Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 21 August 2026

Showing 701-750 of 1,528 articles

Indonesian Stocks Reach Three-Month Peak as IDX Plans Trading Rule Overhaul

The Jakarta Composite Index climbed to a three-month high of 6,524 despite negative global sentiment, as domestic attention turned to planned changes in Indonesia Stock Exchange trading rules. The IDX intends to lower the minimum share price to Rp 1 and revise auto-rejection limits, with implementation targeted for September. Analysts also highlighted concerns over narrowing fiscal space and declining productive spending in the 2027 State Budget Draft, which could challenge the government's growth ambitions.

BNI Offers Exclusive Access to Andrea Bocelli 'Romanza' Concert

State-owned Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) is providing exclusive presale access and discounts of up to 20% for Andrea Bocelli's 'Romanza - 30th Anniversary World Tour' concerts in Indonesia. The bank is also offering instalment plans for credit card holders and promoting the concerts as a boost to local economic sectors such as hospitality, transport, and SMEs.

At least 10 people die from leptospirosis in Central Philippines

At least 10 people have died from leptospirosis in Iloilo Province, central Philippines, over the past eight months, double the number of deaths recorded in the same period in 2025. Local health authorities have urged residents to take preventive antibiotics if exposed to risk. The province recorded 84 cases between 4 January and 8 August, with 32 linked to agriculture and most occurring in flood-prone areas.

Andrea Bocelli to Perform in Indonesia, BNI Prepares Presale Tickets

State-owned Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) is offering an exclusive presale for Andrea Bocelli's 'Romanza - 30th Anniversary World Tour' tickets through tiket.com, with discounts of up to 20 percent for BNI customers. The concerts will take place at Borobudur Temple and JIExpo Kemayoran in late 2026. BNI says the international concerts could boost the hospitality, transport, culinary and SME sectors while strengthening Indonesia's appeal as a destination for large-scale events.

Indonesia-China agree to boost trade beyond US$167 billion threshold

Indonesia and China have agreed to deepen commercial ties and expand trade beyond the current US$167 billion threshold, with a focus on energy, minerals, and maritime cooperation. The two nations also discussed preliminary plans for a 2027–2031 Action Plan, including collaboration in artificial intelligence, satellite development, and local currency financial transactions. The talks reaffirmed commitments to Belt and Road projects such as the Jakarta–Bandung High-Speed Railway and prioritised food security, critical minerals, and strategic infrastructure under President Prabowo Subianto's administration.

KPK Prosecutor Asserts Corruption Court Has Authority to Try Hajj Quota Case, Not Administrative Court

KPK prosecutors have argued that the Jakarta Corruption Court is the proper venue to try former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas over alleged corruption in the 2023-2024 additional hajj quota allocation. The prosecution rejected defence claims that the State Administrative Court should first review the alleged abuse of authority. Yaqut is accused of causing state losses of Rp 622 billion and personally enriching himself by approximately Rp 4.8 billion.

Alibaba Q1 revenue rises 9 percent in fiscal year 2027

Alibaba Group reported a 9 percent year-on-year increase in revenue for the first quarter of fiscal year 2027, reaching 268.95 billion yuan. The company's cloud computing arm, Alibaba Cloud, saw external revenue surge 45 percent, its fastest growth in 22 quarters, while AI-related product revenue recorded triple-digit annual growth for the twelfth consecutive quarter.

Mekaar InspirAksi: PNM Customers and Employees Collaborate to Expand Empowerment Impact

PT Permodalan Nasional Madani (PNM) is expanding its Mekaar InspirAksi programme, which combines inspiration and concrete action through intensive mentoring, business innovation, and capacity building for underprivileged women entrepreneurs. The programme focuses on ESG principles and positions Account Officers as learning partners rather than just capital providers. PNM, together with Danantara, aims to help more underprivileged families not only survive but truly grow and transform their futures.

Hashim confident free land certification programme will boost community economy

Hashim Djojohadikusumo, chairman of the Housing Task Force, has expressed confidence that the government's free land certification programme for low-income communities will strengthen the economy by enabling asset-backed business financing. The government plans to issue 1 million free certificates this year, followed by 3 million and 4 million in subsequent years. The programme targets recipients of government housing assistance, FLPP credit beneficiaries, and self-built housing owners in the low-income category.

