Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 26 August 2026

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Prabowo in NTT: Is It True That People Here Often Burn Forests?

President Prabowo Subianto, during a coordination meeting on earthquake response in Nagekeo, East Nusa Tenggara, highlighted the persistent practice of forest burning for land clearing and hunting in the region. He stressed the need for public education to prevent such fires and noted the area's potential, particularly its famed sandalwood trees. Governor Melkiades Laka Lena confirmed the president's observations.

Thousands of Earthquake Evacuees Welcome Prabowo in Nagekeo, East Nusa Tenggara

President Prabowo Subianto visited earthquake evacuees in Nagekeo Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, following the magnitude 7.7 earthquake. Thousands of displaced residents gathered at Berdikari Danga Field to greet him. The President inspected military facilities and was accompanied by senior officials including the National Police Chief and the Head of the National Disaster Management Agency.

Beware of Remote WhatsApp Hacking, Check New Ways to Secure Your Account

WhatsApp has introduced a series of new security features to strengthen account protection amid increasingly sophisticated phishing and account takeover attempts. The updates include stronger alphanumeric PINs, support for multiple passkeys, and additional information for calls from unknown numbers on Android. The move comes as messaging platforms compete to make security features more practical and accessible for everyday users.

Prabowo says free nutritious meals programme vital for people in difficult conditions

President Prabowo Subianto has emphasised the importance of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme for underprivileged communities, particularly mothers and children. Speaking during a coordination meeting on earthquake response in Nagekeo, East Nusa Tenggara, he noted that while a single meal means little to the affluent, it has a significant impact on those facing prolonged hardship. The President also highlighted the programme's broader benefits, including improved school attendance and economic gains for families involved in meal provision.

Danantara Ready to Cut State-Owned Enterprises to 254, Here's the Goal

Indonesia's state-owned enterprise superholding Danantara has closed 290 state-owned companies in its first 18 months and plans to reduce the total from 1,074 to just 254 by the end of 2026. The consolidation aims to create more efficient, agile and globally competitive firms, with remaining companies grouped for liquidation, divestment, consolidation or restructuring. Examples include a consolidated hospital group to be launched as Indonesia Hospital in September and a restructuring of Telkom into a strategic holding.

Yogyakarta City Government, BPD DIY, and Bank Indonesia Strengthen Synergy and Digital Transformation

The Yogyakarta City Government, Bank BPD DIY, and Bank Indonesia's Yogyakarta representative office held a High Level Meeting to accelerate regional digitalisation. The forum evaluated the expansion of non-cash transactions, including full adoption of the Government Credit Card across all 53 regional work units. A memorandum of understanding was also signed to monitor regional tax tools and prevent revenue leakage.

Prabowo Meets NTT Earthquake Evacuees, Says Government Will Not Abandon Residents

President Prabowo Subianto visited earthquake evacuees in Nagekeo Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, on Wednesday, 26 August 2026, following a coordination meeting on disaster response. He inspected shelter facilities including sanitation, clean water, communal kitchens and tents, and greeted children and volunteers. The visit was intended to ensure basic needs are met for residents still living in temporary shelters after the earthquake.

LKPP Seeks to Break Corruption in Government Procurement Through Anti-Corruption Training

Indonesia's Public Procurement Agency (LKPP) has launched an anti-corruption training programme aimed at breaking corrupt practices in government procurement of goods and services. The initiative targets procurement professionals, budget holders, and the wider procurement ecosystem, with support from the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and the National Institute of Public Administration (LAN).

Indigenous Leader and Environmental Defender Shot Dead in Peru's Amazon

Americo Pascuala Tomisha, a 57-year-old Asheninka community leader, was shot dead while patrolling his ancestral territory in Peru's Ucayali region. Authorities are investigating the killing as a murder, with indigenous organisation ORAU alleging the shots came from outsiders extracting copaiba oil from trees on indigenous land. The case adds to a long list of threats and killings faced by environmental and indigenous rights defenders across Latin America.

Not Just Shalawat: Kiai Cholil Nafis' Message on the Prophet's Birthday

Rais Syuriah PBNU KH M Cholil Nafis has urged Muslims to use the Prophet Muhammad's birthday as a moment for self-reflection rather than mere ceremonial celebration. He emphasised that faith must be demonstrated through speech and actions that bring safety, peace, and tranquillity to others. The senior cleric called on Muslims to translate their love for the Prophet into obedience to his commands and avoidance of his prohibitions.

