Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 25 August 2026

Showing 751-800 of 1,030 articles

Balikpapan City Government Implements Time-Based Fuel Purchase Rules from 1 September

The Balikpapan municipal administration will introduce new distribution rules for subsidised Pertalite and Biosolar fuels from 1 September 2026. The measures include time-based service windows at petrol stations, vehicle-type segregation, and an odd-even number plate system for diesel. Five additional petrol stations will be designated specifically for motorcycles.

Danamon distributes logistical aid for NTT earthquake victims

PT Bank Danamon Indonesia Tbk has delivered humanitarian assistance to communities affected by the earthquake in Ende Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. The aid, comprising rice, blankets, tarpaulins, eggs, instant noodles, biscuits, mineral water and other essentials, was coordinated with local government and disaster agencies. The bank expressed hope that conditions would recover swiftly and that relief efforts would continue effectively.

Unusual Phenomenon: Puncak Bogor Gets Colder During Dry Season, What's Happening?

Researchers from IPB University have explained why the Puncak area of Bogor has been experiencing colder temperatures during the dry season. The phenomenon is attributed to the Australian monsoon bringing dry, cool air masses, combined with clear skies that enhance radiative cooling after sunset. The dry season is expected to last until September 2026, with its peak in August.

SOE Profit Reaches Rp 330 Trillion, Danantara Targets Rp 360 Trillion in 2026

BPI Danantara reported that profits of state-owned enterprises under its management reached Rp 330 trillion, with a target of Rp 360 trillion for 2026. COO Dony Oskaria highlighted that this figure already exceeds Temasek Holdings' profit of approximately Rp 136 trillion. He emphasised that the achievement demonstrates Indonesia's capacity to build high-performing state enterprises.

Ministry of Forestry: PBPH holders must take extra measures to tackle forest and land fires

Indonesia's Ministry of Forestry has ordered holders of Forest Utilisation Business Permits (PBPH) to implement extraordinary measures in preventing and controlling forest and land fires, citing extreme weather risks from El Niño in 2026 and 2027. The ministry warned that business-as-usual approaches would be considered negligence, and emphasised that compliance will be assessed on preparedness, early detection, rapid response, and inter-company collaboration. Initial evaluations found around 10 percent of permit holders still need to improve their reporting discipline.

Lotte Chemical Plans to Divest Petrochemical Assets in Indonesia

South Korean chemical giant Lotte Chemical Corp. is restructuring its overseas petrochemical operations by selling assets in Malaysia, Indonesia, and the United States amid global oversupply pressures, particularly from China. The company is reportedly exploring the sale of a stake in its Indonesian subsidiary, Lotte Chemical Indonesia, to Indonesia's sovereign wealth fund, Danantara. The move is part of a broader strategy to reduce reliance on commodity products and shift towards higher-value-added business lines.

473 Hotspots Detected in South Kalimantan, Nearly All Areas in Red Zone for Forest and Land Fires

The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has detected 473 hotspots across South Kalimantan, with the highest concentrations in Hulu Sungai Selatan, Tapin, and Banjar regencies. Nearly all of the province's 13 districts and cities are now classified as red zones, indicating a very high risk of forest and land fires. The majority of hotspots are categorised as medium confidence, with only Banjarmasin and Balangan recording no hotspots.

Tambora National Park Confirms Three Fire Hotspots on Mount Tambora Extinguished

Tambora National Park officials have confirmed that three fire hotspots detected on Mount Tambora in Dompu Regency, West Nusa Tenggara, have been extinguished and pose no danger. The hotspots were located inside the caldera near the magma chamber, not from grassland fires as initially reported. The upcoming Tambora Jungle Run event on 30 August 2026 will proceed as scheduled following a safety recommendation from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources' volcanology team.

US Threatens New Sanctions, Vows to Strangle Iran's Economy

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has pledged to 'cripple' Iran's economy through expanded secondary sanctions targeting digital assets, technology, gold, aviation, and shipping. The measures would also hit 60 individuals, companies, and vessels accused of helping Iran generate oil revenue, procure weapons, and conduct cyber operations. Iran's Economy Minister dismissed the threats, saying Tehran has long anticipated such plans and has a two-year strategy to manage the situation.

