Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 20 August 2026

Showing 1,201-1,250 of 1,593 articles

Govt guarantees sufficient food for quake-hit NTT residents

The Indonesian government has assured earthquake-affected residents in East Nusa Tenggara that national rice stocks are ample, with 39,000 metric tons available in the province and 200 metric tons allocated specifically for Manggarai District. Around 34,600 evacuees require roughly 300 metric tons of rice per month, and officials say current supplies can cover them for up to a year. The assistance forms part of a broader Rp75.4 billion relief package across four districts, in line with President Prabowo Subianto's directive for swift action to prevent food shortages.

Airlangga Speaks Out on Social Assistance Decile That Shocked Residents: Based on Census Data

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto has responded to public confusion over the decile categories used to determine social assistance eligibility, stating that the classification is based on census data compiled in the National Single Social and Economic Data (DTSEN). Residents have complained that their assigned decile does not reflect their actual economic conditions, with some, including a housewife in Bekasi, finding themselves placed in the highest welfare bracket despite financial hardship.

Grocery Shop in South Tangerang Destroyed by Fire Caused by Electrical Short Circuit, Losses Estimated at Rp 1.2 Billion

A shophouse selling basic food staples in Serpong Utara, South Tangerang, was gutted by fire on Thursday morning. The blaze, triggered by an electrical short circuit, was extinguished by firefighters with no casualties reported. The incident caused an estimated Rp 1.2 billion in losses.

Police investigate discovery of human foot fragment in Depok's Limo River

Jakarta police are investigating the discovery of what is believed to be a human foot found in the Limo River in Depok, West Java. The body part was found by water resources officers during routine cleaning and has been sent to Kramat Jati Police Hospital for forensic examination. The discovery may be linked to an ongoing search for the missing lower body parts of a mutilation victim found in Depok earlier this month.

VP Gibran visits quake-hit East Nusa Tenggara to oversee recovery

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka visited earthquake-affected areas in East Nusa Tenggara to assess recovery efforts and ensure emergency needs are being met. He called for student involvement in trauma recovery support, framing youth participation as part of the spirit of mutual cooperation. The visit underscores the government's commitment to disaster victims and aims to tailor recovery measures to actual conditions on the ground.

Aguan and Salim Group's Bangun Kosambi to Buy Back Rp250 Billion in Shares

PT Bangun Kosambi Tbk (CBDK), controlled by conglomerates Sugianto Kusuma (Aguan) and the Salim Group, plans a Rp250 billion share buyback between 20 August and 19 November 2026. The company says the move aims to ease selling pressure amid market volatility and reassure investors, while stressing its fundamentals remain sound. CBDK shares have fallen 57% year-to-date, compared with a 26% decline in the Jakarta Composite Index.

Psychologist: Teacher-parent synergy helps accelerate development of children with special needs

A psychologist from Tangerang City's Family Learning Centre has emphasised the importance of collaboration between schools and families in supporting the development of children with special needs. The local government is strengthening its commitment to inclusive education through cross-sector cooperation and talent development programmes.

UNM Management Student Interns at RedDoorz, Sharpening Sales and Marketing Competencies

A management student from Universitas Nusa Mandiri has completed an internship at hospitality technology firm RedDoorz, gaining practical experience in sales and marketing. The university says its Internship Experience Programme helps students test their academic competencies and build professional skills before graduation.

Iran Considers Attacking US Military Assets in Europe if Trump Triggers Escalation

Iran is reportedly weighing strikes on American military assets in southeastern Europe, including Bulgaria and Cyprus, should President Donald Trump escalate the ongoing conflict. The Financial Times reports that Tehran is also considering targeting undersea fibre-optic cables in the Strait of Hormuz. The 60-day negotiation window under a June memorandum of understanding has expired without progress on reopening the blockaded strait.

ShardLab and Indonesia's Creative Economy Ministry Expand Blockchain Talent Partnership as Protocol Camp Cohort 9 Concludes in Bali

ShardLab, the blockchain innovation arm of Hashed, has closed its Protocol Camp Cohort 9 with a final demo in Bali following a memorandum of understanding with Indonesia's Creative Economy Ministry. The partnership aims to develop blockchain talent across Southeast Asia, with six Indonesian participants joining the 12-week bootcamp. Registration for Cohort 10 is now open, with the programme set to commence during EastPoint:Seoul 2026.

