The Indonesian government has launched a massive solar power programme with a total capacity of 100 gigawatt peak, requiring investment of around US$73 billion. The project is expected to generate significant fiscal savings, create 5.52 million jobs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 140 million tonnes annually. President Prabowo Subianto has challenged his energy team to complete the project in under three years, suggesting two years is achievable.

Manpower Minister Yassierli has urged ASEAN member states to strengthen worker skills and protections in response to rapid changes in the world of work. Speaking ahead of the 29th ASEAN Labour Ministers Meeting in Bangkok, he stressed the need for collective action on technology, AI, digitalisation and migrant worker safeguards. Indonesia will also push for stronger cooperation with the ILO and IOM on skills development and decent work.

Agriculture Minister and National Food Agency Head Andi Amran Sulaiman has accused mafia groups of artificially inflating the price of fortified rice to Rp 42,000 per kilogram while falsely claiming nutritional content. The government estimates consumer losses at Rp 91 trillion and is pursuing legal action through the Food Task Force. Authorities have collected 134 samples from 11 companies as part of a comprehensive crackdown on rice trade irregularities.

The Jakarta Composite Index closed lower on Monday, with foreign investors recording net selling. The article highlights corporate actions from Pertamina Geothermal Energy and Merdeka Gold Resources, alongside five technical stock recommendations for the trading day.

Capital market analyst Edwin Sebayang says Indonesia's state-owned mining holding MIND ID is increasingly drawing investors by developing value-added products and strengthening downstream integration. He highlights positive first-half 2026 results from subsidiaries including Vale Indonesia, Timah, Antam and Bukit Asam. Sebayang expects investor focus in the second half of 2026 to shift towards earnings quality, cash flow sustainability and long-term value creation.

Sellers on Shopee and TikTok Shop are facing significant problems from AI-generated promotional videos created without their consent. These videos often contain inaccurate information, alter the original appearance of products, and mislead buyers, while sellers have little control over removing them. The issue has sparked frustration among merchants who report that new problematic videos continue to appear even after previous ones are taken down.

A respiratory specialist has outlined primary, secondary and tertiary prevention measures to reduce health risks from forest and land fire haze. The advice includes staying indoors, wearing masks, sealing homes, and seeking medical care if symptoms worsen. The Health Ministry reports that around three million people across 37 districts have been exposed to haze from fires in Sumatra and Kalimantan.

Syria has condemned a visit by Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz to Syrian territory as a flagrant violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Damascus called the incursion a breach of international law and the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, urging the international community to compel Israel to withdraw. Israeli forces have occupied a UN-monitored buffer zone and strategic positions in southern Syria since the change of power in December 2024.

The Directorate General of Land Transportation has called on the public to ensure vehicles used for tomorrow's mass demonstration meet technical and administrative roadworthiness requirements. Director General Aan Suhanan stressed that buses carrying large numbers of people must have valid permits and pass periodic inspections. Operators found running vehicles with expired documentation will face strict sanctions.

Asia-Pacific markets traded mixed on Wednesday as escalating trade tensions between the United States and Canada weighed on sentiment. Investors also remained cautious ahead of the release of key US inflation data that will guide the Federal Reserve's monetary policy decisions.

Former Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has warned that Ukraine is gradually losing its war against Russia, citing entrenched corruption, patronage networks and a lack of political independence as key weaknesses. In an interview with Reuters, he said Kyiv has only months to adopt a clear plan to end the war and reverse its trajectory. The presidential office pushed back, saying Fedorov's assessment changed only after he left government.

President Prabowo Subianto has attributed the government's ability to deploy hundreds of helicopters, aircraft, heavy equipment and thousands of personnel for disaster response to successful efforts in closing budget leaks and combating corruption. Speaking at the launch of the 100 GWp solar power plant programme, he stressed that the funds came from money saved by stopping long-running corrupt practices. Prabowo also noted that inter-agency coordination in disaster mitigation, including responses to El Niño impacts, is working effectively, though he insisted the government must work even harder to ensure every rupiah is spent effectively.

Iranian strikes have reportedly caused unprecedented damage to US intelligence and surveillance facilities in the Middle East, according to NBC News. Restoration costs are estimated to run into billions of US dollars. The damage occurred amid ongoing hostilities between Washington and Tehran, with the US now pursuing economic pressure to end the conflict.

