Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 15 August 2026

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Gibran pledges full response after 7.7-magnitude earthquake in NTT

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has assured the public of the government's commitment to emergency response, evacuations, and relief distribution following a 7.7-magnitude earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara. The quake, centred in Nagekeo District, has claimed at least five lives and caused significant damage, prompting coordinated efforts from national and regional authorities. Officials are conducting rapid impact assessments while restoring essential services such as electricity.

Futures Broker Reminds Clients to Understand Trading Risks

DIDIMAX, a futures brokerage firm, has emphasised the importance of client education on trading mechanisms and risk management amid growing futures trading activity. The company's president commissioner stated that a healthy and sustainable ecosystem requires continuous investment in education, technology, and human resources. DIDIMAX recently received top achiever awards from both the Jakarta Futures Exchange and Kliring Berjangka Indonesia for the highest exchange traded volume.

State Secretary: Preparations for 81st Indonesian Independence Day Ceremony at 99 Percent

State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi has announced that preparations for the 81st anniversary of Indonesia's independence proclamation ceremony at Merdeka Palace are 99 percent complete. The final dress rehearsal involved all participants, including the national flag-hoisting team and military music corps. Prasetyo expressed appreciation for the cultural performances, which he said reflect the nationalist spirit of Indonesia's younger generation.

BNPB Data: 14 People Killed Following M7 Earthquake in NTT

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has confirmed 14 fatalities following a magnitude 7 earthquake that struck East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) on Saturday morning. The disaster also caused injuries, displaced around 2,000 residents, and damaged dozens of homes and public facilities. Authorities are continuing to verify and validate casualty and damage figures as emergency response efforts proceed.

Tourists flock to Dieng's Sikidang Crater during long holiday for Indonesia's 81st Independence Day

Sikidang Crater in the Dieng Plateau, Banjarnegara Regency, Central Java, saw a surge in visitors during the long holiday marking Indonesia's 81st Independence Day. The local tourism office reported that weekend and holiday numbers can exceed 10,000 visitors per day, compared to under 5,000 on ordinary weekdays. Officials deployed additional staff and implemented safety measures to manage the influx, particularly for elderly visitors and families with young children.

Gulf States Flooded with Working-Age Population: Blessing or Curse?

Gulf nations dominate global rankings for the highest proportion of working-age residents, driven largely by massive inflows of migrant labour. While this provides a substantial workforce for energy, construction and services, it also creates deep dependence on foreign workers. The demographic structure reflects economic models built on expatriate labour rather than natural population growth.

LRT Jabodebek Extends Service Until Midnight on 17 August

PT Kereta Api Indonesia is extending LRT Jabodebek operating hours until after midnight on 17 August 2026 to accommodate public mobility during Indonesia's 81st Independence Day celebrations. The operator will run 430 trips with a special Rp8 fare and is deploying 44 additional security personnel across eight stations. Passengers are advised to check last-train schedules according to their direction of travel.

At PKR congress, Anwar vows wider graft crackdown and cites king’s backing

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has pledged to intensify anti-corruption enforcement, citing royal backing to expand investigations beyond the Tabung Haji pilgrimage fund to other state-linked entities such as Felda. Speaking at his party's congress following a series of electoral defeats, Anwar framed the crackdown as part of a renewed reform agenda aimed at institutional integrity. The move is seen as both a response to governance failures and a politically significant effort to regain public trust amid rising Malay-Muslim opposition.

Responding to Prabowo's Instruction, Home Affairs Ministry Launches Sustainable Waste Management Ecosystem Programme

Indonesia's Home Affairs Ministry has launched the Gerakan Indonesia ASRI initiative and waste management education programme as part of the 81st Independence Day commemorations. The initiative responds to President Prabowo Subianto's directive for a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable environment. It also strengthens the Local Service Delivery Project involving 30 regional governments to improve basic waste management services.

Developing Cultural Tourism Concept, Astra-Assisted Bugisan Village Income Rises 56.3 Percent

Bugisan Village in Klaten, Central Java, has seen its tourism income rise by 56.3 percent since receiving assistance from PT Astra International in 2022. The growth is driven by the development of traditional arts, local crafts, educational tourism, and experience-based tour packages. Astra's corporate affairs chief emphasised that collaboration between communities, government, and businesses is key to strengthening village self-reliance.