Immigration Deports 2 Chinese Nationals for Hunting Protected Wildlife in Papua

Two Chinese nationals have been deported from Indonesia after being caught hunting protected wildlife in Papua. The couple, identified as YH and NZ, were found to have violated their residence permits and admitted to broadcasting their hunting activities on Chinese social media. Immigration authorities arrested them on Thursday and deported them following the discovery of photos and videos showing protected species such as cassowaries and cuscus.

Indonesia-China launch new strategic dialogue to deepen bilateral ties

Indonesia and China have inaugurated a Comprehensive Strategic Dialogue covering politics, economics, maritime affairs, people-to-people relations, and security. The new platform aims to translate high-level presidential consensus into practical cooperation and will guide the Indonesia-China Action Plan 2027–2031. The dialogue aligns with both countries' national planning cycles, including Indonesia's Golden Indonesia 2045 vision.

Air quality in Palangka Raya reaches hazardous category

Air quality in Palangka Raya, Central Kalimantan, has reached hazardous levels due to smoke and soot from forest and land fires. Local officials are urging community involvement to prevent further fires, as the blazes have already burned 261.41 hectares across the city. The government has called for early reporting of fire hotspots to mitigate health and transport disruptions.

Germany records around 14,000 heat-related deaths this year

Germany has recorded approximately 14,000 heat-related deaths since the start of 2026, surpassing all previous annual totals, according to the Robert Koch Institute. The elderly population, particularly those aged 75 and above, has been disproportionately affected, accounting for nearly 10,500 of the fatalities.

INKA sends additional 120 wagons to New Zealand for UGL order

Indonesian state-owned train manufacturer PT INKA has shipped a further 120 Container Flat Top Wagons to New Zealand as part of a 340-unit order from Australian firm UGL. The latest delivery brings total shipments under the current contract to 250 units, or 73.5 per cent of the order. INKA and UGL have now collaborated on four wagon contracts since 2021, with a separate order for 50 locomotive platforms for the Australian market also underway.

Video: Health Ministry's Steps to Strengthen Healthcare Services for 280 Million Indonesians

Indonesia's Health Ministry is leveraging the healthcare needs of its 280 million population to boost investment in the health industry. The government is prioritising pharmaceutical self-sufficiency, medical infrastructure, and digitalisation to reduce import reliance. A master plan has been developed to enhance domestic drug and vaccine production.

Current Account Deficit Hits $12.5 Billion, Is Indonesia's Economy Still Fine?

Indonesia's current account deficit widened sharply to US$12.5 billion, or 3.3% of GDP, in the second quarter of 2026, driven by a deteriorating trade balance and rising primary income payments. Economists are divided on the outlook, with Bank Mandiri expecting the deficit to narrow on improving exports, while Permata Bank warns it could widen further to 2.5-3.0% of GDP amid weak global demand and geopolitical tensions.

Reports of Nine Women Taken Hostage in Jila: YKKMP Demands Independent Investigation

The Papua-based Yayasan Keadilan dan Keutuhan Manusia Papua (YKKMP) has called for an independent investigation into conflicting reports that nine women were forcibly taken in Jila District, Mimika Regency, Central Papua. Security forces claim the women were abducted by an armed group, while the TPNPB-OPM has dismissed the allegations as military propaganda. YKKMP chairman Theo Hesegem urged Komnas HAM or church institutions to verify the facts on the ground, citing the need to prevent further confusion among the Papuan public.

KPK Summons Special Staff of Forestry Minister Raja Juli

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has summoned Andi Saiful Haq, a special staff member to Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni, as a witness in a bribery and gratuity case involving regional appointments in Kuantan Singingi Regency. The case also involves allegations that Minister Raja Juli received S$14,000 related to the release of limited production forest areas. KPK is continuing to investigate additional alleged payments to another Forestry Ministry official.

Rumah Wakaf Develops Productive Garden Waqf Village

Rumah Wakaf is developing a productive waqf land programme in Bandung Regency, integrating farming systems and conservative agroforestry to boost local economic empowerment and environmental sustainability. The initiative has drawn praise from Islamic economics expert Professor Raditya Sukmana, who highlighted the importance of measuring waqf impact. The programme aims to create jobs, prevent soil erosion, and support humanitarian efforts through sustainable land management.