The death toll from the magnitude 7.7 earthquake in East Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, has risen to 36, with 643 injured and over 31,000 people displaced. Infrastructure damage has also increased to 21,288 units. The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has urged rapid, data-driven handling and a swift transition from emergency response to recovery.

PT TBS Energi Utama Tbk (TOBA) has been recognised by the Energy Shift Institute as the most successful Indonesian coal company in diversifying its revenue mix towards sustainable businesses. The company's first quarter 2026 results show non-coal revenue, particularly from waste management and electric vehicles, now dominates its income. Analysts note that while margins remain low during this early transformation phase, profitability is expected to follow as operations scale up.

PT Saraswanti Indoland Development Tbk is expanding its hotel capacity in Yogyakarta to capitalise on rising demand from the meeting, incentive, convention, and exhibition (MICE) sector. The company will open The Royal Alana Yogyakarta with 219 rooms in August 2026 and break ground on a new ballroom at INNSiDE by Melia Yogyakarta. The expansion is expected to boost combined revenue by up to 50%.

The Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board has deployed more than 100 CCTV cameras integrated with a command centre to monitor the 35th NU Congress in Jombang, East Java. The system covers conference venues, accommodation, catering and surrounding roads, and is intended to improve transparency and service delivery. The congress is scheduled for 27–31 August 2026 and is expected to be opened by President Prabowo Subianto.

The Jakarta Composite Index (IHSG) closed 0.37% lower at 6,501.66 on Monday ahead of the Prophet Muhammad's birthday holiday, with foreign investors recording a net sell of Rp350.71 billion across all markets. Despite the overall selling, foreign investors were net buyers of several mining and banking stocks, led by PT Timah Tbk (TINS) with net foreign purchases of Rp99.48 billion.

A humanitarian volunteer in Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara, was seriously injured when a dried tree toppled onto him as he and his team distributed aid to earthquake victims. Adalbertus Gregorian Bambar, known as Berry Bambar, suffered fractures and lost consciousness before being evacuated to Ruteng Regional Hospital. The incident highlights the dangerous conditions facing relief workers in the quake-affected region.

Indonesia's Deputy Minister for Creative Economy, Irene Umar, has highlighted the strategic role of music collaboration in expanding market access for Indonesian talent. She made the remarks in connection with the Taiwan Beats in Jakarta programme, which aims to strengthen creative economy ties between Indonesia and Taiwan. The initiative is expected to foster sustainable partnerships and open new economic opportunities for musicians from both countries.

President Prabowo Subianto is visiting East Nusa Tenggara to assess the handling of the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck on 15 August. The visit aims to ensure coordination between central and regional governments, the military, and police in delivering aid and healthcare. The government has pledged that recovery and reconstruction efforts will continue beyond the emergency phase.

President Prabowo Subianto has officially launched a massive 100 GWp solar power programme across Indonesia, involving a total investment of Rp 1,140 trillion. The project is expected to create 5.5 million jobs and save Rp 73.9 trillion annually in energy subsidies. The initial phase focuses on 14 strategic projects with a combined capacity of 5,216 MWp.

This article recounts a hadith narrative in which Aisyah expresses jealousy over the Prophet Muhammad's enduring affection for his late wife Khadijah. The story highlights the Prophet's loyalty and the Islamic teaching that showing compassion is part of faith.

Telin, a subsidiary of Telkom Indonesia, is developing 14 submarine cable projects under its Indonesia Cable Express programme to enhance Indonesia's connectivity with Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas. The projects will be executed in stages based on corridor needs, with the company also exploring expansion into the Middle East and Latin America. Telin emphasised that all investments will be made prudently to ensure healthy returns.

The East Jakarta city government has announced that street vendors will no longer be permitted to operate on road shoulders or pavements along Jalan Raya Bogor in Kramat Jati from 31 August 2026. The move follows an instruction from Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung to reorganise the area and relocate vendors blamed for congestion and unsanitary conditions. Authorities say the relocation will be carried out in a coordinated and humane manner, with alternative sites prepared for traders.

