Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 21 August 2026

Showing 751-800 of 1,528 articles

DPRD: West Java anniversary a momentum to strengthen adaptive bureaucracy

West Java DPRD Chairman Buky Wibawa has called for the province's 81st anniversary to serve as a catalyst for building a cleaner, more transparent and adaptive bureaucracy. He stressed that good governance, technology adoption and public participation are key to ensuring development benefits reach all residents. Wibawa also urged balanced development priorities to tackle poverty and unemployment across the province.

Shell to Divest Indonesian Petrol Station Business, Here is the Global Reach of Shell's Fuel Retail Operations

Shell is divesting its Indonesian petrol station business to Sefas Group, a long-standing partner since 1997, with the transaction expected to complete this year. The article examines Shell's global fuel retail footprint, which spans over 42,000 locations across more than 78 countries. Shell's overall financial performance also improved significantly in the second quarter of 2026, with profit attributable to shareholders more than tripling year-on-year.

US imposes 13.9 percent tariff on Indonesian shrimp, lower than Vietnam

Indonesia's total shrimp tariff in the United States stands at approximately 13.9 percent, comprising a 10 percent Section 301 tariff and a 3.9 percent antidumping duty. This is lower than tariffs faced by India and Vietnam, opening opportunities for Indonesia to expand its US market share. The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries is coordinating with stakeholders to help exporters navigate antidumping reviews and capitalise on tariff advantages for other seafood commodities.

NTT quake: Gibran brings UI students to provide psychosocial aid

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has facilitated six psychology students from the University of Indonesia to provide psychosocial support to children and residents affected by the recent earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara. During his visit to evacuation centres in Manggarai and Sikka districts, he tasked the students with creating safe and engaging activities to help displaced children process their experiences. The vice president also encouraged more young people to contribute their expertise to ongoing disaster response efforts in collaboration with government institutions.

Indonesia identifies renewable energy, EV sectors for EU investment

Indonesia is targeting renewable energy, electric vehicle downstreaming, agriculture, and digital industries as priority sectors for European Union investment ahead of the IEU-CEPA trade agreement's expected 2027 implementation. Coordinating Minister Airlangga Hartarto highlighted these areas following discussions with EU counterparts, while APINDO's Shinta Widjaja Kamdani stressed that streamlining licensing and resolving regulatory barriers will be critical to converting European investor interest into actual capital inflows.

KPK Summons Pemalang Regional Secretary as Witness in Bupati Anom Extortion Case

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has summoned Pemalang Regional Secretary Bagus Sutopo and six other witnesses in connection with an alleged extortion scheme involving suspended Pemalang Regent Anom Widiyantoro. The case centres on Rp1.98 billion allegedly collected through Anom's confidant, with funds partly channelled to the father of a KPK administrative staff member. Four suspects have been named, including the regent and a KPK employee.

Is 24 August 2026 a Joint Holiday for the Prophet's Birthday? Check the Rules

The Indonesian government has confirmed that Monday, 24 August 2026 is not a joint holiday or national holiday, despite the Prophet Muhammad's Birthday falling on Tuesday, 25 August 2026. Workers may still apply for annual leave on 24 August to create a four-day long weekend from 22 to 25 August.

Forest Fire Haze Disrupts Six Flights at Supadio Airport Pontianak

Thick haze from forest and land fires reduced visibility below 1,000 metres at Supadio International Airport in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, causing delays and one diversion on Friday. Airport authorities are coordinating with meteorological and disaster agencies to monitor conditions, following a pattern of similar disruptions earlier in the week.

KLH Issues Urgent Forest and Land Fire Instruction to Six Governors

Indonesia's Ministry of Environment has issued an urgent instruction to six governors in Sumatra and Kalimantan to tighten forest and land fire management amid declining air quality. The directive responds to a strong El Niño phenomenon that has increased fire vulnerability and pushed PM2.5 levels above safe thresholds in several regions. Local governments are required to intensify prevention, patrols, and peatland monitoring, while residents are advised to limit outdoor activities.

UBSI Pemuda Campus Unveils Strategy to Win Consumer Trust in the Social Commerce Era

Universitas Bina Sarana Informatika (UBSI) Pemuda Campus is hosting a research showcase to discuss how digital communication builds consumer trust in Indonesia's social commerce ecosystem. The event will present findings from a BIMA grant-funded study on visual rhetoric and digital dramaturgy in live shopping. It aims to bridge academic perspectives with practical insights from industry players and consumers.

