Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 26 August 2026

Showing 551-600 of 1,599 articles

Hospital Damaged by NTT Earthquake, Patient Services Moved to Field Hospital

Hospitals in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, suffered cracks from the earthquake, forcing health services to relocate to field hospitals. The Ministry of Health is deploying additional health workers and volunteers to seven affected regencies. The earthquake has killed 105 people and displaced over 185,000 residents.

Minister of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection visits children affected by Manggarai earthquake

Minister of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Arifah Fauzi visited evacuation sites in Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, to comfort children and women affected by the recent earthquake. Accompanied by child psychologist Seto Mulyadi, she distributed toys and child-specific aid collected from religious organisations and business partners. The minister emphasised the government's collaborative, gotong royong approach in responding to the disaster.

Academic: Village Film Jamboree encourages film to become village culture

The National Village Film Jamboree 2026 aims to make filmmaking part of village culture and empower rural filmmakers to showcase their local identities. The event, supported by the Ministry of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions, includes workshops on village-friendly cameras and film editing. Organisers hope to overcome the stigma that villages are outdated by bringing film technology and creative opportunities closer to rural communities.

Post-Earthquake Recovery in NTT: Road Access Restored, Clean Water Becomes Top Priority

The Indonesian government is accelerating recovery of infrastructure damaged by the earthquake in Nusa Tenggara Timur, with national roads and bridges now back in operation. Clean water supply has been designated as the primary focus for affected communities. Heavy equipment remains on standby at landslide-prone points due to continuing aftershocks.

Zaahira's Story: From a Wooden House to Dreams at Sekolah Rakyat

Zaahira Ramadhani, a 13-year-old from a cramped wooden home in Koto Gaek, has found stability and renewed religious devotion after enrolling at Sekolah Rakyat Menengah Pertama 5 Solok. The state-run boarding school has given her a private room, structured study time, and a supportive environment, helping her academic performance improve. She now aspires to become an entrepreneur to help lift her family out of economic hardship.

Airlangga Reveals Effects of Zero QRIS Fees Before Retail Entrepreneurs

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto welcomed Bank Indonesia's decision to eliminate QRIS transaction fees for merchants, saying it will please business actors, especially retailers. He noted that QRIS is now used by 65.77 million users and accepted by 44.86 million merchants, with 96.68% being MSMEs. The zero-fee policy for transactions up to Rp100,000 takes effect on 1 October 2026 and is intended to boost purchasing power and accelerate digital economic growth.

Firm! Kiai Ubaid Asks President Prabowo to Ban State Apparatus from Intervening in NU Congress

KH Ubaidullah Shodaqoh, Rais Syuriyah of PWNU Central Java, has urged President Prabowo Subianto to prohibit all state apparatus from interfering in the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama Congress. He raised concerns over alleged transactional politics and money politics surrounding the event. Kiai Ubaid stressed the need to preserve the congress's independence and integrity as the organisation's highest forum.

Law minister asserts Indonesia will not beg for royalties

Law Minister Supratman Andi Agtas has declared that Indonesia will not beg for royalties but will instead demand fairness and transparency for its creative industry workers. Speaking at the Global Forum on Intellectual Property in Singapore, he highlighted Indonesia's proposal for a binding international instrument on digital copyright royalty governance at WIPO. He also called on ASEAN plus China and Korea to jointly pursue transparent and equitable royalty systems.

Prabowo Targets a Green NTT Within 10 Years

President Prabowo Subianto has set a target to transform East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), a province known for its arid regions, into a green area within a decade. The central government will support the construction of nurseries at provincial and district levels to expand the planting of productive trees and safeguard water supplies. The initiative also includes permaculture in mountainous areas and the use of desalination technology to improve access to clean water.

Mass WhatsApp Account Blocking Causes Uproar, Komdigi to Summon Meta for Explanation

Indonesia's Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi) is summoning Meta after the company failed to respond to a formal request for clarification regarding widespread WhatsApp account suspensions. Users across several countries, including Indonesia, reported their accounts being blocked and placed 'under review' by Meta. The ministry is demanding a direct explanation from the technology company.

Polda Metro estimates 500 protesters at DPR rally tomorrow

Jakarta police estimate around 500 people will join a public demonstration at the DPR/MPR complex on Thursday, based on notifications from civil society groups. Authorities have prepared security across the capital and urged participants to follow the law. Police also denied rumours of arrests and said they are facilitating the official notification process.

