Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 26 August 2026

Showing 401-450 of 1,599 articles

RPN intensifies control of leaf fall disease in rubber trees

PT Riset Perkebunan Nusantara is intensifying efforts to control pestalotiopsis leaf fall disease at its Sungei Putih experimental plantation in North Sumatra. The integrated pest management strategy includes fungicide spraying, weed sanitation, and supplementary fertilisation to protect latex production. The research centre also aims to develop technical recommendations that can be replicated by rubber farmers across Indonesia.

Education Ministry provides psychosocial support for students after NTT earthquake

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is providing psychosocial support for students and teachers affected by the recent earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara. The initiative includes structured play activities and emotional stabilisation techniques to address anxiety, fear and sleep difficulties among children. The ministry is working with the Indonesian Psychological Association (HIMPSI) and other organisations to aid recovery.

Ministry of Public Works Distributes Clean Water Aid and Handles Forest Fires in Kalimantan

The Ministry of Public Works is addressing the impacts of the dry season in Kalimantan by providing clean water to drought-affected communities and tackling forest and land fires. Around 230 people in Kubu Raya Regency received 10,000 litres of drinking water, while the ministry's river basin agency deployed personnel and equipment to extinguish fires in South Kalimantan. The ministry is strengthening cross-sector coordination to ensure basic needs are met and to support disaster mitigation efforts.

Minimarket Employee in Badung Commits Suicide, Had Confided About Being Pursued by Online Loan Debt

A 26-year-old minimarket employee in Badung, Bali, was found dead by hanging in a storage room after reportedly confiding to colleagues that he was being pursued by online loan collectors. The victim, originally from Bogor, had allegedly topped up Rp 4.5 million at his workplace cash register, which witnesses said was intended to pay off his debts. Police found no signs of foul play and are treating the death as suicide.

Handling NTT Earthquake Impact, Tito Ensures Civil Registration Services Continue

Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian has outlined his ministry's support for earthquake victims in Nusa Tenggara Timur, including dispatching teams to reissue damaged identity documents and coordinating with other agencies to replace lost certificates and vehicle documents. The government has also distributed Rp200 billion in presidential assistance to the province and eight affected regencies, with priority placed on logistics for displaced residents. Tito urged local leaders to speed up damage assessments so that rebuilding funds can be disbursed once conditions stabilise.

Ahead of 35th NU Congress in Jombang, Participants from Various Regions Begin Arriving

Participants from various regions have begun arriving in Jombang, East Java, for the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Congress, with registration taking place at Madrasah Aliyah Bahrul Ulum Tambakberas. The event is supported by information technology, with more than 100 CCTV cameras installed by the NU Executive Board to ensure security and smooth operations.

Education expert urges evaluation of education system after KPK sting operation at Unsoed

Education observer Indra Charismadji has called for a systemic evaluation of Indonesia's higher education sector following a corruption sting operation at Jenderal Soedirman University. He argued that repeated corruption cases in state universities indicate the need for structural reform to restore education as a fundamental right. He also cautioned the public to respect the presumption of innocence while the legal process unfolds.

Video: Indonesia Launches Domestic Credit Card and Zero-Fee QRIS Transactions

Bank Indonesia and the National Payment System Association have launched the Kartu Kredit Indonesia, a domestic credit card initiative aimed at strengthening the national payment infrastructure. The central bank has also expanded the zero per cent Merchant Discount Rate policy for QRIS transactions, effective from 1 October 2026, covering micro-merchant transactions up to Rp500,000 and all other merchants up to Rp100,000. The measures are intended to reduce transaction costs for businesses and accelerate the adoption of digital payments.

After 25 Years at a Tech Giant, Now Laid Off and Working as a Bus Driver

James Strawn, who worked at Adobe for 25 years as a senior software quality engineer, was laid off and has now taken a job as a school bus driver after a difficult year-long job search. He describes facing demoralisation and discrimination in the tech industry and expresses gratitude towards his former employer for inadvertently steering him towards a more fulfilling path. Strawn also calls on recruiters and employers to treat job seekers with greater respect.

