Archive: 18 August 2026
Showing 201-250 of 1,549 articles
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:09 WIB
Human Rights Ministry deploys 150,000 workers to map poverty and basic needs in villages
The Ministry of Human Rights has recruited 150,000 workers for the first phase of its Human Rights-Aware Villages programme. The workers will collect data on poverty, unemployment, social assistance needs, and basic infrastructure in villages across Indonesia. Minister Natalius Pigai said the data will be used to coordinate follow-up action with relevant ministries and agencies.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:08 WIB
Lebanese woman recalls wartime duty of washing and burying the dead in Nabatieh
Maryam Aqil, a woman in her sixties, remained in the southern Lebanese city of Nabatieh throughout the war to wash, collect and bury the bodies of those killed in Israeli attacks. She describes the profound psychological toll of handling the remains of children and other civilians, as well as losing her own cousin to an air strike. Despite the trauma, Aqil regards her work as a duty to families who needed someone to honour their loved ones.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:08 WIB
Government to Give PPPK Teachers Opportunity to Take Civil Service Selection, Registration Opens Early 2027
The Indonesian government has announced that teachers holding Government Employee with Work Agreement (PPPK) status will be given the opportunity to participate in civil servant (PNS) selection, with registration expected to open in early 2027. The move is part of a broader agreement to convert part-time PPPK teachers to full-time status and transfer their employment status to central government employees. The policy aims to address long-standing concerns over teacher employment status and support national education programmes.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:07 WIB
MJEthnic Craft Indonesia from Jayapura Promotes Local Culture to Penetrate Global Market Thanks to BRI Peduli Export Training
PT MJEthnic Craft Indonesia, founded by Sukma Ayu Mayangsari in Jayapura, has grown from a simple online shop into a distributor of various Indonesian MSME products, including Papuan crafts, fashion, and culinary items. The company empowers local artisans, particularly women, and allocates 2.5 per cent of sales to assist underprivileged communities in Papua. Participation in BRI Peduli's export training has enhanced the founder's knowledge and networking to better access international markets.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:07 WIB
Yaqut Denies Ordering Subordinates to Trade Additional Hajj Quotas
Former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas has denied instructing his staff to engage in the buying and selling of additional hajj quotas from Saudi Arabia or to relax hajj regulations. Speaking after a hearing at the Jakarta Corruption Court, he argued that the KPK indictment conflated ministerial policy with technical matters belonging to the directorate general. Yaqut contended the case should be handled by the administrative court rather than the corruption court.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:07 WIB
Police Find Knife and Machete During Student Protest in Jakarta
Jakarta police discovered a knife and a machete during a student demonstration in the capital on Tuesday, despite the event being largely peaceful. One blade was found on a protester, while the other was discovered in an ambulance. Authorities have launched an investigation into the weapons and praised students for conducting the protest in an orderly manner.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:07 WIB
Limited Dual Citizenship Seen as Opening Path for Diaspora to Contribute Again
A senior Indonesian legislator has backed President Prabowo Subianto's proposal for limited dual citizenship, arguing it would allow the estimated 8-10 million diaspora members to contribute more effectively to national development. The policy is seen as a way to boost knowledge transfer, investment and public diplomacy while supporting the Indonesia Emas 2045 vision.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:07 WIB
32 Victims of Israeli Colonial Brutality Evacuated from Gaza
The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) has evacuated 32 patients and 39 companions from Gaza through the Rafah border crossing for medical treatment abroad. The operation was coordinated with the World Health Organization and involved preparing patients at the PRCS-run Al-Mawasi Field Hospital. The evacuation is part of ongoing efforts to address healthcare needs in the Gaza Strip amid the continuing conflict.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:07 WIB
PLBN Labang Holds 81st Indonesian Independence Day Ceremony to Strengthen Unity
The Labang Cross-Border Post in Nunukan Regency, North Kalimantan, held a flag-raising ceremony to commemorate Indonesia's 81st Independence Day. Around 100 participants attended, including government officials, security forces, religious leaders, and students. The event emphasised strengthening national spirit and improving development in border areas.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:06 WIB
BNPP urges making 81st Independence Day a momentum to strengthen border development
Brigadier General Topri Daeng Balaw of the National Border Management Agency has called for Indonesia's 81st Independence Day to be used as a moment to reinforce national spirit and increase attention to border communities. The appeal was made during a flag-raising ceremony at the Labang Cross-Border Post in Nunukan Regency, North Kalimantan. The event was attended by around 100 participants from government, security forces, religious leaders, village officials, and students.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:06 WIB
