Archive: 18 August 2026
Showing 151-200 of 1,549 articles
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:35 WIB
Indonesia's H1-2026 Economic Growth Not Fully Reflecting Public Welfare
Indonesia's economic growth of 5.45% in the first half of 2026 has not fully translated into improved public welfare, according to CSIS senior economist Yose Rizal Damuri. He highlighted that most new jobs are in the informal sector and that investment is creating fewer jobs than in the past. The economist called for policies that ensure growth delivers quality employment and tangible benefits for society.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:35 WIB
Hendropriyono on Reordering Reform: Who Is Capable of Doing It?
Former State Intelligence Agency chief AM Hendropriyono has argued that the debate over reordering Indonesia's reform agenda must shift from what needs to change to who can deliver it. Speaking at a book discussion, he stressed that political parties hold the key, as major state reforms ultimately require political decisions. He also questioned whether existing political mechanisms are sufficient given rapid global changes in technology, economics and geopolitics.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:34 WIB
Puan Maharani Assures Inter-Faction Communication on Election Bill Continues
House Speaker Puan Maharani has confirmed that discussions on the Election Bill (RUU Pemilu) are ongoing through informal channels with all political party factions, even though formal deliberation at commission level has yet to begin. Deputy Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad earlier indicated that faction leaders had agreed to commence limited discussions this week, including outreach to non-parliamentary parties. The bill is considered crucial as it will underpin the conduct of the 2029 general election.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:33 WIB
Gold Smuggling to Dubai: Turned into Powder, Hidden in Underwear
Indonesian police have uncovered a sophisticated gold smuggling operation in which bullion was crushed into powder and concealed in modified underwear to evade airport security. The investigation, led by Bareskrim Polri, follows the arrest of two Indian nationals and a raid on PT White Classic Gold & Silver in North Jakarta. Authorities are now tracing financial flows with PPATK and coordinating with immigration and customs officials.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:33 WIB
Polda Metro Jaya Detains 21 People Ahead of Protest, Cites Dangerous Items
Polda Metro Jaya detained 21 individuals ahead of a student demonstration in Jakarta after discovering items that could be used to make dangerous objects. Police said the arrests were part of preventive measures to avert potential security disturbances. The force also reminded protesters not to carry sharp or hazardous items when expressing opinions in public.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:33 WIB
Indonesian Consulate General in Guangzhou celebrates 81st Independence Day with citizens and diaspora
The Indonesian Consulate General in Guangzhou held a flag ceremony to mark Indonesia's 81st Independence Day, attended by around 100 Indonesian citizens and diaspora members. The event included traditional 17 August competitions and was also joined by Chinese citizens with ties to Indonesia, including 'guiqiao' returnees. The celebrations aimed to foster unity and a sense of home among Indonesians living in southern China.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:32 WIB
Observer hopes for healthy competition at 2026 NU Congress
Political analyst Adi Prayitno has called for fair and healthy competition at the 2026 Nahdlatul Ulama Congress, warning that transactional politics would undermine the organisation's standing. He urged NU to focus on the interests of its community rather than power struggles, and outlined three criteria for the next chairman.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:32 WIB
Cousin of former Syrian president Bashar Assad sentenced to death
A Damascus court has sentenced Wassim Assad, cousin of former Syrian president Bashar Assad, to death for premeditated murder and torture classified as crimes against humanity and war crimes. The ruling follows in absentia death sentences handed down to Bashar Assad and his brother Maher Assad earlier the same day. The court also ordered the confiscation of the convicts' movable and immovable assets for transfer to the state treasury.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:30 WIB
Indonesia Launches Domestic Credit Card, More Efficient than Visa and Mastercard
Bank Indonesia has launched the Kartu Kredit Indonesia (KKI), a domestic credit card processed through the national payment infrastructure and integrated with QRIS. The card allows credit-based payments at merchants without EDC machines and is positioned to complement rather than replace international card networks. Seven major banks are initial issuers, with transaction limits of up to Rp10 million per QRIS payment.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:30 WIB
SAR Operation for KMP Putri Yasmin Extended to Eighth Day
The search and rescue operation for four missing passengers of the KMP Putri Yasmin ferry has been extended to an eighth day after a week of searching failed to locate them. The decision follows a thorough evaluation and requests from the victims' families. The ferry caught fire in the Lombok Strait, with 212 passengers rescued and one confirmed dead.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:29 WIB
Darunnajah University Launches First Doctoral Programme in Education Management
