Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 22 August 2026

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Public Works Ministry strengthens drinking water services for 2,623 displaced people in Reok, NTT

Indonesia's Ministry of Public Works is reinforcing drinking water and sanitation support for 2,623 people displaced by the 15 August 2026 earthquake in Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. Five water treatment units with a capacity of 1,000 litres each are currently operating at two evacuation posts, with additional equipment being mobilised from Lombok. The ministry is coordinating with local government, the regional water company, BNPB and security forces to maintain basic services throughout the emergency response period.

Fithra Faisal Bantah Ikhsan: Data Investasi Tidak Bercerita tentang Investor Meninggalkan Indonesia

Economist Fithra Faisal challenges Professor Mohamad Ikhsan's claim that Indonesia's investment climate is at its worst, citing robust investment realisation data. Foreign direct investment accelerated sharply in the second quarter of 2026, growing over 27% year-on-year. Fithra argues that the positive figures, including growth in gross fixed capital formation, indicate investors are not leaving Indonesia.

2027 State Budget and Overseeing National Transformation

The 2027 State Budget (APBN) is framed not merely as an annual financial plan but as an instrument for national transformation. The government aims to strengthen healthcare and education infrastructure while pursuing high-value economic activities, including a strategic mineral exchange and large-scale solar energy development. The budget is positioned as a tool to protect citizens and realise the nation's founding ideals.

Bapanas: Distribution of 1.65 million tonnes of government rice reserves an effort to control rice prices

Indonesia's National Food Agency (Bapanas) has distributed 1.65 million tonnes of government rice reserves between January and August 2026 as part of efforts to stabilise rice prices. The agency says the distribution is significantly higher than in previous years and will help prevent sharp inflation despite the ongoing El Niño dry season. Total government rice stocks held by Bulog stand at 5.17 million tonnes, far exceeding levels seen during the 2023 El Niño crisis.

Traditional Sade house in Central Lombok destroyed by fire

A fire has destroyed the traditional Sade village houses in Rambitan, Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. The blaze broke out on Saturday evening and is believed to have been caused by an electrical short circuit. No casualties have been reported.

Bomang flyover to open direct Bojonggede-Parung access to Cibinong

Bogor Regency is preparing to build the Bojonggede-Kemang (Bomang) flyover, with construction targeted to begin in 2027, to provide a direct route from Bojonggede, Kemang and Parung to the administrative centre in Cibinong. The project is estimated to cost nearly Rp150 billion and is among around ten strategic projects scheduled for early tendering in late 2026. Regent Rudy Susmanto also plans to reorganise the Parung area, including street vendors, so that the infrastructure development supports local economic activity.

Prabowo Urges Public to Avoid Activities Triggering Forest Fires Amid El Niño

President Prabowo Subianto has instructed regional authorities to intensify efforts to prevent forest and land fires as Indonesia faces an unusually dry El Niño season. During visits to West and Central Kalimantan, he approved additional firefighting equipment and emphasised the importance of public education to curb activities that could spark fires.

EU Investors Eye Renewable Energy and Electric Vehicle Sectors in Indonesia

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto has identified renewable energy, digital industry, agriculture, and EV downstreaming as key sectors attracting European Union investor interest as the Indonesia-EU Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IEU CEPA) moves towards ratification. Bilateral trade reached USD31.9 billion in 2025, with USD13.6 billion in EU investment entering Indonesia over the past five years. Business association APINDO has urged the government to address licensing and investment barriers to fully capitalise on the agreement, which is targeted to take effect in 2027.

Public Works Ministry addresses 1,229 drought-affected locations

Indonesia's Ministry of Public Works has reported handling 1,229 drought-affected locations across agriculture, residential areas and forest and land fires as of 21 August 2026. The measures have helped protect approximately 41,252 hectares of rice fields and provided clean water to 616,033 people. Java accounts for the largest share of interventions, with 728 locations treated.

Pertamina Peduli Distributes Aid to 534 Earthquake Survivors in Palue District, NTT

Pertamina Patra Niaga has delivered logistical and basic-needs assistance to 534 earthquake survivors in Palue District, Sikka Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. The aid, distributed on 20-21 August 2026, includes staple foods, bedding, emergency lighting and hygiene products. The company says it will continue coordinating with local government to support post-disaster recovery.