Former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas Seeks Acquittal in Hajj Quota Corruption Case
Former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas has asked the Jakarta Corruption Court to dismiss the indictment against him in the alleged corruption case involving Indonesia's 2023-2024 hajj quota. His legal team argues that the indictment is unclear and incomplete, rendering it legally void. The defence also contends that the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Administrative Court rather than the Corruption Court.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:06 WIB
Senior Tebuireng Kiai Says Money Politics Ahead of 35th NU Congress Is No Longer Just an Issue
Senior Nahdlatul Ulama cleric KH Musta'in Syafi'ie has stated that money politics ahead of the 35th NU Congress is a factual reality rather than mere speculation. He called the practice a clear wrongdoing that must be opposed through institutional change at the upcoming congress in Jombang.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:06 WIB
Independence Spirit Revived in the Workplace
OT Group has maintained a company-wide tradition of holding flag ceremonies on 17 August across all its operational sites in Indonesia. The practice is seen as a way to instil national values in the workplace and preserve the spirit of nationalism. An academic from Universitas Islam Bandung praised the company's consistency, noting that few private firms still uphold the tradition.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:06 WIB
Deputy Minister Fajar Reviews Prabowo's Priority Education Programmes in Gorontalo
Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Fajar Riza Ul Haq visited Gorontalo to inspect the implementation of President Prabowo Subianto's priority education programmes. The visit covered school revitalisation funded by the 2026 state budget, teacher welfare improvements, and distance learning initiatives for out-of-school children. Fajar emphasised that these efforts are part of the government's commitment to realising the President's Asta Cita vision.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:05 WIB
Some Online Motorcycle Taxi Drivers Reject UMKM Status, Here Is the Government's Response
The Indonesian government has responded to opposition from some online motorcycle taxi drivers over plans to reclassify them as micro-enterprises. Minister of MSMEs Maman Abdurrahman said most driver communities support the change, while the SPAI union insists drivers should be recognised as workers under labour law.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:05 WIB
Danantara Boss: All KCIC SOE Shares to Be Transferred to Ministry of Finance
The Indonesian government is moving to take full control of the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail operator KCIC by transferring the 60% stake held by a state-owned consortium to the Ministry of Finance. The transfer will be managed through a Special Mission Vehicle rather than directly burdening the state budget. Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa also confirmed that KCIC's debt restructuring is targeted for completion by September 2026.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:05 WIB
Consumer Protection Becomes Focus Amid Digital Asset Growth
Upbit Indonesia has appointed Irvan Tisnabudi as Head of Operations to strengthen consumer protection, security, and compliance as the digital asset industry expands. The company warns that many Indonesians still entrust funds to unlicensed, low-quality platforms lured by high returns. Upbit Indonesia also expressed readiness to collaborate with the Financial Services Authority (OJK) to build stronger industry standards.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:04 WIB
Thousands of Senen residents join People's Party to mark 81st Independence Day
Around 3,500 residents from seven urban villages in Senen District, Central Jakarta, took part in a People's Party held at the National Social Solidarity Day Monument to commemorate Indonesia's 81st Independence Day. The event offered free groceries, health screenings, an MSME bazaar, competitions and entertainment. Central Jakarta Mayor Arifin said the activity aimed to deliver direct benefits to the community while celebrating independence.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:03 WIB
Indonesia sets up seven kitchens for 31,000 NTT earthquake evacuees
The Indonesian Ministry of Social Affairs has allocated over Rp14 billion to support more than 31,000 people displaced by earthquakes in East Nusa Tenggara. Seven emergency public kitchens have been established across affected districts, with capacity to prepare up to 4,500 meals daily. The ministry is coordinating with the BNPB, regional governments, the military, and police to ensure relief supplies reach all affected residents.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:03 WIB
MSME Minister: Government accelerating realisation of 8 percent interest for PNM Mekaar
The Indonesian government is moving quickly to implement a reduction in interest rates from 20 percent to 8 percent for customers of PNM Mekaar, following a directive from President Prabowo Subianto. The policy, which will be supported by a Finance Ministry regulation on subsidies, aims to expand access to financing for around 14 million customers, most of whom are low-income women. The decision was finalised in a coordination meeting involving the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, the Finance Ministry, BP BUMN, the MSME Ministry, and Danantara.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:02 WIB
