Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 15 August 2026

Showing 301-350 of 1,053 articles

Airlangga Confident Indonesia's Gold ETF Can Compete with India, Says Trimegah CEO

Indonesia's newly launched gold exchange-traded fund (ETF) is positioned as a new asset class for retail and institutional investors, with Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto expressing confidence it can rival markets in India and Singapore. Trimegah Asset Management CEO Antony Dirga highlights the need for investor education and notes that Indonesia's assets under management to GDP ratio remains low at 4.5%, indicating significant room for growth.

Indonesia Motherhood community celebrates RI-Malaysia independence together

The Indonesia Motherhood Kuala Lumpur (IMKL) community held a family gathering and competitions to celebrate the independence days of both Indonesia and Malaysia. The event aimed to strengthen ties and foster brotherhood between the two nations, which both celebrate independence in August. IMKL, formed in November 2025, now has 170 members, including Indonesian mothers with Malaysian spouses.

Aceh Peace Day Ends in Chaos: Red and White Flag Lowered, TNI Speaks Out

A commemoration of Aceh Peace Day in Banda Aceh descended into violence on Saturday, 15 August 2026, with clashes between crowds and joint TNI-Police personnel. The Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) expressed regret over the incident, particularly the lowering of the national flag, and urged all parties to respect state symbols and maintain order. Authorities are coordinating to ensure stability in the region.

Public Works Ministry monitors water resource infrastructure in NTT after earthquake

The Ministry of Public Works is inspecting dams, irrigation channels and drinking water systems in East Nusa Tenggara following a magnitude 7.7 earthquake. Initial checks found major dams safe, but landslides have blocked irrigation canals and disrupted clean water supplies in several areas. The ministry has deployed teams and water tanks to restore services.

UMY confirms 61 community service students in NTT are safe

Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta has confirmed that all 61 of its students undertaking community service programmes in East Nusa Tenggara are safe following a 7.7-magnitude earthquake. The students were evacuated to higher ground with local residents after a tsunami warning. The university is assessing whether to withdraw the students or redirect their activities towards post-disaster relief.

VP inaugurates 76 Paskibraka members for Independence Day anniversary

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka inaugurated 76 Paskibraka members at the State Palace in Jakarta, where they took an oath of loyalty to the nation and Pancasila. The ceremony included the recitation of the Paskibraka Pledge and the symbolic pinning of badges, marking their role in the upcoming Independence Day celebrations. The event underscores the government's emphasis on nurturing future leaders and reinforcing national ideology among Indonesian youth.

Jakarta Transport Agency Reveals TransJakarta to Manage Ships and Ports to Thousand Islands

The Jakarta provincial government is preparing a TransJakarta Laut service to handle transport to the Thousand Islands, with PT Transportasi Jakarta set to manage both vessels and port areas. The move aims to integrate sea transport with the existing TransJakarta land network, creating a seamless multimodal journey for residents and tourists. Regulatory and institutional frameworks, including fare and subsidy arrangements, are currently being prepared.

Indonesia's 'flying doctor' plan to bring healthcare to remote areas

The Indonesian government is developing a 'flying doctor' programme using helicopter-based rapid-response services to improve healthcare access in remote regions with uneven medical facilities. State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi clarified that the initiative will target hard-to-reach areas rather than providing air transport to every village, while President Prabowo Subianto has also instructed state-owned enterprises to prepare mobile dental units. The plan forms part of broader efforts to accelerate improvements to community health centres and regional hospitals across the archipelago.

ADKASI and Voxstream promote data-driven politics ahead of 2029 elections

The Association of Indonesian Regency Legislative Councils (ADKASI) and electoral intelligence platform Voxstream are advocating for evidence-based political strategies ahead of the 2029 elections. The collaboration aims to bridge the gap between political practitioners and academics, using data to better understand voter needs and optimise campaign spending. The initiative is expected to strengthen the capacity of regional legislators through joint research and scientific discussions.

PRR Task Force: Post-disaster recovery in Aceh conducted transparently

The Aceh Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Task Force has affirmed that all recovery activities following the Sumatra hydrometeorological disaster are being carried out transparently. Head of the Regional Post Safrizal ZA stated that the entire process is open and accessible, with reconstruction guided by the 2026-2028 Sumatra Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Master Plan. The three-year recovery programme involves 30 ministries and agencies, with significant progress reported across housing, infrastructure, and agricultural rehabilitation.

