Archive: 21 August 2026
Showing 401-450 of 1,528 articles
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 18:32 WIB
Forest and Land Fire in Banjarbaru Spreads to Sekolah Rakyat Terpadu 9 Area
A forest and land fire spread to the grounds of Sekolah Rakyat Terpadu 9 in Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan, on Friday afternoon, driven by strong winds from a neighbouring plot. School staff and related parties extinguished the flames before they could damage main facilities, though electricity and Wi-Fi infrastructure were affected. An excavator has been deployed to clear remaining dry grass as a precaution against further outbreaks.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 18:31 WIB
Brawl in Manggarai Disrupts Jakarta-Bogor Commuter Line Services
Commuter line services between Jakarta and Bogor were disrupted on Friday afternoon due to a brawl near the railway tracks between Manggarai and Pasar Minggu stations. Operator KCI apologised for the delays and said trains were being held until authorities declared the area safe. Passengers were advised to follow instructions from on-site personnel.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 18:30 WIB
OJK Encourages Pindar Growth as Contribution to MSMEs Continues to Rise
Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) reported that fintech lending to micro, small and medium enterprises grew 23.25% year-on-year to Rp35.12 trillion by June 2026. The regulator and lawmakers see the industry as increasingly vital for expanding access to financing for MSMEs. Industry leaders called for supportive regulation and stronger collaboration to ensure sustainable growth.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 18:30 WIB
Regulator and Industry Synergy Key to Strengthening Digital Assets
Indonesia's digital financial asset industry requires closer coordination between regulators, infrastructure providers, and market participants to navigate regulatory adjustments under the P2SK Law. CFX, KKI, and ICC hosted discussions at Coinfest Asia 2026 in Bali to address industry challenges and explore collaboration. The forums emphasised the importance of dialogue in ensuring growth alongside governance, transparency, and user protection.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 18:29 WIB
Assessing the Design of Separate Elections
An Indonesian legislator argues that the country's electoral system should be separated, with legislative elections held independently from presidential and regional head elections. He contends that the current simultaneous model diminishes the role of political parties and places excessive focus on the presidential race. The article calls for a broader constitutional discussion beyond recent Constitutional Court rulings.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 18:29 WIB
Indonesia steps up weather modification to fight Kalimantan wildfires
The Indonesian government is intensifying weather modification operations across Kalimantan to combat forest and land fires, with cloud seeding conducted in West and Central Kalimantan and further operations planned. The strategy combines aerial water bombing, ground-based firefighting, patrols, and inter-agency coordination, though dense smoke has periodically limited air operations. The Forestry Ministry is also working with the National Disaster Mitigation Agency to expand aerial support for hard-to-reach hotspots.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 18:28 WIB
Nahdliyin Urge Evaluation of Accountability Report at 35th NU Congress
Ahead of the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Congress in Jombang, activist Gus Lilur has called on delegates to critically assess the outgoing leadership's accountability report rather than accepting it as a mere formality. He highlighted internal frictions, legal issues involving NU figures, and the need to measure tangible grassroots impact. The push reflects broader calls within NU for transparency and a return to the organisation's core mission.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 18:26 WIB
BMKG detects 733 hotspots across Sumatra
Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has identified 733 hotspots across nine provinces in Sumatra, with South Sumatra recording the highest number at 377. Riau province alone accounts for 69 hotspots, while recent land fires have already scorched more than 700 hectares. Firefighting teams from Manggala Agni are being reinforced as fire frequency rises in Riau and South Sumatra.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 18:26 WIB
Chronology of Foreign Vessel Smuggling 2.6 Tonnes of Liquid Methamphetamine Seized in Riau Islands
Indonesian authorities have intercepted a Tanzanian-flagged cargo ship, MV Ocean Porter, in the waters of the Riau Islands, seizing 2.6 tonnes of liquid methamphetamine and over 1.5 million illegal cigarettes. The operation, based on joint intelligence analysis by Customs and the National Narcotics Agency, is estimated to have saved around 13 million lives and prevented state losses of approximately Rp25.9 trillion in rehabilitation costs. The vessel is believed to have conducted a ship-to-ship narcotics transfer in the Andaman-Malacca Strait area before entering Indonesian waters.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 18:25 WIB
Building Economic Resilience Through Sharia Economy
Indonesia's sharia finance industry continues to grow, with total assets reaching Rp3,131.02 trillion in 2025 and sharia banking assets growing 10.49% year-on-year by March 2026. However, the author argues that asset growth alone does not equate to deeper economic resilience. The piece calls for sharia finance to move beyond asset accumulation and into productive sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, MSMEs, and manufacturing through risk-sharing models like mudharabah and musyarakah.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 18:25 WIB
