Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 17 August 2026

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Land Fires in South Sulawesi Scorch 22 Hectares in a Single Day, Enrekang Worst Affected

Forest and land fires swept through South Sulawesi on Sunday, burning at least 22 hectares across Enrekang and North Toraja regencies amid a prolonged dry season exacerbated by El Niño. Enrekang was hardest hit, with 20 hectares affected across three locations, while authorities continue to investigate the cause of a separate 2-hectare blaze in North Toraja. Five regions in the province have declared a drought emergency as the strong El Niño phenomenon makes this year's dry conditions more extreme than previous years.

Merdeka Night Features Thousands of Creative Talents, from Video Mapping to Drone Show

The Indonesian government is staging the 'Malam Merdeka' celebration for the 81st Independence Day anniversary, featuring artistic, cultural and technological performances across Jakarta. The event involves thousands of creative economy workers and combines immersive installations, video mapping, a decorated vehicle carnival and a drone show. Creative Economy Minister Teuku Riefky Harsya emphasised that the celebration is designed to strengthen national unity and deliver economic benefits for the people.

81 Years of Indonesian Independence: 8 Contributions of BRI to the Nation

Marking Indonesia's 81st Independence Day, state-owned Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) has reaffirmed its role as a strategic partner in national development. The bank highlighted eight key contributions, including dominating MSME lending with a portfolio of Rp 1,235 trillion, expanding financial services to remote and border areas, and driving digital adoption through its BRImo super app. These initiatives underscore BRI's commitment to strengthening the people's economy as a foundation for national growth.

Datalabs Launches Gemini Enterprise Xperience Center to Help Bring Enterprise AI to Life

PT Data Labs Analytics, a Google Cloud Premier Partner in Indonesia, has launched the Gemini Enterprise Xperience Center, an interactive showroom in Jakarta designed to demonstrate practical enterprise AI applications. The facility, unveiled during Datalabs Xplore Day 2026, aims to help Indonesian organisations move beyond AI experimentation by offering hands-on experience with Google Cloud's Gemini models across use cases such as HR onboarding, marketing, and IT support. Executives from both datalabs and Google Cloud emphasised that the centre will accelerate AI adoption and prepare businesses for a future workforce blending humans, AI, and intelligent agents.

Minister Purbaya Asks BKPM to Prepare Forest Utilisation Rules Amid Business Confusion

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has instructed the Ministry of Investment and Downstreaming/BKPM to prepare regulations for utilising production forest in Aceh Jaya Regency after a pine resin exporter faced licensing obstacles. The company's permit application has been stalled due to overlapping land with a revoked concession previously held by PT Aceh Inti Timber. The case may set a policy precedent for other revoked concession areas.

Pertamina Streamlines 31 Entities, Economist: In Line with Prabowo's Directive

Pertamina has streamlined 31 business entities by the first half of 2026, aligning with the government's policy to restructure state-owned enterprises (BUMN). Economist Imron Mawardi from Universitas Airlangga stated that the move will improve efficiency without disrupting the fuel supply chain. The streamlining is carried out through mergers, divestments of non-core businesses, and liquidation of dormant companies.

Red and White Flag Lowered in Aceh, Army Chief of Staff: No Additional Troops

Army Chief of Staff General Maruli Simanjuntak has stated that the situation in Aceh is now conducive following an incident involving the lowering of the Indonesian flag at the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque. He confirmed that local authorities are capable of handling the matter and that there are no plans to deploy additional TNI personnel to the province.

Percepat Izin, Target Investasi 2027 Naik 13,8% jadi Rp2.322 T

The Indonesian government has set an investment realisation target of Rp2,322 trillion for 2027, a 13.8% increase from the 2026 target. The Ministry of Investment and Downstreaming/BKPM will focus on licensing certainty, construction speed, and resolving field obstacles to achieve this goal. Minister Rosan Roeslani highlighted that licensing systems from 18 ministries and agencies are now integrated with the Online Single Submission (OSS) system to accelerate investment permits.

Trenggono Leads 81st Independence Day Ceremony at Konawe Fishing Village

Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono led Indonesia's 81st Independence Day ceremony at the Merah Putih Fishing Village in Sorue Jaya, Konawe, Southeast Sulawesi. The event highlighted the government's strategic programme to develop productive and sustainable fishing communities, with the site already shipping 8 tonnes of export-quality fish. The ceremony was part of a series held simultaneously at other priority locations across the country.

