Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 26 August 2026

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Navy aircraft crew survive incident at Hasanuddin Airport

Three Indonesian Navy aircrew escaped injury after their Casa NC 212-200 aircraft suffered a burst tyre on landing at Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport in Makassar, causing it to veer off the runway. The incident occurred a day after a Sukhoi Su-30 MK2 fighter jet also overshot the runway during a post-overhaul test flight. Both aircraft are undergoing technical inspection.

Mysterious Cause of Two Men Found Covered in Blood in Cimahi

Police in Cimahi are still investigating the circumstances surrounding a violent incident that left one man dead and another hospitalised. The two men, who knew each other, were found covered in blood at a rented room in South Cimahi. Authorities are awaiting digital forensic results to determine whether the incident was an attack or a duel.

Olele community weaves economic value from palm fibre

Residents of Olele village in Gorontalo are turning low-value palm fibre into woven nets used as green curtains, creating a new source of income beyond their traditional reliance on marine tourism. The initiative, supported by Universitas Negeri Gorontalo, aims to diversify the local economy by tapping into the area's terrestrial and cultural potential.

Education Ministry provides self-paced training for primary school teachers to teach English

Indonesia's Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has launched a self-paced training programme to improve primary school teachers' competence in teaching English. The initiative aims to prepare teachers ahead of English becoming a compulsory subject in primary schools from the 2027/2028 academic year. The ministry targets training 30,000 teachers annually, with all needs expected to be met by 2029.

Destry Affirms BI-Government Synergy Will Not Reduce Independence

Bank Indonesia governor candidate Destry Damayanti has assured lawmakers that her proposed 'Sinergi Merah Putih' concept would not compromise the central bank's independence. She argued that closer coordination with the government is necessary to address increasingly complex economic challenges. Destry emphasised that each institution would retain its own mandate while working together to support the real sector and job creation.

Partial Lunar Eclipse on 28 August 2026: Can It Be Seen from Indonesia?

A partial lunar eclipse will occur on 28 August 2026, but it will not be visible from Indonesia. According to BMKG, Indonesia lies outside the eclipse's visibility area, as the Moon will be below the horizon during the event. The eclipse can only be observed from most of the Americas, Africa, Europe, and parts of Central Asia and the Middle East.

Timah Properti targets market expansion through Danantara Housing Expo

PT Timah Karya Persada Properti is using the Danantara Housing Expo to broaden its market reach and boost sales of residential products. The company is offering low down payments, competitive interest rates, and extended tenors to improve affordability. The initiative aligns with national housing programmes and aims to support government targets in the property sector.

NATO Deploys Fighter Jets Amid Signs of New War Escalation

NATO has heightened its alert status after a drone was detected near Romanian airspace, raising concerns that the Russia-Ukraine war could spill over into alliance territory. Romania scrambled Spanish F-18 fighter jets and issued civil defence warnings to residents in Tulcea County. The incident is part of a growing pattern of airspace violations along NATO's eastern flank.

Old Content Frequently Reposted, Police: Get Used to Not Immediately Believing

The Indonesian National Police have urged the public to be more cautious about information circulating on social media, warning that old content is often recycled and presented as recent events. Head of Public Relations Inspector General Johnny Eddizon Isir emphasised the importance of verifying sources, timestamps, and context before sharing content. He stressed that the number of reposts should not be taken as a measure of truth.

Dukcapil Mobile Service Restores Documents for 3,055 Earthquake Victims

Indonesia's Directorate General of Population and Civil Registration (Dukcapil) has reissued 3,055 civil documents for residents affected by the Flores earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara. The mobile service, deployed across seven affected regencies, aims to ensure displaced residents retain access to essential services and aid. The initiative addresses the destruction of local Dukcapil offices and infrastructure caused by the magnitude 7.7 earthquake.

Indonesia's 5.1 million-ton rice stock safe amid El Nino: Official

Indonesia's government rice reserves have reached 5.1 million tons, the highest level on record, according to an official from the National Food Agency. The state logistics agency Bulog is distributing stocks through market intervention and food assistance programmes to stabilise prices and mitigate the impact of El Nino. Officials assured that the ample reserves will protect food security despite rising global rice prices and climate-related challenges.