Bekasi Regency Satpol PP Demolishes Hundreds of Illegal Buildings on Balong Tua Secondary Canal

The Bekasi Regency Public Order Agency (Satpol PP) has demolished hundreds of illegal structures along the Balong Tua Secondary Canal to support irrigation normalisation and restore state assets. The operation covered 7.6 kilometres across Sukatani and Tambelang districts, involving 300 joint personnel from Satpol PP, the military, and police. Local officials emphasised the canal's importance for irrigating approximately 1,500 hectares of rice fields in the region.

DPR to Lend an Ear to Aspirations from 27 August Protest

House Speaker Puan Maharani has said the DPR is ready to receive public aspirations ahead of a planned demonstration outside the parliament complex on 27 August 2026. She urged protesters to maintain order and noted that DPR leaders have been meeting various community representatives, including academics and honorary teachers. The protest coalition has pledged a peaceful rally focused on demands for an asset forfeiture law and the death penalty for corruptors.

BNPB: NTT earthquake refugees decrease by 6,094 people

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported that the number of earthquake refugees in East Nusa Tenggara has decreased by 6,094 people, bringing the total to 179,037. The agency emphasised that residents returned voluntarily and were provided with supplies. Damage assessments are underway, with repair funds allocated based on severity, while aftershocks are expected to continue for three to four weeks.

Prabowo calls for tangible rewards for officials working hard on NTT earthquake response

President Prabowo Subianto has instructed governors and regents to identify and formally recognise personnel who worked hard and made sacrifices during the earthquake response in Nusa Tenggara Timur. He stressed that appreciation should go beyond verbal thanks and take a tangible form. The death toll from the magnitude 7.7 earthquake in Nagekeo Regency has risen to 103.

Indonesia's Farmland Holds Treasure Trove: 5 Commodities in Global Demand

Indonesia's agricultural exports reached US$6.83 billion in 2025, a 20.05% increase from the previous year, marking the highest growth among non-oil and gas sectors. Coffee remained the dominant export, while spices and fruits recorded strong growth, though edible bird's nest exports declined. The sector still accounts for only 2.53% of total non-oil and gas exports.

DPR Challenges Destry to Return Rupiah to Rp16,500

During a fit and proper test, House Commission XI member Dolfie Othniel Frederic Palit challenged Bank Indonesia governor candidate Destry Damayanti to restore the rupiah to Rp16,500 per US dollar, the level assumed in the 2026 state budget. Destry responded that BI cannot simply raise the BI Rate to support the currency and emphasised the need for coordination to control inflation.

Investment Continues to Grow, Danantara Urged to Expand Impact on Industry and Employment

Indonesia's investment growth remains robust despite a global slowdown, with analysts calling for Danantara Indonesia to ensure investments deliver broader economic benefits. The sovereign wealth fund is being urged to focus on projects that strengthen industrial capacity, create jobs, and generate measurable economic impact. Danantara is currently advancing 19 downstreaming projects worth around Rp225 trillion and a waste-to-energy pilot project in Bali.

Prabowo highlights free meals for vulnerable people

President Prabowo Subianto has emphasised the importance of the Free Nutritious Meals programme for disadvantaged communities, noting that while its impact may be less visible among better-off families, it makes a significant difference for those struggling. The Nagekeo regent reported that the programme has boosted school attendance to nearly 100 percent and provided additional income for residents involved in meal preparation, which he linked to a decline in domestic violence cases.

Jakarta One Running Series Invites Residents to Enjoy Jakarta Through Every Stride

The Jakarta One Running Series 2026 has been launched as a running event series combining sport, community and togetherness, held across five areas of the capital. Organised by PT Sasana Jiwa with the Jakarta provincial government, it forms part of the city's 500th anniversary celebrations. Governor Pramono Anung welcomed the initiative as a strategic effort to promote unity, active lifestyles and pride in Jakarta.

5 Most Popular International News Today

A roundup of major international stories includes long queues at Tehran petrol stations following new US sanctions, the dismissal of a Malaysian professor over controversial claims about ancient Malay civilisation, and the death of country singer Dolly Parton. Other items cover South Korean jets scrambling in response to Russian military aircraft and President Trump's insistence that a US-Saudi nuclear deal depends on normalising ties with Israel.

