Archive: 20 August 2026
Showing 1,401-1,450 of 1,593 articles
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 09:07 WIB
Pakistan in the Gulf Security Circle: Should India Worry About the Makkah Pact?
The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, signed in August, has raised questions in New Delhi about whether it gives Pakistan a strategic advantage in a region vital to Indian interests. Analysts suggest the pact largely formalises existing defence ties and is unlikely to alter the basic dynamics of India-Pakistan confrontation, though India should monitor its long-term military implications.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 09:04 WIB
Honduras declares drought state of emergency due to El Nino
The Honduran government has declared a national state of emergency as drought affects 75 of the country's 298 municipalities. President Nasry Asfura has ordered the distribution of food, water and health services, along with additional support for agricultural production in the hardest-hit areas. The Permanent Contingency Commission of Honduras has also issued a yellow alert for 71 residential areas.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 09:04 WIB
Helping NTT Earthquake Victims: How Pertamina Revives Gotong Royong
Fifty partners of state-owned energy company Pertamina donated prizes won during Indonesia's 81st Independence Day celebrations to support earthquake victims in East Nusa Tenggara. The donations, totalling Rp500 million, were channelled to affected communities. Pertamina said the initiative aims to revive the spirit of gotong royong, or mutual cooperation, by turning independence celebrations into social action.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 09:04 WIB
West Java Marks 81st Anniversary with Focus on Improving Public Services
The West Java provincial government is using its 81st anniversary to reaffirm its commitment to improving public services across education, health, and infrastructure. Key targets include completing 149.8 km of road works, achieving 99% BPJS health coverage by 2029, and expanding school capacity with new units and classrooms. The initiatives aim to promote equitable economic growth and reduce disparities in access to services.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 09:03 WIB
Rupiah Opens 0.14% Stronger, US Dollar Falls to Rp17,800
The Indonesian rupiah strengthened against the US dollar in early trading on Thursday, supported by a weaker greenback and Bank Indonesia's decision to hold its benchmark rate at 5.75%. The US dollar fell after the Treasury announced measures to stabilise the government bond market, reducing the appeal of dollar-denominated assets.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 09:03 WIB
Legislator: Police-farmer collaboration realises garlic self-sufficiency
House Commission IV member Rajiv has praised a nationwide garlic planting initiative led by the National Police, which he says supports President Prabowo's food self-sufficiency agenda. The programme, centred in Sembalun, West Nusa Tenggara, involves thousands of farmers and is intended to reduce Indonesia's dependence on garlic imports.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 09:03 WIB
IHSG Opens Higher After BI Holds BI Rate, Asian Markets Weaken and Wall Street Rises
The Jakarta Composite Index (IHSG) opened 53 points higher at 6,447 on Thursday after Bank Indonesia held its benchmark interest rate at 5.75 per cent. The move came despite weakness across Asian markets, where South Korea's KOSPI led declines, while Wall Street closed higher overnight.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 09:02 WIB
Breaking News! IHSG Jumps 1% This Morning
The Jakarta Composite Index (IHSG) surged more than 1% at the opening of trading on Thursday, continuing positive sentiment from global markets. The rally was supported by a weaker US dollar and falling Treasury yields, while investors also digested Bank Indonesia's decision to hold its benchmark rate at 5.75%.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 09:00 WIB
KPK Seizes Rp 150 Billion in Assets in Silmy Karim Case, Investigates Alleged Money Laundering
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has seized assets worth approximately Rp 150 billion in connection with an alleged extortion scheme involving residence permits for foreign nationals. The case implicates former Deputy Minister of Immigration and Corrections Silmy Karim and several other immigration officials. Investigators are also probing potential money laundering, as some assets were found to be registered under other people's names.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 08:58 WIB
Politics yesterday: NTT earthquake response to new fighter jets
The government has dispatched 253 tonnes of aid to earthquake-affected areas in East Nusa Tenggara, with additional logistics and medical personnel being deployed. Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian visited Ende to assess recovery needs, while the Air Force has readied six transport aircraft for distribution. Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin also signalled that Indonesia will receive more new fighter jets in the future.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 08:57 WIB
Why Some Regions Prosper While Others Remain Trapped in Corruption?
