Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 25 August 2026

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East Java Education Office prepares schools as transit points for 35th NU Congress participants

The East Java Education Office is preparing state senior and vocational high schools to serve as transit points for participants of the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama Congress in Jombang from 27–31 August 2026. Facilities including classrooms, mosques, bathrooms and toilets will be made available for rest, prayer and washing, with some schools switching to online learning during the event. The initiative is also intended to provide students with social learning about togetherness, mutual cooperation and tolerance.

Transmigration Ministry directs transmigration areas to become new economic centres

The Ministry of Transmigration is shifting its approach by prioritising economic development before population movement, aiming to turn transmigration areas into new centres of economic growth. Minister M. Iftitah Sulaiman Suryanagara stressed the need to build complete economic ecosystems, from research to global marketing, rather than simply relocating people and hoping opportunities follow. He cited China's durian market, worth around Rp137 trillion annually, as an example of an opportunity Indonesia should develop into a full domestic industry rather than merely exporting raw commodities.

Prabowo: This Year One of the Strongest El Nino Events

President Prabowo Subianto has stated that the current El Nino phenomenon is among the strongest ever predicted, affecting many countries worldwide. Speaking at the groundbreaking of a 100 GWp solar power plant programme in Bali, he expressed confidence that forest and land fire problems would be fully resolved within one to two weeks. He praised the coordinated efforts of government agencies, the military, police and disaster response teams.

Tackling Jambi Forest Fires, Forestry Minister Raja Juli Prepares Weather Modification Operation for Late August

The Indonesian government is stepping up efforts to control forest and land fires in Jambi, with a weather modification operation scheduled for 27–30 August 2026. Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni noted that Jambi still ranks sixth nationally in hotspot count, and the province's deep peatlands remain highly vulnerable during the prolonged dry season. The operation aims to induce rainfall to dampen fire-prone areas and reduce the number of hotspots.

PP SEMMI urges all parties to build peaceful and courteous democracy

The Central Board of the Indonesian Muslim Students Union (PP SEMMI) has called on all parties to uphold healthy democracy through polite and peaceful dialogue. Chairman Zulhadi Ariza emphasised that freedom of expression must be exercised within legal boundaries and with respect for public order and national symbols. He also expressed concern that a planned demonstration by the Pati United Community Alliance could divide national unity and urged solidarity with disaster-affected regions.

Observer: Papua Cannot Be Understood Solely Through Today's Political Issues

At an event commemorating Indonesia's 81st independence anniversary, security analyst Stepi Anriani argued that Papua must be viewed through its full historical context rather than only current political tensions. She also emphasised that women's gentleness can be a political strength and that education is key to women's independence and bargaining power.

Bahlil's Joke in Bali: President is Gerindra Chairman, Solar Power Plant Groundbreaking in 'Red Cage'

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia used humour to highlight cross-party collaboration during the groundbreaking of a 100 GWp solar power plant in Jembrana, Bali. He noted that despite the President being Gerindra's chairman and himself leading Golkar, the green energy programme is being executed without regard to political colours. The project is part of a national priority programme aimed at strengthening energy independence and reducing fossil fuel dependence.

Tower Demolition Ruling Could Degrade Telecommunications Service Quality in Badung

A Bali High Court ruling ordering the demolition of telecommunications towers in Badung Regency not owned by PT Bali Towerindo Sentra Tbk could reduce internet speeds and create blank spots. ICT Institute executive director Heru Sutadi warns that removing critical sites without replacements would increase traffic load on remaining towers and harm service quality, especially in densely populated areas. He urges a transition period and replacement infrastructure before any demolition proceeds.

Police Patrol Car Set Ablaze in Surabaya, One Man Arrested

A decommissioned police patrol car belonging to Tambaksari Police Station in Surabaya was set on fire in the early hours of Thursday, 20 August. Police subsequently arrested a 52-year-old man, identified as MH, in connection with the incident. The motive remains under investigation, and no casualties were reported.

Pertamina Peduli Distributes Aid to Community-Run Posts, Ensuring Needs of NTT Disaster Victims Are Met

PT Pertamina Patra Niaga has expanded its earthquake relief efforts in Reok District, Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, by delivering aid directly to 28 community-run posts. The assistance includes staple foods and infant necessities, aiming to ensure equitable distribution to all affected residents. Local residents have expressed gratitude for the company's support during the post-disaster recovery period.

