Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 26 August 2026

Showing 1,551-1,599 of 1,599 articles

Legal roundup: LPSK grants protection to FH, forest fire investigations continue

The Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) has granted protection to a key witness in the corruption and money laundering case involving former junior attorney general Febrie Adriansyah. Meanwhile, police in West Kalimantan and East Kalimantan are intensifying efforts to tackle forest and land fires, with additional personnel deployed and eight cases under investigation. Immigration authorities have also detained a Russian national suspected of involvement in illegal publications related to a West Papua demonstration.

Israel Has Killed 21,500 Palestinian Children in Gaza Since October 2023

The Government Media Office in the Gaza Strip reports that Israel has killed more than 21,500 Palestinian children since launching its aggression in October 2023. Despite a ceasefire agreement with Hamas in October 2025, Israel continues to carry out air strikes on Gaza. The office also states that 1,244 of Gaza's 1,275 mosques have been targeted, with 1,077 completely destroyed.

Responding to Trump's Economic Sanctions, China Affirms Cooperation with Iran Cannot Be Disrupted

China has declared that its cooperation with Iran operates within an international legal framework and must not be interfered with, including by the United States. Beijing urged both Tehran and Washington to return to diplomatic negotiations. The statement follows Washington's launch of 'Operation Economic Outcast', which threatens secondary sanctions on countries doing business with Iran.

Minister PANRB on AI Threat: Only Accelerates, Cannot Replace Civil Servants

Minister for State Apparatus Empowerment and Bureaucratic Reform Rini Widyantini has stated that artificial intelligence will serve as a tool to enhance analysis and public services rather than replace civil servants. She emphasised that policy judgement, social context assessment, administrative responsibility and empathy remain human roles. The remarks follow a House of Representatives commission meeting where lawmakers raised the possibility of reducing civil servant numbers due to digitalisation.

Residents Panic and Flee Homes as Magnitude 5.0 Earthquake Shakes Flores

A magnitude 5.0 earthquake struck Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, late on Monday night, causing panic among residents still recovering from a devastating magnitude 7.7 quake earlier in August. The tremor was felt strongly across several regencies including Manggarai, West Manggarai, East Manggarai, and Nagekeo. The death toll from the earlier disaster has reached 103 people.

Sea Transport Paralysed, NU Congress Participants from Bawean Forced to Pay for Expensive Flights

Participants of the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Congress from Bawean Island, Gresik Regency, have been forced to use Susi Air flights after sea transport was paralysed by bad weather. The PCNU Bawean chairman has urged the Gresik regency government to add more vessels serving the Bawean–Gresik route. He stressed that adequate sea transport is vital not only for congress participants but for the general mobility of Bawean residents.

Trump Gets a Taste of His Own Medicine: Canada Hits Back at US with 50% Tariffs

Canada has announced retaliatory tariffs on more than 700 US products worth around US$20 billion after trade talks with Washington collapsed. The measures, ranging from 15% to 50%, target steel, aluminium, dairy, seafood, and other goods, and will take effect on 8 September. The move marks a sharp escalation in the trade war between the two allies.

Munil Found Dead at Hands of Drinking Companions

A 40-year-old man named Triyanto, known as Munil, was found dead with multiple injuries in Pajangan, Bantul, allegedly after being assaulted by friends following a drinking session. Police have arrested three suspects and are pursuing a fourth, with initial examinations indicating the perpetrators were under the influence of alcohol.

Prophet Muhammad's Ability to Understand the Souls of His Companions

The commemoration of the Prophet Muhammad's birthday can be understood by studying his exemplary life, particularly his ability to understand the inner feelings of his followers. Buya Hamka, the first chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council, wrote that this ability fostered deep loyalty among the Prophet's companions. The Prophet honoured each companion according to their respective standing, which elevated their spirits and made them willing to sacrifice their lives for him.

