Archive: 21 August 2026
Showing 551-600 of 1,528 articles
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 17:12 WIB
Environment Ministry Focuses on Handling Six Provinces Affected by Forest and Land Fires
The Ministry of Environment has prioritised six provinces affected by hazardous haze from forest and land fires, including Riau, South Sumatra, Central Kalimantan, West Kalimantan, Jambi, and South Kalimantan. Minister Jumhur Hidayat expressed deep concern over the public health and economic impacts of the declining air quality. The ministry has issued urgent instructions to regional leaders to intensify prevention, monitoring, and law enforcement against illegal land burning.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 17:11 WIB
Singapore Marks 61st National Day in Jakarta as Ties with Indonesia Near 60-Year Milestone
Singapore's Embassy in Jakarta hosted a reception to mark the city-state's 61st National Day, attended by senior Indonesian officials and diplomats. Investment Minister Rosan Roeslani highlighted Singapore's role as Indonesia's largest source of foreign direct investment and emphasised expanding cooperation in renewable energy, digital infrastructure, and human capital development. The event underscored the deepening bilateral relationship ahead of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 17:11 WIB
Forest and Land Fires in West Kalimantan Reach 38,310 Hectares, Ketapang Worst Affected
The West Kalimantan Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) has reported that forest and land fires across the province have burned 38,310.86 hectares between January and August 2026. Ketapang is the worst-affected district, with peatland fires contributing significantly to the spread of haze. The provincial government has declared an emergency alert status for smoke disasters, with cross-sector efforts including air support and weather modification operations being deployed to tackle the fires.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 17:11 WIB
Nine National Road Sections in Flores Restored, Ende-Nagekeo Access Back to Normal
Nine national road sections damaged by the recent earthquake in Flores have been restored to full functionality, including the main route connecting Ende and Nagekeo regencies. The Ministry of Public Works has also reported full restoration of electricity services in the affected areas, while telecommunications and clean water supply efforts continue. Damage assessments in the education and health sectors remain ongoing, with over 1,300 schools affected and a naval hospital ship deployed to support medical services.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 17:10 WIB
PKB urges Forestry Minister to overhaul forest area governance comprehensively
The National Awakening Party (PKB) has called on Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni to reform forest area management rather than focusing solely on firefighting responses. PKB's Nadya Alfi Roihana stressed the need to evaluate concessions in fire-prone areas and ensure concession holders bear responsibility for recurring forest and land fires.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 17:09 WIB
Collaboration between PNM Customers and Employees Expands Empowerment Impact
PT Permodalan Nasional Madani (PNM) highlights the collaboration between its customers and employees as a key driver in expanding the impact of its empowerment programmes. The state-owned enterprise emphasises that this synergy strengthens financial inclusion and supports the growth of ultra-micro businesses across Indonesia. The initiative aligns with the government's broader efforts to reduce poverty and promote equitable economic development.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 17:09 WIB
Two teenage girls who burned MI in Nglipar not detained, here's why
Police in Gunungkidul have not detained two teenage sisters accused of setting fire to a kitchen and teachers' room at Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Yappi in Nglipar, citing their status as minors and the ongoing preliminary investigation. The case remains at the inquiry stage, and authorities say the girls have been returned to their parents, who are classified as a poor family. Police continue to investigate and will involve relevant agencies to provide support for the children.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 17:09 WIB
Eddy Soeparno Highlights Central Kalimantan Forest Fires, Demands Strict Action Against Perpetrators
Deputy Speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly Eddy Soeparno has called for stronger law enforcement against those responsible for forest and land fires in Central Kalimantan, which have disrupted flights and other essential activities. He argued that prevention will remain ineffective without clear legal consequences for individuals and corporations. Soeparno also urged the government to develop a credible carbon economy so that communities benefit financially from preserving forests rather than burning them.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 17:08 WIB