An opinion piece argues that the root cause of regional disparity in Indonesia is not weak institutions but the moral immaturity of those who manage them. Drawing on Quranic principles of individual accountability, the author proposes a framework of 'autonomous beings' to explain why similar levels of regional autonomy produce vastly different outcomes. The article suggests that institutional autonomy only succeeds when exercised by morally mature leaders who view authority as a sacred trust.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 08:57 WIB
Taiwan, Negara Tujuan Favorit Pekerja Migran Indonesia
Taiwan has solidified its position as the top destination for Indonesian migrant workers, with over 221,000 placements recorded between 2022 and 2024 and a 33% share of all placements in early 2026. The country's ageing population, structured labour system, and rising minimum wage continue to attract Indonesian workers, while remittances from all migrant workers reached US$17.26 billion in 2025. The Indonesian government is now focusing on shifting placements toward formal and skilled jobs to boost productivity and income.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 08:57 WIB
Counterfeit Stamp Duty Syndicate Exposed, Costing the State Trillions
Jakarta police and the Finance Ministry's Directorate General of Taxes have dismantled a syndicate producing counterfeit stamp duty, with potential state losses estimated at up to Rp 1 trillion. Sixteen suspects have been named, and authorities seized 3.4 million counterfeit stamps along with production equipment and raw materials. The syndicate sold stamps both directly and through online marketplaces, highlighting the growing use of digital channels for illegal trade.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 08:56 WIB
East Jakarta PMI distributes aid to Matraman fire survivors
The Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) East Jakarta chapter has distributed emergency supplies to residents affected by a fire in Pisangan Baru, Matraman. The aid includes mats, blankets, family kits, clothing, drinking water, bread, and hygiene packages. Local authorities and the Free Nutritious Meals kitchen also contributed assistance, with further support being sought from the East Jakarta Social Service.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 08:56 WIB
Maintaining Quality and Sustainable Growth, BRI Consistently Disburses Credit with Prudential Principles
Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) is maintaining its credit growth momentum while prioritising prudential banking and disciplined risk management. The state-owned bank, which focuses on empowering MSMEs, emphasises that credit quality is as important as lending volume. BRI's risk management director Ety Yuniarti stated that the bank continues to have appetite for growth in productive sectors, but only through measured expansion with adequate risk assessment.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 08:55 WIB
Manpower Minister: Industrial relations build inclusive employment ecosystem
Manpower Minister Yassierli has emphasised that strengthening industrial relations is central to building an inclusive, productive and sustainable employment ecosystem. He highlighted the role of collective labour agreements in improving productivity and preparing human resources for a rapidly changing world of work. The minister made the remarks in connection with the signing of Bank BRI's 2026–2028 collective labour agreement.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 08:55 WIB
Former PGN President Director faces verdict in gas trading corruption case today
Hendi Prio Santoso, former President Director of state gas company PGN, is due to receive a verdict in a corruption case involving gas sale and purchase agreements between 2017 and 2021. Prosecutors have sought a five-year prison sentence for Hendi and seven and a half years for co-defendant Arso Sadewo Tjokrosoebroto, with alleged state losses of US$15 million. The case centres on advance payments made by PGN to the Isargas Group despite a ministerial ban on tiered gas trading.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 08:54 WIB
Garuda Indonesia Offers Hundreds of Thousands of Promotional Tickets in GATF 2026
Garuda Indonesia is holding its 2026 Travel Festival across seven Indonesian cities, offering more than 390,000 promotional seats for domestic, international, and umrah travel. The event integrates the airline's regular travel fair with its umrah travel fair for the first time, supported by Bank Mandiri and Bank Syariah Indonesia. The festival runs from 28 to 30 August 2026, with offers valid until August 2027.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 08:53 WIB
US forces secretly escort oil tankers through Strait of Hormuz
The US military has been covertly assisting oil tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz for several weeks, enabling the movement of up to 20 vessels and around 10 million barrels of oil per day. The operation is overseen from Fort Bragg and coordinated with regional partners, with ships sailing at night along safe routes off the coast of Oman. The scheme follows the collapse of a US-Iran ceasefire and Iran's announcement that it would close the strait until Washington ends its intervention in the region.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 08:52 WIB
PLN, Pertamina, and Telkom Step In to Assist NTT Earthquake Victims
State-owned enterprises including PLN, Pertamina, and Telkom have mobilised to restore essential services and distribute aid following an earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara. The coordinated effort, directed by President Prabowo Subianto, has already restored most of the affected electricity network and ensured fuel and communications availability. Assistance is being channelled to several affected regencies, with damage assessments underway to support rehabilitation and reconstruction.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 08:51 WIB
Excavation on Ciledug Raya Causes Delays for Transjakarta 'Sky Route'
Transjakarta corridor 13, known as the 'Sky Route', experienced significant delays on Thursday morning due to water channel excavation works on Jalan Ciledug Raya. The disruption caused passenger overcrowding at normally quiet shelters, including Swadarma Paragon. Transjakarta apologised for the inconvenience as bus frequencies for routes 13, 13B and L13E slowed considerably.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 08:50 WIB
PIHPS: Bird's eye chilli at Rp52,750/kg, chicken eggs at Rp22,650/kg
Bank Indonesia's National Strategic Food Price Information Centre (PIHPS) has released the latest national retail prices for key food commodities. Bird's eye chilli is recorded at Rp52,750 per kilogramme and purebred chicken eggs at Rp22,650 per kilogramme. The data provides a snapshot of staple food costs across Indonesia as of Thursday morning.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 08:50 WIB
Shell Petrol Stations 100 Percent Acquired by SEFAS Group, What Will Become of Them?
