Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 27 August 2026

Showing 601-650 of 1,659 articles

Indonesia builds research system to nurture future Nobel Prize winners

Indonesia is developing a structured talent management system to increase the number of internationally recognised scientists, currently only 57 among the world's top researchers. The Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology is implementing Presidential Regulation 108/2024, focusing on scientific publications, research incentives, and Science Techno Parks to ensure research has practical impact. The 2026 Young Researcher Award is presented as part of these efforts to motivate and support young Indonesian researchers.

Immigration strengthens digital technology with AI to tighten foreign national surveillance

Indonesia's Directorate General of Immigration is expanding its use of digital technology, including artificial intelligence and drones, to strengthen oversight of foreign nationals. Director General Hendarsam Marantoko said technology will form 70 per cent of immigration's backbone going forward, with a 'digital fence' programme monitoring border areas. The agency is also bringing services closer to the public, opening an Immigration Lounge in a Bali shopping centre that handles 100-120 residence permit applications daily.

3 kg LPG Consumption in 2026 Forecast to Exceed Quota, Reaching 8.7 Million Tonnes

Indonesia's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources projects that subsidised 3 kg LPG consumption will surpass the 2026 state budget quota, reaching 8.67 million metric tonnes. The ministry attributes the overshoot to an open distribution system that allows all societal classes to access the subsidised fuel. The government is preparing stricter regulations and a digital registration system to ensure subsidies are targeted at low-income households.

Kapuas DPMPTSP Socialises Partnership Rules for Large Businesses and MSMEs

The Kapuas Regency Investment and One-Stop Integrated Services Office (DPMPTSP) has held a socialisation event on Minister of Investment and Downstreaming/Head of BKPM Regulation No. 3 of 2025, which updates procedures for partnerships between large businesses and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The regulation aims to improve effectiveness, transparency, and legal certainty while encouraging use of the Online Single Submission (OSS) system. Local officials urged large businesses to open opportunities for local MSMEs and called for ongoing mentoring, curation, and monitoring of partnership implementation.

Traffic Safety Festival: Kakorlantas Urges Online Motorcycle Taxi Drivers to Become Agents of Road Safety Culture

The National Police Traffic Corps (Korlantas Polri) gathered 5,150 online motorcycle taxi (ojol) drivers from Greater Jakarta for a traffic safety festival. Kakorlantas Polri Inspector General Wibowo encouraged the drivers to become pioneers of road safety culture and exemplify discipline and ethical riding. The event combined safety education, first aid training, and a mobile driving licence service.

Indonesia's nickel, cobalt reserves valued at US$800 billion: DEN

Indonesia's nickel and cobalt reserves are estimated to be worth around US$800 billion, according to the National Economic Council's mining expert team. The valuation is based on 52 million tons of nickel and 1.2 million tons of cobalt reserves at current market prices. The country's downstreaming policy has significantly boosted nickel processing capacity and exports, with nickel product export values rising twelve-fold since 2014 to US$37 billion last year.

PLN ES and Alita accelerate technology utilisation for the electricity sector

PLN Electricity Services (PLN ES) has signed a long-term strategic partnership with technology firm PT Alita Praya Mitra to enhance the use of technology and infrastructure in Indonesia's electricity sector. The collaboration will begin with a proof of concept in Surveillance Asset Management for electricity network assets, using drones equipped with LIDAR, thermal, and visual sensors. Both companies aim to strengthen the national technology ecosystem and improve the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of electricity services.

Hidayatullah Student Movement Urges All Parties to Safeguard National Unity

The central board of the Hidayatullah Student Movement (PP GMH) has called on all parties to preserve Indonesia's unity and uphold responsible democratic freedoms. In a press conference in Jakarta, chairman Rizki Ulfahadi outlined eight points of stance, including support for dialogue, humanitarian solidarity, and the asset forfeiture bill. The organisation emphasised that freedom of expression and public order must go hand in hand.

OMC Strengthens Riau Forest Fire Response, Air Task Force Deploys 30 Tonnes of Salt

The Riau Air Task Force has intensified its forest and land fire mitigation efforts, deploying 12 aircraft and conducting intensive weather modification operations. Some 30 tonnes of salt have been dispersed since August 2026, helping to reduce hotspots from 200 to 79. Officials are urging continued vigilance and community cooperation to prevent new fires.

