Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 22 August 2026

Showing 351-400 of 939 articles

New Housing Development in Serpong to Feature Five Thematic Parks

Property developer TCP Internusa has allocated 56 percent of its latest residential project in Serpong, South Tangerang, to green space and non-building areas. The 2.2-hectare Edenhaus Serpong development will include five thematic parks with over 151,000 plants from 35 species. The project, valued at approximately Rp240 billion, targets the compact housing segment with prices ranging from Rp1.2 billion to Rp2.2 billion.

Cianjur Police Investigate Fatal Pile-up in Ciloto Puncak, Four Dead

Police in Cianjur, West Java, are investigating a multi-vehicle collision on the Puncak-Cipanas road that killed four people and injured eight others. The accident, involving a box truck, two minibuses and two motorcycles, is believed to have been caused by brake failure on a steep descent. Authorities have urged drivers of heavy vehicles to ensure their brakes and engines are roadworthy before traversing the accident-prone route.

Post-Disaster Recovery: South Nias Additional TKD Utilisation Reaches 23%

South Nias Regency has utilised 23 per cent of its Rp72.32 billion additional Transfer to Daerah allocation for 2026 to accelerate post-disaster recovery. The funds are being directed towards housing repairs, infrastructure restoration, and relocation of facilities in landslide-prone areas. Central and provincial task forces are supporting the regency in prioritising interventions based on field assessments.

Jakarta Deputy Speaker and Bicara Udara push to strengthen air pollution regulation

The civil society organisation Bicara Udara and Jakarta Deputy Speaker Wibi Andrino have called for a new regional regulation on air pollution control to be included in the 2027 legislative programme. They argue the existing 2005 bylaw is outdated and no longer adequate to address the increasingly complex sources of air pollution in the capital. The proposed regulation is expected to prioritise public health protection, data transparency, emission controls and effective enforcement.

Samarinda Government Strengthens Pampang Village Human Resources to Boost Tourist Visits

The Samarinda city government is focusing on human resource development and international promotion for Pampang Cultural Village to increase tourist numbers. The village recently won the Culture Category at Kaltim Fest 2026 and was named best in cultural and local wisdom development. Officials emphasise that preserving Dayak Kenyah cultural identity remains central to the village's tourism appeal.

Komdigi Distributes 15 Tonnes of Logistics Aid and 20 Starlink Units to NTT Earthquake Victims

Indonesia's Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs has dispatched 15 tonnes of relief supplies and 20 Starlink satellite communication units to earthquake-affected areas in East Nusa Tenggara. The aid aims to ease the burden on victims and restore connectivity in isolated regions. The official death toll from the disaster has risen to 87, with over 1,200 injured.

From Ticket Scalper to Airline Empire Builder

Rusdi Kirana, who began as a ticket scalper at Soekarno-Hatta Airport, built Lion Air into Indonesia's dominant low-cost carrier group. The airline, founded in 1999 with two leased aircraft, now operates multiple subsidiaries and carried 36.8 million passengers in 2018. Kirana's success has placed him among Indonesia's wealthiest individuals, with Forbes estimating his fortune at US$835 million in 2022.

Jakarta Prepares New Air Pollution Regulation, Here Is the Major Task Ahead

Jakarta has included a draft regional regulation to replace the 2005 air pollution control bylaw in its 2027 legislative programme. The non-profit Bicara Udara welcomed the move as an important first step, while stressing that the substance of the new regulation must address increasingly complex emission sources and protect public health. The Jakarta DPRD has expressed support for the revision.

Forest Fires Spread, Legislator Urges Finance Ministry to Disburse Rp290 Billion Emergency Budget

A member of Indonesia's House of Representatives has called on the Ministry of Finance to immediately release Rp290.9 billion in operational funds to tackle escalating forest and land fires in Kalimantan. The fires have affected dozens of hectares and are impacting public health, education, transport and economic activity. The legislator also urged stronger coordination between forestry officials, security forces and local governments, as well as ecosystem restoration and law enforcement.

Islamic Spirit and Creativity Behind the Festivities of Alisfest 2026

Al-Azhar Kelapa Gading school in Jakarta hosted Alisfest 2026, an Islamic festival combining religious values with youth creativity and independence celebrations. The event featured competitions, workshops, and an SME bazaar, drawing participants from across Indonesia. Organisers said the festival aimed to strengthen students' faith, character, and leadership skills.

