Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 25 August 2026

Showing 701-750 of 1,030 articles

UN: Civilian casualties rise in Gaza, West Bank

UN humanitarian agencies report deadly airstrikes in Gaza over the weekend and clashes in the West Bank that killed civilians, including a child. Three UN warehouses in Deir al-Balah were damaged by an airstrike targeting a nearby location. OCHA stressed that civilians and civilian objects, including humanitarian facilities, must always be protected.

Earth Microbes Potentially Able to Survive at the Moon's South Pole

New research suggests that microbes carried from Earth on space missions could survive in permanently shadowed regions near the Moon's South Pole. Scientists mapped survivable niches using data from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, comparing lunar conditions with the tolerance thresholds of various microorganisms. The findings highlight the importance of understanding microbial contamination ahead of future lunar exploration.

Registration for 2027 Hajj officers opens: requirements and schedule

Indonesia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has opened registration for Hajj Organising Officers (PPIH) for the 1448 H/2027 M pilgrimage season. The selection covers general PPIH roles and health personnel, with separate schedules and requirements for each formation. The ministry has emphasised that the selection process is free of charge and warned applicants against fraudsters offering guaranteed placement.

Jakarta Developers' Attitude Shifts Dramatically Due to MRT, What's Behind It?

Property developers in Jakarta have reversed their earlier resistance to MRT connectivity, with some now voluntarily giving up land to improve pedestrian access. The shift reflects a new paradigm where developers see public transport links as adding value to their properties. This is particularly notable in the Bundaran HI area, where land prices are the highest in Indonesia at up to Rp300 million per square metre.

Hijab polemic at Defence University: Al Washliyah grateful young generation committed to religious teachings

Al Jam'iyatul Washliyah chairman KH Masyhuril Khamis has urged the public to view the hijab controversy at the Defence University (Unhan) in full context and within existing regulations. He emphasised that religious education and character building remain vital for Indonesia's youth. The organisation called for all parties to instil religious values rather than encourage young people to abandon their faith.

Netanyahu's Likud Party Erects 'Enemies of Netanyahu' Billboards Ahead of Israeli Election

Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party has unveiled giant billboards in Tel Aviv depicting foreign leaders and figures it labels as enemies of Israel, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The campaign comes as Likud trails in recent polls ahead of Israel's late October election, with the party projected to win only 21 seats compared to 24 for the newly formed Yashar party. Netanyahu faces accusations from Turkey and domestic rivals that he is deliberately escalating regional tensions to bolster his electoral prospects.

Man in TTS Dies After Wife Strikes Him with Shockbreaker

A man in Timor Tengah Selatan, East Nusa Tenggara, died after his wife struck him repeatedly on the head with a shockbreaker during a domestic dispute. The incident occurred after the victim, who was intoxicated, allegedly verbally abused and threatened to kill his wife. Police have arrested the suspect and urged the public to resolve domestic conflicts peacefully or through legal channels.

DSI Tightens Export Governance, Trade Contracts Remain Secure

PT Danantara Sumberdaya Indonesia (DSI) has begun tightening governance of strategic natural resource exports, focusing initially on coal, crude palm oil, and ferroalloy. CEO Rosan Roeslani assured exporters that existing commercial contracts will be honoured and that DSI will focus on evaluation, monitoring, and transparency rather than taking over trade relationships. The state-owned company also announced its board of commissioners and directors, including former World Bank managing director Mari Elka Pangestu and Freeport Indonesia president director Tony Wenas.

Pitbull Attacks Child in Bandung, Sahroni Says Owner Can Be Prosecuted for Negligence

A nine-year-old girl in Bandung Regency required surgery after being attacked by a pitbull, prompting Deputy Chairman of House Commission III Ahmad Sahroni to warn that the dog's owner could face criminal charges. Sahroni cited Article 474 of the new Criminal Code, which carries penalties of up to one year in prison and fines for negligence causing injury. He urged all dog owners to keep their animals securely confined to prevent similar incidents.

Minister Meutya respects legal process in unlicensed internet case in Mentawai

Communications and Digital Minister Meutya Hafid has said she respects the legal process against a Mentawai resident accused of providing internet services without a licence, while urging a coaching-first approach. She noted that Sikakap village has 4G but no fibre optic connection, leaving residents dependent on a single operator. The ministry plans to help the resident obtain a licence or become a reseller for a licensed internet service provider.

