Archive: 18 August 2026
Showing 851-900 of 1,549 articles
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 14:45 WIB
Banda Aceh Inspectorate Head Arrested with Same-Sex Partner in Office
The head of Banda Aceh's Inspectorate, identified as FD, has been arrested alongside a 22-year-old man after Sharia police found them together in his office after working hours. Both have been named suspects under Aceh's Qanun on Islamic criminal law and are being detained for 20 days pending further investigation.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 14:45 WIB
Hundreds of Hectares of Rice Fields in Cianjur Threatened by Drought, Rice Production Remains in Surplus
Around 960 hectares of rice fields in Cianjur Regency, West Java, are at risk of drought following a prolonged dry season. Despite this, local officials project rice production will remain in surplus, with output expected to exceed the consumption needs of the regency's population by over 61,000 tonnes.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 14:45 WIB
If Mine Recovers, Freeport Could Contribute Rp100 Trillion to Indonesia
PT Freeport Indonesia projects its contribution to state revenue could rise to between Rp100 trillion and Rp120 trillion per year once underground mining production fully recovers by the end of 2027. The company is also advancing the Kucing Liar underground mine development with an investment of Rp72 trillion. For 2026, Freeport targets a state contribution of Rp47 trillion as production remains at 65% following a landslide at the Grasberg Block Cave.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 14:44 WIB
Highlighting 2026 Mandalika MotoGP Ticket Data, Council to Summon NTB Tourism Office Head
The West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) has raised concerns over sluggish ticket sales for the 2026 Mandalika MotoGP, with only around 40 percent sold by mid-August. Commission II plans to summon the Head of the NTB Tourism Office to review data and evaluate promotional strategies. Lawmakers are urging more aggressive promotion and emphasising that the event must deliver tangible economic benefits to local communities, including street vendors and MSMEs.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 14:44 WIB
Jakarta Transport Agency Deploys 60 Officers to Anticipate Public Protest
The Jakarta Provincial Transport Agency has deployed 60 officers to manage traffic around planned public demonstrations on Tuesday, 18 August. Motorists are advised to avoid areas near the DPR/MPR building, Jalan Sudirman, Jalan Thamrin, and the National Monument. Traffic diversions will be implemented situationally in coordination with the police.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 14:43 WIB
JLL: Land demand for data centre development in Indonesia continues to rise
Demand for industrial land in Indonesia is increasingly driven by the data centre sector, with requirements growing from around 5 hectares to between 10 and 30 hectares per project. JLL Indonesia notes that power needs have also risen sharply, with a single data centre now requiring 100–200 MW of electricity. The government views data centres as a promising investment opportunity, with the market projected to grow from USD 1.44 billion in 2025 to USD 3.48 billion by 2031.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 14:43 WIB
Three Earthquakes in a Day: A Signal of Indonesia's Tectonic Activity?
Indonesia has been struck by three significant earthquakes within a single day, including a magnitude 7.7 tremor in Flores that killed at least 68 people and displaced over 2,000. The government is rapidly deploying aid and setting up field hospitals, while also planning permanent housing for victims. Experts are being consulted on whether the quakes are linked and if such disasters can be predicted.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 14:42 WIB
Former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Requests Dismissal of Additional Hajj Quota Corruption Charges
Former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas has challenged the corruption indictment against him over the distribution of additional special hajj quotas, arguing the charges are legally flawed. His legal team contends the quota allocation was an administrative decision falling under the jurisdiction of the administrative court, not the corruption court. Prosecutors allege the scheme caused state losses of Rp 622 billion and personally enriched Yaqut by approximately USD 271,500.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 14:42 WIB
Jakarta government and transport operators agree to strengthen intermodal coordination
The Jakarta provincial government and public transport operators have signed a memorandum of understanding to improve intermodal coordination, enabling faster and more integrated responses to service disruptions and emergencies. The agreement aims to enhance information exchange, provide alternative travel routes, and develop an integrated command centre. The move comes as Jakarta's public transport network expands, with around 230 million trips recorded in the second quarter of 2026.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 14:41 WIB
Licensing Is Key! Government Raises Investment Realisation Target by 13.8 Percent
The Indonesian government has set an ambitious investment realisation target of Rp2,322 trillion for 2027, a 13.8 percent increase from the 2026 target. The Ministry of Investment and Downstreaming/BKPM is prioritising faster and more certain licensing processes as a primary strategy to achieve this goal. Minister Rosan P. Roeslani emphasised strengthening licensing certainty, construction speed, and resolving field obstacles.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 14:41 WIB
Trump's Son-in-Law Arrives in Israel to Persuade Netanyahu on Gaza
