The Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Sudaryono, has demanded the dishonourable dismissal of a local nutrition service head after hundreds of students fell ill from the Free Nutritious Meals programme in Karo Regency. The poisoning was traced to roughly 200-300 wet fish left at room temperature for over 12 hours before cooking. The BGN has suspended the responsible kitchen and handed the investigation to the authorities, while the North Sumatra provincial government covers the victims' medical costs through its Universal Health Coverage scheme.

Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid has confirmed that 86.02% of base transceiver stations (BTS) affected by the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara have been restored. Of the 794 affected sites across 11 regencies/cities, 683 are back in operation while 111 remain in the recovery process. The ministry continues to coordinate with telecommunications providers to accelerate full restoration, particularly in areas with the highest remaining disruption.

A sequence of aftershocks continued to rattle Ruteng in Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara, following the M 7.7 earthquake that struck the region on Saturday. The strongest tremor recorded overnight measured M 5.0 at a shallow depth, according to Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG). The series of quakes underscores ongoing seismic activity in the area.

Indonesia's Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) has revealed that two Indian nationals allegedly earned almost Rp3 trillion from illegal gold smuggling over a two-month period. The syndicate is estimated to have processed around 30 kilograms of gold material daily, with the proceeds suspected to be smuggled abroad. Police are now investigating the full supply chain, from upstream illegal mining to downstream export.

Legal observer Hardjuno Wiwoho has praised House Speaker Puan Maharani for emphasising meaningful public participation in the deliberation of the Asset Forfeiture Bill during the 2026-2027 sitting year. He stressed that public involvement must go beyond mere consultation, with citizens able to see how their input shapes the final legislation. The bill is seen as a key instrument in strengthening corruption eradication and recovering state assets while upholding the rule of law.

Three members of the Free Papua Movement (OPM) were killed in a firefight with Indonesian soldiers in Puncak Regency, Central Papua. The military said the group opened fire after being urged to surrender, prompting a measured response. Eight firearms and ammunition were seized, which authorities believe were intended to disrupt Indonesia's 81st Independence Day commemorations.

The Indonesian government has dispatched an additional 25 tonnes of relief supplies to earthquake-affected areas in East Nusa Tenggara, bringing the total aid delivered to 52 tonnes. Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya confirmed that ministers and deputy ministers are on the ground coordinating the response. The officials will join displaced residents in commemorating Indonesia's 81st Independence Day in the disaster zone.

Around 50 families in Selayar Islands Regency are still sheltering in hilly areas following the powerful earthquake that struck Flores, East Nusa Tenggara. Residents remain traumatised by the 2021 magnitude 7.4 quake, with many returning to evacuation points each evening despite no casualties in the latest event. The local disaster agency faces logistical challenges reaching the affected area, which requires a 12-hour sea journey.

The Madiun Regency Government has launched the Jempol Mas Har programme to accelerate business licensing services, coinciding with the implementation of Government Regulation No. 28 of 2025. The initiative introduces a one-day licensing service and a 'positive fiction' mechanism, whereby permits are automatically deemed valid if processing deadlines are missed. Officials expect the streamlined process to boost investment and provide legal certainty for local businesses, including MSMEs.

President Prabowo Subianto led the National Pilgrimage and Sacred Reflection ceremony at Kalibata Heroes Cemetery in South Jakarta on the eve of Indonesia's 81st Independence Day. Accompanied by Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka and other senior officials, the President laid a wreath and led a moment of silence to honour fallen heroes. The ceremony is an annual state event held ahead of the independence anniversary.

South Sumatra Police Chief Inspector General Sandi Nugroho led the Honour and Reflection Ceremony at the Ksatria Ksetra Siguntang Heroes' Cemetery in Palembang to commemorate Indonesia's 81st Independence Day. The solemn event involved regional leaders, military and police officials, and 81 scout members representing the years of independence. The ceremony underscored the importance of honouring fallen heroes and passing on their spirit of struggle to future generations.

A new arrangement of the patriotic song 'Hari Merdeka' by composer Erwin Gutawa has attracted hundreds of views within hours of its release on the Ministry of Culture's YouTube channel. Culture Minister Fadli Zon praised the production for presenting a grand arrangement that remains relevant to the spirit of today's younger generation. The video features a cross-generational line-up of Indonesian singers and was produced with a notably efficient process, recording vocals and video simultaneously.

A growing number of Gen Z workers are turning away from digital and office careers towards traditional trades, viewing them as more resilient to AI-driven automation. High tertiary education costs and the appeal of self-employment are also driving renewed interest in these professions. The trend highlights a shift in how younger generations perceive vocational and hands-on work.

The Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Sudaryono, has attributed a food poisoning incident involving the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme in Karo Regency, North Sumatra, to negligence in fish handling. An initial investigation found that hundreds of fish were left at room temperature for over 12 hours instead of being stored in freezers. The agency has pledged to tighten food safety procedures across all MBG kitchens nationwide.

President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka attended the National Pilgrimage and Sacred Reflection ceremony at Kalibata Heroes' Cemetery in South Jakarta on the eve of Indonesia's 81st Independence Day. The annual ceremony honoured the sacrifices of national heroes, with senior state officials, military and police leaders, and families of national heroes in attendance. Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi said the occasion should strengthen public awareness that independence was won through the struggle and sacrifice of previous generations.

Oman's Environment Authority has reported that approximately 12 kilometres of coastline in the Ras Madrakah area of central Oman has been impacted by an oil spill from the grounded vessel Caroline Bezengi. The oil slick is moving southeast towards open sea, while Masirah Island remains at potential risk. Authorities are monitoring fishing areas and testing samples to ensure the safety of fishery products.

Indonesia's Ministry of Defence has clarified that the J7 Explorer cruise ship bearing its logo is privately owned and has been borrowed without rental fees to support government programmes. The vessel has been used for logistics distribution under the food security programme, including in South Papua, Kalimantan, and Sumatra. The ministry emphasised that the ship is not a state asset but a supporting facility for mobility, coordination, and personnel needs.

The House of Representatives' post-disaster task force has visited areas affected by the 7.7-magnitude earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara to ensure swift handling of victims and fulfilment of community needs. Deputy Speaker Cucun Ahmad Syamsurijal requested reports on current conditions, emergency response measures, and urgent requirements from relevant agencies. The DPR pledged continued coordination with the government despite the disaster occurring ahead of Indonesia's 81st Independence Day anniversary.

The Ministry of State Secretariat has issued guidelines for the 81st anniversary of Indonesian independence, including a call for the public to pause all activities for three minutes at 10.17 WIB on 17 August 2026. The pause coincides with the playing of the national anthem and the raising of the red-and-white flag at Merdeka Palace. Exceptions apply to activities that would endanger safety or essential public services if interrupted.