PT Elnusa Tbk (ELSA) has announced the resignation of Hera Handayani from her position as Director of Human Resources and General Affairs. The resignation letter was received on 20 August 2026 and will take effect upon approval at the next General Meeting of Shareholders. Until then, the company's board composition remains unchanged pending shareholder approval.

Former British Ambassador to Syria Peter Ford has suggested that Washington's decision to remove Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism was likely driven by the US military-industrial complex's desire to sell weapons to Damascus. He also argued that the US is primarily interested in keeping Syria subservient to Israel. The US Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control confirmed the delisting on Monday.

The Indonesian government has distributed 127,430 tonnes of corn to livestock farmers across 28 provinces through its food supply and price stabilisation programme. Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman has instructed state logistics agency Bulog to extend the programme until the end of the year to ease feed cost pressures on poultry farmers. The National Food Agency has proposed an additional quota of 150,000 tonnes to further support the sector.

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington is projected to face a budget shortfall of nearly $100 million following its controversial renaming after President Donald Trump. Commercial revenue is expected to fall 70 per cent below target while donations are projected to drop by 25 per cent. A court has blocked the renaming without congressional approval and barred the allocation of $257 million in federal funds for renovations.

MPR Secretary-General Siti Fauziah has lauded a book by Deputy Speaker Hidayat Nur Wahid for documenting his consistent advocacy for Palestinian independence and strengthening constitutional awareness. The book was discussed at a parliamentary event designed to foster dialogue between legislators and the public. Siti highlighted HNW's role in initiating Constitution Day and promoting the Four Pillars of MPR socialisation programme.

Indonesian fuel retailers, including Pertamina, Shell, BP-AKR, and Vivo, have adjusted their non-subsidised fuel prices following global oil price trends and the rupiah exchange rate. Pertamina reduced prices for several petrol variants, while diesel prices remained unchanged. The adjustments are part of efforts to maintain national fuel supply and consider public purchasing power.

A three-volume book launched ahead of the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama Congress examines the challenges and opportunities facing Indonesia's largest Islamic organisation as it enters its second century. The work maps internal organisational issues, national concerns, and global dynamics, aiming to open discussion on NU's future direction.

President Prabowo Subianto is scheduled to travel from Bali to East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) to directly inspect the handling of earthquake impacts and the condition of displaced residents. The government has distributed over 204 tonnes of basic food supplies and deployed field hospitals, including a naval hospital ship, to affected areas on Flores Island. The State Secretary emphasised that recovery efforts will continue beyond the emergency response phase, including rehabilitation and reconstruction.

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has recorded 7,492 aftershocks in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) following the main earthquake, with the largest reaching magnitude 6.2. The death toll has risen to 103, while the number of injured has increased to 1,666. The continuing seismic activity is affecting several districts across the province.

The Jakarta Composite Index (IHSG) closed lower on Monday ahead of the Prophet Muhammad's birthday holiday, with foreign investors recording net selling across the market. Banking, energy, and mining stocks dominated the list of shares most sold by foreign investors, led by Bank Rakyat Indonesia and Bumi Resources.

Residents and a joint task force in Muaro Jambi, Jambi, successfully contained a land fire within two hours, preventing it from spreading to nearby plantations. The cause of the 10-hectare blaze remains unknown. Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni has urged the public not to burn land deliberately and announced weather modification operations scheduled for 27–30 August.

State railway operator PT KAI is studying ways to strengthen freight connectivity between the Batang Integrated Industrial Estate (KITB) in Central Java and major ports such as Tanjung Priok, Tanjung Perak, and Patimban. The initiative involves Pelindo, regional enterprises, and the industrial estate operator, aiming to integrate rail, dry ports, seaports, warehousing, and trucking. KAI highlights its freight capacity, having transported 38.6 million tonnes of goods in the first seven months of 2026, as a foundation for supporting new industrial zones.

Eko Suwanto, Chairman of Commission A of the Yogyakarta Special Region DPRD, has called on Muslims to use the Prophet Muhammad's birthday as a moment to strengthen faith and emulate noble character. He emphasised the importance of increasing prayers, maintaining interfaith harmony, and caring for the poor, orphans, and vulnerable groups. The PDI Perjuangan politician said these teachings remain highly relevant in contemporary Indonesian society.

