Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 27 August 2026

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Trade Minister to Keep Chicken Meat Price at Rp 40,000 per Kg for Consumers and Farmers

Trade Minister Budi Santoso has announced the government will maintain the price of broiler chicken meat close to the reference selling price of Rp 40,000 per kilogram. The national average price currently stands at around Rp 41,000 per kg, above the reference price. The minister stressed that prices should not fall too far below the reference level, as this would harm farmers who need to cover production costs including feed.

What Caused the Nepal Flash Flood That Struck Without Rain?

A glacier collapse in the high Himalayas triggered a devastating flash flood along the Nepal-Tibet border, killing at least 160 people and leaving nearly 1,500 missing. The disaster occurred without rainfall, surprising officials, as satellite imagery showed a large section of the glacier broke off at 5,200 metres and fell 1,200 metres into the valley below. The resulting debris dammed the Lhende River before bursting, sending a wall of water, mud and rock downstream through Nepal and into India.

West Kalimantan BKSDA Translocates Three Orangutans to Mitigate Dry Season Impact

The West Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) has evacuated and translocated three Bornean orangutans from Ketapang Regency to Gunung Palung National Park as a preventive measure against the impacts of the peak dry season. The animals, comprising a mother, an infant and a juvenile female, were declared healthy and released into a safer conservation area. The agency is also preparing further handling for another orangutan reported near a plantation in Kayong Utara Regency.

IHSG strengthens as domestic risk concerns ease

The Jakarta Composite Index (IHSG) closed up 1.81 percent at 6,521.75 on Thursday, buoyed by easing concerns over domestic stability risks. Market analyst Elandry Pratama attributed the gain to selective accumulation in blue-chip stocks and a more positive regional sentiment. He cautioned that profit-taking could emerge after the rapid rise.

Water channel completed, South Jakarta administration reopens Muchtar Raya Road

The South Jakarta city administration has reopened Jalan Muchtar Raya in Pesanggrahan after completing drainage construction and road elevation works. The project, which finished ahead of schedule, aims to reduce flooding on a key route connecting South Jakarta, West Jakarta, and Tangerang. Officials have urged residents to keep the new drainage system clear of rubbish to maintain its effectiveness.

Pramono Wants to Transform Jakarta LRT Underside into Green Open Space: Not Just Concrete

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has instructed that the area beneath the elevated Jakarta LRT line be cleaned, improved, and greened, rather than left as bare concrete. The directive was issued during discussions on preparations for the trial run of the Velodrome-Manggarai LRT route. Pramono envisions the LRT corridor transforming the capital's appearance while ensuring public transport development delivers positive environmental benefits to surrounding communities.

BIN Chief Urges Strengthening Intelligence Policy in Digital Era

The head of Indonesia's State Intelligence Agency (BIN), Muhammad Herindra, has called for stronger national regulations to address increasingly complex espionage and foreign intervention. Speaking at a University of Indonesia seminar, he argued that clear legal instruments are needed to balance national security with civil liberties. Lawmakers echoed the need for a specific espionage law, noting current provisions remain scattered across sectoral regulations.

Home Affairs Minister ensures civil registration services and presidential aid reach earthquake victims in East Nusa Tenggara

Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian has confirmed that civil registration services and President Prabowo Subianto's disaster assistance are being delivered to all areas affected by the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara. The ministry has deployed teams to help residents replace damaged identity documents and to ensure local governments use the additional unexpected expenditure funds optimally. Coordination is also underway with other agencies to reissue lost land certificates and vehicle documents free of charge.

High-Level Mafia Falls into FBI Trap After Stealing Rp 355 Billion

Manpreet Kohli, CEO of the UK-based cryptocurrency company Saitama, has lost his legal battle against extradition to the United States. He is accused of orchestrating a 'pump and dump' scheme involving the Saitama token, allegedly netting himself US$20 million. A UK judge has approved the extradition, dismissing concerns about his mental health in US custody.

Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs drafts regulation on critical minerals governance

The Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs is preparing a draft presidential regulation on the governance of critical and strategic minerals, continuing an initiative previously started under the now-defunct Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment. The regulation aims to support economic growth, secure mineral resources, optimise state revenue and improve public welfare. It also seeks to ensure post-mining land is repurposed for productive activities such as agriculture and livestock farming to sustain local livelihoods.