Asserting Strategic Role, This SOE Backs 512 Projects and Strengthens National MSMEs

PT Asuransi Kredit Indonesia (Askrindo) has supported 512 strategic and national security projects worth Rp261.9 trillion as of December 2025, including 16 National Strategic Projects valued at Rp143.2 trillion. The state-owned insurer also plays a key role in empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises through the government's KUR credit insurance programme. Askrindo's commercial line capacity has risen 42% since 2023 to Rp28.6 trillion, backed by strong financial fundamentals including Rp22.23 trillion in assets and Rp1.04 trillion in after-tax profit.

Jakarta development plans constrained by efficiency measures

Jakarta's ambition to become a global city by 2030 is being tested by central government efficiency policies that have cut more than Rp15 trillion in revenue-sharing funds. Governor Pramono Anung is exploring new income sources, including a planned Rp5.6 trillion regional bond issuance in 2027 to fund transport and health infrastructure. Bank Indonesia has cautioned the city to manage repayment risks carefully.

Drug Fugitive Killed in Shootout in North Lampung, 3 Police Officers Injured

A wanted man in a firearms and drugs case, Popi Handika Purba, was shot dead during an exchange of gunfire with police in North Lampung. Three police officers sustained injuries in the incident. Authorities said the suspect opened fire first, prompting officers to take measured action to neutralise the threat.

Former BIN Chief Syamsir Siregar Passes Away

Retired Major General Syamsir Siregar, former head of Indonesia's State Intelligence Agency (BIN), has died at the age of 84. He passed away on Tuesday, 25 August, and was serving as President Commissioner of PT Japfa Comfeed Indonesia at the time of his death. Siregar led BIN during the presidency of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

US Seeks to Knock Out Iran, Tehran Hits Back with Defiance

Iran has condemned the latest round of US sanctions aimed at isolating its economy, calling them a serious violation of international law. Tehran expressed confidence that many countries will not join Washington's pressure campaign. The dispute comes as both sides signal a possible return to mediation over the conflict that has halted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

Death Toll from Rubbish Heap Collapse at Guinea Landfill Rises to 34

The death toll from a rubbish heap collapse at a landfill in Conakry, Guinea, has risen to 34 after four more bodies were recovered. The disaster occurred on 23 August 2026 when heavy rain caused a massive waste pile to give way, destroying nearby homes. Around 1,500 families have been displaced, and the government had announced evacuation plans just days before the tragedy.

What They Say About the Potential of Civil Servants Being Replaced by AI

Indonesian lawmakers and the National Institute of Public Administration (LAN) are debating the impact of artificial intelligence on the civil service. While AI is seen as a tool to streamline routine administrative tasks, officials stress that many public service functions requiring discretion and empathy cannot be automated. LAN has partnered with global tech firms to boost civil servant competencies in AI.

Government Steps Up Efforts to Tackle Forest and Land Fires: Water Bombing and Weather Modification

Indonesia's National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) is intensifying efforts to combat forest and land fires across six priority provinces, deploying dozens of helicopters for water bombing and conducting weather modification operations. The agency is also focusing on prevention and public protection, including air quality monitoring and coordination with local authorities.

Kim Jong-un Now Courted by Trump, Putin and Xi Jinping: What Is Happening?

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is enjoying a markedly stronger geopolitical bargaining position as the United States, Russia and China all seek closer ties with Pyongyang. Donald Trump has signalled plans to meet Kim again and has scaled back joint military exercises with South Korea, while Russia relies increasingly on North Korean artillery and missiles in Ukraine. China, meanwhile, is moving to reinforce its relationship with North Korea amid deepening military cooperation between Kim and Moscow.

Language, the Pulse of Independence

This editorial examines the role of the Indonesian language in nation-building, arguing that true independence requires strengthening Bahasa Indonesia as a strategic tool for knowledge, policy, and national identity. It contrasts Indonesia's unifying language policy with global examples of linguistic conflict and warns against the creeping dominance of foreign languages in academia, technology, and business.

Caught in Affair at Boarding House, Two Tuban BPN Employees Named Suspects

Two civil servants from the Tuban National Land Agency have been named suspects for adultery after being caught together in a boarding house room. The case was reported by the husband of the female suspect, and both face up to one year in prison under Indonesia's new criminal code.