BPIP Head: Paskibraka members prepared to ground Pancasila values

The Head of the Pancasila Ideology Development Agency (BPIP), Yudian Wahyudi, has stated that the 76 Paskibraka members inaugurated for the Independence Day ceremony are being prepared not only for ceremonial duties but also to promote Pancasila values across Indonesia. The members received training in physical, ideological and spiritual resilience, as well as cooperative skills. Vice President Gibran Rakabuming officiated the inauguration ceremony at the State Palace.

NTB and Bali Provincial Governments Send Aid and Volunteers for NTT Earthquake Response

The provincial governments of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) and Bali are coordinating a large-scale humanitarian response to the 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Nagekeo, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). NTB Governor Lalu Muhammad Iqbal confirmed that logistics, evacuation volunteers, and heavy equipment will be dispatched via Sape Port in Bima, with an initial Rp1 billion allocated from the provincial contingency budget. The effort includes coordination with financial institutions, state-owned banks, and the national zakat agency to centralise resources.

Inspectorate Official in Aceh Arrested for Alleged Same-Sex Relations

A senior official at the Banda Aceh Inspectorate has been arrested by sharia police along with his male partner after CCTV footage allegedly captured them engaging in indecent acts inside the office. The case has been reported to the Satpol PP and Wilayatul Hisbah, and the official remains in detention while investigations continue. Mayor Illiza Saaduddin Djamal confirmed the arrest and stressed that the law would be applied without exception.

US Denies USS Abraham Lincoln Aircraft Carrier in Poor Condition

The US military has rejected reports of poor conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, stating that 84.4% of its crew chose to re-enlist despite more than 260 days at sea. The denial follows Iranian media claims of deaths and high tension on the carrier, as well as a US senator's request for answers on supply shortages and mental health concerns. Separately, President Trump has ordered the Navy to abandon electromagnetic launch systems on future Ford-class carriers in favour of traditional steam catapults.

Government Sets Investment Target of Rp 13,032 Trillion by 2029, Up 43 Percent

The Indonesian government has set a five-year investment target of Rp 13,032 trillion for 2025–2029, representing a 43 percent increase over the previous decade. Investment Minister Rosan Roeslani announced that the 2027 target alone is Rp 2,322 trillion, up from Rp 2,041 trillion in 2026. First-half 2026 investment realisation reached Rp 1,010 trillion, growing 7.2 percent year on year and directly employing 1.4 million workers.

IKN Boiling Hot! Cultural Carnival Participants Hide from the Sun

A cultural carnival at Indonesia's new capital, Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN), took place amid scorching temperatures reaching 36 degrees Celsius, forcing participants to shield themselves from the sun. The Nusantara Capital Authority (OIKN) has urged residents to remain vigilant against forest and land fires as the dry season, influenced by El Niño, continues.

Bali Airport's flights to NTT operating normally after quake

Flight operations at Bali's I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport remain normal following a 7.7-magnitude earthquake near Nagekeo, East Nusa Tenggara. Airport management confirmed no cancellations on routes to Labuan Bajo and Tambolaka, ensuring continued air access to the affected province. The airport also expressed condolences to residents impacted by the disaster.

YKKMP: Dozens of Uniformed Men Attack Ainot Village, Three People Become Victims

Three civilians were injured in an armed attack on Ainot Village in Maybrat Regency, Southwest Papua. The YKKMP has urged the government and security forces to investigate the perpetrators, criticising the state for failing to guarantee the safety of Papuan civilians. The attack occurred just days before Indonesia's Independence Day, prompting questions about the meaning of independence for Papuans.

Dasco Conveys Condolences for NTT Earthquake: Public Safety Is the Priority

House of Representatives deputy speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad has urged the government to prioritise public safety following a 7.7-magnitude earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara. He said DPR leadership would coordinate with relevant commissions and legislators from the affected electoral district to support evacuation, health services, logistics and facility restoration. Dasco also expressed deep condolences to victims and residents.

DHL Express relies on AI to support export efficiency for Indonesian MSME products

DHL Express has launched an AI-powered feature in Indonesia that identifies goods from photos and automatically generates customs descriptions, aiming to simplify international shipping for micro, small, and medium enterprises. The company says this is the first use of computer vision in the global express delivery industry to be integrated directly into the customer booking flow. The feature is expected to reduce documentation time, improve data quality, and help Indonesian businesses expand into global markets.

