Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 20 August 2026

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Gen Z and the Sustainable Development Agenda

A student writer argues that Generation Z, often dismissed as a lazy, phone-obsessed cohort, actually possesses unique strengths that position it to drive the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The article highlights four SDGs most relevant to Gen Z and calls for immediate action.

US Dollar Falls, Asia Splits: Rupiah and Ringgit Strong, Yen Declines

Asian currencies moved in mixed directions against a weakening US dollar on Thursday, with the Malaysian ringgit leading gains while the South Korean won fell the most. The rupiah extended its positive trend, rising 0.14% to Rp17,800 per US dollar. The dollar remains near a three-month low as markets digest the US Treasury's plan to double buyback operations for long-term bonds following a sharp sell-off in the Treasury market.

Learning from New Experiences: A First-Week Internship Story at the Muhammadiyah Central Board

A management student from Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta reflects on her first week of internship at the Muhammadiyah Central Board office in Yogyakarta. She describes gaining practical experience in administrative work, document archiving, data management, and participating in fire safety training and event planning. The experience highlights how theoretical knowledge from her studies is applied in a real organisational environment.

Garlic Self-Sufficiency: National Police Hold National Planting and Grand Harvest in NTB

The Indonesian National Police (Polri) have launched a nationwide garlic planting and harvest programme in Sembalun, East Lombok, as part of efforts to achieve national garlic self-sufficiency. The initiative includes a 105-hectare grand harvest, construction of a 300-tonne food security warehouse, and simultaneous planting across 14 regional police commands. The programme aims to reduce import dependency and improve farmer welfare through collaboration from upstream to downstream.

After collisions, Bogor KRL runs on single track from Pasar Minggu

KAI Commuter has restricted Bogor line services to a single track between Pasar Minggu and Manggarai after a train struck a person near Cawang-Tebet, damaging its braking system. A separate incident on the Tangerang line, where a train hit a motorcycle at an illegal level crossing, has also caused delays and single-track operation between Rawabuaya and Batu Ceper. The operator apologised and said it is still repairing the affected trains and clearing the backlog of delayed services.

Bogor KRL services operate on single track from Pasar Minggu

KAI Commuter has restricted Bogor line services to a single track between Pasar Minggu and Manggarai stations after a train struck a person near Cawang-Tebet, damaging its braking system. A separate incident involving a motorcycle on an illegal level crossing disrupted Tangerang line services. The operator apologised for delays and said repair and queue management efforts are ongoing.

After Acquisition, Indonesian Issuer Secures US$14 Million Nickel Contract

PT Harapan Duta Pertiwi Tbk (HOPE) has secured two new nickel mining project contracts worth approximately US$14 million through a joint operation scheme. The contracts, effective from 2026, are expected to boost the company's revenue and operational performance. This development follows HOPE's strategic partnership with a Chinese mining equipment firm and its planned acquisition of PT Tambang Meranti Mulia Sejahtera.

BWJ: Investment value in Tanjung Lesung SEZ reaches Rp2.5 trillion

PT Banten West Java Tourism Development reports that investment in the Tanjung Lesung Special Economic Zone has surpassed Rp2.5 trillion, with around 6,500 workers absorbed. The completion of the Serang-Panimbang toll road is expected to further boost tourism investment and economic growth in Banten.

Verification vs Falsification of Hypotheses

This article explains the concept of a hypothesis in research, distinguishing between testable, reasonable hypotheses and untestable claims. It uses the example of a broken torch to illustrate how hypotheses are formulated and tested, and introduces Karl Popper's principle of falsifiability as a key criterion for scientific hypotheses.

PKT Distributes Logistics and Urgent Supplies for NTT Earthquake Victims

PT Pupuk Kalimantan Timur has provided Rp100 million in aid to communities affected by the earthquake in Nusa Tenggara Timur through its PKT Proaktif programme. The assistance, received directly by the Regent of Manggarai, includes staple foods, sanitation supplies, nutrition and health packages, and shelter materials. The company emphasised its commitment to supporting disaster recovery and meeting the urgent needs of displaced residents.

