Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 21 August 2026

Showing 201-250 of 1,528 articles

Drowning Victim in Kuantan River Found Dead

A 17-year-old boy who went missing while swimming in the Kuantan River in Kuantan Singingi Regency, Riau, has been found dead after a two-day search. The joint SAR team located the victim approximately 800 metres downstream from where he was last seen. The body has been evacuated to Teluk Kuantan Regional General Hospital for further handling.

Vice President seeks to help students from earthquake-hit areas continue education

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming has pledged to find scholarships for university students from earthquake-affected areas in East Nusa Tenggara who are studying outside the region. The commitment came after he spoke with survivors at an evacuation post in East Manggarai, where residents raised concerns about their children's education and their ability to repay loans. The Vice President said he first needs data identifying affected families before assistance can be arranged.

BRI Group Gold Ecosystem Reaches 153 Tonnes, Supporting Optimisation of National Gold Potential

BRI Group's ultra-micro holding, together with Pegadaian, has grown its managed gold ecosystem to 153 tonnes, spanning gold savings, pawning, instalments, deposits, financing, bullion trading and corporate gold custody. The initiative aligns with President Prabowo Subianto's emphasis on the strategic role of a bullion bank in optimising national wealth. BRI, Pegadaian and PNM plan to deepen ecosystem integration and broaden access to gold-based financial services.

BRI Group Wins Six International Awards from Finance Asia, Strengthening Position as World-Class Financial Institution

BRI Group has secured six accolades at the Asia's Best Companies and Finance Asia Awards 2026, underscoring its global competitiveness. The awards recognise the bank's leadership, business transformation, and commitment to financial inclusion. BRI's CEO Hery Gunardi was named Best CEO, while the group also received honours for ESG commitment, investor relations, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Bogor Commuter Line Services Held at Manggarai Due to Street Brawl

Commuter Line services on the Bogor–Jakarta Kota route were temporarily halted on Friday afternoon after a street brawl broke out near a level crossing at Manggarai Station. KAI Commuter prioritised passenger safety, with 14 train journeys delayed while authorities secured the area. Passengers were advised to follow staff instructions and monitor updates through official channels.

Norway raises tariff concerns with US officials

Norway has formally expressed its concerns to the United States over tariffs imposed on Norwegian exports, arguing there is no basis for treating it differently from the European Union. The discussions also covered a possible bilateral trade agreement, though Oslo stressed it would not sign a deal at any cost.

Legislator considers sale of former KRI Ki Hajar Dewantara a sound move

A member of House Commission I has backed the government's plan to sell the decommissioned warship KRI Ki Hajar Dewantara, citing high maintenance costs and safety risks. The proposal was formally submitted by President Prabowo Subianto and will be deliberated by the defence commission.

US Withdraws Aircraft Carrier from Asia to Iran, Allies Wary of China

The United States has redeployed its last aircraft carrier in Asia, USS George Washington, from Japan to the Middle East amid the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, raising concerns among regional allies about Washington's ability to deter China. Analysts note that while the move is symbolically significant, other strategic assets remain in the Pacific and the US is unlikely to abandon Asia permanently.

MSME Minister Appreciates App Developer's Efforts to Improve Driver Partner Capacity

Minister of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Maman Abdurrahman has praised Grab Indonesia for expanding access to learning and skills development for its driver and merchant partners through GrabAcademy. He emphasised that 'moving up a class' should be understood as broadening capabilities and choices rather than leaving one's current profession. The programme has reached over 1.15 million driver partners in 2025, with more than 204,000 completing all mandatory modules.

Morphosyntax: The Invisible Engine of Daily Communication

The article examines how morphosyntax, the linguistic system governing word formation and sentence structure, underpins clarity and diplomacy in everyday communication. It highlights research linking poor communication to significant productivity losses and workplace conflict, and argues for strengthening applied morphosyntactic literacy in education and public life.

