Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 21 August 2026

Showing 451-500 of 1,528 articles

Ministry of Religious Affairs affirms penghulu as caretakers of the community in KUA transformation

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has emphasised that penghulu (Islamic marriage officiants) must evolve beyond their traditional role as marriage registrars to become 'caretakers of the community' amid the ongoing transformation of Kantor Urusan Agama (KUA) services. Speaking at a capacity-building short course in Yogyakarta, officials stressed the need for penghulu to develop social sensitivity, contemporary fiqh knowledge, and digital literacy to meet changing public expectations. The initiative aligns with the ministry's broader agenda to strengthen religious services and digitalise governance.

Ruben Onsu named suspect in alleged investment fraud, here is the chronology

Presenter Ruben Onsu has been named a suspect in an alleged investment fraud and embezzlement case by the South Jakarta Metropolitan Police. The case stems from a business investment offer that allegedly failed to deliver promised returns or return the principal. Police have examined more than six witnesses and experts since the case was reported in August 2025.

Aceh Police Chief and Deputy Receive Gold Pin from National Police Chief for Handling Crescent Star Flag Incident

The Indonesian National Police has awarded its gold pin to Aceh Police Chief Inspector General Ruddi Setiawan and Deputy Chief Brigadier General Ari Wahyu Widodo for their handling of the Crescent Star flag incident at Baiturrahman Grand Mosque in Banda Aceh. Several officers also received extraordinary promotions for their roles in negotiating with the public, calming tensions, and ensuring the flag removal proceeded safely. The police leadership stated the awards are intended to motivate personnel to serve professionally and responsibly.

House Commission X updates data on schools damaged by NTT earthquake

House of Representatives Commission X is updating data on schools damaged by the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara to ensure post-disaster assistance is accurately targeted. The commission is also inventorying affected students, teachers, and education staff, while emphasising the importance of trauma healing. A direct inspection with relevant ministries is planned to distribute aid.

Baznas strengthens human resource capacity to boost national ZIS collection

Indonesia's National Alms Agency (Baznas) is enhancing its human resources and innovation capabilities to increase the collection of zakat, infak, and sedekah (ZIS). The agency is focusing on five key pillars, including HR development, expanded collaboration, and maximising fund mobilisation. Baznas also reported that its empowerment programmes lifted 302,994 mustahik out of poverty last year, a 5.84 percent year-on-year increase.

Revealed: How a Brawl at a Kuta Bar Led to the Death of a British Man

Police in Denpasar have disclosed the initial trigger of a fatal assault at a Kuta bar that led to the death of British national Paul Innes Dougan. The altercation reportedly began after Dougan reprimanded a man who had earlier confronted a woman at the venue, prompting four Australian nationals to beat him. The suspects have since left Indonesia, and an autopsy is being conducted to determine the exact cause of death.

Ahead of Three Years of Operation, LRT Jabodebek Sets Record of 3 Million Users in a Month

LRT Jabodebek recorded its highest monthly ridership of 3,060,436 users in July 2026, marking a significant milestone ahead of its third anniversary. Cumulative ridership for the first seven months of 2026 reached 19,079,347, a 21 per cent increase compared with the same period last year. The operator says the growth reflects rising public confidence in the light rail system as a key urban mobility option.

Resident Complains About Delays in Renouncing Indonesian Citizenship, Law Minister Orders Follow-up

An Indonesian citizen residing in Taiwan has faced prolonged delays in obtaining a decree to renounce his citizenship despite applying in June 2025. Law Minister Supratman Andi Agtas acknowledged the issue during a public forum and instructed his staff to expedite the verification process involving 14 ministries and agencies.

Yosep Anggi Noen adapts Laut Bercerita with a popular approach

Director Yosep Anggi Noen has adapted Leila S. Chudori's novel Laut Bercerita into a film using a popular, accessible approach rather than a rigid historical style. The film aims to bridge historical events with contemporary audiences through music and emotional storytelling. Cast members Yunita Siregar and Dewa Dayana discussed how the novel's characters remain relevant across generations, particularly in portraying the 1998 activist movement.

Drought Hits 42 Villages in Pandeglang, 24,000 Residents Face Clean Water Shortage

Prolonged dry season conditions have left approximately 24,000 people across 15 sub-districts in Pandeglang Regency, Banten, struggling to access clean water. The local government has distributed 313,000 litres of water to affected residents so far. Officials are urging residents to use the available water wisely as wells run dry.