Tito: NTT Earthquake Victims Can Reprint Important Documents for Free
Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian has instructed the civil registry agency to help residents of Nusa Tenggara Timur replace identity documents lost or damaged in the recent earthquake. Reprinting will be free of charge, with mobile teams deployed to affected areas and digital records enabling swift verification. The minister also plans to coordinate with the land agency and police to reissue land certificates and vehicle documents.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:02 WIB
Palace Reveals Reason Behind Giant Prabowo Banner Flying During Independence Day
State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi has explained that the giant banner of President Prabowo Subianto flown during the 81st Independence Day ceremony was a gesture of gratitude from the Indonesian military for the strengthening of defence equipment. The display, carried out by Kopassus paratroopers, also featured French Dassault Rafale jets. Prasetyo added that the improved military assets have proven useful for disaster response across the archipelago.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:00 WIB
Indonesia needs to boost competitiveness to develop modest fashion
Fashion observer Lisa Fitria says Indonesia must improve quality and competitiveness to develop its modest fashion industry, which has a complete ecosystem and strong global potential. She highlights the need for international collaboration, universal branding beyond Muslim consumers, and integration of traditional Indonesian textiles. The country is ranked first globally as a centre of innovation and creativity in Muslim fashion design.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:00 WIB
Freelander 8 records more than 10,000 pre-orders within 48 hours
The Freelander 8, an extended-range electric SUV produced under the Chery-Jaguar Land Rover joint venture, has secured over 10,000 pre-orders within 48 hours of its pre-sale launch on 14 August 2026. Priced from 339,900 yuan, the vehicle features an 800-volt EREV powertrain, CATL battery and Huawei driver assistance systems. Chery-JLR is targeting annual global sales of 300,000 units for the Freelander brand within three to five years.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:00 WIB
Floating Hospital Ship KRI dr. Soeharso-990 Deploys to East Nusa Tenggara
The Indonesian Navy has deployed the hospital ship KRI dr. Soeharso-990 to deliver humanitarian aid to communities affected by the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara. The vessel is carrying food, medical supplies, vehicles, helicopters, and hundreds of Marines to support disaster relief efforts. Additional naval vessels and three naval bases have also been mobilised to accelerate the distribution of aid.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:00 WIB
Trump Signals 'Cosy' Approach to Kim Jong Un, Will South Korea Be Sacrificed?
US President Donald Trump has claimed North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has responded to his efforts to reopen direct communication, though he provided no details. The remarks came a day after Trump ordered the Pentagon to substantially reduce joint military exercises with South Korea, citing costs and Seoul's refusal to join action against Iran. Analysts suggest a new Trump-Kim summit remains possible, with North Korea's strengthened ties to Russia and China giving Kim greater leverage.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 20:00 WIB
Victims of M 7.7 Earthquake in East Manggarai Evacuated by Helicopter to Labuan Bajo
Injured victims of the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck East Nusa Tenggara are being airlifted from Ronting, Lamba Leda, East Manggarai, to Labuan Bajo for further medical treatment. The earthquake on Saturday damaged health facilities in the affected area, prompting a joint evacuation effort led by Basarnas. Helicopter transport is being used to ensure the injured receive adequate care more quickly.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:58 WIB
Medical evacuation team brings 32 patients for treatment outside Gaza
The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) has participated in a medical evacuation operation to the Rafah border crossing, transporting 71 people including 32 patients and 39 companions. The operation was coordinated with the World Health Organization as part of ongoing efforts to secure medical treatment outside the Gaza Strip. Patients were prepared and provided with medical and humanitarian services at the PRCS-run Al-Mawasi Field Hospital before their transfer.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:57 WIB
Customs foils 32 illegal gold export cases worth Rp846 billion
Indonesia's Directorate General of Customs and Excise has thwarted 32 attempts to smuggle gold abroad between January and August 2026, with a total economic value of Rp846.94 billion. The figure marks a sharp rise from just four cases in the same period last year. Authorities are investigating the involvement of airport officials and plan to tighten surveillance and data analysis to prevent further losses of state revenue.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:57 WIB
Ojol Presidential Regulation Expected to Strengthen Driver Protection
The Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) and the government are finalising a Presidential Regulation on the online transport ecosystem, which is expected to broaden protections for ride-hailing drivers as well as goods and food couriers. The regulation will involve multiple ministries, with tariff oversight split between the Ministry of Communication and Digital, the Ministry of Transportation, and the Ministry of MSMEs. Officials have urged patience as final consultations with driver associations and platform companies are completed before the regulation is issued.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:55 WIB