NTT Police Chief Visits Ngada Earthquake Victims, Distributes 150 Food Packages

East Nusa Tenggara Police Chief Inspector General Rudi Darmoko visited earthquake victims in Ngada Regency on Friday, inspecting evacuation sites and assessing preparations for a planned presidential visit. During the visit, he distributed 150 basic food packages to displaced residents in Tadho Tengah village. The police chief also offered encouragement to the community, urging them to remain resilient and vigilant.

Flights to Muhammad Sidik Muara Teweh Airport cancelled again due to thick haze

Flights to and from Haji Muhammad Sidik Airport in Muara Teweh, North Barito Regency, Central Kalimantan, have been cancelled for three consecutive days due to thick smoke haze reducing visibility to unsafe levels. The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) reported visibility ranging from 1.5 to 4 kilometres and detected numerous hotspots across Central Kalimantan, though the exact source of the haze affecting Muara Teweh remains unconfirmed.

Ministry of Human Rights oversees agreement in Lelayang villagers and PT Mayawana dispute

Indonesia's Ministry of Human Rights is facilitating a phased settlement of a 16-year land dispute between Lelayang villagers and PT Mayawana Persada in West Kalimantan. A multi-party meeting produced commitments including a compensation scheme for affected residents and restorative justice for a customary leader. The ministry stressed that the resolution must respect indigenous rights and human rights principles.

Satpol PP detains couple who forced other people's children to become street buskers in North Jakarta

Public order officers in North Jakarta have detained a married couple suspected of exploiting two children, aged eight and nine, by forcing them to work as street buskers and scavengers. The children were not the couple's own and have since been returned to their biological mother in good health. Authorities plan to provide protection and enrol the children in school to prevent further trauma and repeat exploitation.

PLN Aceh launches Disaster Recovery Center to safeguard electricity reliability

State electricity firm PLN has established an integrated Disaster Recovery Center in Aceh to ensure power supply continuity and accelerate restoration during emergencies. The facility is coordinated with regional disaster agencies and follows the collapse of 14 high-voltage transmission towers during extreme weather in late November 2025. PLN is also relocating vulnerable transmission infrastructure and building new 275 kV backbone networks to strengthen the province's grid resilience.

France Investigates Suspected Russian Disinformation Operation Targeting Gabriel Attal

French authorities are investigating a series of suspected Russian disinformation operations targeting Renaissance party leader and presidential candidate Gabriel Attal. The latest incidents bring the total to four alleged operations against the former prime minister within two weeks. Legal complaints have been filed by Attal and other political figures over foreign interference.

Kuningan Regency receives Rp1.48 billion JIAT well grant

The Kuningan Regency Government in West Java has received a state asset grant in the form of a groundwater irrigation network well valued at Rp1.48 billion. The asset, located in Ciawi Lor Village, is intended to support agricultural irrigation and food security in the region. The grant aligns with Presidential Instruction No. 2 of 2025 on accelerating irrigation network development to support food self-sufficiency.

Understanding Implied Meaning: A Vital Skill in the Era of Fast Information

The article explores the importance of understanding implied meaning in human communication, arguing that it is a crucial cognitive and life skill in the modern era. It discusses the pragmatic mechanisms behind implied meaning, its role in social diplomacy, and the challenges posed by digital communication. The piece also offers strategies for sharpening interpretive sensitivity to build more precise, adaptive, and empathetic interactions.

Minister prioritises student safety amid Kalimantan forest fires

Primary and Secondary Education Minister Abdul Mu'ti has stressed that student health and safety must take priority in areas of Kalimantan affected by forest and land fire haze. He said regional governments may switch to home or distance learning if conditions do not allow face-to-face teaching. The ministry is also responding to the impact of a significant earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara.

From Prison Nurse to Head of Work Activities: The Transformation of Garut Prison

Asep Supriatna, a 21-year veteran of Garut Prison, reflects on the institution's evolution from a security-focused facility to one that prioritises inmate rehabilitation and economic independence. He highlights improvements in healthcare, the expansion of work programmes, and a shift in mindset among prison officers. The changes are attributed to inter-ministerial cooperation and recent policy directives from the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections.