Drought risk in Central Kalimantan to rise through August: BMKG

Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has warned that drought conditions and wildfire risk in Central Kalimantan will intensify through late August, with 259 hotspots detected in a single day. Limited rainfall, dry soil layers, and a tropical cyclone disturbance to the north are expected to worsen fire danger, particularly in East Kotawaringin. Authorities have urged residents and local officials to increase vigilance against forest and land fires in high-risk areas.

Forging Collaboration to Strengthen the Creative Ecosystem

Feel Good Network has expanded its independent creative ecosystem by bringing on board Lengua, a social-first creative agency, to bolster its social media strategy, content production, and creator-based engagement capabilities. The move comes as the social media landscape grows increasingly complex, requiring brands to integrate platform-specific audience and cultural understanding from the outset of campaign planning. Lengua brings a strong track record, including over 40 campaigns for Grab Indonesia and multiple regional industry awards.

BI Deputy Governor Candidate Aida Reveals How BI Handles Liquidity Drought at Himbara

Bank Indonesia deputy governor candidate Aida S. Budiman has acknowledged that state-owned banks (Himbara) are facing a liquidity shortage, which previously slowed credit disbursement before growth recovered to double digits. She attributed the situation to the depletion of securities holdings concentrated in certain banks. To address the issue, BI will introduce a new macroprudential liquidity policy from 1 September 2026, offering reserve requirement incentives to banks that do not exceed securities ownership thresholds.

Habiburokhman Hopes AMPB Coordinator Supriyono's Account Is Reactivated Soon

House of Representatives Commission III chairman Habiburokhman has urged the immediate reactivation of a bank account belonging to Supriyono, coordinator of the Pati United Community Alliance (AMPB), after police completed their review of donation funds. The account had been temporarily frozen while authorities verified the source of Rp80.9 million intended for protest operational costs. Bank Mandiri has confirmed it will process the reactivation promptly.

Garuda Spark Innovation Hub focused on supporting government priority programmes

The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs says the Garuda Spark Innovation Hub (GSIH) will be directed towards supporting the government's priority programmes through regional digital innovation. Each hub will have a distinct focus aligned with local potential, such as food technology in Medan and education in Yogyakarta. The initiative aims to prepare Indonesia's young workforce for digital transformation and boost the global competitiveness of local startups and talent.

BI Assures SAL Placement Is Safe, Destry: We Have Coordinated

Bank Indonesia's acting governor Destry Damayanti has confirmed that coordination between the central bank and the government regarding the management and placement of excess budget balances (SAL) is increasingly solid. She stated that technical teams from the Ministry of Finance, BI, OJK, and LPS have met to discuss the matter. Destry assured that the use of SAL funds to boost bank third-party funds poses no problems as long as objectives are clear and communication is maintained.

Airlangga Receives Reports of Thin Retail Stock in Indonesia, Why?

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto has acknowledged complaints from Indonesian retailers about thinning stock levels, particularly for products reliant on imported goods. He stressed the need to improve distribution and stock availability to prevent Indonesian consumers from shopping abroad. Retail industry representatives also highlighted that limited product variety and completeness hinder Indonesia's ability to attract shopping tourists.

Container Transport Records Highest Growth, KAI Logistik Manages 1.9 Million Tonnes of Goods in July 2026

PT Kereta Api Logistik (KAI Logistik) managed approximately 1.9 million tonnes of freight in July 2026, bringing its cumulative volume to 10.6 million tonnes for the year. Container transport under the KALOG Plus service recorded the highest growth at 28 per cent, while coal remained the largest contributor despite a decline compared to the previous year. The company views the diversified growth as a sign of expanding demand for rail-based logistics services.

House receives honorary teachers seeking employment status certainty

The House of Representatives has received a delegation of non-civil servant teachers demanding clarity on their employment status before the 2027 deadline. The teachers, represented by the Forum Advokasi Guru Non-ASN Sekolah Negeri, are concerned that recent government announcements on part-time and full-time contract-based civil servant positions did not address their fate. House leaders pledged to help resolve the issue following a 2026 ministerial circular on the assignment of non-civil servant teachers.

Danantara Breaks Ground on $188 Million Waste-to-Energy Mega-Plant to Power Grid and Slash Urban Landfill Crisis

Indonesia's sovereign wealth fund Danantara has commenced construction of a Rp 3 trillion waste-to-energy facility in Bantar Gebang, West Java, designed to process 1,500 tonnes of municipal waste daily and supply baseload electricity to the grid. The project, backed by a guaranteed off-take tariff from state utility PLN and National Strategic Project status, aims to alleviate severe landfill saturation while creating up to 1,000 green jobs. It represents a significant commercial milestone for circular infrastructure investment in emerging Asia, with full commercial operations targeted for mid-2028.

