Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 18 August 2026

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Pertamina Aid Reaches 3,900 Residents Affected by NTT Earthquake

State-owned energy company Pertamina has distributed aid worth Rp415 million to more than 3,900 beneficiaries following the 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck East Nusa Tenggara. The assistance includes medical services, food, clean water, and emergency energy supplies. The company has also established aid posts and is gradually restoring energy facilities in the affected areas.

Fatma Saifullah Encourages Wider Marketing of Denpasar Disability Products

Fatma Saifullah Yusuf, adviser to the Ministry of Social Affairs' Dharma Wanita Persatuan, has urged broader market access for products made by people with disabilities in Denpasar, Bali. During a visit to Graha Nawasena, she praised the creativity of disabled artisans and encouraged their premium products to reach wider market segments. The Denpasar city government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting disabled communities through promotion and participation in public events.

Weighing Comfort and Cutting Travel Costs with VinFast Electric Motorcycles

A Jakarta resident shares his journey to purchasing a VinFast Evo electric motorcycle after years of hesitation with other brands. He cites riding comfort, price, and the extensive V-Green battery swapping network as decisive factors. VinFast's entry into Indonesia is backed by over 2,000 battery swapping stations in Jabodetabek and other parts of Java.

SAC presents painting exhibition, responding to global dynamics and unity

The SBY Art Community (SAC) is holding an art exhibition titled 'Art for Peace and a Better Future: Collaboration' to mark Indonesia's 81st Independence Day. The event aims to respond to global dynamics and strengthen solidarity, featuring a sister city collaboration between Jakarta and Berlin through guest artist Christopher Lehmpfuhl. Organisers hope the exhibition will serve as social inspiration and foster optimism for a better future.

Commission X urges faster repair of earthquake-damaged schools in NTT

Deputy Chairman of House Commission X Lalu Hadrian Irfani has called on the government to accelerate repairs to schools damaged by the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara, prioritising student safety. He urged swift budget disbursement, comprehensive damage assessments, and the provision of temporary learning spaces. Irfani also stressed the need for earthquake-resistant construction standards and improved disaster mitigation in schools.

Said Abdullah Expresses Optimism Welcoming New Bank Indonesia Leadership

House Budget Committee Chairman Said Abdullah has welcomed the nomination of Destry Damayanti as Bank Indonesia Governor and Aida S. Budiman as Senior Deputy Governor, describing the choices as technocratic and a safeguard for the central bank's independence. He urged the new leadership and the Finance Minister to formulate a clear core monetary policy direction, citing the contrasting approaches of China and the United States. Abdullah expressed confidence that the long-standing relationship between Finance Minister Purbaya and Damayanti would support effective policy coordination.

40,040 People Displaced and 11,925 Homes Damaged Following NTT Earthquake

The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has reported that 40,040 people have been displaced and 11,925 homes damaged following the M7.7 earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara. The figures reflect not only physical damage but also the significant psychological impact on residents. East Manggarai and Manggarai regencies recorded the highest numbers of displaced people.

Economist Projects JCI to Reach 6,500–7,000 in Third Quarter of 2026

Mirae Asset Sekuritas Indonesia projects the Jakarta Composite Index (JCI) to move towards 6,500–7,000 in the third quarter of 2026, citing limited foreign inflows as a key constraint. The index continued its upward trend on Tuesday, supported by domestic and global economic sentiment, including the government's 6% growth target for 2027.

TASPEN Provides Aid to Earthquake-Affected Residents in NTT

State-owned pension fund PT TASPEN has distributed humanitarian aid worth Rp 155 million to residents affected by the 7.7 magnitude earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara. The assistance includes 400 food packages, generators, tarpaulins, and medical supplies for around 450 displaced people. TASPEN also confirmed it will continue supporting its 90,110 pensioners and active participants in the affected areas.

Jembrana Clean Water Crisis Widens, 971 Households in 4 Districts Affected

The impact of the extreme dry season in Jembrana Regency continues to spread, with the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) recording 971 households across nine hamlets in four districts now struggling to access clean water. The latest affected areas are two hamlets in Yehembang Kauh Village, Mendoyo District, where residents previously relied on mountain water sources that have dwindled due to reduced flow and damaged pipelines. BPBD has deployed 14 of its 16 water tanks to strategic locations and has distributed 170,000 litres of clean water with support from PMI, the fire service, the military and the police.