Javan Hawk-Eagle Faces Extinction, Hunted and Sold Online for up to Rp5 Million

The Javan hawk-eagle, an endangered bird endemic to Java and resembling the Garuda national emblem, continues to be hunted and illegally traded online for up to Rp5 million. Conservationists warn that without intervention the species could become extinct within two decades, as its population remains far below the international threshold for a non-threatened species. They call for collaboration between government, communities, and the private sector to ensure sustainable development and protect the raptor.

Observer: Asset Forfeiture Bill must ensure assets are managed legally

Legal observer Hardjuno Wiwoho has urged that Indonesia's Asset Forfeiture Bill guarantee recovered assets from corruption cases are managed legally, transparently, and productively. He stressed that asset recovery should restore lost wealth to legitimate development functions rather than simply fund state spending. The bill is included in the 2026 Priority National Legislation Programme.

Father Who Murdered Disabled Daughter in Merauke Tests Positive for Cannabis

Police in Merauke, South Papua, have confirmed that MRP alias Maulana, the prime suspect in the murder of his 11-year-old disabled daughter, tested positive for cannabis. The case, which initially drew public sympathy for the father, was uncovered after a nine-month investigation involving 16 witnesses and four experts. Authorities stated the murder stemmed from internal family issues, with the suspect allegedly staging a kidnapping narrative to conceal his crime.

3 Ways to Properly Cancel a Loan at Indodana Fintech

Indodana Fintech users can cancel loan applications through several official methods depending on the approval status. The process ranges from simply not proceeding with disbursement to waiting 14 days for automatic cancellation. The key requirement is that funds have not yet been transferred to the borrower's account.

Prosecutors Hit Back at Yaqut: Hajj Quota Case Beyond Reasonable Bounds

KPK prosecutors have rejected former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas's challenge to the indictment, arguing the alleged corruption in the 2023-2024 additional hajj quota scheme caused Rp 622 billion in state losses and deprived citizens of their constitutional right to worship. The prosecution contends the additional quota was misused to allow wealthy individuals to bypass the 41-year waiting list for regular pilgrims. Yaqut's defence team maintains the indictment is imprecise, citing the minister's statutory authority and a formal agreement with Saudi Arabia.

Regional PPPK Salaries Taken Over by State Budget, Bandung Regent: Good News

The central government has agreed to take over the financing of salaries and allowances for regional Government Employees with Work Agreements (PPPK) through the state budget (APBN). Bandung Regent Dadang Supriatna, who chairs the Association of Indonesian Regency Governments (Apkasi), welcomed the decision as a solution to the fiscal pressure faced by local governments. The move is expected to free up regional budgets for infrastructure, poverty alleviation, education and health programmes.

Aqsa Working Group urges Indonesia to strengthen support for Palestine

The Aqsa Working Group has called on the Indonesian government to bolster its support for Palestine, including by severing economic ties with parties affiliated with Israel. The humanitarian organisation made the appeal to mark 57 years since the burning of Al-Aqsa Mosque and its own 18th anniversary. It also urged the UN and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation to take stronger action in defence of Palestinian rights.

BNN Chief Recommends Total Vape Ban: Narcotics Have Evolved

The head of Indonesia's National Narcotics Agency (BNN) has recommended a total ban on vapes following the seizure of 2.6 tonnes of liquid narcotics in the Riau Islands. The agency argues that drug trafficking has evolved from solid to liquid form to infiltrate lifestyles through e-cigarettes. The operation is estimated to have prevented the production of 2.8 million narcotic vape cartridges worth nearly Rp 8.5 trillion.

UBSI Lecturers and Students Train Cikeas Village Residents in Digital Business Management

Lecturers and students from Universitas Bina Sarana Informatika (UBSI) have provided training to small business owners in Cikeas Village, Bogor Regency, on using digital technology for marketing and financial management. The community service programme, funded by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, aims to help local entrepreneurs expand their market reach through online shops. Participants showed strong enthusiasm, learning to create online stores and record transactions using simple applications.

Two men steal two motorcycles belonging to former boss in Tambora, West Jakarta

Police in Tambora, West Jakarta, have arrested two men for stealing two motorcycles from their former employer's home in Tanah Sereal. The suspects, identified as M and AP, allegedly duplicated the garage key and sold the stolen vehicles in Indramayu. They face up to seven years in prison under Article 477 of the Criminal Code.

