Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 14 August 2026

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Puan Maharani Attends 2026 MPR Annual Session in Elegant Olive Green Kebaya

House Speaker Puan Maharani attended the 2026 MPR Annual Session and Joint Session of the DPR-DPD in Jakarta, where President Prabowo Subianto is set to deliver the state address and present the 2027 draft state budget. The event, marking Indonesia's 81st Independence Day, was also attended by former presidents and vice presidents, as well as leaders of political parties. Puan is scheduled to lead the opening of the DPR's first sitting period for the 2026-2027 session later in the day.

Prabowo: Natural Resources Must Serve the People, Not a Privileged Few

President Prabowo Subianto has asserted that Indonesia's natural wealth must be utilised for the prosperity of all citizens, not just a select few. Speaking at a parliamentary session marking the 81st anniversary of independence, he emphasised his mandate to solve the people's problems. Prabowo also stated that his administration is prepared to make difficult decisions now to avoid burdening future generations.

Musi Rawas FKPM Wins Second Place in South Sumatra Police Partnership Competition

The Police and Community Partnership Forum (FKPM) of Pedang Village, Musi Rawas, secured second place in a provincial-level competition held by the South Sumatra Regional Police. The award was presented to the forum's chair, Yulimas Darna, recognising the group's effective synergy with village officials, the military, and the police in resolving local issues. The forum serves as a key platform for community consultation and problem-solving at the village level.

Gold Price Today 14 August 2026: Antam Slumps, Global Product Declines

The price of gold produced by PT Aneka Tambang (Antam) fell sharply by Rp 36,000 to Rp 2,664,000 per gram on 14 August 2026. Global gold prices also declined as investors took profits following a previous rally, with spot gold dropping 0.5 percent to US$4,330.37 per ounce. The buyback price for Antam gold was set at Rp 2,510,000 per gram.

President Confirms Self-Sufficiency in 8 Food Commodities, Production Surpasses National Demand

President Prabowo Subianto has announced that Indonesia achieved self-sufficiency in eight strategic food commodities by 2026, a target originally set for a four-year timeframe. The commodities include rice, maize, sugar, chicken meat, eggs, shallots, large chillies, and bird's eye chillies, with aggregate production exceeding domestic needs by 4.69 million tonnes. The President stated this milestone strengthens national food security against global pressures and climate challenges, but cautioned it should serve as motivation for further hard work rather than complacency.

Prabowo Praises DPR for Passing 13 Bills and DPD for Gathering Over 10,000 Public Aspirations

President Prabowo Subianto commended the House of Representatives (DPR) for enacting 13 bills, including a landmark law on domestic worker protection, during the annual state address. He also highlighted the Regional Representative Council's (DPD) role in collecting 10,883 public aspirations from across 38 provinces to inform the 2027 Government Work Plan. The speech, delivered ahead of Indonesia's 81st Independence Day, emphasised that national development is a collective effort involving all state institutions and the people.

Tight Security at Parliament Complex: Armoured Vehicles and Helicopters Deployed for Annual Session

Security has been significantly heightened at the Indonesian Parliament complex in Senayan, Jakarta, ahead of the Annual Session of the MPR and the Joint Session of the DPR and DPD. The measures include the deployment of tactical vehicles and presidential helicopters to ensure the safety of attendees, including President Prabowo Subianto.

President Prabowo Proposes Ad Hoc Court to Investigate SOE Directors Over Past 30 Years

President Prabowo Subianto has strongly criticised the governance of Indonesia's state-owned enterprises (SOEs), revealing there are 1,074 such entities, far more than expected. He has proposed forming an ad hoc court to investigate the actions of SOE directors over the past three decades. The president also suggested offering a special amnesty to those who admit their mistakes, while seeking parliamentary input on the matter.

Prabowo Proposes Ad Hoc Court to Investigate Problematic SOEs Over Past 30 Years

President Prabowo Subianto has expressed shock at discovering Indonesia has 1,074 state-owned enterprises (SOEs), including subsidiaries and sub-subsidiaries, and has proposed forming an ad hoc court to investigate their directors for the past 30 years. He reported that 290 SOEs have already been shut down, saving the state approximately Rp 50 trillion in operational costs. The government aims to reduce the total number of SOEs to just 300 by the end of 2026, retaining only those that are productive and add value for the people.

Prabowo Claims to Have Saved Garuda Indonesia, Targets Profit by 2027

President Prabowo Subianto claims his administration has rescued national flag carrier Garuda Indonesia from near bankruptcy, reactivating dozens of grounded aircraft. The government is now targeting a return to profitability for the state-owned airline by 2027, following a significant reduction in its quarterly losses.