SEFAS Group has agreed to acquire full ownership of Shell's petrol station business in Indonesia, subject to regulatory approval. The company, already Shell's largest lubricant distributor in Indonesia, expects to complete the transaction this year. Shell branding will remain through a licensing arrangement as the business transitions to local ownership.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 08:49 WIB
Health Ministry Ensures Medicine Stock for NTT Earthquake Victims Safe for Five Days
Indonesia's Health Ministry has confirmed that medical supplies for victims of the 7.7 magnitude earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara are sufficient for the next five days. The ministry is continuing to distribute medicines to seven affected districts and has also sent tents to establish field hospitals.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 08:48 WIB
ITB Geological Engineering Team Wins Imperial Barrel Award
A team of postgraduate students from Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) has won the prestigious Imperial Barrel Award 2026, an international petroleum geoscience competition organised by the American Association of Petroleum Geologists. The victory, announced on Indonesia's Independence Day, underscores the growing capacity of Indonesian students to compete at the highest levels of academic and professional geoscience. The achievement is seen as significant for Indonesia's future energy sector, including oil and gas, geothermal, and carbon capture and storage.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 08:48 WIB
Palangka Raya BPBD handles 298 land fire incidents
The Palangka Raya Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) in Central Kalimantan has handled 298 forest and land fire incidents between 1 June and 19 August 2026, burning approximately 261.41 hectares. Jekan Raya sub-district recorded the highest number of incidents with 188 cases. The agency is strengthening prevention efforts through routine patrols, public education, and cross-agency coordination to mitigate fire risks during the dry season.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 08:47 WIB
Hajj Minister Proposes 2027 BPIH of Rp 107.34 Million per Pilgrim, Here's Why
Minister of Hajj and Umrah Mochammad Irfan Yusuf has proposed an increase in the 2027 Hajj pilgrimage cost (BPIH) to Rp 107.34 million per pilgrim, up from Rp 87.4 million in 2026. The adjustment is intended to improve service quality for Indonesian pilgrims. Under the proposal, 40 percent of the cost would be borne directly by pilgrims, with the remaining 60 percent sourced from benefit funds managed by the Hajj Financial Management Agency (BPKH).