MyPertamina People's Market Celebrates Independence with Activities and Cheap Groceries

PT Pertamina Patra Niaga is hosting the MyPertamina Pasar Rakyat event on 16–17 August 2026 at Hutan Kota GBK, Jakarta, as part of Indonesia's 81st Independence Day celebrations. The event features an SME bazaar, culinary offerings, cheap grocery redemption, competitions, and free performances by national musicians. The initiative aims to strengthen customer engagement and support local micro, small, and medium enterprises.

Supermarkets and Shops Asked to Distribute Goods to NTT Earthquake Victims

East Nusa Tenggara Governor Melki Laka Lena has requested supermarkets and shops in the Flores disaster area to distribute goods to earthquake victims, with the government promising reimbursement. The magnitude 7 earthquake has killed six people and injured two others, prompting President Prabowo Subianto to order ministers to visit the site.

Failing to Make Iran Surrender, Trump to Declare Strait of Hormuz American Territory

US President Donald Trump has threatened to declare the Strait of Hormuz as American territory, claiming the US controls the blockade of the strategically vital waterway. The remarks come as peace negotiations with Iran have stalled, with Tehran refusing to capitulate despite Trump's assertions that Iran has been 'destroyed'. Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi responded that Tehran will not be intimidated by US threats or shows of force.

President RI: No investment more valuable than a child's future

President Prabowo Subianto has announced that the government has built 93 permanent Sekolah Rakyat (People's Schools) in under a year, bringing the total number of operating schools to 182. The boarding schools aim to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty by providing free, quality education and empowerment programmes for students' parents. The President highlighted student achievements as evidence that children from the most disadvantaged families can excel when given opportunity and support.

PLN moves to restore electricity in NTT after M7.7 earthquake

State electricity company PLN is working to restore power in East Nusa Tenggara after a magnitude 7.0–7.7 earthquake caused outages at gas-fired plants and disrupted transmission lines. Restoration is being carried out in stages, prioritising safety and vital facilities such as hospitals and disaster response posts. The quake, centred near Mbay in Nagekeo District, triggered a tsunami warning and was followed by aftershocks felt across Flores and nearby islands.

NTT earthquake: Geology Agency urges residents to follow evacuation routes

The Geology Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has urged residents in East Nusa Tenggara to remain calm and follow evacuation routes after a magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck northeast of Nagekeo. The agency warned that weathered rocks and soft soil conditions could amplify ground shaking, and advised people to avoid cliff areas prone to landslides, especially during rain.

Bogor Mayor Hopes Civil Servant Swept Away in Cisadane River Is Found Soon

Bogor Mayor Dedie Rachim has expressed concern over the disappearance of municipal civil servant Bayu Zulkarnain, who fell into the Cisadane River. Search and rescue teams have expanded the search radius on the third day of operations. No eyewitnesses were present at the scene, though the victim's helmet and laptop were found near the river.

Film 'The Years of Blur' Screened at Udin Festival 2026, Highlighting Murder Case of Journalist Udin

The Udin Festival 2026 in Yogyakarta screened 'The Years of Blur' to commemorate journalist Udin, murdered in 1996 for his critical reporting. Speakers reflected on the constraints faced by journalists under the New Order regime, including strict censorship and limited investigative freedom. The event aimed to preserve public memory of the case and the broader struggle for press freedom and justice.

Bali-NTT Flights Unaffected by M 7.7 Nagekeo Earthquake

Flight operations at Bali's I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport remain normal following a magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck Nagekeo Regency in East Nusa Tenggara. Airport authorities confirmed no cancellations on routes to and from NTT, with scheduled services to Labuan Bajo and Tambolaka operating as usual. The quake, centred at sea 38 kilometres northeast of Mbay, triggered 44 aftershocks recorded by BMKG.

2029 Election: Do Not Let Democracy Be Controlled by Algorithms

As Indonesia prepares for the 2029 general election, concerns are mounting over the potential misuse of artificial intelligence to manipulate voters through deepfakes and disinformation. The article argues that legal reforms, stronger digital campaign oversight, and improved political literacy are essential to protect electoral integrity. It warns that without such measures, democracy risks being replaced by algorithmic control rather than the genuine will of the people.