National Ojol Coalition Affirms It Will Not Join 27 August 2026 Protest

The National Ojol Coalition has stated it will not participate in a planned demonstration on 27 August 2026, urging drivers to avoid provocation and unverified information. The coalition met with online motorcycle taxi drivers from Sidoarjo, Surabaya and Pasuruan to discuss partnership status and aspirations. Drivers expressed their commitment to maintaining order and called for continued partnership arrangements with app operators.

Jakarta Car Parking Tariff of Rp 60,000 per Hour Still a Proposal, Says DKI Transportation Agency

The DKI Jakarta Transportation Agency has clarified that no parking tariff increase has been implemented, and the widely circulated figure of Rp 60,000 per hour for cars remains only a proposal based on studies from 2019 and 2022. Current parking rates continue to follow existing regulations, with any future changes requiring approval from the Governor and discussions with the DPRD.

Kebon Ayu Village Office Sealed, Village Head Reports to Police

The Kebon Ayu village office in West Lombok has been sealed by a resident, halting public services. Village head Kasim has filed a report with the West Lombok Police and other authorities. The resident claims the land belongs to his family and had previously demanded Rp 50 million.

Iran and Oman agree temporary transit route through Strait of Hormuz

Iran and Oman have agreed a seven-mile temporary transit corridor through the Strait of Hormuz, though Tehran insists the strategic waterway remains closed. The arrangement will run through Iranian territorial waters on both entry and exit, with further talks planned over 30 to 60 days to establish a permanent route. Iran has linked any full reopening of the strait to the United States honouring its commitments, ending the war, lifting blockades and resolving the status of Yemen.

Meeting NTT Earthquake Refugees, Prabowo: We Are Here to Help Our Brothers and Sisters

President Prabowo Subianto visited earthquake refugees in Nagekeo, East Nusa Tenggara, pledging that the government will complete disaster response within two weeks. He expressed condolences to affected families and promised to accelerate permanent housing construction once conditions are safe. The president also instructed ministers to speed up field operations and urged residents to remain patient for at least three weeks due to aftershock risks.

Indonesian Citizens Splurge on Overseas Shopping, Figures Are Staggering

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto revealed that Indonesian travellers spent US$6.7 billion (around Rp118.7 trillion) on overseas travel services. The government sees an opportunity to redirect some of this spending back into the domestic economy by developing shopping tourism. Airlangga highlighted that domestic consumption remains the main driver of the national economy, contributing 53.32% to GDP.

Destry Says Inclusive and Sharia Finance Can Drive 8 Percent Economic Growth

Bank Indonesia governor candidate Destry Damayanti has argued that inclusive finance and the sharia economy could be key drivers in achieving 8 percent economic growth. She made the remarks during a fit and proper test before House Commission XI, stressing that quality growth must be measured by how widely its benefits are felt. Destry pledged to strengthen inclusive financing through macroprudential policy to reach more people and businesses with limited financial access.

MPR says Oil and Gas Bill regulates transfer of SKK functions to business entity

Deputy Speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Eddy Soeparno has stated that the new Oil and Gas Bill will establish a special business entity to take over the functions of SKK Migas, the upstream oil and gas regulator. The move follows a Constitutional Court ruling and aims to create a credible institution capable of attracting greater investment. The government and the House of Representatives are still discussing the form and mechanism of the new entity.

P2MI Minister Launches SMK Go Global, Preparing Graduates for Overseas Employment

The Ministry for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (KP2MI) has launched the SMK Go Global programme to equip vocational school graduates with internationally recognised skills and certifications. The initiative, part of President Prabowo Subianto's directive to prepare 500,000 workers, targets sectors such as caregiving, welding, hospitality, and nursing. The government aims to ensure migrant workers depart through official channels with adequate competence and full protection throughout the migration process.

Police block toll road and Tangerang stations to prevent protesters from reaching Jakarta

Tangerang police have set up checkpoints on the Merak–Jakarta toll road and at commuter line stations to stop demonstrators from outside Java travelling to a protest at the DPR building on 27 August 2026. Officers are also tightening checks on arterial roads and asking schools to take attendance to deter student participation. The planned demonstration includes demands for the asset forfeiture bill to be passed and for improvements to government programmes.