South Sumatra Police Turn Police Post into Qur'an Learning Space for Children

The South Sumatra Regional Police have converted the KM 7 police post in Palembang into a Qur'an learning space for local children. The initiative, run by Palembang Police and Sukarami Police, aims to provide a safe and positive environment for children while strengthening community-police relations. Police officials say the programme is part of a broader humanistic approach to policing that supports youth development and character building.

Indonesia’s MBG: turning early nutrition into human capital

Indonesia is expanding its Free Nutritious Meals programme to pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers under the MBG 3B scheme, reaching 9.6 million beneficiaries by early August 2026. The government is prioritising high-need and underdeveloped regions while facing challenges in data accuracy, impact measurement, and food safety certification. The programme is central to Indonesia's goal of reducing stunting from 19.8 percent in 2024 to 14.2 percent by 2029.

NTT Police Deploy DVI Team to Identify Flores Earthquake Victims

The East Nusa Tenggara Police have mobilised an integrated task force, including a Disaster Victim Identification team, to handle the aftermath of the earthquake that struck Flores Island. The force is prioritising scientific identification of victims, search and rescue operations, and public security during the emergency response. Police have also established a crisis information centre to prevent the spread of unverified information.

Solok City Government accelerates post-disaster rehabilitation and reconstruction

The Solok City Government is accelerating post-disaster rehabilitation and reconstruction through strengthened cross-sector coordination and faster handling of damaged infrastructure. Mayor Ramadhani Kirana Putra emphasised the need for central and regional government cooperation to ensure recovery efforts match field conditions. A national task force has visited the city to evaluate progress and inspect affected sites, including schools, culverts, and river sedimentation areas.

Putin confident constructive Russia-North Korea cooperation will continue

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed confidence that constructive cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang on bilateral and international issues will continue. In a congratulatory telegram to Kim Jong Un marking Korea's National Liberation Day, Putin highlighted the historical bonds forged during the fight against Japanese colonial rule. He said the relationship serves the interests of both peoples and the development of a fairer, more democratic world order.

International Battery Summit to Examine Battery Waste Governance

The International Battery Summit 2026 in Jakarta will address governance of electric vehicle battery waste, including collection mechanisms and recycling. Officials acknowledge that current regulations do not specifically cover lithium-based EV batteries, while investment in private EVs far outstrips public transport. The forum aims to position Indonesia as a sustainable battery technology and innovation hub.

Democrat Party Engages Tens of Thousands Through the Langit Biru Indonesia Asri Movement

The Democrat Party has mobilised nearly 50,000 people across Indonesia through its Langit Biru Indonesia Asri environmental movement, marking the party's 25th anniversary. The initiative includes clean-up drives, tree planting, free health checks, and the repainting of places of worship and public facilities. Party chairman Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono said the movement demonstrates the party's commitment to ensuring development does not neglect the environment.

Pangdam Jaya, Metro Jaya Police Chief and Jakarta Provincial Government Clean Rivers with Residents

The Indonesian military, police and Jakarta provincial government joined thousands of residents in a synchronised river clean-up across 11 locations, centred on Kali Angke in Kalijodo, North Jakarta. The initiative, held to mark Indonesia's 81st Independence Day, involved 3,550 personnel and included tree planting and aid distribution. Officials said the activity supports President Prabowo Subianto's Gerakan Indonesia ASRI programme and will be carried out regularly.

Walls Flattened: Portraits of Maumere Port Destroyed by M7.7 Earthquake

A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off the coast of Nusa Tenggara Timur on Saturday, causing severe damage to the Laurentius Say Maumere Port in Sikka Regency. A two-storey building at the port collapsed, prompting hundreds of people to flee, with some reportedly jumping into the sea. The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has issued tsunami evacuation recommendations to local governments in potentially affected areas.

Governor stresses needs of earthquake refugees are priority

East Nusa Tenggara Governor Melki Lala Lena has said the needs of refugees affected by the 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Nagekejo Regency are the government's main priority, alongside search and evacuation efforts. He confirmed that temporary shelter, food, and drinking water would be ensured for displaced residents. The provincial government is also coordinating with the central government regarding a possible national disaster status designation.

Government moves swiftly to assist emergency response after M7.7 earthquake in NTT

The central government has launched a coordinated emergency response following a magnitude 7.7 earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara, prioritising rescue, healthcare, and restoration of basic infrastructure. Coordinating Minister Pratikno led a coordination meeting and instructed local authorities to identify urgent needs so that central support, including field hospitals and logistics, can be deployed effectively. Multiple ministries, the military, and the national disaster agency have mobilised personnel and resources to the affected areas.