Mekeng Appointed Chairman of House Commission XII, Pledges to Oversee Energy Security

Melchias Markus Mekeng has been officially inaugurated as Chairman of Commission XII of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR). He pledged to oversee strategic issues including energy, mining, environment and investment, with a particular focus on energy security and subsidy reform. Mekeng emphasised the need for accurate data verification in targeting subsidised fuel and called for downstreaming to deliver tangible benefits to the nation.

Central Java government: Mount Ungaran geothermal potential stands at 55 MW

The Central Java provincial government has identified geothermal potential at Mount Ungaran in Semarang Regency, estimated to generate 55 megawatts of electricity. The project, requiring an investment of US$300 million, is expected to reach commercial operation by 2031 if exploration drilling proves successful. Officials also noted that Central Java's renewable energy mix has reached 22.3 percent, surpassing the 2025 regional target.

Bulog: 37,277 tonnes of rice food aid distributed in Lampung

State logistics agency Bulog has distributed 37,277 tonnes of rice food aid across Lampung Province, benefiting over 1.24 million recipients. The programme, running from July to September, forms part of a national initiative providing 10 kilograms of rice per month to 33.2 million beneficiaries nationwide. The distribution is intended as government support for low-income households and was partly framed as an Independence Day gift.

Indonesia's Palm Oil Export to China Rises by Double Digits

Indonesia's palm oil exports to China surged by 67% month-on-month in June, with first-half shipments up 31% year-on-year, according to the Indonesian Palm Oil Association. The rise comes as Jakarta seeks to address its persistent trade deficit with Beijing, which widened to $13.8 billion in the first half. India also saw a sharp monthly spike in imports, though its half-year figures declined slightly.

SKK Migas aims for 610,000 barrels per day lifting, including from community wells

Indonesia's upstream oil and gas regulator SKK Migas is working to meet a 610,000 barrels per day lifting target for 2026, though January–July output is averaging only 578,000. The shortfall stems from production declines at Exxon Mobil and Pertamina Hulu Rokan, prompting SKK Migas to draw on stored crude and community well sources.

Jambi firefighters use firebreaks to contain peatland blaze

Firefighters and volunteers in Jambi's Tanjung Jabung Timur district are using firebreaks to contain a peatland fire that has burned 108 hectares of land. Limited water supplies and strong winds are complicating efforts, with the blaze affecting oil palm plantations and scrubland. The district has recorded 135 hotspots since January, highlighting the vulnerability of the region's extensive peatland areas.

Ministry of Religious Affairs denies Nasaruddin Umar resigned as Minister

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has dismissed as a hoax reports circulating on social media and messaging platforms that Minister Nasaruddin Umar has resigned. The ministry's head of public relations confirmed the minister never submitted a resignation letter to the palace. The rumour had linked his alleged resignation to a possible bid for the chairmanship of Nahdlatul Ulama at its upcoming congress.

746 Hectares of Rice Fields Lack Water, Tabanan Farmers Advised to Rest Land

A prolonged dry season has left 746 hectares of rice fields in Tabanan Regency, Bali, with insufficient water supply as of 6 August 2026. The local agriculture agency is urging farmers to switch from rice to maize or secondary crops, or to leave land fallow where water is unavailable. Monitoring of subak irrigation conditions will continue to determine suitable planting patterns.

BRI and North Maluku Provincial Government Collaborate to Strengthen MSMEs and Advance Village Potential

Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) and the North Maluku Provincial Government held the Semarak Merah Putih Kemerdekaan event in Sofifi to boost local economic growth through MSME bazaars and community activities. The event is part of 18 simultaneous locations across Indonesia, aiming to empower micro, small, and medium enterprises and develop village economies. BRI also used the occasion to raise donations for disaster-affected residents in regions such as East Nusa Tenggara.

Police urge protesters not to damage public facilities during demonstration

Jakarta Metropolitan Police have called on demonstrators to maintain public order and refrain from damaging public facilities during a planned protest in the capital. Authorities stressed that while freedom of assembly is protected by law, it must be exercised responsibly without harming public interests. Security personnel have been deployed across strategic locations, including the DPR/MPR complex and the route from the HI Roundabout to the State Palace.

NTB High Prosecutor's Office awaits appeal ruling to expand MXGP case

The Nusa Tenggara Barat High Prosecutor's Office is awaiting the outcome of an appeal in the MXGP Samota circuit land procurement corruption case before expanding its investigation. Judges have instructed prosecutors to examine the role of former East Lombok Regent Ali BD, who allegedly benefited from Rp6.7 billion in overpayments. The prosecutor's office says it has already launched separate money laundering and gratification investigations linked to the case.