BRI Provides Education Funds for National-Level Paskibraka

State-owned bank BRI has awarded education funds to 76 national-level Paskibraka flag-hoisting squad members and 72 support staff who served at Indonesia's 81st Independence Day ceremony. The appreciation, delivered through the bank's BRI Peduli corporate social responsibility programme, marks 17 consecutive years of support. BRI said the initiative aims to honour the young people's dedication to state duties while supporting the continuation of their education.

BRI Marks 17 Years of Appreciation with Education Funds for National Paskibraka

State-owned bank BRI has awarded education funds to 76 members of the national flag-raising squad (Paskibraka) and 72 support staff following the 81st Independence Day ceremony. The programme, now in its 17th consecutive year, is part of BRI's corporate social responsibility efforts to support youth dedication and educational continuity. A representative from the Pancasila Ideology Development Agency (BPIP) praised BRI's consistent commitment to the programme.

Video: Danantara Successfully Cuts Rp 50 Trillion in Losses from 52% of SOEs

BPI Danantara has reported significant progress in reforming Indonesia's state-owned enterprises, identifying that 52% of the 1,074 SOEs were loss-making and inefficient, costing Rp 50 trillion annually. The agency plans to reduce the number of SOEs to 254 by the end of 2026 through liquidation, divestment, consolidation, and restructuring. Chief Operating Officer Dony Oskaria outlined these achievements in a CNBC Indonesia interview.

China warns against unilateral US sanctions 'economic strangulation' of Iran

China has strongly opposed unilateral US sanctions against Iran, describing them as illegal and lacking international legal basis. Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian warned that economic warfare and maximum pressure would only heighten tensions and disrupt global economic order. Beijing affirmed its cooperation with Iran is conducted within international law and pledged to take necessary measures to protect its legitimate rights.

BI Governor Fit and Proper Test: Destry Unveils 3 Missions and 5 Initiatives to Ensure BI Credibility and Drive Sustainable Economic Growth

Destry Damayanti, candidate for Governor of Bank Indonesia, presented her vision during a fit and proper test before House Commission XI, outlining three missions and five strategic initiatives. Her plan focuses on maintaining stability, supporting sustainable growth, and strengthening stakeholder synergy through the 'Sinergi Merah Putih' framework. Key initiatives include reinforcing BI's policy mix, revitalising foreign exchange flow policies with digital supervision, and advancing inclusive and sustainable finance.

Ministries Request Budget for Forest Fire Handling, Purbaya: As Long as No Mark-Up

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has confirmed the government is open to increasing budgets for ministries and agencies handling forest and land fires. He noted that BNPB has a Rp5 trillion disaster management ceiling that can be topped up if needed, while the Ministry of Forestry has already received partial additional funding. Purbaya stressed that any additional costs must not be marked up, given the different approach required for disaster response.

After leading meeting, Prabowo checks on earthquake evacuees in Nagekeo, NTT

President Prabowo Subianto visited earthquake evacuees in Nagekeo Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, after chairing a coordination meeting on disaster response. He received reports on shelter facilities and assured residents that the government would continue sending aid and accelerate housing repairs. The President also asked evacuees to remain patient, citing expert assessments that conditions could become relatively safe within three weeks.

Envision Energy Inaugurates Philippines National Distribution Center

Envision Energy has opened a 1,500 square metre national distribution centre in the Philippines to store wind turbine components and spare parts, improving supply chain efficiency and reducing downtime for its projects across the country. The facility is part of the company's wider global logistics network and is intended to support the accelerating renewable energy transition in Southeast Asia. Senior Vice President Edward Hou emphasised that local infrastructure and responsive service networks are essential for the long-term reliability of clean energy assets.

Government Confirms Rp20 Billion Aid for NTT Earthquake Response Has Been Disbursed

President Prabowo Subianto has received confirmation that Rp20 billion in aid for each earthquake-affected district in East Nusa Tenggara has been disbursed and received by local governments. The funds are earmarked exclusively for disaster response. The provincial government has also received Rp40 billion, with additional support mobilised from local businesses to meet the basic needs of displaced residents.

AI developed by Hong Kong university successfully boosts academic performance

A study by the Education University of Hong Kong has found that its AI platform EASE significantly improves self-directed learning and academic performance among students. The platform, focused on mathematics education, provides personalised practice, real-time feedback, and automated marking. Researchers say the tool positions AI as a learning assistant and fosters sustainable study habits.

