Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 26 August 2026

Showing 951-1,000 of 1,599 articles

Budi Arie apologises over 'early election' remarks controversy

Projo chairman Budi Arie Setiadi has apologised for his speculative remarks about the possibility of an early general election before 2029, saying they were purely his personal analysis and unrelated to former president Joko Widodo. The comments, made in a video alongside Jokowi, sparked public speculation and drew responses from politicians, including Gerindra, which said it was unaffected. Budi Arie said he was ready to accept responsibility for the controversy.

Customs Supports Border Economic Development at Temajuk Cross-Border Post Reactivation

Indonesian customs officials attended the soft launch of the reactivated Temajuk Cross-Border Post in Sambas, West Kalimantan, which connects directly to Telok Melano, Sarawak. The reopening follows the 2023 Indonesia–Malaysia Border Crossing Agreement and aims to boost local economic potential, tourism, and legal cross-border mobility. The post is expected to serve as a foundation for upgrading to a full State Border Crossing Post by 2027.

Purbaya Allocates Rp7 Trillion to BPS to Improve Decile Data Collection

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has confirmed that the government is continuing to improve the National Single Social and Economic Data (DTSEN), which serves as the basis for determining decile classifications. The Ministry of Finance has allocated approximately Rp7 trillion to the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) for this purpose and for the 2026 National Economic Census. Purbaya expressed confidence that the improvements will result in better and more orderly data by next year.

Shares Up 25% in a Month, This Issuer Announces a Series of Corporate Actions

PT Harta Djaya Karya Tbk (MEJA), an interior design and furniture company, has announced a series of corporate actions including an increase in authorised capital, a rights issue, and the acquisition of PT Trimata Coal Perkasa as part of its transformation into a holding company. Shareholders approved the capital increase at an extraordinary general meeting on 21 August 2026, with the rights issue priced between Rp450 and Rp550 per share. The company targets completing the business transformation, acquisition, and rights issue in the fourth quarter of 2026.

Drugs and desertion: 10 North Sumatra Brimob personnel dismissed

The North Sumatra Police Mobile Brigade (Brimob) has dishonourably discharged 10 personnel for offences including drug abuse, desertion, and embezzlement. Commander Kombes Pol. Rendra Salipu said the dismissals were a consequence of the violations and should serve as a lesson for the entire unit. He urged remaining personnel to uphold police regulations and to remind colleagues who begin to deviate from the rules.

Riau Police Send 25,000 Masks and Portable Oxygen to Tackle Forest Fires in Pelalawan

Riau Police have distributed 25,000 masks and 30 portable oxygen units to support communities and firefighters affected by forest and land fires in Kerumutan, Pelalawan. The number of hotspots in Riau has fallen by 60.9 per cent to 100, with Kerumutan showing a 66.67 per cent reduction. Authorities remain on high alert, with nine high-category hotspots still requiring priority handling.

Account Transaction Freezes: YLKI Stresses Legal Compliance and Customer Rights

The Indonesian Consumers Foundation (YLKI) has reminded banks that they must comply with lawful orders to freeze accounts while still upholding customer rights. YLKI member Rio Priambodo emphasised that a temporary freeze is a security measure and does not prove guilt, with the presumption of innocence to be maintained throughout legal proceedings.

Bareskrim Uncovers Illegal Gold Smuggling Syndicate to Hong Kong, Modus Operandi Involves Body Strapping

Indonesia's Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) has dismantled a syndicate smuggling illegal gold to Hong Kong by strapping it to couriers' bodies. A suspect identified as R was arrested at Soekarno-Hatta Airport, leading investigators to a house in North Jakarta allegedly used for gold refining and transactions. Authorities are now tracing financial flows with PPATK and pursuing a Chinese national, GCZ, believed to be the network's mastermind.

Budi Arie Clarifies Viral Video on Early Election

Budi Arie Setiadi, chairman of the pro-Jokowi volunteer group Projo, has apologised for remarks in a viral video in which he speculated about the possibility of an early election. He stressed that his analysis was a personal view and had no connection to President Joko Widodo, who was present at the event. Budi Arie said he was ready to accept any consequences for his statements.

Airlangga says shopping tourism is a new engine of economic growth

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto has identified shopping tourism as a new driver of Indonesia's economic growth, citing a 5.71 percent year-on-year rise in foreign tourist arrivals to 7.45 million in the first half of 2026. He also highlighted the potential of domestic tourism, with 630.41 million domestic trips recorded in the same period, and urged retailers to work with the government on stock, distribution and product quality to capture more spending at home.

