Archive: 18 August 2026
Showing 251-300 of 1,549 articles
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:40 WIB
INDEF says special facilities can attract foreign investors to 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 said deepening the domestic financial market and offering green economy, sharia economy and industrial transformation opportunities would strengthen Indonesia's regional competitiveness. 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, 19:40 WIB
Moment Orangutan Escapes from Solo Safari, Stops by a Restaurant
An orangutan escaped from Solo Safari zoo in Central Java on Tuesday, venturing outside the complex and into a nearby restaurant parking area. The endemic Indonesian animal was seen pushing over a parked motorcycle before entering the eatery. Solo Safari management confirmed the orangutan originated from their facility and stated it has been safely secured.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:40 WIB
KPK Grills Kuansing DPRD Speaker Over Flow of Funds in Bupati Suhardiman Corruption Case
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is questioning the Speaker of the Kuantan Singingi Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) as it traces how Bupati Suhardiman Amby used bribes and gratuities he allegedly received. Investigators are also probing suspected payments made by the bupati to officials at the Ministry of Forestry in connection with forest conversion permits. Three suspects have been named in the case, including the bupati, the regional secretary, and a company director.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:40 WIB
Indonesian Native Fruit Hailed as Superfood, Solution to Global Crisis
Breadfruit, a native Indonesian fruit, is being promoted as a future food source and local superfood due to its high nutritional value, climate resilience, and low-carbon cultivation. An IPB University professor highlights its potential to address food security and stunting prevention while offering significant economic opportunities through flour production. Experts call for stronger promotion and industry development to boost its domestic and international market presence.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:39 WIB
UN: Aid reaches Qusra village in West Bank, but residents remain besieged
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that three families in the northern West Bank village of Qusra received essential supplies but remain isolated due to a siege by Israeli forces and settlers. In Gaza, humanitarian partners continue to warn of civilian casualties from ongoing attacks and severe funding shortfalls ahead of the winter season.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:39 WIB
Bahlil Asks Golkar Faction in DPR to Scrutinise Revenue Sharing Funds for Natural Resource-Producing Regions
Golkar Party Chairman Bahlil Lahadalia has instructed the party's faction in the House of Representatives to pay close attention to revenue sharing funds for natural resource-producing regions. He warned that neglecting these funds could lead to regional apathy and reduced state revenue. Bahlil emphasised that the provisions set out in the law should be implemented consistently according to the state's financial capacity.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:39 WIB
DPR: Online transport presidential regulation strengthens driver protection
The Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) has finalised a presidential regulation on the online transport ecosystem, expanding protections to include food and goods couriers as well as passenger drivers. Tariff-setting responsibilities will be divided among three ministries, with the Ministry of SMEs overseeing online transport operators. Further consultations with driver organisations and platform companies are planned before the regulation is issued.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:39 WIB
Chronology of Orangutan Escaping from Solo Safari, Entering a Restaurant
An orangutan named Didi escaped from Solo Safari zoo in Central Java on Tuesday afternoon, venturing onto a public road and entering a nearby restaurant. Zoo management confirmed the animal was safely recaptured within approximately 30 minutes and apologised for the distress caused to local residents. The orangutan reportedly climbed a wall and removed an electric security device before escaping.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:37 WIB
Little Aresha Headmistress Faces Same Charges as Foundation Chairwoman
Anita Palupi Indahsari, the headmistress of Little Aresha daycare, has been indicted on charges identical to those faced by the foundation's chairwoman. Prosecutors allege she instructed caregivers to restrain and swaddle children, and that the school operated without a government permit. The trial is being held at Yogyakarta District Court.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:37 WIB
Will PPPK Teachers Be Appointed as Civil Servants? Here's What Dasco Says
The House of Representatives and the government have finalised the status and number of part-time and full-time government contract teachers (PPPK) who will be eligible to become civil servants (PNS) through a selection process in 2027. The opportunity will extend to regular school teachers, madrasah teachers, and kindergarten teachers. There are currently 995,245 full-time PPPK teachers and 231,246 part-time PPPK teachers, with a projected national teacher requirement of 526,689 positions.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:36 WIB
Yaqut's Legal Team: Hajj Quota Distribution Decision in Line with Indonesia-Saudi Arabia Agreement
