a new industrial complex in West Java, as part of a broader strategy to achieve energy self-sufficiency. The government is also accelerating the National Electric Motorcycle (Molinas) programme, aiming to scale production from 20,000 to two million units while developing 100 gigawatts of solar power capacity to replace diesel generators. The initiative seeks to reduce the country's reliance on imported energy and leverage domestic technological advancement.

Haula Survives KMP Putri Yasmin Tragedy: 'We Could Only Hold Hands at Sea'

A university student recounts the harrowing moments aboard the burning KMP Putri Yasmin ferry off the coast of Lombok, where she and her friends were forced to jump into the sea. Despite holding hands for support, the group was separated by strong currents, resulting in the death of her friend Indah Dwi Septiani. The survivor described the chaos on board and her desperate final phone call to her mother before being rescued by a foreign national after hours adrift.

Joint task force battles land and forest fires in Kumpeh, Muaro Jambi

A joint task force is struggling to extinguish land and forest fires on peatland in Muaro Jambi Regency, Jambi, with only 0.2 hectares successfully contained so far. The fire, affecting oil palm vegetation and scrubland, is proving difficult to tackle due to limited water sources and challenging access. Authorities are employing water bombing and ground crews to prevent the underground peat fire from spreading further.

TNI-Polri build 3,395 bridges to improve public access

The Indonesian military and police have constructed 3,395 'Merah Putih' bridges across the archipelago, significantly enhancing access to education, healthcare, and economic facilities for millions of citizens. Army Chief of Staff General Maruli Simanjuntak stated the TNI's 2,500 bridges alone benefit 4.5 million people by connecting 7,807 villages and providing routes to over 4,600 economic sites. The programme, which also includes 895 bridges built or revitalised by the police, aims to complete 5,000 bridges by 2026 to ease goods distribution and create new rural economic centres.

Two Suspects Arrested in Jakarta Music Festival Alcohol Promotion Blasphemy Case

Two individuals have been detained by Jakarta Metropolitan Police for alleged blasphemy after a viral video showed a festival-goer reciting a Quranic verse as part of an alcohol brand's challenge. The case has been transferred from the North Jakarta Police to the Metro Jaya Police's Criminal Investigation Directorate. The event organiser has issued an apology, stating the challenge was conducted without their approval.

Vale's Three Mega Smelter Projects Worth Rp155 Trillion: Latest Updates

PT Vale Indonesia is advancing three major nickel downstream projects in Sulawesi with a combined investment of US$8.7 billion. The Bahodopi, Pomalaa, and Sorowako High Pressure Acid Leach (HPAL) plants are at varying construction stages, aiming to produce battery-grade materials. These projects are part of Vale's commitment to its special mining permit extension and Indonesia's mineral value-adding strategy.

Maluku Provincial Government Tightens SPPG Oversight to Ensure Cleanliness

The Maluku Provincial Government is intensifying supervision of its Nutritional Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG) to guarantee hygiene and food safety standards for the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme. Governor Hendrik Lewerissa stressed that the initiative aims to ensure meals distributed, particularly to children, are safe and meet health standards. The move includes ensuring all 106 operational SPPG units obtain hygiene and sanitation certificates, while also promoting the use of local food sources in the supply chain.

Customs Foils Illegal Export of 24 kg Gold, Seven Chinese Nationals Arrested

Indonesian customs officials at Soekarno-Hatta Airport have thwarted an attempt to smuggle nearly 24 kilogrammes of gold out of the country, valued at approximately Rp63 billion. The operation led to the arrest of seven Chinese nationals who employed elaborate concealment methods, including hiding gold cylinders inside their bodies. The case highlights ongoing efforts to protect Indonesia's natural resources from illicit export.

BGN: Nutrition literacy in free meals programme shapes healthy, intelligent generation

Indonesia's National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has emphasised that nutrition literacy within the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme is key to building a healthy, intelligent, and character-driven generation. The agency stresses the programme is about providing balanced nutrition, not just free food, to support the development of children, pregnant women, and school pupils. Teachers are expected to play a strategic role in extending this nutritional education from schools into family environments.