Powerful 7.7 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes NTT, Panic Spreads to Lombok in NTB

A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Nagekeo Regency in East Nusa Tenggara on Saturday morning, triggering a brief tsunami warning and causing panic as far away as Lombok in West Nusa Tenggara. One person has been confirmed dead in Sikka Regency, with four others injured, while around 2,000 residents in Nagekeo self-evacuated. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency has deployed a helicopter to support emergency logistics and is continuing to verify damage assessments.

State Palace Explains Air Ambulance and Flying Doctor Concept Announced by Prabowo

The Indonesian government is developing air ambulance and flying doctor programmes to address healthcare access gaps in remote regions. State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi explained that the initiative stems from a shortage of doctors, particularly dentists, with only 40 per cent of the country's 10,000 community health centres having a dentist. The scheme aims to provide rapid medical response and evacuation for residents in areas difficult to reach by land transport.

NTT Governor: Northern Flores Region Worst Affected by Earthquake

The Governor of East Nusa Tenggara, Melki Laka Lena, has identified northern Flores as the area most severely impacted by the magnitude 7.7 earthquake centred in Mbay, Nagekeo Regency. Damage and casualty data are still being collected, with the provincial government prioritising evacuation and aid distribution. President Prabowo Subianto is monitoring the response and has ordered officials to inspect the disaster sites directly.

Police and Volunteer Traffic Assistants Ease Congestion on Puncak Alternative Routes During Long Weekend

Bogor Police have deployed around 50 volunteer traffic assistants (supeltas) to manage increased vehicle movement during the long weekend marking Indonesia's 81st Independence Day. The volunteers are stationed at strategic points along alternative routes to Puncak to direct vehicles, provide information to motorists, and support smoother traffic flow. Police have urged all road users to cooperate with officers' instructions.

Bali Tax Office updates data with local governments to boost revenue

The Bali Regional Office of the Directorate General of Taxes is strengthening data-sharing cooperation with local governments to improve tax revenue collection. A joint canvassing exercise in Klungkung Regency found that 53 percent of 214 businesses surveyed were not yet registered for tax. Bali's tax revenue reached Rp8.46 trillion in the first half of 2026, up 10 percent year-on-year but still only 34.8 percent of the annual target.

Unej expert hopes 2027 state budget can upgrade Indonesia's economy

An economist from the University of Jember has urged the government to ensure the 2027 state budget (RAPBN) delivers a credible growth engine that upgrades Indonesia's economy without compromising fiscal health. Adhitya Wardhono cautioned that the 6 percent growth target cannot rely on government spending alone and must be driven by private investment, productivity and value-added exports. He also stressed that social protection programmes should help households escape poverty sustainably rather than merely preventing them from falling deeper.

Supreme Court Candidate Highlights Tax Court Reform Amid Digital Economy Complexity

A candidate for the Supreme Court's tax chamber has called for fundamental reform of Indonesia's Tax Court to address the growing complexity of cross-border digital transactions. Yeheskiel Minggus Tiranda highlighted the lack of judicial independence due to the Finance Ministry's dual role and urged harmonisation of procedural law ahead of the 2026 deadline for transferring full oversight to the Supreme Court.

Governor: DKI Provincial Government and High Prosecutor's Office Synergy Strengthens Jakarta's Development

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has emphasised the importance of collaboration between the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government and the High Prosecutor's Office in ensuring legal certainty and good governance. The synergy has been instrumental in resolving asset disputes and supporting restorative justice approaches. The remarks were made during a handover ceremony for the new Head of the DKI Jakarta High Prosecutor's Office.

State Secretary: Preparations for Independence Day ceremony at Palace reach 99 percent

State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi has confirmed that preparations for the Proclamation Day ceremony at Merdeka Palace are 99 percent complete. He expressed appreciation for all participants and behind-the-scenes staff involved in the event. The ceremony will take place on 17 August.

Baznas Opens 33rd Healthy Home, Expanding Healthcare Access in Jepara

The National Amil Zakat Agency (Baznas) has inaugurated its 33rd Rumah Sehat Baznas (RSB) clinic at the Roudlotul Mubtadiin Balekambang Islamic boarding school complex in Jepara, Central Java. The facility, built with over Rp2 billion in zakat funds, offers general medical, dental, maternal and child health, pharmacy, laboratory, and ambulance services. Baznas is also seeking BPJS Kesehatan cooperation so the clinic can serve national health insurance participants.