Dedi Mulyadi Finds Shocking Discovery in Bandung: Waste Accumulated for 32 Years in Water Channel

West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi uncovered a 32-year accumulation of waste in a water channel in Bandung after illegal structures built above it were demolished. He attributed the problem to poor public behaviour and governance, and called on the bureaucracy to abandon feudalistic practices and prioritise tangible public services over ceremonial activities.

From the Holy Land, Hajj Pilgrims Brought Home the Spirit to Resist Colonialism

The Hajj pilgrimage during the colonial era served not only as a spiritual journey for Nusantara Muslims but also as a conduit for intellectual exchange and the growth of anti-colonial consciousness. Pilgrims returning from Mecca carried back ideas of reform and resistance that influenced movements against Dutch rule in the archipelago. The article highlights how the Hajj functioned as a transformative force, uniting diverse Indonesian peoples and fostering a shared national awareness long before the Youth Pledge.

INDEF Economist Highlights Energy Dependency on Indonesia's 81st Independence Day

Senior INDEF economist Didin S Damanhuri has warned that Indonesia still faces significant challenges in achieving economic self-reliance, particularly in energy, food, technology and finance, despite 81 years of independence. He noted that while GDP has grown 71-fold since 1970 and life expectancy has improved dramatically, economic and political inequality and reliance on imported staples remain pressing concerns. Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa expressed hope that the independence anniversary would mark the start of faster economic growth, targeting 6 percent in the second half of 2026.

Large Crypto Market Gives Indonesia Opportunity to Become Regional Liquidity Hub

Indonesia's substantial cryptocurrency market activity presents an opportunity to strengthen its position as a liquidity hub in Southeast Asia. However, this potential requires ecosystem development, particularly in terms of product builders, liquidity, and regulatory certainty. Industry leaders emphasise the need for synergy among projects, exchanges, investors, and regulators to achieve this goal.

North Maluku Education Chief Leads Independence Ceremony on Remote Island

The Head of North Maluku's Education and Culture Office led an Independence Day ceremony on the remote island of Rao, underscoring the government's commitment to educational access in isolated regions. The visit highlighted the challenging journeys students undertake, including crossing the sea by boat, to attend school. The delegation also delivered computers from the governor to support learning and technological access at the local Christian high school.

First Overseas, Farizon Assembles Electric Commercial Vehicles in Purwakarta

Farizon, a global electric commercial vehicle brand, has chosen Purwakarta, West Java, as its first manufacturing base outside China. The facility will assemble electric vans and trucks for domestic and regional markets. The investment is expected to boost local employment, strengthen Indonesia's position as an automotive manufacturing hub, and accelerate electric vehicle adoption in the commercial sector.

Sultan Alauddin Resisted VOC Monopoly: Do Not Take Rice from Another's Mouth

The Kingdom of Gowa under Sultan Alauddin fiercely resisted VOC attempts to impose a trade monopoly in eastern Indonesia. The Sultan famously declared that restricting trade was tantamount to taking rice from another's mouth. Dutch efforts to establish commercial relations with Gowa were repeatedly rebuffed, culminating in a deceitful incident aboard a Dutch ship in 1615.

Pertamina Peduli Distributes 'Energy of Kindness' to Strengthen 700 Earthquake-Affected Residents in Maumere

State-owned energy company Pertamina has delivered emergency relief to approximately 700 residents affected by the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck the Flores Sea region. Aid, including basic food supplies, drinking water, hygiene kits, tents and blankets, was distributed through Pertamina's Maumere Fuel Terminal. The company has committed to ongoing coordination with local authorities to support recovery efforts.

Aftershocks in NTT Reach 1,624 Times, BMKG Records 23 Quakes Above M5

Seismic activity continues in East Nusa Tenggara following the M7.7 Flores earthquake on 15 August 2026, with BMKG recording 1,624 aftershocks and 23 exceeding magnitude 5. The agency is conducting field surveys to assess damage and ground response, prioritising moderately to severely affected areas. The disaster has so far caused 53 deaths and 137 injuries, with BMKG urging residents to avoid damaged buildings and remain alert for further aftershocks.

81st Indonesian Independence Day: Manpower Minister says downstreaming requires competent workers

Manpower Minister Yassierli has stressed that Indonesia's downstreaming and industrialisation agenda hinges on building a competent workforce. He called for closer alignment between vocational training and industry needs amid rapid changes driven by digitalisation, AI, and the energy transition. The minister also highlighted the need for a more adaptive labour market to improve productivity and worker welfare.