BNPT: Santri empowerment is a long-term strategy to prevent terrorism

Indonesia's National Counter-Terrorism Agency (BNPT) has highlighted the empowerment of Islamic boarding school students (santri) as a key long-term strategy to prevent terrorism. The initiative, conducted at Pondok Pesantren Al Muttaqin in Jepara, Central Java, involves multi-sector collaboration to build economic independence and national insight. The programme is part of ongoing efforts following the dissolution of Jamaah Islamiyah in December 2024.

PDIP Urges Correction of Decile Data Anomalies, Calls for Regular Updates

A PDIP lawmaker has called on the government to form a special team to evaluate decile data anomalies that threaten social assistance recipients, including recipients of the Indonesia Smart Card (KIP). Selly Andriany Gantina highlighted cases where a pedicab driver was classified in decile 9 while a village head was in decile 8, arguing that decile rankings alone should not determine eligibility for social protection. She urged the government to ensure data updates are fast, free, simple, transparent, and responsive so that vulnerable citizens do not lose their rights due to administrative data issues.

AIMX Singapore 2026 Accelerates AI Deployment Through Catalysing Industry Innovation

AIMX Singapore 2026 will convene global leaders to advance enterprise-wide AI adoption across healthcare, logistics, and other key sectors. The event features a conference, international exhibition, and tech-matching programme aimed at moving AI beyond pilot projects. It underscores Singapore's ambition to become a responsible AI innovation hub through partnerships with TechInnovation and AI Gravity.

Australian National Admits to Viral Public Indecency Incident in Front of Bali Resident's Home

An Australian man has been arrested in Bali after a video of him engaging in sexual activity in a residential yard went viral. The suspect claimed he was unaware that such acts are prohibited in public places. Police are still investigating the identity of the female involved.

South Korea's central bank revises 2026 growth projection up to 3.3 percent

The Bank of Korea has raised its 2026 real GDP growth forecast to 3.3 percent, up 0.7 percentage points from its previous estimate, citing stronger-than-expected semiconductor exports. The upward revision, which exceeds the finance ministry's 3 percent projection, came as the central bank raised its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to 3 percent. The BOK also lifted its 2027 growth forecast to 2.9 percent while leaving inflation projections unchanged.

Kakorlantas: Make Roads a Safe Place for All of Us

The National Police Traffic Corps chief has called on all parties to make roads safe for everyone by fostering awareness of traffic safety. Speaking at a traffic safety event in South Tangerang, he urged young people and drivers to become pioneers of change and safety. The event was part of National Traffic Safety Day and involved thousands of participants from the Greater Jakarta area.

DPR explains why Asset Forfeiture Bill is taking so long: a new concept

House of Representatives Commission III chairman Habiburokhman has defended the slow progress of the Asset Forfeiture Bill, arguing that it introduces an entirely new legal concept unlike revisions to the Criminal Procedure Code or the Police Law. He said the drafting process, which began in September 2025, has involved 50 expert witnesses and field visits, and the bill is now in its final stage with a target for passage by the end of 2026.

30 Petojo Selatan volunteer firefighters join fire prevention socialisation

Thirty volunteer firefighters from Petojo Selatan subdistrict in Central Jakarta took part in a fire prevention and suppression socialisation programme organised with the Jakarta Central Fire and Rescue Sub-agency. The session aimed to improve community awareness and early response capability against fire risks. Participants learned practical skills including the use of light fire extinguishers and handling gas cylinder regulator hose leaks.

BI Deputy Governor Candidate: Sustainability Trilemma Can Be Mutually Reinforcing

Bank Indonesia deputy governor candidate Solikin M. Juhro has argued that the sustainability trilemma of dynamic stability, high economic growth and inclusive economy are not contradictory but mutually reinforcing. During his fit and proper test, he proposed an eight-strategy policy package called 'SEMANGKA' to support the government's Asta Cita programme. Solikin emphasised that exchange rate and inflation stability must remain the anchor of credibility while ensuring liquidity circulates in the economy.

Fortified Rice Confirmed Not to Displace Premium Rice, Trade Minister Budi: Different Market Segments!

Trade Minister Budi Santoso has assured that fortified rice will not displace premium and medium rice in modern retail, citing distinct market segments. He noted that Bulog continues to supply premium rice under the Befood brand and medium rice through the SPHP programme. The Ministry of Trade is also monitoring fortified rice circulation to ensure product contents match packaging claims.