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 08:46 WIB
KPK Suspects Bebizie Received Funds from Coal Corporation Implicated in Corruption Case
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) suspects Jakarta DPRD member Bebizie Sri Mulyati received money from coal companies in Kutai Kartanegara linked to former regent Rita Widyasari. Bebizie, who was questioned as a witness, said she was paid professionally as a singer at events in East Kalimantan in 2017-2018. The KPK has named three coal firms as suspects in a gratification and money laundering case tied to Rita Widyasari.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 08:45 WIB
Magnitude 5.8 Earthquake Strikes East Nusa Tenggara Again, Residents Panic and Flee Homes
A magnitude 5.8 earthquake shook Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, on Thursday morning, causing panic among residents in Labuan Bajo and surrounding areas. The tremor is part of an ongoing aftershock sequence following the magnitude 7.7 earthquake on 15 August, with BMKG recording over 3,400 aftershocks to date. Authorities have urged the public to remain calm and rely only on official information from BMKG and local disaster agencies.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 08:45 WIB
Today's Stock Recommendations: Check TINS, BULL, and RMKE
The Jakarta Composite Index (IHSG) closed down 0.86% at 6,394.13 on Wednesday, pressured by selling in large-cap stocks such as BYAN. Corporate actions highlighted include ENRG's strong first-half 2026 results, GMFI's defence MRO expansion plans, and PRDA's share buyback programme. Mega Capital Sekuritas issued buy recommendations for TINS, BULL, MEDC, SSIA, and RMKE.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 08:43 WIB
SAR Jember continues search for three missing fishermen off Paseban Beach
A joint search and rescue team in Jember, East Java, has resumed operations to locate three fishermen missing after their boat capsized off Paseban Beach. One crew member was found dead and another survived the incident, which occurred when the vessel was struck by a wave on its return journey. Local authorities have urged fishermen to exercise caution due to high waves along the southern coast.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 08:43 WIB
Popular: fake stamp duty case to Batam fish exports to Singapore
A roundup of the most-read news on Thursday includes the uncovering of a fake stamp duty syndicate with state losses of Rp1.03 trillion, and Batam's fish exports to Singapore reaching Rp125 billion from January to May 2026. Other top stories cover new fighter jets for Indonesia, recovery of digital infrastructure in East Nusa Tenggara, and a new OJK deputy commissioner appointment.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 08:43 WIB
Viral Video Shows Child Hacked with Machete, Hand Nearly Severed in Tangerang; Police Investigate
A disturbing video circulating online shows a child in Solear, Tangerang Regency, bleeding heavily from a machete wound to his right hand, which was reportedly nearly severed. Police have taken over the case and are questioning a friend of the victim as a witness. The victim is currently receiving medical treatment and has not yet been able to provide a statement.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 08:39 WIB
Sahroni Confident Syekh Ahmad Al Misry Can Be Repatriated Through Indonesia-Egypt Diplomacy
House of Representatives Commission III Deputy Chairman Ahmad Sahroni has expressed confidence that fugitive Syekh Ahmad Al Misry, wanted for sexual abuse of Islamic boarding school students, can be repatriated from Egypt through diplomatic channels. Police have identified dual citizenship rules in Egypt as a potential avenue, despite the absence of an extradition treaty between the two countries. The suspect is currently on Interpol's red notice list.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 08:38 WIB
Elderly Man in Rote Ndao Missing While Harvesting Seaweed, Feared Drowned
A 66-year-old man has gone missing while tending to a seaweed farm in Rote Ndao, East Nusa Tenggara. Search and rescue teams, including the local disaster agency and navy post, are conducting an operation to locate him. The incident highlights the risks faced by coastal communities dependent on seaweed cultivation.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 08:38 WIB
Jakarta Air Quality Ranks Third Worst in the World
Jakarta's air quality has deteriorated to the third worst globally, with an Air Quality Index of 162, classified as unhealthy. The Jakarta provincial government is implementing three main strategies to address the problem, including expanding public transport and accelerating the transition to electric buses. Residents have been advised to wear masks when outdoors.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 08:37 WIB
Once Depressed at Start of Incarceration, Ex-Convict Now Builds Home Convection Business
Fajar, a former inmate at Garut Prison in West Java, has turned skills learned behind bars into a home-based garment business after his conditional release. Starting with a second-hand sewing machine bought by his in-laws, he now earns nearly Rp4 million a month combining outside work with private orders. His story highlights prison rehabilitation programmes that equip inmates with marketable skills for reintegration.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 08:37 WIB
Paying Vehicle Tax? Check 14 Mobile Samsat Locations in Jadetabek Today
Polda Metro Jaya is operating mobile Samsat services at 14 locations across Jakarta, Depok, Tangerang and Bekasi on Thursday to facilitate annual motor vehicle tax payments. Motorists are advised to bring their original ID card, vehicle ownership book and registration certificate, along with photocopies. The mobile units only handle annual tax payments, while five-yearly tax and number plate renewals must be completed at a main Samsat office.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 08:36 WIB
US Accuses Indonesia of Helping China Dodge Trump Tariffs
