Archive: 18 August 2026
Showing 701-750 of 1,549 articles
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 15:58 WIB
When Precision Becomes a Mental Prison: Correcting the Stigma of OCD
An opinion piece argues that obsessive-compulsive disorder is widely misunderstood in Indonesia, where it is often reduced to jokes about tidiness or cleanliness. The author explains the neurological basis of OCD and the distinction between obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours. The article calls for greater empathy and public education to dismantle the stigma that prevents sufferers from seeking professional help.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 15:58 WIB
Gojek Driver Partners Celebrate Indonesia's 81st Independence Day with Ceremony and Traditional Games
Gojek and its driver partners marked Indonesia's 81st Independence Day with a series of events including a flag-raising ceremony led by the first cohort of Gojek Paskibra, a convoy, and traditional 17-an competitions. The ceremony was led by 47 driver partners trained by Purna Paskibraka Indonesia, and the celebrations continued at 25 Rumah Mitra locations across the country. GoTo CEO Hans Patuwo emphasised the importance of togetherness in overcoming challenges.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 15:57 WIB
Siege by Jewish Terrorists in Qusra Enters Its Tenth Day
Israeli settlers have besieged Palestinian homes in Qusra, south of Nablus, for nine consecutive days under the protection of Israeli occupation forces. The siege is reportedly aimed at seizing homes and land to create new facts on the ground. Local officials say residents remain steadfast despite ongoing attacks and disruption of basic services.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 15:57 WIB
Customs foils export of 22 kg gold bars without documents at Soekarno-Hatta
Indonesia's Directorate General of Customs and Excise has intercepted an attempt to export 22.317 kilograms of gold bars without the required customs and export permits at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. Two Chinese nationals were arrested using different concealment methods, with the gold valued at approximately Rp60 billion. The case is part of a broader enforcement effort following earlier seizures in August 2026.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 15:57 WIB
Mirae Enters Wealth Management Segment, Prepares Rp100 Billion Investment
PT Mirae Asset Sekuritas Indonesia is developing a wealth management segment to provide clearer guidance for investors amid market volatility. The company plans to invest Rp100 billion over the next three years in technology, including AI and relationship manager tools, to support the transformation. The move aims to shift from a product-centric to a client-centric approach, targeting both retail mass and mass affluent customers.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 15:57 WIB
Puan Tasks NTT Electoral District Members to Assist Earthquake Response: NTT Is Not Alone
House Speaker Puan Maharani has instructed DPR members from the NTT electoral district to coordinate and remain on standby to support post-earthquake handling. She affirmed that the DPR, government, and community elements are working together to accelerate aid delivery. A DPR task force has already visited NTT, and a follow-up visit with relevant ministers is planned to provide assistance and push for budget reallocation.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 15:56 WIB
Can Indonesia's Education Be Considered Advanced?
Despite allocating Rp757.8 trillion, or 20 percent of the state budget, to education in 2026, Indonesia's learning outcomes remain far below OECD averages, with PISA 2022 scores showing significant gaps in mathematics, reading, and science. The article argues that while access to education has improved, quality and equity remain major challenges, particularly for students in remote areas. It concludes that Indonesian education has developed but cannot yet be called advanced.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 15:56 WIB
Japan's economy grows 1.1% in Q2 2026, below expectations
Japan's economy expanded at an annualised rate of 1.1 per cent in the second quarter of 2026, missing market forecasts as private consumption fell for the first time in eight quarters. The period marked the first full quarter reflecting the impact of Middle East conflict, which drove up energy prices and disrupted crude oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts warn that rising import costs and upstream price pressures may increasingly weigh on consumer spending later this year.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 15:55 WIB
Human Initiative Prepares 14-Day Emergency Response for NTT Earthquake Victims
Humanitarian organisation Human Initiative has launched a 14-day emergency response to assist communities affected by the 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Nusa Tenggara Timur on 15 August 2026. The organisation is focusing its relief efforts on Nagekeo, East Manggarai, and Manggarai regencies, with Nagekeo prioritised due to its proximity to the epicentre. Initial aid distributions include food, drinking water, and household supplies, with further programmes planned including ready-to-eat meals, hygiene kits, tarpaulins, and sleeping equipment.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 15:55 WIB
Why Do People Who Embrace Hijrah Often Face Many Trials?