Adi Arnawa Appreciates PLN ES Increasing TPST Electricity Supply in Badung to 3 MW

Badung Regent I Wayan Adi Arnawa has welcomed PT PLN Electricity Services' move to bolster electricity supply for waste processing facilities in the regency. The company has installed 1 MW of power and plans to gradually increase capacity to 3 MW, enabling the integrated waste treatment plant to operate at full capacity. This development supports Badung's ambition to become a national model for independent waste management.

Government Accelerates Damage Assessment of Homes Affected by NTT Earthquake

The Indonesian government is expediting the collection of data on damaged homes in East Nusa Tenggara following a major earthquake, as this information is essential for distributing repair assistance. Aid packages range from Rp15 million for lightly damaged houses to Rp70 million for severely damaged ones. The process involves village-level data collection, verification by local police and prosecutors, and coordination led by the Home Affairs Minister.

Bogor Regency to build haj embarkation resembling Zamzam Tower

The Bogor Regency government plans to construct a seven-storey haj and umrah embarkation facility worth Rp142 billion, modelled on the Zamzam Tower in Mecca, with construction expected to begin in 2027. The project aims to improve services for local pilgrims by allowing them to depart directly from Bogor rather than travelling to the Pondok Gede embarkation in Jakarta. The facility will be part of the wider development of the Nurul Wathon Grand Mosque complex in Pakansari.

Developing Village Economic Potential Must Be Accompanied by Wider Market Access

The Suadesa Festival 2026 in Sleman, Yogyakarta, supported by PT Perusahaan Gas Negara Tbk (PGN), aims to connect village micro, small and medium enterprises (UMKM) with broader markets, knowledge and business networks. PGN's CSR division head Krisdyan Widagodo stressed that village economic potential cannot grow optimally if it relies only on local markets. The festival, involving 35 UMKM and 75 local artists and community members, is intended to spark sustainable business relationships and strengthen long-term village economic independence.

Responders fight spreading wildfire in Indonesia's Way Kambas Park

A wildfire in Way Kambas National Park in East Lampung continues to spread, with high winds and difficult terrain hampering containment efforts. Joint crews are using manual methods as the site is inaccessible to vehicles, while initial assessments put the damaged area at 673.4 hectares. Officials warn that dry season conditions and flammable brush have heightened wildfire risks across the protected conservation area.

Public Works Ministry deploys water tanker trucks to support Tanjung Selor forest fire response

The Ministry of Public Works has mobilised personnel and water tanker trucks to assist in tackling forest and land fires in Tanjung Selor, North Kalimantan. The support involves coordination between the ministry's regional technical units and local disaster agencies. The ministry emphasised its commitment to using infrastructure for disaster mitigation and public safety.

President Prabowo Instructs Forest Fire Education Down to Grassroots Level

President Prabowo Subianto has ordered government officials to intensify public education on preventing forest and land fires amid extreme dry weather in Kalimantan. State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi said the president stressed continuous outreach to the lowest levels of society to avoid activities that could spark fires. The government is also preparing heavy equipment support so communities can clear land without burning.

Indonesia's Investment Reaches Rp1,010 Trillion, HIPMI Urges Local Entrepreneurs to Share the Benefits

Indonesia recorded Rp1,010.6 trillion in investment realisation during the first half of 2026, up 7.2 percent year-on-year, absorbing 1.45 million workers. The Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association (HIPMI) welcomed the figure as a sign of sustained investor confidence but stressed that local businesses must be integrated as suppliers, vendors and strategic partners. HIPMI is calling on the government to strengthen financing access, regulatory certainty and technology transfer to ensure investment generates a broader multiplier effect for the national economy.

Four people swept away by waves while bathing at Tuturuga Beach, Minahasa

Four people were swept out to sea by large waves while bathing at Tuturuga Beach in Minahasa Regency, North Sulawesi. Three victims were rescued by local residents, but one remains missing and search operations are ongoing. The head of the local search and rescue agency has urged the public to pay closer attention to weather and wave conditions when engaging in coastal activities.

Prabowo Interrupts Meeting with Phone Call to Request Additional Equipment for Forest Fire Response

President Prabowo Subianto made a direct phone call during a limited cabinet meeting in Palangkaraya to request additional firefighting equipment for Central Kalimantan. The province has recorded nearly 20,000 hotspots and over 1,600 forest and land fire incidents since January 2026. Prabowo sought to expedite the deployment of water-bombing helicopters and water pumps to strengthen ground and aerial firefighting operations.

