Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 20 August 2026

Showing 1,301-1,350 of 1,593 articles

Pickup Truck Carrying Dozens of Passengers Overturns on Sape-Bima Highway

A pickup truck carrying 16 passengers overturned on the Sape-Bima highway in Bima Regency, West Nusa Tenggara, after its brakes failed on a bend. The driver and all passengers, including minors and teenagers, sustained injuries but there were no fatalities. Police have confirmed the single-vehicle accident and are investigating the incident.

Flying to NTT, Vice President Gibran Invites UI Psychology Students

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming travelled to East Nusa Tenggara to inspect post-earthquake recovery efforts, accompanied by psychology students from the University of Indonesia. The students are intended to help provide trauma support to victims of the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck on 15 August. The Vice President emphasised the importance of facilitating young people's spirit of mutual assistance in disaster response.

East Jakarta KPKP Sub-dept vaccinates 1,600 animals to realise rabies-free Jakarta

The East Jakarta Food Security, Marine and Agriculture Sub-department (Sudin KPKP) has vaccinated 1,600 rabies-transmitting animals in Duren Sawit District during 2026, nearing its annual target of 1,650. The programme aims to maintain Jakarta's status as a rabies-free region, with officials pledging to continue vaccinations beyond the target. The initiative forms part of a broader effort that saw 13,135 animals vaccinated across East Jakarta since September 2025.

SOE Profit of Rp39.92 Trillion Becomes Capital for Danantara to Strengthen National Economy

Economist Satria Aji Imawan says the combined profit of state-owned banks (Himbara) of Rp39.92 trillion in the first quarter of 2026 signals positive momentum for the transformation of state-owned enterprises through Danantara. He argues that SOE profits should be treated as an instrument to expand state capacity, strengthen national competitiveness, and deliver broader economic benefits. The approach is expected to shift SOE management from administrative oversight towards portfolio governance and long-term value creation.

Ahead of Prophet Muhammad's Birthday, Chicken Meat Prices in Mataram Reach Rp 50,000 per Kg

Chicken meat prices in Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara, have surged to Rp 48,000–50,000 per kilogram ahead of the Maulid Nabi holiday, up from Rp 28,000–34,000 previously. Residents are shifting to frozen chicken, fish, or tofu and tempeh, while traders note that prices typically rise before major holidays and fall afterwards. Official data from the Mataram Trade Office recorded chicken at Rp 44,000 per kg on 19 August 2026.

Babinsa and Tax: Guarding Boundaries, Preserving Trust

A new tax compliance circular from Indonesia's Directorate General of Taxes has sparked public debate over the role of military village supervisory officers (Babinsa) in tax administration. Officials clarify that Babinsa and police community officers only provide coordination and local knowledge support, with no authority to examine, assess, or collect taxes. The controversy highlights the importance of transparent communication in maintaining public trust in Indonesia's self-assessment tax system.

Jakarta Kota and Tangerang KRL Commuter Line services return to normal

KAI Commuter has restored normal operations on the Bogor–Jakarta Kota and Tangerang commuter lines following Thursday morning delays caused by two separate incidents. One train struck a person and another hit a motorcycle at an unofficial level crossing, disrupting dozens of journeys. The operator reiterated that unauthorised presence on railway tracks and failure to yield to trains are prohibited under Indonesian railway law.

Changan secures 1,120 orders in GIIAS 2026 debut, Nevo Q05 best-seller

Chinese automaker Changan recorded 1,120 vehicle orders during its debut at the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) 2026, with the Nevo Q05 electric SUV accounting for 876 orders. The company also reported over 1,500 test drives and more than 35,000 visitors to its stand. Changan plans to continue its presence at GIIAS the Series events in Surabaya, Bandung, Semarang, and Bali.

Minister Amran: Food stocks for NTT earthquake victims secure for up to one year

Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman has assured that food supplies for communities affected by the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara are more than sufficient, with rice stocks capable of supporting displaced residents for up to a year. The government has prepared 5,386 tonnes of rice aid worth around Rp75.4 billion for four affected districts. Distribution will be expedited without lengthy administrative procedures, in line with President Prabowo Subianto's directive for rapid response.

Hit by BYAN Acquisition Rumours, Haji Isam's Listed Company Finally Speaks Out

PT Jhonlin Agro Raya Tbk (JARR), a listed company affiliated with Andi Syamsuddin Arsyad, known as Haji Isam, has denied reports that it plans to acquire PT Bayan Resources Tbk (BYAN). The company stated it has received no official confirmation of any acquisition plan and will uphold disclosure principles if any definitive corporate action emerges. Market rumours had suggested Haji Isam would take over around 62.2% of BYAN shares, valued at approximately Rp358.17 trillion based on market prices.