Ministry of Human Rights Breaks World Record for Largest Human Rights Lesson

Indonesia's Ministry of Human Rights has broken a Guinness World Record for the largest human rights lesson, surpassing a record previously held by Ecuadorian police since 2018. The achievement was confirmed after a mass education and outreach programme involving around 6,000 participants across several provinces. Minister Natalius Pigai said the recognition reflects the ministry's commitment to building human rights awareness nationwide.

Insurance Performance Strengthens, Service Revenue Reaches Rp1 Trillion

PT Asuransi Tri Pakarta reported service revenue of Rp1.027 trillion for January–July 2026, up 13.9% year-on-year and exceeding its target. The company's risk-based capital ratio also improved to 144.29%, while it signed new bancassurance partnerships with two banks and a cooperative council. Tripa is also advancing its digital transformation with a soft launch of its website and mobile apps.

Exploring Diverse Aromas Through a Sensory Experience at Secret Garden Parascentalia

Indonesian fragrance brand Secret Garden is hosting a sensory exhibition at Central Park Mall in Jakarta to help visitors discover scents that match their personalities. The event showcases local wellness products and aims to build pride in Indonesian brands amid competition from foreign products. The company's CEO emphasised that local products meet international standards and called for strategic government support to help local brands expand nationally and globally.

Around 85-90 percent of Ciniru landfill area burned in Kuningan

A major fire has destroyed an estimated 85 to 90 percent of the Ciniru final waste disposal site in Kuningan Regency, West Java. The local environmental agency is still investigating the cause and has not ruled out any possibilities. Officials say the priority now is to improve waste management practices to reduce future fire risks.

Agincourt Resources develops mycorrhizal bioagents to boost mine land reclamation

Agincourt Resources is developing mycorrhizal fungi as biological agents to improve the success of land reclamation and restoration around the Martabe Gold Mine in South Tapanuli, North Sumatra. The company has increased spore density from under 100 to 400–1,000 spores per 100 grams of soil through enrichment processes. The programme aims to support local plant nurseries and reduce reliance on fertilisers in land recovery.

QRIS reaches 65.77 mln users, accepted by 44.86 mln merchants: BI

Bank Indonesia reports that the QRIS payment system now has 65.77 million users and is accepted by 44.86 million merchants, positioning it as a key entry point for MSMEs into the digital financial ecosystem. The central bank is pursuing digital transformation through e-farming, e-commerce, and e-financing initiatives, supported by the Indonesian Digital Innovation Centre. BI aims to accelerate MSME digitalisation to boost productivity, expand market access, and strengthen financing opportunities.

Iran's Pezeshkian says war must end while Tehran is in a strong and dignified position

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has defended the latest agreement between Tehran and Washington, calling it a major achievement approved by Iran's Supreme National Security Council. He rejected criticism that Iran made concessions and insisted the country would not submit to intimidation. Pezeshkian argued the current situation offers the right moment to end the war from a position of strength and dignity.

Indonesia ready to welcome advanced air mobility era, says Ministry of Transportation

Indonesia's Ministry of Transportation has declared the country ready to embrace advanced air mobility, citing experience with over 10,000 registered drones. The government is coordinating across ministries and supporting local developers such as PT Vela Prima Nusantara, whose VELA Alpha hybrid aircraft is now undergoing certification. Regulatory frameworks covering airworthiness, pilot licensing, airspace use, and cybersecurity are being prepared to support the new technology.

Fire breaks out again at Jakarta Regional Revenue Agency building

A fire broke out on the 11th floor archive room of the Jakarta Regional Revenue Agency (Bapenda) building in Central Jakarta on Friday afternoon. Firefighters deployed eight units and 30 personnel to contain the blaze. This follows a larger fire at the same building earlier in August.

West Java targets Youth Development Index of 90 by 2029

The West Java provincial government aims to raise its Youth Development Index from 62.96 to 90 by 2029. Regional Secretary Herman Suryatman stressed that improving education, health, employment, political participation and equality for young people requires collaboration between government and youth organisations. He urged the newly formed KNPI West Java leadership to take a strategic role in achieving the goal.