Climate index insurance can protect agricultural sector, says expert
IPB University climatologist Prof Rizaldi Boer has proposed climate index insurance as a solution to shield farmers and the agricultural sector from crop failure caused by extreme weather. Unlike conventional crop insurance, claims would be triggered by measurable climate indices such as rainfall below 200 millimetres, rather than actual crop losses. The scheme has already been adopted in countries including the Philippines and several African nations.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 18:24 WIB
DIY Social Agency Criticises Fluctuating Desil Data: 'Not Proper'
The Yogyakarta Special Region (DIY) Social Agency has criticised the frequent changes in the national desil welfare classification data, calling the instability 'not proper'. The agency suspects that additional data sources, such as those from the National Population and Family Planning Board (BKKBN), may be distorting the Data Tunggal Sosial Ekonomi Nasional (DTSEN). The DIY regional government and the local statistics agency have held a closed meeting to align their understanding of the data used for poverty alleviation.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 18:24 WIB
Education Ministry strengthens language diplomacy through Handai Indonesia
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is intensifying efforts to internationalise the Indonesian language through the 2026 Handai Indonesia Festival. The festival serves as a competitive platform for foreign nationals learning Indonesian to showcase their proficiency and cultural understanding. Minister Abdul Mu'ti emphasised that these learners act as friendship ambassadors, promoting Indonesia globally through their language skills and cultural appreciation.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 18:23 WIB
Police Chief Says Several Names Arrested in Connection with Forest and Land Fires in Kalimantan
National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo has confirmed that several individuals have been detained in connection with forest and land fires in Kalimantan. Investigations are being conducted simultaneously with firefighting efforts, with regional police units leading the inquiries. The police are also deploying additional personnel to assist in extinguishing the fires.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 18:22 WIB
LPDB Koperasi Marks 20th Anniversary with Social Assistance for Elderly at Care Home
Lembaga Pengelola Dana Bergulir (LPDB) Koperasi celebrated its 20th anniversary by donating health and hygiene supplies to elderly residents at Panti Sosial Tresna Werdha Budi Mulia 3 in South Jakarta. The initiative reflects the cooperative's commitment to social solidarity alongside its core role in revolving fund financing. The assistance included medicines, care equipment, and 360 meal and snack packages.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 18:20 WIB
East Java Brimob Provides Trauma Healing for Child Earthquake Victims in NTT, Smiles Return
Personnel from the East Java Police Mobile Brigade (Brimob) have been providing psychosocial support and trauma healing to children affected by the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). Through games, singing, and educational activities, officers are helping to reduce anxiety and restore a sense of safety among young survivors in evacuation shelters. The humanitarian assistance is set to continue throughout the post-disaster recovery period.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 18:20 WIB
BNN: Seized 2.6 Tonnes of Liquid Meth Linked to 1.3 Tonne Ketamine Case
Indonesia's National Narcotics Agency (BNN) has revealed that the recent seizure of 2.6 tonnes of liquid methamphetamine in the Riau Islands is connected to an earlier interception of 1.3 tonnes of ketamine. The link extends beyond the shared nationality of the suspects from Myanmar, with ongoing investigations targeting higher-level figures in the network. The operations involved coordinated efforts by the police, customs, BNN, and the navy.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 18:20 WIB
Subsidised Fuel Scarcity in Aceh: Potential State Losses of Rp1 Trillion
The chronic scarcity of subsidised fuel in Aceh, particularly along the Malacca Strait coast, has been linked to widespread illegal practices at petrol stations. The Aceh government estimates that misuse of subsidised fuel could cost the state up to Rp1 trillion annually, with around 885,000 litres diverted each day. Authorities have identified repeated filling by modified vehicles and the use of fake number plates as key factors behind the shortages and long queues.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 18:20 WIB
Targeting Rp106 Trillion in Exports, Furniture Industry Boss Says No Need for Government Pampering
Indonesia's furniture and craft industry is targeting US$6 billion in exports by 2031, with a long-term ambition of US$25 billion by 2045. Industry leaders argue that rather than special treatment, businesses need open market access and fair trade policies to compete globally. A joint task force between the Trade Ministry and HIMKI has been established to drive measurable export growth.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 18:16 WIB
TNI Deploys 3 Weather Modification Aircraft to Combat Kalimantan Forest Fires
The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) has deployed three Cassa-212 aircraft to support weather modification operations aimed at tackling forest and land fires in Kalimantan. The aircraft are positioned across East Kalimantan, South Kalimantan, and the Nusantara Capital City (IKN) area. Ground teams have also been mobilised to extinguish peatland fires in Central Kalimantan.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 18:15 WIB
Is Indonesia's Perfume Industry Ready to Make the Nation's Name Fragrant?