Kulon Progo Residents Receive 48,000 Litres of Clean Water Aid

The National Amil Zakat Agency (Baznas) and Kulon Progo Baznas have distributed 48,000 litres of clean water to drought-affected residents in Kulon Progo, Yogyakarta. The aid targets several villages in Girimulyo district where water sources have dried up. Nationally, Baznas has distributed 1.5 million litres of clean water across 72 villages in six provinces.

New Phenomenon: Countries Race to Secure Nuclear 'Power Boost' from Earth to the Moon

A global resurgence in nuclear energy is driving countries to reopen uranium mines, expand enrichment capacity, and explore alternative fuel sources. Demand is projected to double by 2040, with supply potentially falling short after 2030. Nations including the United States, Kazakhstan, Australia, Sweden, Japan, and China are pursuing diverse strategies to secure nuclear fuel supplies.

Rycko Menoza urges government to collect data on teachers and students affected by NTT-NTB earthquake

House of Representatives Commission II member Rycko Menoza has called on the central government to immediately compile accurate data on teachers, education personnel, and students affected by the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara and West Nusa Tenggara, including Bima. He stressed that emergency response must not overlook the education sector, urging the provision of safe temporary learning spaces and earthquake-resistant school reconstruction. Rycko also called for strengthened central-regional coordination and a disaster-resilient school revitalisation roadmap.

IHSG strengthens, tracking Asian markets on US bond buyback policy

The Jakarta Composite Index (IHSG) rose on Thursday, following gains across Asian equity markets after the US Treasury announced an increase in its long-term bond buyback programme. The move helped ease pressure in the bond market and supported equities. Domestically, Bank Indonesia held its benchmark rate at 5.75 percent, while the government plans to cut subsidised fuel quotas in 2027.

Transjakarta 'Sky Route' Delayed Due to Excavation Works on Ciledug Raya

Transjakarta bus services on Corridor 13, known as the 'sky route', experienced delays on Thursday morning due to excavation works for a water channel. The works caused traffic congestion around Petukangan up to the Kreo boundary on Jalan Ciledug Raya. The operator apologised for the inconvenience caused to passengers.

Why the JCI Accelerated 1% This Morning

The Jakarta Composite Index (JCI) rose more than 1% in early trading on Thursday, driven primarily by commodity and mining stocks. Bank Indonesia's decision to hold its benchmark rate at 5.75% and a weaker US dollar provided additional support. Investors are also monitoring global signals, including US Treasury yields and commodity prices.

Bogor–Jakarta Kota KRL Disrupted, Transjakarta Adds Buses on Routes D11 and 4B

Transjakarta has deployed additional buses on two routes to ease passenger congestion after a person was struck by a train near Tebet Station, disrupting Bogor–Jakarta Kota commuter line services. The move follows a recently signed memorandum of understanding on public transport resilience between intermodal operators. KAI Commuter is still inspecting the affected train, with delays continuing on the Bogor–Jakarta Kota line.

From Diploma to Vice Presidential Impeachment, Constitutional Law Expert: There Is a Legal Process That Must Be Tested

Constitutional law expert Fritz Siregar has cautioned against conflating the controversy over the Vice President's high school diploma with calls for impeachment. He stressed that any administrative issues in the candidacy process must first be legally proven before constitutional grounds for removal can be considered. Siregar emphasised that impeachment requires clear constitutional justification and must follow established procedures involving the DPR, Constitutional Court, and MPR.

DIY Financial Literacy and Inclusion in 2026 Surpasses 2029 RPJMN Target

The Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) has recorded financial inclusion of 98.74 percent and financial literacy of 76.44 percent, according to the 2026 National Survey of Financial Literacy and Inclusion. The inclusion figure places DIY second nationally and already exceeds the 2025–2029 National Medium-Term Development Plan target set for 2029. OJK DIY highlights a 22.30 percentage point gap between inclusion and literacy as a key challenge, particularly in mitigating digital financial crime.

Riau Police Break Illegal Gold Mining Chain in Kuansing, Miners and Financiers Arrested

Riau Regional Police have dismantled an illegal gold mining network in Kuantan Singingi Regency, targeting not only field miners but also financiers and buyers. The operation, conducted from January to August 2026, resulted in 17 suspects being named and the destruction of 525 mining rafts. Police seized evidence including 395 grams of gold and Rp972 million in cash.

