Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 22 August 2026

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This Pharmaceutical Issuer Suddenly Soared 177%, How Did It Happen?

Moderna's shares surged nearly 177% in a single day after the company announced successful Phase III clinical trial results for its personalised mRNA cancer vaccine developed with Merck. The therapy, combined with Merck's Keytruda, showed significant benefit for melanoma patients, offering Moderna a potential new revenue stream beyond its declining Covid-19 vaccine business. Despite a subsequent correction, the stock remained up over 130% from pre-announcement levels.

From Taiwan for Family in Indonesia: How to Manage Your Salary Properly

Indonesian migrant workers in Taiwan are increasingly seeking digital banking services to manage their finances beyond simple remittances. Bank BRI has launched BRImo Taiwan to help workers pay bills, save, and plan for their return to Indonesia. The service aims to support the financial needs of the large Indonesian worker community in Taiwan.

Budget Efficiency: DKI Jakarta Provincial Government Guarantees Basic Public Services Remain Safe

The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government has reaffirmed its commitment to prioritising essential public services despite ongoing budget efficiency measures. Governor Pramono Anung stated that sectors such as health, education, social protection, and transport will continue to operate to reduce social inequality in the capital. The administration is also pressing ahead with infrastructure projects and expanding public transport connectivity through creative financing schemes.

Governor Pramono: LRT Jakarta Kelapa Gading-Manggarai to be Inaugurated by President Prabowo

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has announced that the LRT Jakarta Kelapa Gading-Manggarai route is scheduled for inauguration on 26 August 2026, with President Prabowo Subianto expected to officiate. The 12.2-kilometre line will serve 11 stations and is projected to carry up to 80,000 passengers daily. Manggarai Station will become a major transport hub integrating LRT with commuter rail, airport rail, and Transjakarta services.

HIPMI: I-EU CEPA opens opportunities for new Indonesian exporters

The Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association (HIPMI) has welcomed the accelerated Indonesia-EU Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, saying it could help create new exporters and boost the competitiveness of Indonesian firms in global markets. HIPMI chairman Ade Jona Prasetyo said the deal should be accompanied by support for standardisation, certification, export financing and production capacity so that more domestic businesses can meet European market requirements. The government is targeting implementation of the agreement by early 2027, with tariffs projected to be eliminated on more than 98 percent of tariff lines.

Metro Jaya Police Arrest Brutal Beggars Who Slashed Victim in Bekasi

Two of three suspects have been arrested by the Metro Jaya Police's Resmob unit after a violent robbery in Tarumajaya, Bekasi, where a 55-year-old man was repeatedly slashed with a sickle. The victim was attacked on his way to work and had his motorcycle, documents, and cash stolen. Police are continuing to investigate the case.

White-dark skies and pungent smell of burning leaves in Sungai Raya, West Kalimantan

President Prabowo Subianto visited a forest and land fire site in Sungai Raya, Kubu Raya Regency, West Kalimantan, where thick haze and the strong smell of burning vegetation filled the air. The area showed signs of land clearing, with scorched trees, soft peat soil, and ongoing firefighting efforts. The visit highlighted the government's attention to the recurring land and forest fire problem in the province.

Volunteer Ahmad Zaki Dies, NTT Governor Offers Condolences

East Nusa Tenggara Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena has expressed deep condolences following the death of Ahmad Zaki Ali, a volunteer who died while distributing aid to earthquake victims in Manggarai Timur. The governor praised Zaki's dedication and highlighted a shortage of volunteers hampering relief efforts in Flores. He urged all parties involved in disaster response to maintain their health.

East Kalimantan Forest Fires August 2026: 1,703 Hotspots Detected, Berau Largest

East Kalimantan Police reported 1,703 real hotspots with a total affected area of 963.5 hectares from January to August 2026, with Berau Regency recording the largest burned area. The increase is linked to a strong El Niño phenomenon causing drier conditions across Kalimantan. Authorities have deployed 1,545 personnel and are conducting weather modification operations to mitigate the fires.

wondrX Becomes Pre-Event for Danantara Housing Expo, BNI Expands Financing

PT Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) is hosting a property area at BNI wondrX 2026 as a pre-event to the Danantara Housing Expo 2026, offering mortgage financing information and pre-assessments. The initiative aims to help prospective buyers prepare their financing needs before the main expo, with promotional offers including mortgage rates starting from 1% and zero per cent instalments on booking fees. BNI is strengthening its collaboration with property developers to broaden public access to housing finance.