Hanura Changes Logo to Lion Head, Here Is Its Meaning

The Hanura Party has replaced its logo with a lion head, a move its Secretary-General Benny Rhamdani describes as part of a broader organisational transformation. He says the new symbol represents courage, leadership and a commitment to defending the interests of regions outside Jakarta. The change is intended to modernise the party while preserving its foundational conscience-based values.

Joint team battles landfill fire at Nangkaleah waste site in Tasikmalaya

A joint firefighting team has been deployed to contain a large blaze at the Nangkaleah landfill in Tasikmalaya Regency, West Java, which has already scorched more than five hectares of the ten-hectare site. Thick smoke from the fire has reached nearby residential areas, prompting officials to advise residents to wear masks. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with flammable waste materials and discarded batteries suspected as likely triggers.

Bekasi Indeed Different! Electricity from Waste Processing to Flow to Residents

Indonesia's sovereign wealth fund Danantara has broken ground on a waste-to-energy facility in Bekasi, West Java, that will process over 500,000 tonnes of rubbish annually and supply power to 55,000 households. The Rp 3 trillion project is expected to reduce landfill use by up to 90% and create around 1,000 green jobs. PLN has dedicated the entire output to Bekasi, which has high electricity demand, with operations targeted for mid-2028.

Experts: El Niño Does Not Ignite Fires, Humans Remain the Trigger for Forest and Land Fires

Indonesian experts have stressed that the El Niño phenomenon is not the initial cause of forest and land fires, with human activity remaining the primary trigger. The current dry season, intensified by a very strong El Niño and a positive Indian Ocean Dipole, increases fire risk and accelerates spread. They urge heightened vigilance and behaviour-focused prevention in vulnerable regions such as South Sumatra, Riau, Jambi, and Kalimantan.

Mendes PDT Receives Kuwaiti Ambassador to Discuss Village Development and Economic Cooperation

Minister of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions Yandri Susanto met with Kuwaiti Ambassador Khalid Jassim Alyassin in Jakarta to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation in village development. The ambassador highlighted Kuwaiti private associations' contributions to Indonesian villages, including schools, mosques, and fishing boats, while Minister Yandri outlined Indonesia's 12 village development action programmes and expressed hope for formal cooperation between the two governments.

NU Cadres Urged to Maintain Dignity, Recalling the Tale of the Handing Over of the Staff and Prayer Beads of Syaikhona Kholil Bangkalan

Ahead of the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Congress in Jombang, PBNU Katib Syuriyah KH Hilmy Muhammad has called on cadres to safeguard the organisation's dignity and independence. He warned participants against external political interference and urged them to act as free and independent members when making decisions. The appeal emphasises the importance of preserving NU's sovereignty for the future benefit of the community.

J&T records package volume increase of up to 65 percent

J&T Express reported package volume growth of over 50 percent in the first half of 2026, with annual growth reaching around 65 percent. The company attributes its ability to manage the surge to technology-driven operational efficiencies. Automation and AI are being deployed to speed up sorting, reduce costs, and align courier resources with demand.

Airlangga: Digital payments support national trade transformation

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto has highlighted the growing role of digital payments in transforming Indonesia's trade sector, citing QRIS adoption figures from Bank Indonesia. He also pointed to resilient household consumption and consumer confidence as key pillars supporting domestic economic growth.

Dukcapil issues 3,055 civil documents for NTT earthquake victims

The Directorate General of Population and Civil Registration (Dukcapil) has issued 3,055 civil documents for residents affected by the Nusa Tenggara Timur earthquake. The documents, including electronic ID cards and family cards, are deemed essential for accessing aid, healthcare, and rehabilitation services. Mobile services were deployed across seven affected districts to ensure residents could obtain replacements despite damaged facilities.

Poor land management worsens Indonesia's ecological disasters: UGM

A leading academic has warned that poor land management and a focus on blame rather than mitigation are exacerbating the impact of ecological disasters in Indonesia. Professor Junun Sartohadi of Gadjah Mada University called for development to follow the precautionary principle based on ecological conditions and urged wider adoption of AI-driven geoinformation technology to improve spatial planning and policymaking.