East OKU Police Chief Joins Forces with Forkopimda to Extinguish Peatland Fire

The East Ogan Komering Ulu (OKU Timur) Police Chief, AKBP Lalu Hedwin Hanggara, led a joint operation involving around 30 personnel from various agencies to extinguish a peatland fire in Rasuan Village, Madang Suku I District. The team successfully brought the blaze under control by 2.30 pm local time, preventing it from spreading to residential areas. The police chief also issued a stern warning against the practice of clearing land by burning, citing the severe consequences of forest and land fires.

DPR Oversees PT Pos Employee Rights and Demands Settlement of Rp 158 Billion Payment

The House of Representatives (DPR) has urged the government to expedite the disbursement of Rp 158 billion owed to state-owned postal company PT Pos Indonesia, following a meeting with its labour union. Lawmakers stressed that the payment, due from the Ministry of Social Affairs, is critical for the livelihoods of around 31,000 active employees and 28,000 pensioners. The DPR pledged to continue monitoring the company's financial recovery and its future as a logistics business.

Israel Expels Two Dutch Diplomats After Import Ban on Illegal Settlements, Netherlands Responds Firmly

Israel has expelled two Dutch representatives from the Gaza coordination centre in Kiryat Gat following the Netherlands' decision to ban imports from illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced the expulsion, citing what he described as a series of anti-Israel measures by the Dutch government. The move marks a significant escalation in diplomatic tensions between the two countries over settlement policy.

Pertamina emergency tents restore morning classes for SMPN 19 Bengkulu students

Pertamina Patra Niaga has provided emergency classroom tents through its corporate social responsibility programme after a fire destroyed eight rooms at SMP Negeri 19 Bengkulu. The assistance has allowed students to return to morning lessons, ending the temporary two-session schedule. The school is preparing to rebuild the damaged classrooms through a community-managed revitalisation programme expected to be completed within 120 days.

Observer: E-Voting Proposal Must Be Carefully Studied

Public policy experts have responded positively to the Ministry of Law's proposal to implement electronic voting for selecting regional office heads, while cautioning that human resources, system readiness, and a clear roadmap are essential prerequisites. Constitutional law expert Denny Indrayana argued that Indonesia is not yet ready for e-voting, citing the current political conditions and electoral system.

Director General of PPTR pushes for abandoned land enforcement

The Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning is urging regional land offices to shift from administrative management to active territorial control. The Director General of Land and Spatial Control and Enforcement stressed that land rights carry obligations, not just ownership. In East Java, over 11,000 hectares have been flagged as potentially abandoned since 2010.

Video: BRI Business Reform, Danantara Praises Hery Gunardi

Danantara has carried out a transformation of Indonesia's state-owned banks (Himbara) through structural strengthening and uniform branding. As part of this, Bank BRI's reform focuses on the micro segment while addressing underperformance in commercial and corporate lending by reducing the cost of funds. The bank's leadership has also been filled with individuals whose capacity and capability match the needs of the business reform.

Stock Market Close Today: IHSG at 6,405.69

The Jakarta Composite Index (IHSG) closed down 1.48% at 6,405.69 on Wednesday as investors turned cautious over domestic security stability ahead of planned protests. Market attention focused on the planned demonstration outside the DPR/MPR building, the fit-and-proper test for the sole Bank Indonesia governor candidate, and Fitch Ratings' assessment of the 2027 state budget assumptions.

Pertamina Eco RunFest 2026 Brings 7 Environmental Initiatives

State-owned energy company PT Pertamina is set to hold its 13th Eco RunFest on 6 December 2026, featuring seven environmental initiatives ranging from recycled jerseys to waste management. The event includes collaborations with the Jakarta provincial government and local brand Manta Liberta, with all ticket profits channelled into environmental action.

Kramat Jati sub-district gathers street vendor coordinators to discuss relocation

Kramat Jati sub-district in East Jakarta has met with eight street vendor coordinators to discuss the relocation of traders from pavements and road shoulders along Jalan Raya Bogor. The move follows a city government order banning street trading in the area from 31 August 2026, in line with the Jakarta governor's instruction to tackle congestion and unsanitary conditions. Fish vendors have reportedly agreed in full to relocate, with 621 spaces prepared to accommodate traders.

