Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 22 August 2026

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KPK Reveals 73 Unsoed Medical School Seats Prepared for New Students Depositing Rp 650 Million

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has uncovered an alleged quota-rigging scheme in the independent admission route for the Faculty of Medicine at Jenderal Soedirman University (Unsoed). The rector and several accomplices are suspected of reserving 73 of 245 seats for candidates whose parents paid Rp 650 million each. Funds from the scheme were also allegedly used to repay debts through inflated university procurement contracts.

Pertamina Opens Free Health Services for Earthquake Refugees in Reo

State-owned energy company Pertamina has established free medical services for earthquake victims at a relief post in Reo, Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. The initiative, run through Pertamina Patra Niaga, provides health checks, medication, and vitamins to displaced residents, with medical staff working alongside police doctors. Most complaints among survivors include flu, coughs, and injuries from debris.

Mass exodus shakes CIA, retirees wait months for pensions

The CIA is facing an unprecedented wave of staff departures, with hundreds of former employees waiting months for their pension payments. The backlog comes as the Trump administration pursues a major downsizing of the federal government, including planned reductions of around 1,200 CIA positions. The Office of Personnel Management, which processes federal pensions, has itself seen its workforce shrink by roughly a third, compounding the delays.

Yesterday: Dave Bautista cast as Kratos and Redmi Watch 6 Active released

A roundup of Friday's top stories covers entertainment, tourism, automotive, and technology news. Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana urged Indonesian tourism workers to prepare for global opportunities, while Xiaomi launched new devices in Indonesia. Other items include casting news for the God of War series and Toyota clarifying reports about GR GT sales.

IHSG Strengthens Almost 2 Percent, Positive Capital Market Performance During Independence Week

The Indonesia Stock Exchange reported a positive week for the capital market during the 81st Independence Day celebrations, with the composite index closing higher. Trading activity rose across volume, frequency, and value, while foreign investors recorded net buying towards the end of the week.

DPR Deputy Speaker Demands Severe Punishment for Private Land Burner in South Kalimantan

Deputy Speaker of House Commission III Ahmad Sahroni has urged police to impose severe penalties on a suspect arrested for burning private land in Hulu Sungai Selatan, South Kalimantan. Sahroni also called for investigators to pursue the financiers and masterminds behind the ecological crime. He emphasised that the perpetrator must not only face criminal sanctions but also be required to restore the damaged forest.

IEU CEPA to Eliminate 90% of Tariff Lines, Easing Indonesian Exports to Europe

Indonesia is accelerating implementation of the Indonesia-European Union Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which will remove tariffs on 90.4% of tariff lines immediately upon entry into force. The government expects the agreement to boost exports of palm oil, footwear, coffee, furniture, and other products while unlocking European investment in sectors such as renewable energy and digital technology. Jakarta is targeting the agreement to take effect in early 2027.

KPK Exposes Extortion Scheme by Unsoed Rector Against Students' Parents

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has named six suspects, including the Rector of Jenderal Soedirman University, in an alleged extortion and gratuity case linked to new student admissions. The scheme involved demanding Rp650 million from the parent of a prospective medical student, whose child was subsequently not admitted, with university project payments later used to repay borrowed funds. The case highlights systemic corruption in Indonesia's higher education admission process.

Why does Indonesia experience frequent earthquakes? Causes and megathrust explained

Indonesia's position on the Pacific Ring of Fire makes it highly prone to earthquakes, with multiple subduction zones and active faults across the archipelago. The article explains the difference between general seismic activity and the specific 'megathrust' zones, cautioning that not every large earthquake should be classified as a megathrust event. BMKG analysis of recent quakes in Flores, Central Sulawesi, and Aceh shows that each event has distinct geological causes that require individual assessment.

Children must not lose their safe spaces

Two recent child sexual abuse cases in Surabaya — one within a family and another at an unlicensed orphanage — have exposed serious gaps in Indonesia's child protection system. National survey data shows that over half of Indonesian adolescents have experienced at least one form of violence in their lifetime. The cases raise urgent questions about whether supervision of care institutions functions as a preventive system or merely as a reactive response after harm occurs.

