Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 20 August 2026

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MPR Deputy Speaker Affirms Women's Equality Struggle Is a National Civilisational Agenda

MPR Deputy Speaker Lestari Moerdijat has called for women's equality and empowerment to be treated as a national civilisational agenda rather than a sectoral issue. Speaking at a focus group discussion on strengthening women's representation in electoral law revisions, she highlighted persistent structural and cultural barriers, including low female political representation and workforce participation. Moerdijat urged all elements of society, including political parties, to turn women's issues into a national movement rather than a mere quota formality.

Dr Oky Asks Police to Examine Suspected Sender of Flower Wreath Terror

The legal team of cosmetic surgeon Dr Oky Pratama has urged police to compel a key witness, identified as HP alias HS, to attend questioning over alleged defamation involving threatening flower wreaths. The witness has twice failed to appear, with her lawyer citing illness, though she reportedly travelled abroad instead. Police have been asked to issue a second summons and, if necessary, a warrant to bring her in for examination.

PNM Prepares Mekaar Financing Ecosystem with 8% Interest Rate

PT Permodalan Nasional Madani (PNM) is preparing the regulatory, administrative, and liquidity infrastructure needed to implement the new 8% interest rate for its Mekaar ultra-micro financing programme, targeted for September 2026. The state-owned enterprise is working with the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of MSMEs, and state-owned banks coordinated by Danantara to ensure the ecosystem is ready. The adjustment is intended to make capital more affordable for ultra-micro entrepreneurs and strengthen family-level economic resilience.

Pramono Releases Rp 5.8 Billion in Aid for NTT Earthquake Victims

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has dispatched humanitarian aid worth Rp 5.8 billion for earthquake victims in East Nusa Tenggara. The assistance includes food and non-food logistics, cash, and a mobile water treatment plant. Pramono indicated that further aid will follow, with nappies prioritised for children and the elderly.

Onrust Archaeology Museum Invites Public to Explore Nusantara Hajj History

The Jakarta Culture Agency has opened a temporary exhibition at the Onrust Archaeology Museum tracing the maritime history of the Nusantara hajj pilgrimage from Batavia to Mecca. The exhibition, running until January 2027, highlights Onrust Island's role as a quarantine and embarkation point during the colonial era. It features six thematic zones and includes contributions from international collaborators and the family of a former quarantine officer.

Prosecutors Consider Appeal Against Light Sentence for Former Sumbawa BPN Head

The West Nusa Tenggara High Prosecutor's Office is still considering whether to appeal the 15-month prison sentence handed to Subhan, former head of the Sumbawa and Central Lombok National Land Agency, in a corruption case involving land acquisition for the MXGP Samota circuit. The sentence was significantly lighter than the three-year term sought by prosecutors. The case relates to the purchase of 70 hectares of land for Rp52 billion, with state losses estimated at Rp6.7 billion.

Minister: Not all political parties comply with female legislative candidate quota

Minister of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Arifah Fauzi has stated that the 30 percent quota for female legislative candidates remains merely administrative and is not yet complied with by all political parties. She highlighted a Constitutional Court ruling affirming that candidate lists must include at least 30 percent women in every electoral district. The ministry has also formed a National Women's Politics Working Group to push for stronger female representation in the revision of the Election Law.

Ministry of Youth and Sports targets sports event calendar from 2027

The Ministry of Youth and Sports (Kemenpora) aims to establish an annual national sports event calendar starting in 2027 to better coordinate sporting events across Indonesia. The calendar is intended to aid planning for athletes, spectators and government while also stimulating the economy. Kemenpora is also pursuing partnerships with private sector organisers to develop the sports ecosystem.

Conflicting accounts of Maybrat residents' wounds prompt Komnas HAM to call for scientific investigation

Indonesia's National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) has urged the Southwest Papua Regional Police to conduct a scientific crime investigation into the alleged shooting of three civilians in Maybrat Regency. The call follows conflicting statements about whether the victims' wounds were caused by bullets or sharp objects. Komnas HAM also called for medical care, psychosocial support, and measures to prevent further conflict escalation.

Mandiri Taspen and Petrokimia Gresik strengthen business and retirement synergy

PT Bank Mandiri Taspen and PT Petrokimia Gresik have signed a memorandum of understanding covering banking services, business ecosystem development, and human resources support extending to employees entering retirement. The partnership focuses on building a retirement ecosystem that keeps former employees productive, while also exploring agro-industry business opportunities and corporate social responsibility programmes. Both companies expect the collaboration to deliver measurable benefits for their employees, business partners, and the wider community.