Jared Kushner, son-in-law and adviser to US President Donald Trump, has visited Israel to press Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to accept a US-backed 15-point plan for Gaza. Netanyahu has publicly rejected the plan, which requires Hamas to disarm and hand over governance to international forces, while Hamas has said it accepts the roadmap. Kushner warned that Israel would gain greater US support if Hamas fails to honour its commitments.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 14:39 WIB
MIND ID CEO Reveals Benefits of Indonesia Having a National Mineral Stockpile
MIND ID CEO Maroef Sjamsoeddin has called for the establishment of a National Mineral Stockpile to help Indonesia manage strategic commodities and shield domestic industry from global supply chain disruptions. He argued that such a mechanism would allow the government to decide when to store or release minerals rather than relying solely on market forces. The concept could also be extended to coal, with Malaysia, South Korea, Japan and the United States cited as reference points.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 14:39 WIB
Prabowo Proposes M. Sarjito as OJK Commissioner for Mineral Exchange Oversight
President Prabowo has nominated M. Sarjito to serve as Chief Executive of Mineral and Strategic Commodities Exchange Supervision, concurrently as a member of the OJK Board of Commissioners. The nomination will undergo a fit and proper test by House Commission XI. The Mineral and Strategic Commodities Exchange is targeted to begin operations on 1 January 2027 under OJK supervision.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 14:38 WIB
Baby Girl Found Abandoned in Bogor Resident's Yard, Police Search for Perpetrator
A newborn baby girl was found alive in the yard of a house in Caringin, Bogor, West Java. The infant was discovered after the homeowner heard crying and found the baby wrapped in a hoodie. Police are investigating the case while the baby has been taken to hospital accompanied by social services.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 14:37 WIB
RTS Link’s Bukit Chagar station to connect directly to KTM trains, buses and taxis: Malaysia Transport Minister
Malaysia's Transport Minister Anthony Loke has announced that the upcoming Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link station at Bukit Chagar will be integrated with KTM Komuter and ETS services via a new pedestrian link, alongside bus and taxi connections, to improve traffic dispersal. The RM60 million KTM link is expected to take 12 months to build, while the proposed elevated Autonomous Rapid Transit system for Johor Bahru remains without a construction launch date. Fares and the official opening date for the cross-border rail service will be announced jointly by Malaysia and Singapore at a later stage.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 14:37 WIB
Flores Earthquake Kills 68, Home Affairs Minister Distributes Compensation to Victims' Families
Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian has distributed Rp15 million in compensation to each family of victims killed in the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Flores, East Nusa Tenggara. The minister also provided Rp100 million to village heads for affected communities. The disaster has killed 68 people, injured 213, and displaced around 27,700 residents across seven regencies.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 14:36 WIB
Israel again attacks several areas in southern Lebanon
Israeli fighter jets and artillery launched a series of strikes on settlements in southern Lebanon on Monday, according to Lebanese military field sources. The attacks come despite a framework agreement signed in June that included a full ceasefire and the return of southern territory to Lebanese army control. UNIFIL has reported a significant increase in Israeli military activity in the region, with an average of 137 munitions fired daily between 5 and 16 August.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 14:35 WIB
Investment Becomes Engine of Economic Growth, Government Targets Rp2,322 Trillion in 2027
Investment contributed 39% to Indonesia's economic growth in the second quarter of 2026, outpacing household consumption. The government has set a 2027 investment target of Rp2,322 trillion as part of its broader goal of achieving 5.8–6.5% economic growth. Downstreaming investment remains dominated by the mineral sector, though the government is pushing to expand into plantations, forestry, and oil and gas.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 14:35 WIB
Infrastructure Budget Proposed at Rp 435 Trillion, Covering Rice Field Development and Garuda Schools
The Indonesian government has proposed an infrastructure budget of Rp 435.49 trillion in the 2027 State Budget Draft, a marginal increase of 0.16% from the previous year. The allocation prioritises basic infrastructure, connectivity, energy, food security, and digital infrastructure, including housing, roads, and broadband expansion. Despite the broad agenda, the limited budget increase underscores the need for greater spending effectiveness.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 14:35 WIB
Lawyer: Febrie Adriansyah's pretrial motion does not obscure legal process
Febri Diansyah, counsel for Febrie Adriansyah, has rejected suggestions that his client's pretrial motion challenging forced seizure measures at the South Jakarta District Court is an attempt to obscure the legal process. He emphasised that pretrial motions are a statutory right available to all citizens and should be respected as a proper forum to test the legality of law enforcement actions. The first pretrial motion, registered under case number 134/Pid.Pra/2026/PN.JKT.SEL, challenges the Attorney General's Office's designation of Adriansyah as a suspect in an alleged money laundering case and his subsequent detention.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 14:35 WIB
