Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 15 August 2026

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Government Accelerates Infrastructure and Food Recovery in Solok Raya

The Indonesian government is fast-tracking post-disaster recovery in Solok Regency and Solok City, West Sumatra, prioritising infrastructure, permanent housing, flood control, and restoration of damaged farmland. A special task force is pushing local authorities to expedite budget realisation, particularly for infrastructure projects where spending remains low due to unresolved cost adjustments. Coordination with central ministries is ongoing to secure additional housing quotas, heavy equipment, and agricultural support.

KPK investigates corruption methods of LAZ while examining 21 witnesses in NTB

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is investigating alleged corruption by the suspended West Lombok Regent Lalu Ahmad Zaini, focusing on procurement irregularities and conflicts of interest. Witnesses indicated that standard operating procedures were not fully followed and that some projects had predetermined winners. The inquiry also covers alleged bribery involving the regional water company PT Air Minum Giri Menang.

Video: Using Data Analytics and Technology, Chilli Distribution Becomes More Measurable

Rumah Tani Nusantara is modernising Indonesia's agribusiness sector by integrating data analytics and technology into its supply chain to stabilise strategic food prices such as chillies. The company is focusing on synchronising production and consumption regions, using production data to plan harvests, deliveries, and transport modes. This approach was demonstrated during the Aceh floods, when two planes of chillies were sent from Central Aceh to Jakarta and West Java.

Earth on Fire! 112 Million Hectares of Land Burned This Year

Global wildfires have consumed 112.3 million hectares of land by early August 2026, with Africa accounting for more than half of the total burned area. The Democratic Republic of Congo recorded the largest burned area at 13.6 million hectares, while Australia, Myanmar, India, Canada, and the United States also experienced significant fires. Experts note that while the number of fires has declined in some countries, the area burned has increased, indicating fires are becoming more intense and widespread.

Video: Feed Price Hikes Drive Surge in Chicken Meat Prices

Data from Statistics Indonesia shows an upward trend in the price development index for broiler chicken meat across 188 regencies and cities up to the first week of August 2026. CNBC Indonesia commodity expert Emmanuella Egatirta attributes the rise partly to increased demand from the Free Nutritious Meals programme. Prices of milk, chillies and eggs have also risen due to weather conditions, feed costs and distribution issues.

KPK Grills West Lombok Deputy Regent over Procurement Modus Operandi in Regent Lalu Ahmad Case

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has questioned West Lombok Deputy Regent Nurul Adha and six other witnesses over alleged procurement manipulation and bribery involving Regent Lalu Ahmad Zaini. Investigators are probing suspected conflicts of interest, pre-arranged project winners, and gratification totalling Rp 12.4 billion. The case also involves the regional water company PT Air Minum Giri Menang and private contractor PT Meconel Sistim Instrument.

Yemen's Houthis claim attack on Aramco facility in southern Saudi Arabia

Yemen's Houthi group has claimed responsibility for a drone attack on a Saudi Aramco facility in Najran, southern Saudi Arabia. The group said the strike was in response to Saudi air operations over Yemen's Saada province. The claim comes amid rising tensions between the Houthis and Riyadh, with no immediate comment from Saudi authorities.

East Nusa Tenggara's quake death toll hits 14, BNPB says

The death toll from the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara has risen to 14, with thousands of residents evacuated and significant damage to homes, health facilities, and government buildings. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) is still collecting and verifying data on the ground, while affected areas face traffic congestion and power outages. The disaster has prompted a coordinated response from local and national authorities.

BTN issues 9,800 USU co-branding student cards to expand campus support

PT Bank Tabungan Negara (BTN) has issued approximately 9,800 co-branding student identity cards (KTM) for Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) as part of its strategy to strengthen transactional banking and build long-term relationships with younger generations. The cards integrate student identity functions with BTN banking services and access to the bank's digital ecosystem, balé by BTN. The initiative follows similar collaborations with Universitas Diponegoro and Universitas Negeri Semarang, bringing the total number of co-branding cards launched in August 2026 to around 38,800.