Losses around Rp2.2 trillion, Baznas urges philanthropy to help NTT
Indonesia's National Alms Agency (Baznas) estimates earthquake damage in Nusa Tenggara Timur at around Rp2.2 trillion, with housing accounting for the largest share. The agency is calling on philanthropic institutions to help close a financing gap of up to Rp593 billion for rebuilding homes. East Manggarai is identified as the most affected district, contributing 54 percent of total losses among zakat beneficiaries.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 17:08 WIB
NTT Earthquake Casualty Update: 83 Dead, 110,785 Displaced
The death toll from the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara has risen to 83, with nearly a thousand injured and over 110,000 people displaced. The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported the increase on Friday, attributing the additional fatalities to indirect impacts of the disaster. Damage to housing has also climbed to almost 45,000 units, with East Manggarai, West Manggarai, and Manggarai regencies worst affected.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 17:08 WIB
Video: Young People's Efforts to Advance the Economy Through Livestock Modernisation
Tatag Adi Sasono is working to advance Indonesian agriculture through PT Mitra Ternak Berkelanjutan in Tuban, East Java, with a mission to build a modern, inclusive and sustainable sheep farming ecosystem. His journey was supported by scholarships from Putera Sampoerna Foundation, enabling him to pursue his ambition of becoming a sustainable sheep farmer.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 17:08 WIB
Police Still Searching for Nine Girls Abducted in Central Papua
Police in Mimika have deployed 20 additional personnel to Jila District in Central Papua to investigate the abduction of nine girls and young women during an Independence Day ceremony on 17 August 2026. Authorities believe an armed separatist group from Nduga carried out the abduction, though the group has denied involvement. The victims, aged between 13 and 18, include a pregnant teenager, and police fear they may have been sexually assaulted.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 17:05 WIB
German and French Business Leaders Interested in Investing in Indonesia
APINDO Chairwoman Shinta Widjaja Kamdani has revealed strong interest from European companies, including delegations from Germany and France, in investing in Indonesia. Sectors attracting attention include healthcare, downstream processing, critical minerals, agriculture, and fisheries. The government is currently finalising the Indonesia-EU CEPA ratification, which Coordinating Minister Airlangga Hartarto says will unlock further European investment and eliminate tariffs on 90% of Indonesian exports to the EU.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 17:04 WIB
Puan urges government to prioritise protection of residents affected by forest and land fires
House Speaker Puan Maharani has called on the government to prioritise the protection of communities affected by forest and land fires, particularly in Kalimantan, and to treat the surge in hotspots as a situation requiring rapid intervention. She urged immediate mapping of impacts, emergency measures if air pollution exceeds safe thresholds, and additional health services for vulnerable groups. Puan also called for strengthened law enforcement against those responsible for the fires.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 17:04 WIB
KPK uncovers alleged bribery of hundreds of millions of rupiah for admission to Unsoed Medical Faculty
Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has revealed an alleged bribery scheme involving hundreds of millions of rupiah paid to officials at Jenderal Soedirman University to secure admission to its medical faculty. The KPK suspects the payments were made through intermediaries using a layering method and is investigating whether similar practices occurred in other faculties. The case emerged from a sting operation that detained the university rector and two vice-rectors.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 17:03 WIB
Safeguarding the Manufacturing Industry, Safeguarding Economic Growth
Indonesia's manufacturing sector remains in expansion territory according to both Bank Indonesia's Prompt Manufacturing Index and S&P Global's Purchasing Managers' Index, but underlying components reveal persistent weaknesses in input supply and employment. The article argues for targeted policy interventions, including import aggregation, trade agreement optimisation, and labour-focused incentives, to sustain the sector's recovery. It stresses that manufacturing is vital for adding value to primary sectors and absorbing labour, making its health critical for overall economic growth.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 17:03 WIB
