Archive: 21 August 2026
Showing 1,451-1,500 of 1,528 articles
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 06:50 WIB
AGO: Febrie Exploited Position to Receive Money and Gold Bars
The Attorney General's Office has alleged that former Junior Attorney General for Special Crimes Febrie Adriansyah abused his position to unlawfully receive money and gold bars linked to criminal proceeds. The AGO's legal team argued in a South Jakarta District Court pretrial hearing that the term 'trading in influence' describes the alleged modus operandi rather than a standalone criminal offence. They requested the court to dismiss Febrie's challenge to his detention and suspect status.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 06:46 WIB
Gold Prices Squeezed by Two Forces: Interest Rates as Fuel, the Fed as Brakes
Gold prices eased slightly after a sharp rally, as profit-taking and hawkish Federal Reserve minutes offset support from lower long-term real interest rate prospects. The metal remains underpinned by US Treasury buyback plans and geopolitical oil supply concerns, with Morgan Stanley projecting a potential rise to US$5,000 per troy ounce by 2027.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 06:40 WIB
US-Iran Tensions Escalate: Trump Imposes 'Toughest Sanctions in History' on Tehran
The United States has announced it will impose the 'toughest sanctions in history' on Iran, according to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, as part of a coordinated economic isolation strategy alongside an ongoing naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The move aims to cripple Iran's economy and force regime change, though experts caution that economic collapse is not guaranteed. Iran has condemned the sanctions as 'economic terrorism', while the US has also hinted at potential action against China, which buys over 80% of Iran's seaborne oil exports.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 06:35 WIB
Regional Governments Prepare to Issue Bonds, KPPOD: Maturing Fiscal Decentralisation
The Regional Autonomy Monitoring Committee (KPPOD) views the growing readiness of regional governments to issue municipal bonds as a sign of maturing fiscal decentralisation. Executive Director Armand Suparman argues that the central government should act as an enabler rather than a gatekeeper, providing clear and transparent parameters for bond issuance. Several regions, including Jakarta, West Java, Bali, and West Sumatra, are at various stages of preparing municipal bond programmes.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 06:31 WIB
Jakarta yesterday: elderly person dies after being struck by train, earthquake aid sent to NTT
A roundup of key events in Jakarta on Thursday includes the death of an 80-year-old struck by a commuter train in Tebet and the Jakarta provincial government sending Rp5.8 billion in aid to earthquake victims in East Nusa Tenggara. Other developments covered Transjakarta deploying support fleets during a KRL disruption, a target of 10,000 electric buses by 2030, and the dispatch of six health reserve workers to NTT.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 06:30 WIB
Rainfall Monitoring Equipment to Be Installed in Tukad Badung to Anticipate Flooding
Perum Jasa Tirta I will deploy a Smart Water Management System in the Bali-Penida River Basin to monitor rainfall and river levels, with initial installations at Tukad Mati and Tukad Badung targeted for completion this year. The system aims to provide early warning of flood risks and support decision-making for water resource management. Officials highlighted significant hydrological challenges in the region, including seasonal water fluctuations and land-use changes that exacerbate flooding and water shortages.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 06:29 WIB
Four Things Revealed About Cilegon Man Who Went Bankrupt, Then Robbed and Killed Politician's Child
Heru Anggara has been charged with the murder of MAHM, the nine-year-old child of PKS politician Maman Suherman, during a robbery at the family's home in Cilegon. Prosecutors allege that Heru, who had lost Rp 400 million in cryptocurrency trading and accumulated significant debts, randomly targeted the house after searching on Google Maps. The indictment details how he stabbed the child five times after the victim resisted, then fled and attempted to dispose of evidence.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 06:27 WIB
Massive Fire Engulfs Sungai Duri Market, Pontianak-Singkawang Route Paralysed
A major fire destroyed more than 30 shophouses at Sungai Duri Market in Bengkayang Regency, West Kalimantan, on Thursday evening. Strong winds and wooden structures accelerated the spread of the flames, prompting the deployment of hundreds of firefighters. The blaze forced the closure of the national road connecting Pontianak and Singkawang, bringing traffic to a standstill.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 06:26 WIB
Reorganising pretrial proceedings for legal certainty
The new Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP) brings hope for a more modern and humane criminal justice system, but its pretrial mechanism risks being misused through repeated applications. The author argues that while pretrial proceedings must remain a strong check on state power, the law needs clear limits to prevent endless challenges that delay the main case. Balancing individual rights with legal certainty is essential for an effective justice system.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 06:26 WIB
Crime roundup: Ruben Onsu named suspect in investment fraud; police arrest suspect in attack on Navy member
Jakarta police have named celebrity Ruben Onsu a suspect in an investment fraud case reported to the South Jakarta Police. Separately, police arrested a man suspected of involvement in the assault of a Navy member in Matraman, East Jakarta. Authorities are also investigating a viral video of two men under a car at the Gelora Bung Karno parking area and the discovery of human remains in a Depok river.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 06:21 WIB
US Threatens Iran, Fed Threatens the World – Is Indonesia's Current Account at Risk?