IAP Hosts ICAPPS 2026 to Drive Future City Planning in Asia Pacific

The Indonesian Association of Urban and Regional Planners (IAP) is hosting the International Conference of Asia-Pacific Planning Societies (ICAPPS) in Jakarta, bringing together planners from five countries to shape the future of urban development. The three-day conference focuses on 'next generation cities' and features over 400 research papers. IAP emphasises that planning must anticipate the needs of Gen Z, Alpha, and Beta populations over the next 20 to 30 years.

KAI Pursues Business Transformation, Targets 1.4 Billion Passengers per Year by 2045

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) is pursuing a business transformation to expand its growth sources beyond transport, targeting 1.4 billion passengers annually by 2045. The state-owned railway operator aims to increase non-farebox revenue from around 6 percent to 20–25 percent by optimising assets, technology, and capabilities. KAI recorded 503.5 million passengers in 2025, up 8.52 percent from the previous year.

Bank Sumut introduces Smartcash for BRT Mebidang public transport service

PT Bank Sumut has launched its Smartcash card as a cashless payment option for the new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Mebidang service in North Sumatra. The initiative supports the provincial government's push to modernise public transport and promote digital payments. The BRT project, backed by the World Bank and AFD France, is currently in a free trial phase before full operations begin in December 2026.

KPK Reported to Conduct Sting Operation in Bogor Regency, Six People Detained

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has reportedly detained six people, including a head of a government agency, in Bogor Regency, West Java, in connection with alleged corruption. Sources indicate that Rp1.5 billion in cash was seized during the operation. A KPK spokesperson confirmed activity in the area but denied it was a sting operation, describing it as a follow-up to public reports.

Bumper Shallot Harvest in Bantul Brings Big Profits for Farmers

Shallot farmers in Bantul, Yogyakarta, are enjoying a significantly improved harvest this year, with productivity rising and pest problems sharply reduced. Farm-gate prices have also climbed from around Rp10,000 to between Rp15,000 and Rp20,000 per kilogram, boosting incomes. Farmers hope the favourable conditions will continue after the main harvest to sustain the local agricultural economy.

Not Just About Profit, Geothermal Also Builds Community Economy

PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy Tbk (PGEO) says its geothermal development focuses not only on financial returns but also on building the local economy around its operational areas. The company highlights the multiplier effect of its projects, citing Kamojang as evidence of more than four decades of shared economic growth with surrounding communities. PGEO's ESG performance has been recognised with top global and national ratings, alongside 15 consecutive Proper Emas awards.

BNPB: Death toll from NTT earthquake rises to 75

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has reported that the death toll from the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara has risen to 75, with four additional fatalities recorded. The number of injured has also increased to 907, while aftershocks continue to pose a significant threat. Authorities have urged residents in affected areas to remain vigilant.

Elderly Man Dies of Respiratory Distress at Makeshift Evacuation Camp in Sikka, NTT

A 67-year-old man died at a makeshift evacuation camp in Nangahale Village, Sikka Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, after suffering from shortness of breath and coughing. The camp hosts 1,551 displaced people, including large numbers of pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, elderly residents, toddlers and people with disabilities. Residents are urging the local government to ensure aid reaches remote evacuation sites, not just urban areas.

Agriculture Minister accelerates food aid distribution for NTT earthquake victims

Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman has ordered the immediate distribution of food aid to earthquake victims in East Nusa Tenggara, bypassing lengthy administrative procedures. The minister said the rapid response follows direct instructions from President Prabowo Subianto, with rice supplies confirmed sufficient for up to a year. Around 34,000 displaced people require approximately 300 tonnes of rice per month, while regional stocks stand at 39,000 tonnes.

East Jakarta City Government monitors repair of collapsed road in Pulogadung

The East Jakarta City Government is overseeing the repair of a collapsed 100-metre section of Jalan Cinta in Pulogadung, which leads towards Kali Sunter. The local administration is coordinating with the Jakarta Water Resources Agency on the technical reconstruction design. Residents have been urged to be patient and use temporary alternative routes while the work is carried out for public safety.