Danamon Raih Dua Penghargaan Internasional di Asian Banking & Finance Retail Banking Awards 2026

PT Bank Danamon Indonesia Tbk telah memenangi dua anugerah di Asian Banking & Finance Retail Banking Awards 2026 untuk inovasi produk pelaburan dan inisiatif perbankan prioriti. Pencapaian ini menandakan kali ketiga bank tersebut diiktiraf di acara itu, dengan pertumbuhan ketara dalam aset di bawah pengurusan dan jumlah pelanggan segmen keutamaan. Pengiktirafan ini mengukuhkan kedudukan Danamon dalam menawarkan penyelesaian kewangan yang komprehensif dan inovatif di pasaran Indonesia.

Bison Applauds BNN for Arresting Drug Kingpin in North Jakarta's Kampung Bahari

The Indonesian National Narcotics Agency (BNN) has been praised for apprehending a major drug trafficker, known as 'Bos Gendut', in Kampung Bahari, North Jakarta. The arrest, which involved the seizure of 98 kg of crystal methamphetamine, firearms, and gold bars, is being hailed as a significant gift ahead of Indonesia's 81st Independence Day. The NGO Bison Indonesia stated the operation demonstrates the state's unwavering commitment to protecting the nation's youth from the scourge of narcotics.

US urges Latin American nations to withdraw from ICC

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has called on Latin American members of the Americas Counter-Cartel Coalition to leave the International Criminal Court, accusing it of undermining national sovereignty. He argued that nations should only be accountable to their own constitutions and citizens, not 'unelected international bureaucrats'. The remarks come amid Washington's intensifying campaign against the ICC, particularly following its arrest warrants for Israeli leaders over alleged crimes in Gaza.

WIKA Realty Strengthens Green Building Management Standards Through Ecosystem Preservation at WIKASATRIAN

PT Wijaya Karya Realty (WIKA Realty) is enhancing its Building Management services by implementing an integrated green ecosystem across a 10-hectare site in Bogor, West Java. The initiative, part of the company's 'We Care' concept, combines modern building management with biodiversity conservation, validated by a BRIN study identifying over 60 plant species. The programme incorporates a circular economy, including organic waste composting and the downstream production of essential oils, aligning with the company's ESG commitments.

Padang City Government Committed to Best Investment Services as It Enters Top Six in National Assessment

Padang has been shortlisted as one of the top six regions in Indonesia for its business licensing and investment facilitation services. A central government assessment team is conducting an on-site verification to evaluate the implementation of risk-based licensing reforms. The city's leadership hopes the recognition will further boost its appeal to investors and drive local economic growth.

Home Affairs Ministry Urges Regional Governments to Support Free Nutritious Meals Programme to Reduce Stunting

The Ministry of Home Affairs has called on regional governments to fully support the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme, highlighting its potential to reduce stunting, alleviate poverty, and boost local economies. Minister Tito Karnavian emphasised that the programme, funded by the state budget, would also help control inflation and create jobs. A cooperation agreement was signed between the ministry's civil registry directorate and the National Nutrition Agency to improve the qualitative targeting of beneficiaries.

Indonesia Proposes Five Concrete Steps on Jerusalem and Palestine at Jordan Meeting

Indonesia's Deputy Foreign Minister attended a meeting in Jordan to discuss the status of Jerusalem and the Al-Aqsa Mosque, where he condemned Israeli violations of international law. The Indonesian government proposed five concrete steps, including building unity, upholding international law, and expanding recognition of Palestine. The meeting resulted in a joint statement rejecting unilateral actions in Jerusalem and reaffirming support for Palestinian institutions.

Conservation Through the Lens: Taman Safari Indonesia Holds IAPVC 2026 with Hundreds of Millions in Prizes

Taman Safari Indonesia (TSI) has launched the 35th International Animal Photo & Video Competition (IAPVC) under the theme 'From Lens to Legacy'. The competition aims to inspire conservation awareness through visual storytelling, featuring new categories and a total prize pool worth hundreds of millions of rupiah. The event includes a roadshow across three Indonesian regions and will culminate in an awards ceremony later in the year.

Banjar Regency Government Strengthens Community Role in Preventing Violence Against Women and Human Trafficking

The Banjar Regency administration in South Kalimantan is empowering village and sub-district cadres to recognise the early signs of violence against women and human trafficking. Officials highlighted that women remain a vulnerable group, with trafficking increasingly disguised as high-paying job offers abroad. The initiative aims to build community awareness and courage to report suspected crimes through local networks and police services.