Manggarai Housing KPR Can Be Paid Over 40 Years, Fixed Interest at 6 Percent

State-owned Bank Tabungan Negara (BTN) is offering mortgages for the Manggarai Housing project with tenors of up to 40 years and a fixed interest rate of 6 percent until full repayment. The development, a collaboration with KAI Properti, will provide 3,784 affordable units integrated with the Manggarai Transit Oriented Development area. The scheme aims to expand access to city-centre housing with prices kept below Rp600 million.

Credit in East Priangan Grows, Risk Looms

Bank lending in East Priangan grew 3.26 percent to Rp 58.19 trillion as of June 2026, but non-performing loans remain close to the 5 percent threshold at 4.75 percent. Consumer credit dominates the portfolio, while micro, small and medium enterprise loans account for Rp 33.34 trillion. Separately, Indonesia's first gold exchange-traded funds began trading on 10 August 2026, offering a new investment alternative.

BULOG Ensures Rice Availability and Food Distribution Remain Secure in NTT

State logistics agency Perum BULOG has confirmed that rice stocks in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) remain sufficient, with around 35,000 tonnes available and an additional 40,000 tonnes being mobilised from other regions. The agency is monitoring unloading operations at Labuan Bajo port and prioritising distribution for government programmes, disaster response, and price stabilisation. BULOG has already distributed 207 tonnes of government rice reserves and 6,000 litres of cooking oil to support earthquake-affected communities in Flores.

Caught in Sting Operation, Unsoed Rector Absent from KPK Event

The Rector of Jenderal Soedirman University, Akhmad Sodiq, was absent from a KPK integrity forum after being caught in a sting operation over alleged extortion in new student admissions. The KPK has named six suspects, including the rector and two other university officials, and seized approximately Rp665 million in cash. The case highlights ongoing corruption risks in Indonesia's higher education sector.

Home Affairs Minister Tito Accompanies Prabowo to Review Forest Fire Handling in Kalimantan

President Prabowo Subianto, accompanied by Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian, visited West Kalimantan to inspect forest and land fire handling efforts. The visit followed a limited cabinet meeting at Supadio Air Force Base and aimed to ensure firefighting operations are effective and well-coordinated. The President also engaged with firefighters and local residents affected by the fires.

UPN Veteran Jatim Benchmarks UBSI to Strengthen Digital Transformation

Universitas Pembangunan Nasional 'Veteran' Jawa Timur visited Universitas Bina Sarana Informatika in Jakarta to study best practices in higher education information system management. The benchmarking session focused on secure, effective, and sustainable digital governance, including academic service integration and data security. Both institutions expressed hope for broader future collaboration to advance Indonesian higher education.

Two Suspects in Rp 36 Billion Counterfeit Money Syndicate in South Tangerang Turn Out to Be Repeat Offenders

The Jakarta Metropolitan Police have uncovered a counterfeit money syndicate producing Rp 36 billion in fake Rp 100,000 notes in South Tangerang. Two of the four suspects are repeat offenders with prior convictions for similar crimes. The counterfeit notes were of high quality, featuring serial numbers, security threads, holograms, and state symbols, but had not yet been circulated.

KEPPOKP pushes for telecommunications network transformation in Papua Highlands

The Executive Committee for the Acceleration of Special Autonomy for Papua (KEPPOKP) is urging the installation of fibre optic cables from Jayapura to Wamena to improve internet access in Papua Highlands. The committee has coordinated with Telkom Group and surveyed the trans-Papua road to assess the route. The initiative is framed as permanent support from President Prabowo Subianto for digital connectivity across Papua.

Bogor Regency to Build Hajj Embarkation Resembling Zamzam Tower with Rp 142 Billion Budget

The Bogor Regency government has announced plans to construct a hajj and umrah embarkation facility in Cibinong with a budget of Rp 142 billion. The seven-storey building, designed to resemble the Zamzam Tower, aims to serve the regency's large quota of pilgrims, which is the highest in Indonesia. Construction is expected to begin in early 2027 following a tender process at the end of this year.