President Prabowo Appreciates Personnel Handling Forest and Land Fires in Kalimantan

President Prabowo Subianto has expressed his highest appreciation to the joint personnel working tirelessly to tackle forest and land fires across Kalimantan. During a coordination meeting in Central Kalimantan, he ordered additional logistical support and firefighting equipment to accelerate suppression efforts. The government has also instructed local authorities to prioritise health and social impacts for communities affected by the smoke.

BI strengthens MSME market access by involving young generation

Bank Indonesia is expanding market access for micro, small, and medium enterprises by engaging young people in developing local products such as traditional textiles, crafts, and coffee. The central bank introduced a Youth Island at Karya Kreatif Indonesia 2026 and programmes like Cangkir Barista and Citra Nusa to connect young entrepreneurs, designers, and baristas with wider markets. The initiatives aim to modernise traditional products while preserving cultural identity and creating new business opportunities.

Pegadaian strengthens financial literacy for Kebayoran Baru motorcycle taxi drivers

State-owned pawnbroker PT Pegadaian has provided financial literacy training to informal sector workers, specifically motorcycle taxi drivers at Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta. The programme aims to equip them with family financial planning skills, emergency fund awareness, and protection against fraudulent investments. Pegadaian also introduced its financial products, including gold savings and digital transaction tools, to improve financial inclusion.

BRI's Rumah BUMN Programme Helps Local Banana Crisps Reach Malaysia and Hong Kong

PT WWA Andik Sukses, a banana crisp producer from Sidoarjo, has expanded into international markets with support from Bank Rakyat Indonesia's Rumah BUMN programme. The business has grown from a home kitchen operation to employing eight workers, selling products in Malaysia and Hong Kong. BRI highlights the case as evidence of how MSME empowerment can strengthen the grassroots economy.

The Man Who Nearly Became Deputy Minister Was Actually an Israeli Spy

Eli Cohen, a Mossad agent operating under the alias Kamel Amin Thaabet, infiltrated the highest echelons of Syrian power in the 1960s by posing as a wealthy textile businessman. He came close to being appointed Syria's Deputy Minister of Defence before his cover was blown in 1965. His espionage provided Israel with critical military intelligence that contributed to its victory in the Six-Day War.

Trump Denies Running Out of Military Options as US Imposes Economic Sanctions on Iran

President Donald Trump has dismissed suggestions that Washington's tightening of economic sanctions on Iran reflects a lack of military options, insisting the US still expects Tehran to agree to a suitable deal. The US Treasury Secretary warned allies they must join the economic isolation or face Washington's opposition, with the stated goal of collapsing the Iranian government. Iran has condemned the sanctions as unlawful economic warfare lacking any basis in international law.

Taiwan Urges Renewal of Investment Agreement with Indonesia

Taiwan is pressing for the acceleration of a renewed bilateral investment agreement with Indonesia to strengthen legal protections for Taiwanese companies, particularly in the high-tech sector. The move is part of Taiwan's New Southbound Policy and aims to attract more Taiwanese capital to Indonesia. Bilateral trade between the two reached US$3.10 billion in January–April 2026, with Indonesia recording a surplus of US$80 million.

Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources: Rengit Island GEET in Belitung becomes a national exemplar

Indonesia has inaugurated its first Green Energy Ecosystem Technopark (GEET) on Rengit Island in the Bangka Belitung Islands, pioneering hydrogen technology for electricity generation in small island communities. The facility, built by PLN's research and development arm, is intended to serve as a national model for replication across other small islands. The project aligns with the government's National Action Plan for the Hydrogen and Ammonia Roadmap 2025–2034 and its broader energy transition agenda.

IHSG Soars 3.55% to 6,525 Over the Past Week, Check the Stocks with the Largest Foreign Net Buy

The Indonesia Stock Exchange Composite Index (IHSG) surged 3.55% to 6,525.69 over the past week, driven by foreign investors accumulating large-cap stocks, particularly major banks. Foreign investors recorded a net buy of Rp 974.57 billion across all markets on Friday, 22 August 2026. The largest foreign net buys were led by PT Dian Swastatika Sentosa Tbk (DSSA) at Rp 1.05 trillion, followed by PT Amman Mineral Internasional Tbk (AMMN) and PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia Tbk (BBRI).