AI Phenomenon: House Deputy Speaker Suggests This for Civil Servants Who Cannot Adapt

Deputy Speaker of House Commission II Dede Yusuf has urged that civil servants be prepared to work alongside artificial intelligence rather than be replaced by it. He argued that efficiency should be understood as placing ASN in roles suited to technological change, not reducing their numbers. The National Institute of Public Administration (LAN) separately reported progress in AI-focused competency development through partnerships with technology firms.

Blora Police detain three suspects in assault of two police officers

Blora Police have detained three suspects in connection with the assault of two police officers during a carnival celebrating Indonesia's 81st Independence Day in Rowobungkul Village, Ngawen District. The incident stemmed from a dispute between residents of two hamlets that escalated into violence. Both injured officers have been discharged from the local health centre, and investigations are ongoing to identify any additional perpetrators.

BMKG Launches Weather Modification Operation to Tackle Forest and Land Fires in East Kalimantan

Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has commenced a weather modification operation in East Kalimantan to address water deficits at Sepaku Reservoir and combat forest and land fires. The operation, conducted with multiple government agencies, aims to optimise cloud potential to induce rainfall. Data shows prolonged dry spells and over 13,000 hotspots in the region, while the reservoir supplying the new capital Nusantara has been declining since July.

Trade Agreements Could Boost Halal Product Exports

A researcher from Indef's Center for Sharia Economic Development has highlighted that Indonesia's trade agreements with various countries present an opportunity to strengthen domestic industry and increase halal product exports. He emphasised the need for Indonesia to move beyond being merely a market to becoming a producer and exporter in the global halal supply chain. The growing global Muslim population and examples such as Malaysia's use of foreign direct investment were cited as key factors supporting this potential.

Emulating the Prophet's Food Resolution from the Grassroots

An academic argues that the Prophet Muhammad's teachings on reviving barren land offer a blueprint for addressing Indonesia's current food security crisis. The article contends that grassroots solidarity and productive self-sufficiency, rather than passive reliance on government intervention, are key to economic resilience. It draws parallels between the early Islamic community in Medina and contemporary challenges facing Indonesian households.

KPK probes financial management and procurement at Bengkulu City PUPR Office

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is investigating financial management and procurement of goods and services at the Public Works and Spatial Planning (PUPR) Office of Bengkulu City. Two officials were questioned as witnesses on 24 August 2026, including the office treasurer and the head of water resources. The probe stems from an earlier sting operation in Rejang Lebong Regency and has already led to the seizure of Rp4 billion in cash from the Bengkulu PUPR head's residence.

Two UN peacekeepers killed in ambush while patrolling in South Sudan

Two Ethiopian UN peacekeepers were killed and seven others wounded when their patrol was ambushed by unidentified armed men in Jonglei State, South Sudan. The UN Mission in South Sudan strongly condemned the attack, which appears to have been targeted. The incident highlights the continuing instability in the region amid ongoing conflict between Sudanese armed forces and rebel groups.

Indonesia Begins Building Advanced Rockets Independently, Test Flight in Three Years

Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) is developing a two-stage rocket with a test flight targeted for 2029. The programme includes key technologies such as the RX 450 rocket motor, separation systems, control systems, and telemetry, supported by the Strategic Invitation Research Programme. BRIN is also advancing the construction of a spaceport through partnerships with strategic investors.

IKN on Forest Fire Alert with Cloud Seeding Using Salt, What For?

The Nusantara Capital Authority (OIKN) has launched a weather modification operation in East Kalimantan to mitigate forest and land fire risks amid a prolonged dry spell. Working with the Indonesian Air Force, BMKG, and regional disaster agencies, the operation uses cloud seeding with sodium chloride to maintain surface water availability and strengthen fire prevention efforts.

Permata Bank Syariah's UPZDK and DDII Strengthen Partnership to Send Hundreds of Preachers to Remote Areas

UPZDK Permata Bank Syariah has reinforced its commitment to empowering communities in remote parts of Indonesia by becoming a key partner of the Dewan Dakwah Islamiyah Indonesia's Dakwah Pedalaman programme. The collaboration includes scholarships, the deployment of 132 young preachers, and the construction of basic infrastructure in underdeveloped regions. The initiative aims to address gaps in education, healthcare, and basic services in the country's outermost areas.