US Citizens Face Toilet Paper Shortage as Washington's Trade War with Canada Escalates

Canada has retaliated against US tariffs by imposing duties on 700 American products, including a 25% tariff on toilet paper and facial tissue and 50% on paper towels. As Canada supplies roughly two-thirds of US toilet paper imports and 30% of the wood pulp used in its production, American consumers are likely to face significant price increases. The trade dispute, which began with Washington's 50% tariff on Canadian goods, now threatens to affect everyday household spending in the United States.

Massive Fire Engulfs Plastic Factory in Serang, Banten

A major fire broke out at PT Batik Building Material, a plastic manufacturing plant in Serang Regency, Banten, on Thursday. Firefighters have been deployed to the scene and residents have been urged to stay away due to thick smoke. The cause of the fire and the extent of material losses remain unknown.

Kerandangan Beach Guarding Under Scrutiny After Another Drowning

The West Lombok Regional House of Representatives has called for stricter safety measures at Kerandangan Beach following the drowning of a British tourist. Legislators argue that repeated fatalities demand an evaluation of the beach's security system, regardless of the land's private ownership status. They urge the local government to provide lifeguard posts and warning signs to prevent further incidents.

Forest and Land Fire Update: 3,947 Hotspots in Central Kalimantan, 2,825 in West Kalimantan

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has reported a significant increase in forest and land fire hotspots across Kalimantan, with Central Kalimantan recording 3,947 and West Kalimantan 2,825. Visibility in affected areas has dropped below one kilometre in West Kalimantan. The agency expressed hope that hotspot numbers in Sumatra and Kalimantan will decline significantly and return to normal.

Many Hospitals Damaged After NTT Earthquake, Government Accelerates Health Facility Recovery

Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin has outlined the government's three-phase response to the earthquake in Nusa Tenggara Timur, which affected around 1.9 million people. Emergency patient triage is largely complete, with over 95% of critical patients identified, and attention is now shifting to restoring damaged health facilities. Two hospitals require complete rebuilding at an estimated cost of Rp150-200 billion, with the government also open to donations to speed up recovery.

Police Investigate Use of Fish Bombs Following Fatal Explosion in Pandeglang

A fisherman in Pandeglang, Banten, died after a fish bomb he was assembling exploded at his home, seriously injuring his wife and damaging nearby houses. Police are investigating the use of fish bombs by local fishermen and note that a suspect from the same area is already on the wanted list for a similar offence. Authorities warn that making or using fish bombs carries a maximum penalty of six years in prison and a fine of up to Rp 1.2 billion.

Khofifah urges preservation of Nusantara ulama intellectual heritage through turots

East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa has called for serious efforts to preserve, digitise and study the manuscripts and works of Nusantara ulama, known as turots, as a vital link in the intellectual and civilisational chain of Islam in the archipelago. Speaking at an exhibition and clinic in Jombang, she highlighted the potential of preservation technology and international partnerships, including cooperation with the Indonesian Embassy in Riyadh, to revive these works as global references. The initiative aligns with the 35th NU Congress and includes the handover of two compilations of East Java ulama's works.

Central Jakarta KPKP promotes Gemarikan campaign to meet children's nutrition

The Central Jakarta Food Security, Marine and Agriculture Sub-agency (KPKP) has launched a Safari Campaign for the Fish Eating Movement (Gemarikan) targeting schoolchildren and toddlers. The initiative aims to raise awareness of fish as a protein source and shape nutritious consumption habits from an early age. Students received processed fish products such as patin finger food, meatballs and siomay, designed to be boneless and odour-free to appeal to children.

Pramono Thanks AMPB Mass Action at DPR for Being Orderly: Very Democratic

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has praised the orderly demonstration by the Pati United Community Alliance (AMPB) outside the national parliament, noting it proceeded democratically despite earlier concerns. The protesters demanded the passage of the Asset Forfeiture Bill, and DPR leaders reportedly pledged to finalise it by 15 December. Police confirmed the situation in Jakarta remained safe and under control throughout the action.