Prabowo Reveals Reason for Not Visiting NTT at Start of Earthquake: To Avoid Splitting Focus

President Prabowo Subianto has explained that he deliberately delayed visiting the earthquake-hit area of Nusa Tenggara Timur to allow officials to focus on serving affected residents. He argued that the arrival of senior central government figures could divert local officials' attention towards protocol duties. Prabowo stressed that the central government's priority was mobilising aid and services rather than making symbolic visits.

Cyber University Lecturer Highlights Potential of Simple Agentic AI to Boost Work Efficiency

A Cyber University lecturer has outlined how simple implementations of Agentic AI can improve everyday work efficiency, particularly for Indonesian industries and MSMEs. The technology, which can plan, make decisions, and execute tasks autonomously, is becoming more accessible due to evolving frameworks and tools in 2026. Gradual adoption, supported by human oversight, is seen as a pathway to more efficient work processes and digital talent development.

Mandiri CEO Vows to Reactivate Botok Pati's Account, Promises Best Service

Bank Mandiri's CEO Riduan has pledged to promptly reactivate the account of Supriyono, also known as Botok, coordinator of the Pati United Community Alliance, following a request from the National Police's Criminal Investigation Directorate. The bank apologised for any inconvenience and reaffirmed its commitment to prudent and healthy banking practices. Police explained the temporary block was intended to protect the personal data of Botok and his donors.

Ahead of 27 August Protest, Prabowo Mania 08 Urges Public Not to Be Provoked

Prabowo Mania 08 has called on Indonesians to remain calm and avoid provocation ahead of a planned demonstration on 27 August 2026. The group's secretary-general, Agustin Lumban Gaol, urged that any expression of aspirations be conducted constitutionally, peacefully and in an orderly manner. He also voiced support for the immediate passage of the Asset Forfeiture Bill and called on security forces to verify information about the planned protest.

Hashim Djojohadikusumo Acknowledges His Wealth Comes from Fossil Fuel Business

Hashim Djojohadikusumo, Indonesia's Special Envoy for Climate and Energy, has openly admitted that most of his personal wealth derives from the oil, gas and mining sectors. Speaking at a carbon capture forum, he argued that Indonesia can pursue its 8% economic growth target while still aiming for net zero emissions by 2060. He highlighted carbon capture technologies and the use of microalgae to convert CO2 into valuable products as key solutions.

Military commander: 2,190 joint personnel on standby to face forest and land fires in Papua

A total of 2,190 joint personnel from the military, police, disaster agency and fire service have been placed on standby across three provinces in Papua to anticipate forest and land fires. Six hotspots were recently detected in Nabire, Puncak and Biak Numfor, but all have been extinguished. The regional military commander said monitoring continues through the Sipongi app, BMKG satellite data and public reports, with the current status still at a safe level.

Central Java Police Remind Students to Express Aspirations Peacefully and Responsibly

Central Java Police have urged students participating in a rally by the Semarang Raya BEM Alliance to exercise their right to free speech peacefully, orderly, and responsibly. Police spokesperson Kombes Yuliyanto emphasised that while students have the right to voice criticism and demands, they must also respect the rights of others, obey the law, and maintain public order. The police called for constructive dialogue as part of a healthy democracy.

China has formulated nearly 200 key standards for the AI sector

China has developed almost 200 core standards for artificial intelligence to guide the sector towards healthy and orderly development, according to a vice minister. AI is now largely integrated across the country's industrial chain, and several cities are being coordinated to conduct ethics reviews and AI service practices. The government also announced plans to accelerate 6G core technology development during the 15th Five-Year Plan period.

Video: Dony Oskaria and the Results of 1.5 Years of Danantara Managing 1,074 State-Owned Enterprises

Dony Oskaria, Chief Operating Officer of BPI Danantara, has outlined the agency's achievements since its launch by President Prabowo Subianto in February 2025. Danantara is reviewing 1,074 state-owned enterprises, of which 52 per cent are loss-making and inefficient, costing up to Rp 50 trillion annually. The reform programme aims to reduce the number of SOEs to 254 profitable entities by the end of 2026.

Bawaslu invites students to become digital literacy agents for elections

Indonesia's Election Supervisory Body (Bawaslu) is engaging university students as digital literacy and election monitoring agents to strengthen public participation amid digital-era challenges. The initiative, launched through the Bawaslu Campus Connect programme at Airlangga University, aims to build collaboration with higher education institutions on electoral literacy and oversight. Bawaslu is also strengthening digital regulations and exploring cooperation with digital platforms to support election supervision.