Deputy Manpower Minister: Strengthening K3 Centres prevents risk-based workplace accidents

Deputy Manpower Minister Afriansyah Noor has emphasised the importance of strengthening Occupational Safety and Health (K3) Centres to prevent workplace accidents through a risk-based approach. He said the centres should be transformed into OSH Management Hubs capable of responding to developments in the world of work. The minister also called for synergy among central and regional governments, businesses, universities, and professional associations to promote a sustainable K3 culture.

Task Force Chief Tito Urges Faster Post-Disaster Rehabilitation in Sumatra

Muhammad Tito Karnavian, head of the Sumatra post-disaster rehabilitation task force, has called on ministries and regional governments to accelerate the implementation of recovery programmes. He highlighted that roads and bridges are the most urgent needs, while also stressing the importance of restoring schools, farmland, and small businesses. Tito urged direct field monitoring to ensure allocated funds are used effectively for affected communities.

Suadesa Peduli: PGN Promotes Environmental, Social Awareness and Economic Potential in Sleman

PT Perusahaan Gas Negara (PGN), the gas subholding of Pertamina, has launched a corporate social responsibility programme in Sleman, Yogyakarta, combining tree planting with subsidised food packages. The initiative, part of the Suadesa Festival 2026, aims to foster sustainable collaboration between the company, local government and communities. PGN also plans to develop productive green spaces and support local economic potential, including SMEs, culinary ventures and agro-tourism.

Israel Warns Turkey Not to Intervene in Syria

Israel has warned Turkey against deploying forces to Syria, accusing President Erdogan of dragging his country into a dangerous adventure. Turkey denies any plan to station troops at the Abu al-Duhur air base and criticises Israel's airstrike as reckless and destabilising. The exchange reflects rising tensions between the two regional powers over Syria and Gaza.

Father in Merauke Praised for His Fortitude Turns Out to Be Killer of Disabled Daughter

A man in Merauke, South Papua, who was publicly praised for his composure following his daughter's death has been named the prime suspect in her murder. Police say Maulana killed his 11-year-old disabled daughter in October 2025 over family problems, then staged a kidnapping narrative to conceal the crime. A nine-month investigation involving 16 witnesses, forensic testing and exhumation uncovered the deception, and a urine test showed the suspect had used cannabis.

Indonesia, EU target October CEPA signing

Indonesia is aiming to sign the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with the European Union in October, with ratification expected to bridge the gap as the GSP tariff facility expires at the end of the year. The agreement would eliminate tariffs on around 90 percent of Indonesian goods entering the EU market. The government also hopes the deal will attract greater European investment in strategic sectors such as renewable energy, batteries, and critical mineral processing.

Thousands of Workers Unite Not Just to Demand Pay Rise, Here's the Result

SK Hynix workers in South Korea have reached a landmark agreement with management that will see at least 60% of this year's bonus paid in company shares rather than cash. The deal, which also includes a 6.2% base salary increase, marks a significant shift from previous cash-only bonus schemes. The agreement was reached independently between the newly formed union and management without external mediation.

Transforming language learning: Seven language skills

The article argues that the traditional four language skills paradigm is no longer sufficient for the digital and artificial intelligence era. It proposes expanding to seven skills by adding viewing, representing, and presenting to better reflect how people communicate today. The piece frames this as a necessary paradigm shift in language education to maintain relevance.

Vice President instructs continued aid distribution, targeting independent evacuees

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming has ordered that aid continue to be distributed to communities affected by the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara, with particular attention to independent evacuees not residing in official shelters. During his visit to evacuation posts in Manggarai Regency, he urged residents to register for assistance and encouraged those sheltering independently to join centralised posts where food and medical care are available. The government has also been assessing damaged homes for repair assistance programmes.

Kang Dedi Mulyadi Arrives in Flores, Brings Rp4 Billion Aid for NTT Earthquake Victims

West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi has arrived in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara, to inspect earthquake-affected areas and deliver approximately Rp4 billion in aid. The funds were raised from West Java businesses and residents as a gesture of inter-regional solidarity. The assistance is focused on meeting basic needs during the emergency response period, with logistics accompanied by competent volunteer teams.

ESDM says construction of EV battery plant in Karawang has been completed

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has confirmed that construction of a 6.9 GWh electric vehicle battery cell factory in Karawang, West Java, has been completed. The plant, developed by PT Contemporary Amperex Technology Indonesia Battery, is already operating in stages and is awaiting an official inauguration by President Prabowo Subianto. The project represents a key milestone in Indonesia's national EV battery industry development.

