Archive: 18 August 2026
Showing 1,051-1,100 of 1,549 articles
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 13:02 WIB
Natuna Prosecutor's Office Appeals Lenient Sentence of Former Sub-district Head in Child Abuse Case
The Natuna District Prosecutor's Office has filed an appeal against the 1 year and 8 month prison sentence handed to former Pulau Tiga sub-district head Junaidi for child sexual abuse. Prosecutors had sought a four-year term and argue the verdict is disproportionately lenient. The case has drawn attention due to the defendant's position as a serving government official at the time of the offence.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 13:01 WIB
Australia highlights Indonesia's role in regional security
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has reaffirmed Indonesia's central importance to regional peace and stability, citing the recently signed Jakarta Treaty as a cornerstone of bilateral strategic cooperation. Speaking on Indonesia's Independence Day, he also extended condolences over the Nagekeo earthquake, underscoring Australia's enduring commitment to the relationship.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 13:00 WIB
House of Representatives Asks Finance Minister Purbaya to Reallocate Budget for NTT Earthquake Victims
The Deputy Speaker of Indonesia's House of Representatives has urged Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa to reallocate budget funds to address the impact of the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara. The death toll from the magnitude 7.7 earthquake has risen to 68 people, with the hardest-hit areas being Manggarai and East Manggarai regencies. The request was made during a plenary session at the parliament building in Jakarta.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 13:00 WIB
I.J. Kasimo and sovereignty on the plate
The article reflects on the legacy of I.J. Kasimo, Indonesia's first Minister of Food Supply, who argued that true national sovereignty depends on a nation's ability to feed its own people. It connects his post-independence Kasimo Plan to contemporary challenges such as climate change, global supply chain vulnerabilities, and current government programmes like the Free Nutritious Meal scheme and rice self-sufficiency targets.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 13:00 WIB
2,119 Aftershocks Hit NTT, Check BMKG's Latest Warning!
The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has recorded 2,119 aftershocks in the Flores region following the M 7.7 main earthquake on 15 August 2026. The seismic activity has caused 53 deaths and 137 injuries, with damage reported across several districts in East Nusa Tenggara. BMKG has urged residents to remain vigilant and avoid damaged buildings as aftershocks continue.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 12:59 WIB
BPJS Ketenagakerjaan enables heirs to build independent businesses
BPJS Ketenagakerjaan has launched a nationwide programme to help beneficiaries and heirs of deceased workers turn their compensation into sustainable livelihoods. The PEKA initiative provides entrepreneurship training, financial literacy and mentoring tailored to local economic potential. The programme aims to ensure social security benefits lead to long-term economic independence for affected families.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 12:59 WIB
Indian Nationals Smuggle Gold to Dubai Using Modified Underwear
Indonesian police have uncovered a gold smuggling syndicate in which Indian nationals concealed processed gold inside modified underwear to evade airport security. Investigators raided two locations in North Jakarta, seizing modified garments, smelting equipment, and gold residue. The suspects had reportedly been operating for around eight months and entered Indonesia on investor and trade visas.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 12:59 WIB
Pramono stresses importance of ulama-umara synergy to safeguard Jakarta
Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has emphasised the importance of maintaining strong relations between religious scholars and the government to preserve peace and stability in the capital. He made the remarks at the inauguration of the Forum Ulama Habaib (Fuhab) leadership, which has now expanded to all 44 sub-districts and 267 urban villages across Jakarta. The forum also plans to cooperate with the National Narcotics Agency on drug prevention and to help socialise Jakarta government programmes, including waste sorting.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 12:58 WIB
Ministry of Transport: All NTT Airports Operating Normally
The Ministry of Transport has confirmed that all airports in the Flores region of East Nusa Tenggara remain operational following the earthquake on 15 August. Damage to terminal buildings, towers, and runways has been mitigated without disrupting flight services. The ministry prioritises aviation safety while supporting humanitarian aid and post-disaster mobility.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 12:57 WIB
Ministry of Religious Affairs in West Manggarai, NTT, records damage to houses of worship and madrasahs following earthquake
The West Manggarai office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs is surveying damage to houses of worship and Islamic schools after an earthquake struck Flores, East Nusa Tenggara. Officials are prioritising safety while compiling accurate data for hierarchical reporting to provincial and central authorities. The assessment covers temples, churches, mosques, and madrasah facilities, with some learning activities relocated due to structural damage.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 12:57 WIB
KPK examines former acting Bengkulu mayor Arif Gunadi as witness
Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has questioned Arif Gunadi, the former acting mayor of Bengkulu, as a witness in a corruption case involving state officials in the Bengkulu city government. The investigation is an extension of an earlier sting operation related to alleged project bribery in Rejang Lebong regency. The KPK recently seized Rp4 billion in cash from the home of a Bengkulu public works official during searches linked to the case.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 12:57 WIB
BPOM needs around 4,000 additional staff to support national priority programmes
Indonesia's Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) says it requires approximately 4,000 additional personnel to support national priority programmes such as the Free Nutritious Meals scheme and the Red and White Village Cooperatives. The agency currently has 6,431 staff, only about 60 per cent of the 10,710 it estimates are needed. BPOM also highlighted the growing complexity of its oversight role, including its status as a WHO-Listed Authority and new responsibilities for certifying spice exports to the United States.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 12:56 WIB
Pramono Urges Ulama and Habaib to Maintain Harmony and Tolerance in Jakarta
Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has called on Islamic scholars and descendants of the Prophet Muhammad to continue fostering harmony and tolerance in the capital. Speaking at the inauguration of around 1,500 officials of the Jakarta Ulama Habaib Forum, he emphasised their role in guiding the younger generation as Jakarta transforms into a global city. The governor also expressed readiness to expand collaboration with the organisation to keep Jakarta safe, tolerant, and inclusive.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 12:55 WIB
Cross-ministerial collaboration key to protecting children with disabilities in schools
The Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection has stressed the need for cross-sector collaboration to create safe, inclusive and violence-free educational environments for children with disabilities. The ministry highlighted that children with disabilities face heightened vulnerabilities due to communication barriers, limited access to information and services, dependence on others, stigma and discrimination. It called for a connected system involving multiple institutions to ensure children are not only able to access education but are genuinely safe and supported.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 12:55 WIB
Batam Coastal Women Document Mangroves through Herbarium
Ten women from Kampung Tua Bakau Serip in Batam have documented 12 local mangrove species in a herbarium with support from Universitas Internasional Batam. The programme, running from June to August 2026, aims to transform oral knowledge into written records and boost eco-tourism at the Pandang Tak Jemu Mangrove Ecotourism area. Participants also uploaded 50 biodiversity observations to the iNaturalist platform, making local data globally accessible.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 12:54 WIB
BI: Cross-border QRIS to drive West Kalimantan economy
Bank Indonesia's West Kalimantan representative office is expanding the use of cross-border QRIS digital payments to strengthen economic connectivity with neighbouring Malaysia. The initiative, branded 'QRIS Betang', targets border posts, banking, and community activities, and has been extended to three border crossings in 2026. QRIS transaction values in the province grew 112 percent year-on-year to Rp6.5 trillion as of June 2026.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 12:54 WIB
Plan Indonesia: Education recovery a priority after NTT earthquake
Plan Indonesia has urged that restoring education services be made a priority following the earthquake on Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara. Preliminary data shows 512 schools were affected, with 166 severely damaged and at least 25,765 pupils impacted. The organisation has distributed emergency aid and provided psychosocial support while coordinating with the Education Cluster led by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 12:53 WIB
Confession of Buttocks Groper in Badung: 10 Times Targeting Female Motorcyclists
A 25-year-old man arrested by residents in Abiansemal, Badung, Bali, has admitted to sexually assaulting female motorcyclists on at least ten separate occasions. The suspect, who works as an engineer, targeted women and teenage girls riding alone on quiet roads while commuting home from work. Police are urging other potential victims to come forward as the investigation continues.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 12:53 WIB
Minimum Entry Requirements for Poltek SSN 2026: Which SMA/SMK Majors Are Eligible?
The State Cyber and Crypto Polytechnic (Poltek SSN) has opened admissions for the 2026 civil service school intake, offering 50 places across three D-IV programmes under the National Cyber and Crypto Agency (BSSN). Applicants must have a minimum average score of 80 in Mathematics and English for semesters IV and V. Only graduates from specific SMA and SMK majors are eligible to apply.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 12:51 WIB
Colombia earthquake losses exceed Rp100 trillion
Direct losses from the devastating earthquake that struck Colombia are estimated at 30 trillion pesos, or around USD 7.5 billion (approximately Rp133 trillion). President Abelardo de la Espriella said the figure remains provisional and will be revised as surveys continue. The government will establish the Milagro Fund to coordinate an integrated recovery plan, drawing on the successful Forec Fund model from the 1999 Coffee Belt earthquake.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 12:50 WIB
Rice Prices Rise and Spread Across Regions, What Can the Government Do?