US Threatens Severe Sanctions Against Iran, Warns Allies and China

The United States has warned its allies and China to join a new economic pressure campaign against Iran or face consequences. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described the planned measures as the largest coordinated economic isolation in history. China, which buys over 80% of Iran's oil exports, has rejected sanctions as a solution and called for political and diplomatic resolution.

Forest fires push Palangka Raya air quality into hazardous zone

Forest and land fires in Palangka Raya, Central Kalimantan, have driven air quality into the hazardous category, with PM2.5 readings peaking at 290.2 early in the morning. Local officials warn that peatland burning poses serious risks to public health, visibility, and transport, and have called for greater public participation in fire prevention. The city has recorded 298 fires burning 261.41 hectares since June, with Jekan Raya subdistrict the worst affected.

Prabowo to Rebuild Anduriang Bridge, Andre Rosiade: Construction to Begin February 2027

The Anduriang Bridge in Padang Pariaman, West Sumatra, will be rebuilt using approximately Rp47 billion from the state budget, with tendering expected in January 2027 and physical works starting in February 2027. The project is part of President Prabowo Subianto's Rp19 trillion commitment to post-disaster recovery in West Sumatra. River normalisation works worth Rp218 billion and water supply system repairs worth Rp133 billion are also planned for the affected areas.

Arthatel and AGP Educate Children on Smart, Safe, and Responsible Internet Use

PT Artha Telekomindo (Arthatel) and Artha Graha Peduli have conducted a digital literacy programme for pupils at SDN 01 Kuningan Barat in South Jakarta. The initiative taught children about the benefits and risks of the internet, including data protection, hoaxes, cyberbullying, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence. Company officials and local representatives expressed hope that such education will help children use technology safely and pursue their aspirations.

Ciputra Life records positive performance in 2025, business growth continues in H1 2026

PT Asuransi Ciputra Indonesia (Ciputra Life) reported a 95% increase in net profit to Rp99.3 billion for 2025, with total assets and investments each surpassing Rp1 trillion. The insurer's premium income grew 53% year-on-year in the first half of 2026, driven by credit life insurance and corporate solutions. The company also completed its implementation of PSAK 117, the Indonesian adoption of IFRS 17.

Hutama Karya Supports Emergency Earthquake Response in NTT

State-owned construction firm PT Hutama Karya has delivered emergency aid to communities affected by the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara, including food, sanitation supplies, medicines and heavy equipment. The assistance is being channelled through the national disaster agency's coordination post in Jakarta and distributed by air to affected districts on Flores Island. The company is also mapping needs in Ende-Maumere and Sikka to determine further heavy equipment deployment.

KPK Urged to Uncover Alleged Bribery in Unsoed Student Admissions

A researcher from Mulawarman University's Anti-Corruption Study Centre has called on the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) to fully investigate alleged bribery in the independent admission pathway at Jenderal Soedirman University's Faculty of Medicine. Herdiansyah Hamzah stressed that both bribe givers and receivers must be identified, noting that such practices are not new in state universities. The call follows a sting operation that ensnared several university leaders, including the rector and vice-rectors.

DPR member: Transfer of central government assets to regions helps provide benefits

House of Representatives (DPR) Commission VII member Hendry Munief has voiced support for transferring central government assets in Pekanbaru, Riau, to local government ownership, arguing it would clarify management authority and benefit the public. He pledged to push for the grant process through coordination with relevant central government institutions. Pekanbaru Deputy Mayor Markarius Anwar said several central government assets are already being used by the city but their ownership status has not been fully resolved.

Europe and Canada Furious with Israel Over West Bank Settlement Tender

Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Canada have issued a joint statement condemning Israel's plan to tender construction of 1,200 settlement units in the strategic E1 area of the occupied West Bank. The allies warn the project would effectively bisect the West Bank, isolate East Jerusalem and deal a severe blow to the two-state solution. Israel's housing ministry formally released the tender for 1,234 units on Wednesday, with a bidding deadline set just days before the Israeli general election.

Brawl Near Railway Tracks Disrupts Jakarta-Bogor Commuter Line Services This Afternoon

Commuter Line services between Jakarta Kota and Bogor were disrupted on Friday afternoon after a brawl broke out near the railway tracks between Manggarai and Pasar Minggu stations. KAI Commuter advised passengers that trains were being held until the area was deemed safe, with security personnel handling the situation.