MPR Speaker Calls for End to Wars in the Middle East and Worldwide

People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Speaker Ahmad Muzani has urged an immediate cessation of hostilities in the Middle East and other global conflict zones, asserting that attacks on sovereign nations are unjustifiable. He emphasised that diplomacy must be prioritised to resolve differences and that peace requires the courage to place human life above power ambitions. The remarks were made during the opening of the 2026 MPR Annual Session in Jakarta.

Prabowo Optimistic State-Owned Enterprise Dividends Will Reach Rp 200 T, Here's the 6-Year Data

President Prabowo Subianto has expressed confidence that dividends from state-owned enterprises (SOEs) will reach Rp 200 trillion in 2026, following a significant surge to Rp 142.3 trillion in 2025. The figures represent a sharp recovery from the pandemic-era lows, with the government projecting that future contributions will be net of any state capital injections. The increased dividends are set to be managed through the newly established sovereign wealth fund, Danantara.

ASITA NTT: Fraud case damages Labuan Bajo's tourism image

The Association of Indonesian Tour and Travel Agencies (ASITA) in East Nusa Tenggara has warned that a premium tour package fraud case is damaging the reputation of Labuan Bajo and eroding tourist confidence. The incident involved an unlicensed agent who allegedly embezzled Rp244.2 million from a Canadian tourism operator, leaving 22 Chinese tourists stranded. ASITA is urging the government to restrict ticket sales for destinations like Komodo National Park exclusively to licensed local agents and to strengthen integrated destination management.

Prabowo Orders Probe into Illegal Tin Mines, Police Chief and Military Commander Stand to Attention

President Prabowo Subianto has publicly instructed the Indonesian Military Commander and National Police Chief to investigate thousands of illegal tin mines, expressing disbelief that such operations could exist without the knowledge of local officials. The President warned that leaders must be willing to discipline their own subordinates for the sake of the nation. He also cautioned the Finance Minister and the Maritime Security Agency to crack down on customs fraud and smuggling.

Recovery Efforts Accelerate in Pesisir Selatan Regency, 85 Permanent Homes to Be Built Soon

The government is finalising preparations to construct 85 integrated permanent homes for disaster-affected families in Pesisir Selatan, West Sumatra. Land administration and payments are being completed to enable the Ministry of Housing and Residential Areas to commence physical construction immediately. Recovery efforts also include the provision of temporary shelters, financial aid, and urgent flood control measures.

Prabowo: Indonesia's Gold Bank Manages 153 Tonnes of Gold Worth Rp360 Trillion

President Prabowo Subianto announced that Indonesia's gold bank ecosystem, operated through Pegadaian and Bank Syariah Indonesia, has accumulated 153 tonnes of gold valued at Rp360 trillion (approximately US$20 billion) within its first year. He emphasised that the initiative aims to ensure the nation's gold wealth is traded domestically rather than abroad, strengthening national savings and the economy. The President expressed confidence that the managed assets will continue to grow, reflecting Indonesia's increasing economic stature on the global stage.

Analyst says internal reform of BGN strengthens MBG governance

A public policy expert has praised the internal restructuring of Indonesia's National Nutrition Agency (BGN) as a progressive step towards improving the governance of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme. The analyst emphasised that oversight must extend beyond the agency to schools and local service units, with teachers playing a role in ensuring food quality. He also called for budget transparency, digitalisation of procurement, and sharper targeting of beneficiaries, particularly in disadvantaged regions.

Admiral Cheng Ho's Hometown Preserves Legacy of Maritime Cultural Exchange

The hometown of legendary Chinese mariner Zheng He, known in Indonesia as Admiral Cheng Ho, has been transformed into a cultural destination celebrating over six centuries of peaceful maritime exchange. Located in Jinning District, Kunming, the area now leverages its historical connection to the Ming Dynasty voyages to foster international dialogue and tourism. The district integrates Cheng Ho's legacy with creative industries and ecological resources, promoting cross-cultural understanding between China and Southeast Asia.

Prabowo Alleges Palm Oil Price Manipulation, Reveals Rp15,000 Local Price vs Rp27,000 in Europe

President Prabowo Subianto has alleged widespread under-invoicing in Indonesia's palm oil exports, claiming the commodity sells for Rp15,000 per kilogram domestically but fetches Rp27,000 in European markets. He estimates the practice has cost the nation significant foreign exchange earnings over the years. The government is establishing a single export gateway through PT Danantara Sumberdaya Indonesia to oversee strategic commodity transactions.