The Indonesian government has instructed state logistics agency Bulog to accelerate the distribution of SPHP rice to stabilise prices as increases spread to more provinces. The government has pledged to reimburse all distribution costs, including air transport, to ensure no region is left without intervention. Bapanas is also urging Bulog to shift its strategy towards greater market-based distribution to curb the rising price index.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 12:49 WIB
Batang Regency Government opens free health screening service for civil servants and residents to prevent disease risks
The Batang Regency Government in Central Java has launched a free health screening programme for civil servants and the general public as part of early detection efforts to prevent various disease risks. The initiative, held in conjunction with Indonesia's 81st Independence Day celebrations, aims to raise overall health awareness and reduce degenerative disease risks. Local residents have welcomed the service, noting it allows them to check their health conditions without incurring costs.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 12:48 WIB
Heartbreaking Scenes on Flores Island After NTT Earthquake
A 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck East Nusa Tenggara on Saturday has caused severe damage across parts of Flores Island. The government has confirmed it is moving quickly with post-earthquake handling, focusing on victim rescue, restoration of basic services, reopening access, and damage assessment. BNPB data recorded 68 fatalities and 213 injuries as of Monday, while BMKG predicts aftershocks will continue for three to four weeks.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 12:48 WIB
Putin's Visit to the Kuril Islands to Punish Japan over Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin's first visit to a disputed Kuril island has drawn a sharp protest from Tokyo, with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi calling it 'completely unacceptable'. Analysts say the visit is intended to punish Japan for its support of Ukraine and closer ties with NATO, while also rallying patriotic support at home. The long-running territorial dispute has prevented Russia and Japan from ever signing a formal peace treaty.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 12:47 WIB
IHSG Jumps 1.26% in First Session, Nears 6,500 Level
The Jakarta Composite Index (IHSG) surged more than 1% on Tuesday, driven by a sharp rally in energy stocks, particularly Bayan Resources. The market is also awaiting Bank Indonesia's rate decision and digesting domestic fiscal and external economic data.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 12:47 WIB
DPR Approves Nuzran Joher as Chair of Ombudsman RI for 2026-2031
The House of Representatives has formally approved Nuzran Joher as Chair of the Indonesian Ombudsman for the 2026-2031 term. The decision was taken during a plenary session after Commission II proposed a single candidate. All parliamentary factions present gave their consent.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 12:47 WIB
Riau Police Name Financier and Gold Shop Owner as Suspects in Illegal Mining Case
Riau Police have named two suspects in connection with illegal gold mining in Kuantan Singingi, targeting not only the on-site miner but also the financier and a gold shop owner who purchased the illicit output. The investigation uncovered transactions worth Rp1.578 billion involving 712.44 grams of gold since May 2026. Police are pursuing a 'following the money' approach under their Green Financial Crime strategy to dismantle the entire illegal mining supply chain.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 12:47 WIB
Bandung City Council Highlights Rp70 Billion Loss at BPR Kota Bandung, Urges Total Evaluation
Bandung City Council has raised concerns over the cumulative losses of around Rp70 billion at the municipally owned Bank Perkreditan Rakyat (BPR) Kota Bandung. A special committee is reviewing a proposed regional regulation and has called for a thorough internal evaluation before any further capital injection from the regional budget. Legislators stress that fresh funds should not be used merely to cover operational losses without addressing governance, non-performing loans, and regulatory compliance.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 12:47 WIB
NTT Deputy Governor Inspects Field Hospital in Ruteng, Targeted to Operate Within Two Days
East Nusa Tenggara Deputy Governor Johni Asadoma has inspected preparations for a field hospital at Golo Dukal Stadium in Ruteng following earthquake damage to the local public hospital. The facility is expected to be operational within one to two days, with medical teams from Surabaya's Dr Soetomo Hospital assisting local health workers. The earthquake in Manggarai Regency has killed 26 people, injured 119, and displaced over 6,400 residents.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 12:46 WIB
1,279 Inmates at Cirebon Narcotics Prison Receive Remission on Indonesia's 81st Independence Day, Says Regent Imron
A total of 1,279 inmates at the Class IIA Cirebon Narcotics Prison received sentence reductions on Indonesia's 81st Independence Day, out of 1,427 current residents. Regent Imron highlighted that the prison, designed for 460 people, is severely overcrowded, which he said reflects the continued prevalence of drug trafficking in the Cirebon area.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 12:46 WIB
Minister Amran urges agricultural officials to uphold integrity and avoid corruption
Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman has called on officials at the Ministry of Agriculture and the National Food Agency to maintain integrity and steer clear of corruption while overseeing the nation's agricultural development. Speaking at the inauguration of Echelon I and II officials, he stressed that integrity pacts must be implemented in daily work, not merely signed. Amran also urged officials to report any integrity violations and to uphold a merit-based system free from nepotism and external interference.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 12:46 WIB
House of Representatives pushes for budget reallocation to handle NTT earthquake impact
The Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) is urging the government to take necessary measures, including budget reallocation, to address the impact of the 7.7 magnitude earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). A delegation of DPR leaders and members, along with the Finance Minister and other relevant ministers, is scheduled to visit NTT to provide assistance and coordinate emergency response. The DPR has also deployed its post-disaster task force to oversee the acceleration of victim handling and the fulfilment of community needs.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 12:45 WIB
BPK urges Kemenpora to improve management of state-owned inventory
The Audit Board of Indonesia (BPK) has called on the Ministry of Youth and Sports (Kemenpora) to address deficiencies in the management of state-owned inventory. Despite the ministry receiving an unqualified opinion for its 2025 financial statements, the BPK highlighted inadequate and disorderly inventory recording. The ministry has also improved its follow-up rate on audit recommendations to 80.77 per cent, up from 59.66 per cent in the previous period.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 12:45 WIB
Electricity Power Upgrade Discount Seen as Helping Public Meet Energy Needs
A consumer protection alliance has welcomed PLN's 50% discount on electricity power upgrade fees, saying it delivers tangible benefits to households and home-based businesses. The programme, running from 17 to 25 August 2026, is part of Indonesia's 81st Independence Day celebrations. The alliance also urged transparent communication of the programme's terms and procedures.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 12:45 WIB
Remarkable! Freeport's New Mine Could Produce 6 Million Ounces of Gold
PT Freeport Indonesia is developing the Kucing Liar underground mine in Papua, with total investment projected at Rp72 trillion. The mine is expected to yield over 7 billion pounds of copper and 6 million ounces of gold over its operational life. The company has also applied for an extension of its special mining business permit beyond 2041 to secure long-term operations.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 12:43 WIB
Warren Buffett-Style Capital Investment Strategy: Buy the Business, Not Just the Shares
The article outlines Warren Buffett's investment philosophy of buying businesses rather than merely shares, emphasising the importance of understanding a company's fundamentals and competitive advantages. It provides a practical guide for allocating US$10,000 across global ETFs, quality stocks, domestic ETFs, and cash reserves. The piece highlights the long-term value investing approach that has consistently outperformed market averages over six decades.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 12:42 WIB
Bulog North Sumatra receives 46,000 tonnes of rice to meet public demand
State logistics agency Bulog's North Sumatra regional office is receiving an additional 46,000 tonnes of rice from national stocks in stages until September 2026. The supply is intended to replenish stocks used for food aid programmes and the Food Supply and Price Stabilisation (SPHP) scheme. Bulog has assured the public that SPHP rice remains available at the regulated ceiling price of Rp13,100 per kilogramme.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 12:42 WIB
Indonesia Soken Introduces Balapapat Japanese School to Japanese Businesspeople
Indonesia Soken has introduced the Balapapat Japanese School in Bogor to Japanese businesspeople as a potential investment and collaboration opportunity. The institution trains Indonesian workers in Japanese language, culture, and hospitality skills for employment in Japan. The initiative aims to attract Japanese investment in developing workforce training institutions in Indonesia.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 12:41 WIB
House of Representatives Highlights NTT Earthquake, Dasco Urges Swift Handling of Victims and Rapid Government Action
Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) Sufmi Dasco Ahmad has expressed deep condolences over the earthquake that struck East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) and called for immediate medical treatment for the injured. The DPR has dispatched representatives to the affected region and is urging the government to take necessary steps to address the disaster's impact. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has recorded 68 fatalities, with Manggarai Regency reporting the highest number of deaths.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 12:39 WIB
Three NTT Earthquake Victims Evacuated by Helicopter to Labuan Bajo
Three victims of the magnitude 7.7 earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara, including a five-year-old child, have been airlifted to Siloam Hospital in Labuan Bajo for treatment of fractures and dislocations. The evacuation was carried out by a Basarnas Dauphin helicopter deployed from Komodo Airport. The earthquake has so far claimed 69 lives, injured 331 people, and displaced over 34,000 residents across Flores Island.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 12:39 WIB
PHR records production of 2,128 barrels per day from new S-type well
PT Pertamina Hulu Rokan (PHR) has brought a new S-type infill directional well, MESO#22, into production at the Menggala South field in Rokan Hilir, Riau, with output of 2,128 barrels of oil per day. The well was drilled to a depth of 3,920 ftMD and completed in 29.04 days despite a more challenging trajectory change from J-type to S-type. PHR says the result reinforces its commitment to supporting national energy security through disciplined drilling programmes.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 12:38 WIB
Preserving Jamu to Keep It Close to Today's Generation
Artha Graha Peduli highlighted jamu as part of Indonesia's cultural heritage during the 81st Independence Day celebrations in Jakarta. The initiative aims to reintroduce traditional herbal medicine amid the growing popularity of foreign modern beverages. Activities included workshops and blind testing to familiarise the public with jamu's ingredients and flavours.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 12:37 WIB
Video: Prabowo Plans to Build 30 GW of Solar Power, Confident It Can Be Achieved by 2026?