Telkom subsidiary to build 4,000 towers by 2027 to reach 3T regions

Mitratel, a subsidiary of state-owned Telkom Indonesia, plans to build around 4,000 new telecommunications towers by 2027 to support 5G expansion, including in underdeveloped, frontier and outermost (3T) areas. The move aligns with the government's spectrum auction requirements for operators to extend coverage to 530 villages and sub-districts with weak signal. The company currently operates about 41,000 towers, with 60 per cent located outside Java.

Malaysia Offers Weather Modification Assistance to Tackle Forest Fires in Indonesia

Malaysia has formally offered Indonesia assistance, including cloud seeding operations, to address the forest and land fires causing transboundary haze. The offer was conveyed by Malaysia's Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister after discussions with Indonesia's Environment and Forestry Minister. The initiative aims to accelerate fire suppression and mitigate the spread of smoke affecting neighbouring regions.

Pertamina ensures 4,000 kl Pertalite maintains supply in Bengkulu

PT Pertamina Patra Niaga has confirmed that Pertalite fuel supplies in Bengkulu Province remain secure following the arrival of a tanker carrying 4,000 kilolitres at Pulau Baai Port. The shipment is expected to cover distribution needs for approximately seven to eight days, with another vessel scheduled to arrive on 28-29 August 2026. A temporary hold on distribution due to safety protocols during unloading caused delays of three to four hours at several filling stations.

OJK Urges Public to Remain Calm, Acknowledges AMPB Botok Account Case Could Affect Other Banks

Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) has called for public calm following the blocking of a Bank Mandiri account belonging to Supriyono, coordinator of the Pati United Community Alliance (AMPB). The regulator emphasised that customer funds remain safe and protected by the Deposit Insurance Corporation, while acknowledging that such incidents could impact confidence in the wider banking system. OJK stated that temporary transaction holds are a form of protection when conducted lawfully and will be lifted once investigations conclude.

Moment to Revive Historical Ties Between PPP and Syarikat Islam

The commemoration of the Prophet Muhammad's birthday at the Syarikat Islam headquarters became a moment to revive the historical bond between Syarikat Islam and the United Development Party (PPP). Syarikat Islam chairman Hamdan Zoelva publicly pledged to help safeguard PPP, reminding attendees that Syarikat Islam was a founding organisation of the party. PPP chairman Muhamad Mardiono welcomed the commitment, describing it as a shared effort to strengthen the party and pursue new breakthroughs for the community.

IAPI proposes single standard as reference for sustainability assurance

The Indonesian Institute of Certified Public Accountants (IAPI) has proposed adopting a single international standard as the official reference for sustainability assurance in Indonesia. The institute also called for equal supervisory infrastructure for all assurance providers before mandatory assurance requirements take effect. IAPI argues the current sustainability reporting ecosystem lacks the maturity of financial reporting, creating risks of greenwashing and eroding investor trust.

Iqbal Stresses New Sade Traditional Village Design Must Be Disaster-Resistant

West Nusa Tenggara Governor Lalu Muhamad Iqbal has confirmed that reconstruction of the fire-damaged Sade traditional village in Central Lombok will proceed with a stronger focus on disaster resilience. The rebuilding will follow a community-based approach, with the new structures retaining the original design but incorporating improved safety features such as better air circulation and more effective fire suppression access. Funding details have not yet been finalised, and the governor has indicated the project is not tied to the 2026 Mandalika MotoGP schedule.

Video: Danantara Merges 5 State-Owned Asset Management Firms and 23 Industrial Estates

BPI Danantara's Chief Operating Officer Dony Oskaria has outlined the agency's progress in consolidating state-owned enterprises since its launch by President Prabowo Subianto in February 2025. Danantara is reviewing 1,074 SOEs, of which 52 per cent are loss-making, with plans to reduce the number to 254 profitable entities by the end of 2026 through liquidation, divestment, consolidation and restructuring.

GPIB Immanuel Marks 187th Anniversary, Bima Arya Urges Legacy of Faith and Service

Deputy Home Affairs Minister Bima Arya Sugiarto has called on GPIB Immanuel Jakarta to preserve its values of faith, sincerity, loyalty and service as the church celebrates its 187th anniversary. He highlighted the lotus flower philosophy on the church dome and the historic organ as symbols of resilience and harmony. Bima also stressed the government's commitment to inclusive development and freedom of worship.