Absent from Annual Session, SBY Prays for the Nation from Afar

Former President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) missed the 2026 MPR Annual Session and Joint Session of the DPR-DPD due to medical check-ups abroad. His son, Democratic Party Chairman Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), confirmed SBY's health examinations are ongoing but initial results are positive. AHY conveyed his father's prayers for Indonesia's progress and the party's continued advocacy for the people.

Muzani highlights education and cooperatives for the people

MPR Speaker Muzani emphasised the government's commitment to education and economic democracy during the 2026 Annual Session, highlighting the Sekolah Unggul Garuda programme for STEM talent and the establishment of Red and White Village Cooperatives. He argued that cooperatives embody the constitutional principle of a kinship-based economy, strengthening bargaining power for farmers and market access for fishermen. The initiatives are framed as key steps towards a more just and self-reliant society.

IHSG Rebounds During President Prabowo's Speech at Parliament

The Jakarta Composite Index (IHSG) reversed early losses to trade higher during President Prabowo Subianto's state address on Friday. Investors are closely monitoring the speech and the accompanying fiscal note for the government's 2027 budget policy direction. The market had initially dipped as traders awaited the crucial announcements and digested the latest MSCI index review.

When Gadgets Become Babysitters Again

Despite Generation Z parents being the most vocal advocates for screen-free childhoods, a gap persists between their digital awareness and daily practices. Surveys indicate only a minority consistently follow their own parenting philosophies, often resorting to gadgets to soothe toddlers. The trend highlights the immense pressure on young parents who lack traditional family support systems while juggling work and household demands.

Prabowo: No More Children Should Risk Their Lives Going to School

President Prabowo Subianto has announced the completion of thousands of village bridges this year, emphasising that no child should have to risk their life crossing rivers to get to school. He stated that the government will not allow its citizens to be neglected and urged local officials to identify villages still in need of such infrastructure.

Prabowo Claims Indonesia Self-Sufficient in 8 Food Commodities, Promises Meat Next

President Prabowo Subianto announced that Indonesia has achieved self-sufficiency in eight key food commodities, including rice, ahead of schedule. He attributed the success to fertiliser distribution reforms and price reductions. However, he acknowledged that self-sufficiency in meat and garlic remains a target for the next five to six years.

Fertiliser price drop helps Joko Purnomo harvest up to 9 tonnes of rice per hectare

President Prabowo Subianto highlighted the success of farmer Joko Purnomo, who has tripled his annual rice harvest to three times a year with yields reaching nine tonnes per hectare. The achievement was supported by government assistance including irrigation, technology, and a 20 per cent reduction in fertiliser prices. The President also noted Indonesia has achieved self-sufficiency in eight food commodities over the past year.

Prabowo targets 1,386 Fishermen's Villages operational by end of 2026

President Prabowo Subianto has announced an ambitious target to have 1,386 'Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih' (Red and White Fishermen's Villages) built and operational by December 2026. The initiative aims to boost fishermen's welfare and better harness Indonesia's marine economic potential, which is currently estimated to be worth around US$34 billion annually. The government also plans to begin constructing 1,582 modern fishing vessels in 2027 as part of a broader effort to strengthen the national fisheries sector.

Legislature passes 13 bills, gathers 10,883 aspirations: Prabowo

President Prabowo Subianto reported that the DPR and government have enacted 13 laws by July 2026, including a landmark bill on domestic worker protection. He also noted the DPD had collected 10,883 public aspirations from across 38 provinces to inform the 2027 Government Work Plan. The achievements were outlined during the 2026 MPR Annual Session, where he stressed that democracy must deliver on people’s basic rights and constitutional guarantees.

Puan attends Annual Session in olive green brocade kebaya

House Speaker Puan Maharani attended the 2026 MPR Annual Session and Presidential State Address wearing an olive green brocade kebaya inspired by Sundanese design. The event, which featured President Prabowo Subianto's performance report and state speech ahead of Indonesia's 81st Independence Day, was also attended by former presidents, vice presidents, and political party leaders. Following the session, Puan is scheduled to lead a plenary meeting where the President will deliver the 2027 state budget speech.

Prabowo Claims Ride-Hailing Driver Incomes Triple Thanks to Government Policy

President Prabowo Subianto has asserted that the incomes of online motorcycle taxi (ojol) drivers have increased two- to threefold following the implementation of a new revenue-sharing system. The policy, which took effect on 1 July 2026, raised the drivers' minimum commission from 80% to 92% of the fare. The President made the remarks during his State of the Union address at the DPR/MPR building.

