Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 25 August 2026

Showing 51-100 of 1,030 articles

Prabowo Praises Danantara Performance: Its Leadership Deserves State Honours

President Prabowo Subianto has lauded the performance of the Daya Anagata Nusantara Investment Management Agency (BP Danantara), crediting it with turning around state-owned enterprises and boosting their profits by hundreds of percent in under two years. Speaking at a solar power plant groundbreaking in Bali, he suggested Danantara's leadership deserves a state honour. He attributed the success to honest, patriotic leadership and linked it to the government's broader efforts to curb financial leakages and corruption.

Launch of 100 GW solar power project must mark start of rapid execution

The Institute for Essential Services Reform has urged the government to treat the launch of the 100 GW solar power programme as the beginning of a much larger execution phase, warning that success will be measured by gigawatts connected to the grid before 2029 rather than by groundbreaking ceremonies. The institute highlighted the project's potential to reduce Indonesia's reliance on fossil fuels and strengthen energy security, particularly in Bali. PLN's chief executive noted that the initial 5.3 GWp phase is already the largest ongoing solar project in the world.

Riau Police Distribute Thousands of Masks to Prevent Haze Exposure in Pekanbaru

The Riau Regional Police have distributed 2,500 masks to residents of Pekanbaru to protect them from haze caused by forest and land fires. The initiative is part of a broader effort to address the fires, combining firefighting operations with public health protection. Police also urged residents to limit outdoor activities and seek medical attention if they experience health problems from the smoke.

Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources says 1 GWp solar power plant will eliminate diesel from Bali

Indonesia's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has announced that a planned 1 gigawatt peak (GWp) solar power plant will eliminate all diesel-fired power generation in Bali. The project will be developed across five clusters, with the Gilimanuk site in Jembrana Regency already underway. President Prabowo Subianto officially launched the strategic 100 GWp national solar programme at the Gilimanuk Operation Monument.

Trump threatens to rename Lake Ontario to 'Lake America'

US President Donald Trump has threatened to rename Lake Ontario to 'Lake America' amid failed trade negotiations with Canada and deteriorating relations with Ontario Premier Doug Ford. The threat follows the collapse of US-Canada trade talks and Washington's imposition of 50 percent tariffs on Canadian goods worth 20 billion US dollars. Canada has pledged dollar-for-dollar retaliatory tariffs, while Ford has suggested Canada should sell oil, potash, uranium and rare earth minerals to the US at triple current prices.

Gecko Abilities Inspire Satellite Technology to Capture Space Debris

Researchers are developing a satellite docking system inspired by the gecko's ability to stick to surfaces, aiming to tackle the growing problem of space debris. The EU-funded gEICko project uses micro-structured silicone to adhere to uncontrolled objects in orbit. The technology is expected to be operational in about ten years.

UPI Cibiru Introduces AI Agent Technology to Optimise Public Services

Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia's Cibiru campus has trained village officials in Cibiru Wetan to use AI Agent technology and workflow automation to streamline administrative services. The initiative aims to help village apparatus manage public complaints and administrative tasks more efficiently without manual data processing. Village officials welcomed the training, saying it supports their goal of becoming a digital village.

BI reports Jambi MSMEs record Rp675.87 million in sales at KKI 2026

Bank Indonesia's Jambi representative office reported that its assisted micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) achieved total sales of Rp675.87 million at the Karya Kreatif Indonesia 2026 event, a 28 percent increase from the previous year. Twelve Jambi MSMEs showcased regional products including textiles, ready-to-wear fashion, processed foods, coffee and crafts. One Jambi coffee processor secured a Letter of Intent for export business matching with partners from the UAE and China, with an estimated contract value of Rp3.2 billion.

Indonesia targets 100 GWp solar plant to power off-grid villages

Indonesia has launched a 100 GWp solar power programme aimed at electrifying off-grid villages, with President Prabowo Subianto officiating at a groundbreaking ceremony in Bali. The initiative, which includes a 198 MWp plant with battery storage in Jembrana, is intended to provide at least 1 MW of electricity per village and support local economic activities such as cold storage for fisheries. State-owned enterprises Pertamina and PLN are involved in implementation, with the Bali project expected to begin operations in 2028.

Environment Minister Reviews Forest and Land Fires in South Kalimantan, Ensures Perpetrators Face Firm Action

Environment Minister Moh Jumhur Hidayat visited Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan, to oversee the handling of forest and land fires on the President's orders. He stressed that fire suppression and public health protection are top priorities, while warning that law enforcement will be strictly applied against those who burn land. The minister also noted a significant reduction in burned area compared to 2023, from around 190,000 hectares to approximately 8,000 hectares so far.

