Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 20 August 2026

Showing 1,051-1,100 of 1,593 articles

BNI Provides Health Services for Communities Affected by NTT Disaster

State-owned Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) has established a support post in Nagekeo, East Nusa Tenggara, offering health services, trauma healing, clean water, and logistical aid for disaster-affected communities. The initiative is part of the BUMN Peduli NTT programme and will be delivered in stages according to needs on the ground. BNI says it will continue coordinating with local governments to ensure the assistance remains appropriate as the situation evolves.

US Debt Tops Rp 712,000 Trillion, Rising by Rp 1.6 Billion per Second

The United States government's total debt has surpassed US$40 trillion for the first time, equivalent to approximately Rp 712,000 trillion. The debt increased by around US$2.839 trillion over the past year, driven by high government spending, tax cuts, and pandemic-related financing needs. Rising interest costs and a significant share of short-term maturing debt pose ongoing fiscal challenges.

Banten Police uncover seven illegal mining operations in three months

Banten Regional Police have uncovered seven illegal mining cases between June and August 2026, naming six suspects. The cases involve unlicensed sand and soil extraction across Tangerang, Serang and Lebak regencies, as well as an illegal gold processing operation in Lebak Gedong. Police seized nine excavators and gold-processing equipment, with suspects facing up to five years in prison and fines of up to Rp100 billion.

Vice President Gibran Reviews Disaster Recovery in NTT

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming visited East Nusa Tenggara to assess post-disaster recovery efforts across three regencies. The visit emphasised both physical reconstruction and psychological support, with psychology students from the University of Indonesia deployed to provide trauma healing. The government stressed that recovery policy would be guided by on-the-ground conditions rather than administrative reports alone.

Foreign Capital Is Surging Back Into Sovereign Bonds as Central Bank Unveils Fresh Hedging Incentives

International investors are returning to Indonesian sovereign bonds, with foreign inflows into SRBI and SBN instruments reaching $1.8 billion in August 2026, driven by attractive yield spreads and Bank Indonesia's expanded currency hedging framework. The central bank has introduced a 12.5% premium discount on swap sell-hedges for offshore borrowings and foreign direct investment to attract sticky capital and stabilise the rupiah. Fund managers remain cautious about global headwinds, including oil price volatility and potential delays in US Federal Reserve rate cuts.

Sahroni urges police to eradicate counterfeit stamp duty circulation

House of Representatives Commission III Deputy Chairman Ahmad Sahroni has called on the National Police to thoroughly dismantle a counterfeit stamp duty syndicate that could cost the state up to Rp1.03 trillion in lost revenue. He stressed that the issue extends beyond financial losses, undermining public trust in the validity of official documents and transactions. Police have seized over 3.4 million counterfeit Rp10,000 stamps and production equipment in a coordinated operation across five provinces.

Gen Z Increasingly Prone to 'Doomspending', Hardly Ever Saving

A survey by fintech app Frich reveals that 47% of Gen Z respondents lack an emergency fund, with many turning to 'doomspending' amid economic pessimism. Financial experts note that economic setbacks and social media influence have made saving feel futile for many young people. Nearly a third of Gen Z would rely on family or take on additional debt in a financial emergency.

Bottled Water Industry Has Strict Internal Standards to Ensure Safety of Reusable Gallons

Experts from IPB University have stated that the age of reusable water gallons does not determine the quality of the drinking water inside. They emphasise that safety is more influenced by the condition of the gallon, sanitation processes, and producer oversight. Bottled water companies are said to have strict internal standards for physical, chemical, and food safety quality.

Government to Restrict Subsidised Fuel for Decile 10 Group from 2026

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has announced plans to restrict subsidised fuel access for Indonesia's wealthiest decile, with trials expected in the coming months. The policy aims to improve subsidy targeting and generate significant budget savings, though exact figures are still being calculated. The government has assured that micro, small and medium enterprises and motorcycle taxi drivers will not be affected.

Dede Yusuf says party secretaries-general discuss Election Bill

Deputy Chairman of House Commission II Dede Yusuf has confirmed that political party secretaries-general have met to discuss input on the Election Bill. Their discussions are expected to enrich the material for the bill amending Law No. 7 of 2017 on Elections. Dede noted that the current election law remains valid and the next electoral stage begins in June 2027, giving the House time to prepare regulatory changes.