Young creators use social media to drive impactful action
Young Indonesian content creators are translating their online presence into tangible community benefits, from environmental projects to cultural preservation and local commerce. Their initiatives include tree planting, clean water access, school construction, cultural walking tours, and promoting local products through live shopping. The creators highlighted these efforts during Indonesia's 81st independence anniversary celebrations.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 14:35 WIB
East Kalimantan Forestry Service Allocates Rp19 Billion in FCPF Carbon Funds for Forest Fire Mitigation
The East Kalimantan Forestry Service is channelling approximately Rp19 billion from the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility into forest and land fire mitigation efforts. The funds will support frontline personnel and volunteers ahead of the predicted September peak fire season. The province faces significant challenges due to its vast 7.8 million hectares of forest and a limited force of only 94 forest police officers.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 14:34 WIB
Around 10,000 participants enliven Independence carnival for Indonesia's 81st anniversary in Aceh
Approximately 10,000 participants took part in an Independence carnival in Lhokseumawe, Aceh, to celebrate the 81st anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia. The event brought together students from primary to senior secondary levels, civil servants, and state-owned enterprise employees. Participants showcased traditional costumes, creative outfits, and regional dances from across Indonesia.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 14:32 WIB
Bandung City investment reaches Rp6.4 trillion by first half of 2026
Bandung City has recorded Rp6.4 trillion in realised investment by the first half of 2026, more than half of its Rp12 trillion annual target. Domestic investment dominates at Rp5.44 trillion, while foreign investment contributed Rp930 billion. The city attributes the growth to streamlined licensing services and its investment trilogy programme.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 14:32 WIB
Several Flores Tourist Destinations Temporarily Closed After M7.7 Earthquake
A number of major tourist destinations on Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara, have been temporarily closed following a magnitude 7.7 earthquake to ensure visitor safety and allow infrastructure inspections. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) reported damage to eight tourist attractions, two hotels and three homestays, while Komodo National Park remains open. The earthquake has killed 68 people and damaged hundreds of homes and public facilities.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 14:31 WIB
Warren Buffett Teaches How to Allocate US$10,000 Using Business Principles
Legendary investor Warren Buffett outlines a framework for allocating a US$10,000 portfolio based on his core philosophy of buying businesses rather than merely shares. The approach emphasises diversification through global and domestic ETFs, selective investment in quality companies, and maintaining a cash reserve for market corrections. Buffett stresses a long-term horizon of 10 to 20 years, contrasting sharply with short-term speculative trading.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 14:31 WIB
TNI-Polri personnel on standby at Hotel Indonesia Roundabout ahead of student protest
Security forces have been deployed around the Hotel Indonesia Roundabout in Central Jakarta in anticipation of a planned student demonstration. Polda Metro Jaya has prepared 9,242 joint personnel to secure protest actions at several locations across the capital. Officers have been instructed to remain calm, act humanely, and treat law enforcement as a last resort.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 14:31 WIB
Indonesia's Teacher Shortage Is Not Just About Numbers, but Mismatched Placement
Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives Cucun Ahmad Syamsurijal has argued that Indonesia's teacher shortage is primarily a distribution problem rather than a simple lack of educators. He called for recruitment policies to be aligned with regional needs, noting that some areas have surplus teachers while others struggle to fill specific subject vacancies. The remarks were made during an orientation event at the Indonesia University of Education, which he urged to play a greater role in shaping national education policy.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 14:30 WIB
Disaster Strikes South Korea, Claiming Lives
Extreme rainfall of nearly one metre has triggered landslides in South Korea's southern region, killing at least one person and injuring four others in Geoje. The deluge forced hundreds of evacuations, caused widespread power outages, and set new daily rainfall records. The Prime Minister has ordered authorities to deploy all available resources for rescue and evacuation efforts.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 14:30 WIB
RWA Market Value Grows 380 Percent, Bittime Says Indonesian Investor Interest Strengthens
Indonesian investor interest in tokenised global assets is rising, with Bittime reporting a 2.5-fold increase in Tokenized US Stocks transactions in July 2026 compared to June. The global Real World Assets market has reached USD 26.4 billion, growing around 380 percent over three years. Bittime sees this as a signal that RWA has room to grow further in Indonesia, provided regulation, transparency, and investor education keep pace.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 14:29 WIB