Ahead of Israeli Election, Netanyahu Claims Iran Tried to Kill One of His Sons

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed that Iran attempted to assassinate one of his sons, though he provided no details on timing, target, or how close the plot came to execution. The remarks, made during a television interview, were linked to his call for security protection for all prime ministerial candidates ahead of Israel's 27 October general election. The claim comes amid heightened Israel-Iran tensions and domestic political pressure on Netanyahu's coalition.

Purbaya Reveals West Java APBN Surplus of Rp 22 Trillion Until July 2026

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa announced that West Java recorded a regional state budget surplus of Rp 22.02 trillion up to July 2026, driven by strong tax revenue growth. He emphasised that budget execution must translate into tangible economic activity and public welfare, not merely absorption figures. The province's economy grew 5.73 percent year-on-year in the second quarter, supported by the manufacturing sector.

Brimob Polda Metro Arrests 2 Youths About to Brawl in Ciracas, 4 Sharp Weapons Seized

Police arrested two youths suspected of planning a street brawl in Ciracas, East Jakarta, and seized four sharp weapons and two motorcycles. The arrests followed a tip-off from residents and are part of intensified routine patrols aimed at preventing crime and maintaining public order. The suspects and evidence have been handed over to the East Jakarta Metro Police for further legal processing.

Victim's Family Denies Kinship with Pitbull Owner

The family of a young girl attacked by a pitbull has refuted claims that they are related to the dog's owner. They believe a misunderstanding during hospital assistance led police to record incorrect information. The family remains focused on the victim's recovery after she sustained serious head and ear injuries.

Latest Update on Forest and Land Fires Across Indonesia

Forest and land fires continue to affect multiple regions across Indonesia, with significant areas burned in Kalimantan, Sumatra, and Papua. The Ministry of Forestry has imposed sanctions on several companies linked to the fires, while authorities deploy water bombing, weather modification, and ground operations to contain the blazes. Smoke from Kalimantan has drifted to Sarawak, Malaysia, prompting school closures there.

Madura Set for Total Transformation as Mega Project Draws Chinese Investment

The Wiraraja Madura Industrial Estate in Bangkalan is being developed to create a new economic growth centre in East Java, with China emerging as the largest source of manufacturing investment. The project aims to address extreme poverty in the region through job creation and economic redistribution, with factories planned for plastics, yarn, mattresses, furniture, food, and fish canning. Development is currently in the permitting stage, with physical construction expected to begin once approvals are completed.

Danantara CEO: DSI Strengthens Natural Resource Export Governance, Not Adding Bureaucratic Layers

Rosan Roeslani, CEO of Danantara Indonesia, has clarified that PT Danantara Sumberdaya Indonesia (DSI) is designed to strengthen export governance through integrated and transparent verification, not to add bureaucracy or replace regulators. The new entity will verify export data and transactions, including quantity, quality, pricing, payment settlement, and foreign exchange repatriation. Implementation will be phased to avoid disrupting existing trade flows.

BTN Sends Aid to Residents Affected by Sade Traditional Village Fire

State-owned bank BTN has distributed essential supplies to around 320 residents affected by a fire that destroyed 167 structures in Sade Traditional Village, Central Lombok. The assistance, coordinated with Danantara Indonesia and other state-owned enterprises, includes bedding, drinking water, food, and worship supplies. The fire damaged 75 traditional houses, 69 art shops, granaries, and cultural heritage assets of the Sasak community.

PTI UMS Gandeng Ubuntu Indonesia untuk Sertifikasi AI Canonical

Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta's Informatics Education programme is partnering with Ubuntu Indonesia and PT Sivali Cloud Technology to provide students with Canonical AI certification and open-source training. The collaboration aims to bridge academia and industry by developing curricula in artificial intelligence and cloud computing, while revitalising the campus open-source community. This initiative is intended to strengthen Indonesia's digital talent pool and prepare graduates for the AI-driven global economy.

Inovasi Tim UMS: Cara Seru Anak Disleksia Belajar Menulis Huruf Pakai Pasir dan Plastisin

Students from Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta have developed an inclusive educational method called Fun Motion to help dyslexic children learn to write letters using sand, plasticine, and colourful books. The community service programme at SDN Nayu Barat 1 Surakarta employs a multisensory, kinesthetic approach tailored to different grade levels to improve fine motor skills. The initiative aims to serve as a model for public schools in creating child-friendly inclusive learning environments.