Bank Indonesia's Karya Kreatif Indonesia 2026 Opens in Jakarta, BI Tegal Participates

Bank Indonesia has launched Karya Kreatif Indonesia (KKI) 2026 at the Jakarta International Convention Center, showcasing over 550 MSMEs in person and more than 1,300 online. The event aims to strengthen MSMEs through capacity building, financing access, digitalisation, and market expansion, with a particular focus on regions affected by natural disasters. BI Tegal is participating with nine textile MSMEs from the former Pekalongan Residency, recording Rp1.188 billion in transactions on the first day.

Surabaya City Government Strengthens Waste Reduction at Source through Pisang Danor Programme

The Surabaya city government has launched the Pisang Danor programme to encourage households to sort and process organic and inorganic waste before disposal. Mayor Eri Cahyadi said reducing waste must start with changing community behaviour, as organic waste is the largest component and can be processed at home. The initiative aims to cut tipping fees at Benowo landfill and redirect savings to priority programmes such as free education.

Freeport Indonesia Provides Nutritious Meals at Papua Boarding School

PT Freeport Indonesia is providing free nutritious meals to students at the Taruna Papua Boarding School as part of its social investment in education. The programme includes five meals daily and is supported by a dedicated kitchen with strict quality control. The company aims to develop outstanding human resources in Papua through improved nutrition and a enhanced curriculum.

World Condemns Israel's Plan to Build Illegal E1 Settlement in the West Bank

The international community has strongly condemned Israel's plan to build over 1,200 new homes in the illegal E1 settlement project in the occupied West Bank. Seven European nations plus Canada issued a joint statement calling the move unacceptable and warning of legal and reputational consequences. The project is seen as a strategic effort to divide the West Bank and undermine the viability of a contiguous Palestinian state.

Indonesia-Malaysia border post Temajuk-Telok Melano officially reactivated

Indonesia has officially reactivated the Temajuk-Telok Melano cross-border post in West Kalimantan, restoring a formal crossing point for communities on both sides of the Indonesia-Malaysia border. The move follows the 2023 Border Crossing Agreement and is expected to boost economic, social, cultural, trade, and tourism links. The government also sees potential for developing the area into a maritime tourism corridor and an integrated border economic zone.

Indonesian Students Experience Palestine Day at the Palestinian Embassy in Jakarta

Sixty Indonesian junior and senior high school students took part in Palestine Day at the Palestinian Embassy in Jakarta, an event held to mark Indonesia's 81st Independence Day. The programme combined educational games, exhibitions, and cultural activities to introduce Palestinian cities and current realities. Students received symbolic Palestinian passports and engaged in activities designed to build awareness and solidarity.

USS George Washington Arrives in Middle East to Replace USS Abraham Lincoln Amid Crew Welfare Concerns

The US military has deployed the USS George Washington carrier strike group to the Middle East to relieve the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been operating in the region since January. The move follows media reports of deteriorating conditions aboard the Lincoln, including food shortages, sanitation problems, and mental health concerns among crew members. President Trump had ordered the replacement after the reports drew criticism in Washington.

Police arrest several suspects in Central Kalimantan forest and land fires

Indonesian police have arrested several individuals suspected of involvement in forest and land fires in Central Kalimantan. Around 12 people have been named as suspects following investigations into the incidents. Authorities are continuing to examine the causes and identify those responsible.

Solar Energy Association Supports 30 GW First Phase of National Solar Power Development

The Indonesian Solar Energy Association (AESI) has pledged support for accelerating the development of 30 gigawatts of national solar power capacity as the first phase of a 100 GW project. AESI has formed four task forces covering the 100 GW roadmap, rooftop solar, independent power producers, and green workforce development. The association is also exploring cooperation with the Ministry of Cooperatives to use village cooperative networks as service centres for solar installations.

Gajah Tunggal Opens First Giti Tyre Store in South Jakarta

PT Gajah Tunggal Tbk has opened its first Giti tyre store in South Jakarta in partnership with Halo Ban. The store aims to introduce the Giti brand to a wider Indonesian audience and offers premium tyres along with maintenance and consultation services. The company says the outlet is supported by professional technicians and equipment for tyre fitting, wheel alignment, and balancing.