Prabowo Targets Indonesia's Forest and Land Fires Resolved Within 1-2 Weeks

President Prabowo Subianto has expressed hope that forest and land fires (karhutla) across several regions of Indonesia will be fully resolved within one to two weeks. Speaking at the launch of a 100 GWp solar power plant programme in Bali, he noted that mitigation efforts are already underway in several locations. The president also urged continued vigilance against the El Niño phenomenon, which is forecast to be among the strongest on record.

Mataram Environment Agency Proposes Rp 7 Billion Additional Fuel Budget

The Mataram Environment Agency has proposed an additional Rp 7 billion in fuel budget to cover the operational costs of waste transport vehicles. The proposal, submitted through the revised regional budget, is based on the latest Dexlite price adjustment of around Rp 24,000 per litre. The additional funds are projected to cover fuel needs from September to December, bringing the total annual fuel allocation to Rp 27 billion.

The Great Kalimantan Gold Mountain Fraud: Perpetrator's Corpse Suspected to Be Fake

The 1993 Bre-X gold scandal in East Kalimantan, which claimed a 53 million tonne gold discovery, was ultimately exposed as a massive fraud. The case drew in Indonesian political elites and investors before verification by Freeport-McMoran revealed the Busang site contained no gold. The disappearance and suspected faked death of Bre-X's exploration director, Michael de Guzman, remains an unresolved mystery.

BNPB: NTT Earthquake Death Toll Rises to 103, Mostly Elderly and Women

The death toll from the magnitude 7.7 earthquake in Nusa Tenggara Timur has risen to 103, with the elderly and women accounting for the largest share of victims. The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) also reported 1,666 injured and 185,113 displaced people. Aftershocks continue to affect residents' psychological condition, with more than 7,000 recorded since the main quake.

BMKG: Sarolangun has highest number of hotspots in Jambi

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) reported that Sarolangun Regency recorded the highest number of hotspots in Jambi Province on 24 August 2026, with 348 detected. This represents a significant decrease of around 100 hotspots compared to the previous day. Residents are urged to remain vigilant against potential forest and land fires and the spread of smoke.

Apple believed to raise iPhone 18 series prices due to memory crisis

Apple is expected to increase the price of its iPhone 18 series by around US$100 due to a surge in memory component costs. Internal sources suggest the company can no longer maintain thin profit margins, prompting the price adjustment. The move is seen as a way to share costs with consumers while keeping prices competitive with rivals such as Samsung.

DSI Resmi Umumkan Jajaran Komisaris dan Direksi, Luke Thomas Mahony Jadi Direktur Utama

PT Danantara Sumberdaya Indonesia (DSI) has formally announced its board of commissioners and directors to strengthen governance of strategic natural resource exports. The company, led by Australian citizen Luke Thomas Mahony as President Director, aims to prevent price manipulation practices such as under-invoicing and transfer pricing. The board includes former Trade Minister Mari Elka Pangestu and Freeport Indonesia President Director Tony Wenas, reflecting a broad mix of government, mining, and finance expertise.

Prabowo: On Prophet Muhammad's Birthday, we keep working for the people

President Prabowo Subianto marked the Prophet Muhammad's birthday by launching a 100 GWp solar power plant project in Jembrana, Bali, emphasising that the government continues to work for national progress even on public holidays. The project is part of the National Priority Programme for Energy and Water Independence, aimed at strengthening energy self-sufficiency and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The government has instructed that the 100 GWp solar capacity be completed by 2029, with projected annual electricity cost savings of Rp73.9 trillion.

JD Vance Slip of Tongue Calls Canada a US State, Ontario Threatens to Cut Electricity

US Vice President J.D. Vance accidentally referred to Canada as a 'state' during a press conference in Maine, reigniting tensions over President Trump's rhetoric about Canada becoming the 51st US state. The incident occurred hours after Ontario threatened to halt electricity and strategic mineral supplies to the US if Washington's pressure continues. The dispute has expanded beyond tariffs to encompass sovereignty, energy, and national security.