BAZNAS Distributes 48,000 Litres of Water to Drought-Affected Residents in Kulon Progo

The National Amil Zakat Agency (BAZNAS) and its Kulon Progo branch have distributed 48,000 litres of clean water to communities facing drought in the Special Region of Yogyakarta. The aid targets several villages in Girimulyo District, with distribution carried out in stages to ensure it reaches those most in need. BAZNAS has also been monitoring water needs and coordinating with local authorities to map affected areas.

Crowded and Trapped in KRL Carriages During Rush Hour Disruption

Hundreds of commuters were stranded inside KRL carriages on the Bogor–Jakarta Kota line for over an hour on Thursday morning following an operational disruption. KAI Commuter reported that a person was struck by a train at Tebet Station, halting services on lines 1 and 2. Passengers were advised to follow instructions from officers on the ground while the incident was being handled.

DPR asks police to investigate money flow in stamp forgery case causing Rp1 T loss

A House of Representatives member has urged police and the tax authority to trace the money flow and identify the intellectual actors behind a cross-province counterfeit stamp syndicate that could cost the state up to Rp1.03 trillion. Abdullah of Commission III also called for investigating potential money laundering and for more public education on verifying stamp authenticity.

Bapanas proposes additional 150,000 tonnes of maize SPHP to strengthen micro farmers

The National Food Agency (Bapanas) has proposed an additional 150,000 tonnes of maize under the Food Supply and Price Stabilisation Programme (SPHP) to support micro-scale poultry farmers facing rising feed costs. The move aims to stabilise egg and chicken prices while protecting vulnerable smallholders. Bapanas is awaiting a limited coordination meeting at the Coordinating Ministry for Food before the additional quota can be implemented.

Iran appreciates Russia's offer to facilitate dialogue with Gulf states

Iran has welcomed Russia's offer to mediate dialogue between Tehran and Persian Gulf Arab states, with its ambassador to Moscow expressing readiness to cooperate. The Iranian envoy described Russia as a true friend during difficult times and voiced no doubt about Moscow's good intentions. Ties between Iran and its Arab neighbours have deteriorated since the conflict with the US and Israel began in late February.

Dompu Regency Receives Additional Rp 136.896 Billion in Regional Transfer Funds

The Dompu Regency Government in West Nusa Tenggara has received an additional Rp 136.896 billion in central government transfer funds. The allocation comprises Rp 66.088 billion from the General Allocation Fund and Rp 74.807 billion in underpaid revenue-sharing funds. The funds are intended to support regional administration, prioritising civil servant payroll and basic public services amid fiscal constraints.

KRL Disruption: Trans-Jakarta Adds Fleet on Affected Routes

PT Transportasi Jakarta (Trans-Jakarta) has deployed additional buses on routes D11 and 4B to alleviate passenger congestion caused by disruption to KRL Commuter Line services between Bogor and Jakarta Kota. The disruption followed an incident in which a person was struck near Tebet Station. Trans-Jakarta has also stationed personnel to ensure smooth operations and absorb displaced commuters.

What public holiday falls on 25 August? Check remaining national holidays and collective leave for 2026

Indonesia still has three national holidays and collective leave days remaining in 2026, according to a joint ministerial decree. The next public holiday is Tuesday, 25 August 2026, marking the Prophet Muhammad's birthday, though it is not accompanied by collective leave. The final holiday period of the year will be the Christmas break in late December.

Hajj Ministry Meeting Results in Parliament: 2027 Hajj Costs Rise, Funds Blocked by Saudi Arabia

Indonesia's House of Representatives Commission VIII held a meeting with the Ministry of Hajj to discuss preparations for the 2027 hajj season. Key issues included a proposed 10-15 percent increase in hajj costs to Rp107.3 million per pilgrim and the blocking of Rp66 billion in down payments by Saudi authorities over alleged insurance violations. The ministry also faced scrutiny over discrepancies in financial data between the ministry and the Hajj Financial Management Agency.

Nord Stream sabotage suspect to be tried in Germany

A Ukrainian national arrested in Croatia over the 2022 Nord Stream pipeline explosions will face Germany's Federal Court of Justice following extradition. The suspect, identified as professional diver Volodymyr Z., is accused of participating in dives to plant explosives on the gas pipelines. The sabotage damaged three pipelines and triggered international investigations into an attack on vital European energy infrastructure.