Prabowo Orders PLN to Immediately Shut Down 13 GW of Diesel Power Plants

President Prabowo Subianto has directed state electricity firm PLN to accelerate the closure of diesel-fired power plants across Indonesia, totalling 13 gigawatts of capacity, and replace them with renewable sources like solar. The move is part of a broader push for energy self-sufficiency, aiming to reduce reliance on imported fuel which costs up to $30 billion annually. The government is targeting the construction of 100 GW of solar power plants, with 30 GW slated for completion this year alone.

Sudirman Bike Lane Barriers Repainted Ahead of Indonesia's 81st Independence Day

A joint team of 100 personnel has repainted the bicycle lane barriers along Jalan Jenderal Sudirman in Jakarta to enhance aesthetics and safety ahead of Indonesia's 81st Independence Day celebrations. The work, which began on Wednesday night to avoid traffic disruption, aims to clearly delineate lanes for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. Officials have urged the public to maintain the newly refurbished facilities and refrain from vandalism.

MC and Challenge Creator in 'Quran Recitation for Alcohol' Case Named Suspects, Detained

Jakarta police have named four suspects and detained two of them, including the MC and the individual who created a challenge offering alcohol for Quran recitation at a music festival. The incident, which occurred at The Sounds Project in Ancol, sparked widespread condemnation from the event organiser and the involved sponsor, Newport. The suspects face charges under Indonesia's criminal code for acts offending religious sensibilities.

Bekasi Regency Government Appreciates TNI for Building Pioneer Bridge to Improve Residents' Access

The Bekasi Regency Government has expressed its gratitude to the Indonesian Army (TNI AD) for constructing the Garuda Pioneer Bridge in Cibarusah District. The 80-metre bridge, inaugurated by Army Chief of Staff General Maruli Simanjuntak and witnessed virtually by President Prabowo Subianto, aims to improve connectivity and access to education for isolated communities. The TNI AD is also targeting the construction of 5,000 clean water points by the end of the year as part of its national infrastructure programme.

Observer Highlights Danger of 'Headline-Only' Reading Culture Among Youth

A political sociologist has warned that the growing habit among young Indonesians of only reading news headlines before drawing conclusions poses a serious threat to the nation's future. The expert stressed the need for patience, in-depth discussion, and thorough research to counter the spread of premature and potentially dangerous assumptions. The role of mainstream media in consistently presenting verified facts was also underscored as vital for public education and safeguarding democracy.

Police Name Four Suspects in Quran Memorisation Challenge for Alcohol Case

Jakarta police have named four suspects in a blasphemy case involving a challenge at The Sounds Project music festival where attendees were allegedly offered alcohol to recite Quranic verses. The suspects include the event's MC and individuals accused of facilitating the challenge, which sparked public outrage. Authorities are continuing to investigate the event organisers and have detained two of the suspects.

Garut Immigration Office Launches Same Day Service for Passports

The Garut Immigration Office in West Java has introduced a Same Day Service Passport programme, allowing applicants to receive their passports on the same day. The expedited service costs an additional non-tax state revenue (PNBP) fee of Rp1 million and is available via the M Paspor app or by visiting the office before 10:00 WIB. The initiative aims to assist residents with urgent travel needs, with a daily quota of ten applicants.

Employers and Workers Form Joint Team to Discuss New Manpower Bill

The Indonesian Employers' Association (Apindo) and the Grand Coalition of Indonesian Workers' Struggle (KBPBI) have agreed to form a joint drafting team for a new Manpower Bill. The team aims to produce a mutually agreed draft within two weeks to present to the House of Representatives. Both parties emphasised the need to balance worker protection with a conducive investment climate to enhance Indonesia's competitiveness against neighbouring countries.

Baciro Residents Transform Alley and Sewer into Organic Vegetable Garden

Residents of Baciro in Yogyakarta have creatively converted a narrow alley and the space above a sewer into a thriving organic vegetable garden, overcoming a lack of land. The initiative, started by a group of women in 2022, now cultivates around 25 types of vegetables and also includes fish and chicken farming. The group sells its harvest to locals, generating income that is reinvested into the project, demonstrating a successful model of urban farming and community self-sufficiency.