Secret Alas Kedaton Monkey Forest Is Bali’s Crowd-Free Wildlife Adventure

Alas Kedaton Monkey Forest in Bali offers a quieter alternative to the island's more famous monkey attractions, drawing only 40-50 visitors daily to its 12-hectare protected forest and temple complex. The site is managed as a community-based tourism initiative, with local guides and rangers supporting conservation and cultural performances. Entry fees are set to rise in early 2026, with international adult tickets increasing from IDR 30,000 to IDR 70,000 to help fund monkey food and align with other attractions.

Cooperatives must refocus on business development, says minister

Cooperatives and SMEs Minister Ferry Juliantono has urged Indonesian cooperatives to shift from administrative focus to active business development in production, distribution, industry and finance. The move is part of President Prabowo Subianto's mandate for sweeping cooperative reform. Strategies include rebranding, digitalisation and improved governance, with plans to establish cooperative business entities in mosques.

Deputy Minister Encourages Use of Transmigration Land to Create New Rice Fields in North Maluku

Deputy Minister of Transmigration Viva Yoga Mauladi has urged North Maluku to maximise existing transmigration areas to meet the central government's target of creating 10,000 hectares of new rice fields, of which only around 1,900 hectares have been achieved. He said the programme aims to boost rice production, improve transmigrant welfare, and create local jobs, while stressing the need for supporting irrigation and dams. Local officials highlighted challenges including irrigation problems, mining waste, and flooding.

Major Fire Engulfs Sade Traditional Village in Central Lombok

A large fire broke out on Saturday night in the Sade Traditional Village in Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, with flames still visible late into the evening. The blaze spread rapidly due to the traditional houses' thatched roofs and woven bamboo walls, which are highly flammable. Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the fire or the number of homes destroyed.

Furniture Factory in Kalideres, West Jakarta, Catches Fire; 23 Fire Engines Deployed

A furniture factory in Tegal Alur, Kalideres, West Jakarta, caught fire on Saturday evening, prompting a large-scale response from the Jakarta Fire and Rescue Service. A total of 23 fire engines and 115 personnel were deployed to the scene. The cause of the fire and any casualties have not yet been confirmed.

Transport Ministry boosts SAR personnel readiness for maritime emergencies

Indonesia's Transport Ministry is strengthening the preparedness of search and rescue personnel through training on ship accident and fire handling. The initiative aims to improve shipping safety and rapid response to emergencies at sea. The training addresses key operational challenges including response time, inter-agency coordination, and standard operating procedures.

Police Seal Five Hectares of Burned Land in Rimbo Panjang, Suspected Arson Under Investigation

Police in Kampar Regency, Riau, have sealed off five hectares of burned land in Rimbo Panjang village as part of an investigation into suspected illegal land clearing by fire. The site has been secured to preserve evidence while authorities work to determine the cause and identify those responsible. The case highlights ongoing challenges in tackling forest and land fires linked to slash-and-burn practices in Riau.

From Maggots to Seedling Houses: Four Student Teams Grapple with Implementing Village Programmes

Four university teams participating in the Genera-Z Berbakti 2026 programme faced real-world challenges while implementing community development projects in Bakti BCA-assisted tourism villages. The students learned that successful programmes require adaptability, teamwork, and listening to local residents rather than relying solely on initial proposals. Their experiences highlight the importance of two-way learning between students and village communities.

Creative Economy Minister: Malang's Creative City status must create jobs

Creative Economy Minister Teuku Riefky Harsya has urged that Malang's UNESCO Creative City designation in Media Arts be leveraged to generate employment opportunities. He highlighted that the creative economy sector employs 27.4 million people, with 63 percent from Generation Z and millennials, and 58 percent women. Riefky called on local stakeholders to support creative economy actors in expanding job creation.

BRI's Rumah BUMN Programme Helps Visang Banana Chips Reach Malaysia and Hong Kong

PT WWA Andik Sukses, a banana chip producer from Sidoarjo, East Java, has expanded from a home-based business to international markets in Malaysia and Hong Kong with support from BRI's Rumah BUMN programme. The company joined the programme in 2021 and has benefited from packaging development, business networking, digital marketing training, and e-commerce support. BRI says the case demonstrates how MSME empowerment can strengthen the grassroots economy.

