Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 22 August 2026

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Surabaya Woman Who Demolished Official Residence with Excavator Sentenced to 11 Months in Prison

Murnita Triwidyaning has been sentenced to 11 months in prison for ordering the demolition of a state-owned official residence belonging to the East Java I Customs and Excise Regional Office in Surabaya. The Surabaya District Court found her guilty under Article 410 of the Criminal Code, with the sentence being one month lighter than the prosecutor's demand. Both the prosecution and the defendant accepted the ruling without appeal.

Kalimantan Surrounded by 1,842 Hotspots, Central Kalimantan Contributes the Most

Satellite monitoring detected 1,842 hotspots across five provinces in Kalimantan on 21 August 2026, with Central Kalimantan accounting for more than half at 976. The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) is intensifying integrated forest and land fire operations in six priority provinces, deploying air and ground task forces. Authorities are urging local governments and communities to heighten vigilance during the fire-prone period.

Climate a Thorny Issue in Indonesia, Energy Transition Must Continue

Indonesia faces escalating climate impacts, including extreme weather and glacial melt in Papua, while holding vast untapped renewable energy potential. Deputy Speaker of the MPR Eddy Soeparno stressed the need to accelerate the energy transition despite the country's heavy reliance on coal. He noted that geopolitical uncertainty is also driving the global shift towards alternative energy sources.

3,759 Hotspots in West Kalimantan, Most in Ketapang

Satellite data from Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) recorded 3,759 hotspots across West Kalimantan as of 20 August 2026, with Ketapang Regency accounting for the largest share. Thick smoke has reduced visibility and pushed PM2.5 concentrations to hazardous levels in several areas. Authorities are intensifying ground and air operations, including water bombing and weather modification, to tackle forest and land fires.

Performing at Primaria Fest, Juan Reza Urges Public to Support NTT Recovery

East Nusa Tenggara musician Juan Reza used his performance at Primaria Fest Bekasi 2026 to call on the public to support and pray for communities in Flores and NTT affected by an earthquake. He expressed gratitude for donations from across Indonesia and highlighted the growing recognition of eastern Indonesian music. The festival showcased Indonesian Bounce Music and featured several other artists.

Trump Claims Strait of Hormuz Now American Territory

President Donald Trump has controversially declared the Strait of Hormuz as American territory during a campaign event in South Carolina, citing the ongoing US naval blockade as giving Washington full control over maritime traffic in the strategic waterway. Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi dismissed the claim as 'a mere hallucination'. The strait is a vital global energy artery, carrying nearly 20 percent of the world's crude oil supply.

Canberra Joins Gun Buyback Programme Following Bondi Beach Attack

The Australian Capital Territory has agreed to participate in the federal government's gun buyback scheme, following New South Wales in adopting the measure introduced after the Bondi Beach attack that killed 15 people. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed the ACT's collaboration, noting the programme aims to remove firearms from circulation and strengthen public safety. The ACT has approximately 23,000 firearms and over 7,000 licensed owners, though a start date for its buyback has not yet been announced.

Facts Behind the Expulsion of Foreign Nationals Suspected of Being Israeli IDF Soldiers from a Gym in Bali

Three foreign nationals, suspected of being Israeli citizens and members of the Israel Defense Forces, were expelled from a gym in Gianyar, Bali, after one allegedly behaved rudely towards staff. Immigration authorities have identified two of the men, who entered Indonesia using Bulgarian and Romanian passports, and have placed them on a watchlist while investigations continue. The gym owner has defended his actions on moral grounds, citing the war in Gaza, and will also be questioned by authorities.

Magnitude 5.2 Earthquake Strikes East Nusa Tenggara

A magnitude 5.2 earthquake struck off the coast of Ruteng, Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara on Saturday morning. The tremor occurred at a depth of 10 kilometres and was centred in the sea, according to Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG). No tsunami warning was issued, and there have been no immediate reports of damage or casualties.

Indonesia-China Push Trade and Investment through Strategic Dialogue

Indonesia and China have agreed to strengthen bilateral trade and investment cooperation, including expanding market access for Indonesian commodities and revitalising strategic mechanisms in energy, minerals, and maritime affairs. The two foreign ministers announced plans for a new Five-Year Action Plan from 2027 to 2030, building on existing cooperation valued at around 167 billion US dollars. Both sides also committed to exploring new areas such as artificial intelligence and quarantine cooperation to deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership.