35th NU Congress Implements Chip Cards and 100 CCTV Cameras for Digital Security

The 35th Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Congress in Jombang, East Java, has introduced chip-based smart cards and an integrated surveillance system to enhance participant verification and security. The digital infrastructure aims to prevent access manipulation and ensure orderly proceedings at the national-scale event. Organisers hope the system will set a new standard for managing large religious organisation events in Indonesia.

Indonesian Defence Ministry's Bacadnas: Veteran candidate registration carried out in stages

The Indonesian Ministry of Defence's Veteran Centre has outlined a tiered registration process for prospective veterans, spanning from district military commands to central verification. Brigadier General Asep Tardiyana Wachgi emphasised that organisational restructuring aims to improve the delivery of government support to veterans. He also warned of criminal sanctions for false claims made to obtain veteran honours.

America Finally Yields, Now Chooses Peace with China

Huawei Technologies and HP Inc. have agreed a multi-year cross-licensing deal covering Wi-Fi patents, including the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard. The agreement ends a legal dispute before the Unified Patent Court in Europe and demonstrates Huawei's continued strength in global wireless patent ownership despite US sanctions. HP stressed the arrangement is a routine industry-standard licence and does not signal a broader strategic partnership.

West Java BPBD Records 132 Forest and Land Fires in August 2026, Sumedang Highest

The West Java Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) recorded 132 forest and land fire incidents across the province during August 2026, affecting 196.40 hectares. Sumedang Regency had the highest frequency with 20 incidents, while Sukabumi Regency suffered the largest burned area at 49.20 hectares. The fires were spread across 91 sub-districts and 153 villages or urban wards.

MPR Deputy Speaker urges 100 GWp solar power project to drive green industry

Deputy Speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly Eddy Soeparno has welcomed the groundbreaking of a 100 gigawatt peak solar power plant, calling it a strategic leap that could position Indonesia as a major solar energy player in Asia. He urged that the project be used to build a domestic green industry ecosystem, including solar panel, battery and energy storage manufacturing. Soeparno also stressed the need to integrate the development with national industrialisation through local content requirements, technology transfer and workforce development.

Bareskrim Raids Base of Gold Smugglers to Hong Kong, Seizes Airsoft Gun

Indonesian police have raided a house in North Jakarta believed to be the base of an illegal gold refining and smuggling syndicate targeting Hong Kong. The operation followed the arrest of an Indonesian suspect at Soekarno-Hatta Airport, who led investigators to the property. Authorities seized gold detection equipment, cash, documents, and an airsoft gun, and are pursuing other suspects including a Chinese national.

Judge's Considerations Nullify Suspect Status of Former Condongcatur Village Head Reno

The Yogyakarta District Court has nullified the suspect status of former Condongcatur village head Reno Candra Sangaji in a land misuse case, ruling that the Yogyakarta High Prosecutor's Office failed to present the formal investigation order as evidence. The judge found the absence of the investigation warrant rendered the entire investigation legally flawed, including the state loss audit report. The court also ordered the immediate release of Reno and another suspect from detention.

Gus Yahya Highlights Potential for Conflict in Congress Sessions: Large Screens Needed to Monitor Unrest

PBNU Chairman KH Yahya Cholil Staquf has called for technical improvements at the 35th NU Congress in Jombang, including large screens in every session venue to monitor potential disturbances. He also stressed strict discipline over microphone use to prevent uncontrolled interruptions during deliberations. Gus Yahya expressed confidence that the congress has the blessing of NU founder KH A. Wahab Chasbullah.

PHR operates early production facility at new Libo oil field

PT Pertamina Hulu Rokan (PHR) Zona Rokan has commenced operations of an Early Production Facility at the Libo Gathering Station in Siak Regency, Riau. The facility is designed to boost oil production capacity and alleviate facility constraints, reinforcing the company's contribution to national energy security. The project forms part of a broader series of strategic upgrades at the Libo field, including electrical infrastructure improvements.

South Kalimantan PUPR Agency supplies water 24 hours to strengthen forest fire handling

The South Kalimantan Public Works and Spatial Planning Agency (PUPR) is supplying water around the clock to support forest and land fire suppression in priority areas of the Liang Anggang and Guntung Damar protected forests in Banjarbaru. The agency has deployed one eight-inch pump and approximately fifteen four-inch dumping pumps to maintain continuous wetting operations. Water is also being channelled to the Jokowi Embung to support ground teams and provide a water source for aerial firefighting operations by the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB).