Prabowo Orders Cattle Cloning: 'We Need Many'

President Prabowo Subianto has directed the use of cloning technology to rapidly increase Indonesia's cattle population as part of a push for food self-sufficiency. Speaking at the annual MPR session, he acknowledged the nation is not yet self-sufficient in meat and set a five-to-six-year target to achieve it. The president also noted that Indonesia's self-sufficiency in eight other commodities, including rice and corn, has gained global recognition.

Prabowo: Newly Formed Danantara Sumberdaya Indonesia Manages US$14 Billion in Export Proceeds in Two Months

President Prabowo Subianto announced that the recently established PT Danantara Sumberdaya Indonesia (PT DSI) has managed US$14 billion in export proceeds within just over two months of operation. The state-owned company acts as a single processing gateway for coal, crude palm oil, and ferroalloy exports to improve monitoring and prevent revenue leakage. Prabowo stated the initiative aims to ensure the nation's wealth benefits the people and not just a select few.

NTT Police Tighten Hotspot Surveillance Ahead of 2026 Dry Season

East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Police have intensified monitoring of hotspots across the province to mitigate the heightened risk of forest and land fires during the 2026 dry season. The initiative, marked by a readiness ceremony, involves coordinated efforts with military, local government, and disaster agencies, focusing on prevention through community education and strict law enforcement. Authorities are particularly concerned about savanna areas in Alor Regency and the traditional practice of land clearing by burning.

Shopee to Refund 0.5% Tax to Sellers Starting Today, Here's the Mechanism

E-commerce platform Shopee has begun refunding Income Tax Article 22 (PPh 22) that was briefly collected from sellers, following a government directive to postpone the levy. The refunds, covering transactions from 1-5 August 2026, will be processed automatically and in stages until 30 September 2026. Tokopedia and Blibli have also halted the tax collection and committed to returning the funds.

NeutraDC Partners with PLN to Secure Energy for Hyperscale Data Centre Expansion

NeutraDC, a subsidiary of Telkom Indonesia, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with state electricity firm PLN to secure power supply for its hyperscale data centre expansion in Cikarang, West Java. The collaboration aims to support the development of up to 200 MW of capacity to meet growing demand for AI and cloud computing services. The expansion is part of a broader strategy to strengthen Indonesia's digital infrastructure and position the country as a key player in the regional digital economy.

The Struggle of Firefighters Taming Forest Fires in Central Kalimantan, Sleeping on Bare Ground

Firefighters in West Kotawaringin Regency, Central Kalimantan, are enduring gruelling conditions as they battle forest and land fires, often remaining on site for days without returning home. The teams face difficult terrain, thick smoke, and extreme heat, with exhaustion forcing them to sleep on the bare earth. Officials stress that constant vigilance is required, as even small embers can reignite and spread rapidly in the dry, windy conditions.

Prabowo Firmly States 1,000 Illegal Tin Mines Have Been Shut Down

President Prabowo Subianto announced the closure of approximately 1,000 illegal tin mining sites in the Bangka Belitung Islands. The crackdown, carried out at the end of last year, involved the military, police, and customs officials. The President emphasised that illegal mining causes systemic losses to the state, amounting to hundreds of trillions of rupiah annually.

Prabowo Proposes Ad Hoc Court to Investigate 30 Years of BUMN Mismanagement

President Prabowo Subianto has proposed the establishment of a special ad hoc court to investigate alleged mismanagement and abuse within Indonesia's state-owned enterprises over the past three decades. The proposal comes after a government audit revealed the number of BUMN entities, including subsidiaries, had ballooned to 1,074, many of which were unproductive and lacked proper accountability. The president also suggested a potential amnesty mechanism for former directors who confess to wrongdoing, while confirming plans to shutter over 750 state firms by year-end.

Prabowo: Indonesia Achieves Self-Sufficiency in Eight Food Commodities Within a Year

President Prabowo Subianto has announced that Indonesia has attained self-sufficiency in eight key food commodities over the past year, including rice, maize, and soybeans. He acknowledged that self-sufficiency in garlic, beef, and buffalo meat remains a work in progress, with garlic targeted for completion within three years. The President credited the achievement to the hard work of various parties and presented special awards to contributors during the Annual Session of the MPR.

DPD RI Screens Video of President Prabowo's Leadership Achievements Ahead of 2026 State Address

The Regional Representative Council (DPD) showcased a video highlighting President Prabowo Subianto's key policy achievements before his state address at the 2026 Annual Session. The presentation featured testimonials on free nutritious meals, agricultural support, and the launch of the Abadi Masela gas project. It also underscored milestones such as the B50 biodiesel mandate and the establishment of the Danantara sovereign wealth fund.