Bahlil Urges Golkar Ministers Not to Be Anti-Criticism: Set an Example for Other Parties

Golkar Party Chairman Bahlil Lahadalia has instructed ministers from his party not to be averse to criticism, urging them to respond to public and parliamentary scrutiny with concrete action. Speaking after a party briefing in Jakarta, he also called on Golkar factions to press ministries with slow budget realisation, including the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources. Bahlil framed the stance as a way for Golkar to set an example for other political parties in parliament.

Mothers in Nagekeo, NTT Stop Home Affairs Minister's Convoy to Complain About Earthquake Impact

Residents of Nagekeo Regency in East Nusa Tenggara halted the convoy of Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian to voice grievances about earthquake damage, including destroyed homes and lack of clean water. The minister promised to relay their complaints to relevant ministries and confirmed that government assistance of Rp15 million to Rp70 million per household would be distributed through the National Disaster Mitigation Agency based on damage assessments. He also left Rp50 million in aid with the local neighbourhood chief for distribution to affected residents.

Mosques in Kuningan Encouraged to Become Centres for Community Economic Empowerment

Baznas has launched the Bumi Masjid programme in Kuningan Regency, West Java, to turn mosques into hubs for sharia-compliant microfinance and economic empowerment. The initiative provides interest-free business capital to productive zakat recipients and small enterprises, aiming to free communities from illegal loans and gradually transform beneficiaries into zakat donors.

Prosecutors reveal 25 parties enriched in CPO POME corruption case

Indonesian prosecutors have identified 25 parties allegedly enriched through a scheme that disguised crude palm oil exports as palm oil mill effluent between 2022 and 2024. The accused include ten defendants and fifteen other legal subjects, with enrichment amounts ranging from Rp25 million to over Rp1 trillion. The case centres on alleged manipulation of export regulations, laboratory testing, and tariff avoidance, causing state losses estimated at Rp7.37 trillion.

Surabaya Conglomerate's Paint Company Profit Rises 20.7% in First Half of 2026

PT Avia Avian Tbk (AVIA), the paint manufacturer owned by the Tanoko family conglomerate, reported a 20.7% increase in net profit to Rp938 billion for the first half of 2026. Sales rose 18.2% to Rp4.59 trillion, supported by growth in its architectural solutions segment and an expanded distribution network. The company implemented two price adjustments during the period to offset rising raw material costs and currency volatility.

Goods and Food Transport via Online Motorcycle Taxis to Be Regulated in Presidential Regulation

The Indonesian House of Representatives and the government have finalised Presidential Regulation No. 27 of 2026 on the protection of online transport workers, extending its scope beyond passenger transport to include goods and food delivery services. Tariff-setting authority will be split between the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs for goods and food, and the Ministry of Transportation for passenger services. The regulation also places online motorcycle taxi drivers under the Ministry of SMEs, recognising them as part of the micro, small and medium enterprise sector.

Unpatti: Higher education is the backbone of national self-reliance

The Rector of Pattimura University, Professor Fredy Leiwakabessy, has emphasised the strategic role of higher education in strengthening national self-reliance through science, research and technological innovation. He called for stronger collaboration between universities, government, industry and communities to build a robust research ecosystem. He also highlighted the need for universities in Maluku to address local challenges in sectors such as fisheries, food, health, energy and environmental management.

Danantara COO Reveals Progress on Restructuring of State-Owned Construction Firms

Danantara Indonesia's Chief Operating Officer Dony Oskaria has outlined the challenges facing the restructuring of state-owned construction companies, citing substantial debts and complex subsidiary structures. The process is expected to be lengthy due to the need to address issues across more than 20 entities, with total debts reaching hundreds of trillions of rupiah. Oskaria remains hopeful the restructuring can be completed by the end of the year, though he cautioned that the complexity of the problems may prevent this.

40,040 People Displaced by NTT Earthquake, Damaged Homes Reach 11,925 Units

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has recorded 40,040 displaced persons following the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck Nusa Tenggara Timur, with East Manggarai Regency hosting the largest number of evacuees. At least 52 people have been confirmed dead and over 1,000 injured, while 11,925 homes have suffered damage. President's aid has been distributed to affected areas, and infrastructure and electricity restoration efforts are nearing completion.

Minister outlines priorities in East Manggarai quake response

Minister Karnavian has identified restoring electricity and distributing food supplies as the immediate priorities following the magnitude 7.7 earthquake in East Manggarai. He plans to coordinate with state electricity firm PLN to repair collapsed poles and with the health minister to deploy additional medical staff to hard-hit areas such as North Lamba Leda. The government is also seeking to direct a naval hospital ship to the Reo region to support the emergency response.