Central Government to Cover PPPK Teacher Costs from 2027, Yogyakarta Administration Welcomes Fiscal Relief

The Yogyakarta Special Region administration has welcomed the central government's plan to assume responsibility for financing full-time government contract teachers (PPPK) from 2027. Regional Secretary Ni Made Dwipanti Indrayanti said the policy would ease the region's fiscal burden and help keep personnel spending within the mandated 30 per cent ceiling. The move is expected to create greater fiscal space for local government budgets.

Commuter Line Disruption on Bogor-Jakarta Kota Route, Transjakarta Deploys Relief Fleet

PT Transjakarta has deployed relief buses on two routes to absorb passenger overflow caused by operational disruption on the Commuter Line between Bogor and Jakarta Kota, specifically on the Pasar Minggu–Manggarai section. The move follows a recently signed memorandum of understanding on public transport resilience between intermodal operators. Field personnel have also been stationed to ensure smooth operations and prevent passenger build-up.

Govt disburses US$2.5 million for quake-hit NTT relief operations

The Indonesian government has disbursed US$2.5 million in initial funding for earthquake relief operations in East Nusa Tenggara, with Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa confirming that additional funds will be allocated if needed. The Finance Ministry is monitoring local government fiscal conditions and coordinating with the National Disaster Management Agency to ensure swift and targeted aid distribution. The central government has also begun calculating requirements for post-disaster recovery and repair phases, subject to presidential approval.

Defence Minister meets NTT residents, hears earthquake victims' grievances

Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin visited earthquake victims in Nagekeo, East Nusa Tenggara, listening directly to their complaints and expressing condolences. The Ministry of Defence and the Indonesian Armed Forces have provided 20 tonnes of logistical aid, including tents, field beds, Starlink communications equipment, and medical supplies. The minister's visit aims to ensure that government assistance is accurately targeted to meet the needs of affected residents during the emergency response period.

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

Sefas Group has agreed to acquire the entire Shell petrol station business in Indonesia, pending regulatory approval. The company, already Shell's largest lubricant distributor in the country, aims to build a trusted and sustainable energy retail business. The transaction is expected to be completed this year, with the Shell brand retained under a licensing scheme.

Evacuation of Trespassing Victims Complete, Jakarta Kota and Tangerang Commuter Lines Return to Normal

Commuter line services on the Bogor–Jakarta Kota and Duri–Tangerang routes have resumed normal operations after two separate incidents involving a pedestrian and a motorcyclist being struck by trains. KAI Commuter confirmed that both lines are now passable on dual tracks, though congestion is still being cleared. The operator apologised for the disruption and thanked passengers for their patience.

Attorney General's Office Explains Seizure of Family Photos Belonging to Former Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes Febrie

The Attorney General's Office has defended the seizure of family photographs during a search of former Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes Febrie Adriansyah's Sentul residence, describing it as part of an investigative strategy to establish ownership of the property. Febrie has filed a pre-trial motion seeking to have his suspect status and all related legal actions, including the search and seizure, declared unlawful. The case involves alleged money laundering linked to the discovery of 74 kilograms of gold and Rp543 billion in cash.

Causes of Bogor and Tangerang KRL Disruption This Morning: KRL Struck Person and Motorcycle

Commuter Line services on the Bogor and Tangerang routes were disrupted on Thursday morning after two separate incidents involving a person and a motorcycle. KAI Commuter implemented single-track operations to manage delays while repairs were carried out. Transjakarta added bus services on routes D11 and 4B to help clear passenger build-up.

Antam Gold Price Soars Rp80,000 to Rp2.7 Million

The price of gold produced by state-owned miner PT Aneka Tambang (Antam) rose sharply on Thursday, reaching its highest level in two months. The one-gram bar was priced at Rp2,725,000, up Rp80,000 from the previous session. The buyback price also increased by the same amount to Rp2,585,000 per gram.