374 inmates at Palembang Women's Prison receive general remission
A total of 374 inmates at the Class IIA Women's Prison in Palembang, South Sumatra, have been granted general remission in conjunction with Indonesia's 81st Independence Day. Four of them received Remisi Umum II and were released immediately, while the remaining 370 received sentence reductions of between one and six months. Prison officials emphasised that remission serves as state recognition and an incentive for inmates to continue their rehabilitation.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 14:28 WIB
Flores earthquake damages 19,297 homes
The East Nusa Tenggara Regional Disaster Management Agency has recorded 19,297 damaged homes following the Flores earthquake on 15 August. East Manggarai is the worst-affected district, with 7,480 houses impacted. Officials stress that data collection remains provisional and is essential for targeting post-disaster assistance and recovery.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 14:27 WIB
Court to hear respondent's answer in Febrie pretrial on Wednesday
The South Jakarta District Court will hear the respondent's answer in the pretrial motion filed by former Junior Attorney General for Special Crimes Febrie Adriansyah on Wednesday. The hearing follows Tuesday's session examining the legality of forced seizure measures. The sole judge has warned that absent parties will be deemed to have waived their rights.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 14:25 WIB
6.1 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes South Nias, No Tsunami Potential
A 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of South Nias Regency, North Sumatra, on Wednesday afternoon, with tremors felt as far as West Sumatra. The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) confirmed there was no tsunami potential. Local disaster agencies are monitoring the aftermath, while the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has urged residents to remain calm and follow official guidance.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 14:25 WIB
Bringing 247 Tonnes of Aid, National Police Chief Ensures NTT Earthquake Victims' Needs Are Met
National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo has confirmed that the Indonesian National Police (Polri) has distributed 247.66 tonnes of aid to earthquake victims in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). During a visit to evacuation sites in Manggarai and East Manggarai regencies, he stated that most locations are now accessible and that authorities are working to ensure all displaced residents' needs are fulfilled. Polri has also deployed personnel, vessels, helicopters and aircraft to support search, rescue, health services and logistics distribution.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 14:25 WIB
A Cry from Across the Plundered Seas
An opinion piece argues that eastern Indonesia remains trapped by the resource curse, with high poverty, inequality and stunting despite its vast mineral wealth. The author calls for industrial clustering and economic agglomeration to address the persistent development gap between eastern and western Indonesia.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 14:24 WIB
MIND ID: National Mineral Stockpile an instrument to safeguard raw materials
Indonesia's mining holding company MIND ID has proposed establishing a National Mineral Stockpile to secure industrial raw material supplies and strengthen the country's control over strategic commodities amid global supply chain disruptions. The initiative would allow the government to decide when to store or release minerals to the market, rather than relying solely on market mechanisms. MIND ID cited similar policies in Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, and the United States as references for Indonesia's approach.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 14:24 WIB
DPR Deputy Speaker Dasco Calls for Budget Reallocation to Handle NTT Earthquake
Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) Sufmi Dasco Ahmad has urged the government to reallocate funds to support post-earthquake relief efforts in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). A DPR delegation, accompanied by Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa, was dispatched to the affected region on 16 August. The 7.7-magnitude earthquake has claimed at least 68 lives, with the provincial government declaring a 14-day emergency response period.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 14:24 WIB
BPS: Shallot Prices Fall Significantly in Second Week of August
Statistics Indonesia (BPS) has reported a 10.64 percent drop in the national average price of shallots to Rp37,714 per kilogram in the second week of August 2026. The price now sits within the government's reference price range, though eastern Indonesian regions continue to record prices well above the ceiling due to distribution challenges. BPS also noted persistent price increases for chicken eggs and cooking oil in a number of districts and cities.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 14:23 WIB
Togar Sends Legal Notice to Media Outlets Reporting Mediation Contents
Advocate Togar Situmorang has issued a formal legal notice to several media outlets that reported details of a closed mediation process in his Rp 25 billion civil lawsuit against four Bali-based media companies. His legal team argues that mediation proceedings are confidential under Supreme Court Regulation No. 1 of 2016 and that information from the session should not have been disclosed. The dispute highlights tensions between press freedom and the confidentiality of court-ordered mediation.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 14:23 WIB