The article explores why individuals who undergo spiritual transformation, or hijrah, in Indonesia often encounter increased life challenges. Drawing on research and Islamic teachings, it explains that trials are a natural part of personal change and faith development, not a sign of failure or divine punishment. The piece encourages a deeper understanding of hijrah as an internal process of character building rather than a superficial change in appearance.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 15:55 WIB
BNN, Customs and Riau Islands Police Seize Vessel Carrying 1.6 Tonnes of Liquid Methamphetamine in Riau
A joint task force comprising the National Narcotics Agency (BNN), Customs and Excise, and Riau Islands Police has intercepted the MV Ocean Porter in Bengkalis waters, Riau, on suspicion of transporting over one tonne of liquid methamphetamine. The vessel was using a falsified identity, having been renamed from MV Rain Maker to MV Ocean Porter under a Tanzanian flag. Ten Myanmar nationals serving as crew members have been detained, and the vessel has been towed to the Karimun Customs base for inspection.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 15:55 WIB
Indonesia Prepares Three Measures to Curb Fuel and LPG Subsidies, Including Volume Control
The Indonesian government under President Prabowo Subianto has outlined three main policy directions for energy subsidies in 2027, aiming to make them more targeted towards poor and vulnerable households. The measures include maintaining fixed diesel subsidies and price-gap subsidies for kerosene with stricter volume controls, transforming the 3 kg LPG subsidy into a beneficiary-based scheme integrated with the national socio-economic data registry (DTSEN), and adjusting electricity tariffs for non-subsidised customers. The policy aligns with the integrated social assistance programme PRO-KESRA, which targets energy assistance to 87 million electricity subsidy recipients and 66.4 million LPG subsidy recipients by 2029.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 15:54 WIB
UNIDA Gontor Helps Kampung Bambu Mojorejo Level Up Through Technology and Digital Markets
Universitas Darussalam Gontor is helping bamboo craftsmen in Mojorejo Village, Ponorogo, modernise their production and marketing through a village empowerment programme. The initiative introduces appropriate technology, digital bookkeeping, and e-commerce to improve product quality and expand market reach. The collaboration involves the university, local businesses, and the village government to ensure long-term sustainability.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 15:54 WIB
Economic census in West Jakarta reaches 92 percent
The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) reports that the Economic Census in West Jakarta has reached 92 percent of its target of 1,042,543 households and businesses. Initial negative perceptions and hoaxes have given way to more positive responses following outreach by field officers. The remaining eight percent poses greater challenges, including elite housing, apartments, and large companies.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 15:54 WIB
MAI Supports Asset Forfeiture Bill Completion, Submits Recommendations to DPR
Majelis Arah Indonesia (MAI) has expressed full support for the completion of the Asset Forfeiture Bill (RUU Perampasan Aset) during a public hearing with House of Representatives Commission III. The organisation submitted several recommendations, including judicial oversight of asset blocking, seizure and forfeiture, as well as clear evidentiary standards to protect citizens' rights. Commission III is targeting the bill's passage before December 2026.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 15:53 WIB
BGN Head: SPPG near NTT earthquake disaster sites must remain on alert
The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has instructed its food service units near the earthquake-affected areas of East Nusa Tenggara to stay on alert and adapt their services to help feed affected communities. The Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture has also urged local governments to form disaster task forces, while several major tourist destinations on Flores Island have been temporarily closed for safety inspections.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 15:52 WIB
Jakarta Transportation Agency evacuates fallen sign on Jalan Kyai Tapa, West Jakarta
The Jakarta Transportation Agency (Dishub DKI) evacuated a fallen advance direction sign (RPPJ) near the access to the Roxy Flyover on-ramp in Grogol, West Jakarta. The sign was reported down at around 6.40 a.m. local time and was fully cleared by 8.28 a.m., restoring normal traffic flow on Jalan Kyai Tapa. The agency has pledged continued monitoring of road equipment to ensure public safety and smooth mobility.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 15:51 WIB