Prabowo Receives Report: Many NTT Residents Flee in Fear of Aftershocks

President Prabowo Subianto has been briefed on the ongoing displacement crisis in East Nusa Tenggara, where many residents are avoiding centralised shelters due to fear of aftershocks and misinformation circulating on social media. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency reported 143 felt aftershocks, with the strongest at magnitude 6.2, alongside hoaxes warning of a larger quake and tsunami. Authorities are working to counter the rumours and encourage people to move to official evacuation centres.

BSI: Hajj and Umrah savings reach 7.69 million accounts by June 2026

PT Bank Syariah Indonesia Tbk (BSI) reported that its Hajj and Umrah savings accounts grew 23.8 percent year-on-year to 7.69 million by the end of June 2026, with third-party funds rising 17.2 percent to Rp16.7 trillion. The bank is reinforcing its position in the halal ecosystem through its fourth participation as official bank partner of Saudia Travel Fair 2026. BSI is offering promotional discounts and instalment facilities to support customers planning religious travel.

'Doomsday' Oarfish Found on Lombok's Pink Beach, Suspected Link to NTT Earthquake

A rare oarfish, approximately four metres long, was found dead on Pink Beach in East Lombok. The head of NTB's Marine and Fisheries Agency suggested its appearance may be linked to the recent magnitude 7.7 earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara, citing possible changes in sea temperature. He stressed that the 'doomsday' myth surrounding the fish has not been scientifically proven and called for further research.

Prabowo Visits Earthquake Victims' Tents in Nagekeo

President Prabowo Subianto visited evacuation tents for earthquake victims in Nagekeo Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, on Wednesday (26/8). He assured residents that central and regional governments would work hard to restore conditions. The death toll from the earthquake has risen to 105, with over 179,000 people displaced.

Finland and Saudi Arabia to be guest countries of honour at 26th CIFIT

The 26th China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT) will take place in Xiamen from 8 to 11 September 2026, with Finland and Saudi Arabia named as the first-ever guest countries of honour. The event underscores China's growing investment ties with both nations, with bilateral trade exceeding US$8 billion with Finland and surpassing US$100 billion with Saudi Arabia for four consecutive years.

Rice Prices Soar, Bulog Malang Distributes Government Rice Reserves

Perum Bulog's Malang branch has begun distributing government rice reserves to 54,820 beneficiaries across Malang City as commercial rice prices surge. The distribution covers the July-September 2026 allocation, with each recipient receiving 30 kg of rice. Local traders report significant price increases and declining purchasing power, while the city government is considering market operations to control inflation.

South Korea steps up checks as China probes formaldehyde-tainted cabbages

South Korea and Taiwan have tightened inspections of Chinese cabbage and kimchi imports after a viral video revealed workers in Hebei province dipping cabbages in formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, to preserve freshness. Chinese authorities have launched nationwide inspections and taken legal measures against those involved, while South Korea has so far found no contamination in tested batches. The scandal has reignited regional concerns over food safety in Chinese agricultural exports, echoing a similar formaldehyde case in 2012.

Jakarta Transport Agency Confirms No Parking Tariff Increase: Circulating Figures Are Proposals

The Jakarta Transportation Agency (Dishub DKI) has clarified that proposed parking tariff increases of up to Rp 60,000 per hour are not final and remain under review. Current tariffs, governed by Governor Regulation No. 31 of 2017 and Regional Regulation No. 1 of 2024, remain unchanged. The agency is focusing on improving parking management through digitalisation, enhanced supervision, and enforcement against illegal parking.

Logistics costs high, Purbaya calls for air cargo standardisation to be completed soon

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has urged the Ministry of Transportation to expedite regulations standardising air cargo cost components and business processes. The move responds to complaints from logistics association Asperindo about duplicate security and airport charges, as well as inconsistent volumetric weight calculations that have raised shipping costs by up to 20 percent. The government hopes the new rules will make airport cargo charges more transparent and support logistics cost efficiency.

KPK Says Corruption in Goods and Services Procurement Can Lower Development Quality

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has warned that corrupt practices in government procurement of goods and services can reduce the quality of development delivered to the public. Deputy Chairman Ibnu Basuki Widodo highlighted that substandard goods or services are often knowingly supplied due to collusion among parties involved in procurement. The KPK recorded 426 procurement-related corruption cases from 2004 to the second quarter of 2025, making it the second most common corruption category after bribery and gratuities.