BPH Migas checks readiness of petrol stations to serve two-wheeled vehicles in Balikpapan

The Downstream Oil and Gas Regulatory Agency (BPH Migas) has inspected petrol stations in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, to verify their readiness to supply Pertalite fuel to motorcycle users. The initiative aims to ease congestion at existing stations, particularly in the Sepinggan area, by opening additional distribution points. BPH Migas is working with the Balikpapan city government and Pertamina Patra Niaga to expand subsidised fuel services across five locations.

List of Locations of 38 Fatalities from M 7 Earthquake in NTT

The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has confirmed that 38 people died following a magnitude 7 earthquake in Nusa Tenggara Timur. The fatalities were spread across several districts on Flores Island, with Manggarai Timur recording the highest number at 17. Damage assessments are ongoing, with reports of affected homes, health facilities, a hospital, a terminal, five airports, and two ports.

Jambi DPRD Speaker Hafiz Fattah Urges Jambi to Strengthen Education

Jambi DPRD Speaker M. Hafiz Fattah has called on the provincial government to follow up on key points from President Prabowo Subianto's state address, including improvements to education infrastructure, social welfare, and resource downstreaming. He also highlighted the President's emphasis on environmental intervention and tackling illegal activities in regions such as Jambi. Jambi is set to receive five Sekolah Rakyat (People's Schools) across several regencies.

7 Tonnes of Gold and 8,000 Tonnes of Indonesian Rubber Secretly Sold, Some to Macau

During Indonesia's struggle to maintain independence, the Republic secretly sold 7 tonnes of gold and 8,000 tonnes of rubber abroad to fund government operations and diplomacy. The gold from Cikotok mine was smuggled via Yogyakarta and the Philippines to Macau, while A.K. Gani orchestrated large-scale rubber and commodity smuggling through the Dutch naval blockade to Singapore. These clandestine trade routes were vital for sustaining the fledgling Republic's finances.

NTB uses food reserves to help earthquake victims in NTT

The West Nusa Tenggara provincial government has instructed the use of regional food reserves stored at the Bima Bulog warehouse to assist victims of the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara. Governor Lalu Muhamad Iqbal said the move is part of rapid response efforts, with around Rp1 billion in unexpected spending also prepared. The aid is being channelled through the nearest safe port to speed up distribution to affected areas.

Dompet Dhuafa Team Combs Earthquake-Affected Areas in NTT, Red and White Mosque Nearly Flattened

Dompet Dhuafa has deployed teams to assess damage and provide emergency assistance across multiple regencies in East Nusa Tenggara following a 7.7 magnitude earthquake centred in Nagekeo. The charity's Disaster Management Centre and free healthcare service have established health posts and are evaluating urgent needs such as public kitchens. Initial assessments reveal severe structural damage, including the near-total collapse of the Al Istiqomah Ronting Mosque in East Manggarai.

UNISA Bandung Lecturers' Appropriate Technology Helps Kremes Simadu UMKM Boost Production

A community service programme by Universitas 'Aisyiyah Bandung has helped Kremes Simadu, a small food business in Bandung Regency, increase its production capacity by 40 per cent. The initiative introduced a sweet potato chopping machine and provided business management training, enabling the enterprise to meet larger market demand. The programme was funded by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology and ran from April to August 2026.

BNPB: 31 aftershocks recorded after M 7.7 earthquake in NTT

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported 31 aftershocks following the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck Nagekeo Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, on Saturday. Four of the aftershocks were significant, with magnitudes ranging from 5.6 to 6.2, though no large tremors have occurred since 7 a.m. The disaster has so far resulted in 38 deaths, two serious injuries, and 11 minor injuries.

Social aid digitalisation reaches 153 districts and cities: Prabowo

President Prabowo has announced that digitised registration for the Family Hope Programme and Non-Cash Food Assistance is now operational in 153 districts and cities across 38 provinces, with over three million families enrolled. The digitalisation aims to improve targeting, accessibility, and dignity in social protection while eliminating out-of-pocket costs that previously burdened low-income households. The government plans to expand the initiative to other social assistance and subsidy programmes.