Blitar Farmers' Melons Reach Singapore, Boosting Indonesia's Horticultural Competitiveness

Melons cultivated by Sunpride partner farmers in Blitar Regency, East Java, have successfully entered the Singaporean market. The achievement is part of efforts to strengthen the regional horticultural value chain from cultivation and post-harvest handling to export market access. The collaboration involves Great Giant Foods, the Blitar Regency Government, and PT Sewu Segar Nusantara.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Improving IVF Success Rates

Artificial intelligence is playing an increasingly crucial role in in vitro fertilisation (IVF) by providing doctors with data-driven recommendations across all stages of the process, from sperm selection to embryo monitoring. Professor Budi Wiweko, Chairman of the Indonesian Obstetrics and Gynaecology Association (POGI), emphasised that AI helps identify embryos with the highest implantation potential by processing large volumes of data objectively. He stressed that while AI serves as a powerful decision-support tool, the final medical decision remains with the specialist doctor.

Beware of Abnormal Vaginal Discharge as a Symptom of Cervical Cancer and How to Detect It

Abnormal vaginal discharge can be an early warning sign of cervical cancer, which is largely caused by high-risk HPV infections. Medical experts urge women to recognise changes in discharge characteristics and seek prompt screening. Early detection through Pap smears, HPV DNA tests, and vaccination significantly improves survival rates.

Danantara Explores Partnership with Arm Holdings to Develop Data Centre Chips

Indonesia's sovereign wealth fund Danantara is exploring a partnership with British semiconductor firm Arm Holdings to develop chip designs for data centres. The move aims to address supply chain bottlenecks and long waiting times for AI chips amid surging demand for data centre capacity. Danantara has already signed a cooperation agreement with Arm and is working on joint chip design to reduce dependence on imports.

Not About Chickens: Beating of Pickup Driver in Badung Turns Out to Be Over Speeding

Police in Badung, Bali, have revealed that the mob attack on a chicken transport pickup driver was motivated by the perpetrators' anger over the victim's habit of driving at high speed. Five suspects have been arrested and are being held at Abiansemal Police Station. They face charges under Article 262 of the Criminal Code, carrying a maximum sentence of seven years.

Deputy Minister Isyana: Teenagers need protection starting from family and school

Deputy Minister of Population and Family Development Ratu Ayu Isyana Bagoes has stressed that protecting teenagers requires a joint effort from families, schools and communities. She highlighted the need for parents to understand their children's varied characteristics, especially during puberty. The ministry plans to involve family planning counsellors in schools to tailor education on bullying, mental health and drug abuse prevention.

House Commission XI Chair: Decile determination parameters need improvement

Mukhamad Misbakhun, Chair of House Commission XI, has called for improvements to the parameters used to determine deciles in the National Single Social and Economic Data (DTSEN) to ensure social assistance, food aid, and subsidies are better targeted. He stressed that data accuracy is crucial because deciles serve as a benchmark for identifying eligible recipients of social protection programmes. The DTSEN currently covers 290.13 million individual records and 95.98 million family records as of 10 July 2026.

Agriculture Minister prepares Lampung to achieve sugar self-sufficiency

Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman has designated Lampung as a strategic region to boost national sugarcane production in pursuit of sugar self-sufficiency. The minister inspected sugarcane plantations in Tulang Bawang and urged stakeholders to increase productivity and expand planting areas. The government aims to rejuvenate 100,000 hectares of sugarcane annually, with Lampung's new development already reaching around 30,000 hectares.

Pasaman Police arrest drug courier with 16 kg of cannabis

Police in Pasaman, West Sumatra, have arrested a 17-year-old courier found carrying 16 kilogrammes of dried cannabis. The suspect was stopped on the Medan–Bukittinggi highway in Rao District during an early morning operation. Officers say Pasaman's border with North Sumatra makes it a key entry point for narcotics into West Sumatra and pledged to increase patrols in the area.

Regional Development Banks Reveal Strategies to Boost Regional Economic Independence

Regional Development Banks (BPD) are strengthening their role in supporting regional economic independence through prudent credit management and financing for productive sectors. CNBC Indonesia is hosting the Regional Bank Summit 2026 to discuss BPD strategies, featuring regulators and bank executives. The forum will address BPD performance, SME financing needs, and opportunities in green and digital economy sectors.

BNPB: Drought in Serang and floods in Parigi successfully resolved

Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has confirmed that emergency responses to flash floods in Parigi Moutong, Central Sulawesi, and drought impacts in Serang, Banten, have been successfully completed. Rapid action by local disaster agencies brought both situations under control, with displaced residents returning home and clean water distributed to affected families. Authorities continue to urge water conservation and fire prevention during the dry season.