Australia and Thailand agree to take firm action against transnational crime

Australia and Thailand have pledged to dismantle scam centres and criminal networks following a meeting between their prime ministers in Canberra. The two leaders expressed deep concern over increasingly sophisticated online fraud operations and agreed to strengthen cooperation between law enforcement, customs, immigration and financial intelligence agencies. They also issued a joint statement on deepening economic cooperation across agriculture, food, clean energy, health services and natural resources.

Don't Miss Out! DPD RI Awards 2026 Registration Closes Tomorrow

The DPD RI Awards 2026 nomination period closes on 21 August 2026 at 23.59 WIB, leaving just one day for the public to submit candidates. The programme recognises inspirational figures across education, health, food security, and arts and culture. Nominations can be made through the official website awards.dpd.go.id.

Celebrating Indonesia's 81st Independence Day, UGM Faculty of Cultural Sciences Building Constructed by Waskita Karya Inaugurated

PT Waskita Karya has completed and handed over the Siti Baroroh Baried Building for the Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Universitas Gadjah Mada, a project valued at approximately Rp 131 billion. The eight-storey facility, inaugurated to coincide with Indonesia's 81st Independence Day, features green building elements including solar panels and open green spaces. The state-owned construction firm highlighted the project as part of its broader contribution to developing educational infrastructure across Indonesia ahead of the projected 2045 demographic bonus.

Study reveals two occupations with highest risk of radiation-related cancer

A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine finds that flight attendants and pilots face significantly higher risks of dying from radiation-related cancers compared with the general working population. The research, based on more than 12 million US death certificates, suggests occupational radiation exposure rather than lifestyle or socioeconomic factors is the likely cause. Researchers acknowledge limitations, including unmeasured individual radiation doses and other occupational health factors.

Forest and Land Fires Spread Across Kalimantan: List of Affected Areas

Forest and land fires (karhutla) are affecting multiple regions across Kalimantan, with thick smoke disrupting schools, flights, and pushing air quality into hazardous levels. Local authorities have adjusted school hours, shifted early childhood education online, and requested central government support for permanent boreholes in fire-prone areas. The situation has prompted emergency measures including prayers for rain and public health warnings.

Israel Finally Admits Its Troops Shot at Car Carrying Hind Rajab

The Israeli military has acknowledged that its forces fired on the vehicle carrying five-year-old Palestinian girl Hind Rajab in Gaza in 2024, and has ordered a criminal investigation into the incident. The admission reverses earlier denials that troops were in the area, and comes after the deaths of Hind Rajab, her relatives, and two paramedics sparked international outrage. The Hind Rajab Foundation has said it has no confidence in the Israeli military investigation.

Forest Fire Volunteer Admitted to A&E After Hours of Exhaustion and Smoke Exposure

A volunteer firefighter in Central Kalimantan was hospitalised after suffering breathing difficulties and exhaustion while battling forest and land fires. The incident highlights the increasingly uncontrolled fires in Mentawa Baru Ketapang and the severe lack of resources, including water and fuel, for local volunteers.

Purbaya Clarifies Rp44 Billion Emergency Response Fund for NTT

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has clarified that the Rp44 billion central government fund used for disaster emergency response in East Nusa Tenggara is not a new allocation. The funds were already transferred to regional governments in early August under the President's direction. He added that the budget for the NTT earthquake is still awaiting presidential approval but remains manageable and does not threaten the government's fiscal position.

Banten Police Uncover Modified Box Van Used to Hoard Subsidised Diesel, Capable of Holding 5,000 Litres

Banten Regional Police have arrested a 26-year-old man for allegedly hoarding subsidised diesel using a modified box van fitted with a hidden 5,000-litre tank. The suspect is believed to have purchased subsidised fuel at Rp 6,800 per litre and resold it to industry at Rp 17,000 per litre. The case highlights ongoing abuse of Indonesia's fuel subsidy programme.

PDIP Legislator Supports PPPK Teacher Restructuring, Urges Priority for 3T Regions

A PDIP legislator has welcomed the Prabowo administration's plan to convert part-time PPPK teachers to full-time status and eventually civil servants. Stevano Rizki Adranacus specifically urged the government to prioritise teachers in Indonesia's frontier, outermost and disadvantaged (3T) regions, particularly in East Nusa Tenggara. The government projects 526,689 teacher vacancies, with 231,246 part-time PPPK teachers slated for full-time conversion in 2027.