Darunnajah University has officially launched its first doctoral programme, a Doctorate in Education Management, with the decree handed over by Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Romo R. Muhammad Syafi'i in Jakarta. The programme aims to address real challenges facing Islamic boarding schools, including leadership succession, productive waqf management, and institutional development. It is intended to complement existing undergraduate and master's programmes in Islamic Education Management at the university.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:27 WIB
Indonesia's textile industry still has room to grow: Minister
Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita has expressed optimism about the growth prospects of Indonesia's textile and textile product (TPT) sector, which employs over 3.8 million workers and recorded exports of US$4.85 billion in the first half of 2026. He highlighted new investments and business expansions as evidence of the sector's resilience despite pressures on some companies. The government is supporting the industry through investment incentives, restructuring programmes, export financing, trade safeguards, and the adoption of green industry standards to boost competitiveness in the global market.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:27 WIB
Prabowo's visit to NTT earthquake site still in planning stage, says State Secretary
State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi has said that President Prabowo Subianto's visit to earthquake-affected areas in East Nusa Tenggara is still being planned. He noted that presidential visits to disaster zones require special preparation, as conditions on the ground differ from ordinary visits. The central government is monitoring the disaster response daily through relevant ministries and agencies.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:27 WIB
Student Masses in Sudirman Area Disperse After Singing 'Tanah Airku'
Student demonstrators from BEM UI and other groups concluded their protest in Jakarta's Sudirman area on Tuesday evening after several hours of action. The rally, which began around 1.50 pm, ended with participants singing patriotic and protest songs before gradually dispersing. Demonstrators also displayed posters condemning an acid attack on an activist, referencing Andrie Yunus.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:27 WIB
Number of Mount Bawakaraeng Climbers Evacuated Due to Hypothermia Reaches 31
A total of 31 climbers have been evacuated from Mount Bawakaraeng in Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi, after suffering from hypothermia, asthma, exhaustion, and leg injuries during the 81st Indonesian Independence Day celebrations. The evacuations were prompted by extremely crowded climbing routes and severe cold temperatures. A joint SAR team of 295 personnel remains on standby to ensure all climbers descend safely.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:27 WIB
Constitution Day: Lestari Moerdijat Urges Policy Reform to Achieve Social Justice
MPR Deputy Speaker Lestari Moerdijat has called for evaluation and reform of policies implementing the constitution to deliver social justice for all Indonesians. She cited declining democracy indices from the Economist Intelligence Unit and V-Dem Institute as evidence that democratic space is narrowing. The remarks were made to mark Constitution Day on 18 August.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:26 WIB
PPPK Status Finalised, Home Affairs Ministry Tells Regional Heads Not to Recruit New Staff
The Ministry of Home Affairs has instructed regional heads to stop recruiting new staff following the finalisation of employment status for government contract workers (PPPK). The decision addresses long-standing demands from regional leaders regarding fiscal support and the conversion of part-time PPPK to full-time civil servant status. Part-time PPPK will be given the opportunity to become full-time PPPK starting in 2027.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:25 WIB
Search for missing KMP Putri Yasmin fire victims extended
The search for four missing passengers of the KMP Putri Yasmin ferry, which caught fire in the Lombok Strait, has been extended for an additional day after a week-long operation failed to locate them. The joint SAR team has conducted extensive searches across sea, air, and land, expanding from the Lombok Strait to the southern waters of Java. The decision follows coordination with SAR elements and a request from the victims' families.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:25 WIB
Reviewing NTT Earthquake Disaster, National Police Chief Says Public Safety Is Top Priority
National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo has emphasised that public safety remains the foremost priority in the emergency response to the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara. During a coordination meeting in Manggarai and East Manggarai, he affirmed the police's commitment to working alongside the military, disaster agency and local government. Political observer Boni Hargens praised the swift response as evidence of the police's consistent public service and alignment with the government's Asta Cita priorities.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:25 WIB
Ireland Rejects Majority of Palestinian Visa Applications for First Time in a Decade
Ireland has rejected more than half of short-stay visa applications from Palestinians, marking the first time in a decade that refusals have exceeded approvals. The rejection rate has quadrupled since 2023, with a sharp rise in refused study visa applications. Israeli tourists, by contrast, continue to enjoy visa-free travel to Ireland.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:24 WIB