The legal team of former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas argued in court that the decision to split the additional 20,000 hajj quota equally between regular and special pilgrims was based on an agreement between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia. They contended that the policy was within the minister's authority and aimed at ensuring pilgrim safety, while also challenging the corruption court's jurisdiction over the case. The defence rejected allegations of receiving fees and instructing payments to a House committee.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:35 WIB
81st Indonesian Independence Day Celebrations in Warsaw Attended by 500 Diaspora
More than 500 Indonesian diaspora and citizens in Poland gathered at Wisma Duta Indonesia in Warsaw to commemorate the 81st anniversary of Indonesian independence. The event combined a formal flag ceremony with a lively people's party and culinary bazaar. The Indonesian Embassy in Warsaw hopes the celebration will strengthen unity and cooperation among Indonesians abroad.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:34 WIB
West Sumatra Police destroy 124 kg of cannabis from 43 narcotics cases
West Sumatra Regional Police have destroyed 124 kilograms of dried cannabis along with other narcotics evidence seized from 43 cases between July and August 2026. The destruction was led by the provincial police chief and attended by the governor, with 51 suspects now in detention. Police warned that the volume of seized drugs has increased by 20 to 30 percent compared to the previous month.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:33 WIB
Gold Trading Access Extended to Weekends
XM has launched GOLD24-7, a new instrument allowing clients to trade gold seven days a week, including Saturdays and Sundays. The move responds to market-moving news and geopolitical developments that occur outside traditional trading hours. The company says the product offers greater flexibility and is part of its strategy to expand offerings amid heightened gold market volatility.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:32 WIB
TelkomGroup Optimises Connectivity in Earthquake-Affected Areas of NTT
TelkomGroup is expanding its emergency response following the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara, with its satellite subsidiary Telkomsat targeting connectivity support at 17 locations across Maumere, Ruteng, and Larantuka. The initiative aims to restore reliable communications while terrestrial network infrastructure undergoes gradual recovery. Free internet posts and emergency packages for Telkomsel customers remain available as technical teams accelerate restoration efforts.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:31 WIB
Former Bank NTB Syariah Financing Director Questioned over Rp 11 Billion Corruption Case
Prosecutors in West Nusa Tenggara have questioned a former financing director of Bank NTB Syariah as a witness in a corruption investigation involving an Rp 11 billion loan to PT Carsten Group Indonesia. The loan was intended to fund the 2023 Motocross Grand Prix, but investigators allege the credit approval did not follow proper procedures and may have caused state losses. The case has been elevated to the investigation stage, with the High Prosecutor's Office working with the Supreme Audit Agency to calculate potential losses.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:31 WIB
American Doctor Film Highlights Doctors' Struggle Amid Genocide in Gaza
Malaysian-American director Poh Si Teng has explained the motivations behind her documentary 'American Doctor', which follows three American doctors working in Gaza. The film, inspired by the ongoing Israeli genocide, aims to document the courage of medical professionals navigating the crisis. It is currently receiving a limited theatrical release in the United States.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:30 WIB
PHRI Reveals Indonesia's Tourism Problem: Not a Lack of Foreign Tourists, But This
The Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) argues that the country's tourism industry is hampered less by a shortage of foreign visitors than by the high cost of domestic flights, which restricts the movement of local tourists. The association is calling on the government to direct aviation incentives towards less-connected regions such as Maluku, Papua, and Sulawesi, rather than focusing solely on Bali. PHRI views the government's planned VAT exemption on domestic flight tickets during the Christmas and New Year period as a positive step, but urges targeted implementation.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:29 WIB
KAI West Sumatra partners with communities to socialise anti-harassment at railway stations
PT Kereta Api Indonesia's Regional Division II West Sumatra has joined forces with railway enthusiast communities to conduct anti-sexual harassment campaigns at major stations and on board trains. The initiative aims to build a safer and more inclusive public transport environment and encourages passengers to report any incidents. KAI emphasised that perpetrators will not be tolerated and will face strict legal sanctions.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:29 WIB
Government Announces Full-Time PPPK Status in 2027 and Eligibility to Apply for CPNS
The Indonesian government has announced that hundreds of thousands of part-time government contract workers (PPPK) will be upgraded to full-time status in 2027. The Ministry of State Apparatus Empowerment and Bureaucratic Reform also confirmed that full-time PPPK teachers will be allowed to apply for civil servant (PNS) positions starting in early 2027. Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa assured that the policy will not jeopardise the state budget, with the fiscal deficit maintained at 2.4 percent.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:29 WIB