Expert: Central Government Should Not Wait for National Disaster Status

A governance expert has urged Indonesia to shift its disaster management paradigm so that central government assistance is deployed based on local capacity rather than waiting for a formal national disaster declaration. Djohermansyah Djohan, a professor at the Institute of Home Affairs Governance, argues that emergency needs such as clean water, food and medical care cannot be delayed by administrative labelling. He calls for an automatic escalation mechanism, stronger regional disaster agencies and greater investment in pre-disaster mitigation.

5 Status Match Programmes in Indonesia, Is Crypto Included?

Status match programmes are gaining traction in Indonesia, extending beyond banking and travel into the cryptocurrency industry. Platforms like Pintu now offer VIP status matching to attract premium traders from other exchanges. This article reviews five notable status match programmes available in Indonesia across crypto, aviation, and hospitality sectors.

Video: Still Dependent on Wheat Imports in Wartime, What Must Indonesia Do?

Tensions between Russia and Ukraine have disrupted grain supplies from the Black Sea, driving up global wheat prices. Indonesia, which still imports cheap wheat from both countries, faces potential impacts on its domestic industry. The discussion examines how the supply disruption could affect Indonesia and what measures may be needed.

Bank Mandiri, BRI and BNI Shares Surge in August

Shares of Indonesia's major state-owned banks rallied in August 2026, extending gains from July as investors returned to the sector. The recovery was driven by attractive valuations, renewed foreign buying, stable interest rates and a strengthening rupiah.

Aria Bima Calls for Oversight of Tito's Instruction Banning Land Clearing by Burning

House Deputy Speaker Aria Bima has welcomed Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian's instruction banning all land clearing by burning, though he believes it is overdue. He stressed that the practice causes severe biodiversity loss, public health crises, and diplomatic embarrassment with neighbouring countries. Bima urged that the instruction be properly enforced with clear oversight and sanctions, rather than remaining a mere circular.

Israeli Settlement Outposts Expand, Palestinians Claim Terror and Expulsion

Palestinian residents in the occupied West Bank report escalating intimidation, violence, and sieges by Israeli settlers and forces aimed at forcing them from their homes and land. Israeli media outlet Ynet documents a pattern of blockades, arson, and threats, particularly in Areas A and B, where settlement outposts have expanded significantly. Rights groups warn that settlement expansion is directly linked to rising violence against Palestinian communities.

DSI's Success Should Not Be Measured by Transaction Value, but Fiscal Effect

An economist from Indef argues that PT Danantara Sumber Daya Indonesia's success should be judged by its ability to close state revenue leakages rather than the value of transactions it oversees. Rizal Taufikurrahman highlights that effective governance could boost tax bases, royalties, and export proceeds repatriation, strengthening the rupiah and external stability. He also cautions that DSI must avoid becoming an additional bureaucratic layer that raises export costs.

Jakarta Provincial Government Encourages SMEs to Penetrate Global Markets via CIEIE 2026

The Jakarta provincial government is facilitating the participation of 23 curated SMEs in the China International SME Fair 2026 in Guangzhou as part of efforts to expand their export market access. Deputy Governor Rano Karno highlighted the China (Indonesia) International E-Commerce Industry Expo 2026 as a platform to strengthen Indonesia-China trade ties and open international business opportunities for Jakarta's small enterprises. The initiative forms part of Jakarta's broader economic transformation strategy, which includes developing high-value industries and integrating them with modern services and the halal ecosystem.

Final Laughter of Bangli Migrant Worker in Japan Before Death by Hanging

An 18-year-old Indonesian migrant worker from Bangli, Bali, was found dead in her company apartment in Kagoshima, Japan, in a suspected suicide. Her father said she had been joking and laughing with her younger sister by phone just two days before her death. Japanese authorities are still investigating the case, and the repatriation of her body is being processed.

Viral Video Shows Motorcycle Thief in Depok Firing Gun While Fleeing Residents, Police Investigate

Police in Depok are investigating a viral video showing a motorcycle thief allegedly firing a firearm while being chased by residents in Sukmajaya. The suspect managed to escape on foot after abandoning the stolen motorcycle, and authorities are now coordinating with a special team to track him down.

Chinese Idols Banned from Singing Japanese Songs Amid Worsening Diplomatic Relations

Authorities in Shanghai have reportedly instructed underground idol groups to stop performing Japanese-language songs, reflecting heightened tensions between Beijing and Tokyo. The move follows Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks on Taiwan and is seen as part of broader pressure from Beijing across tourism, trade, education, and entertainment sectors.