Deputy Home Affairs Minister urges adaptive urban governance to tackle urbanisation

Deputy Home Affairs Minister Bima Arya Sugiarto has called on city governments to adopt more adaptive approaches in managing increasingly complex development challenges, including urbanisation, climate change and fiscal constraints. Speaking at the Urban & Sustainable Cities Forum in Jakarta, he stressed that development must go beyond infrastructure to strengthen governance and cross-sector coordination. Bima also highlighted the need to translate the resilient city concept into concrete local policies and to plan urban areas beyond administrative boundaries through agglomeration.

Asset Forfeiture Bill Fast-Tracked, Draft Under Scrutiny

Indonesia's House of Representatives (DPR) aims to pass the Asset Forfeiture Bill by December 2026, but civil society groups have raised concerns that the latest draft has not been made public. The coalition argues that transparency and meaningful public participation are essential, especially given the DPR's takeover of the bill as a parliamentary initiative. They also highlight the urgent need for stronger asset recovery mechanisms, citing that only 4.84 percent of state losses from corruption were recovered in 2024.

BMKG: Most hotspots in South Papua recorded at 307 points

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has detected 307 hotspots in South Papua Province, the highest number across Tanah Papua. Merauke Regency requires special attention due to high-confidence hotspots indicating potential land fires. The agency also warned that a very strong El Niño is developing and could reduce rainfall, increasing forest and land fire risks during the July–September 2026 dry season peak.

After NTT Earthquake, 4-Metre 'Doomsday Fish' Oarfish Appears at Pink Beach Lombok

A rare oarfish, often dubbed the 'doomsday fish', was found stranded at Pink Beach in East Lombok following the powerful earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara. The head of NTB's Marine and Fisheries Agency has linked the deep-sea creature's appearance to temperature changes and climate shifts in the Indian Ocean, rather than supernatural omens.

Man in Bekasi Arrested by Police for Uploading 'Siege the DPR' Call, Here is the Perpetrator's Profile

Police in Bekasi Regency, West Java, have arrested a 35-year-old man identified as B for allegedly posting a provocative message on social media calling for people to 'siege the DPR' during a demonstration on 27 August. The suspect is accused of inciting anarchic action through posts in popular local social media groups. Authorities are investigating the case as a potential criminal offence related to spreading provocation.

Crowd still fills area in front of DPR/MPR RI building

Student-dominated demonstrators remained outside Indonesia's parliament building on Thursday afternoon, continuing to voice their aspirations. Earlier, the Pati United Community Alliance (AMPB) dispersed after receiving a written commitment from DPR leadership to complete the Asset Forfeiture Bill by 15 December 2026.

Pramono Prepares Rp 8 Trial Fare for Jakarta LRT, to Issue Gubernatorial Regulation Soon

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has announced a special trial fare of Rp 8 for the Velodrome-Manggarai LRT route ahead of its official inauguration. The trial period aims to familiarise residents with the service and encourage ridership. The fare will be formalised through a gubernatorial regulation, which Pramono says he will sign shortly.

Walhi West Java: Habitat Destruction Pushes Javan Green Magpie Towards Extinction

The Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi) in West Java has warned that the endemic Javan green magpie (Cissa thalassina) is on the brink of extinction, with only an estimated 50 to 250 individuals remaining in the wild. Deforestation and illegal hunting are cited as the primary threats, prompting calls for the bird to be adopted as a regional mascot to boost conservation efforts.

Indonesia's Reinsurance Paradox: Combined Capital of 8 Players Less Than a Single Insurer

Indonesia's reinsurance industry faces a looming capital crunch as combined equity of its eight conventional reinsurers remains far below that of major direct insurers. With new minimum equity requirements taking effect in 2026 and 2028, the sector is expected to undergo significant consolidation. A Riskonomics Analysis report highlights that the number of players does not reflect actual domestic risk capacity, as most premiums are retroceded abroad.

Wang Yi: China-US relations still face various risks and challenges

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has warned that relations between Beijing and Washington continue to face significant risks and challenges. During a meeting with US Ambassador David Perdue, he called for both sides to focus on a positive agenda and remove obstacles to high-level exchanges. Perdue responded that the US is ready to strengthen communication and prepare for the next stage of important high-level contacts.