Counselling Reveals Reasons Behind Jembrana Child Prostitution Victims' Downfall
Counselling by the Jembrana Women's and Children's Protection Unit has revealed that a 16-year-old victim of child prostitution had dropped out of school and was lured by lifestyle pressures and the desire for material goods. The unit is providing intensive support to both victims and perpetrators, including psychological assessments. Authorities have urged parents to increase vigilance and communication with their children to prevent similar cases.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 15:51 WIB
Forest Fire Haze Blankets Pekanbaru on Monday Morning, Air Quality Reaches Hazardous Level
Thick haze from forest and land fires in Riau Province blanketed Pekanbaru on Monday morning, with air quality briefly reaching hazardous levels. The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) detected 75 hotspots across Riau, mostly in Pelalawan Regency, and warned that fire risk remains high amid rising temperatures and the approaching dry season.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 15:50 WIB
Togar Claims Right of Reply Was Pursued Before Suing Four Media Outlets for Rp 25 Billion
Togar Situmorang's legal team says it first sought a right of reply and correction through the Press Council before filing a Rp 25 billion civil lawsuit against four Bali-based media companies. The defendants' lawyers dispute this, claiming a right of reply was already granted following a formal notice. The dispute centres on whether the Press Council's recommendations were binding and whether journalistic balance was satisfied.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 15:50 WIB
PMI helps refer NTT earthquake victims to Labuan Bajo hospital
The Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) is assisting in referring victims of the East Nusa Tenggara earthquake from evacuation sites to Siloam Hospital in Labuan Bajo, with ambulances serving three to four patients daily. Many residents require medical treatment that cannot be provided at local health facilities, which have been severely damaged by the earthquake. PMI headquarters is deploying additional medical personnel to strengthen health services in the affected area.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 15:50 WIB
Syria Sentences Cousin of Former President Assad to Death for Crimes Against Humanity
A criminal court in Damascus has sentenced Wasim al-Assad, cousin of former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, to death after convicting him of crimes against humanity. The court found him guilty of involvement in killings and torture of civilians in Homs province and Eastern Ghouta. The ruling is part of a broader judicial push by Syria's new authorities to hold former regime figures accountable for abuses during the civil war.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 15:50 WIB
Rupiah Stable, BI Rate Predicted to Stay Put
Bank Indonesia is widely expected to hold its benchmark interest rate at 5.75% during the August 2026 Board of Governors meeting, according to a CNBC Indonesia poll of 14 institutions. A more stable rupiah, easing inflation, and reduced pressure from the US dollar have given the central bank room to maintain its monetary policy stance. The decision would mark the second consecutive month of unchanged rates following cumulative hikes of 100 basis points in May-June 2026.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 15:50 WIB
House Speaker: NTT Is Not Alone, Government and Political Parties Work Together to Send Aid
House of Representatives Speaker Puan Maharani has expressed deep condolences over the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck East Nusa Tenggara, assuring residents that the central government, parliament, and political parties are working together to deliver aid. The death toll has risen to 68, with the worst-affected areas being Manggarai and East Manggarai regencies. A parliamentary delegation visited the disaster zone on 16 August to oversee the response.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 15:49 WIB
Driver Mobbed After Striking Independence Day Walking Parade Participants in Sidrap
A motorist in Sidrap, South Sulawesi, was attacked by an angry crowd after his vehicle struck parked motorcycles and participants of a walking parade celebrating Indonesia's 81st Independence Day. The incident occurred on Jalan Poros Pangkajene-Rappang, with victims taken to hospital and the driver also receiving medical treatment following the mob attack. Police have secured the vehicles involved and are continuing their investigation.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 15:49 WIB
