Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 20 August 2026

Showing 351-400 of 1,593 articles

Coordinating Deputy Minister Hanif: Government Monitors Food Price Movements

The Indonesian government is closely monitoring staple food prices and has prepared rice stocks in Bulog warehouses across the country to intervene if market prices fluctuate. Coordinating Deputy Minister for Food Hanif Faisol Nurofiq made the remarks during a working visit to Indramayu, where he inspected the distribution of government rice reserve assistance for the July–September 2026 allocation. The government aims to protect the purchasing power of low-income communities and stabilise prices, particularly in national rice-producing regions.

South Jakarta Police Name Ruben Onsu Suspect in Investment Fraud Case

Celebrity Ruben Samuel Onsu has been formally named a suspect in an alleged investment fraud and embezzlement case by the South Jakarta Metropolitan Police. The case stems from a police report filed in August 2025, in which the victim claimed that promised returns and the principal investment were never returned. Investigators have examined more than six witnesses, including expert witnesses, since elevating the case to the investigation stage in April 2026.

Facebook Defends Hate Content Calling for War Against Islam, Refuses to Remove

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has reportedly refused to remove posts containing open calls for violence and hatred against Muslims, despite the content being reported for violating platform rules. The posts, largely AI-generated images, include calls for a 'Crusade March to Dearborn' and dehumanising language against Muslims. Critics argue that Meta's algorithms amplify such hateful content because it drives user engagement and advertising revenue.

Indonesian Air Force Military Aircraft Deliver Aid to NTT Earthquake Victims

The Indonesian Air Force has deployed military aircraft to distribute humanitarian aid to areas affected by the recent earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara. Since 15 August, over 700 tonnes of logistics have been collected at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base, with nearly 300 tonnes already delivered to disaster posts. The death toll has risen to 75, with over 900 injured and tens of thousands displaced.

Riezka Rahmatiana Leads West Java Police Garlic Self-Sufficiency Research Team in Sembalun

The West Java Police garlic self-sufficiency research team conducted field training in Sembalun, East Lombok, a key national garlic production centre. The initiative aims to transfer best practices in garlic cultivation to West Java, which currently has high consumption but limited production. Field coordinator Riezka Rahmatiana expressed optimism that collaboration between government, police, academics, farmers and businesses will help achieve national food sovereignty.

The Facts Behind the Alleged Fraud and Embezzlement Case Against Ruben Onsu

South Jakarta Metropolitan Police have named celebrity Ruben Onsu a suspect in an alleged fraud and embezzlement case. The case stems from a police report filed on 22 August 2025, in which Onsu is accused of failing to return investment funds and promised profits to a victim identified as DM. Police have not yet disclosed the total losses involved, citing ongoing investigation.

BMKG: M3.5 earthquake in Bantul caused by Opak Fault activity

A magnitude 3.5 tectonic earthquake struck Bantul Regency, Yogyakarta, on Thursday at 17:20 WIB, according to the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG). The shallow quake, located 11 km northeast of Bantul at a depth of 21 km, was attributed to activity along the Opak Fault. No damage or aftershocks have been reported, though residents were advised to remain calm and avoid cracked buildings.

Bank Indonesia targets Rp446.9 billion from SME export turnover and business matching at KKI 2026

Bank Indonesia is targeting Rp446.9 billion in turnover and export business matching for SME products at the Karya Kreatif Indonesia (KKI) 2026 event, alongside Rp212.8 billion in financing business matching including green financing. The central bank emphasised that strengthening SMEs is key to productive intermediation and new sources of economic growth. The event involves over 550 SMEs offline and more than 1,300 online, reflecting increased participation compared to the previous year.

Ministry forms working group to boost women's political representation

The Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Ministry has formed a working group to strengthen women's political representation ahead of the 2029 General Elections. Minister Arifah Fauzi highlighted that the 30 percent female representation quota in election law remains largely unimplemented, with 15 provincial KPU offices and 14 provincial Bawaslu offices having no female members. The ministry is pushing for the quota to become mandatory rather than a mere recommendation, arguing that greater female participation in election bodies would produce more responsive and equitable public policies.

DPR Urges Ministries to Strengthen Cross-Sector Coordination to Tackle Forest Fires in Kalimantan

The House of Representatives has called on the government to improve inter-ministerial coordination in addressing forest and land fires in Kalimantan, as air quality in Palangka Raya reached hazardous levels. Deputy Chairman of Commission IV Hanan A. Razak stressed that handling the fires cannot be done sectorally and urged integrated action involving local communities, fire brigades, and companies. He also highlighted the need for early detection and rapid response amid the heightened risk posed by El Nino.