Government Holds People's Feast Celebrations at 40 Densely Populated Points in Jakarta

The Indonesian government organised People's Feast celebrations at 40 densely populated locations across Jakarta to mark Independence Day. The events featured local entertainment, traditional games, free health checks, and distribution of basic food packages. Deputy Minister Purwadi Arianto stated the initiative reflects President Prabowo Subianto's message that the values of independence should be enjoyed equally by all levels of society.

BNN Seizes Total of 2.6 Tonnes of Liquid Narcotics on MV Ocean Porter

Indonesian authorities have seized an additional tonne of liquid narcotics from the MV Ocean Porter, bringing the total haul to 2.6 tonnes. The vessel was intercepted in Karimun waters, Kepulauan Riau, on the eve of Indonesia's 81st Independence Day. Ten Myanmar nationals have been detained as investigations continue.

Satpol PP Demolishes Illegal Three-Storey Building in Puncak, Bogor

The Bogor Regency Public Order Agency (Satpol PP) has demolished an illegal three-storey permanent building in Tugu Selatan Village, Cisarua District. The structure, used as a shop and residence, stood on land belonging to state plantation company PTPN 1 Regional 2. The owner had been given prior notice and urged to demolish the building voluntarily but failed to comply.

M6.1 Earthquake in Nias, BMKG: Caused by Plate Subduction, Confirmed No Tsunami Potential

A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck the waters off South Nias, North Sumatra, and was felt as far as Padang and other parts of West Sumatra. BMKG confirmed the shallow quake was triggered by plate subduction and posed no tsunami risk. Authorities are monitoring for damage and have urged residents to remain calm.

Attorney General's Office examines five Forestry Ministry employees over transfer pricing case

The Attorney General's Office has questioned five employees of the Ministry of Forestry as witnesses in a corruption investigation into alleged transfer pricing by PT TPL Tbk between 2008 and 2025. The case involves under-invoicing of pulp exports to affiliated entities, which investigators say caused state revenue losses. Two tax audit supervisors have already been named as suspects for allegedly failing to perform their oversight duties.

New Gold Smuggling Method Uncovered, Now Hidden in CDs and Bras

Indonesian police have revealed that gold smugglers are increasingly using new methods, including concealing gold powder inside modified underwear such as bras and men's underpants. The powder is produced by melting gold bars and treating the material with chemicals and dyes to evade X-ray detection. Authorities warn that smuggling tactics are likely to become more diverse as enforcement intensifies.

Basarnas Deploys 40 Additional Medical Personnel to Support Health Services for NTT Earthquake Victims

Indonesia's National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) has deployed 40 additional medical personnel to support health services in earthquake-affected areas of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), including the hard-to-reach Lamba Leda region. The agency is also using helicopters to evacuate injured residents to hospitals in Labuan Bajo. BNPB reported that aftershock activity remains fluctuating, with 24 aftershocks recorded and stabilisation expected within two to three weeks.

Forestry Minister Says 9 Forest Fire Cases Under Legal Process, 4 Already Have Suspects

Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni has reported that nine forest and land fire cases are currently under legal enforcement, with suspects named in four of them. The cases are concentrated in Riau and West Kalimantan, while administrative sanctions have been imposed on 12 forestry permit holders. The minister also noted that 40 forest fire cases were recorded nationwide between January and July.

Online Driver Disaster Spreads, Indonesia's Neighbour Already Affected

Chinese autonomous vehicle company WeRide is planning an aggressive expansion into Southeast Asia, including Singapore, raising concerns about the future of online taxi drivers in the region. The company's international revenue grew 164% year-on-year in the second quarter, and it aims to operate one million robotaxis by 2035. WeRide is also in discussions with regulators in Australia, South Korea, Japan, and several European countries.

Ubhara Jaya Lecturers Assist Sukabumi Volleyball Club to Build Achievement and Club Business

Lecturers from Universitas Bhayangkara Jakarta Raya are assisting the Batu Asih Volleyball Club in Sukabumi Regency through a community service programme funded by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology. The initiative combines sport science training using the PENBAL tool with sports entrepreneurship coaching to help the club develop alternative funding sources. The programme aims to improve athlete performance while strengthening the club's economic independence.