They Are Branded Netanyahu's Enemies: From Erdogan to Mamdani

Israel's Likud party, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has erected a giant billboard in Tel Aviv depicting figures it considers adversaries, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, ahead of the October 2026 election. The billboard appears amid rising Israel-Turkey tensions and as Likud trails in opinion polls behind the Yashar party. Netanyahu has urged right-wing voters to back Likud rather than smaller parties that may fail to clear the electoral threshold.

Pekanbaru Prostrates in Prayer for Rain, Prays for Safety of Firefighters

The Pekanbaru city government has called for a mass Salat Istisqa, or prayer for rain, across all sub-districts on Wednesday, 26 August 2026, as forest and land fires continue to degrade air quality. Mayor Agung Nugroho emphasised that the haze affecting the city originates from fires in surrounding provinces, urging prayers for all affected regions and the safety of firefighters. Residents are also reminded not to clear land by burning and to report emergencies via the free 112 hotline.

China says cooperation with Iran cannot be disrupted by US

Beijing has rejected Washington's threat of secondary sanctions over its dealings with Iran, insisting the cooperation is lawful and will be defended. The US has launched 'Operation Economic Outcast' targeting five sectors of Iran's economy and warned that no country, including China, is immune. China called for de-escalation and a return to dialogue, arguing that unilateral sanctions harm the global economic order.

BNPB Chief Calls for Accelerated Post-Earthquake Handling in East Manggarai

The head of Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), Lt Gen TNI Suharyanto, has urged local authorities in East Manggarai Regency to speed up data collection and the transition from emergency response to recovery following the Flores earthquake. He stressed that basic needs must be met promptly and that residents should not remain in tents for too long. The earthquake has caused 103 deaths across Nusa Tenggara Timur, with East Manggarai recording 34 fatalities and over 20,000 damaged homes.

Five Companies Sanctioned for Kalimantan Forest Fires, One Licence Suspended

Indonesia's Ministry of Forestry has imposed administrative sanctions on six forest utilisation permit holders after fires burned 1,511.55 hectares across West, Central, and East Kalimantan. Five companies face government enforcement orders, while PT MPK received the heavier penalty of licence suspension due to the extensive and repeated nature of fires in its concession. The ministry warned that sanctions could escalate to licence revocation if companies fail to restore affected areas and improve fire prevention systems.

Gibranku Chairman Regrets Budi Arie's Statement: It Was a Personal View

The chairman of the Gibranku volunteer group, Ananta Agung Junaedy, has expressed regret over remarks by Budi Arie Setiadi suggesting political change could occur before the 2029 election. Ananta stressed that volunteers remain loyal to the Prabowo-Gibran government and that Budi Arie's comments were a personal view, not shared by former president Joko Widodo or his family.

Smoke Haze Disrupts Flights at Sultan Thaha Jambi Airport, Two Planes Diverted

Thick smoke haze from ongoing forest and land fires in Jambi Province caused severe visibility reductions at Sultan Thaha Airport on Tuesday afternoon, forcing two Jakarta-bound flights to divert to alternative airports. Visibility dropped to as low as 800 metres before recovering, though departures continued without significant delays. Airport authorities have urged passengers to monitor flight updates as conditions remain volatile.

Nagekeo Infrastructure Recovery Accelerated, Public Facilities Prioritised

Lawmaker Bambang Haryo Soekartono has urged the government to accelerate the restoration of public facilities damaged by the earthquake in Nagekeo Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. Priority areas include schools, hospitals, places of worship, roads, ports, and residential housing. He also highlighted the need for a thorough technical evaluation of the severely damaged Maumere Terminal, involving construction researchers from ITS.

Global grant for Dompu livestock development to begin in September

A Global Environment Facility-funded programme to develop sustainable livestock systems in Dompu Regency, West Nusa Tenggara, will commence in September 2026 and run until 2031. The initiative, implemented with the FAO and central and regional governments, aims to build an integrated, environmentally friendly livestock sector while improving farmer welfare. Dompu is one of five target districts in Indonesia under the Rp237.2 billion national project.

Forensic Laboratory Results for Sutrimo Expected This Week

The Metro Jaya Police have confirmed that forensic laboratory and re-autopsy results for Sutrimo, the former head of household affairs for ex-Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes Febrie Adriansyah, will be released this week. Police are awaiting toxicology results to determine whether poison was present in his body. Investigators have so far questioned 27 witnesses, including ambulance drivers, hospital medical staff, and individuals at the scene.