Sumatra to Have 541 km Gas Transmission Pipeline, Set for Completion in 2028

Indonesia's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources is accelerating development of the Dumai-Sei Mangkei gas transmission pipeline in Sumatra, which spans 541 kilometres and is currently around 30% complete. The project is expected to be finished by early 2028. Once connected, it will complete a major gas transmission network stretching from Aceh to East Java.

Indonesia Could Become Global Commodity Price Setter, Here Are the Conditions

Indonesia has the potential to become a global commodity price reference within months if the government strengthens data on production, supply, demand and transactions. The chief executive of the Jakarta Futures Exchange says comprehensive commodity data is essential for domestic prices to gain trust from international market participants. He cites tin trading at the exchange as an example where Indonesian benchmark prices have started to attract attention from overseas buyers.

Senior Kiais Highlight Intervention in 35th NU Congress

Senior kiais of Nahdlatul Ulama have warned participants of the 35th NU Congress against political transactions, intimidation, and alleged government intervention in the leadership election process. They called for a fair and dignified election, warning that dishonest practices could set a bad precedent for the organisation. The kiais also expressed readiness to meet the President to present evidence if any official interference is found.

House Absorbs FAGRI Aspirations and Pushes for Certainty on Non-ASN Teacher Status

The House of Representatives has received the Forum for Advocacy of Non-ASN State School Teachers (FAGRI), which sought clarity on the employment status of over 172,000 non-civil servant teachers after 2026. House Deputy Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad pledged to push the government and relevant ministries to provide a clear resolution. FAGRI highlighted that current regulations only extend until 31 December 2026, leaving teachers uncertain about their prospects from 2027.

WhatsApp Explains Cause of Widespread Account Blocks

WhatsApp has clarified that the blocking of numerous user accounts in Indonesia was caused by a system error in detecting activity deemed to violate its terms of service. The company said the mistake was global and not targeted at Indonesian users, and that mitigation steps have restored access to many affected accounts.

Pertamina NRE: Sembur Island solar power plant creates economic benefits for community

Pertamina New & Renewable Energy says the 1 MWp solar power plant on Sembur Island in Batam will deliver economic benefits through productive use of energy, supplying around 200 households and supporting fisheries cold-chain infrastructure. The project includes a 4-tonne-per-day ice maker and 5-tonne cold storage, and is projected to save up to 320,000 litres of fuel annually. It forms part of Indonesia's national energy transition agenda.

Deputy Governor Ensures West Java Workers Will Not Join Jakarta Protest

West Java Deputy Governor Erwan Setiawan has confirmed that no trade unions from the province will send members to a protest in Jakarta on Thursday, 27 August. He stated that union leaders have agreed not to instruct their members to travel, urging residents to maintain regional stability. The protest is expected to draw groups from various regions, including Pati, Central Java, with demands such as the passage of the Asset Forfeiture Bill and the death penalty for corruptors.

2,110 Forest and Land Fire Hotspots Identified in Central Kalimantan as of 25 August

The National Disaster Management Agency has detected 2,110 hotspots and 55 fire spots across Central Kalimantan, with over 7,634 hectares of land affected. Ground and aerial operations, including water bombing, have been deployed, yet fires in Katingan, Murung Raya, and Lamandau remain active. Visibility remains normal at above 10 kilometres.

Remaining 2026 Long Holiday Only at Christmas, Travel Businesses Race for Profit

Indonesia's 2026 calendar leaves Christmas as the only remaining long holiday after August, prompting travel agents to focus their sales efforts on the year-end period. ASITA's secretary-general remains optimistic about the Nataru season, noting that school holidays and pre-planned family travel typically drive demand. The industry is being urged to rely on innovation and promotion, not just pricing, to capture consumers.

Law Minister urges public to oversee government bureaucracy

Law Minister Supratman Andi Agtas has called on the public to help President Prabowo Subianto monitor the bureaucracy to achieve transparent, accountable, and open government. Speaking at a KAHMI national discussion in Jakarta, he urged HMI alumni to set aside short-term interests and hatred for the sake of the nation. He also highlighted the ministry's weekly public complaint forum, Pasti Ada Solusi, as part of efforts to encourage public participation in oversight and service improvement.