House member urges government to also improve status of private madrasah teachers

A member of House Commission VIII has called on the government to address the welfare and employment status of private madrasah teachers alongside reforms for state-employed contract teachers. Dini Rahmania highlighted that hundreds of thousands of private madrasah teachers remain on very low honorariums despite years of service. She urged the government and parliament to devise an affirmative scheme to include them in the PPPK programme.

Colon Cancer Increasingly Affecting Young People, Watch Out for These 4 Signs

Colon cancer is increasingly being diagnosed in adults under 50, with studies showing those born in 1990 face double the risk of those born in 1950. A Florida gastroenterologist highlights four early warning signs that are often dismissed as minor health issues. Experts are urging greater awareness and earlier medical consultation, particularly for those with persistent symptoms or a family history.

Why Mosquitoes Seem More Numerous During the Dry Season: A BRIN Researcher Explains

A researcher from Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has explained why mosquito populations appear to surge during the dry season. Warmer temperatures shorten the mosquito life cycle, while reduced outdoor standing water drives mosquitoes indoors, concentrating them around homes. Mosquito eggs' ability to survive dry conditions also means populations can rebound rapidly when rains return.

Rumah Zakat Distributes 800 Ready-to-Eat Meal Packages for NTT Earthquake Survivors

Rumah Zakat has deployed a team of volunteers to distribute humanitarian aid to residents affected by the earthquake in Nusa Tenggara Timur. The aid, consisting of 800 ready-to-eat meal packages, was delivered to an evacuation post in Nangahale Village, Sikka Regency, to meet the daily nutritional needs of displaced families. Local residents assisted the volunteers in expediting the distribution process.

Four defendants in PT BKI VGM work corruption case undergo first hearing

Four defendants accused of corruption in the supporting work for issuing Verified Gross Mass (VGM) certificates at PT BKI's Marine and Offshore Oil & Gas SBU appeared for their first hearing at the Jakarta Corruption Court. Prosecutors allege PT BKI paid PT Pilar Mandiri for work that was never carried out, with part of the funds allegedly channelled back to internal PT BKI officials. The case is said to have caused state financial losses of Rp15.58 billion.

When Will Pertalite Restrictions Take Effect? Here's the Explanation from Purbaya and Bahlil

The Indonesian government is still finalising plans to restrict subsidised Pertalite fuel sales to households in the top two income deciles. Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa and Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia have confirmed that the policy will be implemented gradually once Pertamina's distribution infrastructure and supporting regulations are ready. Current daily purchase quotas remain unchanged at 200 litres for buses and lorries and 50 litres for private cars.

Rupiah Strengthens to Rp 17,794 After BI Holds BI Rate, Investors Still Focused on Iran-US Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz

The rupiah strengthened against the US dollar after Bank Indonesia held its benchmark interest rate at 5.75 percent. The central bank said the decision was aimed at maintaining exchange rate stability amid global turmoil from the Middle East conflict. Investors are also weighing conflicting signals from Tehran and Washington over the status of the Strait of Hormuz.

Central Kalimantan Police Name 12 Suspects in Forest and Land Fire Cases

Central Kalimantan Police have named 12 suspects in connection with forest and land fires up to mid-August 2026. Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni has backed firm legal action against anyone proven to have damaged nature and forests, regardless of their status.

KRL disruption: Transjakarta deploys auxiliary fleet

Transjakarta has deployed auxiliary buses on two routes to assist commuters affected by disruption to the Bogor–Jakarta Kota Commuter Line between Pasar Minggu and Manggarai. The disruption was caused by a person being struck by a train, according to KAI Commuter. The measure aims to absorb passenger overflow and provide alternative travel options.

PM Netanyahu: We will not tolerate Turkish military presence in Syria as it threatens Israel

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that Israel will not accept any strengthening of Turkey's military position in Syria, citing direct security threats to Israel. The warning follows Israeli strikes on the Abu al-Duhur military airfield in Idlib, which Tel Aviv says came after repeated warnings to Damascus over Turkish ground force deployments.

Houthis have attacked 8 Saudi tankers, blocked dozens of other ships

Yemen's Houthi movement has attacked eight Saudi oil tankers and intercepted 48 others since 20 July, according to its military spokesman. The group says the actions are part of a strategy of responding to blockade with blockade. No independent confirmation of the claims has yet been provided.