Indonesia, Germany Eye Deeper Ties in Green Energy, Semiconductors

Indonesia and Germany are exploring deeper economic cooperation in green energy, semiconductor supply chains, and vocational education, with discussions led by Coordinating Minister Airlangga Hartarto and German Minister Reem Alabali Radovan. The talks also covered the Indonesia-EU CEPA trade agreement, which Indonesia hopes to sign this year, and highlighted Germany's significant investment footprint in the country. The cooperation aims to accelerate renewable energy projects and strengthen Indonesia's integration with the European market.

Elderly Man Dies at Makeshift Nangahale Camp in Sikka Amid Limited Disaster Response

A 67-year-old earthquake survivor has died at a makeshift evacuation camp in Nangahale, Sikka Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, after suffering breathing difficulties with only tarpaulin and cloth for bedding. The death adds to growing concerns over the safety of 393 families still sheltering in open-air camps who say they have received no government assistance. Residents are urging the Sikka administration to extend relief beyond urban centres to remote evacuation sites.

MoraRepublic and Huawei Indonesia Accelerate Digital Transformation in Enterprise Sector

PT Ekamas Mora Republik Tbk (MoraRepublic) and Huawei Indonesia have signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen their strategic partnership in developing the corporate ICT market. The collaboration aims to deliver more integrated digital solutions by combining Huawei's enterprise technology with MoraRepublic's digital infrastructure capabilities. Both companies expect the partnership to accelerate digital adoption across Indonesian industries and support the growth of the country's digital economy.

Gout Should Not Be Ignored, Doctor Says It Can Trigger Heart Disease

Medical experts warn that gout is not merely a joint condition but is closely linked to cardiovascular disease. Shared risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension help explain why gout sufferers face higher risks of coronary artery disease, heart failure, and arrhythmia. Lifestyle changes that control gout can therefore also protect heart health.

Doctor Tifa Files Another Pre-trial Motion at South Jakarta District Court

Tifauziah Tyassuma, known as Doctor Tifa, has filed a second pre-trial motion at the South Jakarta District Court challenging the prosecution's case against her over allegations concerning President Joko Widodo's university diploma. The motion, registered on 13 August 2026, seeks to have the indictment declared legally invalid on grounds of inadequate identification of electronic objects and imprecise application of the Electronic Information and Transactions Law. The first hearing is scheduled for 28 August 2026 before a single judge.

Pramono says Suralaya coal-fired power plant one of the causes of pollution in Jakarta

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo has identified the Suralaya coal-fired power plant in Cilegon, Banten, as a significant contributor to air pollution in the capital. He stressed that emissions from industries in the surrounding agglomeration area must be addressed through coordination with the central government. Pramono noted that local measures such as promoting electric vehicles and public transport will not fully resolve the problem while nearby industries continue to use environmentally unfriendly fuels.

Governor Bobby Inaugurates Mebidang BRT, Pushes Medan-Binjai-Deliserdang Public Transport Integration

North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution has inaugurated the Mebidang Bus Rapid Transit service, covering Medan-Binjai and Medan-Lubukpakam routes. The electric bus system is intended to reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions while encouraging a shift from private vehicles to public transport. Full operations are targeted for 8 December 2026 with 30 electric buses.

Vice President partners with University of Indonesia students for trauma healing of displaced people in Sikka

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming has involved psychology students from the University of Indonesia in providing trauma healing for child evacuees at a stadium in Sikka, East Nusa Tenggara. He emphasised that youth involvement reflects the spirit of gotong royong in disaster response and that the government must ensure no resident is left without assistance, including those in hard-to-reach mountainous areas.

Farewell Zhu Rongji, the Architect of Modern China

Zhu Rongji, former Chinese Premier who died at 97, was the technocrat who translated Deng Xiaoping's reform vision into the institutions that transformed China into a global economic power. His legacy includes modernising the tax system, reforming banking, and integrating China into the global economy. His institutional approach contrasts with the current emphasis on state control under Xi Jinping.

Video: Freeport to Develop Kucing Liar Mine with Rp72 Trillion Investment

PT Freeport Indonesia is preparing to explore the Kucing Liar mine from 2029, with an investment of Rp72 trillion. The mine is estimated to hold reserves sufficient to produce around 7 billion pounds of copper and 7 million ounces of gold, potentially extending operations until 2051. The company also reported that its two smelters in Manyar, East Java, are currently operating at only 25 per cent capacity due to upstream disruptions.