Not 74 kg of gold: Febrie Adriansyah requests return of personal belongings

Febri Diansyah, lawyer for former Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes Febrie Adriansyah, has clarified that his client is not seeking the return of 74 kilograms of gold or foreign currency seized by police. He stated that the pretrial motion only challenges the legality of a search at a family home in Sentul and requests the return of personal items such as family photographs.

Indonesia and Germany strengthen cooperation on renewable energy development and vocational training

Indonesia and Germany have agreed to deepen cooperation on new and renewable energy development and vocational education following high-level talks in Jakarta. Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto highlighted the need to accelerate disbursement of international climate funding, while German Minister Reem Alabali Radovan emphasised Germany's commitment to sustainable development and expanded vocational training opportunities.

2027 Hajj Health Officer Selection Opens: Check How to Register and Requirements

Indonesia has opened registration for health officers to serve in the 2027 Hajj pilgrimage, with applications accepted online until 26 August 2026. The recruitment covers medical personnel for pilgrim groups, Saudi Arabia-based teams, and airport health workers, with specific age, experience, and certification requirements. Successful applicants will undergo computer-assisted testing and medical check-ups before deployment.

Police Seize 2 Ships and 11 Buildings Belonging to Drug Lord Basri

The Indonesian National Police's Criminal Investigation Unit (Bareskrim Polri) has seized a range of assets belonging to Basri Lewaimang, a suspected drug lord and manager of the Planet nightlife venues in Batam. The seizures, which include luxury vehicles, vessels, houses, shophouses, and apartments, are linked to an ongoing money laundering investigation with narcotics as the predicate offence. Basri is currently a fugitive, and investigators allege his venues distributed at least 40,000 ecstasy pills per month.

Indonesian fisherman returns home after 26 days adrift at sea

Esau Sidemo, a 57-year-old fisherman from North Maluku, has been repatriated to Indonesia after surviving 26 days adrift in the Pacific Ocean. He was rescued by the French-flagged LNG carrier Endeavour and assisted by the Indonesian Consulate General in Shanghai. The consulate coordinated with Chinese immigration authorities to facilitate his return.

OpenAI Launches ChatGPT for Teens with Youth Safety Features

OpenAI has introduced ChatGPT for Teens, a version of its AI assistant tailored for users aged 13 to 17 with default age-appropriate protections. The platform includes parental oversight tools, content safeguards, and features designed to support learning and mental wellbeing.

46 Free Nutritious Meal Kitchens Across Indonesia Now Using CNG as LPG Alternative

PT PGN Tbk through its subsidiary PT Gagas Energi Indonesia has reported that 46 Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) kitchens across Indonesia have switched to compressed natural gas (CNG) as an alternative to LPG. The company is promoting CNG adoption among meal service units, though expansion remains limited by the availability of gas filling stations. Yogyakarta has emerged as a key market, with Bakpia Tugu Jogja being the largest customer at approximately 50,000 cubic metres per month.

Coordinating Ministry for Food Strengthens Garlic Ecosystem from Farmers to Market

The Indonesian government is intensifying efforts to reduce garlic imports by strengthening the national production ecosystem, from farm productivity to post-harvest infrastructure and market certainty. A mass harvest in Sembalun, East Lombok, yielded an estimated 1,050 tonnes from 105 hectares, while national production remains far below domestic demand. The initiative involves cross-ministerial coordination, including the National Police's construction of a food security warehouse.

BP BUMN-Danantara targets national transport transformation

BP BUMN and Danantara Indonesia are pursuing a national transport transformation aimed at improving public services. The initiative includes mapping national connectivity to identify missing links, bottlenecks, and overlapping networks. The effort is intended to reduce logistics costs and strengthen synergy among state-owned enterprises.

ASDP Deploys Two Robust Ferries to Aid NTT Recovery

State-owned ferry operator PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry has mobilised two vessels, KMP Ile Labalekan and KMP Ile Ape, to support post-earthquake relief efforts in East Nusa Tenggara. The ferries are transporting personnel, medical staff, vehicles, and heavy equipment free of charge to accelerate emergency response and recovery. The deployment underscores ASDP's commitment to leveraging ferry connectivity for humanitarian assistance in disaster-affected areas.