Saudi Arabia and France discuss strengthening AlUla development cooperation

Saudi Arabia and France held a joint ministerial committee meeting in Paris to review progress and expand cooperation on developing the AlUla region. The partnership covers culture, tourism, heritage preservation, renewable energy, and strategic projects such as the AlUla Tram and Sharaan Resort. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to positioning AlUla as a global destination aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.

Indonesia's Rice Stock Claimed Safe in Facing El Nino

The National Food Agency (Bapanas) has assured that Indonesia's government rice reserves, exceeding 5 million tonnes, are sufficient to mitigate the impact of the El Nino climate phenomenon. Head of Bapanas Andi Amran Sulaiman stated that the current stock is the highest in the nation's history and will be used to prevent hunger and support disaster-affected communities. The government has also allocated nearly 10,000 tonnes of rice aid for earthquake victims in East Nusa Tenggara.

Energy Self-Sufficiency: Prabowo Targets 100 Gigawatt Solar Power Plants

President Prabowo Subianto has announced an ambitious target to develop 100 gigawatts of solar power capacity within three years to secure Indonesia's energy independence. The programme is expected to reduce electricity costs by Rp73.9 trillion and eliminate the need for oil and LPG imports. The development will be carried out in stages, with completion targeted by 2029.

Brazil's President Lula Urges Trump to Maintain Direct Communication Without Marco Rubio

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has reportedly spoken directly with US President Donald Trump, proposing that the two countries maintain a direct line of communication without intermediaries. The move is seen as a strategic effort to limit the influence of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, whom Lula reportedly views as having distorted information about Brazil. Lula is said to be considering an official visit to the United States next year if re-elected.

Joint team intensify efforts as 11 hotspots detected in Singkawang

Authorities in Singkawang, West Kalimantan, are intensifying firefighting and cooling operations after 11 hotspots were detected in the Pangmilang area. Police, military, disaster agency personnel, and volunteers are working to prevent the spread of fires amid dry and windy conditions. Officials are urging residents to avoid land clearing by burning and to report any fires promptly to protect public health and air quality.

Drug Fugitive Killed in Shootout with Police in Lampung, Three Officers Wounded

A wanted drug suspect identified as PHP was killed in a gunfight with police in North Lampung in the early hours of Tuesday. Three police officers sustained gunshot injuries during the operation, one of whom was referred to a hospital in Bandar Lampung. Police said the suspect opened fire first and was also linked to an illegal firearms network.

Academic praises Prabowo's firmness in handling forest and land fire cases

A government academic has commended President Prabowo Subianto's firm approach to tackling forest and land fires in Kalimantan and Sumatra. He stressed that law enforcement and central-regional government synergy are essential to deter future incidents. The President has ordered investigations into whether 72 suspects are linked to corporations or acting individually.

Kartu Kredit Indonesia: A New payment landscape

Bank Indonesia's new Kartu Kredit Indonesia (KKI) scheme integrates domestic credit card processing with the widely used QRIS payment system, aiming to bring credit into everyday small-value transactions. With QRIS already reaching nearly 45 million merchants, mostly MSMEs, KKI could shift credit usage from occasional large purchases to frequent low-value spending. The initiative follows India's RuPay-UPI model and aligns with BI's broader push to strengthen domestic payment infrastructure.

Viral Video Shows Suspected Thief Stripped and Beaten by Mob in Giwangan, Yogyakarta

A man suspected of attempted theft was stripped and beaten by a mob in Giwangan, Yogyakarta, after allegedly threatening residents with a knife. Police confirmed the 36-year-old suspect from Blora, Central Java, was arrested following a chase and is now in custody. Authorities also acknowledged that vigilante action, including beatings and the removal of his clothing, occurred before officers intervened.

Indonesian Navy confirms Lampung carrier base ready to welcome Garibaldi

The Indonesian Navy has confirmed that the aircraft carrier base in Lampung is being prepared for the arrival of the former Italian carrier ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi, which will be renamed KRI Gajah Mada. The vessel is scheduled to arrive in Indonesia in mid-September 2026, with a formal flag-changing ceremony planned for 25 September, likely attended by President Prabowo Subianto.