Gibran Inaugurates 76 Paskibraka Members at the Palace

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka officially inaugurated 76 members of the national Paskibraka flag-raising squad at the State Palace in Jakarta. The members, representing all 38 provinces, will serve at the 81st Independence Day ceremony at Merdeka Palace on 17 August. The ceremony included the reading of a pledge led by BPIP head Yudian Wahyudi and was attended by senior state officials.

Observer Says DPD Strengthens Strategic Role as Regional Representation

A political observer has praised the Regional Representative Council (DPD) for advancing regional interests through legislation, particularly the Archipelagic Regions Bill now included in the 2026 Priority National Legislation Programme. The DPD's constructive approach, which emphasises collaboration between central and regional governments, is seen as strengthening the institution's legitimacy as a genuine voice for the regions.

State Secretary: Amnesty for SOE executives mooted as part of governance overhaul

State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi has clarified that President Prabowo Subianto's remarks about possible amnesty for state-owned enterprise executives who admit wrongdoing reflect a broader drive to improve corporate governance. He stressed that no amnesty process has been initiated, describing the idea as premature. The government has reduced the number of SOEs and placed them under Danantara's management, reporting significant profit growth.

7.7 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes NTT, UMY Community Service Students Help Evacuate Residents

A 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck East Nusa Tenggara, prompting 61 students from Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta on community service placements to assist with evacuations and first aid. The students helped move vulnerable residents to higher ground after a tsunami warning and provided food supplies while awaiting government aid. The university is coordinating with its disaster management centre to support relief efforts.

Education minister prepares aid for schools and students affected by NTT earthquake

Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Abdul Mu'ti has pledged government support for schools and students affected by the recent earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara. The ministry's disaster response unit is currently collecting data on damaged schools and affected pupils, including those impacted by volcanic ash. The form of assistance will be determined once field data collection is complete.

Encouraging Acceleration of the Smallholder Palm Oil Replanting Programme

Experts are calling for affirmative policies to accelerate Indonesia's Smallholder Palm Oil Replanting Programme (PSR), citing that nearly half of the nation's oil palm plantations are smallholder-owned and ageing. They argue that replanting is essential to maintain raw material supply for the downstream processing industry. The BPDP's prudent management of replanting funds has been praised, but stakeholders urge streamlined administrative and land legality requirements for farmers.

Transport integration: Jakarta transport agency's Thousand Islands ferry service to be transferred to Transjakarta

The Jakarta Transportation Agency (Dishub) has confirmed that management of ferry services to the Thousand Islands will be transferred to PT Transjakarta as part of efforts to integrate land and sea transport in the capital. The move is expected to improve connectivity and mobility for island residents, particularly for access to healthcare, education, and economic activities. Technical details, including route patterns and departure points, are still being finalised.

Four Labuan Bajo–Ende Flights Cancelled Following Nagekeo Earthquake

A magnitude 7.7 earthquake in Nagekeo, East Nusa Tenggara, has disrupted air travel, with four Wings Air return flights between Labuan Bajo and Ende cancelled after terminal and tower buildings sustained damage. Telecommunications and electricity services were also affected, with Telkomsel and PLN working to restore services while prioritising vital facilities.

UN: Physical barriers hamper aid distribution in West Bank

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has warned that more than 900 physical barriers in the West Bank are severely restricting humanitarian access. Three Palestinian families in Qusra village have been trapped since Tuesday following the establishment of a settlement outpost next to their homes. Aid workers have been unable to deliver essential supplies for four consecutive days.

14-Year-Old Shoots Grandparents, Government Orders Strict Sweeps

Thailand has ordered all schools to tighten security after a 14-year-old killed his grandparents, five school staff and a pupil near Bangkok on 7 August. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has directed schools under its authority to conduct weapons checks, maintain 24-hour security and enforce strict visitor protocols. The attack has reignited debate over gun control in Thailand, prompting Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to suspend firearms permits and call for tougher oversight.

Pelindo tests emissions of 500 logistics vehicles to accelerate decarbonisation

State-owned port operator Pelindo has conducted emission tests on around 500 operational and logistics vehicles across four Indonesian cities as part of its push towards greener port management. The 'Merdeka Emisi' programme, held to mark Indonesia's 81st Independence Day, aims to involve the entire port ecosystem in reducing emissions. The initiative aligns with broader government efforts to transition towards a low-carbon economy while maintaining logistics efficiency.