Thick Haze and Thousands of Hotspots from Forest Fires Encircle Kalimantan

Forest and land fires across Kalimantan have produced hazardous air quality, with several cities recording dangerous PM2.5 levels and thousands of hotspots. Local governments have declared emergency statuses, adjusted school hours, and mobilised resources to combat the fires and mitigate health impacts.

Antam Gold Price Soars Rp80,000 per Gram on 20 August 2026

The price of gold bullion produced by state-owned miner PT Aneka Tambang (Antam) surged by Rp80,000 per gram on Thursday, 20 August 2026, reaching Rp2,725,000 per gram. The buyback price also rose sharply to Rp2,585,000 per gram. The increase reflects ongoing volatility in global gold markets and currency movements.

Depok Residents Disturbed by Neighbour Playing Loud Music Until Late Night, Police Intervene

Residents of Cimanggis, Depok, complained about loud music being played late into the night at a local tutoring centre, prompting police intervention. The music was part of Indonesia's Independence Day celebrations and was played from 8pm to 9.30pm. The owner has apologised, and police have urged residents to maintain neighbourhood harmony.

Rice, Egg and Chicken Meat Prices Fall in Tandem, Check the Full List

The Bank Indonesia National Strategic Food Price Information Centre reported widespread declines in staple food prices, including rice, shallots, eggs and chicken meat. The data shows most rice grades fell by between Rp100 and Rp750 per kilogramme, while egg and fresh chicken prices dropped by Rp2,100 and Rp1,650 respectively. The movements reflect easing pressure across key food commodities monitored by the central bank.

Commuters Resigned to Being Late for Work After Person Struck by KRL in Tebet

Commuters on the Bogor–Jakarta Kota KRL line faced significant delays on Thursday morning after a person was struck by a train near Tebet Station. Passengers described feeling resigned and dizzy upon learning of the incident, with many informing their employers of their late arrival. KAI Commuter confirmed the incident occurred at 06:35 between Pasar Minggu and Manggarai stations, and normal service has since resumed on both tracks.

PIPA to Acquire Gas Processing Company, Management Leaks Details

PT Oxala Energy International Tbk (PIPA) is finalising the acquisition of a gas processing company as part of its business transformation to strengthen its position in the energy sector. The target company has been operating for about 14 years and began expanding into oil and gas processing in 2025, securing strategic contracts worth over US$100 million. The parties aim to sign a Conditional Share Purchase Agreement in August 2026.

General Gatot Urges Meritocracy in TNI Leadership, Warns Against Political Proximity

Former TNI commander General (ret.) Gatot Nurmantyo has called for meritocracy to remain the foundation of military leadership, warning that promotions based on political connections or family ties would undermine professionalism and neutrality. Speaking at an ISDS webinar, he said only high-achieving soldiers should lead the TNI and cautioned that frustrated troops could lose faith in the system. He also stressed the need for defence modernisation and a self-reliant domestic defence industry.

Indonesian Government Asks Two Institutions to Draw 1,800 Tonnes of Gold from Under Mattresses

The Indonesian government has tasked Bank Syariah Indonesia and Pegadaian with developing strategies to encourage the public to deposit their privately held gold into the formal financial system. Coordinating Minister Airlangga Hartarto estimates that 1,800 tonnes of gold, worth around US$252 billion, remain outside the banking ecosystem. Bringing even a fraction of this gold into regulated instruments could significantly boost Indonesia's national gold reserves.

KAI Says Bogor and Tangerang Commuter Line Services Have Returned to Normal

KAI Commuter has confirmed that services on the Bogor and Tangerang Commuter Lines have returned to normal following separate incidents on Thursday (20/8/2026) involving a person struck on the tracks and a motorcycle hit at an unofficial level crossing. The incidents caused significant delays, with ten Bogor line journeys delayed by over an hour and eight Tangerang line journeys delayed by up to 48 minutes. KAI Commuter reiterated its prohibition on unauthorised persons entering railway areas and urged road users to give priority to trains at level crossings.

Trade Minister stresses importance of chicken prices aligning with reference price

Trade Minister Budi Santoso has emphasised the need to keep broiler chicken prices near the government's reference price of Rp40,000 per kilogram to protect both farmers and consumers. During a market inspection in Sukoharjo, Central Java, he noted that current prices are relatively stable and that excessively low prices could harm producers and reduce future supply. The government continues daily price monitoring through its market surveillance system across Indonesia.