Anak Krakatau Erupts 42 Times from Midnight to Midday

Mount Anak Krakatau in the Sunda Strait recorded 42 eruptions between midnight and midday on Tuesday, according to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources' Magma Indonesia monitoring page. The volcano emitted thick grey and black ash reaching up to 300 metres above the summit. Authorities have prohibited the public and tourists from approaching within a 3-kilometre radius of the active crater.

Forestry Minister: Three company cases in Jambi under investigation over forest and land fires

Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni has confirmed that three company cases in Jambi are among 42 forest and land fire violations currently under investigation by the ministry's law enforcement team. He stressed that the government will not be selective in enforcing the law, in line with President Prabowo's directives. The minister also warned that the 2026 dry season is expected to be intense and prolonged, requiring coordinated prevention efforts.

Prabowo Says Danantara Leadership Deserves State Honour, What Are the Reasons?

President Prabowo Subianto has stated that the leadership of the Daya Anagata Nusantara Investment Management Agency (BPI Danantara) deserves a state honour for its achievements. He highlighted significant improvements in the performance of state-owned enterprises (BUMN), with some previously loss-making companies now recording profits. The President attributed this success to the leadership, integrity, and patriotism of Danantara's management.

Peatland Fires in Pelalawan Reach 702 Hectares

Forest and land fires on peatland in Pelalawan Regency, Riau, have now scorched 702 hectares of production forest. Joint firefighting teams continue to battle the blaze, with the southern fire front not yet fully contained. Authorities cite extreme heat, wind speed, and deep peat as key challenges slowing suppression efforts.

NTT Earthquake Update: 103 Fatalities, 185,000 Still Displaced

The death toll from the magnitude 7.7 earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara has risen to 103, with more than 185,000 people still displaced. Aftershocks continue to cause panic among residents, with over 7,000 recorded since the main quake. Authorities expect the aftershock pattern to persist for up to four weeks.

Homes Confirmed Safe, 84 Families of NTT Earthquake Survivors Returned

Eighty-four families displaced by the magnitude 7.7 Flores earthquake have begun returning home after authorities verified their houses were safe to occupy. The government is providing repair funds of up to Rp30 million for damaged homes and Rp600,000 per month in waiting funds for those whose houses were severely damaged.

DSI Becomes Sole Exporter, Danantara Assures No New Bureaucratic Layer

Danantara Indonesia has assured that the establishment of PT Danantara Sumberdaya Indonesia (DSI) as the sole exporter of strategic natural resource commodities will not create additional bureaucratic layers or replace the regulatory functions of ministries and agencies. DSI will initially manage exports of coal, crude palm oil, and ferro alloy, while integrating systems from seven ministries and institutions to monitor export processes and prevent practices such as under-invoicing and transfer pricing.

President targets completion of 100 GW solar power plant construction within three years

President Prabowo Subianto has announced an ambitious target to build 100 gigawatts of solar power capacity in Indonesia within three years to achieve energy self-sufficiency. The programme, launched at a ceremony in Bali, is expected to reduce state electricity costs by Rp73.9 trillion and eliminate the need for oil and LPG imports. Ministers and state-owned enterprise chiefs have pledged their support for the phased construction plan.

Bandung City Government Prepares Rp56 Billion for BRT Public Service Obligation

The Bandung city administration has allocated up to Rp56 billion to support Bus Rapid Transit operations through a Public Service Obligation scheme, but payment is being withheld pending agreement on cost-sharing among six regional governments. The total annual PSO requirement is estimated at around Rp200 billion, with Bandung expected to contribute nearly 25 per cent. Mayor Muhammad Farhan said unresolved issues from BRT construction, including parking relocation and impacts on street vendors, must also be addressed.

DPR Urges Public to Await Official Clarification on Account Freezing

A member of Indonesia's House of Representatives has called on the public to refrain from speculation regarding the freezing of accounts at Bank Mandiri. Firnando Hadityo Ganinduto emphasised that the state-owned bank operates under strict regulations and that any account restrictions may be part of lawful procedures. He urged the public to await official clarification and respect the ongoing legal process.