The United States has accused Indonesia of participating in a 'shadow transshipment network' that allows Chinese goods to evade American tariffs by being relabelled or lightly processed before export. Washington's report places Indonesia in Tier 2 for significant illegal transshipment volumes and specifically cites the Batam-Bekasi corridor as a key hub. The accusation comes despite a February trade agreement between Jakarta and Washington that included commitments on rules of origin, and Indonesia has not yet issued an official response.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 08:36 WIB
KCI Adjusts Operations After Two KRL Trains Struck in Tebet and Rawa Buaya
KAI Commuter has implemented operational adjustments after two separate incidents caused delays on the Bogor–Jakarta Kota and Duri–Tangerang KRL routes. A person was struck near Tebet station, while a motorcycle was hit at an illegal crossing between Rawa Buaya and Batu Ceper. The operator is carrying out repairs and managing the backlog of delayed services.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 08:35 WIB
DJP and Police Dismantle Illegal Stamp Duty Network, Nearly Costing State Rp1 Trillion
The Directorate General of Taxes and Polda Metro Jaya have uncovered a major illegal stamp duty production and distribution network operating across five Indonesian regions. The operation prevented potential state losses of up to Rp1 trillion and seized materials capable of producing over 33 million counterfeit stamps. Suspects face up to seven years in prison under the Stamp Duty Law.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 08:30 WIB
Half a Million People in West Java Affected by Drought and Clean Water Shortages
West Java's disaster mitigation agency reports that drought has affected over 519,000 residents across 175 sub-districts as of 18 August 2026. Bogor Regency has the highest number of affected people, while Bekasi Regency has received the largest volume of clean water distribution. Authorities have distributed more than 12 million litres of clean water to affected communities.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 08:30 WIB
Asian Markets Rise, Tracking Wall Street
Asian stock markets mostly advanced on Thursday, following a recovery on Wall Street as long-dated US Treasury yields retreated from multi-year highs. The US Treasury's plan to more than double buybacks of long-term debt helped ease pressure from recent bond selling. Investors are now looking ahead to US jobless claims data and Walmart's quarterly earnings.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 08:28 WIB
KRL Services to Jakarta Kota Disrupted, Passengers Pile Up at Citayam
Commuter line services on the Bogor-Jakarta Kota route were disrupted on Thursday morning after a person was struck by a train near Tebet Station. The incident caused significant passenger congestion at Citayam Station in Depok, with services gradually returning to normal by 08.20 WIB.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 08:27 WIB
Defence Ministry Prepares Kertajati Airport as Indonesian Air Force Fighter Jet Base
Indonesia's Defence Ministry has announced plans to develop Kertajati Airport in Majalengka, West Java, into a base for Indonesian Air Force fighter jets. The facility will also serve as a maintenance, repair and overhaul centre, reducing dependence on foreign parties for aircraft upkeep. The initiative is expected to strengthen the domestic defence industry and utilise local technical expertise.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 08:25 WIB
Government to Open 2027 Civil Servant Selection, Prioritising Teachers
The Indonesian government and the House of Representatives have finalised policies on the employment status of government-contract teachers (PPPK), including opening civil servant (CPNS) selection for them in early 2027. Part-time PPPK teachers will also be given the opportunity to become full-time PPPK in the same year. The move aims to address a projected national need for 526,689 teacher positions across priority education programmes.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 08:23 WIB
Trump says he wants to meet North Korean leader before end of year
US President Donald Trump has expressed his desire to hold a face-to-face meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un before the end of the year. Trump also claimed that North Korea possesses 57 powerful nuclear weapons and suggested that the situation would be manageable under a 'smart president'. The remarks come as Washington continues to weigh its diplomatic approach towards Pyongyang.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 08:23 WIB
Riau Police Chief Appreciates Red and White Expedition Team for Bringing the State to 3T Regions
The Riau Regional Police Chief has expressed appreciation for the Red and White Expedition team's efforts to extend state presence to Indonesia's frontier, outermost, and disadvantaged (3T) regions. The initiative is seen as a significant contribution to national unity and development in remote areas. The expedition highlights the government's commitment to ensuring that even the most isolated communities feel connected to the state.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 08:21 WIB
Political parties weigh in on Prabowo seated between Jokowi and Gibran
Political party elites have responded to the warm moment when President Prabowo Subianto sat flanked by former President Joko Widodo and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka during Indonesia's 81st Independence Day ceremony. PAN said the seating arrangement was standard protocol but could dispel speculation of strained relations, while PKB described it as a state tradition reflecting unity. Gerindra also highlighted the good relationship between Prabowo and Jokowi.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 08:21 WIB
Bali 'Buttock Begging' Case Ends Peacefully as Victim Cites Perpetrator's Young Children
A case of sexual harassment in Badung, Bali, involving a motorcyclist who groped a female rider has been resolved out of court. The victim decided not to pursue legal action after considering the perpetrator's family situation, as he is married with two young children. Police confirmed no other victims have come forward despite the suspect's admission of similar acts in the area.