B2W Indonesia pushes bicycles as transport to cut emissions
The Bike to Work (B2W) Indonesia community is urging the public and government to treat bicycles as a primary mode of transport to reduce carbon emissions and improve Jakarta's air quality. They are calling for protected, integrated cycle lanes and supporting facilities such as secure parking and shower rooms. The group also demands strict enforcement against motor vehicles encroaching on cycle lanes.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 17:03 WIB
Industry Ministry boosts digital capabilities of fashion and craft SMEs to expand market access
Indonesia's Industry Ministry is accelerating digital capability development for small and medium enterprises in the fashion and craft sectors to help them widen market access. The ministry highlights the sector's growth from 2.43 percent in 2024 to 4.93 percent in 2025 and is running programmes such as Creative Talk to support branding, digital strategy, and customer engagement.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 17:02 WIB
Maybank Indonesia Strengthens Student Financial Literacy to Prevent Online Gambling
Maybank Indonesia has expanded its financial literacy programme to 40 schools in Gianyar, Bali, targeting primary and secondary students with education on financial management and responsible use of digital financial services. The initiative aims to build healthy financial habits from an early age and raise awareness of the risks of online gambling. The programme is part of broader efforts to close the gap between Indonesia's high financial inclusion rate and lower literacy levels.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 17:02 WIB
Immigration Investigates Foreign Nationals Suspected of Being Israeli IDF Members and Viral Gym Owner in Bali
Immigration authorities in Denpasar are investigating a viral incident in which a gym owner in Gianyar, Bali, expelled three foreign nationals suspected of being members of the Israeli Defense Forces. Two of the individuals have been identified as Israeli citizens who entered Indonesia using Bulgarian and Romanian passports. The case has prompted immigration checks and the placement of the two identified individuals on a watchlist pending further examination.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 17:02 WIB
House Commission I Supports Sale of KRI Ki Hajar Dewantara for Fleet Modernisation
A member of House Commission I has backed the government's plan to sell the ageing warship KRI Ki Hajar Dewantara, citing high maintenance costs and the need to modernise Indonesia's defence equipment. The lawmaker stressed that any disposal must be matched by a clear plan to procure modern replacements, particularly given Indonesia's archipelagic geography. The proposed sale was formally submitted by President Prabowo Subianto to the House of Representatives.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 17:01 WIB
National Police Chief Visits NTT Earthquake Evacuees, Delivers Aid for 1,330 Displaced People
National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo and House of Representatives Commission IV Chair Siti Hediati Hariyadi visited earthquake evacuees in Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, on Tuesday. They distributed 2,000 food packages and other essential supplies to 1,330 displaced people. The visit aimed to ensure the government's presence is felt directly by affected communities during the recovery period.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 17:00 WIB
Ministry of Transport strengthens strategic measures for 2026 financial management
The Ministry of Transport is reinforcing its financial governance for 2026, focusing on planning, budgeting, and procurement quality. Minister Dudy Purwagandhi emphasised that sound financial management must translate into tangible transport services for the public. The ministry has maintained an unqualified opinion on its financial statements for 13 consecutive years and reported non-tax state revenue of Rp14.07 trillion in 2025, exceeding its target.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 17:00 WIB
MIKTA ambassadors honour sacrifices of Indonesian peacekeepers
Ambassadors from MIKTA nations visited the Indonesian Armed Forces Peace Mission Centre in Sentul to pay tribute to fallen peacekeepers. The visit follows the death of an Indonesian peacekeeper in Lebanon in March 2026, which prompted a joint statement condemning attacks on UN personnel. The event underscored MIKTA's commitment to international humanitarian principles and multilateral reform.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 17:00 WIB
Forest and Land Fires Spread: Seven Districts/Cities in South Kalimantan Declare Emergency Alert Status