Kumamoto Castle Reopens After Safety Inspections

Kumamoto Castle has reopened to the public following safety inspections after a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck southwestern Japan. The city government found no structural issues that would endanger visitors, though some floor unevenness and 40 instances of collapsed stone walls were reported. The historic site, which suffered severe damage in the 2016 earthquakes, is undergoing restoration works targeted for completion by fiscal year 2052.

Yusril: Insulting the President is an Absolute Complaint Offence, Requires Direct Report

Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra has clarified that law enforcement cannot act on alleged insults against the president or vice president without a direct complaint from the individuals concerned. The statement follows a Constitutional Court ruling which affirmed that the offence is an absolute complaint offence, meaning only the aggrieved head of state can initiate legal proceedings.

Indonesia Launches Its National Electric Motorcycle, Molinas

Indonesia has launched the Molinas, a domestically produced electric motorcycle, as part of a broader push to strengthen local manufacturing and reduce reliance on imports. The project is a collaboration between the government, state-owned enterprises, and national companies, utilising Indonesia's vast nickel reserves for battery production. President Prabowo Subianto highlighted the initiative's role in bolstering industrial self-reliance and reducing dependence on imported fuel.

Witness Protests, Demands Richard Lee Remove Wig in Court

A witness in the consumer rights and health law trial of cosmetic doctor Richard Lee has protested his courtroom appearance, alleging he was wearing a wig that made him difficult to identify. The judge at the Tangerang District Court acknowledged the query but ruled that Lee was still recognisable, allowing the proceedings to continue without requiring the removal of the accessory.

Rano asks Abang None to understand Jakarta's development direction

Jakarta Deputy Governor Rano Karno has urged finalists of the Abang None Jakarta 2026 pageant to grasp the city's history and its transformation into a global hub. The competition, now in its 54th year, aims to produce cultural ambassadors ahead of Jakarta's 500th anniversary in 2027. Organisers are seeking young people who not only communicate well but also understand tourism and the creative economy.

Police Name Four Suspects in Qur'an Memorisation for Alcohol Challenge Case

Jakarta police have named four suspects in a blasphemy case involving a challenge at a music festival where attendees were allegedly offered alcoholic drinks in exchange for reciting verses from the Qur'an. The suspects include the event's master of ceremonies and two individuals accused of directly facilitating the challenge. The incident, which occurred at The Sounds Project in Ancol, sparked widespread public outrage and prompted apologies from both the event organiser and the alcohol brand involved.

Trump Alters Routine Child Vaccination Rules, Health Risks Loom

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order reducing the number of recommended routine childhood vaccinations to 11, controversially linking immunisation to autism. The policy also mandates splitting the MMR vaccine into three separate doses, a move health experts warn could increase the risk of missed immunisations. The decision comes amid declining child vaccination rates and a resurgence of measles cases in the United States.

Prabowo Promises Zero Down Payment and Low Interest for Electric Motorcycles

President Prabowo Subianto has pledged a credit scheme with low interest rates and no down payment to boost the adoption of nationally produced electric motorcycles (MoLiNas). Speaking at a launch event in Cikarang, he also instructed the Danantara sovereign wealth fund to support the programme and proposed a trade-in mechanism for old motorbikes. The initiative aims to reduce fuel imports, lower mobility costs for citizens, and advance national energy independence.

BPN supports Pertamina in safeguarding energy security via four land instruments

The Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency (ATR/BPN) has outlined four land and spatial planning instruments to support state energy firm Pertamina in achieving national energy security. The measures focus on spatial planning certainty, land availability, legal certainty for assets, and resolving land disputes. This initiative follows a memorandum of understanding signed between the two entities in December 2024.

Police Clarify Viral Video of Abandoned Motorcycle at Jurangmangu Station

Police in South Tangerang have clarified that a motorcycle appearing abandoned and covered in dust at Jurangmangu Station was not linked to any crime, but was left by its owner who had returned to their hometown for two weeks. The investigation was prompted by a viral social media video speculating about the vehicle's origins. Authorities urged the public to be more cautious and responsible when sharing information online.