Indonesia, China agree to deepen digital and AI cooperation

Indonesia and China have agreed to establish a working group to deepen cooperation on digital technology, artificial intelligence development, and technology transfers following their inaugural Comprehensive Strategic Dialogue. Deputy Minister Angga Raka Prabowo emphasised that the partnership must be mutually beneficial and safeguard national interests, while also highlighting Indonesia's participation in global AI governance through WAICO. The two countries also discussed leveraging Indonesia's critical minerals to support semiconductor and microchip manufacturing, with a follow-up meeting planned in China early next year.

BMKG urges stronger mitigation as 11,869 hotspots detected in East Kalimantan

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has called for strengthened forest and land fire mitigation efforts in East Kalimantan after detecting 11,869 hotspots between 1 and 21 August 2026. The figure exceeds the 9,793 hotspots recorded during the same period in 2015, despite this year's El Niño being drier. The agency warns that the peak of the dry season is expected between September and October, when hotspot numbers are likely to rise further.

Ruben Onsu Speaks Out After Being Named Suspect in Investment Fraud Case

Celebrity Ruben Onsu has publicly apologised after South Jakarta Police named him a suspect in an alleged investment fraud and embezzlement case. Onsu said he had tried to resolve the matter before it entered the legal process but faced difficulties contacting former associates. Police have scheduled his questioning as a suspect for next week.

Police Hunt Financier of Rp36 Billion Counterfeit Money Syndicate in South Tangerang

The Jakarta Metropolitan Police are pursuing additional intellectual actors behind a counterfeit money operation worth Rp36 billion uncovered in South Tangerang. Four suspects have been arrested, including the alleged founder and primary financier, with two of the three printing technicians identified as repeat offenders. Authorities confirmed the fake notes had not yet circulated widely, thanks to a tip-off from local residents.

Iran shifts military doctrine from defensive to offensive

Iran has announced a shift in its military doctrine from a defensive to an offensive posture following recent conflicts with the United States and Israel. Brigadier General Mohammad Akraminia said the new doctrine includes preventive operations and immediate large-scale responses to any enemy aggression. The announcement comes amid escalating tensions, including US strikes on Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Solidarity and Festivity of Online Motorcycle Taxi Drivers at the 'Jaga Jakarta' National Gathering

Hundreds of online motorcycle taxi drivers gathered at Polda Metro Jaya for the 'Jaga Jakarta' National Gathering, strengthening ties with the police. The event featured a decorated motorcycle parade, inter-community competitions, free vehicle inspections, and health services. Police emphasised the strategic role of ojol communities in maintaining public order and safety in the capital.

Indonesian Consulate in Houston hosts US premiere of animated film 'Jumbo'

The Indonesian Consulate General in Houston has facilitated the first screening of the Indonesian animated film 'Jumbo' in the United States as part of Indonesia's 81st independence anniversary celebrations. The screening aims to promote Indonesia's creative economy and cultural diplomacy, with 125 attendees from local communities and the Indonesian diaspora. Consul General Ourina Ritonga expressed hope that Indonesian films will reach wider global audiences.

Creative Economy Ministry strengthens collaboration with Bank Indonesia to help creative businesses level up

Indonesia's Creative Economy Ministry and Bank Indonesia are deepening cooperation to support MSMEs and creative economy players through financing access, digitalisation, marketing and regional potential development. The partnership covers four strategies under the Creative Economy Master Plan, including creative financing, digitalisation, market access and region-based development. The collaboration also aims to improve recording of digital creative service exports so that foreign exchange contributions are captured more accurately.

China's Defence Minister urges deeper defence cooperation with Indonesia

Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun has called for stronger defence cooperation with Indonesia, emphasising strategic coordination and joint security efforts. The remarks came during a 2+2 meeting in Beijing involving the foreign and defence ministers of both countries. Both sides agreed to deepen collaboration on maritime security, cyber security, and combating transnational crime.

Antara Heritage Center provides space for cross-cultural exchange between nations

The Antara Heritage Center in Jakarta is positioning itself as a venue for cultural exchange between countries, according to ANTARA's acting corporate secretary. The centre recently hosted a Korean film screening and photo exhibition in collaboration with the Korean Cultural Center Indonesia, featuring traditional hanbok dress and calligraphy activities. The exhibition runs until 31 August 2026.