National Police Chief hopes new KSPSI AGN East Java building becomes a home for workers' struggle

National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo has inaugurated the revitalised KSPSI AGN East Java building in Surabaya, expressing hope that it will serve as a hub for workers to advocate for their rights and welfare. The building, whose construction began in 1988 but stalled for over three decades, was completed in 2026 following a revitalisation initiative led by KSPSI President Andi Gani Nena Wea. Sigit emphasised that the facility should also foster constructive dialogue between employers and workers to support conducive industrial relations and a better investment climate.

Three ASEAN country delegations study Indonesia's cross-cultural religious literacy

Delegations from Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam visited Jakarta to study Indonesia's Cross-Cultural Religious Literacy Programme (LKLB), initiated by the Leimena Institute. The programme has trained over 11,000 teachers and educators and has been incorporated into the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 blueprint. Officials highlighted its role in building social cohesion, tolerance, and sustainable peace across Southeast Asia.

Video: Attracting Investors to Mandalika, ITDC Offers Tax Holiday and Prepares Human Resources

State-owned tourism developer ITDC is stepping up efforts to draw investment into the Mandalika special economic zone, targeting around Rp6 trillion with an additional Rp3.7 trillion focused on the MotoGP circuit area. The company is offering incentives such as tax holidays while improving infrastructure and workforce readiness. ITDC also aims to use the 2026 MotoGP event to strengthen Mandalika's role as a driver of national branding.

Riau Police Chief: Forest and Land Fires in Riau Under Control Thanks to Cross-Sector Collaboration

Riau Police Chief Inspector General Herry Heryawan has stated that forest and land fires in Riau Province remain under control due to strong inter-agency collaboration. He highlighted that 81 hectares of the 270 hectares burned in Kerumutan, Pelalawan, have been extinguished, with law enforcement and environmental restoration efforts also underway.

BNPB: 1,378 schools in Flores, NTT affected by earthquake

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has recorded that 1,378 schools on Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara, sustained damage from the 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck the region a week ago. Data collection on the damage is 92 percent complete, with 5,521 classrooms and 502 school facility buildings reported damaged, including severe cases. The government is working to provide emergency facilities so that 177,678 students and 21,166 teachers and education staff can continue teaching and learning activities.

Baznas RI sets up medical post to serve NTT earthquake victims

The National Amil Zakat Agency (Baznas) has established a medical service post at an Islamic boarding school in Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, to treat victims of the recent earthquake. Around Rp6 billion in aid funds have been collected for emergency and recovery programmes. The government has also reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating emergency response and post-earthquake recovery in the Flores region.

Riau police deploy five experts to probe forest fire case

Riau Police have deployed five specialists to investigate a forest fire in the concession area of PT Teguh Karsa Wana Lestari, aiming to establish the cause and extent of environmental damage through scientific evidence. The experts, including fire and environmental damage specialists, will assess ignition points, fire patterns, and land conditions to strengthen the case. Their findings are expected to support a comprehensive investigation into the incident.

Tangerang DPRD urges city government to map damaged roads and accelerate repairs

The Tangerang City DPRD has called on the municipal government to conduct a comprehensive inventory of road conditions across the city to prioritise and expedite repairs. The council emphasised that road maintenance affects public safety, traffic flow, and economic activity, and pledged to oversee that works meet budget and specification requirements. The Public Works Department reported handling 1,024 damaged road points between January and June 2026, with repairs on major routes scheduled until October 2026.

BNN saves 14.1 million lives from smuggling of 2.6 tonnes of liquid methamphetamine

Indonesia's National Narcotics Agency (BNN) has thwarted the smuggling of 2.6 tonnes of liquid methamphetamine aboard the MV Ocean Porter, potentially saving an estimated 14.1 million people from drug abuse. The operation, conducted jointly with Customs and the Riau Islands Police, also uncovered 1.57 million illegal cigarettes. The seized narcotics have an estimated economic value of nearly Rp8.5 trillion.

Floating Hospital Ship Arrives at Reo Port in NTT, Accommodates 75 Patients

The Indonesian Navy's hospital ship KRI dr Soeharso 990 has docked at Reo Port in East Nusa Tenggara to support earthquake relief efforts. The vessel can perform major operations and has inpatient capacity for 75 patients. The death toll from the earthquake has risen to 83, with the number of injured now at 986.