M5.7 Aftershock Detected Again in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, No Tsunami Potential

A magnitude 5.7 aftershock struck the northwest coast of East Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara, on Thursday morning, according to Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG). The shallow earthquake, linked to the Flores Back-Arc Thrust, was felt across several regencies with intensities up to VI MMI but posed no tsunami risk. BMKG has recorded 3,489 aftershocks since the M7.7 mainshock on 15 August and expects seismic activity to continue for three to four weeks.

House member calls for mapping of civil servants in essential sectors after recruitment ban

A member of the House of Representatives has urged the government to map civil servant needs in essential sectors such as health and education following a central government ban on regional recruitment. Muhammad Khozin of Commission II supports the policy as part of efforts to improve civil service governance but warns that without proper mapping, public services could suffer. He said the mapping should form the basis for planned civil servant recruitment in 2027.

Andrea Bocelli to Perform at Borobudur and Jakarta, the Only Asian Stop on His World Tour

Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli will stage concerts at Borobudur Temple in Magelang and Jakarta International Expo in November 2026, making Indonesia the only Asian destination on his 'Romanza 30th Anniversary World Tour'. The Indonesian government expects the events to generate around US$44 million in economic impact and strengthen the country's nation branding and cultural diplomacy.

Neighbour Kills Neighbour over Land Boundary Dispute in Tasikmalaya

A land boundary dispute in Tasikmalaya, West Java, escalated into a fatal attack when a man killed his neighbour with a machete. The victim, Tata Hendro, was found dead with a neck wound in a cassava garden near his home. Police have arrested the suspect, who is the son of a man involved in an earlier altercation with the victim over the placement of building materials.

15 Countries with the Largest Forest Areas in the World, Indonesia Only No. 8

Russia leads the world with 833 million hectares of forest, followed by Brazil and Canada. Indonesia ranks eighth with 96 million hectares, contributing about 2.3% of global forest cover. The Americas dominate the list, with eight of the top 15 countries located in the region.

Observer: Government Takeover of WIKA's Stake in PSBI Could Protect the Public

A state-owned enterprise observer has urged the government to complete its takeover of Wijaya Karya's stake in Pilar Sinergi BUMN Indonesia through a proper divestment scheme, including the return of around Rp6 trillion in investment. The move is seen as crucial to restoring investor confidence and preventing further financial strain on the listed construction firm. The Finance Ministry has confirmed it will take over the 60% stake in the Whoosh high-speed rail project's controlling entity by mid-September 2026.

Mosquitoes Feel More Numerous During Dry Season, Here's Why

Complaints about increased mosquito activity during Indonesia's dry season have prompted scientific explanations. Research shows Aedes aegypti mosquito eggs can survive extreme dryness for months, with some remaining viable after a year. Studies also suggest warm, dry conditions may give Aedes aegypti an ecological advantage over competing species.

Resident Dies After Being Struck by KRL in Tebet, Victim Thrown 10 Metres

A man was killed after being struck by a commuter line train between Cawang and Tebet stations in South Jakarta on Thursday morning. Witnesses said the victim had been sitting at a level crossing post before the accident, and his body was thrown around 10 metres by the impact. The incident disrupted Bogor–Jakarta Kota KRL services and caused passenger congestion at several stations.

Vice President Gibran Invites UI Students to NTT to Help Earthquake Victims

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka travelled to East Nusa Tenggara with psychology students from the University of Indonesia to observe post-disaster recovery efforts. He encouraged young people to contribute through trauma healing and other forms of assistance. The visit covered affected areas in Sikka, Manggarai and East Manggarai regencies.

2027 Hajj Cost Proposed at Rp107.3 Million, Pilgrims to Pay 40%

The Indonesian government has proposed an average Hajj pilgrimage cost (BPIH) of Rp107.34 million per pilgrim for 2027, with pilgrims paying 40% directly and the remainder covered by the Hajj Financial Management Agency (BPKH). The proposal, presented to House Commission VIII, assumes a quota of 221,000 pilgrims and factors in exchange rate assumptions and changes to Masyair service packages in Saudi Arabia. A working committee will now review the components before the final cost is set.