Emotional Moment as Paskibraka Member from Central Papua Video Calls Parents with Vice President Gibran

Gladys Manuella Aibekob, a Paskibraka member from Central Papua, had an emotional video call with her parents during the 2026 Paskibraka inauguration ceremony, accompanied by Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka. The moment occurred after the inauguration at the State Palace, where Gibran also spoke with Gladys and asked about her longing for her family. Gladys and 75 other Paskibraka members have completed more than a month of training and are ready to raise the flag at the 81st Independence Day ceremony on 17 August.

IPC TPK: Container throughput reaches 2.17 million TEUs up to July, up 8 percent

IPC Terminal Petikemas recorded container throughput of 2.17 million TEUs in the first seven months of 2026, an 8 percent year-on-year increase driven by operational optimisation. July 2026 alone saw throughput rise 13.7 percent year-on-year to 353,465 TEUs, with the strongest growth at Teluk Bayur Terminal. The company says the performance reflects its commitment to operational excellence and strengthening Indonesia's logistics competitiveness.

M7.7 Earthquake Shakes Flores, 200 BTS in NTT Affected by Disruptions

A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, disrupting 200 base transceiver stations across 10 regencies and cities. The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs is coordinating with mobile operators to restore services, with Sikka Regency recording the highest number of affected sites. Recovery efforts are ongoing, prioritising public safety and access to telecommunications.

Pesona Panjat Pinang Enlivens Independence Day, Ministry of Tourism Invites Public to Holiday #DiIndonesiaAja

Indonesia's Ministry of Tourism has launched a digital activation of the traditional panjat pinang game to celebrate the 81st anniversary of independence. Running from 14–20 August 2026, the interactive campaign involves 12 Wonderful Indonesia co-branding partners and offers prizes including travel packages. The ministry aims to strengthen public-private collaboration and promote domestic tourism under the 'Merdeka Berwisata #DiIndonesiaAja' spirit.

Indonesia to export 1,000 tons of premium rice to Malaysia

Indonesia has announced plans to export 1,000 metric tons of premium rice to Malaysia, with state logistics company Bulog framing the deal as evidence of the country's growing food security ahead of its 81st Independence Day. The agreement, signed with Malaysia's Padi dan Beras Borneo Sdn. Bhd., is expected to scale up to 200,000 tons annually, supported by government rice reserves of around 5.2 million metric tons. Officials emphasised that domestic supply will remain the priority while the export showcases Indonesia's increasing agricultural capacity and confidence in international markets.

Police Strengthen Response to NTT Earthquake, Deploy Brimob SAR and DVI Teams

The Indonesian National Police are intensifying emergency response efforts following a magnitude 7.7 earthquake in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara. Brimob SAR personnel, medical teams, and Disaster Victim Identification units have been deployed to support rescue and evacuation operations. The National Disaster Management Agency has reported 14 confirmed fatalities, with data collection ongoing amid communication disruptions.

Government ensures safety of tourists affected by earthquake in NTT

The Ministry of Tourism and the Labuan Bajo Flores Authority have confirmed the safety of tourists following a 7.7 magnitude earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara. Nearly 1,000 tourists stranded on Padar Island have been safely returned to Labuan Bajo after shipping services resumed. The earthquake has caused at least 38 fatalities and significant damage to hotels, infrastructure, and public facilities across the region.

Earthquake in Flores Islands, Five Airports Affected

A magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck the Flores Islands in East Nusa Tenggara, causing damage to five airports and disrupting aviation navigation services. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation is conducting inspections and implementing contingency plans to ensure flight safety. At least 33 people have been reported dead in the Manggarai Raya region.

Vice President Gibran dialogues with and encourages Paskibraka members

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming spoke with members of the national flag-hoisting team (Paskibraka) after their inauguration at the State Palace, offering encouragement ahead of the Independence Day ceremony. He paid particular attention to participants from East Nusa Tenggara, whose home region was struck by a magnitude 7.7 earthquake earlier that day. BPIP officials confirmed the Vice President urged the NTT representatives to remain spirited in their duties.

UAE Offers Investment for Bulango Ulu Dam Project

The United Arab Emirates has expressed interest in investing in Indonesia's Bulango Ulu Dam in Gorontalo, with renewable energy firm Masdar potentially contributing to the project. The dam, a National Strategic Project under construction since 2019, is designed to supply clean water to 880,000 people, irrigate 5,000 hectares of rice fields, and support an 80-megawatt power plant. The UAE ambassador's visit signals growing bilateral cooperation in strategic infrastructure development.