Nabire Airport cancels two Flights as wildfire smoke cuts visibility

Nabire's Douw Aturure Airport was forced to cancel two flights and temporarily close after smoke from a nearby land fire reduced visibility to below 70 metres, far short of the five kilometres required for safe operations. Airport authorities and firefighters are working to prevent the fire from spreading onto the runway, though conditions remain too poor to confirm when normal flight schedules can resume. The disruption highlights the ongoing operational risks that wildfires pose to regional air transport in Indonesia.

Trade Minister Invites Businesses to Strengthen 41st Trade Expo Indonesia

Trade Minister Budi Santoso has called on Indonesian businesses to maximise the 41st Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI) in October 2026, targeting USD 17.5 billion in transactions. The Ministry of Trade is intensifying business matching through overseas trade representatives before the event. The approach follows the success of TEI 2025, which saw USD 9.8 billion in contracts signed on its first day.

East Kalimantan battles 24 hotspots as fire risk rises

East Kalimantan is facing a growing forest and land fire threat, with 24 hotspots recorded across several districts, particularly in Paser and Berau. The provincial disaster agency is strengthening patrols and deploying joint teams, while also preparing a weather modification proposal to wet fire-prone areas and replenish reservoirs near the new capital Nusantara. Poor road access remains a key challenge for firefighting efforts, forcing crews to use portable water tanks and long hose lines.

ITB study: Jabodetabek air pollution cannot be tackled by one sector

A new study by Institut Teknologi Bandung finds that air pollution in the Greater Jakarta area is driven by a combination of heavy vehicles, commuter mobility, industry and power plants, with sources varying by region. The researchers argue that policy responses must therefore move beyond administrative boundaries and treat Jabodetabek as a single integrated air quality management area. The study recommends cross-regional governance, low-emission vehicles, stronger industrial controls and expanded public transport.

Russia Tests Missiles off Kuril Islands, Japan Protests

Japan has lodged a formal protest with Russia after Moscow conducted missile tests in waters near the disputed Kuril Islands, known in Japan as the Northern Territories. The tests, which simulated attacks on enemy ships and reportedly hit targets at distances of at least 300 kilometres, follow President Vladimir Putin's first official visit to the islands earlier in August. The incident has further heightened tensions between the two countries over the long-standing territorial dispute.

Farhan Urges Zakat to Move Beyond Aid, Impact Must Be Measurable

Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan has called for zakat management to focus on measurable impact rather than simply distributing aid. He emphasised that assistance to mustahik should be evaluated based on improvements in recipients' welfare within a set timeframe. Farhan also highlighted the importance of collaboration between government structures and religious and community organisations to achieve more targeted distribution.

Elon Musk Brings New Disaster, This Profession Is Threatened with Extinction

Nevada transport authorities have approved up to 8,000 robotaxis from Tesla, Uber, and Waymo to operate in Clark County over the next year, with Tesla receiving the largest allocation of 5,000 units. The move is expected to significantly reshape the local labour market, creating maintenance jobs while threatening conventional taxi drivers with redundancy. Local transport operators and taxi companies have strongly opposed the permits, citing concerns over market saturation and severe traffic congestion.

BSI Hajj Savings Grow 24 Percent, Accounts Reach 7.69 Million

PT Bank Syariah Indonesia (BSI) reported a 23.8 percent year-on-year increase in hajj savings accounts to 7.69 million as of June 2026, with funds raised from the hajj and umrah ecosystem reaching Rp16.7 trillion. The growth contributed to a 21.81 percent rise in third-party funds to Rp393 trillion and helped lower the bank's cost of funds to 2.19 percent.

Barito River Dries Up, Exposing Stretches of Land Like a Desert

Prolonged drought in Central Kalimantan has caused severe shallowing of the Barito River, exposing sandbanks and new land formations in the middle of the waterway. The receding water levels are disrupting cargo and barge transport, forcing vessels to slow down or halt where depths are insufficient. Local residents report the river has been visibly receding since early August, raising concerns about wider distribution impacts if the dry conditions persist.

Komnas Haji Calls Proposed 60% Hajj Cost Subsidy from Benefit Funds a Time Bomb

The National Hajj and Umrah Commission (Komnas Haji) has warned that the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah's proposal to fund 60% of the 2027 Hajj pilgrimage costs from the benefit value managed by BPKH could create serious financial problems within one to two years. Chairman Mustolih Siradj described the scheme as a 'time bomb', citing unstable global economic conditions and geopolitical conflicts. He also noted that Saudi Arabia's removal of the D service in Armuzna is likely to push costs higher for pilgrims.