Hundreds of Women Drugged by French Official: How Did the Alleged Sexual Assaults Occur?

Nearly 250 women have accused a senior French culture ministry official, Christian Negre, of drugging them during job interviews between 2009 and 2018. Investigators suspect he used diuretics to induce urgent urination, with one victim describing how she lost control of her bladder after drinking coffee he prepared. The case has drawn comparisons to the Gisèle Pelicot trial, which brought the crime of drugging individuals to national attention in France.

Support for Indonesia's Strategic Commodities Exchange: Governance Must Be Science-Based and Transparent

The Gadjah Mada University Geological Engineering Alumni Association (Kageogama) has voiced support for the government's plan to establish a Strategic Minerals and Commodities Exchange (BMKS) as the foundation for an Indonesia Reference Price. The association emphasised that governance must be science-based, transparent, competitive and trustworthy. President Prabowo Subianto has announced the exchange is targeted to begin operations on 1 January 2027 under OJK supervision.

376 ISPA Cases Recorded in Pekanbaru Due to Forest and Land Fire Haze

The Pekanbaru Health Office has recorded 376 cases of acute respiratory infection (ISPA) linked to haze from forest and land fires since early August 2026. Most cases are non-pneumonia, with only nine pneumonia patients, while July saw a much higher total of 5,325 ISPA cases. The mayor has urged residents to limit outdoor activities and prioritise health precautions amid hot, dry El Niño conditions.

Health Minister: 6 air ambulance helicopters prepared for isolated regions

Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin announced that six air ambulance helicopters have been prepared to assist patients, particularly emergency cases, in isolated areas. The initiative follows experience from the NTT earthquake, where many victims suffered fractures and required rapid treatment. The Ministry of Health is coordinating with Basarnas, the National Police, and the military to mobilise doctors and transport patients to hospitals.

CBDK to Buy Back Shares, Prepares Rp 250 Billion

PT Bangun Kosambi Sukses Tbk. (CBDK) has announced a share buyback programme worth Rp 250 billion, citing a share price decline of up to 57% that it believes does not reflect the company's fundamentals. The company expects the move to reduce selling pressure and signal confidence to investors, while projecting an increase in earnings per share and return on equity. The buyback will be funded entirely from internal cash reserves.

South Korea Detects 10 Short-Range Missiles Launched from North Korea

South Korea's military detected approximately 10 short-range ballistic missiles launched from the Pyongyang area on Thursday, with the projectiles travelling around 300 kilometres towards the sea east of the Korean Peninsula. Seoul condemned the launches as a serious violation of UN Security Council resolutions and convened an emergency security meeting. The launch occurred after US President Donald Trump said he would meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un later this year.

Power Disruption Briefly Halts Jakarta Kota–Tanjung Priok KRL Services

Commuter line services between Jakarta Kota and Tanjung Priok were temporarily disrupted on Thursday due to an overhead power fault. KAI Commuter said the issue was resolved within about 25 minutes and normal operations resumed, though two trains were delayed. Passengers were seen disembarking at Ancol station away from the platform, prompting an apology from the operator.

Government strengthens national industry amid global shifts

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto has outlined Indonesia's strategy to bolster economic resilience through downstreaming, investment and digital transformation. The economy grew 5.5 per cent in the first half of 2026 with inflation at 2.88 per cent, supported by strong domestic demand and investment growth of 7.2 per cent. The government is also expanding export markets and developing digital infrastructure to deepen Indonesia's integration into global value chains.

As scam centres proliferate, expert urges ASEAN to form joint cyber task force

An international law expert has called on ASEAN to establish a joint cyber task force to combat cross-border online scam networks. Yordan Gunawan of Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta proposed the mechanism following the Indonesia-Kamboja agreement to set up an Indonesia Desk at Cambodia's national police headquarters. He emphasised that real-time intelligence sharing and a 24/7 point of contact are essential to keep pace with rapidly shifting scam operations.

Kalimantan Besieged by Forest Fires, Personnel Battle to Extinguish Flames

Satellite monitoring has detected 1,487 hotspots across Kalimantan, with Central Kalimantan recording the highest concentration at 767 points. The government is strengthening cross-sector coordination and preparedness as firefighting teams work to contain the blazes. Authorities have urged local governments and communities to remain vigilant and avoid burning activities in fire-prone areas.