Israel Opens Criminal Investigation into Death of Hind Rajab and Attack on Aid Workers in Gaza

The Israeli military has opened a rare criminal investigation into the killing of five-year-old Hind Rajab and her family in Gaza, following intense international pressure and forensic reporting that contradicted earlier IDF denials. The probe also covers a March 2025 attack on emergency vehicles that killed around 15 people, including aid workers. Hind's mother has dismissed the move as long overdue and is demanding an independent and transparent inquiry.

President Prabowo scheduled to inaugurate Kelapa Gading-Manggarai LRT

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has announced that President Prabowo Subianto is scheduled to inaugurate the Kelapa Gading-Manggarai LRT route on 26 August 2026. The 12.2-kilometre line, connecting 11 stations, is projected to serve up to 80,000 passengers daily. The provincial government also plans to extend the LRT to Dukuh Atas, where an integrated pedestrian deck will link multiple transport modes.

Compartment Suite Train Breaks Record, Serves 5,712 Passengers in July 2026

KAI's Compartment Suite service recorded its highest monthly passenger volume of 5,712 in July 2026, up 10.21 per cent from June. Cumulative ridership for January–July 2026 reached 31,835 passengers, a 51.47 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2025. The growth reflects expanding demand for personalised and private rail travel experiences in Indonesia.

Record broken: 96,940 foreign tourists travelled by train in July 2026

State-owned railway operator KAI recorded 96,940 foreign tourists using its long-distance trains in July 2026, the highest monthly volume since 2022. The figure represents an 8.28% increase compared to July 2025 and brings cumulative foreign tourist ridership for January–July 2026 to 405,814. Yogyakarta Station was the busiest departure point for foreign tourists, followed by Gambir and Bandung.

Governor of NTT Says Viral Dispute Between District Head and BNPB Over Aid Has Been Processed

East Nusa Tenggara Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena has confirmed that authorities are taking action following a viral incident in which a district head confronted BNPB officials over aid distribution for earthquake victims. The governor said he and Coordinating Minister Pratikno have discussed the matter and are seeking solutions to prevent similar occurrences. He also stressed the need for better data coordination between BNPB, sub-district offices and evacuation posts.

Jakarta Administration Prepares Long-Term Strategy to Tackle Street Brawls

The Jakarta provincial government has committed to addressing street brawls through sustainable, long-term measures rather than short-term fixes. Governor Pramono Anung highlighted the provision of public facilities, including boxing training venues in East Jakarta, as a means to channel youth energy positively. The administration is also maintaining intensive coordination with law enforcement to anticipate potential conflicts between youth groups.

Prabowo calls for education on forest fire dangers down to community level

President Prabowo Subianto has instructed the government to strengthen public education to prevent fires amid very dry weather in parts of Kalimantan. State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi said the education must reach the lowest community level to avoid activities that could trigger fires. The government is also preparing heavy equipment support so people do not clear land by burning.

BPPP Ambon collaborates with Japan to prepare quality human resources

The Ambon Fisheries Training and Extension Centre (BPPP) is partnering with JICA to enhance the skills and Japanese language proficiency of fisheries workers from eastern Indonesia. The programme, set to begin in 2026, includes developing a Japanese language laboratory and training local instructors. The collaboration aims to prepare Indonesian workers to compete in Japan's labour market.

Goods and Services Procurement in Bogor Regency Government Under KPK Investigation

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has confirmed it is investigating alleged corruption in the procurement of goods and services within the Bogor Regency Government in West Java. The inquiry marks an expansion of an existing investigation that previously focused on suspected illegal fee deductions at the regional revenue agency. No suspects have yet been named as investigators continue to gather evidence, including Rp1.5 billion in cash seized during the preliminary inquiry.

Three Main Pillars for Building a Healthy Crypto Ecosystem

Indonesia's crypto industry is shifting focus from market expansion to building a healthy, innovative ecosystem as user numbers reach 22.69 million. Stakeholders at Coinfest Asia 2026 in Bali emphasised compliance, adaptive regulation, and continuous innovation as the three key pillars for sustainable growth. Government officials and industry leaders highlighted the need to retain users within regulated platforms and position Bali as a global Web3 technology hub.

Rain garden becomes water absorption solution at Taman Wisma Angkasa

The revitalised rain garden at Taman Wisma Angkasa in South Jakarta is expected to reduce flooding and improve groundwater absorption. The project was completed in July and includes water-tolerant ornamental plants and pedestrian-friendly facilities. Officials have urged residents to help maintain the area.