Swiss Tourist Sentenced to One Year in Prison for Insulting Nyepi

A Swiss tourist has been sentenced to one year in prison in Bali for posting social media content deemed insulting to the Hindu holy day of Nyepi. Luzian Andrin Zgraggen was found guilty of spreading religious hate content while Balinese Hindus were observing their day of silence. The case serves as a stern warning to foreign visitors to respect local customs and religious traditions.

MyCEB opens new sustainable business opportunities between Indonesia and Malaysia

The Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) is strengthening business ties with Indonesia through a promotional roadshow under the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign. The initiative brought together 20 Malaysian industry partners with Indonesian travel agents, corporate meeting planners and business events stakeholders. MyCEB views Indonesia as a key regional market and aims to attract more quality business events to Malaysia while fostering long-term economic collaboration between the two countries.

Palangka Raya's air quality reaches hazardous levels amid haze

Palangka Raya is experiencing hazardous air quality due to extensive forest and land fires, with particulate matter levels reaching as high as 290.2. The city has recorded 298 fires burning 261.41 hectares since June, prompting officials to call for public participation in prevention efforts. The situation highlights the ongoing environmental and public health challenges posed by peatland fires in Central Kalimantan.

Jambi Concession Holders Told to Stay Alert and Step Up Forest Fire Prevention

The Jambi Forest and Land Fire Task Force has warned all concession holders in the province to actively engage in fire prevention and response. Companies are required to maintain their own firefighting teams and equipment, and to monitor at least five hectares beyond their concession boundaries. The Merangin regency government has also prepared contingency funds and urged residents not to use fire for land clearing.

Law Minister receives 322 complaints through Pasti Ada Solusi, what are the most common?

Law Minister Supratman Andi Agtas reported that 322 public complaints were received across 12 episodes of the Pasti Ada Solusi programme. The most common issues raised were citizenship and notarial services, including notary conduct and the new non-tax state revenue (PNBP) tariffs. The minister emphasised the government's commitment to responsive bureaucracy and explained that the new tariffs will help fund the e-Notary system.

TNI deploys 14,167 personnel to tackle forest and land fires across Indonesia

The Indonesian Military (TNI) has deployed 14,167 personnel to combat forest and land fires nationwide, with operations including firefighting, patrols, monitoring, prevention and impact mitigation. The government is focusing on six high-risk provinces with vulnerable peatland areas, while also addressing fires in several national parks. Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago said around 43 helicopters and 10 to 15 fixed-wing aircraft have been mobilised to support the effort.

Indonesia and China Commit to Advancing Economic Cooperation

Indonesia and China have agreed to deepen economic ties through increased trade, investment, and new cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence and maritime affairs. The two foreign ministers met in Jakarta for the first Comprehensive Strategic Dialogue, where they discussed the Action Plan 2027-2031 and efforts to address Chinese investors' concerns about Indonesia's regulatory environment. The partnership is framed as having regional significance, with both sides reaffirming commitments to ASEAN-China cooperation and APEC.

BMKG records 279 hotspots in Nabire, the most in Central Papua

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has recorded 279 hotspots in Nabire Regency between 20-21 August 2026, making it the area with the highest number of hotspots in Central Papua. The total number of hotspots across Central Papua reached 512, a significant increase of 108.1 percent compared to the previous monitoring period. Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and avoid burning activities that could trigger land and forest fires.

Central Government to Cover PPPK Teacher Salaries, Easing Bangka's Financial Burden

The central government plans to assume responsibility for salaries of teachers with government work agreements (PPPK) across all regions by 2027. Bangka Regency has welcomed the move, citing significant fiscal strain from paying its large number of PPPK teachers. The regency has already received Rp19 billion in central transfers to cover part-time PPPK salaries and has raised their monthly pay to Rp1.5 million.

Decile Polemic: Differences Between Central Government and Yogyakarta Regional Government Poverty Data

The Yogyakarta Special Region government has clarified that while it maintains its own detailed poverty intervention data, it still refers to the central government's DTSEN indicators for defining poverty. The regional data focuses on aid recipients and programme interventions, while the central BPS data remains the authoritative source for poverty classification.