AI technology detects 15 liver cancer cases missed in clinical trials

A Chinese-developed AI diagnostic model identified 15 liver cancer cases that were initially missed during a two-month real-world clinical trial, enabling patients to receive timely treatment. The DAMO LiON model, developed by Alibaba's DAMO Academy and partner institutions, demonstrated higher accuracy than general radiologists and reduced reading time by 27 per cent. The research was published in Nature Medicine.

Government Assists Son of National Hero Sayuti Melik, Secures Healthcare and Pension Funds

The Indonesian government is providing comprehensive support to Heru Baskoro, the 84-year-old son of national hero Sayuti Melik, who is facing health and financial difficulties. Social Affairs Deputy Minister Agus Jabo Priyono visited Heru at a care facility in Bekasi and confirmed coordination with the Foreign Ministry regarding his Canadian pension and the Health Ministry for his eye treatment. Heru and his wife returned to Indonesia in 2024 after living in Canada, but his pension payments stopped six months later, forcing them to sell assets to survive.

DPR affirms readiness to receive aspirations from 27 August demonstration

House of Representatives Speaker Puan Maharani has stated that the DPR is prepared to receive public aspirations ahead of a planned demonstration on 27 August 2026, while urging participants to maintain order. She noted that DPR leaders and commission heads have been meeting with various community representatives, including academics and honorary teachers. The Aliansi Masyarakat Pati Bersatu has pledged the protest will be peaceful, focusing on demands for the Asset Forfeiture Bill and the death penalty for corruptors.

Puan Affirms DPR Ready to Receive Public Aspirations, Urges Protesters to Maintain Order

House Speaker Puan Maharani has confirmed that the Indonesian House of Representatives is prepared to receive public aspirations ahead of planned demonstrations on 27 August 2026. She urged protesters to maintain order and avoid any unrest. Puan also noted that DPR leaders have been meeting with various groups, including honorary teachers and Pos Indonesia employees, to address their concerns.

Bekasi City Government urges residents to help resolve waste problem

The Bekasi City Government has called on residents to help tackle the city's waste problem, noting that the newly inaugurated waste-to-energy plant will not be sufficient on its own. The facility will process 1,500 tonnes of waste per day, leaving a daily shortfall of around 300 tonnes that requires community participation in waste sorting. Officials also highlighted the national target of building waste-to-energy plants in 40 major cities by 2027-2028.

Unsoed Rector Caught in Corruption Case, Observer Urges Evaluation of Education System

Education observer Indra Charismadji has called for an urgent evaluation of Indonesia's education system following the arrest of Universitas Jenderal Soedirman (Unsoed) Rector Akhmad Sodiq in a corruption sting. The KPK detained 14 people in connection with alleged bribery in student admissions, including at the university's medical faculty. The case highlights systemic governance weaknesses in state universities, with ICW recording 60 corruption cases in higher education since 2006.

CIMB Niaga Reveals 3 Scenarios for IHSG 2026, Highest Reaching 8,000

PT Bank CIMB Niaga Tbk projects the Jakarta Composite Index (IHSG) to trade between 7,000 and 8,000 in 2026, based on consensus from partner investment managers. The bank outlines three scenarios—bull, base, and bear—with the most optimistic reaching 8,000. CIMB Niaga also cautions that high interest rates may increase corporate funding costs and dampen share valuations, advising investors to be selective and focus on fundamentally sound companies.

Barantin prepares assistance for prospective exporters in Palu through export clinic

Indonesia's Quarantine Agency (Barantin) is preparing assistance for prospective exporters in Palu, including MSMEs, through an export clinic, quarantine certification, and sanitary and phytosanitary compliance. The programme, formalised through a memorandum of understanding with the Palu city government, aims to improve the competitiveness of local businesses. Barantin will also strengthen digital services and traceability systems to support export readiness.

BNPB: 2,610 Forest and Land Fire Hotspots Detected in West Kalimantan, Visibility Below 1 km

Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has reported 2,610 hotspots in West Kalimantan, with visibility reduced to under one kilometre. Across six priority provinces, thousands of hotspots and firespots have been recorded, with over 4.6 million litres of water deployed in aerial firefighting operations. Peatland fires, dwindling water sources, and weather conditions continue to hamper suppression efforts.