Sape Bima Port Office in NTB Demonstrated Against and Sealed by Residents over Employee Dismissal

Residents in Sape, Bima Regency, West Nusa Tenggara, have demonstrated against and sealed the Class III Port Organising Unit (UPP) office following the dismissal of a part-time government contract worker. The protesters are demanding that Sumiati, a PPPK PW employee with seven years of service, be reinstated after her contract was not renewed for 2027. Police and joint security forces are on site, urging demonstrators to avoid damaging public facilities or disrupting port activities.

Destry to Use SRBI to Lower Bank Interest Rates, Here's How

Destry Damayanti, candidate for Bank Indonesia Governor, plans to shift the focus of SRBI policy towards interest rate transmission to help lower market rates. She has already reduced SRBI issuance as interim governor to maintain market liquidity. The outstanding SRBI has been reduced to Rp1,050 trillion in a gradual effort to align with the overnight rate.

Indonesia, India pursue strategic industrial cooperation at BRICS

Indonesia and India are deepening industrial cooperation following bilateral talks at the BRICS Industry Ministers' Meeting, focusing on green industry, semiconductors, and agro-industry. Trade between the two nations reached US$23.16 billion in 2025, though Indonesia's non-oil and gas manufacturing exports to India have declined. Both sides agreed to review Indonesia's import quota restrictions on Indian products while exploring expanded semiconductor and digital transformation collaboration.

UBSI Research Team Holds FGD in Mataram to Refine Study on Students' Green Purchasing Behaviour

Universitas Bina Sarana Informatika (UBSI) held a focus group discussion in Mataram to refine a government-funded study on green purchasing behaviour among university students. The research examines how ecological paradigms and social norms shape sustainable consumption, with findings expected to inform higher education policy and green campus initiatives.

Iran Insists Strait of Hormuz Remains Closed, Conditions US Compliance with Commitments

Iran has reaffirmed that the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping lane, will remain closed to international traffic until the United States fulfils its international commitments and halts armed conflict. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated that no foreign military vessels will be permitted to transit, while commercial ships will be subject to strict Iranian oversight. Diplomatic efforts with Oman are ongoing to establish a temporary navigation corridor and mine-clearing mechanism.

Telkom CEO Unveils Targets Through 2030, Major Transformation

PT Telkom Indonesia has outlined its Telkom 30 strategy, a five-year transformation plan running to 2030 built on four fundamental pillars. The state-owned telecommunications company aims to shift from connectivity and infrastructure towards intelligence and digital opportunities. The plan includes organisational restructuring into a strategic holding and expansion across B2C, B2B infrastructure, international B2B, and B2B IT services.

Ministry stresses public understanding crucial for accurate decile determination

The Ministry of Population and Family Development (Kemendukbangga/BKKBN) has urged the public to answer data collectors' questions honestly, warning that inaccurate responses could lead to misguided government policies. Deputy for Population Control Bonivasius Prasetya Ichtiarto also highlighted the need for better training and layered supervision of enumerators to prevent data mismatches.

Jakarta DPRD receives 21,000 proposals during third 2026 recess period

The Jakarta Regional House of Representatives (DPRD DKI Jakarta) collected 21,115 public proposals during its third recess period of the 2025-2026 sitting year. The proposals cover infrastructure, education, health, social welfare, and economic sectors, and will be forwarded to the governor for consideration in the regional development planning process.

KPK Examines Kediri Customs Office Head Gatot Heroe

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has examined Gatot Heroe Hernanda, Head of the Kediri Customs and Excise Office, as a suspect in an ongoing bribery investigation. The examination is part of a broader probe into alleged corruption within the Directorate General of Customs and Excise at the Ministry of Finance. The case stems from legal facts that emerged during the trial of import bribery involving PT Blueray Cargo owner John Field and others.

Following Up on Post-Earthquake Coordination, Public Works Minister Inspects Lake Kelimutu

Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo inspected Lake Kelimutu in Ende Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, following reports of cracks caused by recent earthquakes on Flores Island. The inspection found thin cracks and new landslides around the lake, with concerns that ongoing seismic activity could widen the fissures and reduce water volume. The ministry will coordinate with the Forestry Ministry on mitigation measures for the national park area.