Tourists Injured in Earthquake, Brimob Evacuates Foreign Nationals to Siloam Hospital

A 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck East Nusa Tenggara on Saturday caused injuries to tourists in Labuan Bajo, prompting Brimob personnel to conduct patrols and assist with evacuations. Two foreign nationals sustained minor injuries from falling building material at Hotel Jayakarta and were taken to Siloam Hospital. The earthquake has so far claimed at least 33 lives across the Manggarai Raya region.

Provisional Data: 14 People Reported Dead Due to NTT Earthquake, Here Are the Details

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has reported that 14 people have died, two are seriously injured, and 11 sustained minor injuries following a magnitude 7.7 earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara. The fatalities were recorded across Sikka, Manggarai, and East Manggarai regencies. Around 2,000 residents have evacuated as data verification continues in the field.

Full dress rehearsal for Indonesia's 81st Independence Day ceremony at Monas

A full dress rehearsal for Indonesia's 81st Independence Day ceremony took place at the National Monument (Monas) in Jakarta on Saturday, 15 August 2026. The rehearsal involved 76 prospective national flag-hoisting team (Paskibraka) members, joint TNI and Polri personnel, a military music unit, and 81 aerial defence assets. The event served as final preparation for the upcoming Independence Day commemoration.

Pertamina Temporarily Halts Some Fuel Distributors in Flores, Claims Stock Is Safe

PT Pertamina Patra Niaga has temporarily suspended operations at several fuel distribution points in earthquake-affected areas of Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, to inspect facilities and ensure safety. The company maintains that fuel stocks remain secure, with supplies being redirected from Ende, Labuan Bajo, and potentially Maumere. Pertamina is also preparing humanitarian aid for affected communities.

US says it will impose unprecedented measures on Iran

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has announced that Washington will implement economic measures against Iran that he described as unprecedented in the history of economic isolation of any country. The measures form part of an intensified financial campaign following the reactivation of the 'maximum pressure' policy and the joint US-Israel military operation against Iran in February. Bessent indicated that further announcements would be released the following week.

UMY KKN Students Survive NTT Earthquake and Help Evacuate Affected Residents

Sixty-one students from Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta undertaking community service in East Nusa Tenggara are safe following a magnitude 7.7 earthquake. The university is assessing whether the programme can continue or if students should be withdrawn. Students are currently assisting in evacuation efforts and supporting residents in temporary shelters.

Prudential Launches Regional Campaign Across Eight Asian Markets

Prudential has launched a regional campaign titled 'Janji, jadi nyata' (Promises, made real) across eight Asian markets, including Indonesia. The campaign aims to reframe insurance policies as personal promises to protect oneself, family, and future, rather than mere financial products. Prudential Syariah also emphasised the Islamic principle of ta'awun, or mutual assistance, as central to its protection offerings.

Gold Prices Surge at the Weekend, Here is the Full List

The price of Antam gold rose by Rp 11,000 to Rp 2,675,000 per gram on Saturday, with the buyback price also increasing to Rp 2,525,000 per gram. Transactions are subject to income tax, with a 1.5 percent levy on buybacks above Rp 10 million and a 0.25 percent tax on purchases. The article provides a complete list of prices for gold bars ranging from 0.5 grams to 1,000 grams.

36,000 Vehicles Pass Through Puncak Bogor, Megamendung-Cisarua Traffic Congested

Police reported that 36,000 vehicles travelled along Jalan Raya Puncak in Bogor, West Java, on the first day of the long weekend. Traffic was heavy from Megamendung to Cisarua, with a one-way system in place from Puncak towards Jakarta. Authorities have deployed 90 personnel and expect peak traffic volumes on Sunday.

Refuting Presidential Envoy, PT Namnam Insists It Incurred Losses Forcing Layoffs

PT Namnam Fashions Industries has rejected a presidential envoy's finding that the company merely suffered declining profits, insisting it recorded consecutive losses over the past two to three years. The Cimahi-based garment manufacturer says the losses were verified by a public accountant and that it is open to any audit. The company has paid severance at 0.5 times the statutory rate, which it says was agreed with affected workers.