Wildfires Ravage Indonesia: Here’s What Bali Tourists Need To Know

Wildfires are spreading across Sumatra and Kalimantan, with over 36,000 hectares ablaze and more than 24,000 firefighters deployed. President Prabowo Subianto has ordered the military and police to work with local governments to tackle the fires, while 72 people have been arrested for starting them. Bali is not currently affected but faces heightened drought and wildfire risk, prompting the provincial government to prepare clean water assistance.

Indonesia to Build 14 Solar Power Plants with 5.3 GWp Capacity, PLN Chief Says World's Largest

Indonesia has announced 14 solar power plant projects with a combined capacity of 5.3 gigawatt peak, which PLN's chief executive says will be the largest ongoing solar project in the world. The projects involve an investment of around US$7.7 billion and are expected to save the state budget Rp4.6 trillion annually. The initiative is part of President Prabowo Subianto's push for energy self-sufficiency and reducing diesel fuel imports.

NTT earthquake death toll rises to 103, injuries reach 1,666: BNPB

The death toll from the magnitude-7.7 earthquake that struck East Nusa Tenggara on 15 August has risen to 103, with 1,666 people injured, according to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency. The agency continues to update casualty figures as reports arrive from affected areas, with the majority of fatalities recorded in Manggarai and East Manggarai regencies. President Prabowo Subianto has pledged comprehensive emergency assistance for affected communities.

BNPB urges public to wear mask amid wildfires

Indonesia's National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has urged residents in wildfire-affected areas to wear masks outdoors as firefighting continues across Sumatra and Kalimantan. The agency also called for public vigilance in preventing fires, warning against burning waste and careless cigarette disposal amid prolonged dry conditions linked to El Nino. Hotspots remain active on peatlands in Riau, West Kalimantan, and South Kalimantan, with containment and cooling operations ongoing.

Surya Semesta Subsidiary Disburses Rp240 Billion for Edenhaus Serpong

PT Surya Semesta Internusa Tbk. (SSIA), through its subsidiary TCP Internusa, has launched the Edenhaus Serpong residential project in South Tangerang with an investment value of Rp240 billion. The project targets a broader market segment with more affordable pricing compared to its predecessor, Edenhaus Simatupang. The launch comes as SSIA's property segment shows strong performance, with consolidated revenue rising 58.4% year-on-year in the first half of 2026.

Smoke haze disrupts flights at Sultan Thaha Airport Jambi

Thick smoke haze from forest and land fires reduced visibility at Sultan Thaha Airport in Jambi, forcing two incoming flights to be diverted to Batam and Palembang. Visibility fluctuated between 800 and 1,500 metres during the afternoon, though departing flights were unaffected. Airport authorities urged passengers to monitor flight updates as conditions remain changeable.

East Java BPBD intensifies water bombing to tackle Mount Arjuno forest fires

The East Java Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) has stepped up aerial water bombing operations to combat forest and land fires on Mount Arjuno-Welirang in Pasuruan Regency. As of Tuesday, the affected area had reached 146.85 hectares, with eight sorties dropping 8,000 litres of water on two fire hotspots that are difficult to reach by land. Around 30 personnel from a joint team are also fighting the blaze from the ground via hiking routes in Batu and Pasuruan.

Oarfish 'Doomsday Fish' Found Stranded at Pink Beach, East Lombok

A four-metre oarfish, locally known as the 'doomsday fish', was found dead at Pink Beach in East Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. The discovery by campers early on Tuesday morning quickly went viral on social media. Local officials confirmed the unusual find, noting it was the first time such a creature had been seen in the area.

Hasanuddin Airport declares flight operations back to normal

Flight operations at Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport in South Sulawesi have returned to normal after a Navy Cassa aircraft that skidded on the runway was successfully evacuated. The incident occurred a day after an Air Force Sukhoi fighter jet also skidded at the same airport. Investigations into the cause of the Cassa incident are ongoing.

Chinese warship MV Chen Jing Run docks at Bitung Port

The Chinese naval vessel MV Chen Jing Run (Hai Yang 26) has docked at Bitung Container Port in North Sulawesi for replenishment and crew rest. The ship, carrying 140 personnel, is on a voyage from Africa back to China and will remain in Bitung until 29 August 2026. Indonesian Navy officials welcomed the delegation with traditional ceremonies, highlighting ongoing bilateral cooperation.

