Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 15 August 2026

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Video: How Hospitals Are Using AI Technology to Provide Healthcare Services

Finna Huang, founder of The Joy Women & Children's Community Hospital, has expressed optimism about the development of hospital services and technology to meet public healthcare needs in Indonesia. She highlighted that hospitals are leveraging artificial intelligence to improve healthcare quality while maintaining empathy and care for patients. The discussion covered strategies for expanding diverse hospital services to cater to all levels of society.

Starting to invest? A comparison of mutual funds and gold for beginners

Indonesian financial regulator OJK advises novice investors to understand risk profiles before choosing between mutual funds and gold. The article compares the advantages and disadvantages of both instruments, noting that mutual funds offer professional management and diversification while gold serves as a long-term store of value. Investors are encouraged to select instruments based on their financial goals and risk tolerance rather than popularity.

Prabowo's Giant Sea Wall Dream: What Does the Netherlands' Massive Dyke Look Like?

President Prabowo Subianto has highlighted the planned Giant Sea Wall along Java's north coast as a major national project, with an estimated cost of US$100 billion and a construction timeline of 15 to 20 years. The project aims to protect around 50 million coastal residents and safeguard an area contributing 38% of Indonesia's GDP. Prabowo cited the Netherlands' Afsluitdijk as a model for long-term flood protection infrastructure built before disaster strikes.

Indonesian Technical Workers Begin Filling High-Tech Agricultural Sector in Japan

Indonesian technical workers are increasingly taking strategic roles in Japan's high-tech agricultural sector, with Indonesia now the largest source of specified skilled workers in Japanese farming. The number of Indonesian workers under the Tokutei Ginou scheme in agriculture reached 12,626 by June 2025, representing 36 percent of all foreign workers in the sector. The Tokutei Ginou 2 scheme now offers pathways for long-term careers, with 519 workers already holding this status.

NTT Earthquake: Ruteng Regional Hospital Patients Evacuated to Hospital Grounds

A powerful shallow earthquake struck East Nusa Tenggara, causing significant damage to Ruteng Regional Hospital and forcing the evacuation of all patients, including those in intensive care and maternity wards. Medical staff continued to provide care in makeshift facilities on the hospital grounds while treating residents injured by collapsing buildings. The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) briefly issued a tsunami warning before withdrawing it.

BMKG: 111 aftershocks recorded following magnitude 7.7 earthquake

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has recorded 111 aftershocks following a magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck Nagekeo Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. The tsunami early warning has been lifted, but residents in Flores are urged to remain vigilant as seismic activity continues. The earthquake occurred at sea, approximately 30 kilometres from Mbay-Nagekeo, at a depth of 15 kilometres.

Central Java Government's Performance Achievements on 81st Anniversary

Central Java marked its 81st anniversary with economic growth of 5.80% in the first half of 2026, outpacing the national average. Investment realisation reached Rp48.54 trillion, absorbing over 213,000 workers, while the poverty rate fell to 9.21%. Governor Ahmad Luthfi emphasised collaborative government as key to sustaining this momentum.

UI observer: Indonesia needs to strengthen energy sector

A University of Indonesia international relations expert has called on the government to prioritise strengthening the energy sector amid geopolitical conflicts, trade wars and global supply chain disruptions. He argued that reducing import dependence would ease pressure on the state budget and urged faster development of alternative energy sources. The observer also said Indonesia should pursue mutually beneficial partnerships with both the United States and China while using agile diplomacy to advance national interests.

Primary School Pupils in Cawas, Klaten Suffer Vomiting and Diarrhoea, Suspected MBG Food Poisoning

Pupils at SD Sinar Fajar in Bawak village, Cawas, Klaten, have fallen ill with dizziness, vomiting and diarrhoea after consuming meals from the national free nutritious meal programme (MBG). Local health authorities are investigating the cause and have requested food samples be tested while monitoring the affected pupils.

M7.7 Earthquake Damages Jayakarta Hotel in Labuan Bajo, Guests Evacuated

A magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck Nagekeo Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, caused significant damage to the Jayakarta Hotel in Labuan Bajo, forcing the evacuation of guests and staff. The hotel has temporarily suspended operations pending structural inspections, while authorities have urged residents and tourists to follow official guidance from BMKG and local government.