Trade Minister Urges Businesses to Maximise IEU-CEPA Opportunities

Indonesia's Trade Minister Budi Santoso has called for stronger collaboration between government and businesses ahead of the Indonesia-EU Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. The pact will liberalise around 98% of tariff lines and is expected to boost exports of palm oil, textiles, and footwear. The agreement is targeted for signing in October 2026.

Indonesia airlifts 777 tons of quake aid to E Nusa Tenggara

Indonesia's disaster agency has airlifted more than 777 metric tons of emergency relief to earthquake-hit East Nusa Tenggara, using both military and commercial aircraft. The operation includes thousands of family and refugee tents dispatched to Labuan Bajo and Maumere to address critical housing shortages. A central warehouse in Jakarta continues to hold around 577 tons of supplies, with further military sorties scheduled to reinforce the airbridge.

Prabowo Surveys Forest and Land Fires in Kubu Raya, Orders Officers to Move Quickly

President Prabowo Subianto visited a fire-affected area in Kubu Raya Regency, West Kalimantan, to assess conditions and ensure firefighting efforts are running optimally. He instructed ministers and relevant officials to handle the forest and land fires swiftly and in a coordinated manner to prevent further spread. The visit also served as a show of support for joint personnel and local residents affected by the fires.

PII to award regional governments with highest Regional Engineering Index on 29 August 2026

The Indonesian Engineers Association (PII) will present awards to regional governments with the highest Regional Engineering Index (IKD) scores on 29 August 2026. The initiative follows collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs to measure engineering practices in regional development. The index aims to encourage local governments to optimise the use of engineers, reduce infrastructure failure risks, and improve competitiveness.

Malaysian PM sends letter to Indonesian President seeking help over Felda investment case

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has written to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto requesting assistance over a troubled investment by Malaysia's Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) in Indonesian palm oil company PT Eagle High Plantations Tbk. Anwar warned that Felda could face losses of up to 2.5 billion ringgit (approximately Rp11 trillion) if the matter is not resolved. The investment, made during Najib Razak's premiership, remains tied up in Indonesian courts.

South Kalimantan BPBD: Eight regencies/cities on forest and land fire emergency alert

Eight regencies and cities in South Kalimantan have declared a forest and land fire emergency alert status as the province continues to face widespread fire incidents. As of 21 August 2026, 1,651 fire events have been recorded, with an estimated 6,905.67 hectares burned. The provincial emergency alert status remains in effect until 31 October 2026, with a command post active since 7 July 2026.

Jasamarga maintains reliability of Jakarta-Cikampek toll road through routine upkeep

PT Jasamarga Transjawa Tol is carrying out routine pavement reconstruction on several sections of the Jakarta-Cikampek toll road to preserve service standards and road user safety. The works, scheduled from 22 to 28 August, target specific lanes and kilometres in both directions. The operator has prepared situational traffic management and safety equipment to minimise disruption.

Central Sulawesi among six provinces with highest TB case detection, says deputy health minister

Central Sulawesi has been identified as one of Indonesia's six best-performing provinces in tuberculosis case detection for 2025, recording 8,419 cases or 83.6 per cent of the estimated burden. Deputy Health Minister Benjamin Paulus Octavianus noted that high detection rates are accompanied by treatment coverage of around 90 per cent. He stressed that prevention efforts must also target household contacts to break transmission chains.

Myanmar Military Air Strike Hits Monastery, 14 Killed

A Myanmar military air strike on a Buddhist monastery in Sagaing region killed 14 civilians attending a week-long meditation retreat. The attack occurred amid ongoing violence following the February 2021 coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government. The incident underscores the intensifying civil conflict between the military junta and pro-democracy resistance forces.

DHA Intake in School-Age Children Needs to Be Maintained to Support Brain Function

A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that around eight in ten Indonesian children aged 4-12 have EPA and DHA intake below the minimum level recommended by FAO/WHO. DHA plays a key role in the development and function of the nervous system, including the brain, and remains important as children enter school age. Paediatrician Dr Shyrien Amalina emphasised that essential fatty acids such as AA and DHA continue to support learning and brain maturation through adolescence.

Polda Metro Jaya Raids Counterfeit Money Syndicate Worth Rp36 Billion in South Tangerang

Polda Metro Jaya has uncovered a counterfeit money production syndicate in South Tangerang, seizing 360,000 fake Rp100,000 notes with a face value of Rp36 billion. Four suspects have been arrested, including two repeat offenders, and police confirmed the high-grade counterfeit notes had not yet been circulated. The suspects face up to 15 years in prison under the Criminal Code and Currency Law.