Transmigration areas can power Indonesia's new economic hub: Economist

An economist has argued that Indonesia's transmigration areas could become a new economic hub, leveraging the country's strategic trade position and natural resources. The government's new transmigration paradigm prioritises creating economic opportunities and jobs before population movement, with plans to develop full value chains in agriculture and processing. Five flagship programmes and the deployment of over 1,400 specialists to 53 areas in 2026 are intended to support this transformation.

Khofifah provides support for East Manggarai earthquake evacuees

East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa visited earthquake evacuees in Benteng Jawa, East Manggarai Regency, offering moral support and assessing their needs. She pledged additional rice supplies and school equipment for children, while the provincial government has already dispatched humanitarian aid worth over Rp2.2 billion. The visit was welcomed by local officials as a significant morale boost for affected residents.

Singapore Prepares Allowance of Nearly Rp1 Billion per Child, Increases Parental Leave

Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has announced a major expansion of family support policies, including increased parental leave and a new SG Child Support Package. The package will provide each Singaporean child with S$70,000 (approximately Rp975 million) in financial support until age 17, replacing existing schemes such as Baby Bonus. The measures aim to provide consistent long-term support for parents and apply to all Singaporean children regardless of family circumstances or parental marital status.

South Kalimantan Provincial Government Holds Istisqa Prayer for Rain to Tackle Forest and Land Fires

The South Kalimantan Provincial Government held a mass Istisqa prayer at the Sabilal Muhtadin Grand Mosque in Banjarmasin to appeal for rain amid worsening forest and land fires. Governor Muhidin said the prayer was a collective effort involving officials, clerics and residents, as weather modification was currently difficult due to a lack of clouds. The authorities have urged mosques across the province to hold similar prayers while hot and dry conditions persist.

KPK questions private party to trace money flow in Banjarmasin tax office case

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has questioned a private sector witness as part of its investigation into alleged corruption at the Banjarmasin Medium Tax Office. The witness, identified as SYI, was examined regarding suspected payments received by tax examiners from several taxpayers. The case has already led to the seizure of US$680,000, 1.3 kilograms of gold, and Rp100 million.

West Kalimantan Police warn of smoke hazard for water transport users on Kapuas River

The West Kalimantan Regional Police's Water and Air Police Directorate has urged users of the Kapuas River to exercise heightened caution, as smoke haze is reducing visibility and increasing the risk of accidents. Visibility has improved to around one to two kilometres in recent days, but authorities continue to monitor conditions and advise against night-time navigation.

West Kalimantan Police SAR Team Patrols to Prevent Forest Fires Spreading to Residential Areas

The West Kalimantan Regional Police's SAR team has conducted patrols and cooling operations in fire-prone areas of Kubu Raya Regency to prevent residual embers from reigniting and spreading to residential neighbourhoods. Officers extinguished and dampened remaining hotspots along Jalan Ayani 3 in Desa Limbung, while urging residents to report any signs of fire immediately. The police emphasised that community involvement and rapid reporting are crucial to containing fires during the current dry conditions.

Expert: Trade agreements an opportunity to boost halal product exports

An Indef researcher says Indonesia's trade agreements with various countries could strengthen domestic industry and drive halal product exports, preventing Indonesia from being merely a market in the global halal supply chain. Abdul Hakam Naja highlighted the growing global Muslim population and Malaysia's success in attracting foreign direct investment as key factors. He also stressed the need to accelerate halal certification and involve universities in research and SME support.

Govt calls for swift action on forest and land fires, firm enforcement

The Indonesian government has urged rapid and coordinated action against forest and land fires, with President Prabowo Subianto calling for firm legal enforcement against violators. Authorities are investigating corporations in West Kalimantan and have sanctioned six permit holders after fires affected over 1,500 hectares, while nearly 85,000 hectares across Sumatra and Kalimantan have been impacted. Officials stressed the public health risks, particularly for children and the elderly, and pledged oversight of coordination among central and regional agencies.

Malaysia and Brunei Bring Indonesia's Haze Problem to ASEAN

Malaysia and Brunei have agreed to raise the issue of transboundary haze caused by forest and land fires in Indonesia at the ASEAN level. Indonesia has granted Malaysia permission to conduct cloud seeding operations in its airspace to help mitigate the haze. Malaysia has also expressed readiness to assist Indonesia in firefighting efforts.