Three Gunungkidul PPPK Dismissed Over Extramarital Affairs

The Gunungkidul Regency Civil Service Agency has dishonourably dismissed three contract-based government employees (PPPK) for extramarital affairs, including two health centre workers and a female teacher. The dismissals were carried out in April and August 2026 under Government Regulation No. 94/2021, which prohibits such conduct. Officials hope the sanctions will serve as a deterrent for all civil servants in the regency.

Ministry of Human Rights pushes bottom-up human rights-based government policy

Indonesia's Ministry of Human Rights is advocating for a bottom-up approach to policy-making, arguing that civil society input should be central to the formulation and implementation of human rights policies. Deputy Minister Mugiyanto stated that this model ensures development is more inclusive, sustainable, and responsive to actual community needs. The ministry has established an annual Human Rights Consultation Forum involving over 100 civil society organisations to produce actionable recommendations.

Indonesia's Gas Production Still Below Target, SKK Migas Reveals Causes

Indonesia's national gas lifting reached only 94.5% of the 2026 state budget target as of 31 July, according to upstream regulator SKK Migas. The shortfall is attributed to disruptions including a ruptured TGI pipeline, an accident at Pertamina EP Subang, and a fire at BP Berau's processing facility. BP Berau remains the country's largest gas producer despite the operational setbacks.

Koster asserts provincial government is not standing idle in tackling land conversion

Bali Governor Wayan Koster has stressed that the provincial government is tightening controls on agricultural land conversion to safeguard food security and the island's farming sector. The policy is anchored in a new regional regulation and reinforced by an earlier gubernatorial instruction, amid declining rice surpluses and shrinking paddy fields. Koster also highlighted efforts to improve agricultural trade and market certainty, including requiring the tourism industry to use local produce.

HIPMI Urges National Stability Be Maintained Amid Dynamics of Public Aspirations

The Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association (HIPMI) has called on all parties to maintain national stability and security amid public demonstrations, warning that disruptions could harm small businesses and the wider economy. Chairman Ade Jona Prasetyo emphasised that freedom of expression must be balanced with public order to keep business operations running smoothly. He welcomed the DPR's readiness for dialogue and urged the public not to be provoked by unverified information on social media.

Velodrome-Manggarai LRT Underpass to Be Transformed into Green Space

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has ordered the area beneath the Velodrome-Manggarai LRT line to be cleaned up and greened ahead of the line's operational launch. The initiative aims to ensure the space under the elevated railway is not dominated by concrete but instead planted with vegetation. The move is part of a broader effort to integrate transport infrastructure with improved urban environmental quality.

IHSG Rises 1.81%, Closes at Daily High

The Jakarta Composite Index (IHSG) rebounded strongly on Thursday, climbing 1.81% to close at 6,521.75, its highest level of the day. The rally erased most of the previous day's 1.48% decline, with all sectors closing in positive territory. Healthcare led the gains, while trading volume remained relatively thin.

Customs Official Detained by KPK over Corruption Allegations, Here is Purbaya's Response

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has responded to the Corruption Eradication Commission's (KPK) detention of a customs official, stating that reforms are ongoing within the Directorate General of Customs and Excise and the Directorate General of Taxes. He acknowledged that corruption cannot be fully eradicated but expressed hope that such practices will diminish, thereby improving tax collection rates. The KPK has detained the Head of the Kediri Customs Office, Gatot Heroe Hernanda, as a suspect in a bribery case involving Rp 3.25 billion related to goods importation.

Bengkayang Police and TNI HQ determine borehole locations for forest and land fire prevention

Bengkayang Police and the TNI Headquarters have identified locations for borehole construction in Sungai Duri Village, West Kalimantan, to strengthen water sources for tackling forest and land fires. The initiative addresses water scarcity, a key obstacle in firefighting efforts in the peatland area. Around 100 boreholes are planned across accessible and fire-prone locations.

50% E-Commerce Fee Discount for MSMEs Nears Completion, Says Minister Maman

The Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises has announced that the technical integration for a 50% reduction in e-commerce service fees for domestic MSME sellers is 95% complete. The policy, aimed at boosting the competitiveness of local producers, is now only awaiting final scheduling for integration with the government's SAPA UMKM monitoring system. The government is also preparing new partnership rules to prevent platforms from unilaterally changing commission structures.