Government to Upgrade Full-Time PPPK Teachers to Civil Servant Status
The Indonesian government has announced that part-time government contract teachers (PPPK) will be promoted to full-time status, while full-time PPPK teachers will be given the opportunity to become civil servants (PNS). The decision was reached following a meeting between ministers and the House of Representatives, with assurances that budgetary implications have been carefully calculated.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:55 WIB
Yogyakarta and Central Java Targeted for Expansion
Property developer PT Winner Nusantara Jaya Tbk is preparing 10 new projects in Yogyakarta and Central Java, with development set to begin in 2026. The projects are projected to generate marketing sales of approximately Rp880 billion. The company has increased its stake in subsidiary PT Pemenang Nusantara Jaya from 40% to 99.6% to support the expansion.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:54 WIB
BEM UI Demonstration in Tosari, Central Jakarta Concludes; Police Confirm Situation Remains Conducive
A student demonstration organised by the University of Indonesia's Student Executive Board (BEM UI) in the Tosari area of Central Jakarta has concluded peacefully. Police confirmed that the protest, which included eight demands ranging from an end to corruption, collusion and nepotism to declaring a national disaster status for Sumatra and Flores, proceeded in a conducive manner. Authorities also apologised for traffic disruptions caused by road closures during the event.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:51 WIB
Celios: KKI Challenge Is Not Only Cost, but Access
The Indonesia Credit Card (KKI) can compete with foreign-principal credit cards for domestic transactions, but its success depends on easier public access, according to Celios digital economy director Nailul Huda. He noted that credit card applications remain difficult and slow, pushing many consumers towards buy now, pay later services. Huda stressed that any expansion to lower-middle segments must be balanced with sound credit assessment to avoid high default rates.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:50 WIB
Customs Foils 32 Smuggling Cases Worth Rp846 Billion
Indonesia's Directorate General of Customs and Excise has thwarted 32 smuggling cases up to August 2026, with an economic value of approximately Rp846 billion. The figure marks a sharp increase from just four cases in 2025, largely driven by the gold export duty policy. The agency plans to strengthen risk-based surveillance and data analysis to curb further smuggling attempts.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:50 WIB
House and Government Agree Part-Time PPPK Teachers to Become Full-Time in 2027
The House of Representatives and the government have finalised an agreement allowing part-time government contract teachers (PPPK) to transition to full-time status starting in 2027. The decision follows coordination meetings addressing the status of PPPK teachers and their aspirations to become civil servants. There are currently 231,246 part-time PPPK teachers out of 955,245 total PPPK teachers nationwide.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:50 WIB
Luring Foreign Investors to Enter PFII
INDEF Executive Director Esther Sri Astuti has urged the government to offer special facilities and tax incentives to attract foreign investors to the Indonesia International Financial Centre (PFII). She highlighted green economy, sharia economy, and national industrial transformation as key selling points. Investment Minister Rosan Roeslani reported a positive response from Asian investors and family offices, with attendance exceeding invitations at a recent meeting in Bali.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:49 WIB
Police evacuate student who fainted during protest in Jakarta
A student participating in a protest in Central Jakarta was evacuated by Polda Metro Jaya medical personnel after fainting. The student received first aid on site and was taken to hospital, where his condition improved. Police said the deployment of medical teams reflects their commitment to providing humane services during public demonstrations.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:48 WIB
Consortium of 14 Humanitarian Organisations Sends 5,760 Food Packages to Palestine
A consortium of 14 Indonesian humanitarian organisations has dispatched 5,760 food packages to Palestinian families from Egypt, coinciding with Indonesia's 81st Independence Day. The mission, titled 'Indonesia's Humanitarian Gift for Palestine', also includes medical support, psychosocial assistance for children, and school supplies. Organisers said the aid reflects Indonesia's enduring spirit of solidarity with the Palestinian people.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:48 WIB
Govt set aset US$112.000 for upgrading Tulungagung museum
The Tulungagung district government has secured central government approval to reconfigure displays at its regional museum, with the Culture Ministry prioritising exhibition improvements over facility expansion. The museum currently houses over a thousand historical objects, including Wajak fossil replicas and ancient coins, and local officials plan to seek further funding for expansion once the display work is complete.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:47 WIB
Global Warming Increases Risk of Mental Health Disorders in Children