Finance Minister evaluates FTA impact, explores economic potential from industrial sector

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa is reassessing the impact of free trade agreements on Indonesian industry while identifying sectors with high growth potential. He highlighted data centres and renewable energy-powered manufacturing as key opportunities, and signalled a shift in the Finance Ministry's approach to help drive economic growth to at least 6 percent by the end of 2026.

Public Works Ministry Deploys Heavy Equipment to Prioritise Recovery of Infrastructure Affected by Flores Earthquake

The Ministry of Public Works has mobilised heavy equipment and technical teams to restore critical infrastructure in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, following a magnitude 7.0 earthquake that killed 71 people and displaced nearly 60,000. Priority is being given to reopening roads, restoring water supply, and verifying the safety of public buildings. The government has committed to rebuilding with higher earthquake-resilience standards under a 'build back better' approach.

Nickel Business Increasingly Selective, ESG Key to Facing Global Markets

PT Vale Indonesia Tbk says sustainability must be integrated into business strategy for extractive industries to survive commodity price volatility and shifting global standards. The company's decision two decades ago to invest over US$490 million in hydropower rather than coal has proven crucial to its resilience. Bank DBS Indonesia notes that ESG factors are now central to bank risk assessments and investor evaluations.

DKI Waste Management Special Committee Demands Criminal Charges for Environmental Violators in Cilincing

The DKI Jakarta Waste Management Special Committee is urging the city government to pursue criminal charges against companies responsible for illegal waste dumping in Cilincing, North Jakarta. Committee chairman Judistira Hermawan has called for immediate action against PT Granito, which allegedly allowed its 5.6-hectare site to be used as an unregulated waste disposal area for years. The Environmental Agency has already fined five waste transport companies for operating without proper permits.

Earthquake in Yogyakarta, KAI Daop 6 Ensures Safe Travel

A 3.6 magnitude earthquake struck Yogyakarta on Thursday afternoon, prompting PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) Operational Area 6 to halt all train services for safety inspections. Following thorough checks of bridges, tracks, and rolling stock, all lines were declared safe and services resumed at 17:42 WIB. Around 20 train journeys experienced delays of between 10 and 25 minutes as a result of the precautionary measures.

Bareskrim Arrests Drug Fugitive Basri in Malaysia, Seizes Transaction Records and SGD Cash

Indonesia's National Police Criminal Investigation Unit (Bareskrim) has arrested Basri Lewaimang, a wanted drug kingpin behind the HH Club/Planet Batam nightlife venues, in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. The arrest was carried out in cooperation with Interpol, and officers seized cash in multiple currencies along with suspected narcotics transaction records. Basri is accused of managing three nightclubs and supplying large quantities of ecstasy, with police now pursuing money laundering charges and seizing an extensive list of luxury assets.

Navy mobilizes ships, helicopters for NTT earthquake aid

The Indonesian Navy has deployed hospital ships, landing craft, helicopters, and hundreds of personnel to East Nusa Tenggara following the earthquake that struck on 15 August 2026. Assets including KRI Dr. Soeharso-990 and KRI Bung Hatta-370 are delivering medical teams, heavy equipment, and relief supplies to affected areas such as Manggarai and Riung Island. The Navy has committed to maintaining its presence in the province until recovery efforts are complete and conditions stabilise.

Citi Indonesia posts net profit of Rp994 billion in first half of 2026

Citibank N.A., Indonesia recorded a net profit of Rp994 billion in the first half of 2026, with solid growth in funding and lending and a non-performing loan ratio near zero. The bank highlighted its involvement in major corporate transactions, including global bond issuances for Danantara and PLN. Capital and liquidity positions remained strong, with a CAR of 31.43 percent and an LCR of 276.26 percent.

Barantin partners with Uruguay to expand exports to Latin America

Indonesia's quarantine agency Barantin has signed a cooperation agreement with Uruguay's Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries to expand Indonesian commodity exports into Latin America. The agreement covers sanitary and phytosanitary standards, mutual recognition for fishery products, and knowledge transfer on traceability systems. Barantin aims to use Uruguay as a gateway to markets such as Argentina and Brazil.

Cinema XXI (CNMA) Net Profit Plunges 40%, What Happened?