Pertamina Drives Indonesia to Become Regional CCS Hub, Asri Basin Prepared

PT Pertamina Hulu Energi is advancing Carbon Capture and Storage development to position Indonesia as a regional hub for cross-border CCS networks in Southeast Asia. The company has identified the offshore Asri Basin in the Java Sea as a potential CCS hub to consolidate CO₂ from domestic and regional sources. PHE is preparing technical, regulatory, and commercial frameworks, including front-end engineering design and bilateral agreements, to support the initiative.

Record Heatwave Death Toll in Germany Reaches 15,800

German authorities have recorded a record 15,800 heat-related deaths as Europe endures a series of severe heatwaves. The Robert Koch Institute reports that people over 75 were most affected, with around 9,600 deaths in a single week in late June. The extreme heat has also contributed to wildfires, crop damage and falling river levels across much of Europe.

Indonesia Stuck for 33 Years, Unable to Leap into Developed Country Class

Indonesia has been trapped in the middle-income category for 33 years, according to the Minister of National Development Planning. The minister highlighted that despite surviving major economic shocks, the country has not achieved high-income status. He stressed the need for higher economic growth to expand production capacity and boost industrial competitiveness.

Population Control Must Not Stop at Rhetoric, Decent Housing Must Be a Priority

Jakarta Deputy Governor Rano Karno has emphasised that population control in the capital must go beyond family planning and health services to address mobility and the provision of affordable housing. He highlighted the use of vertical land consolidation and state land optimisation to deliver decent housing for low-income residents. The policy aims to manage population growth in line with the city's carrying capacity while guaranteeing the right to adequate shelter.

NTT earthquake: BNPB records nearly 78,000 houses damaged

Indonesia's National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has recorded 77,912 damaged houses following the earthquake that struck East Nusa Tenggara on 15 August 2026, with East Manggarai District the worst affected. The agency is conducting technical training for regional governments and volunteer enumerators to ensure accurate by-name-by-address data. Rehabilitation and reconstruction will follow a 'build back better' principle to make rebuilt homes more resilient.

Walhi West Java Urges Sunda Green Magpie to Become West Java Mascot

The Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi) in West Java is calling for the Sunda green magpie, a critically endangered endemic bird, to be designated as the province's official mascot. The organisation warns that the species faces extinction due to habitat destruction and illegal hunting, with only an estimated 50 to 250 individuals remaining in the wild. Walhi argues that making the bird a regional icon would raise public awareness about the urgent need to protect its habitat and the broader ecosystem.

House Leadership Guarantees Asset Forfeiture Bill to Be Passed by December 2026

Deputy Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad has pledged that the House of Representatives will complete the Asset Forfeiture Bill by 15 December 2026, with the leadership prepared to resign if the deadline is missed. The commitment was made during a meeting with activists from the Pati United Community Alliance, who had attended a plenary session where the deadline was agreed. The bill is seen as a key legal instrument for recovering state assets from corruption.

KPK Extends Silmy Karim's Detention by 30 Days

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has extended the detention of former Deputy Minister of Immigration and Corrections Silmy Karim for a further 30 days. Investigators are still completing case files relating to alleged extortion over foreign nationals' residence permits and gratification between 2022 and 2026. The KPK has seized assets worth around Rp150 billion and is examining possible money laundering charges.

Prabowo Pays Solemn Respects to Senior Kiai at NU Congress

President Prabowo Subianto made a respectful gesture of sungkem to senior cleric KH Nurul Huda Djazuli during the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama Congress in Jombang, East Java. The event drew a host of senior government figures and religious leaders, underscoring the political significance of the gathering. Prabowo's warm interaction with the elderly kiai highlighted the importance of NU's support base for his administration.

Congratulating NU's Muktamar, Buya Anwar Abbas Quotes Ayatollah's Message for PBNU and Muhammadiyah

Muhammadiyah central board chairman Buya Anwar Abbas has expressed hope that the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Muktamar in Jombang will run smoothly and produce programmes that advance the organisation and the nation. He also recalled a 2008 meeting in Iran where an Ayatollah told an Indonesian delegation that Indonesian Muslims would lead the Islamic world, urging that unity between NU and Muhammadiyah be preserved.