PLBN Badau Holds Independence Day Ceremony to Strengthen Unity at the Border

The Badau Cross-Border Post (PLBN) in Kapuas Hulu, West Kalimantan, held a ceremony to mark Indonesia's 81st Independence Day, emphasising national unity in the border region. The event brought together security forces, students, and local officials, with a call to maintain discipline and service at the frontier. The ceremony also featured cultural performances involving students and community groups.

Deputy Religious Affairs Minister Hands Over Decree for Pesantren Management Doctoral Programme at Darunnajah University

Deputy Religious Affairs Minister Romo R Muhammad Syafi'i has formally granted Darunnajah University the decree to establish Indonesia's first doctoral programme in Islamic Education Management with a concentration in pesantren management. The programme aims to address challenges such as leadership succession, productive waqf management, and institutional sustainability within pesantren. University leaders emphasised that modernising management does not mean abandoning the core values of sincerity, simplicity, independence, and respect for teachers.

Social Affairs Ministry guarantees 31,000 earthquake evacuees in NTT will not go hungry

The Ministry of Social Affairs has allocated more than Rp14 billion in logistical support for over 31,000 people displaced by the 7.7-magnitude earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara. The assistance includes 48 tonnes of rice, 7,500 food packages, and seven public kitchens producing thousands of meal portions daily. The ministry is coordinating with local governments and the military under the National Disaster Management Agency to ensure aid reaches all affected families.

Government to involve ride-hailing apps in setting fares under ojol presidential regulation

The Indonesian government has committed to involving ride-hailing platforms and drivers in discussions on fare rules for passenger, goods and food delivery services to be set out in a presidential regulation on online motorcycle taxis. The regulation will see the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs oversee goods and food delivery fares, the Ministry of Transportation oversee passenger transport, and the Ministry of SMEs oversee drivers. The government aims to finalise the regulation by early September to improve driver welfare.

Dissecting the Makkah Pact 2026, the Commodification of Religion, and the End of the Pax Americana Era

The signing of the Makkah Joint Defence Pact by Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan in August 2026 marks a significant realignment of global power, driven by existential anxieties and shifting hegemonies. The agreement, which treats an attack on one member as a declaration of war on all three, is analysed as a strategic manoeuvre to secure nuclear cover for Riyadh and expose the waning reliability of US security guarantees. The article argues the pact is vulnerable to economic and covert subversion from the US, Iran, and Israel, while Saudi Arabia's internal reforms reflect a desperate economic diversification away from oil.

Drought in Tasikmalaya: 4,000 Hectares of Farmland Fail to Plant

Extreme drought in the Priangan Timur region has caused at least 4,000 hectares of farmland in Tasikmalaya Regency and City, West Java, to fail to plant due to lack of water supply. Farmers are abandoning their land as soil hardens and water sources shrink drastically, with the situation worsened by river revitalisation works during the dry season. Farmers are urging the government to provide short-term solutions to prevent the drought from further threatening regional food security.

104 Schools and Campuses, 39 Health Facilities in Manggarai Damaged by Flores Earthquake

A tectonic earthquake in Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, has damaged 104 educational institutions and 39 health facilities, severely disrupting education and healthcare services. The disaster has claimed 26 lives, injured 119 people, and displaced 6,487 residents. Local authorities have declared a 90-day emergency response period from 15 August to 13 November 2026.

Stopped by Mothers in Nagekeo, Home Affairs Minister Listens to Earthquake Grievances

Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian was stopped by residents in Nagekeo, East Nusa Tenggara, who voiced complaints about damaged homes and lack of clean water following an earthquake. Tito promised to relay their concerns to relevant ministries and agencies, and confirmed that government assistance for house repairs would be provided through the National Disaster Management Agency. He also left Rp50 million in aid with the local neighbourhood chief for distribution to affected residents.

Sultan HB: Paskibraka education a foundation for shaping the nation's future generation

Governor of the Special Region of Yogyakarta Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X has urged Paskibraka members to apply the values and knowledge gained during their training as a foundation for character building. He also cautioned the youth against the potentially destructive effects of modern technology. The selection process for Paskibraka in Yogyakarta prioritised fairness and involved strategic partners to ensure candidates met all requirements.

UMJ KKN Group 9 Educates Rawa Badak Selatan Residents on Organic Waste Management

Students from Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta's Community Service Programme (KKN) have launched an EcoComposter education and workshop initiative in Rawa Badak Selatan, North Jakarta. The programme teaches residents to convert household organic waste into compost using simple containers made from used water gallons. The initiative aims to foster sustainable waste management habits at the household level and reduce the volume of waste sent to landfills.