KAI Manages 14.56 Thousand Tonnes of Operational Waste Throughout 2025

Indonesian state railway operator KAI managed 14,562.40 tonnes of waste from its operations in 2025, comprising both hazardous and non-hazardous materials. The company has expanded environmental initiatives including water refill stations, wooden cutlery, and digital boarding to reduce single-use plastics. KAI says it will continue strengthening waste management and promoting greener travel habits among passengers.

International Community Service: UBSI Lecturers Strengthen Gendis Asri Sugar SMEs for the Digital Era

Lecturers from Universitas Bina Sarana Informatika (UBSI) have conducted an international community service programme to help traditional sugar producers Gendis Asri adapt to digital technology. The initiative, involving Universiti Selangor and Universitas Surakarta, focused on improving business recording, information management, and digital marketing across the group's supply chain. The programme aims to strengthen micro and small enterprises through practical, scalable digitalisation rather than complex systems.

Airlangga: Indonesia prioritises solar-based industrial transformation

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto has announced that Indonesia is prioritising a green industrial transformation centred on solar power, with a target of around 100 gigawatts of capacity within two to three years. The initiative aligns with President Prabowo Subianto's goal of achieving 100 per cent renewable electricity within a decade and includes a diesel replacement programme for small islands. Airlangga highlighted the need for international partnerships, particularly with Germany, and called for faster disbursement of Just Energy Transition Partnership funds.

Air Force Chief urges relevant agencies to strengthen airspace surveillance

Indonesian Air Force Chief of Staff Air Chief Marshal Mohamad Tonny Harjono has called on all relevant institutions to strengthen coordination and collaboration in monitoring Indonesia's airspace. He emphasised that no single institution can independently handle the entire law enforcement process in the airspace. The call was made during a national air law seminar attended by officials including Deputy Minister of Law Edward Omar Sharif Hiariej.

Immigration Investigates Status of 3 Israeli Nationals at Ubud Gym, Suspected IDF Links

Denpasar immigration authorities are investigating the identity and immigration status of three foreign nationals who were expelled from a gym in Ubud, Bali. The probe follows a viral video in which the gym owner claimed the men were Israeli citizens linked to the Israel Defense Forces and had entered Indonesia using passports from other countries. Officials have not yet confirmed these claims.

Elderly Man Dies After Being Struck by Bogor–Kota KRL in Tebet, South Jakarta

An 80-year-old man named Ishak was killed after being struck by a Bogor–Jakarta Kota commuter line train in Tebet, South Jakarta, on Thursday morning. The incident briefly disrupted Commuterline services and caused damage to the train's braking system. Services have since returned to normal.

Danantara Financial Report Still Unpublished, Economists Raise Concerns

Economists have questioned the lack of a comprehensive financial report from Danantara Indonesia, the state-owned enterprise holding company, following President Prabowo Subianto's claims of soaring profits and dividends. They argue that without published financial statements, the public cannot verify the performance of consolidated SOEs or assess the productivity of transferred assets. Experts also caution that total SOE profits should not be equated with government revenue through dividends.

Video: 3 Strategies PGE Accelerates Geothermal and Targets Non-Electricity Business

PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy (PGE) has outlined three key strategies to accelerate geothermal development, including asset optimisation, organic and inorganic growth, and new revenue streams from non-electricity businesses such as green hydrogen and circular-economy coffee production. The company reported achieving 53% of its generation target in the first half of 2026. PGE also emphasised its commitment to community benefits and environmental sustainability over 46 years of operation.

Video: Beyond Electricity, PGE Expands into Green Hydrogen and Canaya Coffee

PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy (PGE) is diversifying its geothermal business beyond electricity generation, targeting 1.8 GW of capacity by 2034. The state-owned company is pursuing new revenue streams including green hydrogen production and canaya coffee development. President Director Ahmad Yani outlined the strategy in a CNBC Indonesia interview.

Febrie's Legal Team Presents Expert Witness in Pretrial Hearing

A constitutional law expert testified that the investigation order against former junior attorney general for special crimes Febrie Adriansyah was issued without proper authority, rendering it legally defective. The expert argued the order should have been signed by the director of investigations under the Attorney General's Office internal regulations. The Attorney General's Office said it would respond to all objections raised by Febrie's team during the proceedings.