Basarnas deploys five health workers to East Manggarai, NTT

Indonesia's National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) has dispatched five health workers to areas affected by the 7.7 magnitude earthquake in East Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. The deployment aims to strengthen basic health services and accelerate medical treatment for affected communities. Basarnas personnel are also intensifying field monitoring and coordinating with local disaster agencies to update casualty data and map residents' needs.

NU Congress to Be Held 27-31 August 2026, Gus Yahya Confirms Readiness

Nahdlatul Ulama chairman Yahya Cholil Staquf has confirmed that the organisation's congress will proceed as scheduled from 27 to 31 August 2026. He dismissed claims circulating ahead of the event as attempts to unsettle participants. The congress is a crucial forum for determining NU's leadership and strategic direction.

Jakarta Community Alliance urges residents to reject provocation and remain peaceful

The Jakarta Community Alliance has called on residents of the capital to reject provocation and work together to maintain security, order and peace. The group warned against anarchist actions and the spread of unverified provocative content on social media. It plans to hold a 'Jakarta Guard' rally on 27 August 2026, expected to draw around 10,000 participants.

KPK Summons Forestry Minister's Special Staff Over Envelope Linked to Kuansing Regent

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has summoned Andi Saiful Haq, a special staff member to Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni, for questioning over an envelope allegedly containing Singapore dollars linked to Kuantan Singingi Regent Suhardiman Amby. The minister has said he returned the envelope, which he received during an audience with the regent, through local police before the regent was caught in a sting operation. The KPK is continuing to investigate the case, including the discrepancy between the SGD 14,000 reportedly collected from farmers and the SGD 12,000 found in the envelope.

Ministry of Forestry: Forest fire handling in South Kalimantan needs post-extinguishing review

The Ministry of Forestry has called for a post-extinguishing review of forest and land fire handling in Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan, to strengthen control and prevent recurring fires. Inter-agency collaboration is highlighted as key to effective mitigation, with support from mining, plantation, and forestry sectors over the next 30 days. Approximately 1,700 hectares have burned in Banjarbaru, of which around 160 hectares have been extinguished.

MP Urges Government to Declare Kalimantan Forest Fires a National Disaster

A member of Indonesia's House of Representatives has called on the government to declare the escalating forest and land fires in Kalimantan a national disaster. The fires have disrupted daily life, forced school closures, and caused a surge in respiratory infections. The MP also demanded immediate budget disbursement and stricter law enforcement against those responsible.

Economist: Government needs to build business ecosystem when online motorcycle taxi drivers become MSMEs

An economist from the University of Indonesia has urged the government to build a supportive business ecosystem for online motorcycle taxi drivers if they are formally recognised as micro, small and medium enterprises. Heru Sutadi emphasised that easy access to financing, training and business mentoring are essential to raise drivers' incomes and economic capacity. He also called for the long-awaited presidential regulation on online transport to be issued promptly.

IAPI urges accountants to strengthen competencies in AI era

The Indonesian Institute of Certified Public Accountants (IAPI) is calling on public accountants to enhance their technological competencies as artificial intelligence increasingly shapes audit and assurance practices. The institute stresses that professional integrity, independence and sound judgement must accompany digital skills. The issue was discussed at the CPA Days 2026 pre-event seminar held with BINUS University.

Bank Stocks Rally in Unison, Supporting JCI in Positive Territory

Shares of Indonesian banks rose across the board on Friday, helping the Jakarta Composite Index (JCI) remain in positive territory throughout the trading session. State-owned lenders led the gains, with Bank Negara Indonesia (BBNI) surging 4.46%, followed by Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BBRI) and Bank Syariah Indonesia (BRIS). Private banks including Bank Central Asia (BBCA) and Bank CIMB Niaga (BNGA) also posted gains.

Kalimantan Forest Fires: TNI Sends More Aircraft to Assist BNPB

The Indonesian Air Force has deployed five additional aircraft to Kalimantan to support the National Disaster Management Agency's efforts to tackle forest and land fires. The deployment brings the total number of aircraft operating in the region to 30, as part of a broader government push to mitigate the impact of haze and protect public safety.

Unidentified Man Found Dead at Teras Udayana Believed to Be Homeless

An unidentified man found dead at Teras Udayana in Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara, is believed to have been homeless and possibly suffering from a mental disorder. Police are awaiting hospital results to determine the cause of death. Witnesses reported seeing the man scavenging for food in rubbish bins for about a week before his death.

Cost of Funds Becomes Weak Point for Regional Development Banks, DPR Urges Consolidation and Digitalisation

High cost of funds is identified as a key vulnerability for Indonesia's Regional Development Banks (BPD), driven by reliance on expensive institutional deposits and regional budget funds. A member of House Commission XI has recommended completing business group consolidation, modernising the Simpeda savings product into a digital account, and building shared technology platforms. Total assets of the 27 BPDs reached approximately Rp1,043 trillion as of June 2026.

Animal homes and the test of governance

Surabaya's city government is strengthening oversight of Surabaya Zoo (KBS) following an evaluation of its management. The reforms include independent audits, organisational review, and enhanced supervision covering animal welfare, medical care, and nutrition. The city stresses that success must be measured beyond financial returns to include conservation outcomes, service quality, transparency, and public trust.

Bank Indonesia's Independence Under Scrutiny

The independence of Bank Indonesia has come under renewed scrutiny amid closer fiscal and monetary policy coordination. Economists and market participants debated whether the central bank retains genuine autonomy or is operating under 'shadow independence'. The discussion highlighted concerns that eroding BI's independence could undermine inflation control, rupiah stability, and investor confidence.

Airlangga Speaks Out on Kalimantan Forest Fires

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto has called for urgent action to tackle forest and land fires in Kalimantan, warning that the disaster is disrupting local economic activity. The fires have been linked to a very strong El Niño, which has created extremely dry conditions across the region. Authorities report that firefighting teams are working to extinguish blazes in several affected provinces, though no airport closures have been necessary so far.

Polda Metro Jaya Home Renovation Programme Brings New Hope to Nuriyah's Family

Polda Metro Jaya's 'Bedah Rumah Kemerdekaan' programme has renovated 35 homes, including that of Nuriyah's family in Tangerang Regency, providing them with a safe and habitable dwelling. The initiative is part of Indonesia's 81st Independence Day commemorations and aligns with President Prabowo Subianto's policy to improve living standards through adequate housing. National Police Chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo has directed the police force to engage more closely with communities through such direct-benefit programmes.

Industry Needs Now Vary, Banks Must Provide Tailored Solutions

Bank DBS Indonesia has highlighted the need for differentiated sustainability approaches across various industries to address distinct business challenges. The bank's research, 'The Sustainability Shift: Indonesia's Industrial Landscape in Five Key Sectors, Opportunities and Risks', provides targeted insights into strategic sector changes. The findings were presented during CNBC Indonesia's Power Lunch programme.

Remission Strengthens Spirit of Change Among Prisoners in West Java

West Java DPRD member Sidkon Djampi has welcomed the granting of general remission to prisoners at Banceuy Class IIA Prison in Bandung, describing it as recognition of their rehabilitation progress. He emphasised that remission should motivate inmates to become more independent and avoid reoffending. Djampi also called for stronger inter-agency synergy between the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections, the West Java DPRD, and the provincial government to support prisoner rehabilitation.

Gold Mine Landslide Buries Villagers Alive, 100 Killed

More than 100 people have died after a landslide collapsed an informal gold mine in the Central African Republic, burying miners under sand and rubble. Local authorities have opened an investigation into the disaster, which occurred near the Cameroonian border. The tragedy highlights the persistent safety failures of small-scale mining operations across the region.

Lorentz National Park Office has only 40 functional staff, says Forestry Ministry

The Lorentz National Park Office has only around 40 functional staff to manage Indonesia's largest national park, covering 2.3 million hectares across three Papua provinces. The Forestry Ministry's conservation directorate general says the limited workforce requires special management strategies and stronger collaboration with local governments and communities. Community empowerment programmes are being used to shift residents away from activities inside the protected area.

Five Indonesian Air Force aircraft deployed to Kalimantan to reinforce forest fire operations

The Indonesian government has dispatched five additional Air Force aircraft from Malang to Kalimantan to strengthen forest and land fire suppression efforts. The deployment brings the total number of aircraft operating in Kalimantan to 30, with 22 more in Sumatra. The move is part of efforts to reduce haze impacts and protect public safety and the environment.

Cabinet Secretary: 5 Air Force Aircraft Deployed to Tackle Kalimantan Forest Fires, Reinforcing 30 BNPB Fleet

The Indonesian government has deployed five additional Air Force aircraft to Kalimantan to reinforce the 30 BNPB aircraft already operating in three affected provinces. A total of 52 aircraft have been mobilised across Kalimantan and Sumatra, with six provinces identified as high-risk for forest and land fires. The move aims to strengthen firefighting efforts, reduce haze, and protect public safety and the environment.

Cabinet Secretary: 5 Indonesian Air Force Aircraft Deployed to Kalimantan to Tackle Forest Fires

The Indonesian government has deployed five additional Indonesian Air Force aircraft from Malang to Kalimantan to reinforce forest and land fire-fighting operations. The deployment brings the total number of aircraft operating in Kalimantan and Sumatra to 52, with 30 in Kalimantan and 22 in Sumatra. The move aims to strengthen fire suppression efforts and reduce the impact of haze on public health and the environment.

East Kalimantan BPBD ensures rapid response to hotspot handling

East Kalimantan's disaster mitigation agency has recorded 24 hotspots across several districts, with Paser Regency the most affected. The province is also preparing a weather modification operation to reduce fire risk, particularly around the Nusantara Capital City area. This year's hotspot count has already surpassed the 2015 El Niño record.

PSI Daily Chair Ahmad Ali: PSI as Third Election Winner, That Would Be News

Ahmad Ali, Daily Chair of the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI), discusses his role in consolidating the party and his close relationship with former President Joko Widodo. He outlines PSI's strategy to build grassroots structures and rebrand itself after failing to enter parliament in 2019 and 2024. Ali also comments on the Constitutional Court's ruling on the parliamentary threshold and expresses confidence that PSI will not rely solely on a patron figure.

Bridging Data and Financing: A New Strategy for Upgrading MSMEs in Southeast Sulawesi

Southeast Sulawesi's impressive economic growth and rapid digital payment adoption have not automatically translated into better access to business financing for micro, small, and medium enterprises. The authors propose a 'Data–Financing Bridge' ecosystem that converts digital transaction footprints into creditworthiness information, supported by mentoring and a Digital-to-Financing Conversion Ratio metric. They recommend a 12-month pilot project across urban, production-centre, and island zones in the province.

Jakarta Community Alliance Urges All Parties to Keep Jakarta Conducive

The Jakarta Community Alliance has called on all residents to help maintain order, security, and peace in the capital. The group warned against provocative content on social media and announced a 'Jaga Jakarta' standby rally scheduled for 27 August. The appeal emphasises collective responsibility for public facilities and unity.

Snakes Found Dead Due to Forest and Land Fires in Kalimantan

The Manggala Agni task force reports that snakes are among the animals most frequently found dead as a result of forest and land fires in Kalimantan. While orangutans and bears have so far avoided becoming victims due to their stronger survival instincts, a pangolin was recently discovered dead in Ketapang Regency. The findings highlight the growing threat that forest fires pose to wildlife in affected areas.

Bank bjb Opens Early Access for PERSIB 2026/2027 Jersey

Bank bjb has launched an early access programme for the purchase of PERSIB's 2026/2027 jerseys, offering 1,500 packages to its customers. The initiative builds on the bank's role as Official Banking Partner for PERSIB's 2026 season and integrates its digital platforms for ordering and payment. The programme aims to strengthen engagement between the bank, the football club, and its supporters in West Java.

Danantara to closely oversee WIKA restructuring

Danantara's Chief Operating Officer Dony Oskaria has pledged strict oversight of the restructuring of state-owned construction firm Wijaya Karya, insisting on financial reporting that reflects the company's true condition. The process will begin with mapping actual needs and obligations before determining viable solutions. Asset divestment will also be pursued to reduce debt and strengthen the company's financial fundamentals.

PSI Chooses Middle-Ground Politics, What Does It Mean?

The Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) is repositioning itself as an inclusive party that accommodates all groups, seeking to shed its old image and secure parliamentary seats in 2029. Party leaders acknowledge past perceptions, including accusations of being anti-Islam, and are now pursuing a 'middle-ground politics' approach that removes identity-based barriers. The party plans to counter stigma through action, including regular national prayer gatherings, rather than engaging in narrative battles.