JCI Slumps 1.13% as MSCI Rebalancing Effect Lingers

The Jakarta Composite Index (JCI) closed sharply lower on Thursday, falling 1.13% to 6,301.77, as the market continued to digest the removal of several Indonesian stocks from MSCI's global standard indexes. The decline was broad-based, with the basic materials sector leading the losses, while trading volume reached 26.78 billion shares. Analysts noted the MSCI rebalancing, coupled with profit-taking ahead of President Prabowo's state address on the 2027 state budget, weighed on sentiment despite mixed performance in other regional markets.

Bekasi Regent Ade Kunang Denies Bribery Charges, Claims Rp 8.5 Billion Was a Loan

Non-active Bekasi Regent Ade Kunang has denied receiving bribes during his plea hearing at the Bandung Corruption Court, asserting that the Rp 8.5 billion he received from a businessman was a personal loan, not a project fee. His legal team argued that the prosecution failed to prove the money was linked to any specific official action or breach of duty. The defence maintains that the facts do not support the corruption charges.

Four Named as Suspects in 'Quran Memorisation for Alcohol' Case

Jakarta police have named four suspects in a case involving a challenge at a music festival where attendees were allegedly offered alcohol in exchange for reciting Quranic verses. The suspects include the event MC and participants, with two already arrested and detained, while the event organiser and sponsor have issued apologies and condemned the incident.

Pramono Reveals Impact of Kelapa Gading-Dukuh Atas LRT

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has stated that the extension of the LRT line from Kelapa Gading to Dukuh Atas will significantly reduce travel times, citing a 30-minute journey from Pondok Labu to Kelapa Gading. The integration of MRT and LRT networks at Dukuh Atas is expected to boost public transport ridership and reduce reliance on private vehicles. Construction of the Manggarai-Dukuh Atas segment is targeted to begin in 2027 and be completed by 2028, while the Kelapa Gading-Manggarai route is slated for inauguration by President Prabowo Subianto in August 2026.

Online Shop Owners Share Secrets to Bestselling Products on TikTok

Indonesian online business owners have revealed their strategies for achieving high sales on TikTok, highlighting the importance of video content and live streaming. Sellers from brands like Apelicious and Facetology detailed how engaging content, relevant keywords, and consumer education drive product discovery and purchases. Their approaches have led to significant viewer numbers and sales, with the majority of transactions originating directly from the platform's shopping features.

BNPT: Second Phase of RAN PE Emphasises Early Prevention of Radicalism

Indonesia's National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) has announced that the second phase of the National Action Plan for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (RAN PE) will focus on early prevention by strengthening family, community, and digital resilience. The initiative responds to persistent threats, including the recruitment of children and youth by global terrorist networks. The government is adopting a 'whole of government' and 'whole of society' approach, integrating 111 action targets across nine strategic themes through to 2029.

Mimika Baru District to receive 128-unit home renovation programme aid

The Mimika Baru District in Central Papua has secured a government grant to renovate 128 uninhabitable houses for low-income residents in 2026. The programme, part of the Ministry of Housing and Settlement Areas' Self-Help Housing Stimulant Assistance (BSPS), will focus on four urban wards, with the largest number of beneficiaries in Koperapoka and Pasar Sentral. The district government has also proposed an additional 400 units for future renovation phases.

MSCI Confirms Indonesia Remains in Emerging Market

MSCI has confirmed that Indonesia's status as an Emerging Market remains unchanged following its Annual Country Review 2026. The review, announced on 12 August, resulted in no alterations to the list of countries within the MSCI Frontier Emerging Markets Index. However, a separate quarterly index review saw ten Indonesian stocks removed from MSCI's Global Standard and Small Cap indexes.

Two Suspects in Alleged Blasphemy Case at Ancol Music Festival Detained

Two individuals have been detained by Polda Metro Jaya over an alleged act of blasphemy during 'The Sounds Project' music festival in North Jakarta. The incident, which went viral on social media, involved a visitor reciting a Quranic verse as part of a beverage brand's challenge. The case has been transferred from the North Jakarta Police to the regional police's General Criminal Investigation Directorate for further proceedings.

Indonesia and Timor-Leste Discuss Strengthening Cultural Cooperation

Indonesia and Timor-Leste have held talks on bolstering bilateral cultural ties, focusing on heritage preservation, museum management, and exchange programmes. The discussions included a potential joint UNESCO intangible cultural heritage nomination and the reactivation of the Indonesian Cultural House in Dili. Indonesia also offered to assist Timor-Leste in developing its national library and museum through expertise exchanges.