Indonesia’s forestry ministry processes 42 forest fire cases, sanctions six companies

Indonesia's forestry ministry is pursuing legal proceedings in 42 forest and land fire cases and has imposed administrative sanctions on six concession holders after fires burned over 1,500 hectares in Kalimantan. President Prabowo Subianto has ordered stronger prevention measures, including rapid hotspot response and the deployment of 1,000 military and police personnel for public outreach. The fires, exacerbated by a strong El Nino and dry conditions, have caused haze across the region and disrupted schooling in several provinces.

Diaz-Canel condemns US pressure, insists Cuba will not surrender

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel has said dialogue with the United States has stalled and that no clear negotiating agenda exists. He rejected claims that Cuba is on the brink of economic collapse, attributing the country's crisis mainly to the US blockade. Diaz-Canel defended Cuba's economic reform package while insisting Havana will maintain its sovereignty and remain open to unconditional dialogue with Washington.

Destry Damayanti Promises BI to Be More Pro-Growth

Destry Damayanti, Senior Deputy Governor and candidate for Bank Indonesia Governor, has pledged to steer the central bank towards more pro-growth policies if appointed. She emphasised that monetary policy would remain focused on rupiah stability while creating room for economic expansion. Damayanti also highlighted the potential to boost credit growth by optimising undisbursed loans and strengthening public purchasing power.

Indosat-Huawei introduce four AI features for phone calls

Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison and Huawei have launched four AI-powered features under the AI New Calling service to make phone communication easier and more interactive. The features include noise reduction, real-time translation, interactive visualised voice calling, and digital avatar displays. The collaboration aims to advance Connected Intelligence in Indonesia and help users overcome communication barriers such as language differences and noisy environments.

Prabowo pushes reforestation of denuded forests across Indonesia

President Prabowo Subianto has called for nationwide reforestation of degraded forests as part of medium- and long-term efforts to protect the environment and secure water supplies. Speaking during a coordination meeting on earthquake response in Nagekeo, East Nusa Tenggara, he urged educational institutions and security forces to support the initiative. The President also stressed the importance of science, technology, and bold regional development targets.

Sangurejo Hamlet Strengthens Environmental Action Towards Sustainable ProKlim

Sangurejo Hamlet in Sleman, Yogyakarta, has undergone field verification for the Sustainable Climate Village Programme (ProKlim Lestari), with officials emphasising that environmental stewardship must continue beyond competitions. The programme has transformed the area from a slum into a recognised climate village, bringing economic, social and health benefits to residents.

Prabowo Offers Condolences to Communities Affected by NTT Earthquake: We Will Continue to Help

President Prabowo Subianto has expressed his condolences to communities affected by the earthquake in Nusa Tenggara Timur during a visit to an evacuation post in Nagekeo. He assured residents that the central government is continuously monitoring the situation and sending aid. The government will also build temporary housing and resume schooling in tents while repairs are carried out.

Trump Hints at Demolishing Kennedy Center Amid Legal Battle

President Donald Trump has suggested the iconic Kennedy Center in Washington DC could be demolished if courts block his renovation plans. The warning came in a Justice Department filing opposing Democratic efforts to halt the two-year restoration project and prevent Trump's name from being prominently displayed on the building. The dispute marks the latest escalation in a bitter fight over one of America's most prestigious cultural institutions.

Police Reactivate AMPB Activist's Account After Public Criticism, Claim Investigation Completed

Polda Metro Jaya and Bank Mandiri have reactivated the bank account of Supriyono alias Botok, coordinator of the Pati United Community Alliance (AMPB), after its blocking drew widespread public criticism. Police stated that their investigation into the account, which held funds raised for a demonstration by Pati residents, has been completed. The account suspension was carried out under Indonesia's anti-money laundering law to verify the source of donations.

Prabowo Greets NTT Earthquake Victims

President Prabowo Subianto visited earthquake victims in Nagekeo Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, to assess the impact of the Free Nutritious Meals programme and review disaster response efforts. The death toll from the M7.7 earthquake that struck Flores on 15 August has risen to 105, with over 179,000 people displaced. The President affirmed the government's commitment to continuing the nutrition programme for children, pregnant women, and the elderly.