Visual moments from Europe's scorching summer
July 2026 was the second-hottest July on record globally, with extreme heat, prolonged drought and wildfires affecting much of the Northern Hemisphere. The World Meteorological Organization reported contrasting conditions of heavy rain and flooding in other regions. Western Europe experienced its hottest June-July period on record, with heatwaves continuing into August.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:29 WIB
81st Independence Day: Rampai Nusantara Stresses Solidarity and Mutual Cooperation
Rampai Nusantara marked Indonesia's 81st Independence Day by calling for strengthened internal solidarity and greater concern for disaster-affected communities. Chairman Mardiansyah Semar urged members to interpret independence as a mandate for unity and social contribution, including assistance for earthquake victims in East Nusa Tenggara. The organisation held recreational activities and competitions to foster togetherness and the spirit of gotong royong among its members.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:28 WIB
House and Government finalise status and number of PPPK teachers eligible to become civil servants
The House of Representatives and the government have finalised the status and number of part-time and full-time government employees with work agreements (PPPK) teachers who will be able to become civil servants through selection in 2027. The policy covers regular school teachers, madrasah teachers, and kindergarten teachers. A projected national teacher requirement of 526,689 positions has been identified, including for Sekolah Rakyat and Sekolah Garuda.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:28 WIB
Saan: Government Handling NTT Disaster Optimally, Signal and Electricity Restored
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Saan Mustopa has praised the government's response to the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara, citing the deployment of field hospitals and restoration of basic services. He noted that roads, electricity, and communication signals have been largely reconnected. The House will continue to monitor the situation through coordination meetings with relevant ministries and agencies.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:28 WIB
Central Bangka Regency prepares measures to stabilise chicken prices
The Central Bangka Regency government is coordinating with provincial authorities and chicken suppliers to secure supply and control rising broiler chicken prices, which have reached Rp48,000–Rp49,000 per kilogram. Increased demand from the Free Nutritious Meals programme and reduced fish catches due to bad weather have contributed to the price surge. Suppliers expect prices to stabilise by mid-September 2026.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:27 WIB
Electric Motorcycle Incentive Could Take Effect September 2026, Purbaya: I Will Meet the Industry Minister First!
Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has indicated that the Rp5 million electric motorcycle subsidy could be implemented as early as September 2026, though the required Finance Ministry regulation has not yet been issued. He plans to meet Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita to coordinate on the matter. The Industry Ministry has stated it is technically ready to run the programme once the regulation is published.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:27 WIB
Bareskrim Raids 'Headquarters' of Illegal Gold Smuggling Syndicate to Dubai
Indonesia's Criminal Investigation Agency has raided a house and shop in North Jakarta linked to an alleged illegal gold smuggling operation to Dubai run by an Indian national. Investigators say the syndicate crushed gold bars into powder, hid it in modified underwear, and used chemicals to evade X-ray detection at Soekarno-Hatta Airport. Police are now coordinating with immigration, customs, and the financial intelligence unit to trace financial flows and the suspects' movements.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:27 WIB
Residents Block Railway Tracks in Batubara After Pedestrian Struck by Train
Residents of Medang Deras in Batubara Regency, North Sumatra, blocked a railway line after a pedestrian was fatally struck by a train at an unguarded crossing. Following negotiations with state railway operator KAI and the regional railway technical agency, the blockade was lifted and safety measures were agreed, including the construction of security portals at five level crossings and a speed reduction to 50 km/h.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:26 WIB
Semarang District Court visitor suspected of smuggling methamphetamine to detainee
Security officers at Semarang District Court in Central Java foiled an alleged attempt to smuggle methamphetamine to a detainee after a court hearing. A female visitor was detained after handing a package to a prisoner as he was being escorted to a detention vehicle. The suspect has been handed over to Semarang Police for further investigation.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:26 WIB
Thousands of Seribu Islands residents enjoy People's Feast on Pramuka Island
Around 3,000 residents of the Seribu Islands Regency attended a People's Feast at Pramuka Island Plaza to mark Indonesia's 81st Independence Day. The event included distribution of basic food packages, free meals, health checks, competitions and performances by national musicians. The regent expressed gratitude for central government support and said the occasion was intended to strengthen unity and the bond between the government and the community.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:26 WIB