Indonesia's essential oil exports reached US$348.7 million in 2025, placing it fifth globally, with nearly 90% of the world's patchouli oil supplied by the archipelago. Despite this dominance in raw materials, the country has historically struggled to convert its advantage into downstream manufacturing, suffering from premature deindustrialisation and a persistent trade deficit in finished perfume products. Recent growth in local brands and government revitalisation programmes suggests a potential shift towards capturing more value from the fragrance supply chain.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 18:15 WIB
Budiawansyah Resigns from Vale Indonesia (INCO) Board of Directors
PT Vale Indonesia Tbk (INCO) has announced the resignation of Budiawansyah from his position as Director and Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer. The resignation, submitted on 20 August 2026, was described as a personal decision related to family considerations. The company stated that the departure will not adversely affect its operations, legal standing, financial condition, or business continuity.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 18:15 WIB
DAMRI reopens Kalianda-Jakarta route from 21 August 2026
State-owned bus operator DAMRI will resume its intercity service between Kalianda, South Lampung, and Jakarta via the Trans-Sumatra route starting 21 August 2026. The service offers fares from Rp215,000 and connects Kalianda and Tanjung Karang railway station with Serang, Poris, BSD, and Gambir. Local officials say the reopening aims to improve transport connectivity and support tourism and economic growth in South Lampung.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 18:15 WIB
Djamari: Preventing transnational crime requires involvement of all law enforcement agencies
Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago has stressed that preventing transnational crime requires the involvement of all law enforcement agencies, not just a single institution. Speaking at the unveiling of a foiled attempt to smuggle 2.6 tonnes of liquid methamphetamine in Batam, he highlighted the importance of inter-agency collaboration. Djamari also noted that successful interdiction saves the state significant rehabilitation costs, potentially up to Rp140 trillion.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 18:14 WIB
National Police Chief Urges Workers and Employers to Maintain Solidarity, Prioritise Dialogue
National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo has called on workers and employers to preserve their solid relationship, emphasising that a conducive industrial climate is vital for Indonesia's business environment. Speaking at the inauguration of a KSPSI AGN building in Surabaya, he highlighted the need for workers to adapt to technological changes and strengthen their skills. He also noted that the Police Labour Desk has handled 324 industrial relations cases since 2025, facilitating the return to work of 4,505 affected employees.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 18:14 WIB
Sports Minister Supports Legal Process in Sexual Violence Case Involving Former Climbing Federation Coach
Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir has voiced full support for the police investigation into alleged sexual violence committed by a former national climbing coach against five female athletes. The case has been declared complete and transferred to the Bekasi District Prosecutor's Office. Thohir emphasised that athlete safety must become a priority across all national sports federations.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 18:13 WIB
France investigates suspected Russian operations targeting Gabriel Attal
French authorities are investigating two new suspected Russian interference operations against Renaissance party leader and presidential candidate Gabriel Attal, bringing the total to four in two weeks. The operations reportedly involved fake newspaper front pages, false corruption allegations, and an AI-generated video projected onto the Pantheon in Paris. Other potential presidential candidates, including Edouard Philippe and Raphael Glucksmann, have also been targeted recently.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 18:12 WIB
South Jakarta Dukcapil Holds Door-to-Door Service to Ease Residents' Civil Administration
The South Jakarta Population and Civil Registration Agency (Dukcapil) has launched a door-to-door service in Pasar Manggis, Setiabudi, to bring civil administration services closer to residents. The Bina Kependudukan (Binduk) programme allows residents of RW 12 to process various population documents without travelling to a service office. The initiative is part of the government's effort to make public services more accessible within communities.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 18:12 WIB
Ministry of Religious Affairs prepares temporary classrooms for madrasah students in NTT
The Ministry of Religious Affairs is setting up temporary learning spaces for madrasahs affected by the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara as part of its emergency response. The ministry has identified 72 affected institutions, with 32 schools serving 5,523 students classified as Priority I due to severe or total damage. Data verification and coordination with local authorities are ongoing to ensure aid is accurately targeted.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 18:12 WIB
Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Reviews Sikka Earthquake Impact in NTT
Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka visited Sikka Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, to assess the handling of the recent earthquake disaster. He inspected damaged schools, ports, churches, and hospitals, and distributed aid to affected residents. The visit aimed to reassure the community that the state is present and committed to supporting recovery efforts.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 18:11 WIB