A roundup of key economic news includes President Prabowo Subianto's launch of a 100 GWp solar power programme, the Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministry's data validation after the NTT earthquake, and the Financial Services Authority's call for calm over a delayed account transaction. Other items cover the normalisation of flights at Sultan Hasanuddin Airport and Bogor's target for the R3 ring road to open by 2029.

A member of Indonesia's House of Representatives Commission II has called for a review of a regulation requiring civil servants to wait ten years before applying for a transfer. The rule is considered overly burdensome and is said to be harming the welfare of state employees, particularly those serving in remote areas. A proposal has been made to shorten the waiting period to five years.

The Indonesian National Police's Criminal Investigation Directorate has intercepted the distribution of Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in the form of gummy sweets in Malang, East Java. A suspect, Abram Jetro Endiera, has been detained after customs flagged a suspicious package, and he is alleged to have ordered narcotics from the United Kingdom on four separate occasions. The suspect faces charges under Indonesia's narcotics law.

Twenty-six faculty members and students from Indonesia's Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) attended a two-week international summer camp on chemical engineering for a sustainable future at Tianjin University in China. The programme included lectures, laboratory experiments, and industrial visits focused on carbon capture, hydrogen energy catalysis, and membrane separation. Participants expressed strong interest in the university's advanced digital and AI-supported laboratory facilities and hoped the exchange would continue in future years.

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has summoned the head of Bengkulu City's Public Works and Spatial Planning Agency and a city councillor as witnesses in a corruption case involving the city government. The investigation stems from a sting operation linked to alleged bribery in Rejang Lebong Regency, where five suspects have been named. Investigators seized Rp4 billion in cash from the public works chief's residence.

The Indonesian government is accelerating implementation of the Indonesia-European Union Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IEU CEPA), with signing targeted for October and ratification expected to follow swiftly. Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said the agreement would eliminate tariffs on 90.4% of tariff lines immediately, boosting Indonesian exports of palm oil, footwear, coffee, furniture, agriculture, fisheries and telecommunications. The EU Ambassador to Indonesia, Denis Chaibi, welcomed the progress and said ratification would trigger strong European investment interest in high-value sectors such as advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, electric vehicles, digital and pharmaceuticals.

The death toll from the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara has risen to 103, with over 185,000 people still displaced. The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has prioritised revitalisation for damaged schools, allocating Rp860 million in cash vouchers and essential supplies.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa conducted an unannounced inspection of the Directorate General of Treasury's West Java regional office in Bandung. He emphasised the need for disciplined budget management, particularly regarding employee spending, and reviewed the implementation of strategic national programmes including Sekolah Rakyat and the Free Nutritious Meals programme. The visit signals the Finance Ministry's commitment to ensuring state funds translate into quality programmes with tangible benefits for the public.

The West Sumatra provincial government has dispatched 2.2 tonnes of rendang to assist communities affected by the earthquake and tsunami in East Nusa Tenggara. The donation, collected from civil servants and residents, was handed over to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) at a forward post in Labuan Bajo. Officials highlighted the gesture as a demonstration of national solidarity and assured the aid would be distributed in stages to those in need.

The Velodrome-Manggarai LRT route in Jakarta was inaugurated by President Prabowo Subianto and will operate fully from 05.00 to 24.00 WIB. A flat fare of Rp 5,000 per journey will apply until October, while the Jakarta provincial government reviews a permanent tariff scheme. Initial ridership is estimated at 60,000 to 80,000 passengers per day.

The Head of the National Civil Service Agency (BKN), Zudan Arif Fakrulloh, has downplayed concerns that artificial intelligence could replace civil servants, describing AI as merely a tool to accelerate work. His remarks follow comments by House of Representatives Commission II Deputy Chairman Dede Yusuf, who suggested that digitalisation and AI could reduce the number of civil servants needed, particularly in district offices.

President Prabowo Subianto is scheduled to travel from Bali to East Nusa Tenggara to directly inspect the condition of displaced residents and the handling of earthquake impacts in several districts. The visit aims to ensure effective coordination between central and regional governments, the military, and police in responding to the disaster on Flores Island. Health services have been reinforced through the deployment of field hospitals and naval medical vessels.