Decolonising Education

The article examines the global tension between diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and meritocracy, using the tragic case of Cambridge professor Jason Arday to frame the debate. It argues that Indonesia must avoid this polarisation and instead focus on equalising opportunities and building evidence-based quality assurance systems to address deep educational inequality. The piece highlights stark disparities in learning outcomes and human capital indices across Indonesian provinces and districts.

Telkom to invest 18-20 percent of revenue in digital infrastructure

PT Telkom Indonesia plans to allocate 18-20 percent of its revenue to digital infrastructure investment in 2026, citing projected digital economy value of USD 360 billion by 2030. The state-owned enterprise reported consolidated revenue of Rp146.7 trillion in 2025. The investment will fund mobile networks, fibre optics, submarine cables, towers and data centres.

Greenland’s melting ice carries warnings far beyond the Arctic

Greenland's rapidly melting ice sheet is projected to contribute up to 18cm to global sea-level rise by 2100, posing severe risks to coastal cities across Asia, including Jakarta and Manila. The Arctic is also becoming a contested geopolitical zone, with US President Donald Trump pushing to acquire Greenland amid growing competition for resources and strategic influence.

Why Greenland's warming climate matters - to Asia and the world

Greenland's accelerating ice melt is projected to contribute up to 18cm to global sea-level rise by 2100, posing severe risks to low-lying Asian coastal cities including Jakarta, Manila and Bangkok. The warming Arctic is also becoming a contested geopolitical zone, with US President Donald Trump pushing to acquire Greenland for its strategic resources and transport routes. Experts warn that changes in Greenland will have direct consequences for coastal infrastructure and populations across Asia, the world's most exposed region to sea-level rise.

Testing the Limits of Freedom of Expression

A viral video showing a Quran memorisation challenge with an alcoholic drink prize at a Jakarta music festival has sparked a legal debate over blasphemy and freedom of expression. The incident has drawn condemnation from religious authorities and led to the arrest of four suspects. The article examines how Indonesia's new Criminal Code and past blasphemy cases frame the boundaries between sacred symbols and commercial promotion.

Trade War Heats Up! Canada Retaliates Against Trump Tariffs with Up to 50 Percent

Canada has announced retaliatory tariffs of 15 to 50 percent on US goods in response to Washington's import duties, escalating the trade conflict between the two neighbours. The measures target steel, aluminium, dairy products and electronics, and are scheduled to take effect on 8 September. Ottawa has also unveiled a US$5.4 billion support package for affected businesses and workers.

CIA Director Secretly Arrives in Moscow: Who Did He Meet and What Was the Message?

CIA Director John Ratcliffe made an unannounced visit to Moscow aboard a US military aircraft, marking the highest-level Trump administration visit to Russia since January 2026. The purpose of the trip and the identity of the Russian officials he met remain undisclosed, with the Kremlin claiming no knowledge of any planned meetings. The visit comes amid stalled US-Russia diplomacy over Ukraine.

Abused by His Father, 3-Month-Old Baby in South Sumatra Rushed to Hospital

A three-month-old baby in Ogan Komering Ulu, South Sumatra, was repeatedly abused by his own father over several days, leaving the infant in intensive care. The 23-year-old suspect was arrested in North Lampung and has been handed over to the OKU Police for further legal proceedings.

DKI yesterday: Duren Sawit fire to Extended Concourse

A round-up of key developments in Jakarta includes a fire that destroyed 40 buildings in Duren Sawit, East Jakarta, and progress on the Bundaran HI underground extended concourse project, which is now 24 per cent complete and targeted for completion by June 2027. Other items cover the West Jakarta mayor's rejection of a 'Gotham City' stigma, a barbershop skills programme at Cipinang detention centre, and a South Jakarta dance studio's achievements at an international competition.

PBNU deploys over 100 CCTV cameras to secure 35th NU Congress

The Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board has installed 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, with reporting and follow-up mechanisms to ensure swift responses. Preparations are now focused on refining participant services ahead of the congress scheduled for 27–31 August 2026.