8 Largest Forest Fires in World History, Is Indonesia Among Them?

CNBC Indonesia reviews the largest wildland fires ever documented, ranging from Australia's 1974-1975 season that burned nearly 117 million hectares to Indonesia's 1997-1998 fires that scorched 9.75 million hectares. The article highlights that Indonesia continues to face significant forest and land fires, with hotspots recorded in four priority provinces in August 2026. The analysis underscores how extreme heat, drought, and human activity consistently amplify fire risks across the globe.

Video: Going Global, Danantara Invests in Mecca Hotels and Madinah Airport

BPI Danantara's Chief Operating Officer Dony Oskaria outlined the ongoing reform of 1,074 state-owned enterprises, including addressing pension fund investment risks. The agency is also driving microeconomic support through reduced PNM Mekaar loan rates, mining sector enforcement and downstreaming, and energy transition initiatives.

Festive Ta'ruf Parade in Kampung Islam Kepaon Denpasar

Around 1,500 residents of Kampung Islam Kepaon in Denpasar took part in the annual Ta'ruf parade marking the Prophet Muhammad's birthday. The event combined religious observance with mass circumcision and a display of interfaith harmony with the Puri Agung Pemecutan royal house. Organisers highlighted the tradition as a symbol of tolerance and unity within the Republic of Indonesia.

Dukcapil Deploys Teams to Earthquake Disaster Sites in 7 Regions of NTT

The Directorate General of Population and Civil Registration (Dukcapil) has deployed six service teams to seven earthquake-affected areas in East Nusa Tenggara to provide on-site administrative document services. The teams bring recording and printing equipment to issue replacement identity cards and other documents for displaced residents. The initiative aims to ensure that disaster victims retain access to public services, social assistance, and healthcare despite losing or damaging their documents.

Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Rises to 6,509

The death toll from the twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela in June has risen to 6,509, up from 6,438 previously. Evacuation of bodies from the rubble continues in La Guaira, where thousands of displaced people are living in emergency camps. Authorities have provided 335 homes for victims, falling short of the 4,000 promised by the end of the year.

Pangkalpinang holds 'Nganggung' with 1,000 dulang to celebrate Prophet Muhammad's birthday

The city of Pangkalpinang in the Bangka Belitung Islands held a traditional 'Nganggung' festival featuring 1,000 dulang trays of food and fruit at the Tua Tunu Grand Mosque to mark the Prophet Muhammad's birthday. Mayor Saparudin emphasised that the tradition strengthens community spirit, mutual cooperation and unity. The event drew large crowds, causing traffic congestion in the area.

Undip Student Team and Bank BTN Help Lanjan Village Businesses Go Digital

A student capacity-building team from Universitas Diponegoro has partnered with Bank BTN to introduce QRIS digital payments to small business owners in Lanjan Village, Semarang Regency. The initiative aims to boost local economic growth by helping entrepreneurs adopt digital financial tools and better manage their cash flow. Participants welcomed the hands-on assistance, with organisers hoping the programme will spur further digital adoption and the development of local culinary ventures.

AI development presents new challenges in judicial process

Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Nezar Patria has warned that generative AI's ability to create synthetic realities poses significant authentication challenges for evidence presented in court. He noted that while AI can assist with document preparation and case administration, human judges must remain the ultimate decision-makers in judicial proceedings.

Kompolnas Urges Police to Be Cautious in Blocking Public Bank Accounts: Erodes Bank Reputation

The National Police Commission (Kompolnas) has called on the Indonesian National Police to exercise greater care when blocking citizens' bank accounts, warning that such actions can undermine public trust in the banking sector. The statement follows the blocking of a state-owned bank account belonging to a protest coordinator from Pati, Central Java. Kompolnas member Mohammad Choirul Anam stressed that while blocking is permissible for suspected money laundering or terrorism, police must also consider economic interests and constitutional rights to free expression.

Practitioners: Optimising domestic gas requires integrated infrastructure

Oil and gas practitioners argue that optimising Indonesia's domestic gas utilisation depends on creating an ecosystem that ensures economic certainty for field development and investment. They stress that gas reserves alone are insufficient without integrated infrastructure and market access to enable sustainable production, distribution, and absorption. Fiscal incentives, regulatory certainty, and infrastructure-led exploration are identified as key strategies for monetising gas discoveries, particularly in unexplored basins.