Indonesia's financial markets are expected to face pressure as the US announces severe sanctions against Iran, while rising US Treasury yields weigh on global equities. Domestically, investors await Indonesia's Balance of Payments and current account data. The combination of external geopolitical risk and domestic data releases is set to drive market sentiment.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 06:12 WIB
NTT Earthquake Briefly Disrupted Electricity, Rapid Restoration Key to Economic Activity
Power restoration in East Nusa Tenggara following a magnitude 7.7 earthquake was completed in under 12 hours for all affected substations, with all customers in Flores reconnected by Tuesday. National Energy Council member M Kholid Syeirazi said the speed of restoration was crucial for public services and economic recovery after the disaster.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 06:12 WIB
11 Companies Form IBMA, Target 20% of 1,800 Tonnes of Physical Gold to Enter Banking System
Eleven companies from across Indonesia's gold industry have established the Indonesian Bullion Market Association (IBMA) to integrate the sector's upstream and downstream segments. The association aims to bring 20% of the estimated 1,800 tonnes of physical gold held by the public into the formal banking system. The government is supporting the initiative with plans for a bullion market architecture, including a strategic mineral and commodity exchange to begin operating on 1 January 2027.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 06:11 WIB
Muslim Candidate Again Defeats Jewish Lobby in California
Aisha Wahab has won a special election to fill the remaining term of former Congressman Eric Swalwell in California's 14th Congressional District, defeating a candidate backed by significant spending from the pro-Israel lobby AIPAC. Wahab, who will become the first Afghan American to serve in Congress, previously made history as the first Afghan American elected to public office in the US. Her victory adds to a series of wins by Muslim politicians in the United States, which have challenged the influence of the Israel lobby amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 06:11 WIB
Paskibraka Spirit from the Land of the Bamboo Curtain
Indonesian students in Beijing have been training since June to serve as the flag-raising squad (Paskibraka) for the 81st Independence Day ceremony at the Indonesian Embassy. The ten-member team, selected from 22 applicants, adapted a custom formation to fit the embassy's smaller grounds. The initiative highlights how Indonesian communities abroad maintain national traditions and discipline.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 06:05 WIB
State Revenue Rises, President Wants to Give Rp5.5 Million to Every Citizen
Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te has proposed a cash handout of NT$10,000 (approximately Rp5.5 million) to every citizen in 2027, funded by a surge in state revenue driven by the AI boom. The programme, with a total allocation of NT$235.7 billion, aims to share the benefits of strong economic growth more broadly. Details on eligibility and distribution mechanisms have not yet been announced.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 06:04 WIB
5 Facts: Bareskrim Unmasks Chinese National Who Defrauded US Company of Rp 6.2 Billion
Indonesia's National Police cybercrime unit has uncovered a business email compromise syndicate led by a Chinese national that defrauded a US company of approximately Rp 6.2 billion. Two suspects have been arrested, while the alleged mastermind remains at large in China. Investigators have frozen a bank account containing around Rp 5 billion of the stolen funds.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 06:03 WIB
Home Affairs Minister Ensures Central Government Support for NTT Earthquake Response
Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian has pledged continued central government assistance for East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) as the province recovers from a recent earthquake. During a five-day visit, he supervised emergency response efforts, distributed aid, and stressed the importance of accurate damage assessments to expedite rehabilitation and reconstruction.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 06:02 WIB
Popular yesterday: school tents for NTT earthquake victims - forest fire smoke
The Indonesian government has begun distributing 100 emergency classroom tents to schools damaged by the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara. Meanwhile, flights at a pioneer airport in North Barito, Central Kalimantan, have been cancelled due to smoke from forest and land fires. Other humanitarian developments include international students learning Jepara wood carving and the evacuation of vulnerable groups in NTT.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 06:00 WIB
US Quietly 'Interrogates' NATO Members, Testing Loyalty of Trump's Allies
The Pentagon has reportedly circulated a questionnaire to NATO allies to gauge their political loyalty to President Donald Trump's foreign policy agenda. The document asks whether member states publicly support US priorities and whether they would ease restrictions on American military access. European officials view the move as evidence that Washington is conflating alliance matters with unilateral US military operations.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 06:00 WIB
Permata Bank Syariah and DT Peduli Build Eight Permanent Homes in Bireuen