Death of Febrie Adriansyah's House Guard Deemed Unnatural, IPW Urges Police to Reveal Perpetrator

Indonesia Police Watch (IPW) has deemed the death of Sutrimo, the guard of a vacant house owned by former Junior Attorney General for Special Crimes (Jampidsus) Febrie Adriansyah, as unnatural, citing the police's escalation of the case to the investigation stage. IPW Chairman Sugeng Teguh Santoso stated that forensic examination results, expected within a week, will determine whether Sutrimo was murdered and if poison was involved. The case has drawn attention due to Sutrimo's alleged knowledge of items found during searches at Febrie Adriansyah's properties, with IPW urging Polda Metro Jaya to conduct a transparent and professional investigation.

Handling Forest and Land Fires, West Kalimantan Police Search for Water Sources and Prepare 300 Brimob Personnel

The West Kalimantan Regional Police are strengthening their strategy to tackle forest and land fires by mapping water sources in vulnerable areas and coordinating with the provincial Environmental Agency. They have also received an additional 300 Brimob personnel to support operations across eight priority districts. The police are also engaging companies operating near fire-prone areas to assist with water supply and distribution.

Vocational School Student Arrested for Stealing Gold from Empty House of Earthquake Victim

A 17-year-old vocational school student in Labuan Bajo has been arrested for burgling homes abandoned by earthquake victims, stealing gold jewellery, mobile phones, cash and rice. Police say the suspect used a rented motorcycle and committed multiple thefts across the area before and after the Flores earthquake. The case is being handled under Indonesia's juvenile justice system, with the suspect facing up to seven years in prison.

47 Killed in Armed Gang Attack, Government and Police Respond

At least 47 people were killed and 22 injured in an armed gang attack in Kenscoff, Haiti, prompting residents to demand accountability from the government and the removal of the local police chief. The Haitian Prime Minister's office condemned the attack and pledged to restore state authority in the area. The violence raises concerns about Haiti's ability to hold elections in December.

Central Sulawesi receives 16 X-ray units to expand TB screening

The Central Sulawesi provincial government will receive 16 portable X-ray units from the Indonesian Ministry of Health to be deployed across all regencies and municipalities, expanding tuberculosis screening coverage. The devices, scheduled to arrive in September 2026, will be complemented by Near Point of Care testing equipment to reach remote communities. The initiative aims to improve early detection and preventive therapy, as Central Sulawesi ranks among the top six provinces nationally for TB case detection in 2025.

Iran denies receiving invitation to join Makkah Defence Treaty

Iran has denied receiving an official invitation to join the Makkah Joint Defence Treaty, contradicting earlier claims by an Iranian parliamentary official. The pact, signed by Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan on 7 August, aims to strengthen collective deterrence against regional aggression. The denial highlights ongoing diplomatic sensitivities surrounding the new defence arrangement.

Netanyahu Suspected of Seeking to Delay Israeli Election as Party Slumps in Latest Poll

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is suspected of attempting to delay the country's parliamentary election by provoking escalation in Gaza, according to assessments by senior Israeli military officials. The latest Channel 12 poll shows Netanyahu's Likud party trailing the newly formed Yashar party, with its leader Gadi Eisenkot leading Netanyahu by 10 points in prime ministerial preference. Netanyahu has publicly urged voters not to support small right-wing parties, warning that splitting the right-wing vote could hand power to the left.

Projo Clarifies Viral Video of Budi Arie and Jokowi Regarding Elections

Projo has clarified a viral video featuring its chairman Budi Arie Setiadi discussing the possibility of accelerating the 2029 general election. The organisation stated the clip was taken out of context from an internal discussion during an Independence Month gathering with former president Joko Widodo. Projo emphasised that the forum was intended to relay volunteers' input to President Prabowo Subianto through Jokowi, who reportedly urged calm and noted the economy remains stable.

Indonesia sanctions 6 firms after 1,511 hectares burn in Kalimantan

Indonesia's Environment and Forestry Ministry has imposed administrative sanctions on six plantation companies after forest and land fires burned approximately 1,511 hectares across their concessions in Kalimantan. The penalties include mandatory improvements to fire prevention systems, restoration of affected areas, and in one case suspension of a business permit. Officials warned that sanctions could escalate to permit revocation or criminal prosecution if companies fail to comply or if evidence of deliberate burning emerges.