Seven districts and cities in South Kalimantan have declared an emergency alert status as forest and land fires continue to spread across the province. Thick smoke has blanketed several areas, prompting local authorities to distribute thousands of masks to residents. University students have staged protests demanding concrete action from the provincial government, criticising the response as merely normative.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 17:00 WIB
Banking Sector Drives Fashion Industry Growth Through 360-Degree Ecosystem
PT Bank Syariah Indonesia (BSI) is positioning itself as a strategic partner in the national fashion industry, particularly modest fashion, through an end-to-end ecosystem approach. The bank has disbursed approximately Rp53 trillion in financing to around 350,000 MSME customers and operates four UMKM centres that have mentored 6,037 businesses. BSI's participation as Official Bank Partner at the Indonesia Fashion Aesthetics Archipelago South Kalimantan 2026 underscores its commitment to strengthening the halal industry ecosystem.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 17:00 WIB
Former Minister Killed in Police Shooting Sparks Outrage
Zambia's political crisis has deepened after former minister and opposition figure Mutotwe Kafwaya was shot dead during a clash with police, days after the 13 August presidential election. Police have also summoned opposition leader Brian Mundubile for questioning over alleged threats to national security. Mundubile, who claims the election was rigged in favour of incumbent Hakainde Hichilema, has vowed to challenge the result in court.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 16:57 WIB
Asbanda Urges Strengthening of Regional Development Banks as Drivers of Regional Economy
The Association of Regional Development Banks (Asbanda) is calling for a level playing field for Regional Development Banks (BPD) in government programmes and transactions, arguing that their liquidity is integral to regional development capacity. Chairman Agus Haryoto Widodo emphasised that BPDs are not seeking protection from competition but rather equal opportunity to serve as government partners and disbursement banks. He also stressed that government fund placements should be directed towards productive sector intermediation to act as an economic multiplier for regions.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 16:57 WIB
IRGC says it will use 'devastating' weapons if a new war breaks out
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has warned that any future conflict would see the deployment of more destructive weaponry, citing enhanced missile capabilities developed after recent wars with the United States and Israel. IRGC spokesman Hossein Mohebbi said warhead generation, precision and range have all been improved. The statement follows a series of clashes and a ceasefire agreement signed in April.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 16:57 WIB
Expert in Febrie Adriansyah Pretrial Hearing: Naming a Suspect Does Not Require Prior Examination
Criminal law expert Marcus Priyo testified in the pretrial hearing of former JAM-Pidsus Febrie Adriansyah, arguing that naming a suspect does not require prior examination. He cited Constitutional Court rulings and the new Criminal Procedure Code, which he said do not make such examination mandatory. The hearing concerns a money laundering case brought by the Attorney General's Office.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 16:56 WIB
Indonesian police step up crackdown on forest, land fires
Police in West Kotawaringin, Central Kalimantan, are intensifying enforcement against deliberate forest and land fires, with a recent arrest of a suspect accused of burning 71 hectares of peatland. The suspect faces up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to Rp10 billion under Indonesia's environmental protection law. Authorities are combining legal, environmental, and community welfare approaches to deter land burning as the dry season continues.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 16:55 WIB
Healthy Society, Strong Indonesia
The article highlights the importance of free health screenings in Indonesia as a tool for early detection and prevention of non-communicable diseases. It argues that such programmes bridge the gap in access and knowledge, encouraging a culture of routine health checks. The piece emphasises that individual behavioural changes, supported by family and community, are essential for building a healthier and more productive nation.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 16:55 WIB
Bareksa Insight: Foreign Investors Chase Government Bonds, Check SR025 Opportunities, Fixed Income Mutual Funds & Gold
Foreign portfolio inflows into Indonesia reached US$1.8 billion in the third quarter of 2026, driving the 10-year government bond yield down to 6.93%. The government has set fixed returns for the SR025 retail sukuk at 6.8% for the three-year tenor and 6.9% for the five-year tenor, the highest since 2020. Investors are advised to consider a mix of SR025, fixed income mutual funds, money market funds, and gold based on their risk profiles and objectives.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 16:55 WIB