ITB geology team wins 2026 Imperial Barrel Award

A team of geology students from Indonesia's Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) has won the 2026 Imperial Barrel Award at the AAPG IMAGE conference in Houston, demonstrating strong capabilities in subsurface energy resource assessment. The victory, announced on Indonesia's Independence Day, was welcomed by the Indonesian ambassador as evidence that Indonesian students can compete globally in petroleum geology. The achievement is seen as significant for Indonesia's energy sector, where skilled geoscientists are needed for oil and gas, geothermal, and carbon capture development.

Bogor and Tangerang KRL Lines Return to Normal After Accidents

Commuterline services on the Bogor and Tangerang lines have resumed normal operations following separate incidents involving a person and a motorcycle on the tracks. The accidents caused significant delays, with ten Bogor services delayed by over an hour and eight Tangerang services delayed by up to 48 minutes. KAI Commuter has reiterated the legal prohibition on unauthorised access to railway tracks and urged road users to give priority to trains at level crossings.

Airlangga Reveals Anomaly in Indonesia-US Trade, Up 18% After New Tariffs

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto has highlighted an 18% increase in Indonesia-US trade despite global trade tensions, describing it as an anomaly. He also outlined progress on the Indonesia-EU CEPA agreement, with ratification expected by the European Parliament later this year.

MPR Socialisation Deputy: Independence Must Not Leave Poor People Behind

A deputy chairman of the MPR's Socialisation Body has called for Indonesia's independence to be measured by the state's tangible presence in the lives of its poorest citizens. Abidin Fikri stressed that constitutional mandates oblige the state to care for the destitute and abandoned, and that policies must break the cycle of poverty rather than offer temporary relief. He linked these demands to the enduring relevance of Bung Karno's ideas on sovereignty and social justice.

Kertajati International Airport to Become Indonesian Fighter Jet Maintenance Hub

Indonesia's Ministry of Defence plans to develop Kertajati Airport in Majalengka, West Java, into a maintenance and repair facility for Indonesian Air Force aircraft, including fighter jets. The initiative aims to achieve full domestic capability for servicing military aircraft, reducing reliance on foreign parties. It is also expected to boost technology transfer and strengthen the domestic defence industry.

BNPB ensures housing support for NTT quake survivors

Indonesia's National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has outlined a tiered housing assistance scheme for survivors of the magnitude 7.7 earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara, offering Rp15 million for lightly damaged homes, Rp30 million for moderately damaged ones, and government-funded permanent housing for severely damaged properties. Temporary shelter options include a monthly allowance of Rp600,000 or government-provided accommodation, with the agency emphasising accurate damage data collection and public safety amid ongoing aftershock risks. The response forms part of broader government recovery efforts following the disaster, which has claimed 71 lives and displaced nearly 60,000 people.

TNI chases armed group abducting nine women in Central Papua

Indonesian military forces in Mimika, Central Papua, are pursuing an armed group that abducted nine women and girls, including a pregnant teenager and several schoolchildren. One mother was shot dead and another injured while resisting the abductions. Local commanders have condemned the attack as inhumane and are investigating the group, which appears to be new to the area.

School Hours in Banjarbaru Pushed Back to 9:00 WITA as Haze Thickens

The Banjarbaru Education Office has delayed school start times to 9:00 WITA in response to worsening haze from forest and land fires. The policy applies to early childhood, primary, and junior secondary schools under its authority and will remain in effect until air quality improves.

Not Money or 74 Kg of Gold, Febrie Adriansyah Asks for Personal Belongings and Family Photos to Be Returned

The legal team of former Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes Febrie Adriansyah has clarified that their client is not seeking the return of seized money or 74 kilograms of gold. Instead, they are requesting the return of personal items, including family photographs and private documents, seized during a search of his Sentul residence. The lawyers are also challenging the legality of that specific search through a pretrial motion at the South Jakarta District Court.

Antam Gold Price Soars, Reaching Rp2,725,000 per Gram

The price of Antam gold rose sharply by Rp80,000 to Rp2,725,000 per gram on Thursday morning, with the buyback price also climbing to Rp2,585,000 per gram. Transactions above Rp10 million are subject to a 1.5 percent income tax, while purchases incur a 0.25 percent tax. The increase reflects ongoing movement in Indonesia's precious metals market.