The sweet fruit of SOE transformation

President Prabowo Subianto has publicly praised the transformation of Indonesia's state-owned enterprises, citing significant efficiency gains and financial improvements. Data shows SOE profits surged by 75.3 percent to Rp326 trillion in 2025, with dividends to the state rising 67 percent to Rp142.3 trillion. The government projects dividends could reach Rp200 trillion in 2026 without additional state capital injections.

Minister Rosan: Asian Investors Respond Positively to PFII

Investment Minister Rosan Roeslani has reported a positive response from Asian investors and family offices towards the development of the Indonesia International Financial Centre (PFII). A meeting in Nusa Dua, Bali, attracted 110 participants despite only 70 invitations being issued. The minister noted that investors want to see a structure and format that meets global standards, with initial operations planned for Jakarta.

Lyrics of "Rayuan Pulau Kelapa", history and meaning of Ismail Marzuki's song

The article explores the history and significance of "Rayuan Pulau Kelapa", a national song composed by Ismail Marzuki in 1944 during the Japanese occupation. It highlights the song's role in expressing love for Indonesia and its natural beauty, as well as its use in cultural diplomacy and national broadcasts. The piece also outlines Marzuki's broader contribution to Indonesian music and his recognition as a National Hero.

Video: Investment Strategy and Preferred Sectors for Facing the High Interest Rate Era

Bahana TCW Investment Management's Investment Director, Doni Firdaus, assesses that the 2026 IPO pipeline, which lacks large-cap issuers, has not significantly moved the market but remains attractive for retail investors. Amid market uncertainty, the investment manager is focusing on sectors with strong fundamentals and high dividend yield potential. The commodities sector is also viewed as promising due to the potential strengthening of global commodity prices.

Pekanbaru City Government Provides Free VCT Services at 21 Community Health Centres

The Pekanbaru City Government has expanded free HIV/AIDS testing and treatment services to 21 community health centres as part of its Voluntary Counselling and Testing programme. The initiative aims to improve early detection, curb transmission, and provide comprehensive support for those living with HIV. The city is also involving religious leaders and community organisations in prevention and support efforts.

Aceh boosts monitoring after elephant calf dies of suspected virus

Aceh's conservation agency is intensifying health monitoring and early detection of elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) after a young elephant calf named Yuna died at the Saree Elephant Training Center. The virus, which is particularly lethal to young elephants, can cause fatal shock within 48 hours and has a mortality rate of up to 80 percent. Authorities are conducting medical tests on other calves to prevent further spread of the disease.

People with disabilities in Bali take part in physical training games ahead of Independence Day

Dozens of people with physical disabilities in Denpasar, Bali, participated in traditional 17 August games organised by the YPK Bali foundation to mark Indonesia's 81st Independence Day. The activities were designed to improve motor skills, focus, coordination and physical endurance while fostering solidarity among participants. Participants expressed hopes that Indonesia would continue to progress and become free from corruption.

Prabowo Opens Path to Dual Citizenship for Diaspora Talent

President Prabowo Subianto has proposed a limited dual citizenship scheme for Indonesian diaspora and exceptional talent, aimed at attracting scientists, doctors, engineers, AI experts, researchers, entrepreneurs, artists, athletes and world-class professionals. The government will submit a bill to the DPR to amend the citizenship law, with the scheme designed to be selective and accompanied by integrity tests and clear obligations. The policy seeks to transform brain drain into brain circulation and strengthen Indonesia's position in the global competition for talent.

Central Java's 81st Anniversary: Economy Shines Brighter, Poverty Continues to Decline

Central Java marked its 81st anniversary with cumulative economic growth of 5.80 percent in the first half of 2026, outpacing the national average. The province also recorded a decline in poverty to 9.21 percent and attracted Rp48.54 trillion in investment, which created over 213,000 jobs. Governor Ahmad Luthfi attributed the performance to a collaborative government approach involving central and local authorities, businesses, academics, and the public.