Juwana River Dries Up, Thousands of Hectares of Rice Fields at Risk of Crop Failure and Fishermen Left Unemployed
A prolonged drought has caused the Juwana River in Pati Regency, Central Java, to dry up completely, threatening thousands of hectares of rice fields with crop failure and leaving hundreds of fishing boats stranded. Farmers and fishermen are urging the government to take immediate action, including releasing water from nearby reservoirs, to restore the river's flow and save their livelihoods.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 16:54 WIB
Gayo Lues Regency Government Accelerates Rp24.9 Billion Regional Transfer Fund Absorption, Targets Completion by December
The Gayo Lues Regency Government is intensifying performance evaluations of its regional work units to accelerate the utilisation of an additional Rp24.9 billion in central government transfer funds. The funds are earmarked for post-disaster recovery, including infrastructure repairs, health services, education, and basic public services. As of 20 August, only 38.81 percent of the funds had been realised, prompting weekly evaluations and threats of sanctions for slow-moving units.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 16:53 WIB
Pulau Panggang Jetty Repairs Targeted for Completion by December 2026
The Thousand Islands Transportation Sub-agency is continuing repair and maintenance work on the Pulau Panggang jetty, with completion targeted for December 2026. The second-phase project covers 180 square metres and has a budget of approximately Rp3 billion. Officials say the improved jetty will support resident mobility, economic activity, and inter-island tourist movement.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 16:53 WIB
CFX strengthens regulator-industry dialogue on crypto asset governance
PT Central Finansial X (CFX) has intensified dialogue between regulators and industry players to discuss regulatory adjustments and governance of digital financial asset trading in Indonesia. The discussions, held during Coinfest Asia 2026 in Bali, focused on the implications of the P2SK Law and the transition of oversight from Bappebti to OJK. CFX hopes the outcomes will inform adaptive policy development and strengthen public trust in the digital asset ecosystem.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 16:53 WIB
Smuggling of 2.6 Tonnes of Liquid Methamphetamine from MV Ocean Porter in Riau Islands Foiled
Indonesian authorities have intercepted a Tanzania-flagged vessel, MV Ocean Porter, in the waters of the Riau Islands, seizing approximately 2.6 tonnes of liquid methamphetamine and 1.57 million illicit cigarettes. The operation, conducted jointly by the Directorate General of Customs and Excise, the National Narcotics Agency, and the Riau Islands Police, is estimated to have saved around 14.15 million people from potential drug abuse. Ten Myanmar nationals have been detained as crew members for further investigation.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 16:53 WIB
Cirebon Police Arrest Three Teenagers Over Viral Machete Brawl
Police in Cirebon, West Java, have arrested three teenagers suspected of involvement in a violent brawl involving sharp weapons that went viral on social media. The suspects, aged between 15 and 18, are alleged to have played different roles, including filming the incident and wielding sickles. Officers seized a motorcycle and three mobile phones as evidence, and the police chief has urged schools and parents to strengthen supervision of students.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 16:52 WIB
Pramono Proposes Flats Bylaw, Housing to Be Integrated Without Evictions
Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has submitted a draft regional regulation on flats to the Jakarta DPRD, promoting integrated housing with schools, markets, public facilities and transport. The bylaw expands housing policy to cover transitional middle-income groups and introduces vertical land consolidation to enable urban renewal without evictions. It also aligns with central government programmes such as Tapera, FLPP and the 3 Million Houses Programme.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 16:52 WIB
Housing Minister prioritises subsidised flats in cities using state assets
Housing and Settlement Areas Minister Maruarar Sirait has announced a focus on building subsidised flats in urban areas, particularly on state-owned land such as railway assets. The initiative includes corporate social responsibility support from Astra and land from the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs. The Manggarai affordable housing project in Jakarta, developed with state railway company KAI and Bank BTN, will offer subsidised mortgages with 40-year tenors and fixed 6 per cent interest rates.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 16:51 WIB
Tofu Factory Owner in Gilimanuk Caught Dumping Waste into West Bali National Park Mangrove Forest
A tofu factory owner in Gilimanuk, Jembrana, Bali, was apprehended after being caught disposing of liquid waste into the mangrove forest of West Bali National Park. The owner signed a statement and was given seven days to build a wastewater treatment installation and a modern composting facility. The case was mediated, with officials warning that violations of local waste management regulations can carry up to three months' imprisonment or a fine of Rp 500,000.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 16:51 WIB
IHSG closes higher at 6,525 on Friday amid Asian market rally
The Jakarta Composite Index (IHSG) rose 0.37% to 6,525.69 on Friday, tracking gains across Asian markets as investors responded to strong Japanese manufacturing data and awaited China's policy meeting. Market attention also focused on Bank Indonesia's balance of payments report and the planned removal of the Rp50 minimum share price rule.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 16:50 WIB
Indonesian Navy delivers food aid to NTT earthquake victims by helicopter
The Indonesian Navy has deployed a Bell-412 helicopter to distribute 400 kilograms of food aid to earthquake-affected areas in East Nusa Tenggara. The aid includes rice, instant noodles, sugar, coffee, sardines, tea, milk, and butter. The helicopter will remain on standby until conditions in the region are stable.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 16:50 WIB
Current Account Deficit Hits US$12.5 Billion, Posing Major Threat to Rupiah
Indonesia's current account deficit widened sharply to US$12.5 billion, or 3.3% of GDP, in the second quarter of 2026, raising concerns about pressure on the rupiah and foreign exchange reserves. Economists project the deficit will reach 2.5–3.0% of GDP for the full year, driven by strong domestic demand and weak global export conditions. The rupiah is forecast to trade between Rp17,600 and Rp18,100 per US dollar by year-end.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 16:48 WIB
When Books Become More Expensive, Literacy Is Buried Alongside
The rising cost of books in Indonesia, driven by taxation, is undermining national literacy efforts and widening intellectual inequality. The article argues that books should not be treated as ordinary taxable commodities, as they are essential instruments for education and critical thinking. It calls for concrete policy interventions such as tax relief, subsidies, and better distribution to ensure equitable access to knowledge.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 16:48 WIB
Kotim Regent mobilises all OPDs to optimise forest and land fire handling
The Regent of East Kotawaringin, Halikinnor, has instructed all regional government organisations to support efforts to tackle forest and land fires, particularly by supplying water to firefighters. The move comes as fire incidents continue to rise, with 401 events and over 1,394 hectares burned since January. Dried-up water sources have hampered firefighting, prompting a cross-sector mobilisation of personnel and water-carrying vehicles.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 16:47 WIB
A New Chapter in Payment System Sovereignty
Bank Indonesia and the Indonesian Payment System Association launched the Indonesia Credit Card (KKI) on 17 August 2026, integrating credit facilities with the QRIS ecosystem. The initiative aims to strengthen domestic payment infrastructure, reduce reliance on international networks, and keep transaction data within Indonesian jurisdiction. The rollout will proceed in three phases, starting with digital integration into mobile banking and QRIS.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 16:47 WIB
Home Affairs Ministry pushes digital transaction ecosystem for regional revenue management
The Ministry of Home Affairs is urging regional governments to move beyond simply providing cashless payment channels and instead build an integrated digital ecosystem for managing regional revenue. Director of Regional Revenue Teguh Narutomo stressed that digitalisation should shift from digital payment to digital revenue management, using transaction data to boost compliance and increase locally generated revenue. The ministry is revising Regulation No. 56 of 2021 to strengthen the policy direction for the electronification of regional government transactions.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 16:46 WIB
Trump administration approves potential sale of KC-46A tanker aircraft to Qatar
The US State Department has approved a potential sale of up to four KC-46A aerial refuelling aircraft and related equipment to Qatar, valued at an estimated $4.5 billion. The proposed package includes engines, radar warning receivers and infrared countermeasures. Washington stated the sale would not alter the basic military balance in the region.