Students in Singkawang Asked to Wear Masks Outdoors

The Education and Culture Office in Singkawang, West Kalimantan, has instructed students to wear masks during outdoor activities due to declining air quality caused by forest and land fire haze. The measure aims to protect schoolchildren from respiratory problems, with authorities continuing to monitor conditions and coordinate with relevant agencies.

IRGC: Iran Prepares More Devastating Precision Weapons if War Breaks Out

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has warned that it has developed a new generation of precision weapons that would be far more destructive if hostilities resume. Spokesman Hossein Mohebi said the country has made a technological leap in its military equipment, with a focus on greater accuracy and advanced capabilities. The warning comes amid heightened regional tensions and a reported shift by Washington towards gradual economic strangulation of Iran.

Transport Ministry strengthens Blangkejeren Airport to support disaster preparedness

Indonesia's Ministry of Transportation is upgrading Blangkejeren Airport in Aceh to improve regional connectivity and disaster response capabilities. The airport's current runway is too short to accommodate large transport aircraft such as the C-130 Hercules, limiting its role in evacuations and logistics distribution. Construction is planned in stages for 2027–2028, with land acquisition and technical planning already underway.

Banten Police Uncover 7 Illegal Mining Operations in 3 Months, 6 Named as Suspects

Banten Regional Police have uncovered seven illegal mining cases between June and August 2026, including six sand and soil quarrying operations and one illegal gold processing site. Six individuals have been named as suspects for the quarrying cases, while one suspect in the gold case remains at large. The operations took place across Tangerang, Serang, and Lebak regencies without required mining permits.

National Police Legal Division Affirms Search of Febrie Adriansyah's Home Was Lawful

The National Police's Legal Division has defended the search and seizure conducted against former Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes Febrie Adriansyah, stating it complied with applicable law. The statement was made during a pre-trial hearing at the South Jakarta District Court, where Adriansyah's legal team presented three expert witnesses. Police indicated they would present their own experts at the next hearing to counter the applicant's arguments.

49,909 households in Central Jakarta have adopted waste sorting

The Central Jakarta administration reports that 49,909 households, or 39.43 per cent of the total, had implemented waste sorting at source as of 19 August 2026. The increase is attributed to direct outreach and education at neighbourhood, subdistrict and business levels. Organic waste reduction through methods such as maggot bioconversion and composting reached 322.78 tonnes.

Former Employee Reveals Unexpected Facts About Facebook

A former Meta engineering director has testified that CEO Mark Zuckerberg deliberately prioritised user growth over child safety. Arturo Bejar told a federal court in Oakland that safety features were designed to fail and that Meta ignored underage account detection to protect long-term profits. The testimony is part of a lawsuit brought by 29 US states accusing Meta of harming young users.

Housing Minister: Budget realisation reaches Rp3.60 trillion as of 19 August

Minister of Housing and Settlement Areas Maruarar Sirait reported that his ministry's budget realisation for the 2026 fiscal year reached Rp3.60 trillion, or 35 per cent of the non-ABT ceiling, as of 19 August. The ministry is targeting 97 per cent realisation by the end of the year, with a total budget of Rp12.53 trillion including additional post-disaster funding for Sumatra. The minister also highlighted funding shortfalls for housing stimulus programmes, flat construction, and permanent housing in 2027.

Grab sees ecosystem strengthening as key to expanding electric vehicle adoption

Grab Indonesia says affordable ownership schemes, policy support and charging infrastructure are essential to accelerate electric vehicle adoption in the transport sector. The company has more than 28,000 EVs operating as of May 2026 and targets around 42,000 by year-end. Speakers at the Industrial Summit 2026 also highlighted challenges such as range anxiety, high vehicle prices and limited charging facilities for long-haul logistics.

Police Assert Seizure of Sentul House in Febrie Case Complies with Regulations

The Indonesian National Police have defended the search and seizure of a Sentul residence belonging to former junior attorney general for special crimes Febrie Adriansyah, stating the actions were lawful and relevant to the case. The statement was made during a pretrial hearing at the South Jakarta District Court, where police also cited expert testimony supporting the legality of the seizure. Febrie is a suspect in a money laundering case involving 74 kilograms of gold and Rp543 billion in cash.