Telkom allocates 20 percent of revenue to build digital infrastructure

PT Telkom Indonesia plans to allocate 18-20 percent of its revenue to digital infrastructure investment in 2026, citing the projected USD 360 billion digital economy opportunity by 2030. The state-owned enterprise reported consolidated revenue of Rp146.7 trillion in 2025. The investment will fund mobile networks, fibre optics, submarine cables, towers, and data centres.

Riau Police Brimob Equipped with Breathing Apparatus to Tackle Kampar Forest Fire Smoke

Riau Police Mobile Brigade (Brimob) personnel have been deployed to combat forest and land fires in Kampar Regency, equipped with portable breathing apparatus to protect them from thick smoke. The equipment is particularly crucial for operations on deep peatland, where underground embers can reignite even after surface flames are extinguished. A total of 45 Brimob personnel are involved in the joint operation alongside other agencies.

Day 13: Fire at Ciniru TPSA Enters Cooling Phase

The fire at the Ciniru Final Waste Processing Site (TPSA) in Kuningan Regency, West Java, has entered its cooling phase after 13 days of firefighting efforts. The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) confirmed that the remaining hotspots and smoke have been successfully contained within the TPSA area, preventing any spread to residential land. The operation received logistical support from the Kuningan branch of the Indonesian Medical Association (IDI).

KuMining Expands Access to Proof-of-Work Infrastructure via KAS Cloud Mining

KuMining, the cloud mining platform backed by global cryptocurrency exchange KuCoin, has launched KAS Cloud Mining to broaden its multi-asset mining ecosystem. The service offers eligible users a more accessible route to professional-grade Kaspa mining infrastructure without needing to own or operate specialised hardware. It employs a 'mine first, pay electricity later' model intended to reduce upfront capital requirements.

Girl Bitten by Pitbull in Bandung Undergoes Ear Surgery

A nine-year-old girl in Bandung Regency has undergone surgery after being bitten by a pitbull, sustaining serious injuries to her head and ear. The dog has been moved to a special quarantine facility following an agreement with local neighbourhood officials.

East Kalimantan Police investigate eight forest and land fire reports

East Kalimantan Regional Police are handling eight police reports related to forest and land fires in the province, with investigations underway and a focus on law enforcement to deter those responsible. Authorities are also examining possible corporate involvement, while the regional disaster agency has recorded 273 fire incidents affecting 752 hectares as of 20 August 2026. Air quality monitoring has been stepped up in Berau and Paser regencies due to smoke from local fires and transboundary haze from South Kalimantan.

Minister urges Muslims to emulate Prophet Muhammad and continue Noer Ali's struggle

Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar has called on Indonesian Muslims to follow the example of Prophet Muhammad and national hero KH Noer Ali during a Maulid Nabi commemoration in Bekasi. Speaking at the At Taqwa Islamic boarding school, he emphasised that Islamic teachings remain relevant amid modern scientific and technological progress. The event also marked the 70th anniversary of the foundation, which was established by Noer Ali to develop Bekasi and contribute to the nation.

Cooperatives Ministry strengthens fishermen empowerment on Sembur Island, Batam

The Ministry of Cooperatives is bolstering fishermen empowerment on Sembur Island, Batam, by providing integrated fisheries support facilities including an ice factory, cold storage, and solar-powered fishing boats. The initiative aims to build a value-added fisheries ecosystem managed through the Galang Baru Merah Putih sub-district cooperative. The ministry expects the scheme to create jobs and keep income circulating within the cooperative.

Prabowo Scheduled to Visit Nagekeo Earthquake Evacuees Tomorrow

President Prabowo Subianto is scheduled to visit earthquake evacuees in Nagekeo, East Nusa Tenggara, on Wednesday. The Deputy Regent of Nagekeo confirmed that all preparations are in place, though the detailed itinerary has not been released due to presidential protocol. The visit will focus on the evacuation post at Lapangan Berdikari Danga and RSUD Aeramo.

Dedi Mulyadi Wants Political Parties to Help Oversee West Java Development

West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi has called for stronger partnership between the provincial government and political parties to jointly oversee the region's development agenda. Speaking at the Democratic Party's regional conference in Bandung, he emphasised the importance of collaboration with parties represented in the West Java Regional House of Representatives. The conference also saw Anton Sukartono Suratto elected unopposed as the party's provincial chairman for the 2026–2031 period.