NTT Governor Outlines Scenarios for Delivering Earthquake Aid to Hard-to-Reach Areas

East Nusa Tenggara Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena has detailed three strategies for distributing aid to isolated communities affected by the 7.7 magnitude earthquake. The approaches include using TNI and Polri vehicles, allowing residents to take essential goods from local shops free of charge with the provincial government covering the costs, and utilising motorbike taxis and pickups for final distribution. Police have also reached seven isolated points across several regencies, with teams facing significant obstacles such as rivers and earthquake debris.

MPR Deputy Speaker Supports Direct Presidential Command for Forest Fire Handling

Deputy Speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly Eddy Soeparno has urged that forest and land fire management in Kalimantan be coordinated directly under President Prabowo Subianto, citing the scale of the disaster and its impact on connectivity, health and the economy. He welcomed the President's direct visit to Kalimantan and called for an integrated national framework to tackle the root causes of the fires. Soeparno also proposed developing a carbon economy so that preserving forests becomes more profitable than destroying them.

National Gathering 'Jaga Jakarta' Encourages Online Motorcycle Taxi Drivers to Become Safety Pioneers

The Jakarta Metropolitan Police engaged hundreds of online motorcycle taxi drivers in a national gathering aimed at promoting road safety. Participants received safety riding training, free motorcycle servicing, and health services. The event also included a joint declaration to foster order, solidarity, and unity among communities.

South Korea sends first container ship through Arctic route

South Korea has launched its first trial container shipment through the Arctic, testing a shorter alternative to the Suez Canal amid Middle East shipping disruptions. The voyage follows a similar Chinese initiative and signals growing commercial interest in the Northern Sea Route, though it raises concerns over Western sanctions on Russia and environmental risks from accelerated ice melt.

NTT Earthquake Victims to Receive Housing Aid up to Rp30 Million, Here's the Scheme

Indonesia's National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has announced a stimulant fund scheme for residents whose homes were damaged by the 7.7 magnitude earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara. The government has allocated between Rp15 million and Rp30 million per building unit, depending on the level of physical damage. The death toll from the disaster has reached 87 people, with around 150,000 people displaced.

Early Detection of Congenital Heart Disease: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Congenital heart disease is one of the most common birth defects in Indonesia, and early detection is crucial for successful treatment. The article outlines the symptoms, risk factors, diagnostic procedures, and treatment options for the condition. It also notes that a member of the Indonesian House of Representatives has highlighted the high infant mortality rate from congenital heart disease and urged strengthening of the healthcare system.

Weather Modification to Tackle Drought: 800 kg of Salt Seeded over IKN

The Nusantara Capital Authority (OIKN), together with the Indonesian Air Force and BMKG, has begun a six-day weather modification operation to address drought in the new capital area. On the first sortie, 800 kilograms of salt were seeded into clouds north of IKN to boost rainfall and replenish water reserves. The operation also aims to reduce the risk of forest and land fires.

Indonesian Crypto Users Reach 22.69 Million, Industry Urged to Strengthen Compliance and Innovation

Indonesia's crypto user base has grown to 22.69 million as of June 2026, prompting calls for the industry to balance regulatory compliance with product innovation. Stakeholders at Coinfest Asia 2026 in Bali emphasised the need for consumer protection, regulatory certainty, and room for innovation to compete with foreign digital asset platforms.

Ministry of Culture to revitalise cultural sites in North Maluku

Indonesia's Ministry of Culture has announced plans to revitalise cultural heritage sites in North Maluku, including in Ternate and Tidore, to protect historic landmarks and provide educational facilities. Minister Fadli Zon highlighted the region's rich legacy, from Alfred Russel Wallace's explorations to the spice trade and the Moloku Kie Raha philosophy. He called on the newly installed North Maluku Family Association leadership and other stakeholders to strengthen cultural preservation efforts.

Togar Situmorang Reports Six Bali High Prosecutor's Office Prosecutors to Bali Police

Togar Situmorang has filed a police report against six public prosecutors from the Bali High Prosecutor's Office, alleging they misled the judicial process in his fraud case. His legal team claims prosecutors altered the characterisation of funds, presented an unqualified expert witness, and conducted an improper seizure of evidence. The report invokes Article 278 of the new Criminal Code, which carries a maximum penalty of six years.