20 meaningful Prophet Muhammad's birthday greetings for WhatsApp

The article offers a collection of 20 greetings for the commemoration of Prophet Muhammad's birthday (Maulid Nabi), drawing on guidance from the Indonesian Ulema Council and the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Both institutions emphasise that the occasion should strengthen love for the Prophet and serve as a reminder of his exemplary character rather than remain a mere ceremonial event.

Deputy Food Minister reviews Central Kalimantan forest fires, stresses government presence

Deputy Coordinating Minister for Food Hanif Faisol Nurofiq visited Central Kalimantan to review forest and land fire handling efforts, underscoring central government support for regional disaster management. He stressed that tackling the widespread fires requires collaboration beyond the national disaster agency, involving local communities and businesses. The visit forms part of broader government coordination to address fires across multiple provinces.

Ketoprak Performer Sarjiyono Dies on Stage During Bantul Independence Day Celebration

A 62-year-old ketoprak performer, Sarjiyono alias Mbetut, collapsed and died while performing during the 81st Indonesian Independence Day celebrations in Bantul, Yogyakarta. Police confirmed the artist had a history of heart disease and no signs of violence were found. His body was handed over to his family for burial.

Normal Cholesterol Does Not Guarantee Protection from Heart Attacks, Expert Explains

A medical expert warns that nearly 60 per cent of heart attacks occur in people with normal cholesterol levels. Standard lipid profile tests do not fully reveal arterial health, as factors such as blood pressure, diabetes, and inflammation also play critical roles. The article outlines four practical steps to maintain heart health beyond cholesterol readings.

World Gold Prices Surge to Highest Level in Over Three Months

Gold prices soared to their highest level in more than three months as a weakening US dollar and US government bond buyback plans boosted demand. The rally was further supported by technical factors and reduced expectations of further Federal Reserve rate hikes. Goldman Sachs noted a revival of speculative interest and increased hedging demand amid global economic policy uncertainty.

Seven lessons from commemorating the Prophet Muhammad's Maulid, not merely ceremonial

The commemoration of the Prophet Muhammad's birthday offers Muslims an opportunity to reflect on his character and struggle. Religious authorities in Indonesia emphasise that the occasion should strengthen faith and encourage emulation of the Prophet's example. The article outlines seven spiritual and social benefits of observing Maulid beyond ceremonial activities.

MSME Financing via Online Lending Reaches Rp 35.12 Trillion

Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) reported that online lending to micro, small, and medium enterprises grew 23.25 percent year-on-year to Rp 35.12 trillion as of June 2026. The figure represents 33.41 percent of total online lending, with the aggregate non-performing loan rate remaining below the regulator's 5 percent threshold. Industry leaders and lawmakers emphasised the need for supportive regulation and stakeholder collaboration to sustain this growth.

Maulid Nabi: History, meaning, and reasons for its commemoration

The article explains the origins and development of Maulid Nabi, the commemoration of the Prophet Muhammad's birth, tracing its historical roots and diverse regional expressions in Indonesia. It highlights the spiritual and social values of the observance, such as emulating the Prophet's character and strengthening community bonds, and notes that traditions vary across the archipelago, including the Walimah tradition in Gorontalo.

Pertamina Assists Residents Affected by Flores Earthquake

State energy company Pertamina has provided humanitarian aid to residents displaced by an earthquake in Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. The company has distributed around 9,600 food packages, logistics supplies, and cooking gas while also running trauma healing activities for children. Pertamina officials have visited evacuation posts to ensure the aid meets the needs of affected communities.

Teachers Acted as Brokers for Unsoed Admissions, Charging Rp50–500 Million

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has uncovered that high school teachers acted as coordinators in a scheme to sell admission places at Jenderal Soedirman University (Unsoed) through its independent admissions route. Prices for a single place reportedly ranged from Rp50 million to Rp500 million, negotiated via WhatsApp between teachers and a university academic official. The investigation follows a sting operation that led to the naming of six suspects, including the rector.

KPK Reveals Reasons for Charging Unsoed Rector with Extortion and Gratification

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has explained its use of extortion and gratification charges against Universitas Soedirman Rector Akhmad Sodiq and others over a bribery scheme in the university's independent admission route. Investigators say the rector abused his authority to demand Rp 650 million from parents seeking medical faculty places, while also receiving additional payments framed as gratitude. The case involves 73 pre-arranged quotas, intermediaries, and the alleged use of university project payments to refund unsuccessful applicants.