Senior Kiai Call for NU Congress to Be Honest, Fair, and Morally Upright

Senior Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) clerics have urged that the 35th NU Congress be conducted honestly, fairly, and with noble character. They called for clear rules governing the election of the Ahlul Halli wal Aqdi (AHWA) and for the body to be institutionalised as a problem-solving authority within the organisation. The clerics emphasised that the AHWA must remain a position of scholarly authority rather than an instrument of power struggles.

Pre-trial Motion Dismissed, Doctor Tifa Remains Defendant in Jokowi Diploma Case

The South Jakarta District Court has dismissed a pre-trial motion filed by Tifauzia Tyassuma, known as Doctor Tifa, challenging the prosecution's decision to resubmit charges against her over allegations that President Jokowi's diploma was fake. The judge ruled that since the case file had already been transferred to the East Jakarta District Court, Tifa's status is that of a defendant and she no longer has legal standing to file a pre-trial motion. The case will now proceed to trial at the East Jakarta District Court.

Forestry Minister pushes for sustainable national nature conservation transformation

Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni has called for a sustainable transformation of Indonesia's nature conservation efforts, emphasising measurable outcomes such as wildlife population growth and ecosystem health. He highlighted the need for innovative conservation financing, including carbon economic value and green investment, to address climate and biodiversity challenges. The minister also noted positive trends in key species protection and stressed collaborative approaches ahead of National Nature Conservation Day 2026.

BPJS Kesehatan Wins Bakti Koperasi Pradana Nayaka Award for Synergy with Cooperatives Ministry

BPJS Kesehatan has received the Bakti Koperasi Pradana Nayaka award at the 2026 Koperasi Awards for its collaboration with the Ministry of Cooperatives in expanding social health insurance access through village cooperative clinics and pharmacies. The partnership aims to strengthen the National Health Insurance (JKN) ecosystem, particularly in remote areas with limited healthcare access. As of August 2026, the JKN programme covers over 284 million participants, more than 98 per cent of Indonesia's population.

Greenomics Festival 2026: Exploring Indonesia's Green Economy Potential

Indonesia's transition from extractive industries to a green economy is emerging as a new engine of growth, with opportunities in carbon markets, green financing, and the circular economy. PT Mutuagung Lestari Tbk (MUTU International) will host the Greenomics Festival 2026 on 24 August 2026 in Jakarta to bring together government, industry, and technology innovators. The event aims to address regulatory and financial barriers while promoting high standards to prevent greenwashing and strengthen Indonesia's competitiveness in global markets.

Khofifah calls for reviving spirit of National Hero M Jasin's service

East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa has urged the Indonesian National Police to embody the spirit of National Hero Moehammad Jasin in serving the public. Speaking at the 2026 Police Service Day ceremony in Surabaya, she highlighted Jasin's historic role in declaring the Surabaya Special Police part of the Indonesian police force in 1945 and his later contribution to founding the Mobile Brigade Corps. Khofifah emphasised that remembering Jasin means keeping the values of struggle alive through service adapted to contemporary challenges.

East Java Provincial Government Sends 8.4 Tonnes of Aid Worth Rp9.8 Billion for NTT Earthquake Victims

The East Java Provincial Government has dispatched 8.4 tonnes of humanitarian aid valued at Rp9.8 billion to assist communities affected by the 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Ende Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. The shipment arrived on Thursday after a five-day sea journey and includes sleeping equipment, children's supplies, and thousands of ready-to-eat meal packages. Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa emphasised that distribution speed and matching aid to actual needs are the current priorities.

House Commission X asks government to consider school closures due to forest and land fires

Deputy Chairman of House Commission X Lalu Hadrian Irfani has urged the government to consider temporary school closures in areas affected by forest and land fires in Kalimantan, citing declining air quality and the need to prioritise student health. He said closures could be implemented alongside online learning or home assignments, with decisions based on air quality data and recommendations from local health and disaster agencies. The government is continuing to optimise weather modification operations to tackle the fires across West, Central and South Kalimantan.

MSME Minister increases Bank Sumut KUR quota to Rp2 trillion

The Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises has raised the Kredit Usaha Rakyat (KUR) allocation accessible through Bank Sumut to Rp2 trillion. The move aims to broaden capital access for MSMEs and stimulate economic growth in North Sumatra. Bank Sumut has been recognised for its positive performance in KUR distribution, with total KUR disbursement in the province reaching approximately Rp11 trillion to 168,000 debtors.