Banda Aceh City Government Promotes Innovation on Indonesia's Independence Day

The Banda Aceh municipal government is using innovation as a core strategy to accelerate public services, strengthen governance, and ensure equitable development. Mayor Illiza Sa'aduddin Djamal highlighted programmes in health, public complaints, and local economic empowerment as part of the city's 81st independence anniversary. The city is also targeting significant economic improvements by 2045, including higher per capita income and lower unemployment.

Banda Aceh Innovations to Drive Indonesia's 81st Independence Spirit

Banda Aceh Mayor Illiza Sa'aduddin Djamal has outlined the city's innovation-driven approach to development as Indonesia marks 81 years of independence. The municipal government is leveraging technology and public collaboration to improve health services, streamline public complaints, and strengthen the local economy through platforms like Saleum and Usaha Teman. These initiatives aim to deliver inclusive growth and prepare the region for the Indonesia Emas 2045 vision.

Viral Bullying Incident at Kebumen Vocational School Allegedly Triggered by Instagram Chat

A bullying case at a private vocational school in Kebumen, Central Java, has gone viral after a video showed a student being beaten and kicked. The Nahdlatul Ulama branch, which oversees the school, has suspended the perpetrator and apologised to the victim, while police are handling the legal process. Authorities are providing psychological support to the victim, who remains traumatised and has not returned to school.

Keranggan Ecotourism Village Residents Trained to Use Production Machinery

Residents of Keranggan Ecotourism Village in South Tangerang have received training in operating production machinery as part of a community service programme by Universitas Mercu Buana and Universitas Budi Luhur. The initiative, funded by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology, aims to support technology transfer and sustainable capacity building. Training covered embroidery, sewing and overlock machines, as well as food processing equipment for products such as sambal and peanut butter.

QRIS Goes Global, Bringing Greater Convenience for Merchants

Indonesia's Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard (QRIS) payment system has expanded beyond domestic use to multiple countries, becoming a cornerstone of the nation's digital payment transformation. Bank Indonesia has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding cross-border QRIS cooperation, targeting 47 million merchants by 2026. The system now connects with Japan and South Korea, adding to existing partnerships with Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and China.

Internship at GMF AeroAsia Helps UNM Student Sharpen System Analyst Skills

Anisa Febrianti, a student at Universitas Nusa Mandiri, completed an internship as a System Analyst at PT Garuda Maintenance Facility Aero Asia Tbk, gaining practical experience in business process analysis and system documentation. The university's Internship Experience Program aims to bridge academic competencies with industry needs, with officials highlighting the value of such placements for developing both technical and soft skills.

BMKG: 1,624 Aftershocks Recorded Following M7.7 Flores Earthquake in NTT

Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has recorded 1,624 aftershocks following the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, on 15 August. The agency reported 53 fatalities and 137 injuries, with a tsunami observed at 16 locations across four provinces. BMKG has deployed survey teams to support post-disaster recovery and is conducting public education on aftershock safety.

Government prepares Rp5 trillion standby fund for disaster response

The Indonesian government has allocated Rp5 trillion in on-call funding to respond to disaster needs across the country, with the finance minister indicating additional budget can be made available based on official requests from the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB). The announcement follows a magnitude 7.7 earthquake in Nagekeo, East Nusa Tenggara, which killed 54 people and damaged thousands of homes and public facilities. The government emphasised that financing will not be an obstacle to disaster response.

Aceh Police Investigate Unrest During Crescent-and-Star Flag Raising at Baiturrahman Grand Mosque

Aceh Regional Police have opened an investigation into disturbances that occurred during the 21st anniversary of Aceh Peace Day at Baiturrahman Grand Mosque in Banda Aceh. The unrest erupted when a group raised the Crescent-and-Star flag associated with the Free Aceh Movement, prompting security forces to intervene. The flag's legal status remains unresolved despite Qanun Aceh No. 3 of 2013, with the Aceh Government and DPRA still consulting the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Crowds Flock to Free MSME Treats at Monas People's Party

Around 1,200 MSMEs supported by the Jakarta provincial government and the Ministry of MSMEs distributed free food and drinks to the public during the 81st Independence Day People's Party at Monas. The first session's offerings were exhausted within 40 minutes, with a second session planned for the afternoon. The event also featured music, traditional games, drone shows, and fireworks.