Bank Mandiri Taspen and ITB Develop Circular Economy Model for Pensioners Using Maggot Farming
Bank Mandiri Taspen, in collaboration with the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), has launched an integrated poultry and organic waste management facility in West Bandung, West Java, using black soldier fly maggots. The programme aims to empower pensioners and local communities by turning organic waste into maggot feed, which in turn feeds chickens that produce eggs. The initiative is intended to serve as a pilot model that could be replicated in other regions across Indonesia.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:24 WIB
Celebrating Indonesia's 81st Independence Day, DPP Taruna Merah Putih: Everyone Deserves to Feel Free
The central board of Taruna Merah Putih (TMP) held a community event in Jakarta to mark Indonesia's 81st Independence Day, emphasising inclusivity and social solidarity. The gathering featured free medical check-ups, cheap groceries, tree planting, and traditional games, while also offering prayers for earthquake victims in East Nusa Tenggara. The organisation's chairwoman highlighted TMP's new spirit of making politics engaging and humane.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:23 WIB
Initial Suspicions Emerge as Fire at PO Sinar Jaya Depot Destroys 50 Buses
A major fire at the PO Sinar Jaya bus depot in Cikarang Barat, Bekasi, destroyed around 50 decommissioned buses in the early hours of Tuesday. Firefighters took approximately five hours to extinguish the blaze, facing challenges including limited water access and the need to protect nearby residential areas. No casualties were reported, but the cause of the fire and the total material losses remain under investigation.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:23 WIB
Free meal, health checks part of fulfilling basic human rights: Pigai
Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai has stated that the government's free nutritious meal and free health check programmes are part of fulfilling basic human rights, not just addressing violence or legal violations. Speaking at the inauguration of a human rights studies centre in Central Papua, he emphasised that access to food and healthcare is fundamental, particularly for remote communities. The programmes, launched in early 2025 under the Prabowo administration, target millions of beneficiaries nationwide, including children, pregnant women, and school-age children.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:23 WIB
Understanding Financial Company Maturity: More Than Just Years Since Establishment
A company's age is often used as a key indicator when choosing a broker, bank, or trading platform, but true maturity in the financial sector is about accumulated experience and internal capability development rather than just the year it was founded. Regulatory transitions, operational lessons from market cycles, and the distinction between growth and development all contribute to a firm's resilience under stress. Clients are advised to look beyond establishment dates and assess how a provider has embedded its experience into operational practice.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:23 WIB
11 Defendants in Little Aresha Daycare Case Face First Hearing at Yogyakarta District Court
Eleven defendants accused of systematic neglect and abuse of children at Little Aresha Daycare in Yogyakarta appeared for their first hearing at the District Court. Prosecutors detailed a pattern of abuse including binding infants, leaving them on bare floors, and placing them in dark rooms, allegedly under the instruction of the foundation's founder. The case has drawn attention to child protection failures in Indonesia's childcare sector.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:22 WIB
Garuda Indonesia Trials High-Speed Connectivity, Passengers Can Video Call at 30,000 Feet
Garuda Indonesia has launched a pilot project for high-speed inflight connectivity, allowing passengers to make video calls at altitudes above 30,000 feet. The trial, branded 'Sinyal Merdeka', included a live broadcast of the Proclamation of Independence text to 81 passengers, symbolising 81 years of Indonesian independence. The initiative forms part of the airline's broader service transformation as a full-service carrier.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:22 WIB
Forest and Land Fires in Indragiri Hulu, Riau Reach 434 Hectares; Dense Vegetation and Scarce Water Sources Hamper Extinguishing Efforts
Forest and land fires in Sungai Guntung Hilir, Indragiri Hulu Regency, Riau, have burned 434.35 hectares of peatland as of Tuesday, a significant increase from the initial 50 hectares detected. Firefighting teams from Manggala Agni, the military, police, and the regional disaster agency are struggling with dense vegetation and limited water sources. The operation focuses on extinguishing remaining embers beneath plant roots to prevent re-ignition in the peatland area.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:20 WIB
Sucofindo and HCETS Strengthen Synergy for Sustainable Waste-to-Energy Solutions
Indonesian state-owned testing and certification firm Sucofindo has signed a memorandum of understanding with China's Hsucheng Environmental Technology Services to develop sustainable waste-to-energy solutions. The partnership aims to reduce urban waste burdens while generating useful energy, with Sucofindo providing quality assurance across project stages. Both parties see the collaboration as supporting global greenhouse gas emission reduction efforts.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:20 WIB
Bogor Civil Servant Missing in Cisadane River for Nearly a Week