President Prabowo Subianto has set a target of building 30 gigawatts of solar power capacity by 2026, with a gradual increase towards 100 GW. National Energy Council member Satya Widya Yudha believes the target is achievable if demand is boosted from sectors such as data centres and electric vehicles. He also noted that 13 GW of diesel power plants could potentially be converted to solar.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 12:37 WIB
Defense Minister sends 20 tons of aid to earthquake victims in NTT
Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin has dispatched 20 tons of emergency relief to earthquake-hit areas of East Nusa Tenggara, including tents, medical supplies, food, and satellite internet kits. The minister personally accompanied the delivery and instructed local military units to maximise support for evacuation and recovery efforts. The aid follows a tectonic earthquake that killed at least 68 people and injured 213, prompting a coordinated response involving more than 1,200 military personnel.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 12:37 WIB
Colombian Minister Criticised for Holiday After Devastating Earthquake
Colombia's Housing Minister Jaime Andres Beltran has faced fierce criticism after it emerged that he travelled to the Caribbean coast with his family just days after a magnitude 7.4 earthquake killed nearly 300 people and destroyed almost 27,000 homes. Opposition figures have announced plans to file a motion of no confidence against him. Beltran has defended himself, saying he was not on holiday but merely spent a few hours with his family before returning to oversee post-earthquake reconstruction.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 12:37 WIB
31 Mount Bawakaraeng Climbers Evacuated After Suffering Hypothermia and Injuries
Thirty-one climbers on Mount Bawakaraeng in Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi, required emergency medical treatment during the Independence Day flag-raising event, with most suffering from hypothermia amid freezing temperatures. Rescue teams were still working to evacuate one climber with a severe knee injury from a steep section of the trail. The incident marks the highest number of health emergencies recorded during this year's standby period.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 12:36 WIB
Three East Manggarai Earthquake Victims Evacuated by Basarnas Helicopter
Three victims of the magnitude 7.7 earthquake in East Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, were evacuated by a Basarnas helicopter on Tuesday. The victims, including a five-year-old girl, suffered fractures and dislocations requiring immediate medical attention. Basarnas chief Mohammad Syafii personally joined the joint SAR team in the evacuation operation.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 12:35 WIB
Central Kalimantan Provincial Government distributes 5,000 cheap food packages to welcome Indonesian Independence Day
The Central Kalimantan Provincial Government has distributed 5,000 subsidised basic food packages in Palangka Raya as part of the 81st Indonesian Independence Day celebrations. Each package, valued at Rp149,500, is available for a redemption price of only Rp10,000 and targets low-income civil servants, contract workers, outsourced staff, and informal sector workers. The programme also includes subsidised 3kg LPG canisters and is set to be expanded to other districts in the province.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 12:35 WIB
DPR Targets Asset Forfeiture Bill to Be Completed Before December 2026
The House of Representatives Commission III aims to finalise and pass the Asset Forfeiture Bill before December 2026, prioritising it in the 2026-2027 session. Chairman Habiburokhman said the commission will hold public hearings two to three times a week to ensure meaningful public participation. The bill introduces a non-conviction-based asset forfeiture concept that is relatively new to Indonesia's legal system and requires in-depth study.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 12:35 WIB
Gran Max Pick Up Becomes King of Indonesian Roads, BYD Atto 1 'Explodes'
The Indonesian automotive market saw a shift in July 2026, with the Daihatsu Gran Max pick-up overtaking the Toyota Kijang Innova as the best-selling vehicle. The BYD Atto 1 electric car surged to second place, highlighting the growing competitiveness of electric vehicles. Overall wholesale sales rose 33.3% year-on-year, indicating a strong recovery in the national automotive sector.