Michael Hartono's Rp55 Trillion per Child Inheritance: Details of Djarum Group Shareholders

The late Michael Bambang Hartono's 49% stake in the family holding company, PT Dwimuria Investama Andalan, has been equally divided among his four heirs, granting each an estimated US$2.93 billion (Rp55 trillion) in assets. The transfer marks a significant phase in the succession of the Hartono empire, which controls Bank Central Asia and the Djarum kretek cigarette conglomerate. The process coincides with leadership changes, including Victor Hartono's appointment as CEO of PT Djarum.

State Secretariat Releases Official Guidelines for 81st Indonesian Independence Day Ceremony

The Ministry of State Secretariat has issued an official circular detailing the protocol for the 81st Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia. The document outlines the dress code, full order of events, and public advisories for the commemoration, which will be led by President Prabowo Subianto at the Merdeka Palace. The guidelines also include a schedule of public festivities and a call for a nationwide pause to sing the national anthem.

Prabowo: Rp50 Trillion Previously Spent Annually Just on SOE Directors' and Commissioners' Salaries

President Prabowo Subianto revealed that the government previously spent Rp50 trillion annually on unproductive overheads, including salaries for directors and commissioners of state-owned enterprises (SOEs). He announced the closure of 290 SOEs to date, with a target to retain only around 300 productive entities by year-end. The savings from this massive corporate restructuring will be redirected towards investment, industrialisation, and public services.

Prabowo: Economic growth and investment are not the ultimate goals of development

President Prabowo Subianto has stated that economic growth and investment are merely instruments to improve public welfare, not the final objectives of national development. Speaking at the 2026 Annual Session of the MPR, he stressed that high growth figures are meaningless if ordinary Indonesians do not benefit. The President emphasised that every rupiah invested must create jobs and improve the quality of life, particularly for the most vulnerable, asserting that a G20 member nation cannot tolerate hunger among its people.

Pegadaian and Kadin Indonesia Forge Strategic Collaboration to Expand Gold Ecosystem and Business Financing Access

State-owned pawnbroker PT Pegadaian has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding with the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) to broaden access to gold-based financial services and business financing. The partnership aims to empower micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as well as corporations by integrating Pegadaian's gold savings, investment, and funding instruments with Kadin's extensive business network. The collaboration will leverage the digital application 'Tring by Pegadaian' and a growing network of Gold ATMs to facilitate easier gold transactions nationwide.

Search for Civil Servant Who Fell into Cisadane River Continues, Bag Found Floating

Rescue teams in Bogor, West Java, are continuing their search for a local government civil servant who fell into the Cisadane River. The victim's bag was discovered floating approximately 100 metres from the suspected point of entry, while his motorcycle was found lying on the bridge. A combined force of 70 personnel, including divers and land search units, has been deployed to locate the missing man.

Prabowo: BPK Saved Rp 112 Trillion in State Finances

President Prabowo Subianto has highlighted the Audit Board of Indonesia's (BPK) role in safeguarding public funds, stating its recommendations led to the recovery of Rp 112 trillion in 2025. He also noted the institution's growing international prestige, including its election to chair INTOSAI and its appointment to the UN Board of Auditors. The remarks were made during the annual state address marking the 81st anniversary of Indonesian independence.

Makkah Pact: A New Experiment in Regional Security Architecture

The Makkah Pact, signed by Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, establishes a new defence cooperation mechanism modelled on NATO's Article 5. The agreement aims to reduce regional security dependence on external actors by combining Turkey's defence industry, Saudi Arabia's financial strength, and Pakistan's strategic capabilities. It represents a pragmatic security partnership rather than an ideological alliance, reflecting shifting dynamics in the Middle East and South Asia.

Crematoriums: The Changing Face of Balinese Culture

Research by Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) indicates that Balinese Hindus are increasingly opting for modern crematoriums over traditional Ngaben ceremonies, driven by significantly lower costs and the time constraints of urban life. The shift reflects a broader adaptation of religious practice to modern socio-economic conditions, which scholars describe as a 'religious marketplace'. Experts note that while the medium has changed, the spiritual essence of the ritual remains intact, and the modern approach may even be more environmentally friendly.

Prabowo praises courts for faster case resolution

President Prabowo Subianto has commended the Supreme Court for achieving a 99.54% productivity rate and resolving 96.74% of cases within three months in 2025, a historic high. He also highlighted the Constitutional Court's increased accessibility, with over 84% of petitions now filed online, reducing the need for travel to Jakarta. The President further stressed the importance of judicial oversight, noting the Judicial Commission had proposed sanctions against 121 judges for ethical violations in the first half of 2026.