Gibran Inaugurates 76 Members of 2026 Paskibraka at State Palace

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has inaugurated 76 members of the national flag-hoisting team, Paskibraka, at the State Palace in Jakarta. The ceremony included the recitation of the Paskibraka pledge and the symbolic pinning of the Merah Putih Garuda badge. The team will serve at the 81st Independence Day ceremony at Merdeka Palace on 17 August 2026.

German Experts Reveal New Facts About Lake Toba, Many People Were Wrong

New research from German geoscientists suggests the Toba supereruption around 74,000 years ago had a far smaller climatic impact than previously believed. Analysis of sediment layers in Kenya's Lake Chala indicates the volcanic winter lasted only about 18 months and caused regional cooling of just 0.5 degrees Celsius. The findings challenge long-held assumptions that the eruption nearly wiped out early human populations.

DHL Express Launches AI-Based Item Identification Feature

DHL Express has introduced an artificial intelligence-powered item identification feature in Indonesia, the first of its kind in the global express delivery industry. The technology uses computer vision to analyse customer-uploaded photos instantly, generating accurate item descriptions that meet customs requirements. The innovation aims to simplify international shipping for Indonesian businesses expanding into global markets.

Solok Recovery Accelerated, Focus on Infrastructure and Food Sectors

Solok Regency has received Rp144 billion in regional transfer funds to expedite post-disaster rehabilitation, with health sector realisation reaching 91 percent. Infrastructure and education spending remain low due to unfinished budget adjustments, prompting the national task force to urge immediate procurement. In Solok City, a Rp170 billion flood control project has entered tender while emergency pumping schemes are being prepared to save 115 hectares of affected rice fields.

Islamic Finance Industry Sets Record, Spin Off Gives No Mercy

Indonesia's Islamic finance industry reached a record Rp3,131.02 trillion in assets in 2025, growing 8.56% year-on-year. However, the author argues that regulatory compliance, particularly the mandatory spin-off of Sharia business units, remains the key measure of the industry's health. With the insurance sector facing a collective deadline of 31 December 2026 and banking facing asset-based triggers, the article warns that growth must be matched by orderly and sustainable institutional structures.

Komdigi: Three Mobile Operators Affected by M 7.0 Earthquake in NTT

Indonesia's Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi) has confirmed that 200 base transceiver stations across ten districts in East Nusa Tenggara were disrupted following a magnitude 7.7 earthquake near Flores Island. Telkomsel, XLsmart, and Indosat have all reported network impacts, primarily due to power supply failures and transmission network damage. The ministry is coordinating with operators and local authorities to restore services while prioritising public safety.

Whoosh Offers Rp8,800 Tickets for Independence Day Long Weekend

PT KCIC is offering promotional fares for the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail service Whoosh to mark Indonesia's 81st Independence Day. Discounts include tickets from Rp8,800 for the Jakarta-Karawang route and up to Rp200,000 off via Traveloka. The promotions run from 3 to 23 August 2026, with limited quotas and specific purchase conditions.

Minister, disaster agency chief head to quake-hit East Nusa Tenggara

A shallow offshore earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara has killed 14 people, injured 13, and damaged dozens of buildings, prompting a large-scale emergency response. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency has deployed helicopters and logistics teams to overcome the region's archipelagic geography, while President Prabowo Subianto has ordered several ministers to oversee relief efforts directly. Authorities briefly issued a tsunami warning that led around 2,000 residents in Nagekeo District to evacuate before it was lifted.

HI Roundabout Decorated, Residents Hope Independence Day Decorations Made More Festive

Residents of Jakarta have expressed that the current Independence Day decorations around the Hotel Indonesia Roundabout are still too sparse and lack the festive spirit expected for the 81st anniversary of Indonesian independence. They are calling on the provincial government to add more red-and-white ornaments along the pedestrian areas to match the celebratory atmosphere seen during other holidays. The Jakarta Transportation Agency has also prepared traffic diversions for the upcoming celebration, which will include a decorated vehicle carnival.

Borobudur Prepares to Host B2B Tourism Exhibition

Borobudur is set to host the Borobudur & Beyond Tourism Expo (BBTE) 2026, projected to be the largest business-to-business tourism event on Java. The exhibition, scheduled for 25–28 October 2026 in Magelang, aims to attract 100 sellers and 200 buyers from domestic and international markets. Organisers say the event is designed to generate concrete business transactions and strengthen Borobudur's role as a hub for Central Java's tourism economy.