State Secretary Reveals Why Forestry and Environment Ministers Missed Forest Fire Coordination Meeting

State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi has clarified that Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni and Environment Minister Jumhur Hidayat were absent from President Prabowo Subianto's forest and land fire coordination meeting because they had already visited affected areas. The meeting focused on boosting personnel and equipment, including TNI and Polri support for water bombing and modified trail motorcycles.

Tabebuya Blooms Become Photo Spot in Kemang, Residents: Looks Like Japan

Tabebuya trees along Jalan Kemang Raya in South Jakarta have burst into bloom, drawing residents who say the pink and white flowers resemble Japanese cherry blossoms. Locals expressed delight at finding a natural, picturesque spot in the city and voiced hope that similar greenery could be introduced across Jakarta to improve comfort and aesthetics.

China promotes innovation and digitalisation of SMEs at APEC Forum

China is set to host the 32nd APEC SME Ministerial Meeting in Guangzhou on 4 September, focusing on technological innovation, digital empowerment and inclusive development. The meeting aims to produce a joint ministerial statement and enhance SME innovation capacity and digitalisation across the Asia-Pacific region. China will also host the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Shenzhen in November, marking the third time a Chinese city has hosted the event.

Regular Consumption of Sugary Drinks May Increase Stomach Cancer Risk

A new study published in Gastro Hep Advances has found that consuming at least one sugar-sweetened beverage daily is associated with a nearly 2.5-fold higher risk of stomach cancer. Researchers analysed data from over 112,000 health professionals over several decades, identifying 278 cases of stomach cancer. The findings add to growing evidence linking sugary drink consumption to serious long-term health consequences.

Gold ETF, a New Alternative for Gold Investment

The Indonesia Stock Exchange, together with other Self-Regulatory Organizations and with support from the Financial Services Authority, has officially launched the first gold Exchange Traded Fund in the Indonesian capital market. The launch coincided with the 49th anniversary of the reactivation of Indonesia's capital market. This provides investors with a new alternative to physical gold ownership.

Unjani Hosts International Disaster Management Jamboree to Anticipate Disasters

Universitas Jenderal Ahmad Yani (Unjani) has concluded its International Disaster Management Jamboree 2026, a two-day simulation and competition focused on urban disaster preparedness. The event brought together 16 teams from national institutions and international participants, including students from the University of Lyon in France. Organisers emphasised the university's commitment to emergency and disaster management as a core academic vision.

Caution! WhatsApp Suddenly Requests OTP Code, Activate This Setting

WhatsApp users are being warned about unexpected verification code requests, which may indicate either a mistyped number or an attempted account takeover. The platform advises never sharing the OTP with anyone and recommends enabling two-step verification for added security.

KAI Daop 1: Today marks peak return flow for Maulid Nabi holiday

PT KAI Daop 1 Jakarta recorded 37,964 passenger arrivals on Tuesday, 25 August 2026, the highest volume during the Maulid Nabi long weekend. Gambir Station led with 13,356 arrivals, followed by Pasar Senen with 12,936. Overall, KAI provided 196,870 long-distance train seats during the holiday period with an occupancy rate of around 78 per cent.

Ahead of 27 August Rally, Tasikmalaya Children of the Nation Alliance Supports Jakarta Remaining Safe

A coalition of community groups in Tasikmalaya, West Java, has called for calm and order ahead of a planned demonstration in Jakarta on 27 August. The alliance, which includes market traders, farmers, youth and religious figures, supports the government's agenda and warns against provocateurs seeking to disrupt national unity. They specifically back the asset forfeiture bill and the death penalty for corruptors.

New Jakarta Hospital Offers Stem Cell Services and Cancer Vaccine Research

Jakarta has strengthened its medical technology ecosystem with the opening of Toto Tentrem Hospital in Tebet, South Jakarta, which specialises in stem cell and regenerative medicine. Governor Pramono Anung inaugurated the facility and encouraged collaboration with regional public hospitals to boost the capital's medical tourism competitiveness. The hospital, which began construction under former governor Anies Baswedan, aims to provide both curative and preventive stem cell treatments.