Bekasi Builds Waste-to-Energy Plant (PSEL), Here Is the Developer

Indonesia's sovereign wealth fund Danantara has broken ground on a waste-to-energy facility in Bekasi, West Java, with an investment of up to Rp 3 trillion. The plant is expected to process 500,000 tonnes of waste annually, reduce landfill use by 90%, and supply electricity to PLN under a power purchase agreement. The project is part of a broader national mandate under Presidential Regulation No. 109 of 2025.

Hat-trick: Aircraft Incidents on Runway at Sultan Hasanuddin Airport

Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport in Makassar recorded its third runway incident in three consecutive days, this time involving a civilian surveillance aircraft. The Piper PA-31 Navajo experienced a wheel lock malfunction but was evacuated within 30 minutes without disrupting flight operations. Airport operator Angkasa Pura Indonesia confirmed that normal operations continued thanks to the availability of an alternative runway.

Aceh Tamiang Government Targets Completion of Additional TKD Realisation by November 2026

The Aceh Tamiang district government is accelerating post-disaster recovery spending, aiming to fully realise its additional Transfer to Daerah (TKD) allocation by November 2026. As of 25 August 2026, realisation stood at Rp8.1 billion of a Rp36.8 billion ceiling, or about 22 percent, up from 3.58 percent in late July. The funds are prioritised for infrastructure, health, education and basic services for affected communities.

Bank Mandiri to Reactivate Botok Pati's Account, Habiburokhman Voices Support

House of Representatives Commission III chairman Habiburokhman has urged Bank Mandiri and the police to immediately reactivate the account of Pati activist Supriyono, also known as Botok, stating there is no criminal element involved. Bank Mandiri's president director Riduan confirmed the bank will comply and apologised for any inconvenience caused. The move follows public concern over the blocking of the activist's account.

Mandiri to Reactivate Botok Pati's Account Immediately, Habiburokhman: If Possible Today

House of Representatives Commission III Chairman Habiburokhman has urged Bank Mandiri and the police to reactivate the frozen account of Pati activist Supriyono, also known as Botok, stating there is no criminal element involved. Bank Mandiri's president director has confirmed the bank will comply and restore access to the account. The case highlights concerns over freedom of expression and the blocking of activists' accounts.

Man Who Murdered Unregistered Wife in Limo, Depok, Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison

Ahmad Ronny Hasiholan has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for the murder of his unregistered wife in Limo, Depok. Prosecutors established that Ronny was guilty of murder under Article 458 paragraph (1) of the Criminal Code. The case came to light after the victim's family reported the discovery of her remains, which had been reduced to bones and dried skin.

Bank Muamalat partners with PMI Bogor Hospital to expand sharia financial ecosystem

PT Bank Muamalat Indonesia Tbk has signed a memorandum of understanding with PMI Bogor Hospital to broaden its sharia financial ecosystem while delivering social benefits through the healthcare sector. The partnership includes employee benefit programmes, payroll services, financing products, pension planning, and hajj and umrah schemes for hospital staff. It also features a Sharia Restricted Investment Account for the institution and a ZISWAF collection programme aimed at supporting social and humanitarian initiatives.

Habiburokhman requests Pati activist's account be reactivated today

House of Representatives Commission III chairman Habiburokhman has urged Bank Mandiri and the Jakarta Metropolitan Police to immediately reactivate the bank account of Pati activist Supriyono. The account, containing Rp80.9 million in personal funds and public donations for a demonstration, had been temporarily blocked pending verification under anti-money laundering regulations. Police said the review found no legal violations, and Bank Mandiri confirmed it would restore access promptly.

Ministry: Regional disparities remain challenge to economic equality

Indonesia's Ministry of Population and Family Development has warned that inter-regional development gaps continue to hinder equitable economic growth and the even distribution of demographic dividend benefits. The ministry is preparing an asymmetric policy roadmap to tailor fertility targets and demographic strategies to the specific needs of each region. It also aims to better align workforce skills with labour market demand.

House Commission III Urges Restoration of Botok's Bank Account, Confirms No Criminal Element

House of Representatives Commission III has called for the immediate restoration of a bank account belonging to activist Supriyono, also known as Botok, following public complaints that the account had been rendered inaccessible. Chairman Habiburokhman stated that no criminal element was involved and that freedom of expression is protected by law. The commission coordinated with the Jakarta Metropolitan Police and Bank Mandiri to expedite the account's restoration.