Social Affairs Ministry's Public Kitchens Serve Thousands of Earthquake Victims in Sikka and Manggarai

The Ministry of Social Affairs has expanded its emergency public kitchen operations to Sikka and Manggarai regencies in East Nusa Tenggara following recent earthquakes. The kitchens are producing approximately 7,500 meal packages daily for displaced residents, with plans to extend services to additional affected areas. Minister Saifullah Yusuf emphasised that food, tents, clothing, blankets, and support for vulnerable groups must remain available as assessments continue.

YouTube to change view counting method from 24 August 2026

YouTube will alter how it counts video views from 24 August 2026, counting a view as soon as playback begins rather than after 30 seconds. The change aligns YouTube with rivals such as TikTok and Instagram and aims to reduce creator confusion, though it may inflate view counts for videos that only briefly hold attention. YouTube says the update will not affect creator earnings or YouTube Partner Program requirements.

Berlin government network hacked, access to several ministries cut off

The Berlin state government has disconnected several ministries from its IT network following a security breach. Investigators are working to determine the scope of the incident, which affected the high-speed fibre-optic network connecting around 600 government sites. The breach comes amid repeated warnings about rising cyber and hybrid threats targeting public institutions and critical infrastructure in Germany.

Fire Cases in West Bandung Reach 143 Incidents

West Bandung Regency has recorded 143 fire incidents from January to August 2026, a significant increase driven by the dry season and the El Nino phenomenon. The Fire and Rescue Service attributes most fires to human negligence, including improperly extinguished burning and discarded cigarette butts. Officials are urging residents to remain vigilant as dry conditions and strong winds heighten fire risks across vacant land, gardens, settlements, and waste disposal sites.

State-Owned Enterprise to Launch Cinema Chain Named Sinewara Next Year

PT Produksi Film Negara (PFN), a state-owned film production company, plans to launch a cinema chain called Sinewara in 2027. The move would introduce a state-owned cinema operator to compete with private players such as Cinema XXI and CGV. PFN is currently finalising the concept and has begun discussions with several regional governments for support.

Sikka Regency Government Ensures Earthquake Aid Is Distributed, Not Piling Up at Posts

The Sikka Regency administration in East Nusa Tenggara has confirmed that logistical aid for earthquake-affected residents is being distributed promptly and not accumulating at disaster response posts. Distribution has been ongoing since Sunday across Palue and 20 other sub-districts, coordinated by regional apparatus leaders. The government has also supplied drinking water to Kringa village after volcanic activity from Mount Lewotobi contaminated local water sources.

81st Indonesian Independence Day: Three Padang Panjang Detention Centre Inmates Freed

Three inmates at the Class IIB Detention Centre in Padang Panjang, West Sumatra, were released after receiving General Remission II on Indonesia's 81st Independence Day. A total of 100 inmates were proposed for remission, with 97 receiving partial sentence reductions and three being freed outright. Officials emphasised that remission serves as state recognition of good behaviour and participation in rehabilitation programmes.

Houthis Again Attack Saudi Oil Refinery

Yemen's Houthi rebels have launched drone strikes against a Saudi Aramco oil refinery in Jazan, escalating their campaign against Saudi Arabia following the collapse of a 2022 ceasefire. The attacks come amid heightened regional tensions, with the Houthis also declaring a maritime blockade against Saudi shipping in the Red Sea.

IHSG closes higher at 6,449 on expectations BI-Rate will be held

The Jakarta Composite Index (IHSG) closed up 0.75 percent at 6,449.83 on Tuesday, supported by market expectations that Bank Indonesia will keep its benchmark interest rate at 5.75 percent. Investors are awaiting the central bank's policy announcement on Wednesday, with the rupiah at Rp17,862 per US dollar. The energy sector led gains, while the financial sector was the only sector to decline.

Independence Gift: Ojol Presidential Regulation Targeted for Issuance by End of August

Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi has targeted the issuance of a Presidential Regulation on online motorcycle taxi (ojol) services by the end of August or early September 2026. The regulation, which follows Presidential Regulation No. 27 of 2026 on the protection of online transport workers, aims to strengthen the bargaining position of millions of drivers. The House of Representatives has indicated that tariff structures for passenger, food, and goods transport have been discussed and simulated, with only harmonisation remaining.