Gibran Invites UI Students to Visit Earthquake Victims in NTT

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming travelled to East Nusa Tenggara with psychology students from the University of Indonesia to assess post-disaster recovery efforts. The visit aims to ensure emergency needs are met and to involve young people in trauma healing for affected communities. Gibran emphasised that student participation reflects the spirit of mutual cooperation in disaster response.

Sinar Mas Land Launches West Lakeside, Commercial Product with Lakeside Panorama Concept in BSD City

Sinar Mas Land has launched West Lakeside, a new commercial cluster within the 10.5-hectare West Village Business District in BSD City. The development is the first commercial product in western BSD City to feature a lakeside panorama concept, with first-phase sales beginning in the fourth week of August 2026 at prices starting from Rp2 billion. The project aims to meet growing demand for strategically located business spaces supported by strong connectivity and investment prospects.

BRI Maintains Prudent Lending to Sustain Quality and Sustainable Growth

PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) is maintaining its credit growth momentum while prioritising prudential banking and disciplined risk management. The state-owned bank reported improved asset quality, with its non-performing loan ratio falling to 3.01% in March 2026 from 3.07% in December 2025. BRI continues to strengthen its underwriting, monitoring, and early warning systems to ensure sustainable expansion, particularly in the MSME segment.

South Sumatra Police Arrest 3 Suspects for Hoarding 5,350 Litres of Subsidised Diesel

South Sumatra Regional Police have arrested three men for allegedly hoarding 5,350 litres of subsidised diesel in Palembang. The suspects are accused of repeatedly purchasing subsidised fuel from petrol stations using different QR barcodes and storing it in modified vehicles. Police are pursuing a suspected financier and investigating the origin of the QR codes as part of efforts to dismantle a wider network.

BI reveals Bali's economic momentum supported by household consumption

Bank Indonesia's Bali representative office reported that household consumption underpinned the island's economic activity in July 2026, with consumer confidence rising to 126.3. The province's inflation remained low at 2.42 per cent, within the national target range, while second-quarter economic growth reached 5.78 per cent, outpacing the national figure.

GMF Completes Modernisation of Indonesian Air Force C-130H Hercules Aircraft

PT Garuda Maintenance Facility AeroAsia has completed a major modernisation of an Indonesian Air Force C-130H Hercules transport aircraft, extending its operational life by 15 to 20 years. The work included centre wing box replacement, avionics upgrades and a structural integrity programme, marking the first such modification outside Lockheed Martin's own facilities. The achievement underscores the growing capability of Indonesia's domestic defence industry.

KAGEOGAMA Supports Strategic Mineral Exchange: From Geological Wealth to Value Sovereignty

The Gadjah Mada University Geological Engineering Alumni Association (KAGEOGAMA) has voiced support for the government's plan to establish a Strategic Mineral and Commodity Exchange (BMKS), set to operate from 1 January 2027. The association argues that the initiative must go beyond creating a trading venue to build a credible, transparent pricing system that ensures Indonesia's geological wealth translates into fair economic value for the nation. KAGEOGAMA stresses the importance of robust data integrity, commodity standards, and market trust in establishing a lasting Indonesian Reference Price.

New Discovery Lets Blind People 'See' Again Without Surgery

An AI-powered application called ScribeMe is enabling blind individuals to perceive their surroundings through real-time audiovisual descriptions. Developed by Mark Morad after he and his sister lost their sight, the app integrates with Meta smart glasses and is now used by thousands across 140 countries. The technology offers a non-surgical alternative for visual assistance, with a free version and premium subscription options.

Trade Ministry Clarifies BYD over Electric Car Fire on Jakarta-Cikampek Toll Road

Indonesia's Ministry of Trade has sought clarification from PT BYD Motor Indonesia following an electric vehicle incident on the Jakarta-Cikampek toll road on 31 July 2026. BYD reported that the consumer received a replacement vehicle on 8 August 2026, while technical examination of the affected car is still ongoing. The ministry emphasised the importance of consumer protection and said it will follow up on any findings in accordance with applicable law.

SIG Affirms Commitment to Product Quality Control

State-owned cement holding company PT Semen Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (SIG) has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining product quality control as part of efforts to retain consumer trust. The commitment is demonstrated through periodic renewal of SNI certification for its subsidiary Semen Gresik, monthly product performance testing, and a Green Label certificate for sustainability. Semen Gresik's Top Brand Award 2026 win is cited as validation of strong brand equity and consumer loyalty.