State Address: Ahmad Luthfi Calls for Listening to People's Aspirations

Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi urged regional governments to translate President Prabowo Subianto's state address into concrete action for public welfare. He highlighted the province's declining poverty rate, economic growth above the national average, and positive investment trends. Luthfi stressed that development success should be measured by tangible benefits felt by the community, not just statistical achievements.

Manggarai Regency Government: 6 Dead and 2 Injured Following M7 Earthquake

A magnitude 7 earthquake that struck Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, on Saturday morning has killed at least six people and injured two others, according to preliminary data from the Manggarai Regency disaster post. The regency government is continuing to coordinate with sub-district and village authorities to update casualty figures and assess damage to homes and public facilities. Communication disruptions in several areas are hampering the collection of information, and residents have been urged to remain calm and avoid damaged buildings.

Two Chinese Tourists Injured in NTT Earthquake in Labuan Bajo, Rushed to Hospital

Two Chinese tourists were injured during an earthquake in Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara, and were taken to Siloam Hospital for treatment. The four-star Jayakarta Hotel, where they were staying, sustained visible damage including collapsed walls and a broken ceiling. The incident highlights the impact of seismic activity on tourism infrastructure in the region.

Vice President Gibran Expresses Condolences for Victims of M 7.7 Earthquake in NTT

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has expressed his condolences following a powerful earthquake that struck East Nusa Tenggara. He assured that the government would act swiftly and in a coordinated manner to handle emergency response, evacuation, and aid distribution. The earthquake, initially recorded at magnitude 7.0 and later revised to 7.7, occurred on Saturday morning near Nagekeo.

NASA Formally Invites ISRO to Join Lunar Base Development Project

NASA has officially invited the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to participate in its Artemis programme to build a permanent base on the Moon's south pole. The invitation was extended during the 9th U.S.-India Civil Space Joint Working Group meeting in Bengaluru, strengthening bilateral space cooperation. India, which signed the Artemis Accords in 2023, views the collaboration as aligned with its own long-term lunar exploration roadmap.

Commemorating Indonesia's 81st Independence Day, Bulog Holds Joint Sports Event with All Regional Leaders

State logistics company Perum Bulog marked Indonesia's 81st Independence Day with a nationwide sports and community event involving employees and regional heads from across the archipelago. The initiative aimed to strengthen internal ties, promote employee health, and celebrate national independence. Activities ranged from traditional races to e-sports competitions, reflecting the company's commitment to national unity and morale.

Three Central Asian countries experience simultaneous power outages

Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan suffered simultaneous power outages on Friday as authorities worked to restore electricity and determine the cause. Kazakhstan's Energy Ministry attributed the disruption to a sudden change in power flow from the Central Asian grid, while Uzbekistan and Tajikistan reported impacts from incidents in neighbouring systems. Power has largely been restored, though investigations into the root cause are ongoing.

SAR team sweeps Lombok Strait to Nusa Penida in search for KMP Yasmin victims

A joint search and rescue operation has entered its fourth day as teams sweep the waters of the Lombok Strait and around Nusa Penida, Bali, for four passengers still missing after the KMP Putri Yasmin caught fire. A total of 212 people have been confirmed safe, one person has died, and four remain unaccounted for. The operation involves multiple agencies from Mataram and Denpasar, supported by vessels, rigid inflatable boats, and a helicopter.

Crypto industry needs a more inclusive ecosystem strengthening

Indonesian blockchain and crypto industry players are calling for a stronger ecosystem to create broader and more inclusive economic value. Indodax CEO William Sutanto highlighted the sector's transition to OJK oversight and the growing use of blockchain for real-world asset tokenisation and digital infrastructure. He stressed the need for adaptive regulation that balances innovation with consumer protection.

Ende-Nagekeo Road Cut Off by Flores Earthquake, Aid Distribution Hampered

A magnitude 7.7 earthquake in the Flores Sea has severed key road links in East Nusa Tenggara, including the Ende-Nagekeo and Ende-Maumere routes, complicating the delivery of relief supplies. Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena said the provincial government is preparing alternative routes and mobilising heavy equipment to reopen access. A development exhibition in Kupang is proceeding with a 'Flores Earthquake Solidarity' theme to support affected communities.

NTT Governor: 5 People Killed in Nagekeo Earthquake

Five people have been confirmed dead following a 7.7 magnitude earthquake centred in Nagekeo Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. The victims were found in Sikka and Manggarai regencies, with authorities cautioning that the toll may rise as data is still being verified. Regional leaders are deploying to Flores to assess the damage and coordinate the emergency response.

Gold vs bank savings: Which is more profitable? Here are the facts

Gold and bank savings serve different financial purposes, with savings offering liquidity for short-term needs and gold acting as a long-term store of value. Bank Indonesia raised the BI-Rate to 5.25 percent in May 2026, while inflation reached 2.88 percent annually in July 2026, affecting the real value of money. The article advises diversifying funds between bank accounts for emergencies and gold for long-term goals based on individual risk profiles.

Kemkomdigi monitors mobile service recovery in NTT after M 7.0 earthquake

Indonesia's Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs is monitoring the restoration of mobile services in East Nusa Tenggara after a magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck Flores Island. Around 200 base transceiver stations across ten districts and cities have been affected, with power supply and transmission network disruptions identified as the main causes. The ministry is coordinating with operators while prioritising the safety of field personnel.

Google to allow removal of visible watermarks on AI-generated images and videos

Google is introducing an option for users to remove visible watermarks from AI-generated images and videos across its Nano Banana, Omni, and Lyria models, as well as Gemini and Flow. The feature will be available in most countries but not where laws require watermarks to be retained, such as the European Union and South Korea. The move aims to balance creative control with safety amid growing global scrutiny of AI content labelling.

Encouraging Cross-Perspective Collaboration for the Future of Indonesian Architecture

LIXIL Water Technology Indonesia hosted the LIXIL Day of Architecture & Design 2026 in Jakarta, bringing together architects, designers, and industry players to discuss the future of architecture and quality of living spaces. The event featured international and national speakers exploring themes of co-creation, context, technology, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. The programme concluded with the LIXIL Architectural Design Competition awards, recognising innovative design responses to real spatial challenges.

M7.7 Earthquake Shakes Nagekeo, Residents Urged to Follow Evacuation Routes

A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck northeast of Nagekeo, East Nusa Tenggara, in the early hours of Saturday, prompting the Geological Agency to urge residents to remain calm and follow evacuation routes. The quake, associated with the Flores Back Arc Thrust, caused damage to roads, hotels, and disrupted flights in the region. Authorities have classified the area as having medium to high earthquake disaster risk.

Anwar Ibrahim Reveals Malaysian Pension Fund Lost Rp 880 Billion in eFishery Fraud

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has confirmed that the country's civil service pension fund, KWAP, lost nearly RM200 million (around Rp880 billion) in what he described as a premeditated fraud at Indonesian agritech startup eFishery. The fund was among several international investors, including Temasek and SoftBank, that were misled by manipulated financial reports. Former eFishery CEO Gibran Huzaifah was sentenced to nine years in prison in April for his role in the financial manipulation and money laundering case.

NTT Governor: Earthquake Death Toll Rises to 5

The death toll from the magnitude 7 earthquake in the Flores Sea has risen to five, with victims reported in Sikka and Manggarai regencies. Joint teams are conducting evacuations and damage assessments across Flores, while authorities prepare to open public kitchens for displaced residents. The earthquake also triggered a tsunami of nearly one metre in several areas.

UUCC Conference Becomes a Space for Transforming Islamic Civilisation and Global Ecosystem Sustainability

Universitas Nasional and UCSI University Malaysia held the first UCSI–UNAS Collaboration Center international conference in Jakarta, bringing together academics and stakeholders from seven countries. The event focused on the future of Islamic civilisation, sustainability, and nation-building in a multipolar era, with organisers emphasising that academic knowledge must translate into tangible social and policy impact. Speakers highlighted interdisciplinary collaboration and ecological sustainability as foundational to modern academic ecosystems.

Bandung DPRD Targets Completion of Sharia BPR By-law, Perseroda Transformation Expected to Boost Regional Revenue

The Bandung City Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) is accelerating deliberation of a by-law to convert the city's Sharia People's Credit Bank (BPR Syariah) into a Regional Public Company (Perseroda). The move is mandated by national banking regulations, including Law No. 7 of 2024 and Home Affairs Ministerial Regulation No. 21 of 2024. Lawmakers expect the transformation to strengthen governance, expand capital access, and ultimately increase locally generated revenue (PAD).

Student in Pekalongan Still Hospitalised After Being Assaulted by Schoolmates

A ninth-grade student in Pekalongan, Central Java, remains under medical care after being beaten by fellow pupils during a school break. The incident reportedly stemmed from a dispute over social media communications and a friendship with a female classmate. Police and school officials are now providing support and have urged students to refrain from retaliation.

BNI Warns of Fraudulent Prize Draw for Indonesia's 81st Independence Day

State-owned lender BNI has warned the public about a fake 'Rejeki wondr BNI - Undian Berhadiah' prize draw circulating on social media in connection with Indonesia's 81st Independence Day. Corporate Secretary Okki Rushartomo confirmed the information is a hoax and not an official BNI programme. The bank reminded customers never to share PINs, OTP codes, or CVV numbers and to verify information only through official channels.

PNM and OJK Synergy Strengthens Aceh Women's Micro Enterprises to Level Up

PT Permodalan Nasional Madani (PNM) and the Financial Services Authority (OJK) are collaborating to empower women ultra-micro entrepreneurs in Aceh through financing combined with financial literacy programmes. As of 31 July 2026, over 268,000 PNM Mekaar customers in Aceh have benefited from the scheme, with more than 56,000 assisted in obtaining business identification numbers. The initiative aims to help informal businesses transition into the formal economy.

Iran Urges US to Accept Defeat in War: Face Reality!

Iran has called on the United States to acknowledge a strategic defeat after President Donald Trump announced plans to declare the Strait of Hormuz as US territory. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi insisted the strait belongs to Iran and will remain under its control. The dispute over the vital oil and gas shipping route has intensified amid ongoing conflict between the two nations.

Separating the 2029 Elections

The Constitutional Court has reaffirmed that the DPR and government must complete all legal regulations for the 2029 elections before the electoral stages begin. This follows the Court's landmark decision to separate national and regional elections, a move intended to reduce voter fatigue and improve democratic quality. The ruling creates significant legislative work, as the implementing law has yet to be finalised.

Iran rebuffs Trump: Hormuz cannot be seized by tweet or decree

Iran's deputy foreign minister has dismissed President Donald Trump's claim that the US will declare the Strait of Hormuz as American territory, insisting the waterway belongs to Iran and will remain under its control. Tehran says the strait will only be opened or closed on Iran's orders and that the US must accept its strategic defeat. The exchange follows Trump's assertion that the US Navy is enforcing a full blockade of the strait.

Central Java DPRD pushes Land Revolution to strengthen food security

The Central Java Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) is promoting an integrated farming and livestock model under the 'Revolusi Lahan' (Land Revolution) programme to boost food security and reduce poverty. A pilot project in Banjarnegara Regency has converted 10 hectares of idle land into productive agricultural, livestock and fishery operations managed by young farmers using modern technology. Officials hope the model will be replicated across all 35 districts and cities in the province.

Fake TNI Officer in Gunungkidul Arrested After Swindling Paliyan Resident Out of Tens of Millions

A man posing as a TNI officer has been arrested in Gunungkidul for defrauding a resident of Rp42.5 million through a fictitious waste processing business scheme. Police discovered TNI uniforms, a red beret, a bulletproof vest, air guns and a fake TNI membership card at the suspect's rented house. The suspect is a repeat offender previously convicted of similar fraud in Temanggung and Purworejo.

Pamulang Neighbourhood Unit Head Named Suspect After Reprimanding Resident for Burning Rubbish

A neighbourhood unit head in Pamulang, South Tangerang, has been named a suspect and detained over an alleged assault that began when he reprimanded a resident for burning dry leaves. Police say restorative justice efforts failed before the case file was declared complete and handed to prosecutors. Local residents have expressed concern, arguing the official was carrying out his duty to uphold environmental rules.

Geological Expert Reveals Facts About M 7.7 Earthquake in NTT, Issues Advisory

The Geological Agency of Indonesia's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has urged residents to remain calm and vigilant following a magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck off the coast of Nagekeo, East Nusa Tenggara. The agency explained that the region's soft soil conditions and geological composition amplified the shaking, and warned of potential aftershocks and landslides. The earthquake was associated with the Flores Back Arc Thrust fault zone.

Kodam Udayana assists evacuation of NTT residents affected by earthquake

Kodam IX/Udayana has deployed personnel to assist with evacuation efforts in East Nusa Tenggara following a magnitude 7.7 earthquake. The military command is prioritising civilian safety and coordinating with local government and disaster agencies. Residents have been urged to remain calm and follow official guidance from BMKG and BPBD.

Tiny Island with Only 500 Residents Becomes Global Contention, a Casino and Brothel Haven

Migingo, a tiny island in Lake Victoria with an area of just 2,000 square metres, is home to more than 500 people and has become a flashpoint in a long-running territorial dispute between Kenya and Uganda. Rich fishing grounds for valuable Nile perch have turned the island into a multi-million-dollar economic hub, prompting both countries to deploy armed police and marines. The unresolved border conflict, rooted in ambiguous colonial-era maps, has been dubbed 'Africa's smallest war'.

Scouting in the Era of AI and Social Media: Gus Qowim Issues a Reminder

The Kediri city government is urging the Scout Movement to transform in line with technological developments and the character of today's youth. Deputy Mayor KH Qowimuddin Thoha stressed that after more than six decades, Scouting must remain relevant by embracing digital spaces, creative economy opportunities, and concrete social roles without abandoning its core principles. He called on Scouts to become information-literate, era-literate, and opportunity-literate.

Governor says northern Flores most affected by earthquake

East Nusa Tenggara Governor 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 by local governments, while President Prabowo has ordered ministers to inspect the disaster sites directly. The provincial government is prioritising evacuation and has asked supermarkets in affected areas to distribute food, with reimbursement promised.

DSN MUI Reveals Potential of Sharia-Compliant Crypto Based on Gold and Sukuk

Indonesia's National Sharia Council (DSN MUI) is encouraging the development of sharia-compliant crypto assets backed by real-world assets such as gold and sukuk. The council believes tokenisation of these assets using blockchain technology could expand the use of Islamic finance instruments in the digital economy. This move could create new investment opportunities while ensuring compliance with sharia principles.

Four NTB Senators Report AWK over Alleged Intimidation of Lombok Woman

Four senators from West Nusa Tenggara have formally reported Bali senator Arya Wedakarna to the DPD's ethics body over allegations that he intimidated a woman from Lombok during a mediation process. The complaint follows a viral video in which AWK appears to pressure the woman, Hilda, despite a prior peace agreement between her and a tailor in Bali. The NTB senators are seeking clarification and assurance that the alleged intimidation will be addressed.

Sheinbaum criticises US over visa revocations of Mexican political figures

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has condemned the recent revocation of visas for Mexican public figures by the United States, describing the move as political interference. She argued that such immigration measures reflect internal US dynamics and political pressure rather than international justice. Sheinbaum reiterated Mexico's commitment to sovereignty and cooperation based on equality and mutual respect.

100 GW Solar Power Becomes Prabowo's Grand Ambition, Can Indonesia Realise It?

The Indonesian government's plan to accelerate solar power plant development while phasing out diesel power plants is seen as a pivotal step towards energy independence. IESR has praised the 100 GW solar target as one of the most progressive policies announced by President Prabowo. However, experts caution that achieving this ambition will require serious reforms in electricity governance, grid development, and financing.

Does driving licence renewal have to match KTP domicile? Here's the explanation

Indonesian police clarify that driving licence (SIM) renewal is not restricted to the holder's KTP domicile. Motorists can renew at any police service location, mobile SIM units, or online via the Digital Korlantas Polri app. Applicants must ensure their SIM is still valid and prepare required administrative, health, and psychological documents.

TNI-Polri and DKI Jakarta Provincial Government Clean Kalijodo River Ahead of Indonesia's 81st Independence Day

The Indonesian military, police, and DKI Jakarta provincial government conducted a major clean-up of the Kalijodo River in North Jakarta ahead of the 81st anniversary of Indonesian independence. The operation involved 3,550 personnel and heavy equipment, including an amphibious excavator, and was part of the central government's ASRI programme. Officials urged residents to stop dumping waste into the river and highlighted the activity as part of efforts to mitigate climate change impacts, including El Niño.