Minimum Balance Requirements for Bank Mandiri, BRI, and BNI as of August 2026

Indonesia's three largest state-owned banks have published their latest minimum balance requirements for various savings products. The thresholds vary significantly by account type, ranging from Rp0 for certain youth accounts to Rp1 million for business accounts. The requirements are designed to cover monthly administrative fees and maintain account activity.

UI Professor Rates Indonesia's Investment Climate at Its Worst

Professor Mohamad Ikhsan from the University of Indonesia has given Indonesia's investment climate a score of 2 out of 10, calling it the worst he has observed. He attributes the decline to eroding trust, credibility, and transparency, despite the country's substantial economic potential. Ikhsan also warns against narrowing competition, which he says is essential for improving investment quality.

KPK: Alleged Extortion by Unsoed Rector Not Limited to Medical Faculty Applicants

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has revealed that alleged extortion in the independent admission pathway at Jenderal Soedirman University (Unsoed) extended beyond the Faculty of Medicine to other faculties, including Fisheries and Law. Six suspects, including the rector, have been detained after a sting operation seized Rp665 million in cash. The KPK said the scheme involved setting unofficial fees for at least 73 of the 245 independent pathway places, undermining fairness and trust in higher education.

Government pledges to oversee recovery of earthquake-affected residents in NTT

The Indonesian government has assured that support for residents affected by the earthquake in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, will continue beyond the emergency response period. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) is committed to overseeing the recovery process until community life returns to normal. Access routes on Palue Island have been reopened after three excavators cleared landslide debris, facilitating aid distribution and community activities.

Pentagon under Hegseth sacks military media leaders, censorship concerns mount

The Pentagon has dismissed the publisher and editor-in-chief of Stars and Stripes, the US military newspaper, citing insubordination over remarks made in a CBS interview about editorial independence. The dismissals have raised concerns about press freedom and censorship within the Department of Defense. The affected journalists maintain that Stars and Stripes must remain editorially independent as required by law.

Pertamina Opens Free Health Post for Earthquake Evacuees in Reo, NTT

State-owned energy company Pertamina has established a free health post for earthquake victims in Reo, East Nusa Tenggara, as part of its disaster relief efforts. The service provides medical examinations, blood pressure checks, consultations, and medicines to evacuees, with medical staff working alongside police doctors. The initiative aims to ensure affected communities maintain access to healthcare during the emergency recovery period.

When the Rupiah Collapsed and Inflation Soared, 14 Indonesian Economic Ministers Resigned

On 20 May 1998, fourteen ministers of Indonesia's Seventh Development Cabinet resigned en masse amid a severe economic and political crisis. The move, led by Coordinating Minister for Economic, Financial and Industrial Affairs Ginandjar Kartasasmita, dealt a symbolic blow to President Soeharto's authority. Soeharto announced his own resignation the following day.

Governor Khofifah Receives Nayaka Mahambara Award, Making East Java a Pioneer of Healthy Cooperatives

East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa has received the Nayaka Mahambara Cooperative Service Award from the Indonesian Minister of Cooperatives. The award recognises East Java's leading role in fostering healthy, independent, and competitive cooperatives. Khofifah highlighted the province's 28,898 active cooperatives and the establishment of 8,494 Merah Putih Village Cooperatives as evidence of the sector's strength.

Government designates ground operations as spearhead in tackling forest and land fires

The Indonesian government has prioritised ground task force operations to combat forest and land fires across six high-risk provinces in Kalimantan and Sumatra. With peak fire risk expected from August to September 2026 and El Niño conditions forecast to persist into early 2027, authorities are strengthening logistics and personnel while weather modification remains unfeasible due to minimal cloud formation. The government has also pledged to permanently revoke regional regulations that permit land clearing by burning.

Pertalite Purchases to Be Restricted Based on Vehicle Type

The Indonesian government is considering restricting Pertalite fuel purchases based on vehicle type as a proxy for household welfare. Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said the scheme is still being finalised, while Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa indicated restrictions would initially target the wealthiest decile. The policy aims to improve subsidy targeting and reduce government spending.