M6.1 Earthquake in Nias Felt Strongly in Padang
A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck off South Nias, North Sumatra, on Tuesday afternoon, with tremors felt across several areas of West Sumatra including Padang. BMKG revised the magnitude to 5.8 and confirmed the shallow quake was caused by subduction activity, with no tsunami potential. Authorities urged residents to remain calm and rely only on official information channels.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 14:22 WIB
Capital Increase: SFAN Subsidiary Controls 99.997% of Shares in BAI
PT Surya Fajar Capital Tbk (SFAN) has strengthened its ownership of PT Bursa Akselerasi Indonesia (BAI) through a capital injection by its subsidiary, PT Digitalisasi Perangkat Indonesia (DPI). The Rp2 billion transaction raised DPI's stake from 51.95% to 99.997%, bringing BAI almost entirely under DPI's control. The move is intended to meet capital requirements under OJK Regulation No. 40 of 2024 for information technology-based joint funding services.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 14:21 WIB
UI researcher develops AI method to detect road surface damage
A University of Indonesia researcher has developed an artificial intelligence system that combines deep learning, three-dimensional geometric analysis and binocular stereo vision cameras to automatically detect and measure road surface damage. The method aims to improve the objectivity and accuracy of road inspections while reducing errors associated with conventional assessments. The research is expected to support more effective infrastructure maintenance, safer transportation systems and digital transformation across Indonesia's transport sector.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 14:20 WIB
M6.1 earthquake in South Nias caused by subduction activity
A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck South Nias, North Sumatra, on Tuesday afternoon, triggered by subduction activity, according to Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG). The shallow quake, at a depth of 35 km, was felt across several regions of Sumatra but posed no tsunami risk. Authorities urged residents to remain calm and avoid damaged buildings.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 14:20 WIB
Indef: Mineral exchange to strengthen supply chain, enable Indonesia to set prices
The Institute for Development of Economics and Finance (Indef) has said the planned Mineral and Strategic Commodities Exchange will strengthen the national industrial supply chain and position Indonesia as a price leader through an Indonesia reference price. The exchange is also expected to improve trade transparency and curb practices such as under-invoicing and transfer pricing that reduce state revenue. President Prabowo Subianto has targeted the exchange to begin operating on 1 January 2027.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 14:20 WIB
Naff Concert at Kudus 81st Independence Day Celebration Becomes Fundraising Platform for NTT Earthquake
The 81st Indonesian Independence Day celebration in Kudus Regency, Central Java, featured a public concert by the band Naff that doubled as a fundraising event for earthquake victims in East Nusa Tenggara. Kudus Regent Samani Intakoris urged residents to use the independence momentum to strengthen unity and mutual assistance through donations. The fundraising was coordinated by the National Unity and Politics Agency and the Social Service of Kudus Regency.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 14:20 WIB
Earthquake Felt Like a Passing Truck, Brought a Giant Tsunami Up to 21 Metres High
Two decades after the Pangandaran tsunami devastated Java's southern coast, experts warn that the threat of a similar disaster remains real. They highlight the deceptive nature of 'tsunami earthquakes', which produce weak shaking but can trigger massive waves, and call for improved mitigation and tourism resilience. The 2006 tragedy, which killed 668 people, spurred the development of Indonesia's early warning system, now capable of issuing alerts within minutes.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 14:19 WIB
Febrie Ardiansyah demands return of 74 kg gold and cash evidence
Former Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes Febrie Ardiansyah has filed a pretrial motion seeking the return of 74 kilograms of gold and cash seized from his Sentul residence. His legal team argues the seizure was unlawful and that evidence obtained improperly cannot be used under the 'fruit of the poisonous tree' doctrine. The case involves alleged money laundering and has drawn in multiple law enforcement agencies.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 14:19 WIB
Several Tourist Attractions in NTT Temporarily Closed After Earthquake, Including Wae Rebo and Kelimutu National Park
Several major tourist destinations on Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara have been temporarily closed following a magnitude 7.7 earthquake to ensure visitor safety and allow infrastructure assessments. The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported that Komodo National Park remains open and operating normally. The earthquake has caused significant damage, with over 5,000 people displaced and 68 confirmed fatalities.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 14:19 WIB
Humanitarian Solidarity Team Begins Operations in NTT to Assist Earthquake Victims
A humanitarian solidarity team from West Nusa Tenggara has arrived in East Nusa Tenggara to assist victims of the recent earthquake. The team, comprising medical personnel, logistics staff, and emergency responders, will establish field hospitals and public kitchens in the worst-affected areas. The deployment is part of a coordinated regional response involving the provincial governments of NTB, Bali, and NTT.