Trade Minister Worried About Fate of Chicken Farmers, Unable to Survive Due to This Issue

Trade Minister Budi Santoso has raised concerns that persistently low prices for purebred chicken eggs could force farmers out of business. He stated that the current national average consumer price of around Rp26,000 per kg is below the ideal level of Rp30,000 per kg, which is needed to cover production costs. The government is seeking to improve absorption so that prices return to the reference level and farmers can continue operating.

6,000 online motorcycle taxi drivers attend traffic safety gathering in Tangerang

Around 6,000 online motorcycle taxi (ojol) drivers from across Greater Jakarta gathered at the National Police Traffic Education Centre in South Tangerang for a traffic safety event. The gathering, organised with the National Police Traffic Corps, provided training on safe riding and accident handling. Organisers said the event aimed to position ojol communities as pioneers of road safety culture.

Heartbreaking: Abu Salim Mosque in Gaza Destroyed by Israeli Attack

An Israeli air strike has destroyed the historic Abu Salim Mosque in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza, causing severe damage to the building and surrounding structures. Photographs show widespread rubble and scattered food supplies, though no official casualty figures have been released. The destruction adds to the mounting damage to civilian buildings and places of worship amid the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip.

What You Need to Know About Heedlessness and Its Causes as Warned by the Qur'an

The Qur'an repeatedly warns believers against heedlessness (ghaflah), urging them to remember Allah with humility morning and evening. Worldly wealth and children are identified as potential distractions that can lead to spiritual loss. The Prophet Muhammad also cautioned that prosperity, rather than poverty, poses the greater risk of diverting people from remembrance of God.

Education Care Movement strengthens educational synergy in Cilegon

The Cilegon city government and the Education Council have launched the Education Care Movement and an Education Fund to boost collaboration in the education sector. The programme involves industry and universities to address issues that the local government cannot fully handle alone. It aims to improve education quality and human resources in the region.

Andre Rosiade: All Aspirations Received, Asset Forfeiture Bill to Be Completed by 15 December

House of Representatives (DPR) Deputy Speaker Andre Rosiade has confirmed that the DPR leadership has received all demands from demonstrators calling for the acceleration of the Asset Forfeiture Bill. The DPR has issued a written commitment to complete the bill by 15 December 2026, with leaders pledging to resign if the deadline is not met. The bill is currently at the public hearing stage, with harmonisation and government consultation still to follow.

Immigration Lounge Opens at Discovery Mall Bali, Offering More Flexible Services

Indonesia's Directorate General of Immigration has inaugurated an Immigration Lounge at Discovery Mall Bali, the first such facility inside a shopping centre on the island. The lounge, a collaboration between the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office and the mall, offers passport services and residence permit renewals in a more accessible setting. Officials said the initiative reflects efforts to bring public services closer to the community and adapt to Bali's role as an international tourism destination.

Doctor explains how AI provides recommendations in IVF process

A leading Indonesian fertility specialist has outlined how artificial intelligence is being used to select embryos and sperm during in vitro fertilisation, while stressing that final medical decisions remain with doctors. AI can rapidly analyse large datasets to assess cell division rhythms and chromosomal normality, predicting implantation potential objectively. The technology is part of a broader suite of innovations including pre-implantation genetic testing and smart incubators.

Purbaya 2027 Target: Higher Growth, Faster Prosperity

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has outlined the 2027 State Budget (RAPBN) framework, which aims to achieve higher economic growth and faster prosperity through eight priority national work clusters. The government targets economic growth of 6 percent, a reduction in poverty to 6-6.5 percent, and controlled inflation at 2.5 percent. The budget strategy also focuses on prudent fiscal management, expanding the tax base, and maintaining a safe deficit level.

Police Struggle to Identify One Foreigner and Two Indonesians in Canggu Oral Sex Case

Police in Badung, Bali, are facing difficulties identifying three suspects involved in a public indecency incident in Canggu, with poor CCTV quality hampering the investigation. The case involves a foreign man and two Indonesian women who allegedly engaged in oral sex outside a resident's home on 20 August 2026. Authorities are continuing to gather evidence as the incident has drawn public attention after the homeowner shared the footage on social media.