Permata Bank Syariah has disbursed Rp660 million in social funds to construct eight permanent homes for disaster survivors in Bireuen, Aceh, in partnership with national philanthropic organisation DT Peduli. The handover was symbolically witnessed by cleric KH Abdullah Gymnastiar at Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta. The initiative aims to help residents restore their social and economic activities following a disaster.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 05:50 WIB
Government Allocates Rp259.3 Trillion for Public Order and Security: Tackling Online Gambling and Narcotics
The Indonesian government has earmarked Rp259.3 trillion for public order and security functions in the 2027 draft state budget. The allocation includes eight priority output targets, such as handling 396 conventional gambling cases, 84 online gambling cases, and 381 narcotics offences. The budget will be executed by multiple ministries and agencies, including the National Police, Attorney General's Office, and National Narcotics Agency.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 05:50 WIB
TNI Coordinates Security for Jila Mimika Residents Held by Armed Criminal Group
The Indonesian military is intensifying coordination to secure residents of Jila District in Mimika, Central Papua, following reports that an armed criminal group (KKB) abducted nine women, including a primary school child and a pregnant woman. Regional military commander Major General Febriel Sikumbang stated that data collection is ongoing to determine appropriate action, while the local government is also providing assistance to affected communities. Security conditions in the area are reported to be gradually returning to normal.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 05:49 WIB
Houthis Attack Najran in Saudi Arabia
Yemen's Houthi armed forces announced two drone operations targeting strategic sites in Najran, Saudi Arabia, including the airport and an Aramco facility. The attacks were described as retaliation for Saudi drone incursions into Yemeni airspace. The escalation follows the collapse of the 2022 ceasefire and the Houthis' declaration of a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 05:48 WIB
Yesterday's legal news: Navy seizes mining resources, fake stamp duty syndicate
A round-up of Indonesia's top legal stories covers the Navy's seizure of mining resources worth Rp10.25 trillion, a lawyer's clarification regarding assets belonging to former Jampidsus Febrie Adriansyah, and a KPK denial of a sting operation in Bogor Regency. Other stories include the death of a South African national in Bandung and a parliamentary call for police to trace the money trail behind a fake stamp duty syndicate causing Rp1.03 trillion in state losses.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 05:45 WIB
Traders Outside Kramat Jati Market Disrupt Traffic, Pramono Orders Enforcement
Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo has instructed officials to relocate street traders operating outside the Kramat Jati wholesale market in East Jakarta. The move aims to reduce traffic disruption and safety hazards along Jalan Raya Bogor. Pramono has coordinated with the East Jakarta mayor to bring the traders inside the market area.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 05:40 WIB
20 Trains Halted After M 3.5 Bantul Earthquake
A magnitude 3.5 earthquake struck Bantul, Yogyakarta, on Thursday afternoon, prompting a temporary halt of 20 train services in the KAI Operational Area 6 Yogyakarta. The tremor, attributed to activity on the Opak Fault, was felt as far as Klaten, Solo, and Magelang. Train operations resumed after safety inspections confirmed all railway lines were safe.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 05:39 WIB
Exploring the city's pulse through cubist symbols
Bandarlampung artist Damsi Tarmizi has received official copyright recognition for three decades of urban art that brings aesthetic expression directly into public spaces. The certificates were issued by the Directorate General of Intellectual Property under the Ministry of Law as part of Hari Pengayoman commemorations. Urban art is presented as an inclusive medium that records the social life, identity and changing character of Indonesian cities.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 05:30 WIB
Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan Taken to Hospital for Medical Examination
Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has been moved from Adiala Prison to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad following a Supreme Court order for a medical assessment. The transfer addresses longstanding demands from his supporters who claim his health has deteriorated during more than three years in custody. The move is seen as a potential first step towards easing tensions between his party and Pakistan's powerful military establishment.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 05:22 WIB
Political roundup: Prabowo meets Paskibraka, VP reviews NTT earthquake response
President Prabowo Subianto expressed appreciation for the Paskibraka flag-hoisting team and hosted Independence Day ceremony personnel at his Hambalang residence. Vice President Gibran Rakabuming visited Sikka, East Nusa Tenggara, to review post-earthquake handling and ensure the needs of affected mothers and babies were met. A lawmaker also urged the government to improve the status and welfare of private madrasah teachers.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 05:20 WIB
Indonesia Re Supports Development of National Tourist Vessel Fleet