KPK summons graft suspect and wife of former East Java DPRD speaker in grant fund case

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has summoned Bagus Wahyudiono, a suspect in the East Java provincial grant fund corruption case, and Fujika Senna Oktavia, wife of the late former DPRD speaker Kusnadi, for questioning as witnesses. The investigation stems from a 2022 sting operation and involves allegations of bribery related to community group grants between 2019 and 2022. As of July 2026, only eight of the 20 remaining suspects have been detained.

KPK examines Kediri Customs Head Gatot Heroe as suspect

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is questioning Gatot Heroe Hernanda, Head of the Kediri Customs Office, as a suspect in an alleged corruption case within the Directorate General of Customs and Excise. Gatot previously served as Head of the Customs Enforcement Sub-Directorate from June 2023 to February 2026. The examination is part of a broader investigation that has already named several other customs officials and private sector figures as suspects.

Prabowo Disburses Rp20 Billion Earthquake Aid for Each NTT Regency

President Prabowo Subianto has allocated Rp20 billion in government aid for each affected regency and Rp40 billion for the provincial government in East Nusa Tenggara to support earthquake disaster response. The funds were confirmed during a coordination meeting at the disaster command post in Nagekeo Regency, with BNPB chief Suharyanto stressing that the money must be used exclusively for disaster management. Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena expressed gratitude and noted that additional assistance was also provided to East Flores, which has been impacted by the ongoing Lewotobi volcano eruption.

Zulhas Reveals Why PSEL Projects Are in Demand: Carbon Trading Potential

Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan has highlighted carbon trading potential as a key driver behind growing investor interest in waste-to-energy (PSEL) projects. He noted that the government is streamlining regulations to accelerate urban waste management and provide business certainty for investors. The projects are also supported by long-term power purchase agreements with PLN, strengthening their appeal to multinational investors.

Pamekasan's efforts to support beef self-sufficiency with Madura cattle

Pamekasan Regency in East Java is intensifying programmes to boost the population and quality of Madura cattle, a local breed, in support of President Prabowo Subianto's target for Indonesia to achieve beef self-sufficiency within five to six years. The initiatives include the Sang Sultan and Papa Baru schemes, which focus on simultaneous breeding development across several sub-districts. National data shows Indonesia still faces a significant beef deficit, with production of around 491,700 tonnes against consumption needs of 724,200 tonnes in 2025.

Parigi Moutong Regency declares flash flood emergency status

The Parigi Moutong Regency administration in Central Sulawesi has declared a 14-day emergency response status following a flash flood that struck Avolua Village in North Parigi District. The disaster damaged at least 12 homes, submerged 50 houses in mud, and disrupted a 500-metre stretch of the Trans Sulawesi road. Around 200 military and police personnel have been deployed alongside local teams to clear debris and restore basic services.

KPK Examines Gatot Heroe, New Suspect in Customs Import Case

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has examined Gatot Heroe, a newly named suspect in a bribery case at the Directorate General of Customs and Excise. He is a civil servant in the Enforcement Sub-Directorate of Directorate P2. The examination is part of an expanded investigation into alleged corruption related to customs and excise.

BNPB Maps Impact of M7.7 NTT Earthquake from the Air, Prepares Logistics Drops

Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has conducted an aerial survey to map areas affected by the magnitude 7.7 earthquake in Nusa Tenggara Timur. The survey identified isolated settlements in hilly terrain that cannot be reached by road, prompting plans for air-dropped logistics. BNPB will integrate the aerial findings with ground surveys to detail housing damage and ensure aid reaches remote communities.

Egg, Chicken Price Slump Spurs Push for Processing Industry

Indonesia's surplus production of eggs and chicken meat has driven farm-gate prices below reference levels, prompting economists to call for downstream processing and stock management to absorb excess supply. The government is urged to strengthen redistribution from surplus to deficit regions and increase absorption through programmes such as MBG Kitchens and cooperatives. Meanwhile, rising rice prices have drawn attention from Statistics Indonesia and Bulog, which is stepping up market interventions to stabilise costs.

Danantara Mulai Groundbreaking Proyek PSEL Bekasi Senilai Rp 3 Triliun, Target Beroperasi 2028

Danantara Indonesia has commenced construction of a Rp 3 trillion waste-to-energy facility in Bekasi, West Java, marking a significant step in national waste management transformation. The project, scheduled to be fully operational by mid-2028, will process 1,500 tonnes of waste daily using EU-standard incinerator technology and supply electricity to PLN at USD 0.20 per kWh. It is expected to create up to 1,000 green jobs and provide clean energy to tens of thousands of households.