Findings from the Similarity Test of PISA 2025 Questions on Senior High School Students

A study by researchers at Institut Teknologi Bandung has examined the similarity of PISA 2025 test questions, focusing on science literacy and digital problem-solving. The research used a meteoroid and crater question to assess students' understanding of astronomy phenomena. The findings contribute to understanding how Indonesian students perform in international assessments, particularly following learning loss during the Covid-19 pandemic.

KAI Commuter Uses Single Track After Disruptions on Bogor and Tangerang Commuter Lines

KAI Commuter has implemented single-track operations on sections of the Bogor and Tangerang commuter lines following two separate incidents involving a person and a motorcycle on the tracks. The disruptions caused damage to train braking systems and front carriages, leading to delays and cancellations. The operator has apologised and is working to restore normal services.

Crypto Roars Back! Bitcoin Rises 8%, Ethereum Surges 18% in a Day

The cryptocurrency market rallied sharply after the US Treasury announced it would double its bond buyback programme, easing yields and boosting risk appetite. Bitcoin climbed over 8% to approach the $70,000 level, while Ethereum led gains with an 18% daily surge. Analysts now see a reduced probability of Bitcoin falling to $40,000, though they caution against aggressive all-in positioning.

Two Henchmen in Chinese-Led Business Email Compromise Syndicate Arrested After US Firm Loses Billions of Rupiah

Indonesian police have arrested two accomplices in a business email compromise syndicate led by a Chinese national still at large. The scheme defrauded US company IQ Power Tools of approximately USD 350,325 by diverting payments to a fictitious Indonesian company. Authorities have frozen Rp 5 billion in the fraudulent account and are cooperating with the FBI to apprehend the mastermind.

Iran Labels California 'New Territory' After Trump Claims Strait of Hormuz

Iran has mockingly designated the US state of California as its 'new territory' in response to President Donald Trump's social media post claiming the Strait of Hormuz for the United States. The tit-for-tat exchange comes amid heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington, with negotiations following a June memorandum of understanding stalled over disputes concerning navigation rules in the strategic waterway.

OJK Revokes Licence of BPR Citra Bersada Abadi in Bekasi; Here's What Happens to Customers

Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) has revoked the business licence of PT BPR Citra Bersada Abadi in Bekasi after the rural bank failed to recover from capital and liquidity problems. The Indonesia Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS) will now handle the bank's liquidation and guarantee customer deposits in accordance with prevailing law.

Army Sends Hospital Ship to NTT, Navy Mobilises Five Warships

The Indonesian Army has deployed its hospital ship ADRI XC II BM to support earthquake victims in East Nusa Tenggara, carrying medical personnel, ambulances, fuel, tents, and tonnes of basic supplies. Army Chief of Staff General Maruli Simanjuntak stressed that disaster response requires sustained effort, with evaluations planned over the next two to three months. The Navy has simultaneously mobilised five warships, two helicopters, and hundreds of personnel to accelerate evacuation and logistics distribution across the affected islands.

Health Ministry ensures essential medical equipment for emergency response in NTT

Indonesia's Health Ministry is ensuring the availability of essential medical equipment at field hospitals in Nusa Tenggara Timur following the 15 August 2026 earthquake. Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin outlined three priorities: patient triage and medical services, rehabilitation of damaged health facilities, and trauma healing. The ministry also plans to station clinical psychologists at 10,000 community health centres nationwide.

Fahira Idris Urges FUHAB to Strengthen Brotherhood in Jakarta

Senator Fahira Idris has welcomed the inauguration of 1,500 new board members of the Jakarta Ulama and Habaib Forum (FUHAB) for the 2026-2031 period. She highlighted the organisation's extensive network as vital social capital for fostering harmony and addressing social challenges in the capital. Fahira also expressed readiness to support FUHAB's programmes in education, social empowerment, and youth development.

Prabowo thanks flag-raising team for Independence Day service

President Prabowo Subianto expressed gratitude to the flag-raising team and other personnel involved in Indonesia's 81st Independence Day ceremonies, hosting them at his private residence in Hambalang. He praised their dedication and urged them to carry the spirit of the Red and White in their continued service to the nation. The gathering included ceremony commanders, pilots, parachutists, and performers, with senior military officials also in attendance.