MPR Deputy Speaker: Upstream oil and gas exploration remains key to energy sovereignty
Deputy Speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Eddy Soeparno has stressed that aggressive upstream oil and gas exploration is essential for reducing Indonesia's dependence on crude oil and fuel imports and for securing national energy sovereignty. He called for a healthy investment climate, regulatory certainty, and fiscal incentives to accelerate exploration and production. ReforMiner Institute also praised SKK Migas' strategy of pursuing offshore projects and legalising community oil wells.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 18:11 WIB
BP Batam and National Police expand security cooperation to 22 islands
BP Batam and the Indonesian National Police have renewed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen security across BP Batam's expanded working area, which now covers 22 islands totalling approximately 152,000 hectares. The expansion follows Government Regulation No. 46 of 2007 and increases BP Batam's jurisdiction from the previous eight islands. Police officials emphasised that security is essential for providing certainty to the public, businesses, and government development efforts.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 18:10 WIB
VP Gibran assures equal aid for NTT quake victims
Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has assured residents affected by the magnitude 7.7 earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara that government assistance will be distributed equally, including to independent evacuees. During visits to evacuation centres and health facilities in Manggarai and East Manggarai districts, he urged displaced residents to move to communal shelters for better access to food, medicine and services. The government has deployed thousands of personnel and delivered hundreds of tons of supplies, with ongoing assessments of damaged homes to support housing assistance.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 18:10 WIB
Premature Baby Born in Emergency Tent in Manggarai, NTT, Dies
A baby born prematurely at the Barongkolo evacuation post in Reo, Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara, died while being referred to Ruteng Regional Hospital. The infant suffered from asphyxia and hyperthermia shortly after birth. The post is the main shelter for over 1,500 victims of the Flores earthquake.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 18:10 WIB
Flores Earthquake Damages 1,378 Schools, Affects Over 100,000 Students
The 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, has damaged 1,378 schools, disrupting education for 177,678 students and 21,166 teachers. The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reports that 923 schools have temporarily closed, while others are operating in emergency rooms or through distance learning. The disaster has also damaged nearly 45,000 homes and displaced over 110,000 people.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 18:10 WIB
Yogyakarta Residents Alarmed by Loud Bangs During M3.5 Earthquake, BMKG Explains
Residents of Yogyakarta reported hearing loud bangs and rumbling during a magnitude 3.5 earthquake on 20 August 2026, prompting fears of a larger event. The BMKG explained that the shallow quake was triggered by the active Opak Fault and that such sounds are common in shallow crustal earthquakes. Officials urged the public to learn from the destructive 2006 Opak Fault earthquake and to strengthen disaster mitigation and preparedness.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 18:10 WIB
Customs and Excise Foils Smuggling of 2.6 Tonnes of Liquid Methamphetamine During Indonesia's 81st Independence Day
Indonesia's Directorate General of Customs and Excise, together with the National Narcotics Agency and Riau Islands Police, intercepted a Tanzanian-flagged vessel carrying approximately 2.6 tonnes of liquid methamphetamine and 1.57 million illicit cigarettes. The operation took place in Riau Islands waters on 17-18 August 2026, coinciding with Indonesia's 81st Independence Day celebrations. Authorities estimate the drug seizure potentially saved 14.15 million lives from substance abuse.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 18:09 WIB
Minister: Limited dual citizenship proposal not only for foreign nationals
Law Minister Supratman Andi Agtas has clarified that the proposed limited dual citizenship scheme for exceptional talent is not exclusively aimed at foreign nationals, responding to concerns from the Indonesian diaspora. He stressed that President Prabowo Subianto prioritises qualified diaspora members and that the policy will be highly selective, with applications likely to be made by institutions rather than individuals. The proposal is still under discussion and will be incorporated into the Citizenship Bill.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 18:09 WIB
Indef Supports Reduced Electric Motorcycle Incentives to Strengthen Fiscal Position
Economist M Rizal Taufikurahman of Indef has backed the government's plan to reduce electric motorcycle purchase incentives to Rp3 million, arguing it will ease pressure on the state budget. He noted that the incentive serves more as a sweetener than a primary driver for switching to electric vehicles. The government has allocated Rp3 trillion for the programme, targeting one million units.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 18:07 WIB
WIKA Wins 2 Awards at Indonesia Human Capital Awards for Strengthening HR