Indonesia Prepares Motorcycle Safety Standards
Indonesia is developing the Indonesian Motorcycle Assessment Program (ID-MAP) to introduce safety ratings for motorcycles, addressing a transparency gap compared to cars. The initiative comes as domestic motorcycle sales reached over 3.1 million units in the first half of 2026, with industry players pledging compliance with upcoming regulations.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 15:48 WIB
BNPP ensures state presence is genuinely felt by border communities
Indonesia's National Border Management Agency (BNPP RI) has reaffirmed its commitment to making the state's presence tangible for citizens living in border areas. The agency is integrating border region development with the President's priority programmes to foster self-reliant and prosperous frontier communities. BNPP currently manages 15 integrated cross-border posts across the archipelago and is accelerating new infrastructure to expand services.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 15:48 WIB
DPR Plenary Appoints Nuzran Joher as Ombudsman Chairman
The Indonesian House of Representatives has appointed Nuzran Joher as Chairman of the Ombudsman of the Republic of Indonesia for the 2026-2031 term. He replaces Hery Susanto, who was dishonourably dismissed after being named a suspect in a bribery case. The appointment was approved during the second plenary session of the 2026-2027 sitting period.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 15:47 WIB
Transjakarta separator on Gatot Subroto shifted for pavement works
The Transjakarta bus separator along the northern side of Jalan Jenderal Gatot Subroto in Jakarta is being temporarily relocated to accommodate pavement and complementary structure upgrades. Jakarta's Transport Agency head Budi Awaluddin said the traffic management will be implemented in stages and continuously evaluated to minimise congestion. The works, which include drainage improvements and road widening near Pancoran, are scheduled to run from September 2026 to November 2026.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 15:47 WIB
KPK summons Central Java DPRD member Harun Abdul Khafizh as witness
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has summoned Central Java Provincial DPRD member Harun Abdul Khafizh and former member Iqbal Wibisono for questioning as witnesses in an alleged extortion case involving inactive Pemalang Regent Anom Widiyantoro. The investigation covers two clusters: alleged extortion by the regent against Pemalang government officials and private parties, and alleged extortion by a police officer and his father against the regent. The case stems from a sting operation announced on 30 July 2026.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 15:46 WIB
House Commission IV Urges Forestry Ministry to Act Quickly on Forest Fires: Don't Wait for the Flames to Grow
House of Representatives Commission IV has called on the Ministry of Forestry to fundamentally improve its management of forest and land fire prevention. The commission stressed that mitigation and prevention must be prioritised over reactive firefighting once blazes have already spread. Lawmakers also demanded comprehensive explanations on mitigation efforts in at-risk areas and law enforcement against permit holders.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 15:45 WIB
Basarnas Evacuates Elderly and Toddler Victims of NTT Earthquake in East Manggarai
The National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) evacuated three earthquake victims requiring urgent medical attention from East Manggarai Regency using a helicopter. The victims, including a five-year-old girl, suffered fractures and dislocations after buildings collapsed during the magnitude 7.7 earthquake. Basarnas chief Mohammad Syafii has instructed all combined SAR personnel to remain on full alert across the affected regions.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 15:45 WIB
Red and White Illuminates Niagara Falls in Pride for Indonesia's 81st Independence Day
The Indonesian Consulate General in Toronto illuminated Niagara Falls in red and white to mark Indonesia's 81st Independence Day. The display, accompanied by fireworks, drew Indonesian citizens and diaspora from across Ontario. The consulate said the moment symbolised national pride and the enduring spirit of unity among Indonesians abroad.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 15:44 WIB
NU Members Urge President Prabowo to Ensure Palace Does Not Intervene in 35th Congress