Riau Forest Fires: 4 Hectares Burned in Kampar, Government Seals Four Areas

Environment Minister Moh Jumhur Hidayat inspected forest and land fire handling in Riau, where the government has sealed four areas and halted operations at one industrial facility over hotspot and emission findings. Around 4 hectares in Kampar have been burned and extinguished, with cooling operations still underway. Nationally, approximately 3,800 hotspots have been recorded, and nearly 85,000 hectares of concession land are estimated to have burned across Indonesia.

Yogyakarta Governor calls on Scouts to strengthen food self-sufficiency movement

Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, Governor of the Special Region of Yogyakarta, has urged the Scout movement to play a greater role in achieving food self-sufficiency. Speaking at the 65th Scout Day ceremony in Gunungkidul, he emphasised that resilience comes from turning limitations into strength. The Sultan framed the initiative as both a cultural and national movement aligned with the goal of Indonesia Emas 2045.

Chinese Foreign and Defence Ministers Meet President Prabowo Subianto

President Prabowo Subianto received Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Defence Minister Dong Jun in Jakarta, following the first Comprehensive Strategic Dialogue and the second '2+2' ministerial meeting between the two countries. Prabowo praised China's development achievements under President Xi Jinping and expressed Indonesia's desire to deepen comprehensive strategic cooperation. Wang Yi affirmed China's commitment to supporting Indonesia's industrialisation and modernisation, describing China as a trustworthy long-term partner.

3 Ways to Check Forest Fires Online, Including via Google Maps

As Indonesia faces the dry season and heightened risk of forest and land fires, the public can now monitor hotspots using satellite technology through several official platforms. The article outlines three methods: the Ministry of Forestry's SiPongi+ system, BMKG's Polar Hotspot imagery, and Google Maps' wildfire layer. It emphasises that hotspots are early indicators requiring field verification, not definitive proof of active fires.

PPPK Teachers Welcome Plan to Become Central Government Employees, Hope for Better Pay

Teachers with government work agreements (PPPK) in Central Java have welcomed a plan to transfer their employment status from regional to central government. They hope the change will bring more equitable salaries and clearer career progression. Regional officials also support the move, citing reduced fiscal burdens on local budgets.

KPK explains why parents of prospective students are not suspects in Unsoed rector case

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has explained why parents of prospective students who paid money in the alleged extortion and gratification case involving Jenderal Soedirman University (Unsoed) Rector Akhmad Sodiq were not named as suspects. The anti-graft body cited the power imbalance between parents and the rector, who held full authority over the admissions system. The case involves three clusters totalling approximately Rp 2.45 billion in alleged illicit payments.

NTT Earthquake Update: 87 People Dead

The death toll from the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara has risen to 87, with 1,298 people injured, according to the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB). More than 150,000 people have been displaced as aftershocks continue to rattle the region. The government is coordinating disaster response efforts across seven affected regencies.

Suwung Landfill Burns Again, Blamed on Hot Weather

A fire broke out at the Suwung landfill in Denpasar on Saturday afternoon, burning an area of approximately 15 by 5 metres. The blaze was extinguished within 17 minutes by two water tankers from the Bali Forestry and Environment Service. Officials attributed the fire to hot weather conditions and said routine weekly spraying is carried out to prevent such incidents.

Prabowo inspects West Kalimantan fires, orders coordinated response

President Prabowo Subianto visited fire-affected areas in West Kalimantan and ordered a rapid, coordinated, and field-oriented response based on factual assessments. He also urged regional governments to enforce regulations and strengthen preventive measures to stop the fires from recurring.

Bima Young Ustadz Forum sends one tonne of rice to NTT earthquake victims

The Forum Ustadz Muda Bima Indonesia (FUMBI) has dispatched one tonne of rice and other essential supplies to communities affected by the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara. The aid, sent by boat from Sangiang, includes instant noodles, eggs, cooking oil, tarpaulins, baby nappies, blankets and other basic necessities. FUMBI expressed gratitude to donors and highlighted the strong spirit of mutual assistance behind the relief effort.