Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 20 August 2026

Showing 301-350 of 1,593 articles

Gelora Subdistrict Strengthens Climate Change Resilience Through Greening

Kelurahan Gelora in Central Jakarta is enhancing its climate resilience through greening, organic waste processing, and a community-managed waste bank as part of the ProKlim assessment. A field verification by the Jakarta Environmental Agency found greening efforts uneven across neighbourhood units, though waste management was deemed satisfactory. Results for the Madya category will be announced in late October 2026.

Palembang city government opens cultural exchange with Jambal Kingdom

The Palembang city administration has welcomed a delegation of descendants of the Jambal Kingdom from Kelantan, Malaysia, opening opportunities for cultural and artistic exchange. The visit is seen as a way to strengthen kinship ties between the two regions, which share similarities in culture, customs, traditional dress and cuisine. The delegation is scheduled to visit historical sites and tourist destinations in Palembang over five days.

Purwakarta Regency Spatial Plan to Apply Tri Tangtu Philosophy

Purwakarta Regency in West Java is preparing a new Regional Spatial Plan (RTRW) after a six-year delay, aiming to guide development for the next two decades. The plan will incorporate the traditional Sundanese philosophy of Tri Tangtu, which emphasises balance between humans, nature, and the Creator. Regional Secretary Sri Jaya Midan stated the RTRW will accommodate industrial, agricultural, and tourism growth while preserving environmental sustainability and local Sundanese character.

VP prioritizes basic needs for NTT earthquake-affected residents

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has stressed that the safety and urgent needs of residents affected by the East Nusa Tenggara earthquake must be the top priority, urging officials to bypass bureaucratic barriers and directly oversee relief efforts. He also expressed appreciation for personnel and volunteers involved in the response. The death toll from the disaster has risen to 75, with 907 people injured.

Transmigration Ministry Regularises Rp2.679 Trillion in State Assets in Transmigration Areas

The Ministry of Transmigration is regularising state assets worth Rp2.679 trillion across transmigration areas to ensure clear legal status for land, buildings, roads, bridges, irrigation and other facilities. The move aims to optimise public benefit from these assets and follows the ministry's re-establishment as a standalone institution. Minister M. Iftitah Sulaiman Suryanagara emphasised that administrative order must translate into tangible benefits for communities.

Trump Claims Strait of Hormuz, Iran 'Annexes' California

US President Donald Trump has declared the Strait of Hormuz as 'new US territory', prompting a satirical response from Iran claiming California as its own. The exchange comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran following months of conflict and stalled negotiations over the strategic waterway.

Firefighting Continues, Thermal Drone Deployed at Ciniru Landfill

Thick smoke still blankets the Ciniru landfill in Kuningan Regency as firefighting efforts enter their ninth day. Authorities have deployed a thermal drone from Cirebon City's disaster mitigation agency to map remaining hotspots, with temperatures recorded around 80 degrees Celsius. The local health office has also stationed an ambulance and medical staff to monitor the health of firefighters.

Bank Indonesia Targets Rp446.9 Billion in SME Turnover and Exports at KKI 2026

Bank Indonesia has set an ambitious target of Rp446.9 billion in total turnover and export business matching for SMEs at the Karya Kreatif Indonesia (KKI) 2026 event. The central bank also aims to facilitate Rp212.8 billion in financing business matching, including green financing. Deputy Governor Thomas AM Djiwandono emphasised that strengthening SMEs is a key pillar for driving productive intermediation and reinforcing national economic growth.

Danantara pushes charging station development to accelerate EV adoption

Indonesia's Investment Management Agency Danantara is urging the expansion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure to boost adoption of environmentally friendly vehicles. Managing Director for Industrialisation Ardy Muawin said the government can act as a catalyst to create demand, particularly in the two-wheeler segment. He noted that manufacturers have begun addressing earlier quality concerns, while Pertamina and PLN already operate battery swap and public charging networks.

Food Crisis Hits Europe, Losses Reach Rp3,734 Trillion

Europe is facing a severe food crisis as extreme heatwaves have devastated agricultural production across the continent. Farmers in France, Italy, Spain, Germany and Poland have reported sharp declines in crop yields and livestock output, with analysts estimating total losses for the EU could reach between €50 billion and €180 billion. The crisis is expected to drive up consumer food prices in the coming months.