A Nahdlatul Ulama member from Situbondo has called on President Prabowo Subianto to guarantee that no state officials or facilities are used to influence the upcoming NU leadership succession. Gus Lilur cited concerns about alleged manoeuvres by several cabinet members who hold positions within PBNU. He emphasised that the congress is the organisation's highest forum and its sovereignty rests with the delegates.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 15:44 WIB
Lorin Group Solo Celebrates Indonesia's 81st Independence Day with Festive Activities
Lorin Group Solo marked Indonesia's 81st Independence Day with a series of employee competitions, a corporate social responsibility initiative, and a flag ceremony. The activities aimed to strengthen teamwork, social awareness, and national spirit among staff. Management emphasised that the celebration was not merely festive but also a commitment to contributing positively to society.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 15:43 WIB
BPJN Aceh Accelerates Construction of Concrete Water Channels on Beutong-Celala Road Section
The Aceh National Road Implementation Agency (BPJN) is accelerating the construction of three concrete box culverts on the Beutong-Celala road section in Nagan Raya Regency, with a budget of approximately Rp 3 billion. The project, targeted for completion by October 2026, aims to protect community access from erosion, flooding, and landslides that previously isolated the area. The enlarged 3x6 metre structures are designed to better manage high water flow during heavy rainfall.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 15:40 WIB
Sudaryono's Anger Erupts Over SPPG Negligence in Karo Regency That Claimed Victims
The Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Sudaryono, has threatened severe sanctions against the management of the Free Nutritious Meal Programme (MBG) in Karo Regency, North Sumatra, following a food safety incident. An initial investigation found that hundreds of fish were left at room temperature for over 12 hours instead of being stored in freezers. Sudaryono warned that negligence would not be tolerated and that those responsible could face dismissal or even legal action.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 15:38 WIB
Prabowo Proposes Sale of KRI Ki Hajar Dewantara, DPR to Follow Up
The Indonesian government has formally requested parliamentary approval to sell the decommissioned naval training ship KRI Ki Hajar Dewantara. The House of Representatives has received the presidential letter and referred it to Commission I for technical review. The vessel, built in the former Yugoslavia and in service since 1981, was used to train Indonesian Navy cadets.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 15:37 WIB
Prosecutors Detail Cruel Treatment by Little Aresha Jogja Daycare Carers in Court
Prosecutors have outlined a series of cruel acts allegedly committed by eleven carers at the Little Aresha daycare in Yogyakarta during the first hearing of their trial. The indictment describes infants being tied up, made to sleep on the floor, and confined in an overcrowded, unventilated room. One defendant is also accused of dunking a child's head into a bathtub.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 15:37 WIB
20,500 Prisoners Across West Java Granted Remission for Indonesia's 81st Independence Day
More than 20,500 prisoners in West Java have received sentence reductions to mark Indonesia's 81st Independence Day, including 346 who were released immediately. The remissions were granted as part of the government's efforts to encourage rehabilitation and social reintegration, with additional reductions given to juvenile detainees and those demonstrating good behaviour.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 15:37 WIB
ULM Banjarmasin Marks Starting Point for World Cleanup Day 2026
Indonesia's Deputy Coordinating Minister for Food, Hanif Faisol Nurafiq, launched the national World Cleanup Day 2026 movement at Lambung Mangkurat University in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan. The event aims to address Indonesia's chronic waste problem, with 34,000 volunteers participating in the province. The university plans to establish a dedicated student unit focused on waste management to ensure the initiative has a lasting impact.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 15:36 WIB
Prabowo Proposes Sale of Yugoslav-Built Warship Ki Hajar Dewantara
President Prabowo Subianto has formally proposed the sale of the Indonesian Navy training vessel KRI Ki Hajar Dewantara through a presidential letter to the House of Representatives. The Yugoslav-built corvette, constructed in 1978, was previously slated to be scuttled but is now being offered for sale. The proposal has been referred to Commission I of the DPR for further consideration, though the prospective buyer has not been disclosed.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 15:36 WIB