Mobile driving licence service in Jakarta and surrounding areas available at these locations on Saturday

The Jakarta Metropolitan Police traffic directorate is operating mobile driving licence renewal services at three locations in South Jakarta and Tangerang on Saturday. The service allows holders of valid A and C class licences to renew them, while expired licences and B class licences must be processed through standard police channels. Renewal fees are set at Rp80,000 for A class and Rp75,000 for C class licences under Government Regulation No. 60 of 2016.

Not Only Medicine: KPK Says Unsoed Corruption Suspects Traded Seats in Fisheries and Law Faculties

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has revealed that the alleged buying and selling of independent admission seats at Jenderal Soedirman University extended beyond the Faculty of Medicine to the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences and the Faculty of Law. Investigators have so far identified 73 of the 2,527 independent pathway quotas as being allocated for corrupt transactions. Six people, including the rector and two vice-rectors, have been named suspects following a sting operation.

The Prophet's Biography in Society 5.0: What Must Change?

An opinion piece argues that contemporary readings of the Prophet Muhammad's biography have become sentimental and historically sterile, failing to contextualise its lessons for modern challenges. The author contends that the Sirah Nabawiyah offers an integrative epistemological model combining revelation, reason, and empirical experience, which can serve as a moral anchor against the uncertainties of liquid modernity. He calls for a methodological shift that restores the supremacy of ideas and sharia principles over narrow group fanaticism.

MP Rebukes Malaysia and Singapore over Forest Fires in Indonesia

An Indonesian lawmaker has called on Malaysia and Singapore to help prevent forest and land fires in Indonesia rather than merely complaining about the smoke. Marwan Dasopang, chair of House Commission VIII, noted that companies and individuals from both neighbouring countries own oil palm plantations in Indonesia and should therefore contribute to prevention efforts. The remarks follow school closures in Sarawak after air pollution from Kalimantan fires crossed into Malaysia.

Ahead of NU Congress, Several Names Tipped to Enter PBNU Chairmanship Race

As the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama Congress approaches, several figures have emerged as potential candidates for the chairmanship of the organisation's executive board. Incumbent Yahya Cholil Staquf faces challenges over governance and internal divisions, while Imam Jazuli is gaining traction as an independent candidate focused on unity and pesantren transformation.

Ahead of NU Congress, Four PBNU Chairman Candidates Narrow to Four Names

Four candidates have emerged for the chairmanship of Nahdlatul Ulama's executive board ahead of the organisation's 35th congress in Jombang, East Java. Incumbent Yahya Cholil Staquf faces challenges over governance and internal divisions, while Imam Jazuli is gaining traction as an independent figure offering reconciliation and transformation. The congress runs from 27 to 31 August 2026.

Jakarta yesterday: Fire vigilance to inorganic waste processing technology

Jakarta's mayors addressed pressing urban issues on Friday, including fire risks during the dry season and a potential collaboration on inorganic waste processing. The city's Information Commission also opened a consultation clinic to support public bodies in completing transparency assessments. Meanwhile, Central Jakarta reported vaccinating over 3,000 rabies-transmitting animals since January.

Crime roundup: synthetic tobacco, celebrity investment fraud case

Jakarta saw multiple criminal cases on Friday, including the seizure of synthetic tobacco in Depok and the naming of celebrity Ruben Onsu as a suspect in an investment fraud case. Police are also investigating a mob attack on a lorry driver and a fatal motorway crash.

Prosecutors Say Yaqut Case Beyond Reasonable Bounds

KPK prosecutors have argued that the alleged corruption in Indonesia's 2023–2024 hajj quota allocation went beyond ordinary limits, violating citizens' constitutional right to worship. The case involves former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas and is said to have caused state losses of Rp622.09 billion. Prosecutors claim additional hajj quotas meant to shorten the 41-year waiting list were instead diverted to wealthy pilgrims willing to pay acceleration fees.

Former National Police Chiefs and Deputy Chiefs Attend Police Service Day Ceremony

The Indonesian National Police held its annual Police Service Day ceremony at its headquarters in Jakarta, led by Deputy Chief Commissioner General Dedi Prasetyo and attended by several former police chiefs and deputy chiefs. The commemoration marks the 1945 Proclamation of Police in Surabaya, when Inspector M. Jasin and the Special Police pledged loyalty to the republic. Chief of Police General Listyo Sigit Prabowo led a parallel ceremony at the Special Police Monument in Surabaya, the site of the historic proclamation.