Pelita Harapan Group Grand Launches SDH Global Bandung to Strengthen Quality Education Ecosystem

Pelita Harapan Group has officially launched Sekolah Dian Harapan (SDH) Global Bandung, its 25th SDH school, completing a network of 27 locations across Indonesia. The school is designed to accommodate around 1,000 students with comprehensive facilities supporting a holistic education approach. The Bandung city government welcomed the new institution as part of a broader collaboration to strengthen the quality of the local education ecosystem.

Babel Provincial Government and PLN switch on 24-hour electricity for Rengit Island

The Bangka Belitung Provincial Government and state electricity company PLN have upgraded power supply on Rengit Island from 12 hours to 24 hours a day. The move is part of PLN's commitment to equitable energy access in archipelagic regions and coincides with the launch of a Green Energy Ecosystem Technopark on the island. PLN hopes the project will serve as a model for renewable-based electricity systems in other remote island areas across Indonesia.

UN Has Not Received US Notification on Visa Denial for Palestinian President

The United Nations says it has not received official notification from the United States regarding reports that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas may again be barred from attending this year's UN General Assembly. A UN spokesperson stressed that Washington is obliged as host country to facilitate the entry of diplomats and officials attending UN business. Meanwhile, Palestinian factions Fatah and Hamas are scheduled to meet in Cairo to continue national reconciliation dialogue.

Komdigi distributes connectivity devices following disaster in NTT

The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs has distributed Starlink devices to support communication and connectivity in Nagekeo Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, following a magnitude 7.7 earthquake. The equipment was delivered to the joint disaster emergency response post and Aeramo Regional Hospital to ensure coordination and health services continue despite disruptions to conventional networks. The government emphasised that technological support must directly benefit communities facing difficult circumstances.

Police Investigate Brutal Robbery of Woman in Serpong, South Tangerang

Police in South Tangerang are investigating a violent robbery in which a woman named Evi Nurmalasari was attacked with a sickle after dropping her child at school. The incident occurred in Serpong on Thursday morning, and officers have conducted a crime scene investigation. Authorities have appealed for public support as they work to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.

Indonesia, Turkey and 10 Other Countries Condemn Israeli Attack in Syria

Indonesia, Turkey and ten other nations have issued a joint statement condemning Israel's attack on the Abu Al-Duhur military base in Syria as an 'extreme escalation' and a violation of Syrian sovereignty. The foreign ministers warned that continued Israeli violations would heighten regional tensions and undermine international law. They urged the international community to take firm, principled action and called for compliance with the 1974 Israel-Syria agreement.

KAI Cirebon upgrades 30 km of railway track to improve train safety

PT Kereta Api Indonesia's Operational Area 3 Cirebon has upgraded 30.85 kilometres of railway track, including 1,234 rail segments and 1,074 welded joints, to enhance safety and reliability. The work was carried out during scheduled window times to minimise disruption to train services. The improvements are expected to deliver safer, more comfortable journeys and better time efficiency.

Pelni Ambon opens aid delivery service for NTT earthquake victims

State-owned shipping company Pelni's Ambon branch has opened a humanitarian aid delivery service for communities affected by the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara. The company is utilising its regular maritime network to accelerate the distribution of relief supplies to the archipelago region. Aid shipments have already arrived in Maumere aboard KM Tidar, with additional vessels prepared to support ongoing distribution efforts.

Fire in Nipah Panjang, Jambi, Destroys Dozens of Homes

A major fire swept through a densely populated settlement in Nipah Panjang, Tanjung Jabung Timur Regency, Jambi, on Friday evening, destroying more than a dozen homes and a former harbormaster's office. No casualties were reported, but around 20 families have been displaced and are receiving assistance from local authorities. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

What is known about the Jakarta Bapenda building catching fire again

The Jakarta Regional Revenue Agency (Bapenda) building caught fire for the second time in two weeks, with the latest blaze occurring on Friday evening in the archive room on the 11th floor. Firefighters attributed the ignition to high temperatures, and the fire was extinguished by around 9.55 pm local time. The building remains sealed with police line and has not operated normally since the first fire on 7 August, with all correspondence now being handled digitally.