Traffic Management in Place for LRT Jakarta Kelapa Gading-Manggarai Inauguration on 26 August

The DKI Jakarta Transportation Agency has prepared situational traffic management around Manggarai LRT Station for the inauguration of the Kelapa Gading-Manggarai LRT route. The measures will be in effect from 07:00 WIB, with the ceremony scheduled for 09:00 to 11:00 WIB. Local access and office activities will remain open, and around 500 personnel have been deployed to manage traffic flow.

Mixed Reactions from Residents over Cable Car Proposal in Puncak, Bogor

Residents of Puncak, Bogor have expressed differing views on the local government's plan to build a cable car to ease traffic congestion on Jalan Raya Puncak. Some argue it would not effectively serve tourists heading to scattered villas, while others believe it could boost tourism and the local economy. A member of the House of Representatives has called for serious study, noting the cable car would need integration with other transport modes if intended as public transport.

NU Congress participants to use chip-enabled cards for arena access

The 35th Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Congress in Jombang, East Java, will use chip-based participant cards to regulate access and prevent manipulation. The system is part of a broader digital governance framework that includes over 100 CCTV cameras connected to a central control room. Organisers say the technology will make the congress more measurable, controlled, and responsive to participants' needs.

Mobile Driving Licence Service Available in Klungkung and Karangasem, Check the Schedule for 26 August 2026

Mobile driving licence (SIM) renewal services will be available in Klungkung, Karangasem, and Badung on Wednesday, 26 August 2026. The service allows residents to renew SIM A and SIM C without visiting a Satpas office. Fees are set at Rp 80,000 for SIM A and Rp 75,000 for SIM C under Government Regulation No. 60 of 2016.

National Electric Car: Who Benefits?

The Indonesian government's push for a national electric vehicle industry, backed by major conglomerates and foreign manufacturers, has raised concerns about oligarchic control and environmental costs. Critics argue that the project may primarily benefit large corporations while ordinary citizens bear the ecological and social consequences. The article contrasts this capitalist approach with an Islamic economic framework in which the state would manage resources for public welfare.

List of 5 Private Relationship Manager (RM) Services in Indonesia

A growing number of Indonesian financial institutions are offering private relationship manager services to cater to premium clients seeking personalised financial guidance. The article highlights five notable programmes, including Pintu VIP, BCA Prioritas, Bank Mandiri Prioritas, BNI Emerald, and a fifth service, each providing exclusive benefits such as dedicated advisory, priority support, and premium facilities.

Prayer Times for Denpasar and Surrounding Areas, 26 August 2026

The Directorate General of Islamic Community Guidance at the Ministry of Religious Affairs has published the daily prayer schedule for Denpasar and surrounding areas for Wednesday, 26 August 2026. The schedule includes the five obligatory prayers, along with the Arabic recitations and meanings of the intentions for each prayer. This information serves as a reminder for Muslims to observe their prayers at the prescribed times.

Two Jakarta-Jambi Flights Diverted Due to Haze at Sultan Thaha Airport

Thick haze from forest and land fires reduced visibility at Sultan Thaha Airport in Jambi to 800 metres, forcing the diversion of two Jakarta-bound flights. Garuda Indonesia GA 128 was rerouted to Batam and Citilink QG 966 to Palembang, affecting 283 passengers in total.

PLN optimises Bali solar power plants to reduce dependence on imported fuel

State electricity firm PLN is developing up to 1,000 MWp of solar power capacity with 3.3 GWh of battery storage in Bali to replace imported fuel oil in the island's power system. The Gilimanuk project will feed electricity into the 150 kV transmission network serving Denpasar, Nusa Dua, Kuta and Sanur. Bali Governor Wayan Koster welcomed the initiative, saying it supports the province's clean energy goals and could eliminate the need for 500,000 kilolitres of imported fuel.

Start Investing Now! Steps Towards Financial Independence

The Indonesia Stock Exchange (BEI) has urged the public to use investment as a tool for building financial independence, emphasising the importance of setting clear goals and time horizons before choosing instruments. Corporate Secretary Kautsar Primadi Nurahmad highlighted that investing can help prepare for education, home purchases, and retirement, while noting that consistency and discipline matter more than starting with large sums. The number of capital market investors reached approximately 30.3 million as of 7 August 2026, with nearly 9.9 million new investors added during the year.