State-owned reinsurer Indonesia Re has signed a memorandum of understanding with INSA, BKI, and Jasaraharja Putera to develop an integrated risk guarantee scheme for national tourist vessels. The agreement, signed at the INSA Yacht Festival 2026 in Bali, marks the first application of the Strategic Risk Management concept in the maritime tourism segment. The collaboration aims to strengthen domestic risk guarantee capacity in line with the Danantara ecosystem's self-reliance agenda.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 05:18 WIB
German Minister and Deputy Health Minister Dante Review MMS Production at PT Bayer Indonesia in Cimanggis
Germany's Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development Reem Alabali Radovan and Indonesian Deputy Health Minister Dante Saksono Harbuwono visited Bayer's healthcare manufacturing facility in Cimanggis. The visit highlighted Bayer's Rp 99 billion investment in local production of multiple micronutrient supplements for pregnant women and a 2,054 kWp rooftop solar installation. The facility supports Indonesia's maternal and child health priorities while exporting to over 42 countries.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 05:15 WIB
Pramono Admits Difficulty in Tackling Jakarta Pollution: Suburbs Still Use Coal
Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has acknowledged that local measures alone cannot fully resolve the capital's air pollution problem as long as coal-fired power plants and industries in surrounding areas continue to operate. He specifically cited the Suralaya coal-fired power plant in Banten as a major contributor. Pramono called for central government coordination to regulate emissions across the greater Jakarta agglomeration.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 05:05 WIB
Rumi's Gift to the Prophet
A personal reflection on attending a Maulid celebration among the Sunni Turkmen community in northern Iran reveals how devotion to the Prophet Muhammad transcends language, ethnicity, and sect. The author explores how the Sufi poet Jalaluddin Rumi rooted his expansive, inclusive spirituality firmly in the Qur'an and loyalty to the Prophet, viewing Muhammad as the cosmic spirit animating all existence and the highest exemplar of human benefit.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 05:03 WIB
Home Affairs Minister assures state presence for earthquake victims in NTT
Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian has assured communities and local governments in East Nusa Tenggara that the central government will not leave them to face the earthquake disaster alone. During a five-day visit to affected areas, he supervised the use of regional transfer funds and distributed compensation and aid. He stressed that accurate data collection is essential for the rehabilitation and reconstruction phase.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 05:00 WIB
Water Vanishes from Indonesia's Giant Reservoir, Sacred Tomb Suddenly Emerges
The receding water level at Jatigede Reservoir in Sumedang, West Java, has exposed areas previously submerged, including the historic Astana Gede Cipaku site and the tomb of Prabu Lembu Agung. The phenomenon, attributed to the dry season, has also revealed the Darmaraja-Wado road. The falling water level highlights the impact of drought on water resources and communities dependent on the reservoir.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 05:00 WIB
Himbarsi Ukhuwah Savings Fund Grows 275 Percent, Reaches Rp417.8 Billion
The Ukhuwah Savings programme initiated by the Indonesian Sharia Rural Bank Association (Himbarsi) has recorded a 356.95 percent increase in customer numbers since its launch in 2022, with funds reaching Rp417.8 billion by July 2026. The programme, now joined by 61 sharia rural banks, is seen as a successful model of inter-bank synergy in expanding third-party fund collection. The Financial Services Authority (OJK) has praised the initiative for boosting public interest in saving and strengthening the sharia rural banking industry.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 04:59 WIB
Jakarta Intensifies Mosquito Nest Eradication Amid Dengue Threat During Dry Season
The Jakarta provincial government is stepping up efforts to control dengue fever mosquitoes during the dry season, including intensifying the 3M Plus mosquito nest eradication programme and expanding the Wolbachia mosquito release initiative. A BRIN entomologist explains that rising temperatures shorten mosquito life cycles, potentially increasing populations despite fewer breeding sites.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 04:59 WIB
Jakarta Customs Destroys Rp20.18 Billion Worth of Illegal Goods
The Jakarta Regional Office of Customs and Excise has destroyed illegal excisable goods valued at Rp20.18 billion, seized during operations throughout 2025 to July 2026. The destruction is part of efforts to protect the public and safeguard state revenue, with potential state losses of Rp11.81 billion prevented. The action involved collaboration with multiple law enforcement agencies.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 04:50 WIB
Attorney General's Office Reveals Reason for Febrie's Detention: Statements Inconsistent with Facts
The Attorney General's Office has explained that former Junior Attorney General for Special Crimes Febrie Adriansyah was detained because his statements as a suspect were inconsistent with facts uncovered during the investigation. The detention is said to comply with Article 100 of the Criminal Procedure Code, including provisions allowing detention when a suspect provides information that does not match the facts. Febrie has filed a pretrial motion seeking to have the detention order declared invalid.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 04:45 WIB