Febrie Pretrial: Expert Alleges Abuse of Authority

A constitutional law expert testified in the pretrial hearing of former junior attorney general for special crimes Febrie Adriansyah that the investigation order against him was issued without proper authority. The expert argued the order should have been signed by the director of investigations, making it legally defective. The Attorney General's Office said it would respond to all objections raised by Febrie's legal team in court.

China Commits to Maintaining Peace on the Korean Peninsula

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has pledged Beijing's constructive role in preserving peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula during talks with his South Korean counterpart in Seoul. South Korea sought Chinese support to bring North Korea back to dialogue, presenting a peace blueprint that would formally end the Korean War. The meeting comes amid shifting regional dynamics, including US President Donald Trump's expressed hope for direct talks with Kim Jong Un.

BNPB begins surveying earthquake-affected villages in NTT that are difficult to access

Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has started surveying remote villages in East Nusa Tenggara affected by a 7.7 magnitude earthquake to assess needs and plan aid distribution. Initial assessments in Kuwus District, West Manggarai, found 148 damaged homes and more than 1,100 displaced residents. The agency acknowledged significant logistical challenges, including poor road access and many residents sheltering independently near their homes.

BCA (BBCA) Distributes Third Quarter 2026 Interim Dividend, Here's the Amount

PT Bank Central Asia Tbk. (BBCA) has announced an interim dividend of Rp3.07 trillion, or Rp25 per share, for the third quarter of the 2026 financial year. This marks the second of three planned interim dividend payments for 2026, reflecting the bank's solid performance in the first half of the year. BCA's credit growth reached 8.0% year-on-year, surpassing Rp1,000 trillion for the first time.

BNI Provides Health Services and Trauma Healing for Communities Affected by NTT Disaster

State-owned lender BNI has expanded its disaster relief efforts in East Nusa Tenggara by providing health services, trauma healing, clean water, and logistical support. The assistance is being distributed through the BNI Berbagi BUMN Peduli NTT post in Mbay and other affected areas. The bank says it will continue to coordinate with local governments to ensure aid matches evolving needs on the ground.

China advances global AI governance in a comprehensive manner

China is positioning itself as a leader in global AI governance, advocating for people-centred development, open-source collaboration, and international cooperation. The article highlights China's release of large open-source models, its AI safety frameworks, and initiatives to promote cultural exchange through AI. It frames these efforts as part of a broader vision to build a just and equitable global AI governance system.

Industry Minister: SOEs must become builders of national capability

Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita has urged state-owned enterprises to shift from being asset owners and project executors to builders of national capability. Speaking at a leadership programme for future SOE leaders, he stressed the need to strengthen value chains, accelerate downstreaming, and develop technology and talent. He also highlighted positive manufacturing data, with non-oil and gas processing industry growth of 5.32 percent in the second quarter of 2026.

Lawyer: Former Jampidsus Asks Police to Return Personal Belongings, Including Photos, Not 74 Kg of Gold

The lawyer for former Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes Febrie Adriansyah has clarified that his client is not requesting the return of 74 kilograms of gold or foreign currency seized by police. Instead, Febrie is only asking for personal items unrelated to the case, such as family photographs taken from his Sentul residence. The clarification comes amid an ongoing pre-trial motion challenging the legality of the police search at the property.

PJT I tasked with entering Bali to map river conditions

State-owned water resources company Perum Jasa Tirta I has been assigned by the Ministry of Public Works to map all rivers in Bali and Penida and address irrigation infrastructure needs. The assignment stems from a funding gap between actual operational and maintenance needs and the state budget allocated to the Bali-Penida River Basin Agency. The company aims to complete mapping in 2026 and begin physical river infrastructure work in 2027, while also focusing on water conservation and commercial raw water supply.

MAKI: Febrie's pretrial motion reveals owner of 74 kg of gold

The Indonesian Anti-Corruption Society (MAKI) argues that former Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes Febrie Adriansyah's pretrial motion effectively confirms his ownership of 74 kilograms of gold and nearly Rp500 billion in cash seized by police. The motion requesting the return of these assets could strengthen investigators' case in the ongoing corruption and money laundering investigation.