Adaptive Regulation and Quality Innovation Could Make Indonesia's Crypto Ecosystem More Competitive

Indonesia is building a stronger foundation for its crypto asset ecosystem, with 2.69 million users as of June 2026 and growing institutional involvement. Industry leaders and government officials at Coinfest Asia 2026 emphasised the need to balance regulatory certainty with room for innovation. The OJK regulatory sandbox is seen as a key mechanism for testing new products while prioritising consumer protection.

Paramadina University, Kyoto University, and LLDIKTI III Discuss ESG Strategies for Indonesia's Competitiveness

Academics from Paramadina University, Kyoto University, and LLDIKTI III convened to discuss how environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategies can strengthen Indonesia's competitiveness. Speakers highlighted the growing role of investors and global regulations in driving corporate sustainability, while noting that Indonesia's main challenges lie in implementation and policy harmonisation. The seminar concluded that ESG must be treated as a long-term strategy requiring collaboration across government, academia, investors, banking, business, and MSMEs.

IKN Authority seeds 800 kilograms of salt to induce rain in Nusantara area

The Nusantara Capital City (IKN) Authority has begun a weather modification operation, seeding 800 kilograms of salt to trigger rainfall over drought-affected areas north of the new capital. The operation targets the Tengin and Sepaku river basins, which serve as water reserves for the region. It is scheduled to run from 22 to 27 August 2026, with daily adjustments based on cloud and atmospheric conditions.

Fithra: Data Does Not Yet Show Indonesia's Investment Climate Is the Worst

University of Indonesia economist Fithra Faisal Hastiadi has challenged a senior professor's claim that Indonesia's investment climate is at its worst, citing strong foreign direct investment growth in the first half of 2026. He argues that while regulatory reform remains necessary, the data does not support such a severe diagnosis.

Prabowo commends teams battling forest and land fires

President Prabowo Subianto has expressed appreciation for personnel working day and night to tackle forest and land fires across several regions of Kalimantan. During a coordination meeting in Central Kalimantan, he thanked military, police, disaster agency, meteorological and volunteer personnel for their efforts. The President also ordered additional equipment and personnel, including water-bombing helicopters and fire engines, to strengthen firefighting operations.

Regulatory certainty and quality innovation needed for crypto ecosystem

Indonesian digital asset industry players say regulatory certainty and quality innovation are essential for the country's growing crypto ecosystem. With 22.69 million crypto users as of June 2026, the focus is shifting from market expansion to ensuring innovation, consumer protection and institutional readiness go hand in hand. Industry figures highlighted the role of OJK's regulatory sandbox in testing new products before wider implementation.

National Police Chief Sends Logistics Aid for Flores Earthquake Victims in West Manggarai

National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo has dispatched a CN-295 aircraft carrying food supplies from Surabaya to Labuan Bajo to support communities affected by the Flores earthquake. The aid includes sugar, cooking oil, biscuits, instant noodles, milk, and other essentials, to be distributed by the West Manggarai Police. The police emphasised continued coordination with local government to ensure timely disaster response and recovery.

Three Schemes of Rector Sodiq, Corruption Loopholes in State University Independent Admissions, and the Fate of Cheating Unsoed Students

The Corruption Eradication Commission's (KPK) sting operation against Unsoed Rector Akhmad Sodiq has exposed at least three fraudulent schemes used to secure places at the state university through illegal channels. The schemes include selling medical faculty seats for Rp650 million, diverting university project payments to cover debts, and collecting Rp680 million in alleged gratuities through a relative. The case highlights systemic corruption vulnerabilities in Indonesia's independent university admission pathways.

Cianjur Fest 2026: Cultural Education Records Historical Legacy for the Young Generation

Thousands of residents lined the streets of Cianjur, West Java, for the Cianjur Fest 2026 cultural carnival, which served as the highlight of the district's 349th anniversary and Indonesia's 81st Independence Day celebrations. The event was designed not only as entertainment but also as a means of boosting the local economy and educating young people about Cianjur's history and traditions. Organisers highlighted the three cultural pillars of Cianjur—maos, mamaos, and maenpo—as central to the festivities.

Sukamiskin Prison Inmates Build Boats for Fishermen, Dinghies and Duchy Boats

Sukamiskin Prison in Bandung has developed a boat-building programme under the 'Sukaboat' brand, producing vessels ranging from fishing boats to speedboats. The initiative, supervised by former Garuda Indonesia chief Emirsyah Satar, has sold more than 25 units and aligns with the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections' 2026 action programme promoting inmate-made products. The programme provides vocational training in fibreglass boat construction while supporting local fishing communities and maritime needs.