Deputy Home Affairs Minister urges regional heads to keep learning to prevent corruption
Deputy Home Affairs Minister Akhmad Wiyagus has called on regional leaders to continuously study public finance regulations and uphold integrity to achieve clean, corruption-free governance. Speaking at a coordination meeting in Semarang, he noted that many regional heads from political or business backgrounds lack familiarity with public financial management rules. The initiative aligns with President Prabowo Subianto's seventh Asta Cita priority on bureaucratic reform and corruption eradication.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 04:37 WIB
Israel's Plan to Open Settlement Tender in E1 West Bank Draws Condemnation from Western Countries
Israel's Housing Ministry has opened a tender for 1,200 settlement units in the E1 area of the occupied West Bank, drawing sharp criticism from Britain, France, Germany, Italy, and Canada. The Western nations called the decision unacceptable and urged Israel to cancel the plan, warning it threatens the viability of a two-state solution. The move is seen as strategically designed to divide the West Bank and isolate East Jerusalem.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 04:30 WIB
BMKG Bali Weather Forecast for Today, 21 August 2026
The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has issued a weather forecast for Bali on Friday, 21 August 2026. Conditions are generally expected to be sunny and cloudy, with temperatures ranging from 20 to 31 degrees Celsius and humidity between 58 and 99 percent. The forecast provides detailed predictions for each regency and city across the island.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 04:17 WIB
US Prepares Largest Economic Isolation in History to Topple Iranian Regime
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has urged Washington's allies to support a campaign to 'crack' Iran's economy, warning that nations doing business with Tehran will face severe consequences. The planned measures, to be detailed on 24 August, are described as the largest coordinated economic isolation in world history. Iran's economy is already struggling under decades of sanctions, with official data showing staple prices rose by an average of 60% in the year to February 2026.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 04:09 WIB
Young NU Intellectual Reveals 'Dark Horse' Figure in PBNU Chairman Contest
A young Nahdlatul Ulama intellectual has identified KH Marsudi Syuhud as a potential 'dark horse' in the race for the organisation's top leadership post. Muhammad Afifi, a lecturer at UNUSIA, praised the openness of the current Muktamar process and highlighted Kiai Marsudi's quiet but extensive grassroots movement. He also stressed that economic empowerment of the ummah remains an unfinished agenda for the upcoming congress in Jombang.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 04:07 WIB
Former Tebing Tinggi Education Head Sentenced to 7.5 Years for Smartboard Corruption
A corruption court in Medan has sentenced former Tebing Tinggi Education Agency head Idam Khalid to seven years and six months in prison for his role in a smartboard procurement scandal. The director of PT Bismacindo Perkasa received an identical sentence. Both were also fined Rp500 million, with the sentences falling short of prosecutors' demands.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 04:04 WIB
Trump says negotiations with Iran could resume 'at some point'
US President Donald Trump has indicated that talks with Tehran could restart 'at some point', while claiming the situation with Iran is 'very good'. He reiterated that Washington's priority is preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons. The remarks follow reports that Trump had ordered his negotiating team to halt discussions with Iran.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 04:01 WIB
KCIC presents cultural performances on Whoosh
PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia China (KCIC) has partnered with the West Java Provincial Government to celebrate the province's 81st anniversary by staging traditional cultural performances at Padalarang Station and aboard Whoosh high-speed trains. The initiative aims to enhance passenger experience while showcasing West Java's cultural heritage, including Cirebon mask dance, kecapi suling music, and the Merak dance.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 04:00 WIB
Fire Rages in the Sky: Portrait of Putin's Missiles Rampaging in Ukraine's Capital
Russian missiles struck Kyiv indiscriminately, killing at least 12 people and injuring more than 30. The attack damaged residential buildings, warehouses, and a children's hospital, and caused power outages in parts of the city. Diplomatic efforts involving the United States and European nations have yet to produce a lasting ceasefire.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 03:46 WIB
Pertamina accelerates fuel distribution in Palu to tackle long queues
Pertamina Patra Niaga Regional Sulawesi has brought forward the distribution schedule for subsidised Pertalite fuel from the Donggala fuel terminal to all petrol stations in Palu and surrounding areas. The decision follows distribution disruptions caused by a vessel berthing delay linked to bad weather. The move aims to ease lengthy queues at filling stations.