On Its 81st Anniversary, Central Java Provincial Government Highlights Infrastructure Development Achievements
Central Java has reported significant progress in road, bridge, embung and irrigation development ahead of the province's 81st anniversary. Governor Ahmad Luthfi has allocated additional funding to restore road condition levels and accelerate rehabilitation, while new embung projects are enabling farmers to increase planting cycles. The infrastructure push is aimed at reducing logistics costs, boosting economic competitiveness and supporting food security.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:26 WIB
Struggling on the Simaninggir Trans-Sumatra Road, Residents Urge Government Not to Wash Its Hands
Residents of Central Tapanuli are calling on the local government to take concrete action to accelerate repairs on a damaged section of the Trans-Sumatra Highway in Simaninggir. The road has been in poor condition since floods and landslides struck the region on 25 November 2025, forcing motorists to take longer, safer detours. Locals argue the issue affects not only comfort but also safety and economic mobility.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:25 WIB
Villages Ministry and Transmigration Ministry distribute Rp100 million donation for NTT
The Ministry of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions and the Ministry of Transmigration have channelled Rp100 million in donations to victims of the earthquake in Nusa Tenggara Timur. Minister Yandri Susanto expressed condolences and said he hoped the amount would continue to grow as victims still need assistance. The fundraising event also featured folk arts, traditional games, and an exhibition of products by village-owned enterprises.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:25 WIB
Freeport Has New Mining Project, Could Produce 6 Million Ounces of Gold
PT Freeport Indonesia is developing the Kucing Liar underground mine in Papua, projected to yield over 7 billion pounds of copper and 6 million ounces of gold over its lifetime. The project requires an investment of Rp 72 trillion, with first production expected in 2029. The company stresses that extending its special mining permit beyond 2041 is crucial for the mine's viability and continued benefits to the state.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:25 WIB
Body Found Floating in Lembar Port, Not a Victim of KMP Putri Yasmin
A body discovered floating in Lembar Port, West Lombok, has been identified as a 60-year-old port worker, not a victim of the KMP Putri Yasmin ferry fire. The man, named Misbah, was found by a passing fisherman and evacuated by the local SAR post. Authorities confirmed the identification following a medical examination.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:23 WIB
Flores Earthquake: 70 Dead, Seriously Injured Evacuated by Helicopter
The death toll from the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck Mbay, Nagekeo, Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, has risen to 70, with hundreds more injured. Seriously injured victims are being airlifted to Komodo Regional Hospital in Labuan Bajo using Basarnas helicopters. Search and rescue teams continue to coordinate evacuation efforts, prioritising those requiring immediate medical attention.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:23 WIB
Surakarta Police Uncover Rp100 Million Subsidised Hajj Fund Fraud
Surakarta Police have arrested a 46-year-old man for allegedly defrauding a 62-year-old woman of more than Rp102 million through a fake subsidised hajj scheme. The suspect, identified as DF, promised the victim a Rp100 million discount on her pilgrimage but failed to send her to Mecca. Police say the money was used for personal expenses and have charged the suspect under the new Criminal Code.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:22 WIB
Forestry Minister strengthens coordination and mitigation of forest fire potential amid El Nino
Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni has warned that this year's El Nino is stronger than the 2015 event, raising the risk of forest and land fires across Indonesia. The government is intensifying coordination with the meteorology agency and urging the public and companies to avoid any activity that could spark fires. Smoke has already been detected in several provinces, including West and Central Kalimantan.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:21 WIB
Home Affairs Minister Distributes Funeral Assistance to Earthquake Victims' Families in Ende
Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian has distributed Rp15 million in funeral assistance to the family of a victim of the earthquake in Nangapanda, Ende Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. The minister also visited evacuation sites in Nagekeo and assessed the needs of affected communities. He noted that the most severe damage occurred in the northern part of Flores Island, with most victims being struck by collapsing buildings.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:21 WIB
Magnitude 7.7 earthquake in East Manggarai leaves severe damage, 7,480 homes and 40 places of worship affected
A magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck on 15 August 2026 has caused extensive damage in East Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, with around 7,480 homes and more than 40 places of worship recorded as damaged. The Dampek area is among the worst affected, with cracked roads, landslides and collapsed buildings. The scale of destruction highlights the urgent need for disaster response and reconstruction support in the region.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:21 WIB