On Corruption Suspect Designation, Expert Stresses Importance of Right to Clarification

A legal expert from the Islamic University of Indonesia has emphasised that summoning and seeking clarification from a prospective suspect is a crucial stage in legal proceedings. Wahyu Priyanka Nata Permana argued that this step embodies due process of law and the right to be heard, helping to prevent unfair prejudice. His remarks come amid scrutiny of the corruption and money laundering case involving former junior attorney general for special crimes, Febrie Adriansyah.

Dishub prepares traffic engineering for LRT Jakarta inauguration on Wednesday morning

The DKI Jakarta Transportation Agency (Dishub) has prepared situational traffic engineering around Manggarai LRT Station for the inauguration of the Kelapa Gading-Manggarai route on Wednesday. The measures aim to maintain public mobility and safety during the event, with access for residents and office activities remaining open. Motorists are advised to adjust their routes and follow directions from officers on the ground.

Mount Geulis Area in Sukabumi Catches Fire

A fire has swept through the Mount Geulis area in Sukabumi, West Java, destroying at least four hectares of farmland and bamboo forest. No casualties have been reported, but emergency crews are working to prevent the flames from reaching residential areas. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Get Ready to 'Taste' the Jakarta LRT Kelapa Gading-Manggarai Route

The Jakarta LRT Kelapa Gading-Manggarai route is set to begin full operations after being inaugurated by President Prabowo Subianto, with a flat fare of Rp5,000 until October. Governor Pramono Anung confirmed the 12.2 km project, costing Rp12.1 trillion, is complete and undergoing final testing by the Ministry of Transportation. The line is projected to serve 80,000 passengers daily across 11 stations, aiming to shift commuters from private vehicles to public transport.

New Transmigration Programme Aims to Create Jobs and New Economic Centres

Indonesia's Ministry of Transmigration is repositioning transmigration areas as new economic growth centres designed to create productive employment, raise incomes and attract investment. The strategy, supported by academic analysis, argues that economic opportunities must be established before population movement occurs. It forms part of a broader effort to integrate transmigration zones into regional and global value chains.

TNI Cassa and Sukhoi Aircraft Skid in Succession at Sultan Hasanuddin Airport

Two Indonesian military aircraft have skidded off runways at Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport in South Sulawesi on consecutive days. A Cassa aircraft was evacuated from the north-south runway on Tuesday after a Sukhoi fighter jet left the runway on Monday. Civilian flights continue using the east-west runway while investigations are underway.

Prabowo: Corruption Must Be Eradicated to the Root

President Prabowo Subianto has reaffirmed his commitment to eradicating corruption, stating that all national assets must be managed honestly and patriotically for the benefit of the Indonesian people. Speaking at the groundbreaking of a 100 GWp solar power plant in Bali, he linked anti-corruption efforts to the government's ability to fund disaster response and other public services. Prabowo acknowledged that some still doubt the government's seriousness but insisted that efforts to stop financial leakages will be intensified.

Government Encourages Private Sector to Develop 100 GWp Solar Power, Bahlil: If the Price Is Competitive, We Will Give It to IPPs

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has urged Independent Power Producers to develop the 100 GWp solar power programme, stating that the government will hand over projects to private firms if their pricing is competitive. Should private interest be lacking, the government will finance the projects through Danantara. The government has announced 14 solar projects with a combined capacity of 5.3 GWp and an investment value of approximately USD 7.7 billion.

KRI Gajah Mada's voyage from Italy to Indonesia, ready for debut at 81st TNI anniversary

The aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi, to be renamed KRI Gajah Mada, is sailing from Italy to Indonesia and is scheduled to arrive in mid-September 2026. It will make its debut at the 81st TNI anniversary in October 2026 as part of the sailing pass parade and will serve as a VVIP vessel. The ship was acquired through an intergovernmental grant scheme.