PT Nusantara Sejahtera Raya Tbk (CNMA), the operator of Cinema XXI, reported a 40% year-on-year decline in net profit for the first half of 2026, falling to Rp173.05 billion. Revenue also contracted by 8.59% to Rp2.63 trillion, driven mainly by lower ticket and food and beverage sales. The results highlight weakening cinema attendance and consumer spending in Indonesia's exhibition industry.

Attorney General's Office Examines MBG Corruption Witnesses at NTB High Prosecutor's Office

The Attorney General's Office (Kejagung) is examining witnesses in the corruption case involving the management of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme at the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), with hearings held at the West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) High Prosecutor's Office. The NTB prosecutor's office is facilitating the examination, as most witnesses are located in Lombok. Seven suspects have been named in the case, including former BGN executives and a supplier of electric motorcycles.

Not an Eruption, Geological Agency Confirms Smoke at Mount Raung Caused by 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, with only fluctuating gas emissions reaching up to 500 metres above the summit. Mount Raung remains at Level II (Waspada) status, and the agency has urged the public to stay outside a three-kilometre radius from the summit crater.

Batam Drug Lord Basri Lewaimang Arrested by Bareskrim in Malaysia

Indonesian National Police's Criminal Investigation Unit (Bareskrim) has arrested Basri Lewaimang, a major drug trafficker operating in Batam, in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Lewaimang was wanted under a DPO notice for allegedly managing nightclubs and distributing narcotics, including an estimated 40,000 ecstasy pills per month. He has been brought back to Indonesia for detention and further investigation.

Not Just About Mining: How Freeport Contributes to Indonesia's Economy

PT Freeport Indonesia contributed over US$4.7 billion to the state in 2025 through taxes, dividends, royalties and other levies, despite ongoing recovery from a mudslide incident at its Grasberg Block Cave mine. The company expects contributions to dip to around Rp47 trillion in 2026 before rising to Rp120 trillion annually from 2028 as production returns to full capacity. Freeport is also investing US$100 million per year in local programmes for education, health and economic development in Mimika Regency and Central Papua.

ISS 2026 to Feature Speakers Including Ajax Amsterdam CEO and AFC Officials

The Indonesia Sports Summit (ISS) 2026, scheduled for 11–13 September at the Jakarta International Convention Center, will bring together national and international sports stakeholders. Speakers include the Minister of Youth and Sports, the CEO of Danantara Indonesia, and representatives from Ajax Amsterdam and the Asian Football Confederation. The event aims to boost the sports industry ecosystem and double visitor numbers compared to previous editions.

BI Records USD 1.8 Billion in Foreign Portfolio Investment Inflows

Bank Indonesia reported net foreign portfolio inflows of USD 1.8 billion as of mid-August 2026, driven by government global bond issuance and increased investment in SBN and SRBI instruments. Foreign exchange reserves stood at USD 145.3 billion, well above international adequacy standards, while the rupiah strengthened to IDR 17,855 per USD. BI has introduced enhanced hedging and local currency transaction incentives to maintain rupiah stability and deepen domestic financial markets.

Metro Jaya Police coordinate with KPAI and legal experts over child exploitation case

Polda Metro Jaya is working with the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) and criminal law experts to investigate alleged child exploitation in a live-streamed video by content creator Bigmo. The content creator, Melvin, has been summoned for questioning and has reportedly admitted to ethical lapses during the broadcast. The case centres on the involvement of a minor and the mention of a vape liquid brand in a public-area live stream.

Attorney General's Office Team Nine Examines Four Witnesses in Febrie Adriansyah Money Laundering Case

The Attorney General's Office's Team Nine has examined four witnesses in connection with the alleged money laundering case involving former Junior Attorney General for Special Crimes Febrie Adriansyah. Three of the witnesses are from the private sector, while one is a mitigating witness for suspect Don Ritto. The examination aims to trace the flow of assets believed to originate from corruption proceeds.

KAI Yogyakarta confirms train services safe following earthquake

PT Kereta Api Indonesia's Operational Area 6 Yogyakarta has confirmed that all train services in its region are safe following an earthquake on Thursday. Trains were temporarily halted for standard post-earthquake inspections of infrastructure and rolling stock. Services resumed at 5.42 pm local time after all lines were declared safe.

DEN says nuclear could be a 'dark horse' in accelerating decarbonisation

Indonesia's National Energy Council (DEN) has highlighted nuclear power as a potential 'dark horse' in accelerating the country's decarbonisation and net-zero emission targets. Member Sripeni Inten Cahyani noted that nuclear is no longer a last-resort option, with plans already included in PLN's 2025-2034 electricity supply business plan. The government has identified 28 potential sites, with development currently focused on West Kalimantan and Bangka Belitung.