A new study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology finds that rising temperatures significantly increase the risk of mental health problems in children and adolescents. Each 1 degree Celsius rise in temperature is associated with a nearly 1 per cent increase in risk, with the danger rising by 25 per cent during heatwaves. Researchers call for adaptation measures such as cooler classrooms and shaded outdoor areas to protect children's wellbeing.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:47 WIB
With retail KKI, Bank Mega ready to accelerate credit card business
PT Bank Mega Tbk is positioning itself to capitalise on the launch of the retail segment of the Kartu Kredit Indonesia (KKI) to strengthen its credit card business and expand its digital transaction ecosystem. As a first mover in the KKI initiative, the bank aims to increase sales volume, customer acquisition and engagement through domestically processed payment instruments. The KKI was launched by Bank Indonesia and the Indonesian Payment System Association on 17 August 2026 as a domestic alternative to international principal credit cards.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:47 WIB
Celebrating Independence, Pertamina Patra Niaga Gives Away Dozens of Motorcycles to Online Motorcycle Taxi Drivers
Pertamina Patra Niaga held the second draw of its BOOM programme on Indonesia's 81st Independence Day, awarding 25 Honda Vario 160 motorcycles to online motorcycle taxi drivers. The programme, which attracted 5,215 participants and 251,393 coupons in its second period, aims to appreciate drivers who support daily public mobility. A further 50 motorcycles will be drawn in subsequent periods.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:46 WIB
Palangka Raya Engulfed by Haze from Forest and Land Fires, Visibility Limited
Thick haze from forest and land fires has blanketed Palangka Raya, Central Kalimantan, reducing visibility on major roads and raising health concerns among residents. Schools remain open and daily activities continue, though local health authorities have urged the public to wear masks and exercise caution outdoors. The local government is expected to monitor air quality and fire developments as the situation persists.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:46 WIB
Danantara responds to delisting risk of two state-owned construction firms by IDX
Danantara Indonesia's Chief Operating Officer Dony Oskaria has said the priority is to fix the real fundamentals of state-owned construction firms Wijaya Karya and Waskita Karya, rather than focus on whether they remain listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. Both companies face potential forced delisting due to prolonged share suspensions and unresolved financial restructuring. Oskaria said any delisting would be part of the transformation process, but stressed that fundamental financial health is the main objective.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:45 WIB
US citizen faces 1.5-year prison demand in Bali cannabis case
Prosecutors in Denpasar have demanded an 18-month prison sentence for American national Tyeisha Kieonne Parks, who was arrested at Bali's airport with 36.71 grams of cannabis. The prosecution argued she was guilty of personal narcotics abuse but had no links to trafficking networks, while noting the case could harm Bali's image as a tourist destination. The defence plea is scheduled for Thursday.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:44 WIB
Home Affairs Minister Tito Provides Compensation to Families of NTT Earthquake Victims in Ende
Home Affairs Minister Muhammad Tito Karnavian has distributed compensation of Rp15 million to the family of a victim who died in the earthquake in Ende Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. The minister acknowledged that the assistance cannot replace the loss felt by the family but hoped it would ease their burden. Tito also visited affected areas in Nagekeo and Manggarai Timur to assess conditions and ensure disaster response efforts are proceeding properly.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:43 WIB
German painter acknowledges challenges in painting Indonesian landscapes
German artist Christopher Lehmpfuhl has exhibited works painted on location across Indonesia as part of the SBY Art Community's 'Art for Peace and a Better Future: Collaboration' exhibition. He described Jakarta's metropolitan atmosphere and Borobudur's spiritual resonance as distinctive challenges, while noting the city's pollution compared to others. The exhibition, held at Taman Ismail Marzuki, marks the second under the community founded by former President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:43 WIB
Large Orangutan Escapes Enclosure at Solo Safari, Wanders into Bengawan Soft-Bone Chicken Eatery
A large orangutan escaped from its enclosure at Solo Safari on Tuesday afternoon and wandered into a nearby residential area, knocking over parked motorcycles at a busy eatery. Taman Safari Indonesia Group deployed a trained animal-handling team and successfully evacuated the animal back to its exhibit. Management apologised to residents and said a full evaluation of security procedures would be carried out.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:40 WIB
Forestry Ministry sanctions 42 PBPH over forest fires, 9 cases enter criminal process
Indonesia's Ministry of Forestry has taken enforcement action against 42 holders of Forest Utilisation Business Permits (PBPH) in connection with forest and land fires. Nine cases are now in the criminal justice process, with suspects named in four cases across Riau and West Kalimantan. The ministry is also monitoring fire preparedness at 15 additional permit holders as part of broader prevention efforts.