Turkish cargo ship attacked by drone in Black Sea, one crew member missing

A Turkish-operated cargo vessel, the M/V RMS TEAM, was struck by a drone in the Black Sea, causing a fire and leaving one crew member missing. The operator, Akkon Lines, stated that the ship and its cargo are likely a total loss. The attack is part of an escalating pattern of strikes on civilian shipping in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov this summer.

Pramono: Handling brawls in Jakarta must be sustainable

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has stressed that tackling youth brawls requires a long-term, sustainable approach rather than short-term case-by-case fixes. He highlighted the provision of public sports facilities, including a boxing venue in East Jakarta, to channel young people's energy positively. The provincial government is also coordinating with law enforcement to anticipate potential conflicts between youth groups.

Kodam XXIII/PW and joint forces extinguish forest and land fires in Donggala

Military command Kodam XXIII/Palaka Wira, together with joint personnel, successfully extinguished forest and land fires covering around 10 hectares in Alindau Village, Donggala Regency, Central Sulawesi. A total of 169 personnel were deployed, including TNI soldiers, BPBD staff, firefighters, police, and local residents, supported by drones, fire engines, and backpack pumps. Follow-up monitoring is being conducted to prevent any recurrence of fire hotspots.

Bali Governor urges online lenders to focus on local productive sectors

Bali Governor Wayan Koster has called on fintech lending platforms to channel more financing towards productive sectors such as organic farming, culture-based creative economy, MSMEs and young entrepreneurs, rather than consumptive loans. He highlighted that around two-thirds of national online lending remains consumptive, while the Financial Services Authority (OJK) targets 40-50 per cent for productive sectors. The provincial government is ready to collaborate with regulators and industry players to boost financial literacy using its network of 1,500 traditional villages and digital literacy programmes in schools.

Activists of '98 Network Continue 'Warga Peduli Warga' Movement in Lampung

The '98 Resolution Network and Bina Insan Mulia Madani Foundation distributed 1,000 basic food packages to residents and online motorcycle taxi drivers in Bandar Lampung. The aid was funded through Pertamina Patra Niaga's corporate social responsibility programme. Organisers voiced support for the Prabowo-Gibran government's strategic programmes while pledging to monitor them against corruption.

Gus Yahya Affirms Commitment to Digital-Based Transformation of PBNU Governance

Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) is strengthening its organisational transformation through digitalisation while preserving its Islamic scholarly traditions. Chairman Yahya Cholil Staquf emphasised that modern administration and standardised governance are essential for the organisation to remain effective and relevant. The transformation includes digital platforms, tiered cadre training, and economic independence initiatives ahead of the 35th Muktamar.

Baznas accelerates efforts to meet 2026 zakat collection target

Indonesia's National Alms Agency (Baznas) is intensifying strategies across fundraising and distribution to achieve the 2026 national zakat target. The agency emphasises agile, transparent management and stronger partnerships to expand the reach of Islamic social funds. Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment Abdul Muhaimin Iskandar has praised Baznas for its role in supporting government poverty alleviation efforts.

Smuggling of Javan Gibbon in Suitcase to Oman Foiled at Soekarno-Hatta Airport

Authorities at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport have thwarted an attempt to smuggle a Javan gibbon and two tricolour monitor lizards to Oman in a suitcase. The Ministry of Forestry's law enforcement division has handed over the suspect, identified as AMR, to prosecutors after the case file was declared complete. The suspect faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of Rp5 billion under conservation laws.

Bridge Damaged by NTT Earthquake, Logistics to North Lamba Leda Hampered

The 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara, damaged the Dampek Bridge on a provincial road, disrupting logistics distribution and public mobility to North Lamba Leda. The provincial public works agency, supported by the military, police, and local government, is accelerating repairs and targets reopening the route by 23 August 2026. The priority follows a directive from the governor after a site visit with Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka.

BPOM Finds Four Local Coffee Brands That Could Trigger Heart Attacks

Indonesia's Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) has identified four local coffee brands containing the prescription drug sildenafil citrate, which is illegally marketed as a male stamina enhancer. The agency warns that consumption can lead to serious health risks including heart attacks, strokes, kidney damage and even death. BPOM chief Taruna Ikrar highlighted that such illegal products continue to circulate through online platforms and covert distribution channels.