Deputy Home Affairs Minister Bima Arya Attends 187th Anniversary of GPIB Immanuel Jakarta

Deputy Home Affairs Minister Bima Arya Sugiarto attended the 187th anniversary of GPIB Immanuel Jakarta, highlighting the church's role in preserving faith, sincerity, and service across generations. He drew parallels between the church's lotus flower philosophy and the importance of leaving lasting works for society. Bima also reaffirmed the government's commitment to inclusive development and protecting religious freedom.

Purbaya Assures Forest Fire Budget Is Ready, BNPB Only Needs to Submit Requirements

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has confirmed that funds for tackling forest and land fires in Kalimantan are available, with disbursement to be channelled through the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB). BNPB currently holds around Rp5 trillion, and the government is prepared to top up the allocation if required. The minister stressed that disaster response follows a different budgetary approach due to the threat to public safety.

LSPR introduces AI-based SADARI media for adolescents with special needs

LSPR Institute of Communication and Business has developed 'SADARI Ceria', an inclusive health communication tool using AI-based demonstrative videos and pictogram cards to teach breast self-examination to adolescents with special needs. The initiative was launched at Rumah Autis in Bekasi with support from a Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology grant. The media aims to help parents and companions deliver health information in a simple, visual and non-frightening way.

Danone Indonesia and PMI distribute aid to NTT earthquake victims

Danone Indonesia and the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) have collaborated to distribute humanitarian aid to communities affected by the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara. The support includes a Rp1 billion donation, approximately 53,000 bottles of mineral water, and nutritional products. Distribution is being carried out through PMI's humanitarian network, including land routes in Manggarai and sea routes via a humanitarian vessel.

Relocated Kramat Jati traders to receive six-month retribution exemption

Street vendors and fish traders relocated from around Kramat Jati Market in East Jakarta will be exempt from retribution fees for six months. The policy is intended to help traders adapt to their new designated locations. A total of 193 fish traders and 282 other vendors are being moved as part of a city-led effort to clear pavements and road shoulders along Jalan Raya Bogor.

Karo Regency Government Closes Access to Lake Lau Kawar Due to Mount Sinabung Activity

The Karo Regency Government in North Sumatra has temporarily closed the Lake Lau Kawar tourist attraction and nearby camping grounds following updated recommendations for Mount Sinabung, which remains at Level II (Alert) status. The closure took effect on 19 August 2026 and will remain in place until further notice, based on reports from the Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources. The move is a precautionary measure to prioritise public safety, with residents and tourists urged to stay outside a three-kilometre radius from the summit and a 4.5-kilometre sectoral radius to the south-east.

40,000 Non-Compliant Condoms Pulled in France, Raising Risk of Sexually Transmitted Infections

French authorities have withdrawn around 40,000 condoms sold online and through pharmacies after they were found not to meet safety standards. The products, largely distributed by Asian sellers, lacked required conformity markings or had risks of breakage and leakage. Consumers have been urged to get tested for sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy.

Police urge public to convey aspirations in orderly and peaceful manner

The Indonesian National Police has called on citizens planning to voice their aspirations on 27 August 2026 to exercise their right to public expression in a peaceful, orderly, and responsible manner. Head of the Police Public Relations Division Inspector General Johnny Eddizon Isir emphasised that freedom of expression must be accompanied by responsibility and respect for the rights of others. He affirmed that the police are prepared to provide services to ensure all activities remain conducive and secure.

BGN set to gradually activate 2,700 MBG kitchens from September

Indonesia's National Nutrition Agency (BGN) will prioritise underdeveloped, frontier and outermost regions as it activates 2,700 Free Nutritious Meals kitchens from September. The agency will first ensure governance systems, beneficiary data and standard operating procedures are in place before any completed kitchen begins operating. The rollout forms part of the government's expanding social policy aimed at improving nutrition access in remote areas.

Prabowo commits to phased development of NTT down to village level

President Prabowo Subianto has pledged to develop East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) in stages, from regency down to village level, to boost regional productivity and public welfare. Speaking to disaster-affected residents in Nagekeo, he said the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme has benefited the community and will be continued. He emphasised the importance of the programme for children, pregnant women, and the elderly.