Danantara Chief Summons Management, Telkom to Cut Subsidiaries to 18

State-owned telecommunications giant Telkom Indonesia is accelerating its corporate restructuring, aiming to reduce its subsidiaries from 68 to 18 entities. The move, discussed in a meeting between Danantara COO Dony Oskaria and Telkom's CEO, is intended to streamline operations and shift the company from an operating holding to a strategic holding model.

KRL Bogor Line Chaos This Morning, Resident Dies After Being Struck

A man was killed after being struck by a KRL train on the tracks between Cawang and Tebet stations in Jakarta, causing significant disruption to the Bogor–Jakarta Kota commuter line during the morning rush hour. The incident damaged the train's braking system, requiring the train to undergo further inspection at Tebet Station. Services resumed around 8:50 WIB, though several commuter journeys experienced delays.

Indonesian Government Finds 1,800 Tonnes of Gold Under Mattresses

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto has revealed that Indonesian households still hold an estimated 1,800 tonnes of gold outside the formal financial system, worth around US$252 billion. He urged bullion banks, particularly Bank Syariah Indonesia and Pegadaian, to encourage the public to deposit their gold. If brought into the system, Indonesia's recorded gold stock would rank among the world's largest.

Profile of M Sarjito, OJK Official Proposed as Sole Candidate for Prabowo's Mineral Exchange Supervisor

President Prabowo Subianto has formally proposed M Sarjito as the sole candidate for Chief Executive of Mineral and Strategic Commodities Exchange Supervision at the Financial Services Authority (OJK). Sarjito, a long-serving OJK official with extensive experience in capital market supervision and consumer protection, is currently undergoing fit and proper testing before Commission XI of the Indonesian House of Representatives. His appointment is expected to support the government's mineral downstreaming agenda through transparent and accountable commodity trading oversight.

OJK Prepares Strategic Mineral and Commodities Exchange, Appoints New Deputy Commissioner

Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) has inaugurated Henry Rialdi as Deputy Commissioner for the Regulation and Supervision of the Strategic Mineral and Commodities Exchange (BMKS). The appointment is part of institutional strengthening under the P2SK Law, with the exchange expected to address transfer pricing and under-invoicing practices that have disadvantaged the nation. OJK aims to establish a transparent and credible trading ecosystem that optimises added value from Indonesia's mineral and commodity resources.

Starting from a Malware Attack, How a Fraud Syndicate Deceived a US Company

Indonesian police, in cooperation with the FBI and PPATK, have uncovered a business email compromise scheme that defrauded US firm IQ Power Tools of approximately USD 350,325. The syndicate, allegedly led by a Chinese national still at large, used malware to intercept business communications and diverted payments to a fictitious Indonesian company. Two suspects have been arrested and face charges including money laundering, with a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.

The Religious Dimension in Celebrations of Indonesian Independence

The article explores the often-overlooked religious significance of Indonesia's independence celebrations. It argues that independence was a divine blessing, drawing parallels between the proclamation on 9 Ramadan 1364 H and the Muslim victory at the Battle of Badr. The piece calls for the festivities to be a moment of reflection, gratitude, and adherence to religious principles.

601 Ship Accidents in 2026, Legislator Urges Sea Transport DG to Resign

A member of Indonesia's House of Representatives has called for the resignation of the Director General of Sea Transportation following 601 ship accidents between January and August 2026. The legislator cited alleged passenger manifest manipulation and negligence by harbourmaster offices in granting sailing permits despite overcapacity. The Transport Minister has promised routine evaluations, while another MP has urged the ministry to strengthen oversight of maritime safety.

Rajiv Praises Police Chief for Swift Action on President's Garlic Self-Sufficiency Goal

House Commission IV member Rajiv has commended National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo for rapidly responding to President Prabowo's directive on food self-sufficiency, particularly garlic. The police force conducted a simultaneous harvest and planting programme in Sembalun, West Nusa Tenggara, involving 2,174 farmers across 14 regional police jurisdictions. Rajiv emphasised that the initiative must be sustained through productivity improvements, market certainty, and supply chain development to reduce Indonesia's dependence on garlic imports.

The Importance of Legality and Legal Literacy for MSMEs to Level Up

Legal compliance and formal documentation are increasingly critical for Indonesian micro, small, and medium enterprises seeking to scale up, as they unlock access to bank financing, strategic partnerships, tenders, and modern retail markets. BrightMinds Legal Business has launched comprehensive assistance services and an educational arm to help MSMEs navigate post-licensing obligations and build internal legal literacy. The firm's founder argues that legality is a foundation of trust and that compliance should become an organisational habit rather than a reactive measure.