Attorney General's Office Insists Febrie Case Is Not Duplication, Asks Pretrial Motion Be Rejected

The Attorney General's Office has rejected former Jampidsus Febrie Adriansyah's pretrial argument that his suspect designation constitutes duplication. Prosecutors argue that duplication is not a recognised prohibition in criminal law and that the nebis in idem principle only applies to cases already decided by a final court ruling. The office has asked the South Jakarta District Court to dismiss the pretrial motion in its entirety.

Jakarta Provincial Government sends six reserve health workers to NTT

The Jakarta Provincial Government has deployed six reserve health workers to Nusa Tenggara Timur to support emergency health services for communities affected by the recent earthquake. The personnel were dispatched in two stages on 15 and 18 August 2026, joining the Ministry of Health's disaster team. They will assist with logistics and medical services in Manggarai and Nagekeo regencies.

PMI Strengthens Humanitarian Operation, Continues Sending Logistics for NTT Earthquake Victims

The Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) has dispatched approximately 20 tonnes of aid to earthquake-affected areas in East Nusa Tenggara, mobilising supplies from multiple warehouses across the country. The operation, carried out in coordination with the National Disaster Management Agency and the Indonesian Air Force, includes the establishment of a logistics hub in Labuan Bajo. The multi-point distribution strategy aims to accelerate the delivery of essential goods to affected communities.

KPK Examines Unsoed Officials and Private Parties at Banyumas Police Headquarters

Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) investigators have been questioning officials from Jenderal Soedirman University (Unsoed) and private sector individuals at the Banyumas Police headquarters in Purwokerto, Central Java. The examination has been ongoing since Thursday afternoon, with the KPK borrowing interrogation facilities from the local police. No official statement has been issued regarding the subject of the investigation or the legal status of those being examined.

Indonesia's 81st Independence Day in Beijing: Prayers for NTT and Launch of Bilateral Relations Book

The Indonesian Embassy in Beijing celebrated the 81st anniversary of Indonesia's independence with a flag ceremony attended by around 200 people, including diaspora and Chinese citizens of Indonesian descent. Ambassador Djauhari Oratmangun led the ceremony, during which participants offered prayers for victims of the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara. The event also featured the launch of a book compiling the best essays from a writing competition marking 76 years of Indonesia-China diplomatic relations.

Bromo Area Reopens to Tourists After Forest and Land Fires

The Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park (TNBTS) in East Java has reopened to visitors after a 13-day closure caused by forest and land fires. Authorities confirmed the area is safe following a coordinated firefighting operation, though cooling and damping measures continue in several locations. The fires affected approximately 1,121.66 hectares of land, according to the East Java Regional Disaster Management Agency.

IEE Series 2026 Unites Energy, Engineering, and Industrial Supply Chains

The Indonesia Energy & Engineering (IEE) Series 2026 is set to become one of Southeast Asia's largest industry gatherings, targeting over 75,000 trade attendees and 2,000 exhibiting companies from 39 countries. The event will be held across two weeks in September 2026 at JIExpo Kemayoran, featuring ten exhibition platforms under the theme 'Sustainability for Industrial Transformation'. Organisers highlight the growing need for a platform that connects industry players, technology providers, and stakeholders to foster knowledge exchange, business opportunities, and collaboration.

Hundreds of PPPK teachers in Madiun await central government policy certainty

The Madiun city government is awaiting official instructions from the central government regarding the planned transfer of employment status for PPPK teachers to central government employees. Local data shows 1,196 teachers with civil servant status in the city, including 436 full-time and 10 part-time PPPK teachers. Central government officials have indicated the policy was agreed with the DPR and that fiscal simulations have been conducted.

Tasikmalaya City Government Allocates Rp1.9 Billion Disaster Budget to Tackle Drought

The Tasikmalaya City Government has allocated Rp1.9 billion to address the worsening clean water crisis caused by the prolonged dry season and El Niño. The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) has already distributed 490,000 litres of water to 8,801 households across 24 urban villages in eight sub-districts. The drought has also caused 1,850 hectares of agricultural land to fail to be planted or become barren.

Central Java provincial government applies PBL method to tackle poverty

The Central Java provincial government has designated Kepyar Village in Wonogiri Regency as a pilot project for Project Based Learning (PBL) in poverty alleviation. The programme involves government, universities, regional-owned enterprises, and local communities to develop the village's economic potential. Governor Ahmad Luthfi hopes the model can be replicated in other impoverished villages across the province.