KPK summons four witnesses in foreigner residence permit case in Bali

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has summoned four witnesses for questioning in Denpasar, Bali, as part of an investigation into alleged extortion related to residence permits for foreign nationals. The case has already led to the naming of eight suspects, including former Deputy Minister of Immigration and Corrections Silmy Karim. Investigators estimate the suspects gained around Rp145.5 billion from the scheme between 2022 and 2026.

Forest Fires Recur Every Year, Kompolnas Urges Police to Investigate Main Actors

The National Police Commission (Kompolnas) has urged law enforcement to pursue not only field perpetrators but also the intellectual actors behind recurring forest and land fires in Indonesia. Police have named 72 suspects across nine regional police forces, with most cases involving deliberate burning for land clearing due to its lower cost.

Kawendra: 'Historical fault' analogy on government is ahistorical

Gerindra deputy secretary-general Kawendra Lukistian has dismissed the 'historical fault' analogy used by Projo chairman Budi Arie Setiadi regarding possible accelerated political dynamics before the 2029 election as ahistorical. Kawendra stressed that President Prabowo Subianto's government rests on the constitution and a legitimate popular mandate, and that Gerindra remains focused on supporting the administration. The party has said it has not discussed the 2029 election and will not be drawn into premature political speculation.

House leadership pushes for immediate disbursement of PT Pos employee salaries

House of Representatives leaders and Commission VI have urged the government and Danantara to ensure salary payments for 31,000 employees and 28,000 pensioners of PT Pos Indonesia are made promptly after recent delays. The company is facing financial difficulties, with outstanding invoices to Bulog and Peruri also pending. The issue was raised during an audience with employee representatives at the parliament complex.

Iranian TV Airs Death Threat Against Trump's Son Barron, Offering Rp177 Billion Reward

Iranian state broadcaster IRIB has aired a segment threatening Barron Trump, the 20-year-old son of US President Donald Trump, and offering a US$10 million reward for information on his whereabouts. The broadcast marks the first time Barron has been directly targeted, following previous threats against First Lady Melania Trump. The US Secret Service has confirmed it is investigating the video.

Prabowo accepts BNPB proposal on BPBD logistics warehouses for disaster preparedness

President Prabowo Subianto has accepted a proposal from the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) for every regional disaster management agency (BPBD) to maintain stocked logistics warehouses ready for use when disasters strike. The suggestion was made during a coordination meeting on earthquake response in Nagekeo, East Nusa Tenggara, where BNPB head Suharyanto noted that empty local warehouses had hampered initial relief efforts. Prabowo said the central government would help provinces and regencies establish their own warehouses and food reserves.

Police Confirm Viral Video of Buses Carrying Protesters to Jakarta Is a Hoax

The Indonesian National Police have confirmed that viral social media videos claiming to show buses transporting protesters to Jakarta for a demonstration on Thursday are hoaxes. Police say the footage is old and unrelated to any planned mass action, and that traffic on the Cikampek toll road remains normal.

Finance Minister Purbaya Targets DTSEN Improvements Next Year After Decile Misclassification

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has acknowledged public complaints about low-income households being incorrectly classified in higher deciles and pledged improvements to the National Socio-Economic Single Data (DTSEN). The government has allocated over Rp7 trillion to the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) for DTSEN and census work this year. The accuracy of decile data is critical as the government prepares to restrict subsidised Pertalite fuel for upper-class households in deciles 9 and 10.

President Prabowo Wants NTT Earthquake Victims Served Directly

President Prabowo Subianto visited Mbay, Nagekeo, East Nusa Tenggara, to inspect the aftermath of the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck Flores on 15 August. He explained that his delayed visit was deliberate, intended to allow local agencies to focus on emergency response without the distraction of state protocol. The death toll has reached 103, with 1,666 injured, according to the National Disaster Management Agency.

Former Bezos AI Experts Unveil New Physics-Based Model

Two AI researchers previously slated to lead Jeff Bezos's Project Prometheus have launched a new company, Accelerated Understanding Inc., with a fundamentally different approach to artificial intelligence. Their model uses neural operators to predict physical phenomena rather than language, claiming to process 5 trillion data points in a single prompt. The company is targeting enterprise clients and has reportedly attracted enthusiasm from Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang.