Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 15 August 2026

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Israeli Air Strike Hits Home in Southern Lebanon, 7 Killed

An Israeli air strike on a residential building in Ansar, southern Lebanon, has killed seven people and injured three others. Rescue teams are continuing to clear debris and evacuate victims. The attack comes amid ongoing efforts to secure a permanent ceasefire in the region.

ESDM Geological Agency Warns of Liquefaction Potential from NTT Earthquake, Here Are the Signs

The Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has identified secondary hazards following the magnitude 7.7 earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara, including ground movement and possible liquefaction. Initial rapid analysis suggests liquefaction potential in alluvial plain areas such as parts of Nagekeo, based on distance from the earthquake source and its magnitude. The agency will deploy an emergency response investigation team to verify field conditions and formulate technical mitigation recommendations.

KAI Prepares to Develop Affordable Housing in Central Jakarta, Manggarai as Initial TOD Development

State-owned railway operator PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) is preparing to develop affordable housing in central Jakarta through the Manggarai Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), with an initial phase covering 2.19 hectares and 3,740 residential units. The project includes 1,232 units designated for low- and middle-income earners, with groundbreaking scheduled for 21 August 2026. The development aims to integrate housing with public transport, leveraging Manggarai Station's daily passenger flow of approximately 162,000 movements.

BRI KKB Expo 2026 held at 131 branch offices, easing vehicle financing access

Bank BRI is hosting the BRI KKB Expo 2026 across 131 branch offices nationwide from 10–21 August 2026, offering promotional vehicle financing rates and special deals. The event, run in collaboration with BRI Finance, also supports the growing electric vehicle ecosystem in Indonesia. It aims to provide easier access to financing for both conventional and electric vehicles.

Welcoming Indonesia's 81st Independence Day, Medan Mayor Holds Community Clean-up and Meets Residents

Medan Mayor Rico Tri Putra Bayu Waas led a city-wide community clean-up across 21 sub-districts to mark Indonesia's 81st Independence Day. The event also included a public engagement session where residents raised issues such as flooding, drainage, waste management, and drug trafficking. The mayor pledged continued coordination with security forces to combat narcotics and ordered an evaluation of civil administration services.

Unhas Expels Student for Harassing Freshers in WhatsApp Group

Hasanuddin University (Unhas) has expelled a Forestry Faculty student, identified as WL, after he was found to have verbally sexually harassed prospective new students in WhatsApp groups. The student had posed as the chair of the university's new student orientation committee to contact the freshers. The university emphasised that the expulsion was based on its internal student ethics system, not merely because the case went viral.

Dompet Dhuafa DMC Team Provides Services for Hundreds of NTT Earthquake Survivors

Dompet Dhuafa's Disaster Management Center has deployed response teams to East Nusa Tenggara following a 7.7 magnitude earthquake, establishing warm post and medical services for survivors. The teams are assisting with evacuation and coordinating with government agencies to address urgent needs including medicines, food, and baby supplies. The earthquake has resulted in 38 deaths and displaced approximately 2,000 people.

Prabowo Reveals B50 Success, Experts: Foreign Exchange No Longer Drained by Fuel Imports

President Prabowo Subianto has announced that Indonesia has begun achieving energy self-sufficiency through the production of B50 biodiesel, which has halted diesel imports and saved Rp170 trillion in foreign exchange. Economists have welcomed the policy, noting that the savings could be redirected towards technology transfer and strengthening national competitiveness. They also stress the need for supporting ecosystems, including raw material readiness and financing, to ensure the programme's sustainability.

Illegal Mines Curbed, Tin Industry Performance Strengthens

The Indonesian government's crackdown on around 1,000 illegal tin mines and smuggling routes in Bangka Belitung has begun to improve governance in the national tin industry. State-owned PT Timah Tbk has reported significant increases in production, revenue, and net profit as a result. Observers stress that consistent law enforcement and the formalisation of small-scale mining are key to sustaining these gains.

Setara Institute Highlights Febrie's Legal Manoeuvres to Obscure Substance of Case

Setara Institute has warned that legal manoeuvres by former Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes Febrie Adriansyah risk diverting public attention from the substance of the case against him. The institute called for transparency regarding the transfer of the case from the police to the Attorney General's Office, citing concerns over independence and potential conflicts of interest. It urged that the entire legal process be conducted openly and accountably to maintain public trust in Indonesia's criminal justice system.

Yogyakarta HIPMI Strengthens Consolidation and Investment through RAKERCAB & FORBISCAB

The Yogyakarta branch of the Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association (BPC HIPMI) held its 2026 RAKERCAB and FORBISCAB to consolidate its organisation and expand investment opportunities. The event featured a business plan competition and the Jogja Investment Arena, which connected over 50 entrepreneurs with investors and government agencies. The initiative aims to boost the local economy by facilitating access to investment funding for businesses in Yogyakarta.

PKS Visits Graves of Proclaimers, Draws Inspiration from Sukarno and Hatta's Thought

The Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) leadership visited the graves of Indonesia's founding fathers Sukarno and Mohammad Hatta ahead of the 81st anniversary of independence. The visits were framed as a reflection on the economic democracy enshrined in Article 33 of the 1945 Constitution and the broader legacy of the nation's founders. PKS officials emphasised that the values of the independence struggle must be translated into concrete action for welfare, justice, and democracy.

PDIP Secretary-General urges preservation of Lake Toba civilisation and ancestral traditions

PDI Perjuangan Secretary-General Hasto Kristiyanto has called for the protection of Lake Toba's cultural heritage and ancestral traditions during a spiritual and cultural pilgrimage to Mount Pusuk Buhit in Samosir, North Sumatra. He linked the visit to the party's ideological commitment to Pancasila and highlighted the importance of balancing development with environmental and spiritual values. Hasto also reiterated party chair Megawati Soekarnoputri's message on preserving the UNESCO-recognised Lake Toba Global Geopark.

ANTARA Heritage Walk invites participants to trace Yogyakarta's struggle heritage

ANTARA's Heritage Walk and Photo Hunting event guided participants through historic sites in Yogyakarta, from Titik Nol Kilometre to the Keraton, to foster patriotism and national awareness. The activity was part of the 'Merdeka: Celebrating Independence, Nurturing Togetherness' photo exhibition. Organisers hope the storytelling approach will bring history closer to the public.

JK urges Acehnese to safeguard Helsinki peace

Former Vice President Jusuf Kalla has called on all elements of Acehnese society to protect the stability achieved since the Helsinki peace agreement, warning against new conflicts that could undermine two decades of progress. He said recent unrest in Banda Aceh did not reflect the wishes of the majority and was more about internal local leadership dissatisfaction than opposition to the central government. Kalla highlighted the benefits of special autonomy funds and urged the public to learn from 21 years of peace.

HNI Marks 14 Years, Strengthens Halal Product Ecosystem and Entrepreneurship

PT Halal Network International (HNI) celebrated its 14th anniversary by reaffirming its commitment to strengthening Indonesia's halal economy ecosystem and fostering entrepreneurship. The company highlighted that its success is measured not only by business growth but also by its ability to build a loyal consumer base and nurture new entrepreneurs. HNI currently has around 6 million members, with over 300,000 active monthly buyers.

Reaching 43 Thousand People, Madiun Train Passenger Surge Soars During Independence Holiday

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) Operational Area 7 Madiun recorded 42,996 passengers departing and arriving at stations across its working area during the 14–18 August 2026 Independence Day long weekend. The nearly balanced two-way movement highlights strong public mobility and the railway's role as a primary mode of transport during peak holiday periods. The surge is also expected to generate knock-on effects for local economic activity in Madiun and surrounding areas.

986 Tourists on Padar Island Successfully Evacuated After M 7.7 Earthquake in NTT

A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck northern Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, causing damage to tourism infrastructure and temporary port closures. Nearly a thousand tourists stranded on Padar Island were safely evacuated to Labuan Bajo after sailing restrictions were lifted. Authorities continue to assess damage to hotels, roads, and public facilities across the affected regencies.

Umrah Pilgrimage Bus Plunges into Ravine in Nagreg, 13 Injured, One Dead

A bus carrying a group of umrah pilgrims veered off the road and plunged into a ravine in Nagreg, Bandung Regency, West Java, in the early hours of Friday. Thirteen passengers were injured and one died in the single-vehicle accident. Police attributed the crash to the driver's lack of concentration and alertness on a downhill stretch.

State Palace Speaks Out on Location of Indonesia International Financial Centre in Jakarta

Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi has confirmed that the government has prepared a location in Jakarta for the Indonesia International Financial Centre (PFII), though he declined to disclose the exact site. The PFII is part of efforts to position Indonesia as an attractive investment destination, with Jakarta and Bali selected as host locations. The PFII Bill was enacted into law at the end of July 2026.

When Drug Lords Defy the State

Recent violent resistance against police anti-narcotics operations in Kampung Bahari, North Jakarta, and Katingan, Central Kalimantan, highlights how drug networks have built deep social and economic roots in vulnerable communities. The article argues that drug lords function as 'criminal patrons' who provide livelihoods and protection, creating informal authority that rivals the state. It calls for a comprehensive strategy that dismantles the entire network ecosystem and offers economic alternatives, rather than merely arresting individual dealers.

Environment Minister Appreciates Riau Police Expedition: Mangrove Restoration Creates Green Jobs

Environment Minister Jumhur Hidayat has praised the Riau Regional Police's 'Ekspedisi Merah Putih Presisi' initiative for restoring coastal areas in Indragiri Hilir through mangrove planting. The programme aims to rehabilitate 1,200 hectares of affected land, with 500 hectares already replanted, while creating sustainable 'Green Jobs' for local communities. The initiative is framed as a long-term effort combining environmental recovery with socio-economic empowerment.

Brimob NTT Police Assist Evacuation of Victims from Rubble After M 7.7 Earthquake

Mobile Brigade personnel from the East Nusa Tenggara Regional Police have been deployed to assist in evacuating victims and securing affected areas following a magnitude 7.7 earthquake. The disaster has claimed at least 47 lives and damaged hundreds of homes and public facilities across several regencies. Authorities continue to coordinate relief efforts and urge residents to remain vigilant against aftershocks.

DPD Considered to Have Found Its Strategic Role, Becoming a Bridge Between Regional Interests and the National Development Agenda

Political observer Lucius Karus has praised the Regional Representative Council (DPD) for shifting its institutional role from merely voicing regional aspirations to actively integrating them into national policy. He highlighted the DPD's constructive approach of fostering synergy between central and regional governments rather than positioning them as opposing forces. The advancement of the Archipelagic Regions Bill into the 2026 Priority National Legislation Programme is cited as concrete evidence of this strategic evolution.

Abrasion Erodes 1,700 Hectares of Residents' Plantations in Indragiri Hilir, Government Prepares 500 Hectares of Mangrove Rehabilitation

Coastal abrasion has destroyed approximately 1,700 hectares of community plantations in Kuala Selat Village, Indragiri Hilir Regency, Riau, since 2021. The Riau Police Chief and the Minister of Environment have pledged large-scale mangrove rehabilitation, targeting 500 hectares initially with potential expansion to 1,000 hectares. The programme aims to restore the environment while creating green jobs for local residents through involvement in nursery, planting, and maintenance activities.

Youngest Professor Found Dead After Plagiarism Case

Jason Arday, the youngest Black professor at the University of Cambridge, has been found dead in London just days after resigning amid plagiarism allegations and intense media scrutiny. His family has said the public pressure and disinformation he faced were overwhelming. Cambridge's vice-chancellor has expressed deep sorrow and confirmed the university will review its academic recruitment processes.

Impact of M7.7 Earthquake in Nagekeo: Dozens of Buildings Damaged, Thousands of Residents Displaced

A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off the coast of East Nusa Tenggara on Saturday, causing significant damage in Nagekeo Regency, particularly in Mbay. Dozens of homes and public facilities were damaged, and thousands of residents evacuated to higher ground following a tsunami warning. Local authorities and joint teams are conducting damage assessments and providing logistical support to displaced residents.

Short Film Di Bawah Langit Timur Tells Story of Love for Homeland from Papua's Interior

A short musical film set in Wamena, Papua Pegunungan, has been released to mark Indonesia's 81st Independence Day. The film follows a Papuan child's journey to a flag ceremony, highlighting themes of struggle, hope and national unity. Its creators hope to broaden representation of regional stories in Indonesia's creative industry.

South Lampung Regent urges Kadin to drive regional economy and investment

South Lampung Regent Radityo Egi Pratama has called on the local Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) to act as a strategic bridge between government, communities and businesses. He emphasised Kadin's role in mapping local needs, accelerating economic growth and attracting investment. The regent also encouraged collaboration with HIPMI and Apindo to strengthen the regional business ecosystem.

Legal Observer Says Pretrial Motion Must Not Become a Political Lobbying Space

Legal observer Mohammad Saleh Gawi has urged the public to closely monitor the legal process involving former Junior Attorney General for Special Crimes Febrie Adriansyah, warning that the case must not be turned into a political manoeuvre or an instrument of power. Saleh highlighted concerns over the pretrial motion filed by Febrie regarding the seizure of 74 kilograms of gold and Rp476 billion, cautioning that the mechanism should not be misused to delay investigations. He also questioned the principle of equality before the law after the suspect was reportedly taken to KPK detention without handcuffs or a vest.

IKN Authority Announces 2 New Investors, Lion Air and Indobox Enter Nusantara

The Nusantara Capital City Authority (OIKN) has signed investment cooperation agreements with Lion Air and PT Indobox Cinematic Buana. Lion Air plans to build a 30-hectare maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility, while Indobox will develop an entertainment centre with cinemas and cafés. Private investment realisation in IKN has reached Rp74.54 trillion from 67 investors as of 7 August 2026.

Bogor Civil Servant Feared Drowned After Falling from Steep Bridge into Cisadane River on Way Home from Work

A Bogor municipal civil servant, Bayu Zulkarnain, is missing and feared drowned after apparently falling from a steep bridge into the Cisadane River while returning home from work. Search and rescue teams have expanded their operation along the river, with the mayor expressing hope that the victim will be found soon.

South Korea vows to end conflict, build peace with North Korea

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has pledged to end the decades-long armistice on the Korean Peninsula and establish a permanent peace framework with North Korea. He urged both sides to cease mutual threats and begin inter-Korean dialogue, suggesting that ways to halt Pyongyang's nuclear weapons development could be discussed. North Korea, however, has repeatedly rejected denuclearisation, with Kim Jong Un declaring the issue 'over' and enshrining the country's nuclear status in law.

Handling of former Jampidsus case deemed to require institutional independence

Legal experts have stressed the importance of institutional independence and transparency in the Attorney General's Office's handling of the case involving former Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes Febrie Adriansyah. Concerns have been raised about potential conflicts of interest, given that the institution mandated to combat corruption is itself handling a case linked to alleged corruption. The public is urged to continue monitoring the investigation, which has already seen multiple witnesses examined and two suspects named.

Ministry of SMEs releases 8.2 tonnes of Bangka Belitung white pepper for export to the Netherlands

Indonesia's Ministry of SMEs has dispatched 8.2 tonnes of Muntok White Pepper from Bangka Belitung to the Netherlands, valued at Rp1.21 billion. The shipment, handled by PT Cinquer Agro Nusantara, underscores the region's potential as a key supplier in national and international export supply chains. Officials emphasised collaboration with the Indonesian Quarantine Authority to strengthen quality standards and expand market access.

BNPB Data: Death Toll from M 7.7 Earthquake in NTT Reaches 47

The death toll from the 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Nusa Tenggara Timur has risen to 47, according to provisional data from the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB). The agency is continuing rapid assessments and has dispatched food and non-food aid to the affected areas. Damage has also been reported to hundreds of homes and public facilities.

481-Metre Red-and-White Flag Unfurled from Tugu Pal Putih-Malioboro to Yogyakarta's Zero Kilometre Point

A 481-metre Red-and-White flag was paraded through Yogyakarta's Malioboro area on Saturday to mark Indonesia's 81st Independence Day. Governor Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X said the event aimed to instil national consciousness and pride among younger generations. The flag's length symbolises the four cardinal directions and the 81st anniversary of independence.

President Who Has Ruled Since 1984 Suddenly 'Vanishes' Without Trace

Cameroon's 93-year-old President Paul Biya has been abroad since 7 June 2026 on what his office called a short private visit to Europe, prompting renewed questions about his health and who is actually running the country. Government officials insist he is alive and will return soon, but opposition figures are calling for a constitutional assessment of whether his absence constitutes a vacancy. The prolonged absence has reignited long-standing concerns over governance, infrastructure, and economic hardship in Cameroon.

Israeli air strike in southern Lebanon kills seven

An Israeli air strike on a residential building in Ansar, southern Lebanon, has killed seven people and injured three others. Rescue teams are continuing to clear debris and evacuate victims, with the wounded taken to hospitals in Nabatieh. The attack destroyed the house completely, according to Lebanese emergency services.

DPD Deputy Speaker Yorrys Urges Papua Special Autonomy to Be Measured by Benefits for the People

Deputy Speaker of the Regional Representative Council (DPD) Yorrys Raweyai has called for Papua's Special Autonomy (Otsus) to be evaluated based on tangible benefits for local communities rather than budget size alone. He stressed that indigenous Papuans must be placed at the centre of development and that Otsus funds should be managed transparently and targeted effectively. Yorrys also urged that development in Papua proceed alongside efforts to address security and humanitarian concerns.

Welcoming Independence Day, Lanal Banten unfurls giant Red and White flag at sea

The Banten Naval Base (Lanal Banten) and the Pulau Merak Besar Squad community marked Indonesia's 81st Independence Day by unfurling a giant 40 by 25 metre national flag in the Sunda Strait. The event also included releasing 25 turtle hatchlings and transplanting 500 coral reef seedlings as part of coastal ecosystem conservation. Officials emphasised that maritime conservation and tourism development are key to boosting the local coastal economy.

Legal observer calls for oversight of former Jampidsus pre-trial

Legal observer Mohammad Saleh Gawi has urged close monitoring of the pre-trial proceedings involving former Junior Attorney General for Special Crimes (Jampidsus) Febrie Adriansyah, warning that the mechanism must not be used to delay or obscure the main case. Saleh highlighted public concerns over the transfer of the case from the police to the Attorney General's Office and the treatment of the suspect, including the absence of handcuffs and a vest when taken to KPK detention. The South Jakarta District Court has scheduled the first hearings for two pre-trial motions filed by Febrie on 18–19 August 2026.

Iran Accuses Qatar of Holding Three Fighter Jet Pilots Hostage, Demands Immediate Release

Iranian authorities claim three of their fighter jet pilots have been captured by Qatari forces during the Middle East war and have been detained for six months without access to their families. General Mohammad Bagherzadeh has appealed to the International Committee of the Red Cross, naming the three pilots and demanding their release. The accusation comes amid heightened regional tensions, with Qatar's Al Udeid Air Base serving as the largest US military installation in the region.

Palestine's first election since 2006, voter registration begins

Voter registration has commenced across the occupied West Bank ahead of Palestinian legislative elections scheduled for 28 November, the first such vote in nearly two decades. The process is seen as a test of efforts to rebuild Palestinian institutions and renew governmental legitimacy. Hamas has indicated it will participate in a broad national coalition.

M7.7 NTT Earthquake Felt in South Sulawesi, Death Toll Rises to 47

The death toll from the powerful earthquake that struck East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) on Saturday morning has risen to 47, according to the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB). The quake was also felt in Bima, West Nusa Tenggara, and the Selayar Islands in South Sulawesi, where evacuation posts have been established. BNPB has dispatched food and non-food aid, including 50,000 packages weighing 275 tonnes, to the affected areas.

Balongan Refinery optimises SPM for crude oil distribution

PT Pertamina Patra Niaga Refinery Unit Balongan in Indramayu, West Java, is optimising its 165,000 DWT Single Point Mooring facility to facilitate the distribution of Jatibarang Crude Oil produced by PT Pertamina EP. The collaboration with Pertamina EP Zone 7 aims to strengthen national energy security and reduce crude oil imports. The facility, located 15 to 18 kilometres offshore, enables crude transfer from large tankers to the refinery via undersea pipelines.

Taken from Education Budget, Purbaya Allocates Rp 240 Trillion for MBG in 2027

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has allocated Rp 240 trillion from the education budget for the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme in the 2027 state budget. The programme is targeted to reach approximately 60.6 million beneficiaries next year. The allocation forms part of a total education budget of Rp 820.9 trillion in the 2027 Draft State Budget.

12 Jembrana Satpol PP Employees Examined Over Goods and Services Corruption

Twelve employees of the Jembrana Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP) are being investigated by the Jembrana District Attorney's Office over alleged corruption in goods and services procurement from 2022 to 2025. The alleged irregularities reportedly cover fuel expenses, official vehicle servicing costs, and part-time contract worker salaries. Investigators are still gathering evidence to establish the case and identify those responsible.

Welcoming Indonesia's 81st Independence Day, West Java Religious Affairs Ministry Urges Civil Servants to Visit Graves and Hold Joint Prayers for Heroes

The West Java Regional Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs has called on all civil servants to conduct grave visits and joint prayers honouring national heroes and predecessors ahead of Indonesia's 81st Independence Day. The initiative aims to remind civil servants of the sacrifices made by the nation's founders rather than treating the occasion as merely ceremonial. Regional offices across cities and regencies in West Java are encouraged to visit the graves of former ministry leaders and hold communal prayers of gratitude.

BRI Gains Global Recognition, Wins Two Asian Banking & Finance Awards

PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk has won two awards at the Asian Banking & Finance Awards 2026 in Singapore, being named Domestic Liquidity Management Bank of the Year and Domestic Retail Bank of the Year. The awards recognise BRI's success in strengthening business capabilities, accelerating digital transformation, and delivering innovative financial solutions. The bank's QLola platform has been a key driver, with user numbers growing 49% year-on-year to over 384,000 by June 2026.