Golkar Deputy Chair Warns Projo Chairman Budi Arie Against Statements That Could Backfire

Golkar Deputy Chairman Idrus Marham has cautioned Projo Chairman Budi Arie Setiadi over his remarks about possible political acceleration before the 2029 election, warning they could become a political boomerang. Idrus said the statement, made in front of former President Joko Widodo, could reignite unresolved issues linked to Budi Arie and be interpreted as an attempt to drive a wedge between Jokowi and President Prabowo Subianto's administration.

PT RNB director says Fadia Arafiq provided capital loans

The director of PT Raja Nusantara Berjaya testified that suspended Pekalongan Regent Fadia Arafiq repeatedly lent money to the company for operational needs. He denied that she controlled the firm and admitted creating backdated, fictitious receipts for the investigation.

Indonesia explores skills development collaboration with Japan

Indonesia's Ministry of Manpower is exploring collaboration with Japan to prepare Indonesian workers for the upcoming Employment for Skill Development Program (ESDP), set to launch in April 2027. The initiative aims to improve workforce skills and provide work experience in Japan. Discussions include cooperation with AIDEM Inc to supply labour market information and bridge Japanese companies with prospective Indonesian participants.

Danantara Prepares Housing Inventory Worth Rp9.79 Trillion

Danantara Indonesia CEO Rosan Perkasa Roeslani announced that 12 state-owned developers have prepared housing inventory valued at Rp9.79 trillion, comprising 18,559 units across 98 projects in 23 provinces. The initiative supports President Prabowo's priority programme to build three million homes. The Danantara Housing Expo 2026 features over 130 developers and more than 120,000 property options across three zones.

Public Urged to Hold DPR to Its Promise on Asset Forfeiture Bill

The House of Representatives (DPR) has pledged to pass the Asset Forfeiture Bill by 15 December 2026, following a meeting with the Pati United Community Alliance (AMPB). DPR leaders promised to open public consultation channels and forward civil society input to Commission III. The commitment comes amid criticism from civil society groups over the bill's slow progress and concerns about potential weakening of key provisions.

NU Congresses Through the Ages

The Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Congress has served not only as a consultative forum for its leadership but also as a key moment for the organisation to respond to religious and social issues since its first gathering in Surabaya in 1926. The congress has moved between cities across Indonesia, often reflecting efforts to address communal tensions and expand the organisation's reach. Its history highlights NU's enduring role in shaping Indonesian Muslim society and responding to local challenges.

Algeria hit by multiple fires, 12 people killed

At least 12 people have died in wildfires sweeping across several Algerian provinces, according to the country's interior minister. Unstable weather and strong winds have hampered firefighting efforts, though more than 70 per cent of the blazes have been brought under control.

Policewomen's smiles and a box of rice for aspiration fighters at the DPR

Female police officers from Polda Metro Jaya distributed food and drinks to demonstrators outside the Indonesian parliament building in Jakarta, creating a warmer atmosphere during the protest. The police emphasised that the gesture was intended to show care and ensure that public aspirations could be conveyed safely and peacefully. A total of 18,504 personnel were deployed to secure the demonstrations across Central Jakarta.

Colombian President orders extradition of five citizens to US

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has ordered the extradition of five citizens to the United States, reversing a suspension that had been in place due to their involvement in peace negotiations with armed groups. The individuals are wanted by US authorities on charges including drug trafficking, money laundering, and narco-terrorism. Espriella stated that peace processes must not serve as a refuge for criminals or a mechanism for impunity.

Traffic Corps Trains Online Motorcycle Taxi Drivers in Accident First Aid and Safety Riding

The Indonesian National Police Traffic Corps (Korlantas Polri) has provided online motorcycle taxi (ojol) drivers with training in emergency first aid and safety riding. The initiative aims to equip drivers with additional skills to handle road accident victims while waiting for authorities or medical personnel. It is part of efforts to reduce traffic violations, accidents, and fatalities, and to position ojol drivers as pioneers of road safety.

Trade Ministry prepares pilot project for EUDR compliance model

Indonesia's Trade Ministry is developing a pilot project with a ready exporter to establish an Indonesian model for complying with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). The initiative aims to ensure traceability and sustainability standards for key commodities such as palm oil and cocoa while maintaining access to the EU market. The EUDR will take effect for large and medium operators on 30 December 2026.