Housing Minister ready to work faster on earthquake disaster in NTT

Housing and Residential Areas Minister Maruarar Sirait has pledged faster coordination and response following the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara. The ministry's role will focus on building permanent housing once the emergency response phase concludes. President Prabowo has dispatched 50,000 food packages and ordered cross-sector cooperation to ensure swift and targeted post-earthquake handling.

Bareskrim Raids Casino in Batam, Seizes Rp 7.7 Billion and Detains 179 People

The Indonesian National Police's Criminal Investigation Unit (Bareskrim) raided an illegal casino operating at the Nine Stage Lounge and Bar in Batam, Riau Islands, on Saturday evening. Officers seized approximately Rp 7.79 billion in cash and detained 197 people for questioning. The operation followed a two-to-three-month investigation based on public tips and media reports.

Jam Gadang centenary marks starting point for Heritage Flag procession

The Bukittinggi municipal administration has for the first time used the iconic Jam Gadang clock tower as the venue for handing over the duplicate Heritage Flag to the Paskibraka flag-raising squad ahead of Indonesia's 81st Independence Day ceremony. The choice coincides with the 100th anniversary of the landmark's construction in 1926. Mayor Ramlan Nurmatias said the move aims to help the public experience the city's historical and cultural values rather than merely reading about them.

Iran Nuclear Disinformation: Fake Quote Misleads Media, Netanyahu, Politicians

A coordinated global disinformation campaign involving a fabricated quote attributed to an Iranian Revolutionary Guard commander has misled world leaders and international news organisations. The false claim, which suggested Iran would never abandon nuclear weapons ambitions, spread rapidly from an anonymous social media account and was amplified by major outlets and politicians before being debunked. Experts describe the incident as 'narrative laundering', highlighting the vulnerability of public debate on war and peace to digital manipulation.

Deputy Social Affairs Minister Hands Over Aid to NTT Earthquake Victims to Strengthen Emergency Response

Deputy Social Affairs Minister Agus Jabo Priyono has confirmed that emergency response efforts for communities affected by the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara are being intensified. The Ministry of Social Affairs has prepared indicative support worth Rp 13.21 billion, covering logistics, food supplies, and compensation for victims. The assistance is being distributed in coordination with various government agencies to ensure it reaches those in need.

P2MI Minister celebrates Independence Day, affirms migrant workers as national economic heroes

Minister for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers Mukhtarudin marked the 81st anniversary of Indonesian independence by emphasising that migrant workers are the nation's economic heroes. He called for strengthened state commitment to their safety, justice, and welfare, aligning with the national theme of a sovereign, just, and prosperous Indonesia.

Bapeten confirms NTT earthquake did not trigger rise in radiation exposure

Indonesia's Nuclear Energy Regulatory Agency (Bapeten) has confirmed that the recent earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) did not cause any increase in radiation exposure or compromise the safety of ionising radiation sources in the affected areas. The agency identified 14 facilities using ionising radiation across eight affected districts and is continuing to monitor the situation closely, particularly given the risk of aftershocks.

Finance Minister says BNPB disaster funds ready to handle NTT

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has confirmed that disaster response financing for East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) will be drawn from the National Disaster Management Agency's (BNPB) available budget, which still holds around Rp5 trillion. The government has standby on-call funds to support disaster handling as needs evolve. Reconstruction of public facilities not covered by BNPB will be coordinated with relevant ministries and agencies.

Hajj Law Revision: Locking in the Mandate, Not Just Expanding Investment

The House of Representatives has initiated a revision of the Hajj Financial Management Law, with the Hajj Financial Management Agency (BPKH) managing approximately Rp184 trillion in pilgrim funds. The author argues the revision should strengthen the fiduciary character of the funds, expand investment into the hajj ecosystem with proportional safeguards, and adopt international governance standards. The piece also proposes positioning BPKH as a 'Sovereign Halal Fund' model, distinct from but potentially synergistic with Danantara.

Friendly nations' ambassadors hope for stronger ties with Indonesia

Diplomats from Japan, Pakistan, Egypt, and the Netherlands extended congratulations on Indonesia's 81st Independence Day and expressed hopes for deepening bilateral relations. The envoys highlighted historical bonds, economic cooperation, and admiration for Indonesia's development progress. Their remarks followed the independence ceremony at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta.