Access Restored, Logistics Aid Distributed to Palue Island After Earthquake

Access to Palue Island in Sikka Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, has been restored after landslides triggered by a magnitude 7.7 earthquake cut off the area. The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has deployed excavators to clear debris and is distributing food and basic supplies, with rice supply secured through a partnership with Bulog for the next month. Government support also includes housing repair funds ranging from Rp15 million to Rp30 million, with permanent housing planned for severely damaged homes.

Pupuk Indonesia Prepares Rp118 Trillion Investment

State-owned fertiliser producer PT Pupuk Indonesia is preparing to invest around Rp118 trillion over the next five years to rejuvenate ageing plants and improve efficiency. The investment is made possible by a fundamental reform of the fertiliser subsidy scheme, shifting from a cost-plus-fee model to a market-price approach. The company aims to reverse the age composition of its plants so that 70% are under 20 years old within five years.

Volunteer Dies from Exhaustion While Distributing Aid After NTT Earthquake

A humanitarian volunteer, Ahmad Zaki Ali, died from exhaustion while distributing aid to earthquake-affected communities in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara. The 38-year-old founder of Relawan Gerak Bareng collapsed during a mission from Reo to Satar Padut village. His body was evacuated by a Basarnas helicopter and is being repatriated to Jakarta for burial.

IGEL to Host Now & Next Workspace & Endpoint Security Summit in Melbourne, Australia

IGEL, a global software company, has announced it will hold its Now & Next Workspace & Endpoint Security Summit in Melbourne on 17 September 2026. The one-day event will bring together IT and security leaders to discuss endpoint security, resilience, and workspace provisioning. The summit follows a European roadshow and targets organisations in healthcare, government, transport, and critical infrastructure.

Forest and Land Fires in Six Provinces Tackled with Air and Ground Operations

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) is prioritising forest and land fire suppression in six Indonesian provinces, deploying both air and ground operations. A total of 39 aerial assets, including patrol helicopters, weather modification aircraft, and water bombing helicopters, have been mobilised. The integrated approach aims to strengthen monitoring, detect hotspots, and extinguish fires in hard-to-reach areas.

Febrie Adriansyah's Pretrial Hearing: Expert Questions Validity of Money Laundering Article

A criminal law expert testified in the pretrial hearing of former junior attorney general Febrie Adriansyah, arguing that investigators must now apply Article 607 of the new Criminal Code rather than the older Money Laundering Law. The expert also stressed that money laundering is a follow-up crime that cannot be separated from its predicate offence. The Attorney General's Office rejected the argument, maintaining that the suspect designation clearly identified corruption as the predicate crime.

Ading Suhana saves forest through durian farming movement

Ading Suhana, a former village official in Gorontalo Utara, has led a community initiative to shift livelihoods away from forest extraction by planting 4,000 montong durian trees. The movement, which began in 2017 using village funds, aims to provide a sustainable alternative income for residents of Desa Cempaka Putih while protecting the forest. The project has gradually changed how the community views its future and its relationship with the surrounding woodland.

Isolated and Lacking Water: BPBD's Main Challenges in Tackling Forest Fires in Remote Central Kalimantan

The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of East Kotawaringin Regency in Central Kalimantan reports that forest and land fire suppression is becoming increasingly difficult as most fire locations are now far from urban areas. Personnel face significant obstacles including difficult terrain, limited vehicle access, and scarce water sources, with peatland fires requiring particularly prolonged firefighting efforts. As of 20 August 2026, the regency has recorded 401 fire incidents affecting over 1,394 hectares, with 6,139 hotspots detected since January.

NTT Earthquake Volunteer Dies While Distributing Aid to Communities

A Jakarta-based volunteer, Ahmad Zaki Ali, died of a heart attack while delivering aid to earthquake victims in East Manggarai, NTT. The death toll from the 7.7 magnitude Flores earthquake has risen to 83, with hundreds more injured. East Manggarai remains the worst-affected district.

Rector and officials of Unsoed detained by KPK, sting operation uncovers alleged corruption in new student admissions

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has detained five suspects, including the Rector of Jenderal Soedirman University, following a sting operation. The case involves alleged corruption in the admission of new students for the 2025-2026 academic year. Authorities seized Rp650 million in cash and Rp99 million in bank balances believed to be proceeds from the scheme.