Grounding Dalailul Khairat: Turats wa Tajdid in the Style of KH Imam Jazuli
A participant reflects on the 21st Dalailul Khairat ijazah assembly led by KH Imam Jazuli, which has drawn over 60,000 practitioners. The movement is praised for combining traditional Sufi practice with academic rigour and dignified settings, challenging stereotypes about spiritual devotion and intellectual progressiveness.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:20 WIB
People's Banquet for Independence Day in Benhil provides direct benefits to residents
A People's Banquet held at Lapangan Merah in Bendungan Hilir, Central Jakarta, to mark Indonesia's 81st Independence Day provided direct benefits to around 3,500 lower-income residents. The event offered free meals, basic food packages, free health checks, entertainment, and traditional competitions. The Tanah Abang sub-district head said coordination with 47 community organisations helped keep the area safe and prevent friction with demonstrators from outside.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:20 WIB
Indonesian film to screen at Jordan children and youth film festival
The Indonesian feature film 'Solata (Friends are the Family We Choose)' is scheduled to screen at the Jordan Children and Youth Film Festival in Amman from 14–20 August 2026. Directed by Ichwan Persada, the film has previously been shown in Eastern Europe and won international recognition. Its participation in Jordan is fully supported by the Indonesian Embassy in Amman.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:20 WIB
Waskita (WSKT) Shares Face Delisting Threat from IDX, Here's What Danantara COO Says
Danantara Indonesia's Chief Operating Officer Dony Oskaria has stated that the priority is fundamentally restructuring state-owned construction firm Waskita Karya, even if that means its shares are delisted from the Indonesia Stock Exchange. He emphasised that a superficially repaired company that later collapses again is not the goal, and that investors would suffer if a fundamentally weak company remains listed. The delisting risk is being treated as part of the transformation process.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:20 WIB
Orangutan Didi Escapes from Solo Safari Enclosure, Wanders into Village and Knocks Over Motorcycles
An orangutan named Didi escaped from its enclosure at Solo Safari on Tuesday afternoon and entered a nearby village, where it knocked over several parked motorcycles at a busy food stall. Taman Safari Indonesia Group deployed a trained team that safely evacuated the animal and returned it to its exhibit. The company apologised to residents and said it would conduct a thorough evaluation to strengthen security procedures.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:17 WIB
Yaqut Cholil Qoumas Requests Release from KPK Detention Centre
Former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas has filed an exception challenging the corruption indictment against him over the 2023-2024 hajj quota allocation. His legal team argues the indictment is unclear and incomplete, and that the Jakarta Corruption Court lacks absolute authority to hear the case. Yaqut is also seeking rehabilitation of his reputation and immediate release from KPK detention.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:16 WIB
BI Babel strengthens MSME capacity to grow and compete
Bank Indonesia's Bangka Belitung representative office is using the Explore Babel 2026 programme to boost the capacity, competitiveness and sustainability of local micro, small and medium enterprises. The initiative has already generated around Rp2 billion in transactions ahead of its main event in August. The programme aims to move MSMEs beyond promotion towards mentoring, digital adoption and eventual export readiness.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:16 WIB
Manggala Agni: Forest and land fires in Indragiri Hulu, Riau reach 434 hectares
Forest and land fires in Sungai Guntung Hilir, Indragiri Hulu Regency, Riau, have now burned 434.35 hectares, a sharp increase from the initial estimate of around 50 hectares. Manggala Agni Daops Rengat reports that the fire on peatland with shrub and oil palm vegetation is largely under control on the western and northern flanks, but the eastern and southern sides remain uncontained. Firefighting efforts involve Manggala Agni, the military, police, and the local disaster agency, with crews hampered by dense vegetation and water sources located 300–500 metres from the fire line.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:16 WIB
Bongal Site Undermines Dutch Orientalist Theory: Islam Entered the Archipelago from Arabia, Not India
Archaeological finds at the Bongal site in North Sumatra, including ancient coins bearing Arabic and Persian script, suggest direct contact between the Arabian Peninsula and the Indonesian archipelago as early as the 7th century CE. This challenges the long-held theory, promoted by Dutch orientalists, that Islam reached Indonesia via India. The discovery has been eagerly awaited by scholars seeking to rewrite the history of Islam's arrival in the region.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 19:15 WIB
Independence Day Urged as Momentum to Strengthen Solidarity and Mutual Cooperation
Indonesian Independence Day celebrations are being framed as an opportunity to reinforce unity, brotherhood, and the spirit of gotong royong. Rampai Nusantara leaders expressed condolences for the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara and called on members to assist affected communities. The organisation emphasised that independence should be honoured through positive contributions and national unity beyond ceremonial festivities.