House Commission VIII Urges Disbursement of BNPB Ready-to-Use Funds for Forest and Land Fire Handling

Deputy Chairman of House Commission VIII Singgih Januratmoko has urged the Ministry of Finance to immediately disburse the National Disaster Mitigation Agency's (BNPB) Ready-to-Use Funds (DSP) to address forest and land fires. The DSP allocation for the 2026 fiscal year stands at approximately Rp5 trillion. This call comes amid significant cuts to BNPB's budget, which has fallen from Rp4.91 trillion in 2024 to just Rp491 billion this year.

British Man Dies After Being Beaten by Fellow Foreign Tourists in Kuta, Bali

A British national, Paul Innes Dougan, died in Bali after allegedly being assaulted by four Australian tourists at a bar in Kuta on 5 August. Police confirmed the incident was reported by the victim's family on 20 August, and the four suspects had already left Indonesia the day after the attack. Authorities are coordinating with the Australian consulate as investigations continue.

Ministry of Villages and Ministry of Housing Appreciate Jember Regency Programmes

Jember Regent Muhammad Fawait presented the regency's poverty alleviation programmes to the Ministry of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions and the Ministry of Housing and Settlement Areas. The ministries appreciated the data-driven approach and expressed hope that Jember's innovations could serve as a reference for other regions. The collaboration aims to accelerate poverty reduction in line with President Prabowo Subianto's national agenda.

Unsoed Rector Purchased Three Plots of Land Using Gratuity Funds from New Student Admissions

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has revealed that Unsoed Rector Prof. Akhmad Sodiq used approximately Rp680 million in alleged gratuity payments from new student admissions to purchase three plots of land through his nephew. The assets were registered under the nephew's name to conceal Sodiq's ownership. Six individuals have been named as suspects in the case following a sting operation on 20 August 2026.

Condemnation of Israeli Hardline Minister Who Wants to Kill Gaza Residents Every Night

Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has provoked international outrage after publicly calling for the killing of 30 to 40 Gaza residents every night and describing some Palestinians as 'not even human'. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and other European leaders have condemned the remarks as inhumane and contrary to international law, with growing calls for EU sanctions against Ben-Gvir.

Jakarta DPRD and TAPD agree revised 2026 regional budget of Rp79.59 trillion

The Jakarta Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) and the Regional Government Budget Team (TAPD) have agreed a revised 2026 regional budget of Rp79.59 trillion, down from the original Rp81.3 trillion. The reduction was achieved through efficiency measures across several council commissions, while maintaining mandatory spending on education, health and social assistance. The memorandum of understanding is scheduled to be signed on Wednesday, 26 August.

KPK reveals teachers' role in offering Unsoed seats for Rp50–500 million

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has uncovered that teachers acted as coordinators in brokering admission places at Jenderal Soedirman University through its independent selection route. The scheme involved negotiations with the university's head of academic affairs, with prices ranging from Rp50 million to Rp500 million per student. Six individuals, including the rector and two vice-rectors, have been named suspects in the case.

Unsoed Sting Operation: MTI Urges Evaluation of Student Admission Governance and Submits 7 Recommendations

Masyarakat Transparansi Indonesia (MTI) has called for a comprehensive evaluation of university admission and financing governance following the KPK's sting operation at Universitas Jenderal Soedirman. The anti-corruption watchdog submitted seven recommendations, including thematic audits and greater transparency for independent admission pathways. MTI stressed that institutional reform, not just individual accountability, is needed to prevent similar cases from recurring.

KPK Says Unsoed Vice Rector Allegedly Extorted Rp650 Million from Medical Faculty Applicants' Parents

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has alleged that a vice rector at Jenderal Soedirman University extorted Rp650 million from the parents of a prospective medical student, promising admission that never materialised. The case also implicates the university rector and involves the alleged misuse of campus project funds to repay debts. Six people have been named suspects following a sting operation.