Residents Tried to Extinguish Paseban Fire, but Flames Spread Rapidly

A fire in the Paseban area of Central Jakarta destroyed several homes, with residents attempting to fight the flames using buckets of water before the blaze grew out of control. Around 120 affected residents are now sheltering at a local primary school and have received aid, while authorities continue to investigate the cause of the fire.

Febrie Adriansyah's Pretrial Motion Could Nullify Asset Seizures

A pretrial motion filed by former Junior Attorney General for Special Crimes Febrie Adriansyah could invalidate searches and asset seizures if granted by the South Jakarta District Court. His legal team claims around 30 procedural violations across five aspects of the corruption and money laundering investigation. Legal experts say a ruling in his favour would require prosecutors to issue a new investigation order.

IEU-CEPA Document Targeted for Signing in October 2026, Indonesia to Immediately Pursue Ratification Process

The Indonesian government is targeting the signing of the Indonesia-European Union Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IEU-CEPA) in October 2026. Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto stated that the English-language documentation is nearing completion and that Indonesia has already consulted with the DPR on ratification mechanisms. The agreement is expected to eliminate tariffs on 90% of tariff lines immediately and boost European investment in Indonesia.

OJK Grants Business Licence to PT Indonesia Digital Exchange

The Financial Services Authority (OJK) has issued a business licence to PT Indonesia Digital Exchange as a Digital Financial Asset Trader, effective from 13 August 2026. The licence was granted under decision KEP-20/D.07/2026, in accordance with POJK Number 27 of 2024 on the operation of digital financial asset trading. The OJK also reminded the public to use only licensed digital asset traders.

Airlangga Reveals Method to Restrict Pertalite, Vehicle Type to Be Deciding Factor

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto has indicated that the government will use vehicle type as a proxy for household income decile when restricting subsidised Pertalite fuel purchases. The policy aims to improve subsidy targeting, with the wealthiest decile 10 households to be restricted first. Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa previously said the phased restrictions could begin within months and may generate budget savings.

Rupiah Soars to Rp17,685/US$, Strongest in Nearly Three Months

The Indonesian rupiah closed the week at Rp17,685 per US dollar, its strongest level since 22 May 2026, after appreciating 0.31% on Friday. The currency was supported by a weaker US dollar and a significantly narrower balance of payments deficit in the second quarter of 2026. Bank Indonesia reported the deficit shrank to US$0.9 billion from US$9.1 billion in the previous quarter, driven by a surplus in capital and financial transactions.

Landlord Reveals Identity of Tenant Who Left Room Full of Rubbish in Sleman

A landlord in Sleman has identified the tenant who abandoned a boarding room filled with rubbish, naming him as Faisal, a six-year resident. The discovery was made on 16 August during routine cleaning, revealing piles of waste including broken furniture and bottles of urine. The tenant had claimed he was leaving to study in Australia on a scholarship but has since become uncontactable.

UBSI Flag-Raising Squad Performs at 81st Indonesian Independence Day Ceremony for LLDikti Region III

Students from Universitas Bina Sarana Informatika (UBSI) took part in the flag-raising squad at the 81st Indonesian Independence Day ceremony organised by LLDikti Region III in South Jakarta. The event, attended by around 1,500 participants from various Jakarta universities, was led by the Acting Secretary General of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology. UBSI highlighted the experience as part of student character development and learning outside the classroom.

Pramono says Rusun bylaw accommodates decent housing for Jakarta residents

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has presented a draft regional regulation on flats (Rusun) that aims to provide decent, inclusive and equitable housing for the capital's residents. The proposed bylaw promotes mixed-use and transit-oriented development, and expands housing policy to cover not only low-income but also certain middle-income groups. It also introduces vertical land consolidation as a tool for urban renewal without evictions.

Indonesia and China strengthen trade, manufacturing, and AI cooperation

Indonesia and China have agreed to deepen trade and investment cooperation, bolster the manufacturing sector, and establish an international AI cooperation organisation. The agreement was announced following the Indonesia-China Comprehensive Strategic Dialogue in Jakarta, with both nations committing to a Five-Year Action Plan from 2027 to 2030. The partnership also covers green energy, food security, maritime cooperation, and youth exchanges.