Armed Criminal Group Terror in Mimika: Schoolchildren Taken Hostage, Mother Shot Dead

An armed criminal group (KKB) launched a terror attack in Kampung Pasir Putih, Mimika Regency, Central Papua, taking nine women hostage and killing a mother who refused to comply. Police have deployed Brimob personnel by helicopter to the remote district, which is only accessible by air. The attack is believed to be linked to a separate assault on a Freeport Indonesia security post the previous day that killed one soldier.

APEC discusses gene editing to strengthen regional food security

APEC member delegations have advanced science-based cooperation on gene editing for crops and livestock to bolster food security across the Asia-Pacific. The high-level policy dialogue in Dalian, China, covered innovations in agricultural biotechnology alongside safety principles and regulatory approaches. The forum serves as a precursor to the APEC Ministerial Meeting on Food Security scheduled for August in Hangzhou.

Bandung City Government Opens Wider Credit Access for MSMEs with Bank bjb

The Bandung city government is expanding financing access for micro, small, and medium enterprises through a partnership with Bank bjb. Credit facilities range from Rp5 million to Rp1.5 billion, depending on business scale and eligibility. The initiative aims to strengthen the local MSME ecosystem and help reduce the city's open unemployment rate of around 7%.

Manggala Agni Extinguishes 8.5 Hectares of Forest and Land Fires in Mapur Protection Forest, Bangka

Firefighting personnel from Manggala Agni Daops Sumatra XIV/Banyuasin successfully extinguished forest and land fires that burned approximately 8.5 hectares of protected forest in Mapur Village, Bangka Regency. The fire, which started at 08:30 WIB, was brought under control by 13:10 WIB through a joint effort involving the local government and the Mapur community. Officials warned that extreme dry conditions caused by El Niño have made Bangka Belitung highly susceptible to further fires and urged residents to avoid activities that could spark new outbreaks.

PPP Outlines Strategy for 2029 General Election

The United Development Party (PPP) has unveiled a three-pronged strategy to regain parliamentary representation in the 2029 election. Chairman Muhamad Mardiono emphasised strengthening the party's organisational structure, upgrading its information technology systems, and bolstering legal advocacy and evidence protection. The party is drawing lessons from its failure to pass the parliamentary threshold in 2024.

After Failing to Enter Parliament in 2024, PPP Prepares 3 Strategies for 2029 Election

The United Development Party (PPP) has outlined three key strategies to regain parliamentary representation in the 2029 general election. Chairman Muhamad Mardiono emphasised strengthening the party's organisational structure, upgrading its information technology systems, and enhancing legal advocacy and evidence security. The party is treating its failure to pass the parliamentary threshold in 2024 as a critical lesson for future electoral success.

Attorney General's Office Examines Seven Foundation and SPPG Partner Witnesses in MBG Corruption Case

The Attorney General's Office has questioned seven witnesses as part of its investigation into alleged corruption in the management of the Free Nutritious Meals programme at the National Nutrition Agency for the 2025–2026 fiscal year. The examination aims to strengthen evidence and complete case files, with prosecutors focusing on budget management and distribution flows. Seven suspects have already been named in the case, including the former head of the National Nutrition Agency.

Expert Says KPPU Must Consider OJK Authority in Online Lending Interest Rate Dispute

A legal expert has argued that Indonesia's competition watchdog, KPPU, must recognise the statutory authority of the Financial Services Authority (OJK) when assessing a dispute over interest rate caps in the online lending industry. The testimony was given during an appeal hearing at the Central Jakarta Commercial Court against KPPU's decision to fine 97 platforms a total of Rp755 billion. The expert suggested that oral directives from the government can have legal force under administrative law, and that KPPU may have acted beyond its powers by disregarding OJK's regulatory role.

Minister Says Ship Accidents Not Caused by Budget Efficiency

Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi has rejected claims that recent ship accidents were linked to government budget efficiency measures. He stressed that vessel maintenance is the responsibility of operators, while the government's role is to enforce maritime safety regulations. The minister warned that sanctions, including suspension of operations, could be imposed on operators found in breach of safety rules.

Police Respond to Dispute Involving Three Foreign Nationals Suspected of Being Israeli IDF in Ubud, Bali

Police in Gianyar, Bali, are investigating a viral video showing a gym owner in Ubud ejecting three foreign nationals suspected of being Israeli Defence Forces personnel. The owner claimed one of the men was rude to staff and that he refused service on moral grounds. No formal complaint has yet been lodged with local police or immigration authorities.