Unhas dispatches disaster-response KKN students in stages to NTT

Hasanuddin University (Unhas) has begun sending students in stages to assist communities affected by the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara. The first team of 10 students, accompanied by lecturers, received briefing before departure. The university is coordinating with local disaster management networks to integrate student involvement into existing response systems.

Media warn of Japan's avoidance of war reflection

Japanese media editorials have criticised Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's government for avoiding historical reflection and downplaying Japan's war responsibility on the 81st anniversary of its unconditional surrender in World War II. The editorials warn of growing signs of a 'return to the pre-war era', citing the prime minister's omission of any apology or expression of remorse in her memorial speech. Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi's visit to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine, along with other cabinet members, has further heightened concerns about the erosion of post-war pacifism and strained relations with China and South Korea.

Home Affairs Minister Leads 81st Independence Day Ceremony in East Manggarai

Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian presided over Indonesia's 81st Independence Day ceremony in East Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara, as part of the central government's response to the recent earthquake. He urged residents to reflect on the values of the 1945 Constitution and reaffirmed the state's duty to protect citizens, including from natural disasters. The minister also praised the flag-raising ceremony as a sign of successful human resource development in the region.

Bromo Fire Under Control, Joint Team Focuses on Cooling Savanna Area

The Ministry of Forestry has declared the forest and land fire in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park under control after nearly two weeks of firefighting efforts. Joint teams are now conducting intensive cooling and sweeping operations to prevent any remaining embers from reigniting. The ministry will use the incident to evaluate and strengthen preparedness ahead of the peak of the 2026 dry season.

Putin Congratulates President Prabowo Subianto on Indonesia's 81st Independence Day

Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated President Prabowo Subianto on Indonesia's 81st Independence Day, emphasising that stronger bilateral ties between Moscow and Jakarta are key to stability in the Asia-Pacific. The Russian Embassy in Jakarta also expressed condolences over the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara. The exchange underscores the growing diplomatic closeness between the two leaders amid shifting global geopolitics.

Leading RI's 81st Anniversary Ceremony at PDIP, Megawati Remembers Bung Karno's Struggle

PDIP Chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri commemorated Indonesia's 81st independence anniversary by honouring her father, founding president Sukarno, and his 18 years of imprisonment and exile. She also criticised the New Order's treatment of Sukarno and warned party cadres to follow party directives or face expulsion.

For the first time, Gojek partners become flag-raising troops to commemorate Indonesia's 81st Independence Day

Gojek marked Indonesia's 81st Independence Day with a series of events involving its driver partners, including the formation of its first-ever flag-raising squad trained by Purna Paskibraka Indonesia. The celebration included a ceremony led by 47 selected driver partners, a convoy, and traditional 17 August competitions held across 25 partner houses nationwide. GoTo CEO Hans Patuwo expressed pride in the initiative, highlighting the company's effort to foster national spirit and togetherness among its partners.

Megawati Highlights Iran's Unity: Cannot Be Defeated by America

PDI Perjuangan chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri praised Iran's national unity as the key reason the country has withstood pressure from the United States. Speaking at the party's 81st Indonesian Independence Day ceremony, she urged Indonesians to learn from Iran's solidarity and self-reliance. She also reiterated Bung Karno's message that only nations willing to take their fate into their own hands will stand strong.

Megawati Highlights Mining and Forest Exploitation: Do Not Let It Benefit Only a Few

Megawati Soekarnoputri has warned that uncontrolled exploitation of Indonesia's natural resources risks impoverishing future generations. Speaking at a PDIP independence day ceremony, she called for resource management to prioritise public welfare over private gain. She also pledged to revive discussion of the National Planned Universal Development Pattern within her party.

Panic as aftershocks mark Indonesia's Independence Day ceremony in NTT

The 81st Independence Day ceremony in East Manggarai, NTT, was disrupted by aftershocks, causing panic and a delayed start. The event proceeded in a simplified format, with schoolchildren and entertainment excluded due to ongoing seismic activity. More than 1,600 aftershocks have been recorded in Flores since the M 7.7 earthquake on 15 August.

UNM Data Science Students to Present Border Language Research at ICITRI 2026

Three Data Science students from Universitas Nusa Mandiri will present their research at the 2026 International Conference on Information Technology Research and Innovation. One project, a hybrid retrieval chatbot for Indonesian border languages, stems from a BRIN-led big data research initiative. The university views this as a valuable opportunity for students to develop academic and professional competencies.