KMP Bontang Ekspress II Catches Fire While Docked in Banyuwangi Waters

A passenger ferry, KMP Bontang Ekspress II, caught fire while docked in the waters off Ketapang, Banyuwangi, on Friday afternoon. The blaze, believed to have been caused by an electrical short circuit, was extinguished by the crew with assistance from nearby vessels. No casualties were reported, though material damage occurred to the nursing room on the vessel's upper deck.

Nagekeo Health Workers' Stories of Caring for Patients Amid Aftershocks

Health workers at Aeramo Regional General Hospital in Nagekeo, East Nusa Tenggara, continue to treat patients despite ongoing aftershocks following the earthquake. Many medical staff, including nurse Maria Rosari Tjeme, are themselves earthquake victims whose homes were destroyed. The hospital director has allowed affected staff to take rest days to recover and attend to their families.

LRT Jabodebek records highest monthly ridership in nearly three years

LRT Jabodebek served 3.06 million passengers in July 2026, the highest monthly figure since the light rail service began operating in August 2023. Total ridership for the first seven months of 2026 reached 19.08 million, up about 21% compared with the same period last year. Harjamukti Station in Depok was the busiest station during the month.

Dozens of Flores Earthquake Refugees Suffer from Diarrhoea

Dozens of earthquake refugees in Reo, Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara, have contracted diarrhoea, with 31 cases reported at the Barongkolong evacuation post. Health workers have been treating patients, mostly children, but the post is severely short of functioning toilets, with only one portable toilet serving over 1,500 displaced people. The situation is compounded by ongoing aftershocks, forcing some refugees to return to their damaged homes to use toilet facilities.

Minister confirms digital transport regulation will govern partnership between online motorcycle taxi drivers and app companies

The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises will oversee the development, empowerment, protection and supervision of partnership relations between online motorcycle taxi drivers and application companies under a forthcoming presidential regulation. The government aims to help drivers grow beyond transport income by enabling them to develop other micro businesses. Details of the partnership arrangements will be explained more comprehensively after the regulation is enacted.

Indonesia targets Bahasa Indonesia as official UN language by 2045

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education aims to elevate Bahasa Indonesia to official language status at the United Nations by 2045, coinciding with the centenary of Indonesian independence. The language programme for foreign speakers is now offered in 62 countries, reflecting growing global interest. A dedicated class for diplomats in Jakarta has attracted 181 participants from 67 foreign missions and international organisations.

Half of Ebola deaths in DR Congo occurred in last 20 days, says UN official

A senior UN coordinator has warned that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is spreading rapidly, with half of all recorded deaths occurring in the past 20 days. Julien Harneis said additional resources are urgently needed to control the outbreak in a region already affected by decades of armed conflict. The outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain, for which no approved vaccine or treatment currently exists.

Chinese Defence Minister: Indonesia Must Be Strong to Counter Regional Threats

Chinese Defence Minister Admiral Dong Jun has emphasised the importance of modernising Indonesia's and China's national defence systems to counter regional threats. Following a meeting with Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin in Jakarta, both sides agreed to deepen military cooperation and accelerate defence modernisation. The ministers expressed confidence that bilateral defence relations can be elevated to a higher level under the direction of their respective heads of state.

ITB Study: Jabodetabek Air Pollution Requires Cross-Sector Handling

A new study from the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) finds that air pollution in the Greater Jakarta area cannot be tackled partially and demands integrated collaboration across administrative boundaries. The research maps differing pollution sources across the region, with industry, power plants, and transport as the largest contributors. The findings are intended to guide local governments in formulating air quality protection and management plans under Environment Ministry Regulation No. 5 of 2026.

No J-10 Talk: Indonesia, China to Build Ammunition Factory

Indonesia and China have agreed to jointly build an ammunition factory in Indonesia, with technology transfer covering missiles and rockets, following high-level defence talks in Jakarta. Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin confirmed that state-owned Pindad and Len Industri will participate in the venture, with operations expected to begin by 2027. The announcement came amid clarification that no discussions were held regarding the potential purchase of Chinese J-10 fighter jets.