House Commission XII Chair Appreciates PLN's FABA Utilisation in Bangka

The Chair of House Commission XII, Bambang Patijaya, has praised state electricity firm PLN for converting fly ash and bottom ash (FABA) from coal-fired power plants in Bangka Belitung into useful products for agriculture and environmental conservation. He urged the programme to be scaled up nationally to support food self-sufficiency and local economic empowerment. PLN reported that FABA utilisation has reached nearly 90 percent, with farmers cutting production costs by up to 58.3 percent.

Red and White Attribute Sellers at Asemka Market Complain of Falling Turnover

Traders selling red and white Independence Day attributes at Pasar Asemka in West Jakarta report a significant drop in buyers compared to last year, just two days before 17 August. Sellers have been forced to lower prices and reduce stock orders due to weaker demand. They remain hopeful that sales will pick up on the eve of Independence Day.

Lyrics of Garuda Pancasila and the history of its creation

The article explores the origins and meaning of the Indonesian national song 'Garuda Pancasila', composed by Sudharnoto in 1956. It details the song's evolution from 'Mars Pancasila' and its role in promoting Pancasila as the state ideology. The piece also provides biographical information about the composer and explains the patriotic messages embedded in the lyrics.

BP3MI: Riau Islands PMI placements up 208 percent until August 2026

The Riau Islands BP3MI recorded 2,948 Indonesian migrant worker placements from January to 12 August 2026, a 208 percent increase compared to the same period in 2025. Able Seaman was the most common occupation, with Singapore as the top destination country. The agency attributed the rise to improved procedural compliance and collaboration with related institutions and the Riau Islands provincial government.

Haji Isam's Luxury Vessel Converted into Food Logistics Base

The J7 Explorer, a luxury expedition yacht owned by South Kalimantan businessman Haji Isam, has been repurposed as a floating logistics base for Indonesia's national food security programme. The Ministry of Defence confirmed the vessel is operating under official government authority, supporting large-scale rice field development in remote areas such as Merauke, South Papua. The project involves around 2,000 excavators and international experts, reflecting a major private-sector mobilisation in support of President Prabowo Subianto's food self-sufficiency agenda.

RAPBN 2027: Navigating growth, fiscal discipline, and welfare

Indonesia's proposed 2027 state budget aims to balance economic growth, fiscal prudence, and social welfare amid global uncertainty. The government targets 6 percent growth, but analysts view the assumption as optimistic given historical performance. Revenue targets remain largely unchanged as a share of GDP, raising questions about the ambition of fiscal optimisation efforts.

PLN Restores Electricity After Flores Earthquake, 429 Substations Back Online

State electricity company PLN is making progress restoring power in East Nusa Tenggara following a magnitude 7.7 earthquake in the Flores Sea. As of 11:30 WITA, 429 distribution substations and six of eleven affected main substations have been brought back into operation. PLN says it is prioritising supply to vital facilities such as hospitals and disaster command posts.

Nagekeo Earthquake: NTT Provincial Government Reviews National Disaster Status

The East Nusa Tenggara provincial government is assessing whether the 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Nagekeo should be declared a national disaster. Governor Melki Laka Lena said the decision will be based on field assessments and coordination with the central government. At least five people have been confirmed dead across Sikka and Manggarai regencies.

Five Killed in NTT Earthquake, Palace Offers Condolences

The Indonesian government has expressed deep condolences following an earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara that has claimed at least five lives. State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi confirmed that President Prabowo Subianto has been briefed and that central government resources are on standby to assist local authorities.

Vice President Gibran Assures Maximum Handling of M 7.7 Earthquake in NTT

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has expressed condolences and assured that the government will provide maximum emergency response following a magnitude 7.7 earthquake in Nusa Tenggara Timur. The quake struck Nagekeo Regency and was felt across several regions, with BNPB confirming two fatalities in Sikka Regency. Gibran pledged rapid and coordinated aid distribution for affected communities.

BMKS aims to give Indonesia its own reference price

Indonesia is accelerating the establishment of its own Mineral and Commodities Exchange (BMKS) to create transparent pricing and reduce reliance on foreign exchanges. A task force involving BIM, Danantara, Bank Indonesia, and OJK is preparing regulatory, governance, and technological frameworks, with President Prabowo targeting operations by January 1, 2027. The exchange is expected to support downstream industrialisation and strengthen national economic resilience.