Search and rescue teams in Bogor are continuing efforts to locate a local government civil servant who is believed to have fallen into the Cisadane River nearly a week ago. The search has been expanded downstream, with divers focusing on the area beneath the bridge where the victim's motorcycle was found. The mayor has instructed teams to maximise the operation in line with standard SAR procedures.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:20 WIB
School Inaugurates Fourth Building, Prepares Superior Facilities for Students
Sekolah Citra Berkat in Tangerang has inaugurated its fourth building as part of its commitment to developing a modern educational environment. The new facility, spanning 3,213 square metres, is designed to support 21st-century learning with interactive classrooms, STEAM rooms, and technology-based laboratories. The school aims to strengthen its focus on entrepreneurship and academic excellence while increasing its capacity to accommodate up to 2,000 students.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:18 WIB
Home Affairs Minister Says NTT Earthquake Victims Can Reprint Important Documents for Free
Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian has instructed the Directorate General of Population and Civil Registration to help residents of East Nusa Tenggara replace identity documents lost or damaged in the recent earthquake. Reprinting will be free of charge, with officials deploying directly to evacuation sites. The minister also plans to coordinate with the Agrarian Ministry and police to replace land certificates and vehicle documents.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:17 WIB
2.6 Tonnes of Narcotics on MV Ocean Porter Were to Be Used as Vape Liquid
Indonesia's National Narcotics Agency (BNN) has seized 2.6 tonnes of liquid methamphetamine from the MV Ocean Porter, intercepted in the waters off Karimun, Riau Islands. The drugs were reportedly intended for conversion into e-cigarette liquid, with investigators probing links to clandestine vape laboratories in Indonesia and Malaysia. The vessel was also found to be carrying 1.57 million illegal cigarettes, and ten Myanmar nationals have been detained.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:17 WIB
House Commission VIII Seeks Longer Repayment Period for Hajj Pilgrims
The House of Representatives Commission VIII is pushing for a longer repayment window for prospective Hajj pilgrims, aiming to extend the period to around five months by 2027. The move is intended to give pilgrims more time to prepare their payments. A meeting to evaluate the financial accountability report for the 2026 Hajj was suspended to allow members to study the documents.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:17 WIB
Kaspersky Study: Gen Z Treats AI as a Friend and Source of Emotional Support
A global study by Russian cybersecurity firm Kaspersky reveals that over a quarter of Generation Z now interact with AI as they would with a friend, using it for emotional support and personal matters. The survey of 7,200 respondents found 27% of Gen Z use AI as a companion and 28% consult it about private issues they would not share with others. However, Kaspersky warns of a worrying security gap, with only 42% of young users regularly applying safety measures when interacting with AI.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:15 WIB
Central Java a Prime Investment Destination, Says Ministry
Indonesia's Ministry of Investment and Downstreaming has identified Central Java as one of the country's prime investment destinations, citing strong infrastructure, streamlined licensing, and competitive living costs. The province's investment realisation reached approximately Rp110 trillion in 2025, with Rp59.94 trillion recorded in the first half of 2026.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:15 WIB
Purbaya Gives Latest Update on Electric Motorcycle Incentive Implementation
Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa expects the Rp5 million electric motorcycle purchase incentive to be implemented by September, pending finalisation with the Industry Ministry. However, the chairman of the Indonesian Financing Companies Association warns that incentives alone are insufficient, citing challenges around usage patterns and charging infrastructure.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:15 WIB
Djoko Setijowarno Urges National Electric Motorcycle Programme to Target Mineral Regions
Transport observer Djoko Setijowarno has called on the government to direct the national electric motorcycle programme (Molinas) towards non-urban and mineral-producing regions rather than adding to congestion in Java's major cities. He argues that areas such as Morowali, Halmahera and Papua would benefit significantly from reduced fuel costs and improved logistics efficiency. Djoko also highlighted the need for government incentives to help Molinas compete with Chinese products and stressed that road safety concerns must not be overlooked.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:14 WIB
UI Student Demonstration Concludes, Sudirman Road to Bundaran HI Reopened
Traffic along Jalan Jenderal Sudirman towards the Bundaran HI roundabout in Central Jakarta has been reopened after a demonstration by University of Indonesia students ended peacefully. Police explained that protesters were not permitted to occupy the Bundaran HI area due to its role as an economic hub and the presence of foreign consulates. The BEM UI protest, held a day after Indonesia's 81st independence anniversary, carried eight demands including an end to corruption, genuine agrarian reform, and lower staple food and fuel prices.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:14 WIB
Polda Metro Claims to Find Knife and Machete During Student Protest, Here's the Explanation