Police: Ruben Onsu to Be Questioned as Fraud Suspect Next Week

South Jakarta Metropolitan Police have scheduled the questioning of celebrity Ruben Onsu as a suspect in an alleged fraud and embezzlement case next week. The case stems from a police report filed in August 2025 regarding an investment scheme in which the victim allegedly never received promised profits or the return of capital. Investigators have examined more than six witnesses, including expert witnesses, since the case was elevated to the investigation stage in April 2026.

Malaysia PM orders probe into unit of sovereign wealth fund

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has ordered a forensic investigation into Xeraya Capital, a life sciences subsidiary of sovereign wealth fund Khazanah Nasional, after its board identified governance irregularities linked to past transactions. The probe, announced following a Khazanah board meeting, will examine potential breaches and may involve external authorities. The move underscores the government's commitment to enforcing governance standards within state-linked investment entities.

1,500 Art Workers Enliven Independence Celebration at Sarinah

InJourney Group hosted a public arts celebration at Sarinah in Jakarta to mark Indonesia's 81st Independence Day, involving 1,500 art workers and 100 MSMEs. The state-owned enterprise also used the occasion to mobilise disaster relief for communities affected by earthquakes in East Nusa Tenggara and Sumatra. The initiative reflects the group's broader community programmes, including support for small businesses, tourism workers, and environmental planting efforts.

Cianjur Revenue Agency Deploys 200 Officers to Trace 32,000 Vehicle Tax Defaulters

The Cianjur Regency Revenue Agency (Bapenda) is deploying 200 field officers to trace nearly 32,000 vehicle owners who have failed to pay their motor vehicle tax. The officers will deliver official payment obligation notices (SPKP2KB) across all sub-districts, with the tracing programme expected to conclude by mid-December. Last year, the regency collected approximately Rp1.1 billion from a similar exercise involving 75,000 notices.

South Kalimantan Forestry Service Deploys Personnel to Prevent Forest Fires from Spreading to Liang Anggang Protected Forest

The South Kalimantan Forestry Service has mobilised its Forest and Land Fire Control Brigade to prevent fires from encroaching on the Liang Anggang Protected Forest in Banjarbaru. Personnel are conducting intensive patrols, damping down operations, and repeated soaking of peatland to extinguish underground embers. The effort aims to protect the conservation area and reduce smoke impact on nearby communities.

Grief as KMP Putri Yasmin Victim Dies Leaving Behind Two Young Children

Ardiyansyah, a 37-year-old inter-island goods worker, has died after eight days of treatment following the KMP Putri Yasmin ferry fire off West Lombok. He had travelled to Bali to earn money for his five-month-old daughter's akikah ceremony. His death leaves a wife and two young children without their family's main breadwinner.

1,800 households in Sumur Batu receive second phase rice aid

A total of 1,800 beneficiary families in Sumur Batu, Central Jakarta, have received the second phase of government rice assistance for the July–September 2026 period. The distribution, carried out by the Ministry of Social Affairs, took place over three days at the sub-district head's official residence. Officials noted a decline in overall recipients compared with the previous period, though new beneficiaries were added following updated ministry data.

Health Ministry intensifies free health check-ups for TB screening in Indonesia

Indonesia's Health Ministry is expanding its free health check-up programme to accelerate tuberculosis case detection, after only 80 per cent of an estimated 1.09 million cases were identified last year. The government aims to raise detection to 90 per cent by 2026 and is also promoting preventive therapy for household contacts. Banten currently leads provincial coverage for preventive treatment at 61 per cent, while Papua Pegunungan has recorded none.

Viral Video of 'Drunk' Fish in Cisadane River: Tangerang Environmental Agency Explains

A viral video showing fish floating as if intoxicated in the Cisadane River in Tangerang, Banten, has prompted an official response. The Tangerang Environmental Agency (DLH) attributed the phenomenon to hydrological conditions and recent weather changes, stating that water quality remains within government standards. The agency has urged the public not to jump to conclusions and continues to monitor the river's ecosystem.

Pandeglang Regency Government Inspects Uninhabitable House of Elderly Woman

The Pandeglang Regency Government has inspected the dilapidated home of 75-year-old Sanami, who has been living in near-collapse conditions for three years. Officials are gathering administrative data to propose repairs through the national self-help housing stimulus programme (BSPS). Funding may be sought from the regency, provincial, or state budgets.