Why the 1992 Flores Earthquake Was Deadlier Than 2026

Researchers from Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) have compared the 1992 and 2026 Flores earthquakes, finding that similar magnitudes do not guarantee similar tsunami threats. The 1992 event produced a devastating tsunami with a run-up of 26.2 metres, likely amplified by submarine landslides, while the 2026 quake generated only a relatively small tsunami. The findings underscore the importance of understanding seafloor deformation and local bathymetry in tsunami risk assessment for East Nusa Tenggara.

West Kalimantan Police search for water sources to tackle forest and land fires

West Kalimantan Regional Police are identifying and preparing water sources in fire-prone areas to strengthen forest and land fire response. The force is coordinating with the provincial Environmental Agency and involving nearby companies to support water distribution. An additional 300 Mobile Brigade personnel have been deployed to assist operations across eight priority districts.

Gold prices for three Pegadaian brands rise in unison on Tuesday

Gold prices for Galeri24, Antam, and UBS at Pegadaian all increased on Tuesday compared with the previous day. The price of Antam gold rose to Rp2,810,000 per gram, while Galeri24 and UBS reached Rp2,726,000 and Rp2,788,000 per gram respectively. Prices are subject to change at any time.

Top stories: six companies sanctioned over forest fires, Jakarta remains secure

The Ministry of Forestry has sanctioned six companies for repeated forest and land fires in Kalimantan, covering 1,511.55 hectares. President Prabowo Subianto has also reinforced a ban on land clearing by burning. Meanwhile, Jakarta police have assured the public that the capital remains safe and conducive.

98 Resolutions Network distributes aid to earthquake victims in NTT

The 98 Resolutions Network community has distributed humanitarian aid worth nearly Rp1 billion in the form of basic food packages and cash to communities affected by the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara. The assistance is intended to help meet basic needs and support recovery efforts during the emergency response period. The group emphasised that the aid reflects solidarity and a shared moral responsibility towards fellow citizens facing disaster.

DPR: Forest and Land Fires Could Adversely Affect Food Supply

A member of Indonesia's House of Representatives has warned that prolonged drought and forest and land fires could disrupt staple food supplies in West Kalimantan. Yuliansyah urged central and regional governments to collaborate on mitigation measures focusing on clean water availability and food security. He cautioned that supply chain disruptions could trigger price rises and weaken public purchasing power.

Public Works Ministry supplies water to tackle forest and land fires in Muaro Jambi

Indonesia's Ministry of Public Works is supplying water and coordinating with local agencies to combat forest and land fires in Muaro Jambi Regency, Jambi Province. The ministry is strengthening cross-sector coordination and optimising water infrastructure to support disaster response during the 2026 dry season. Firefighting efforts have extinguished the flames, but cooling operations continue to prevent reignition, particularly in peatland areas.

US War Department Releases Boeing Receives F-15 Eagle Jet Contract from Indonesia

The United States Department of War has announced that Boeing has been awarded a contract worth 131.23 billion US dollars for the F-15 Eagle Crest programme, which includes Foreign Military Sales to Indonesia. The contract covers aircraft production, system integration, modernisation, upgrades, repairs, maintenance, and the establishment of organic depot maintenance capabilities. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Missouri, and is expected to be completed by August 2037.

400 Nagekeo Earthquake Victims Receive Health Services from National Police

Around 400 residents affected by the earthquake in Nagekeo Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, have received medical treatment at a National Police health post. Common complaints included upper respiratory tract infections, flu, cough, and gastritis. The police also provided psychological support and trauma healing activities for children in evacuation shelters.

Pakistan's army chief visits Iran to push for Middle East peace

Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited Iran on Monday as part of Islamabad's efforts to promote peace and stability in the Middle East. The visit focuses on achieving a peaceful, lasting and comprehensive resolution to regional conflicts. It comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts by Pakistan to facilitate dialogue and de-escalation between Iran and the United States.

MPR Research Body Examines Decentralisation and Regional Autonomy

The People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) research body is reviewing the implementation of decentralisation and regional autonomy, focusing on constitutional provisions and persistent challenges. Experts highlighted high regional dependence on central government transfers and weak local bureaucratic capacity as key obstacles. The discussions aim to assess whether existing constitutional articles remain relevant or require refinement.