Public Can Come to Resolve Legal Administration Issues Through This Event

The Ministry of Law's Directorate General of General Legal Administration (Ditjen AHU) will hold a three-day service festival in Bandung from 29-31 August 2026, bringing various legal administration services closer to the public. Visitors can consult, try digital service simulations, and obtain on-the-spot services for eligible applications. The event aims to help citizens resolve outstanding legal administration issues, including a special programme offering direct assistance for actual problems.

Targeting 6 Percent Economic Growth, These Are the Six Growth Engines Prepared by Airlangga

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto has outlined six growth engines to push Indonesia's economic growth towards 6 percent amid global uncertainty. The strategy includes downstreaming, energy self-sufficiency, bullion ecosystem development, export proceeds governance, digitalisation, and special economic zones. The government is also strengthening human resources, expanding access to business financing, and pursuing trade diplomacy to support the target.

Serang Regent sends message to voters at NU Congress

Serang Regent Ratu Rachmatuzakiyah has urged Nahdlatul Ulama delegates to elect a leader with integrity, professionalism and strong Islamic scholarship at the 35th NU Congress. She also reaffirmed the Serang Regency government's commitment to working with Islamic organisations. Around 300 people from Serang are travelling to Jombang, East Java, for the congress.

ICP DAS-BMP to Showcase Medical TPU Innovations at Medical Manufacturing Asia 2026

Taiwanese medical-grade thermoplastic polyurethane producer ICP DAS-BMP will exhibit at Medical Manufacturing Asia 2026 in Singapore, presenting its Low-Migration and Low-Friction TPU series alongside medical tubing extrusion and OEM/ODM services. The company will highlight materials compliant with ISO 10993 for implant and invasive device applications, including PFAS-free and plasticizer-free formulations.

Sogang University Opens Tuition-Free Pathway for International STEM Postgraduate Students in Seoul

Sogang University Graduate School has launched a programme offering full tuition waivers to international postgraduate students in science and engineering fields. The initiative combines the Seoul ANCHOR Programme, backed by the Ministry of Education and Seoul Metropolitan Government, with the university's own global scholarship. It aims to attract international talent to build careers in South Korea while providing research, internship, and language support.

Bapanas Chief Vows to Pursue Perpetrators Behind Fortified Rice Price Anomalies

The Head of the National Food Agency (Bapanas) has pledged to pursue those responsible for price anomalies in fortified rice, which he claims have defrauded consumers and disrupted national food trade. Laboratory tests found that 93 percent of sampled brands failed to meet fortified rice claims, with some products sold at Rp42,000 per kilogram despite lacking the advertised nutrients. The government estimates total consumer losses at Rp91 trillion and has referred the case to the Food Task Force.

Malaysia Appreciates Indonesia's Rapid Response in Handling Forest and Land Fires

Malaysia has praised Indonesia's swift action in tackling forest and land fires under President Prabowo Subianto's leadership, citing increased military personnel, large-capacity helicopters, and aggressive weather modification operations. Both nations have agreed to strengthen early prevention efforts against transboundary haze ahead of Malaysia's national celebrations. Malaysia has also expressed readiness to provide assistance to Indonesia if needed.

Dedi Mulyadi invites political parties to jointly oversee West Java development

West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi has called for stronger partnership between the provincial government and political parties to oversee the region's development agenda. He made the remarks while attending the Democratic Party's sixth regional conference in Bandung, where Anton Sukartono Suratto was unanimously endorsed as the party's West Java chairman. The governor highlighted the importance of collaboration with parties represented in the provincial legislature.

LX Pantos Indonesia Strengthens CSR Commitment by Renovating Schools in Bekasi

LX Pantos Indonesia has completed renovations of two primary schools in Bekasi, West Java, as part of its 2026 corporate social responsibility programme. The initiative aims to create safer and more conducive learning environments while supporting local human resource development. The project continues the company's series of educational facility improvements in the Cikarang area.

Indonesian Healthcare Travel Revenue in Malaysia Hits Record RM2.2 Billion, MHX Returns to Yogyakarta

Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) is expanding its presence in Indonesia through MHX Yogyakarta 2026, following a record RM2.2 billion in healthcare travel revenue from the Indonesian market in 2025, up 24% year-on-year. The four-day event aims to strengthen trust and access to Malaysian specialist medical services among Indonesian patients. Indonesia remains Malaysia Healthcare's largest market, with 968,000 healthcare traveller arrivals in 2025, a 16% increase from the previous year.