How to Safely Seek Medical Treatment Abroad to Avoid Hoaxes

Patients seeking medical treatment abroad are urged to verify all claims through official hospital representatives rather than relying on hearsay from social media or messaging groups. Medisata, an official representative office for overseas hospitals, offers free services to help patients navigate treatment pathways, arrange appointments, and evaluate medical records. The organisation emphasises that preliminary curation prevents scenarios where seriously ill patients travel abroad only to be turned away by specialists who lack the competence to handle their cases.

Hajj Waiting List in Purwakarta Reaches 31 Years

The Hajj and Umrah Ministry office in Purwakarta Regency has recorded a waiting list of 31 years for prospective pilgrims, with 16,026 residents currently registered. The annual quota for the region averages around 500 people, though it is expected to rise to 630 in 2027. Despite the lengthy wait, public enthusiasm remains high, with five to ten new registrations each day.

Bandung City Government completes overhead cable removal on 42 roads

The Bandung City Government has completed the relocation of overhead cables to underground ducts on 42 roads as part of its telecommunications infrastructure and urban aesthetics programme. The city aims to finish cable removal on 85 roads by the end of 2026, with work now continuing on Jalan Karapitan. Operators are given a maximum of three months after duct infrastructure is completed to move their cables underground.

Police Reveal Progress in Investigation into Death of Sutrimo

Jakarta Metropolitan Police have examined 27 witnesses in the investigation into the death of Sutrimo, who was found dead outside a beauty clinic in South Jakarta. Forensic experts have exhumed the body and are awaiting laboratory results to determine whether poison was present. Police expect to receive the forensic findings this week.

TNI Cassa Aircraft Skids at Hasanuddin Airport

A Cassa aircraft believed to belong to the Indonesian Navy skidded on the runway at Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport in Maros, South Sulawesi, on Tuesday. The incident occurred on runway 03-21 and has been confirmed by airport authorities. Airport personnel are carrying out evacuation procedures while normal flight operations continue.

Weather Modification Operation Carried Out in Berau to Tackle Forest and Land Fires

A weather modification operation has been launched in Berau Regency, East Kalimantan, to prevent and mitigate forest and land fires as well as drought. The operation, conducted by a Cessna 208 Caravan aircraft, dispersed one tonne of sodium chloride over the area. It forms part of broader mitigation efforts to reduce fire risk and protect the environment in the region.

Indonesia's Religious Harmony Index Hits Record High, But Are Religious Conflicts 100% Resolved?

Indonesia's Religious Harmony Index (IKUB) reached a record high of 77.89 in 2025, according to the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Officials caution that the high score does not mean religious conflicts have disappeared, and the government continues to strengthen early warning systems to prevent escalation.

Former West Lombok Regent Files Judicial Review Despite Corruption Sentence Cut by 4 Years

Former West Lombok Regent Zaini Arony has filed a judicial review (PK) with the Mataram District Court despite his corruption sentence being reduced from nine years to five years at cassation level. His legal team argues the ruling remains unfair, citing new evidence that the land and building central to the Lombok City Center case have been returned to the government. Zaini was convicted over a joint operation agreement between regional company PT Tripat and PT Bliss Pembangunan Sejahtera.

Bahlil records potential investment of Rp1,140 trillion for 100 GWp solar power project

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has announced that the 100 gigawatt peak solar power programme could attract approximately Rp1,140 trillion in investment. The initiative is also expected to save Rp73.9 trillion in subsidies by replacing diesel-fired power plants and to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 140.16 million tonnes of CO2. President Prabowo Subianto officially launched the strategic programme in Gilimanuk, Bali.

Brazil's president offers Trump direct contact without Rubio's involvement

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has proposed maintaining direct contact with US President Donald Trump, bypassing US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Lula reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with Rubio's actions and raised concerns about distorted information regarding Brazil's electronic voting system. The Brazilian government hopes relations with Washington will improve if Lula is re-elected this year.

DPD Speaker Urges Law Enforcement to Take Firm Action Against Forest Fire Perpetrators

The Speaker of Indonesia's Regional Representative Council (DPD), Sultan Bachtiar Najamudin, has called for firm legal action against those responsible for forest and land fires across several regions. He highlighted the role of extreme weather linked to El Niño and climate change in worsening the fires, while stressing the need for both preventive measures and strict enforcement. South Sumatra Police have so far named 20 suspects in connection with fires affecting approximately 34.8 hectares.