Hundreds of fishermen in North Jakarta receive training on small-scale capture fisheries

The North Jakarta Food Security, Marine and Agriculture Sub-agency has trained 150 fishermen on sustainable small-scale capture fisheries at two fish auction sites. The programme aims to boost sustainable fish production and strengthen fishermen's business groups. Participants also received equipment such as cool boxes, baskets, paint, resin and oil drums to support their fishing activities.

Ministry of Social Affairs Establishes Three Public Kitchens for East Manggarai Earthquake Victims

Indonesia's Ministry of Social Affairs has set up three public kitchens in East Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, to provide meals for earthquake victims. The kitchens produce 6,000 food packages daily, while the ministry has also distributed tonnes of rice, tents, and other relief supplies. The earthquake has affected nearly 25,000 families, with 25 confirmed deaths and widespread damage to infrastructure.

Jakarta Customs Destroys Rp20.18 Billion in Illegal Excise Goods to Strengthen Public Protection

The Jakarta Regional Customs Office has destroyed illegal excisable goods worth Rp20.18 billion seized between 2025 and July 2026, preventing an estimated Rp11.81 billion in potential state losses. The destruction forms part of the agency's community protector role, with authorities noting a sharp rise in illegal cigarette smuggling nationwide. The operation involved coordination with prosecutors, military police, and other government agencies.

World Panics: Trump Deploys Unusual Tactic to Rescue American Debt

The US Treasury has significantly expanded its buyback programme for long-dated government bonds in an effort to calm a sharp sell-off that pushed 30-year yields to their highest level since 2007. The move, announced outside the regular quarterly refunding schedule, has raised questions about transparency and timing ahead of the US midterm elections. Indonesia had already conducted similar buyback operations in May 2026 to stabilise its own bond market.

Pretrial of Febrie Adriansyah: Expert Says Sentul Search Could Be Invalid

A criminal law expert from Universitas Islam Indonesia testified that the search of former Jampidsus Febrie Adriansyah's residence in Sentul, Bogor, could be legally invalid due to discrepancies between the search warrant and the court permit. The expert argued that administrative errors in the permit issuance could render the search and any subsequent seizures unlawful. The pretrial hearing at the South Jakarta District Court is examining forced measures taken by Polda Metro Jaya and Kortas Tipikor Polri.

Barantin Explores Expansion of Indonesian Exports to Uruguay

Indonesia's quarantine agency Barantin has signed a sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) memorandum of understanding with Uruguay to expand market access for Indonesian commodities in South America. The agreement includes technical protocols covering fisheries, caviar imports, and fresh citrus exports, alongside mutual recognition arrangements. Barantin aims to improve the trade balance, with Indonesian exports to Uruguay reaching Rp120.4 billion in 2025 against imports of Rp507.9 billion.

To prevent gender stereotyping, Indonesian President urged to be careful in public statements

The National Commission on Violence Against Women has urged the Indonesian President to be more cautious in public statements to avoid reinforcing gender stereotypes that portray women as inferior. The commission stressed that protection of girls should be built through education and supportive environments rather than restrictions rooted in gender bias. The call follows the appearance of a 10-year-old girl at the MPR Annual Session, which the commission believes could shift focus from her achievements to her personal life.

Sampoerna Group Hosts UMKM Festival to Drive Sustainable Growth

Sampoerna Strategic Group has held its fifth annual UMKM Festival in Jakarta, bringing together 118 small business tenants to promote their products and access business support services. The event, themed 'Resilient UMKM, Growing Economy', aims to accelerate local products for global market readiness. Government officials and company executives attended, highlighting cross-sector collaboration to strengthen Indonesia's real economy.

NTT earthquake death toll rises to 75: BNPB

The death toll from the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara has risen to 75, with four additional fatalities confirmed by the National Disaster Mitigation Agency. The number of injured has also increased to 907, while authorities warn residents to remain vigilant amid ongoing aftershocks. BNPB has extended condolences and assured that medical treatment continues despite difficult conditions.

Social Affairs Ministry Provides Psychosocial Support for Children Affected by Nagekeo Earthquake

The Ministry of Social Affairs, through the Efata Kupang Centre, has delivered psychosocial support services to children affected by the recent earthquake in Nagekeo Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. Around 20 children participated in activities designed to build earthquake preparedness and provide emotional reinforcement amid ongoing aftershocks. The ministry has also distributed emergency relief supplies, including family kits, blankets, and solar panels, to support the disaster response.