Civil Engineering Programme Launched at UMJ Tulang Bawang Off-Campus Study Programme

Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta (UMJ) has received official approval for a Civil Engineering study programme at its off-campus study programme (PSDKU) in Tulang Bawang, Lampung. The decree was handed over by the Head of LLDIKTI Region II Palembang to UMJ representatives on Monday. The new programme aims to develop human resources in construction, infrastructure, and regional development for Tulang Bawang and surrounding areas.

Rupiah strengthens as oil prices fall on Middle East peace hopes

The Indonesian rupiah is expected to strengthen against the US dollar as global crude oil prices decline amid growing hopes for peace in the Middle East, particularly following discussions between Iran and Oman on securing navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Doo Financial Futures analyst Lukman Leong noted that falling oil prices and the absence of significant domestic pressures support the currency, though investors will monitor planned protests. The rupiah is forecast to trade between Rp17,650 and Rp17,750 per US dollar.

Light Moment: Prabowo Jokes with Children in NTT, 'All He Remembers Is Oke Gas'

President Prabowo Subianto shared a light-hearted moment with children at an evacuation camp for victims of the M 7.7 earthquake in Nagekeo, East Nusa Tenggara. The children imitated his 'Oke Gas' dance from the 2024 presidential campaign, prompting laughter from the President. Prabowo was visiting the site to inspect public kitchen facilities, clean water sources, and shelter conditions.

Police Reveal Reason for Blocking Botok Pati's Account in Parliament

Jakarta Police have explained to the House of Representatives why they requested Bank Mandiri to block the account of Supriyono, also known as Botok, coordinator of the Pati United Community Alliance. The police said the action was based on information from social media and was intended to protect the account holder and donors. Following clarification, the police have requested the account be restored within less than five working days.

BI Senior Deputy Governor candidate: Monetary and fiscal policies may differ, but goals are the same

Aida S. Budiman, the sole candidate for Bank Indonesia Senior Deputy Governor, has emphasised that monetary and fiscal authorities can pursue different policies as long as they share the common goal of stability and economic growth. She outlined seven priority programmes, including data reform, financing diversification, and MSME development. The fit and proper test was held by House Commission XI on Wednesday.

Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs summons Meta over mass WhatsApp account bans

Indonesia's Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Kemkomdigi) has summoned Meta after numerous WhatsApp users in the country reported their accounts being suddenly blocked. The ministry said Meta failed to respond to a written request for clarification within one week, prompting the direct summons. Meta has acknowledged the issue and said it is working to restore access to affected accounts.

After NTT Earthquake, Prabowo Targets Reforestation Within 10 Years

President Prabowo Subianto has set a target of regreening barren areas in East Nusa Tenggara within approximately ten years through a coordinated reforestation programme. The initiative will involve regional governments, universities, and research institutions, with nurseries to be established at provincial and district levels. The President also emphasised environmental education and a ban on slash-and-burn land clearing.

Bekasi Waste-to-Energy Project to Begin Operations in 2028

Indonesia's Danantara investment authority has announced that the Ciketing Udik waste-to-energy facility in Bekasi, West Java, is targeted to begin operations in 2028. The Rp 3 trillion project is expected to process up to 500,000 tonnes of waste annually and generate electricity for PLN. The facility is part of a broader government mandate under Presidential Regulation No. 109/2025 to manage urban waste through environmentally friendly technology.

Central Information Commission urges public bodies to strengthen commitment to information transparency

The Central Information Commission has called on public bodies to strengthen their commitment to information transparency, warning that repeated 'uninformative' ratings in monitoring and evaluation reflect a deeper institutional problem. Chairman Handoko Agung Saputro stressed that transparency must become an institutional culture rather than merely an administrative obligation. He emphasised that the ultimate measure of success is whether the public can easily access information that is rightfully theirs.

President Prabowo Reviews Riau Forest Fires, Stresses Permanent Prevention

President Prabowo Subianto has ordered a shift from firefighting to permanent prevention of forest and land fires during a visit to Riau. He instructed the construction of boreholes and retention basins, continuous monitoring of vulnerable villages, and use of BMKG technology for early detection. The President also demanded a thorough evaluation of fire causes and pledged firm legal action against any violations.