Malaysia's July 2026 Trade Rises 37.3% to Rp1,606 Trillion

Malaysia's total trade surged 37.3% year-on-year in July 2026 to a record monthly high of 364.74 billion ringgit, driven by strong growth in manufactured, agricultural and mining exports. Exports rose 38% to 193.6 billion ringgit while imports increased 36.4% to 171.14 billion ringgit, extending the trade surplus to a 75th consecutive month. Semiconductor and electrical and electronics products were the main export drivers, with shipments to China and Taiwan reaching record levels.

Two Forest and Land Fires Occur in a Single Day in Penajam Paser Utara

Two separate forest and land fires broke out in Penajam Paser Utara, East Kalimantan, on Wednesday, burning more than 11 hectares. A joint task force worked through the night to extinguish the blazes, and police have detained a suspect in connection with one of the fires. Authorities have urged residents to refrain from burning waste or clearing land by fire during the dry season.

Iran Develops New Tactic Against US, Dubbed Lethal Strategy-Tactical Aggression

Iran's right-wing leadership is promoting a new offensive strategy against the United States, described as 'lethal', as the memorandum of understanding to end the six-month war expires. The strategy involves restructuring security command, empowering the IRGC to prepare offensive operations, and threatening continued conflict to extract concessions from Washington. Analysts note Iran's confidence in its military capabilities, including drones and manoeuvring ballistic missiles, as it seeks to control the Strait of Hormuz and pressure the US through asymmetric warfare.

The Desil Machine

A columnist reflects on how the statistical concept of 'desil' in Indonesia's National Socio-Economic Single Data (DTSEN) now determines access to social assistance and even state school admissions. He argues that while data is necessary for targeting, the algorithm's reliance on visible assets can misclassify poor families, creating a gap between lived poverty and statistical ranking.

Video: 400,000 Hajj Queue Data Invalid - Japanese Fighter Jet Wheel Breaks

The Indonesian government is validating the national hajj queue data, which currently stands at approximately 5.7 million people, with preliminary findings indicating around 400,000 invalid records. Separately, a runway at Naha Airport in southern Okinawa, Japan, was closed for several hours after a Japanese Self-Defense Force fighter jet became immobilised following landing.

Pramono Considers Proposal to Remove Cycle Lanes

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung is weighing public calls to remove cycle lanes, with some residents claiming they are more frequently used by motorcycles. He has also received counter-arguments from bike-to-work communities urging the lanes be retained, and says the provincial government will decide the matter soon.

Student Dies After Motorcycle Struck by KRL at Kalideres Level Crossing

An 18-year-old student was killed when his motorcycle was struck by a Commuter Line electric train at a level crossing in Kalideres, West Jakarta. The victim, Dede Kurniawan, was on his way to school when the collision occurred. Police are investigating the exact cause of the accident.

Police: Pandji Pragiwaksono Has Received Customary Sanction, Case to Be Settled via Restorative Justice

The Indonesian National Police's Cyber Crime Directorate has indicated that the case against comedian Pandji Pragiwaksono over alleged insults to Toraja customary practices will be resolved through restorative justice. Pandji has already undergone a customary tribunal and paid a fine of one pig and five chickens, which police consider a prior settlement at the community level. The case originated from a 2013 stand-up comedy routine about the high cost of Toraja funeral ceremonies that resurfaced and drew strong objections from the Toraja community.

BI Partners with 27 Ministries and Agencies to Boost MSMEs and Penetrate Global Markets

Bank Indonesia has launched Karya Kreatif Indonesia 2026, collaborating with 27 ministries and agencies to strengthen the competitiveness of micro, small, and medium enterprises. The initiative aims to help MSMEs upgrade and access global markets, with over 550 businesses participating offline and more than 1,300 online. BI also urged banks to increase lending to the sector, which employs 97% of the workforce and contributes over 60% to national GDP.

BNI Provides Health Services and Trauma Healing for NTT Earthquake Victims

State-owned Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) has deployed health services, trauma healing facilities, clean water, and logistical support for communities affected by the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara. The assistance is being distributed through the BNI Berbagi BUMN Peduli NTT post in Danga, Mbay, with tents also provided in several other affected areas. BNI says it will continue to coordinate with local governments to ensure aid matches evolving needs on the ground.