Telkom Responds to Rumours of Mitratel and Tower Bersama Merger

PT Telkom Indonesia has responded to market speculation about a potential merger between its subsidiary Mitratel and Tower Bersama Infrastructure. The company stated that Mitratel regularly evaluates strategic options but declined to comment on the specific merger reports. Telkom emphasised that any material information would be disclosed through official channels in accordance with regulations.

Unsoed Rector Gave Subordinate Access to Approve Prospective Students After Receiving Rp1.12 Billion

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has revealed that Universitas Jenderal Soedirman Rector Prof. Akhmad Sodiq allegedly granted his subordinate access to his personal account to authorise the admission of prospective students through the independent pathway. The access was given after the rectorate received Rp1.12 billion from a broker. Six people have been named as suspects in the case, which was uncovered through a sting operation.

Bank INA and Indodax Integrate Banking and Digital Asset Services

PT Bank Ina Perdana Tbk and PT Indodax Nasional Indonesia have launched a collaboration offering digital savings accounts and a co-branded card to Indodax users. The partnership aims to provide more practical transaction options for customers managing both banking and digital asset investments. The programme includes interest on savings and a crypto reward equivalent to 2 percent per annum on balances.

KPK explains why it questioned Unsoed vice-rectors Kuat and Noor Farid

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has clarified that it questioned two vice-rectors of Jenderal Soedirman University as witnesses to provide additional evidence in a bribery case involving new student admissions. The anti-graft body has named the university's rector and another vice-rector as suspects after a sting operation. The case centres on alleged corruption in the university's student intake process.

Corruption Scheme in New Student Admissions That Ensnared Unsoed Rector Revealed

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has uncovered three clusters of alleged corruption in new student admissions at Jenderal Soedirman University for the 2025–2026 period, implicating Rector Prof. Akhmad Sodiq and five others. The schemes involved soliciting payments from parents of prospective medical faculty students, coded instructions to a nephew during independent admission selections, and granting access to an authorisation user ID in exchange for money. Six individuals have been named as suspects following a sting operation, with Rp764 million in cash seized.

KPK says Unsoed admission suspects also sold FPIK and Law Faculty seats

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has revealed that suspects in the alleged corruption case involving new student admissions at Jenderal Soedirman University (Unsoed) also traded seats in the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science and the Faculty of Law through the independent admission pathway. Investigators have so far identified 73 out of 2,527 independent pathway quota places that were allegedly allocated for the scheme. The case emerged following a sting operation on 20 August 2026 that led to the arrest of several university officials, including the rector.

Unsoed Academic Department Head Stored Extorted Funds from Prospective Students' Parents in a Plastic Bag

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has seized Rp 665 million in cash and Rp 99 million in bank balances linked to an alleged extortion scheme at Universitas Soedirman. The cash was discovered in a plastic bag in the office of Eko Sumanto, the university's Head of Academic Affairs. Six individuals, including the rector and a vice rector, have been named suspects in the case involving the extortion of parents of prospective new students.

BNPT and LPSK Strengthen Protection for Terrorism Victims in RAN PE 2026-2029

The Indonesian government has reinforced its commitment to protecting and fulfilling the rights of terrorism victims through closer collaboration between BNPT and LPSK under the second phase of the National Action Plan for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (RAN PE) for 2026-2029. The initiative includes psychosocial recovery, economic support, and extended compensation deadlines for past victims, with a deadline of 2028 to identify and fulfil outstanding rights. Indonesia has also maintained a zero-attack record for four years, with 28 planned terror attacks foiled through inter-agency coordination.

M5.8 Earthquake Shakes Pandeglang, Banten, No Tsunami Potential

A magnitude 5.8 earthquake struck Pandeglang, Banten, in the early hours of Saturday, according to Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG). The shallow quake, triggered by subduction activity, was felt in several areas of Pandeglang with an intensity of III-IV MMI. BMKG confirmed that the earthquake did not have tsunami potential.

Controversy over Welfare Decile Determination in Yogyakarta Special Region

The Yogyakarta Special Region (DIY) administration has raised concerns over frequent changes in the national welfare decile data used to classify household prosperity levels. Local officials are seeking to align central government data with regional poverty data, while the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) has explained the methodology behind the Data Tunggal Sosial dan Ekonomi Nasional (DTSEN). The DIY Social Affairs Office has called for data matching to ensure classifications reflect actual conditions on the ground.