PGN Strengthens Use of CNG as 'Alternative Replacement' for LPG in Yogyakarta

PT Perusahaan Gas Negara Tbk (PGN), through its subsidiary PGN Gagas, is expanding the use of compressed natural gas (CNG) in Yogyakarta and surrounding areas as a domestic alternative to LPG. The company currently serves 20 customers in the southern Central Java region with a total distribution volume of around 74,000 cubic metres per month. PGN Gagas aims to grow the commercial and industrial segments, citing the need for reliable, affordable and domestically sourced energy options.

Creative Economy Ministry partners with ION to open global market access for local creative products

Indonesia's Creative Economy Ministry is collaborating with Indonesia Open Network (ION) to help local creative products reach global markets and boost the competitiveness of creative economy players. The partnership will cover digital marketing, cross-border trade, financing, intellectual property protection, and AI-based technology. The creative economy sector recorded Rp183.01 trillion in investment and US$31.94 billion in exports in 2025.

Managing Rimba Raya: Commercialisation and Governance of Mountain Climbing

The surge in mountain tourism across Indonesia's national parks has created a paradox of economic benefit and ecological degradation. Visitor numbers have risen sharply, but carrying capacities are being exceeded, leading to waste accumulation, habitat loss, and increased rescue operations. The article calls for a shift from reactive management to science-based, technology-integrated governance that balances commercialisation with conservation.

Prioritising Transparency, DT Peduli Reports ZISWAF Fund Distribution

National Amil Zakat Institution (LAZNAS) DT Peduli has publicly reported its distribution of ZISWAF funds during the Public Expose 2026 in Bandung, detailing allocations across education, economic capacity building, and humanitarian aid. The institution also launched a digital donation platform, sedekah.id, to streamline collection and centralise transaction records. The event was overseen by representatives from the Ministry of Religious Affairs and BAZNAS as part of external quality control.

Coordinating Ministry for Food to Partner with Multiple Parties to Boost Garlic Production

Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan has announced plans to collaborate with various stakeholders to increase domestic garlic production. Speaking at a harvest event in Lombok, he highlighted that Indonesia currently produces only around 40,000 tonnes of garlic annually against a demand of 600,000 tonnes, leaving the country heavily dependent on imports. The government aims to develop production centres, improve productivity, strengthen post-harvest infrastructure, and ensure market certainty for farmers.

Chinese National Masterminds Email Fraud Syndicate: Fish Business Goes Bankrupt, Defrauds US Company

Indonesian police have dismantled a business email compromise syndicate led by a Chinese national, which defrauded a US company of USD 350,325. The syndicate emerged after a fish trading business between the mastermind and an Indonesian partner collapsed. Two suspects have been arrested, and authorities have frozen a significant portion of the stolen funds.

2027 Investment Target Set at Rp2,322 Trillion, Government Strengthens Business Climate Through AI Technology

The Indonesian government has set an investment realisation target of Rp2,322 trillion for 2027, a 13.8 percent increase from 2026. The Ministry of Investment and Downstreaming/BKPM is focusing on licensing certainty, construction speed, and resolving field obstacles to achieve this goal. The ministry is upgrading its Online Single Submission system with artificial intelligence, big data, and blockchain to improve accuracy, transparency, and service reliability.

Sefas Group to Acquire 100% of Shell Petrol Station Business in Indonesia

Sefas Group, the largest Shell lubricants distributor in Indonesia, has agreed to acquire the entirety of Shell's petrol station business in the country, pending regulatory approval. The company says local ownership will provide a strong foundation for the next phase of development in Indonesia's energy retail sector. The transaction is expected to be completed this year, with the Shell brand retained under a licensing scheme.

Zulhas Says Government to Reduce Dependence on Garlic Imports

Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan has announced concrete steps to reduce Indonesia's heavy reliance on garlic imports, including boosting domestic production and strengthening post-harvest infrastructure. The government held a mass harvest in Sembalun, East Lombok, involving 105 hectares of land and an estimated yield of 1,050 tonnes. National garlic production currently meets only around 5-10 per cent of domestic demand, with the remainder imported.

Geological Agency: Smoke on Mount Raung not an eruption but a land fire

The Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has confirmed that smoke observed on the upper southern slope of Mount Raung in East Java was caused by a land fire, not volcanic activity. Visual and seismic monitoring showed no signs of eruption or magma migration. The volcano remains at Level II (Waspada) status, with a three-kilometre exclusion zone maintained around the summit crater.