Horn Dispute Leads Motorcyclist to Choke Car Driver in Jagakarsa

A motorcyclist choked a car driver in Jagakarsa, South Jakarta, after the driver honked at him while he was attempting to overtake. The incident, which occurred near a petrol station on Jalan Raya Pasar Minggu, was recorded by witnesses and went viral on social media. Police are investigating the assault, which left the driver with bruises and chest tightness.

TikTok Pays Rp7 Trillion Fine to US for Violating Children's Privacy

TikTok and its parent company ByteDance have agreed to pay a $400 million fine to the US government, settling a lawsuit over alleged violations of children's online privacy laws. The case, brought by the US Department of Justice, accused TikTok of illegally collecting data from millions of users under 13 without parental consent. The settlement includes immediate payment of $300 million, with the remainder contingent on regulatory oversight changes.

Foreign Investors Pile Into BBRI with Rp628 Billion Net Buy, Bank Stocks in Favour

Foreign investors recorded a net buy of Rp974.6 billion on the Indonesia Stock Exchange on Friday, with Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BBRI) attracting the largest net foreign inflow of Rp628.5 billion. The strong appetite for BBRI lifted its shares 2.87% to 3,230, while three other major banks — BCA, Mandiri, and BNI — also featured among the top ten net-buy stocks. Combined, the four banks accounted for approximately Rp1.15 trillion in net foreign purchases.

Allo Bank Accelerates Digital Innovation to Ease Customer Transactions and Activities

Allo Bank is advancing its digital banking services through a 'Beyond Banking' concept aimed at simplifying financial transactions and daily activities for customers. The strategy was outlined by Digital Director Sajal Bhatnagar at CNBC Indonesia's Digital Banking Forum 2026. The bank is strengthening partnerships across various ecosystems to deliver services more closely aligned with customer needs.

Confessions of Two Teenage Sisters Who Burned Madrasah in Nglipar, Gunungkidul

Two teenage sisters have been identified as the perpetrators of a fire that damaged a madrasah in Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta. The older sister, aged 15, told police she acted out of revenge after being bullied at the school seven years earlier. Police have not detained the minors and are continuing their investigation.

KPK arrests Unsoed rectorate over alleged corruption in new student admissions

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has conducted its 19th sting operation of 2026, arresting the rector and several officials of Jenderal Soedirman University over alleged bribery in new student admissions. The KPK has named six suspects, including Rector Akhmad Sodiq, and revealed that hundreds of millions of rupiah were allegedly paid to secure places at the university's medical faculty. The university has stated that its leadership continues to function while the legal process is ongoing.

Russian Drone Strikes Mall in Ukraine: 15 Dead, Dozens of Children Injured

A Russian drone attack on the largest shopping centre in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine, killed at least 15 people and injured 130 others, including 23 children. The assault employed a 'double-tap' tactic, with a second wave deliberately targeting emergency responders. President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack on his hometown as cynical and despicable.

Nephew of Unsoed Rector Used Extorted Funds from Prospective Students to Buy Three Plots of Land

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has named six suspects in an extortion case involving new student admissions at Universitas Jenderal Soedirman (Unsoed), including Rector Akhmad Sodiq and his nephew Mulyono. Mulyono allegedly received at least Rp 680 million in gratuities from parents of prospective students, which was then used to purchase three plots of land registered in his name. The case also involves alleged extortion of Rp 650 million per candidate for the Faculty of Medicine and a separate 'dowry' scheme totalling Rp 1.12 billion.

Remote locations pose challenge in handling forest and land fires in Central Kalimantan

The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of East Kotawaringin, Central Kalimantan, has highlighted the growing difficulty of tackling forest and land fires as incidents shift further away from urban areas. Difficult terrain, limited water sources, and the persistent nature of peatland fires are stretching response capabilities. The agency recorded 6,139 hotspots and over 1,394 hectares of burned land between January and 20 August 2026, underscoring the need for stronger prevention and cross-sector support.

Yesterday: Gibran in NTT, TNI assists weather modification in Kalimantan

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka visited earthquake-affected areas in East Nusa Tenggara, ensuring data collection and aid distribution for displaced residents. Meanwhile, Indonesia's Defence Minister met his Chinese counterpart to deepen military cooperation, and the Indonesian Air Force deployed three transport aircraft for weather modification operations to tackle forest fires in Kalimantan.