Planting Season Arrives, Nagan Raya Utilises TKD Funds for Paddy Field Rehabilitation

The Nagan Raya Regency administration in Aceh is accelerating the use of additional Regional Transfer Funds (TKD) to restore agricultural land damaged by disasters. The move aims to ensure damaged paddy fields can be replanted and farmer productivity is maintained as the planting season begins. Coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Task Force is being strengthened to expedite recovery.

Mount Ibu in West Halmahera Erupts, Status at Level II Alert

Mount Ibu in West Halmahera, North Maluku, has erupted with ash columns reaching up to 800 metres above the summit. The volcano remains at Level II (alert) status, with authorities prohibiting all activity within a 2 km radius of the crater. Residents and visitors are urged to follow local government guidance and use protective equipment in the event of ashfall.

South Korean President Urges Dialogue with North Korea to Formally End Korean War

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has proposed talks with North Korea to formally end the Korean War, which technically continues as only an armistice was signed in 1953. Speaking at the 81st anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule, Lee called for replacing the ceasefire with a 'peace regime' and suggested discussions could also address North Korea's nuclear capabilities. The proposal comes amid frozen inter-Korean relations, with Pyongyang having rejected previous overtures and recently test-firing missiles.

Bali's Ngurah Rai Airport announces NTT route flights operating normally

Flights between Bali's I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport and destinations in East Nusa Tenggara are operating normally following a 7.7 magnitude earthquake near Flores. Airport management confirmed there have been no cancellations and expressed sympathy for those affected by the disaster.

BPBD Records Nagekeo NTT Earthquake Death Toll Rises to 13

The death toll from the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck Nagekeo Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, has risen to 13, according to the regional disaster management agency. Fatalities have been identified across four regencies, with injuries and significant damage to buildings also reported. The shallow quake, caused by the Flores Back-Arc Thrust, triggered dozens of aftershocks and a tsunami potential warning.

Myanmar says over 300,000 Rohingya refugees verified for repatriation as exodus enters ninth year

Myanmar's military-backed government has verified over 300,000 Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh as former residents of Rakhine state, but says their return depends on improved security conditions. The announcement comes as the refugee crisis enters its ninth year, with repatriation efforts stalled by ongoing conflict between the military and the Arakan Army. The situation has driven increasing numbers of Rohingya to attempt dangerous sea crossings to Malaysia and Indonesia.

NTT Earthquake: Social Affairs Ministry Deploys Personnel and Mobilises Aid

Following a magnitude 7.7 earthquake in Nusa Tenggara Timur, the Ministry of Social Affairs has deployed Tagana personnel and mobilised over Rp4.5 billion in logistical aid. The ministry is coordinating with regional governments and other agencies to assess damage, evacuate residents, and provide temporary shelter. At least one person has died and around 2,000 have been affected, with data still being verified.

Further education helps children with special needs develop skills and independence

London School Beyond Academy has opened a new campus in Bekasi to provide post-secondary vocational training for individuals with special needs. The programme integrates practical skills, work experience and entrepreneurship to foster independence and workforce readiness. The initiative has been welcomed by the Ministry of Social Affairs as part of efforts to build a more inclusive education ecosystem.

Eddy Soeparno: Carbon Economy Must Become Indonesia's New Growth Engine

Deputy Speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly Eddy Soeparno has welcomed President Prabowo Subianto's emphasis on developing Indonesia's green and carbon economy. He stressed that the carbon economy should be a new pillar of national growth, creating investment, state revenue and jobs. Soeparno highlighted the strategic role of the Carbon Unit Registry System in building market trust and attracting credible carbon investment.

Ancol offers free entry on 17 August

PT Pembangunan Jaya Ancol Tbk will waive entry fees to Ancol Taman Impian on Monday, 17 August 2026, to celebrate Indonesia's 81st Independence Day. Visitors must reserve tickets in advance through the Ancol website, with free entry limited to one person per ticket and excluding vehicle and recreation fees. The company is also hosting a two-day 'Merdekaria: The People's Celebration' featuring concerts, traditional games, and a flag ceremony.