Polda Metro Jaya claimed to have found a knife and a machete during a student protest in Jakarta on Tuesday (18/8/2026). The knife was allegedly carried by a student with the initials AM, while the machete was found inside an ambulance. Police are still investigating the intent behind carrying these sharp objects.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:13 WIB
Mulawarman Military Commander Says Borneo Flag Raising Not a Sign of Wanting to Leave Indonesia
The commander of the Mulawarman Military Region, Major General Krido Pramono, has stated that the raising of the red, yellow and blue Borneo flag in parts of Kalimantan does not indicate separatist intent. He said the flag is a cultural identity symbol and a means of expressing aspirations for infrastructure development. The military and government are engaging with communities to address their concerns through constructive dialogue.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:12 WIB
Prabowo Planned to Review Earthquake Disaster Handling in NTT
President Prabowo Subianto is planning to visit East Nusa Tenggara to directly observe the earthquake disaster response, according to State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi. The government is still assessing conditions on the ground before confirming the visit. BNPB has recorded around 40,000 displaced people, with the largest number in East Manggarai Regency.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:12 WIB
West Java Civil Service Spending Nears 30 Percent, DPRD Urges Optimisation of Regional-Owned Enterprises
West Java's civil service spending has surged to nearly 30 percent of regional expenditure following the transfer of senior high school teachers to provincial authority. A regional legislator is urging the provincial government to optimise assets and strengthen regional-owned enterprises, including a planned Sanggabuana investment holding, to boost locally generated revenue amid fiscal pressures.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:12 WIB
Social Affairs Minister Says 31,000 People Displaced by M 7 Earthquake in NTT
More than 31,000 people have been displaced following a magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck East Nusa Tenggara on 15 August, according to Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf. Nine regencies and cities across three provinces were affected, with 70 confirmed deaths and 665 injuries reported. Emergency relief efforts are focused on food, shelter, clothing, and restoring access to isolated areas.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:12 WIB
Vacant Land in Ngaglik, Sleman Catches Fire
A fire broke out on vacant land in Sariharjo, Ngaglik, Sleman on Tuesday afternoon, fuelled by strong winds and dry grass. Firefighters and residents managed to bring the blaze under control by around 3 p.m. local time. No casualties or material losses were reported, and police are still investigating the exact cause.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:12 WIB
3,150 Indonesian Diaspora Celebrate 81st Independence Day in The Hague, Netherlands
Around 3,150 Indonesian citizens and diaspora members gathered at the Indonesian School in The Hague to commemorate the 81st anniversary of Indonesia's independence. The event included a solemn ceremony led by Ambassador L. Amrih Jinangkung, prayers for earthquake victims in East Nusa Tenggara, and a cultural festival featuring traditional music and dance. The celebration highlighted national unity and solidarity among Indonesians living abroad.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:11 WIB
Kaspersky Study: Over a Quarter of Gen Z Treat AI as a Friend
A global study by Kaspersky has found that more than a quarter of Generation Z users interact with artificial intelligence as though they were speaking to a friend. The research indicates that young people are increasingly turning to AI for emotional support and personal matters, while often underestimating the associated security risks.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:10 WIB
Bekasi City Government to Build Monument at Sasak Kapuk to Commemorate People's Struggle
The Bekasi city government plans to construct a monument at Sasak Kapuk to honour the local people's resistance during Indonesia's independence struggle. The site, where the 1945 'Sasak Kapuk Tragedy' took place, was reopened in 2026 after 81 years as part of a historical trail. Deputy Mayor Abdul Harris Bobihoe emphasised the importance of cross-sector collaboration to ensure younger generations do not forget their history.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:10 WIB
Meta Strengthens AI Ecosystem in Asia Pacific for Creators and Businesses
Meta is positioning artificial intelligence as core infrastructure across Asia Pacific, connecting creators, businesses and consumers in an integrated ecosystem. The company reports 28% annual revenue growth and 3.6 billion daily users, driven by AI-powered advertising and generative tools adopted by 9 million small businesses. Meta has also removed 159 million fraudulent adverts and disabled 10.9 million scam syndicate accounts in the past year.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:10 WIB
Retail Group Management Reveals Secret Recipe, Confident Entering Bookstore Business
Joysparks Group, the parent company of Star Department Store and Happy Harvest Supermarket, is diversifying into the bookstore market with its new Lintas Bookstore brand. The company cites both sentimental attachment to reading culture and a desire to improve Indonesia's low PISA reading scores as motivations. The first outlet is scheduled to open in Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta, by the fourth quarter of 2026.