Special Independence Day! PLN Offers 50% Power Upgrade Discount Until 25 August
State electricity company PLN is offering a 50 per cent discount on power upgrade fees from 17 to 25 August 2026 to mark Indonesia's 81st Independence Day. The 'Merdeka Daya' promotion applies to single-phase customers across all tariff groups and is accessible exclusively through the PLN Mobile app. Customers must purchase a token or pay their bill via the app to receive an e-voucher for the discount.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 15:36 WIB
Indonesian Embassy in Beijing Launches Book of 30 Best Writings by Indonesian Authors
The Indonesian Embassy in Beijing has launched a book titled 'Indonesia-China, Who Does What?' featuring 30 selected writings on bilateral relations. The volume, edited by Al Busyra Basnur and Taufan Teguh Akbari, compiles the best entries from a 2026 writing competition that drew 727 submissions. The book will be translated into Mandarin and discussed at universities and institutions across Indonesia and China.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 15:35 WIB
Dialysis Patients Ask Constitutional Court to Waive BPJS Kesehatan Premiums for Chronic Disease Sufferers
The Indonesian Dialysis Patients Community (KPCDI) has filed a judicial review with the Constitutional Court challenging provisions of the BPJS Law on premium assistance. The group argues that chronic kidney failure patients who lose their jobs or income face unconstitutional disruption to essential healthcare access. They are asking the court to reinterpret 'premium assistance' to cover all citizens unable to pay due to chronic or catastrophic illness.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 15:35 WIB
Gresik Becomes Indonesia's Largest Copper Mineral Refining Hub
PT Freeport Indonesia's new Manyar smelter in Gresik, East Java, is set to become the world's largest single-line copper refining facility, with combined capacity to process 3 million tonnes of copper concentrate annually. President Director Tony Wenas confirmed the smelter will begin operations within one to two weeks, following recovery from a landslide at the Grasberg Block Cave mine. The project represents a major milestone in Indonesia's mineral downstreaming strategy and is projected to contribute over Rp 100 trillion annually to state revenues once full capacity is reached.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 15:34 WIB
Home Affairs Ministry Secretary-General Urges Regions to Intervene Immediately on Rising Rice Prices
The Secretary-General of Indonesia's Ministry of Home Affairs has instructed regional governments and inflation control teams to take swift action against rising rice prices in several areas. He highlighted significant increases in Bone Bolango and Pohuwato regencies and stressed that the country's ample rice stocks should be used to stabilise prices. The directive was issued during a coordination meeting on regional inflation control.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 15:34 WIB
Lampung Financial Festival 2026 Ready to Be Held, Register Now!
The Indonesia Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS) and CNBC Indonesia will host the Lampung Financial Festival 2026 in Bandar Lampung on 5-6 September 2026. The event aims to boost financial literacy and inclusion, bringing together policymakers, regulators, industry players, academics, and the public. Registration opened on 18 August 2026.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 15:34 WIB
BPK Entry Meeting: South Sumatra Police Strengthen Transparency and Governance
The South Sumatra Regional Police (Polda Sumsel) held an entry meeting with the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK RI) for the Semester II 2026 performance and compliance audit. The audit focuses on public security information systems and non-tax state revenue management in traffic law enforcement. Police leadership emphasised full transparency and data disclosure to improve accountability and public service.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 15:33 WIB
Ministry of Tourism Boosts Premium Segment with Holiday Packages Priced at Rp15 Million per Person
Indonesia's Ministry of Tourism is strengthening the domestic premium travel market to retain high-spending travellers and keep tourism expenditure within the country. Through a Luxury Business Networking event, the ministry connected premium industry players with high-end travel decision-makers to develop packages valued above Rp15 million per person. The initiative capitalises on strong domestic travel growth, with 1.2 billion domestic trips recorded in 2025.