Meeting NTT Earthquake Victims, Vice President Gibran Apologises

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming apologised to victims of the NTT earthquake during a visit to an evacuation centre in Maumere, acknowledging shortcomings in the government's post-disaster response. He stressed that public safety and urgent needs must be prioritised, and called for special attention to vulnerable groups. The Vice President also observed psychosocial support activities for children conducted by University of Indonesia psychology students.

Forest and Land Fires in Pelalawan, Riau Reach 300 Hectares, Manggala Agni Deploys Additional Personnel

Forest and land fires in Pelalawan Regency, Riau, have burned an estimated 300 hectares, prompting the Manggala Agni fire brigade to deploy additional personnel. The agency is also tackling a 434-hectare blaze in Indragiri Hulu and other hotspots across Riau and South Sumatra. Satellite imagery will be used to verify the exact extent of the damage.

Minister Meutya asks Central Information Commission to maintain public trust in information disclosure

Communication and Digital Minister Meutya Hafid has urged the Central Information Commission (KIP) for the 2026-2030 period to uphold public trust in accurate and responsible information disclosure. She emphasised the commission's role in supporting President Prabowo Subianto's agenda of open and trustworthy governance. The minister also highlighted the need for KIP to ensure the accuracy of information provided to the public amid rapid information exchange.

Majalengka Regency Government trials local garlic variety development

The Majalengka Regency Government in West Java is testing local garlic varieties to identify types suited to local land conditions and market demand. Previous trials in Cikaracak, Argapura District, proved unsuitable, prompting a new trial in Nunuk Baru, Maja District. The Starmill 99 variety faces market rejection due to its small bulb size, but the government remains committed to finding a variety that meets both agronomic and consumer requirements.

Subsidised Fuel Quota for 2027 Slashed, Pertalite to Be Restricted

The Indonesian government has set the subsidised fuel quota for 2027 at 20.09 million kilolitres, a sharp reduction from the projected 48 million kilolitres in 2026. The Finance Ministry says the cut is part of efforts to tighten distribution of subsidised fuels, including Pertalite, so that subsidies reach the intended recipients. The restriction will be implemented gradually while the government monitors its economic impact.

The Importance of a Legal Ecosystem that Supports the Business Climate

PT Hukum Bisnis Com has announced a strategic move to strengthen its position as an integrated business law ecosystem platform in Indonesia by welcoming prominent business law expert Ariawan Gunadi as a shareholder. The company, founded in 2020, aims to accelerate its vision of providing a legal ecosystem that supports the business climate and facilitates the needs of legal practitioners. The leadership synergy between Ariawan and Founder/CEO Richardo Francisco is expected to sharpen the platform's service pillars, including corporate legal governance education and public-private partnership issues.

Expert: 74 kg Gold in Febrie Adriansyah Money Laundering Case Must Be Preceded by Predicate Crime Investigation

A criminal law expert from the Islamic University of Indonesia has testified that investigators must first establish the predicate crime and clarify the ownership and origin of assets before pursuing money laundering charges against former Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes Febrie Adriansyah. The testimony was given during a pretrial hearing at the South Jakarta District Court challenging the legality of searches and seizures at Adriansyah's residence, where investigators found 74 kilograms of gold bullion and hundreds of billions of rupiah in foreign currency.

ODC Task Force Pursues KKB Members Who Killed Bripka Fredi Awes in Dekai

The Cartenz Peace Operation Law Enforcement Task Force is continuing to pursue armed criminal group (KKB) members responsible for the murder of Bripka Fredi L Awes in Dekai, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Highlands. Three of five suspected perpetrators have been apprehended, with two KKB members dying after resisting arrest. The remaining suspects are still being pursued.

Trump Imposes 'Most Devastating' Economic Sanctions on Iran, China Responds

China has voiced opposition to the latest economic sanctions imposed by US President Donald Trump on Iran, insisting that diplomacy is the only way to resolve the conflict. Beijing called on all parties to act responsibly and pursue political and diplomatic solutions. Trump described the measures as the most devastating economic operation ever taken against a country, warning that any nation providing economic lifelines to Iran would face severe consequences.

Bali's Electricity Consumption Growth in 2026 Highest in Indonesia

PLN UID Bali reports that electricity consumption growth in Bali reached 8.02 per cent in 2026, the highest in Indonesia and surpassing the island's economic growth of around 5.6 per cent. The surge is attributed to the post-pandemic recovery of the tourism sector, with peak load now exceeding 1,200 MW. Medium-voltage customers, primarily from tourism and hospitality businesses, dominate power usage despite representing only about 15 per cent of total customers.