PU mobilises Bailey bridges to restore connectivity in Flores, NTT

The Ministry of Public Works is deploying three Bailey bridges to restore road connectivity in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, following the earthquake on 15 August 2026. The temporary bridges are being mobilised from East Java–Bali, West Nusa Tenggara, and South Sulawesi, with arrivals targeted for late August. The ministry is also assessing damage to the 100-metre Wae Pesi Bridge in Manggarai Regency.

House Urges Central and Regional Governments to Ensure Social Assistance Is Well Targeted

A member of House Commission II has stressed that matching population data based on the National Identity Number and Digital Population Identity is key to resolving long-standing problems in social assistance distribution. He called for regular data updating to remove duplicate records and deceased recipients, and urged stronger collaboration between central and regional governments. The lawmaker also encouraged transparent oversight, public complaint channels, and protection of personal data.

IDX to Scrap Rp50 Floor, Shares Could Trade from Rp1

The Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) has confirmed plans to remove the Rp50 minimum share price in the regular and cash markets to improve liquidity and price discovery. The bourse is consulting with securities firms, investment managers, and global investors before finalising the details. The change is expected to allow shares currently stuck at Rp50 to trade in a wider range and could boost transaction frequency and value by two to three times.

Tasikmalaya Regency Short of 2,944 Teachers for Primary and Secondary Schools

Tasikmalaya Regency in West Java is facing a shortage of 2,944 teachers across state and private primary and junior secondary schools. The regency currently has 8,922 teaching staff against an ideal requirement of 11,866, according to Deputy Regent Asep Sopari Al Ayubi. Local authorities are awaiting central government guidelines on recruiting part-time government employees with work agreements (PPPK) to help address the shortfall.

Tax Office Studies Gold ETF Tax Scheme, Considering Final Income Tax and VAT

Indonesia's Directorate General of Taxes is reviewing the tax treatment for gold-backed exchange traded funds, including a proposed final income tax and the applicability of VAT. The government is working with industry associations to understand the business process and aims to issue a Government Regulation before the market expands.

Deputy Coordinating Minister for Food asks regional governments to calculate food stock needs regularly

Deputy Coordinating Minister for Food Hanif Faisol Nurofiq has urged regional governments, including Indramayu in West Java, to regularly calculate public food reserves to maintain availability during price fluctuations. He stressed that local authorities must map supply sources for each commodity based on population needs and regional production capacity. The central government is also monitoring food prices through a system involving Bank Indonesia, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the National Food Agency.

Lumajang BPBD Heightens Forest Fire Alert in Ranupani, TNBTS

The Lumajang Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) has increased vigilance in Ranupani village following forest and land fires in the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park (TNBTS). Although the fire on Mount Bromo has been declared extinguished, personnel remain on high alert due to dry vegetation from the prolonged dry season. The agency is conducting ground monitoring and supporting aerial wetting operations to prevent new fire spots.

ASTINDO Chair: AI Era Strengthens Travel Agents' Position as One-Stop Solution

ASTINDO officially opened the ASTINDO Travel Fair 2026 in Jakarta, highlighting resilience in Indonesia's domestic travel market despite a slight decline in international sales. Chairwoman Pauline Suharno emphasised that professional travel agents remain irreplaceable by AI, positioning themselves as trusted one-stop shopping solutions. The event also featured fundraising for earthquake victims in East Nusa Tenggara and support from strategic partners including BCA.

From Post to Post, PNM Continues to Move in Assisting Residents Affected by the NTT Earthquake

State-owned enterprise PT Permodalan Nasional Madani (PNM) has mobilised its PNM Peduli programme to deliver aid to earthquake victims in East Nusa Tenggara, reaching multiple evacuation posts across Flores. The company has distributed 147 aid packages worth Rp 144 million to 1,347 beneficiaries, adapting supplies to meet specific needs such as baby formula, nappies, and sanitary products. PNM has also committed to long-term recovery support for its Mekaar microfinance customers whose businesses have been disrupted by the disaster.

Ministry of Human Rights highlights uneven aid distribution for Flores earthquake victims

Indonesia's Ministry of Human Rights is monitoring aid distribution for communities affected by the Flores earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara following complaints that assistance has not been evenly distributed. The ministry has distributed basic necessities and tarpaulins while listening to residents' concerns, particularly those in hard-to-reach areas. It stressed that disaster response must ensure protection and fulfilment of affected communities' rights without discrimination.