The Fate of Orangutans Amid the Siege of Kalimantan Forest Fires

Forest and land fires in Kalimantan are threatening the endangered Bornean orangutan, with hotspots encroaching on key habitats such as Sebangau National Park. Smoke from the fires disrupts pollination and reduces food availability, forcing orangutans into human settlements. Conservationists stress that the impact of the fires will persist for months, and urge sustained reforestation efforts.

Money Supply Grows 8.3 Percent, Reaching Rp 10,371 Trillion in July 2026

Bank Indonesia reported that broad money supply (M2) grew 8.3 percent year-on-year to Rp 10,371.1 trillion in July 2026, indicating positive liquidity trends in the Indonesian economy. The growth was driven by a 10 percent increase in narrow money (M1) and a 5.6 percent rise in quasi money, supported by credit expansion of 13 percent. Adjusted base money (M0) also accelerated sharply, growing 17.1 percent year-on-year.

Pertamina Provides Aid and Support for Flores Earthquake Victims

State energy company Pertamina has distributed around 9,600 food packages and other essential supplies to communities affected by the Flores earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara. The company is also providing trauma healing activities for children in evacuation centres. Local officials expressed gratitude for Pertamina's continued presence and support since the disaster struck.

Popular: Singkawang flights halted, how to check social assistance decile

A round-up of weekend news includes the temporary suspension of all flights at Singkawang Airport in West Kalimantan due to thick haze, and guidance on how citizens can check their social assistance decile for 2026 using their national identity number. Other items cover a teacher employment policy change and an investment fraud case.

Gold Prices Today at Pegadaian: Antam Stagnant, UBS Declines

Gold bullion prices at Pegadaian's Galeri 24 showed mixed movements on Saturday, with Antam holding steady while UBS and Antam Mulia Retro edged lower. The 1-gram Galeri 24 product rose slightly to Rp2,699,000, while Antam remained at Rp2,766,000 per gram. The price shifts reflect modest day-to-day fluctuations in the domestic retail gold market.

Yesterday: PPPK teacher status changes to Kalimantan weather modification

A roundup of Indonesian human-interest and policy developments covers the automatic conversion of part-time government contract teachers to full-time status by 2027, strict sanctions for officials responsible for failures in the free nutritious meals programme, and government efforts to tackle forest fires in Kalimantan through weather modification.

Udayana University Students Develop Reusable Heat Pack Product

Students from Udayana University have developed AZOCALM, a reusable heat pack using sodium acetate crystallisation as a practical alternative to conventional heat therapy. The innovation brings together expertise from medical, engineering, science, social and business faculties, reflecting a multidisciplinary approach. The team aims to advance the product towards legal protection, branding and potential commercialisation.

Unsoed Rector and Vice Rector Among Six Named as Suspects in University Admission Corruption Case

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has named six suspects, including the Rector and Vice Rector of Jenderal Soedirman University, in a corruption case involving the sale of new student admission places. The suspects are accused of accepting payments ranging from Rp50 million to Rp500 million for places on the university's independent admission pathway. The KPK has detained the suspects for an initial 20-day period following a sting operation in Purwokerto and Jakarta.

National Police Chief Confirms Investigation into Forest and Land Fires, Names Already Secured

The Indonesian National Police are conducting a thorough investigation into the forest and land fires affecting Kalimantan and other regions, with several suspects already detained. National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo confirmed that investigative efforts are running alongside firefighting operations. Meanwhile, a member of the House of Representatives has urged the government to declare the Kalimantan fires a national disaster, and the Ministry of Environment has issued urgent instructions to six governors to tighten fire prevention measures.

5 Facts: 14 Million Lives Saved After 2.6 Tonnes of Liquid Narcotics Seized

A joint operation by Indonesia's National Narcotics Agency (BNN), Customs and Excise, and Riau Islands Police intercepted the MV Ocean Porter, seizing 2.6 tonnes of liquid narcotics. The seizure is estimated to have saved over 14 million people from potential drug abuse and prevented an illicit market value of nearly Rp 8.5 trillion. Authorities also highlighted the need for stricter vape regulations following the discovery.