State-owned construction firm PT Wijaya Karya (WIKA) has received two accolades at the Indonesia Human Capital Awards XII 2026, recognising its human capital transformation efforts. The awards highlight the company's commitment to building an agile, productive workforce aligned with its broader corporate restructuring agenda.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 18:06 WIB
BI: QRIS used by 65.77 million users and accepted by 44.86 million merchants
Bank Indonesia reports that by June 2026, QRIS has been adopted by 65.77 million users and 44.86 million merchants, with 96.68 per cent of merchants being MSMEs. The central bank views QRIS as a key entry point for MSMEs into the digital financial ecosystem. BI is promoting digital transformation through e-farming, e-commerce, and e-financing initiatives to help MSMEs scale up.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 18:05 WIB
National Police Chief encourages good and constructive industrial relations
National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo has called for constructive industrial relations between workers and employers amid rapid changes in the world of work. Speaking at the inauguration of the KSPSI AGN building in Surabaya, he highlighted the importance of dialogue and noted that the Police Labour Desk has handled 324 industrial relations cases since 2025. He stressed that resolving labour issues through open communication serves the shared interests of workers, businesses, and the national economy.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 18:05 WIB
Indonesian Business Association Reassures EU Investors as Technical Hurdles Are Quickly Resolved
APINDO chairwoman Shinta Widjaja Kamdani says the association has successfully convinced European Union investors that Indonesia is a comfortable place to invest. A dedicated debottlenecking task force is addressing technical obstacles in implementing the Indonesia-EU CEPA, including regulation, licensing, registration, certification and standards. The EU Ambassador to Indonesia welcomed APINDO's initiative in promoting the task force to businesses.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 18:03 WIB
This Week in the Indonesian Economy (14-20 Aug 2026)
The week of 14 to 20 August 2026 proved to be one of the most consequential in recent memory for the Indonesian economy, encompassing a devastating natural disaster, a raft of ambitious policy announcements, renewed momentum in the energy transition, and persistent questions about whether the country's robust headline growth is being felt by ordinary households.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 18:02 WIB
This Week in Indonesian Politics (14-20 Aug 2026)
Indonesia's 81st Independence Day week unfolded against a backdrop of natural disaster, judicial drama, security crises in Papua, and the stirrings of electoral politics -- a characteristically dense stretch for a nation that rarely affords itself a quiet moment. The magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck East Nusa Tenggara on 15 August cast a long shadow over the Independence Day celebrations.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 18:01 WIB
This Week in Indonesian Business and Investment (14-20 Aug 2026)
The week of 14 to 20 August 2026 proved to be one of the busiest in recent memory for Indonesian business and investment, with major policy announcements, capital market reforms, surging financial sector performance, and a flurry of foreign investment signals all converging in the days surrounding the nation's 81st Independence Day.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 18:00 WIB
Myanmar Deploys Troops to Seize Civilian Land for Russian-Backed Project
Myanmar's military has deployed hundreds of soldiers to forcibly clear villages around the Dawei Special Economic Zone, a stalled deep-sea port project now being revived with Russian backing. The operation has reportedly involved burning homes and killing aid workers, as the junta seeks to secure the strategic corridor as an alternative to the Malacca Strait. The push comes amid renewed diplomatic engagement between junta leader Min Aung Hlaing and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 18:00 WIB
Coordinating Ministry for Political and Security Affairs: RAN PE Phase II strengthens protection for terrorism victims
The Indonesian government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting victims of terrorism through the second phase of the National Action Plan for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (RAN PE) 2026–2029. Deputy Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Lodewijk F. Paulus highlighted the state's responsibility to provide compensation, medical assistance, and psychosocial rehabilitation. He also warned of emerging challenges, including radicalisation in digital spaces targeting vulnerable groups.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 18:00 WIB
Bekasi City Metro Police Commemorate Police Service Day with Community Elements
The Bekasi City Metro Police marked Police Service Day 2026 with a ceremony involving online motorcycle taxi communities, students, and volunteers. The event highlighted the strategic partnership between the police and the public in maintaining security and public order. Awards were presented to community representatives for their active role in neighbourhood safety and road user awareness.
Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 18:00 WIB
Andrea Bocelli to Hold Two Concerts in Indonesia, Here is the Schedule
Italian maestro Andrea Bocelli will perform at Borobudur Temple and Jakarta International Expo in late 2026 as part of his Romanza 30th Anniversary World Tour. Bank SMBC Indonesia is the presenting partner, offering presale tickets and discounts to its customers. The bank says the collaboration aims to connect world-class music with Indonesia's cultural heritage while supporting economic growth.