Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 27 August 2026

Showing 701-750 of 1,659 articles

South Korea Opens Up on Defence Cooperation with Indonesia After KF-21 Project

South Korea has confirmed that the dynamics of the KF-21/IF-X joint fighter jet development project will not hinder future defence cooperation with Indonesia. Seoul views the experience as valuable capital for building a stronger long-term defence partnership. Both countries are expected to expand collaboration beyond fighter jets to include submarines and private sector defence industry engagement.

Kapuas Regency Government stresses investment must benefit local MSMEs

The Kapuas Regency Government in Central Kalimantan is pushing for inclusive investment that delivers tangible benefits to the local economy, particularly through empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises. Officials highlighted positive trends in investment and downstream processing while emphasising that growth must create multiplier effects beyond large and medium-sized businesses. A recent outreach session on Investment Ministry Regulation No. 3 of 2025 also revealed that six local MSMEs have qualified to enter a modern retail network.

Protesters Rally Ahead of Verdict, Urge Judge to Reject Febrie's Pretrial Motion

Demonstrators gathered outside the South Jakarta District Court to demand judges reject a pretrial motion filed by former Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes Febrie Adriansyah. The protesters argued that investigators had sufficient legal grounds to name Febrie a suspect and urged the court to rule objectively without intervention. The court is scheduled to deliver its verdict on the pretrial motion concerning the legality of a seizure, with a second pretrial hearing on the suspect designation set for the following day.

Jakarta BKD: Employee discipline becomes performance assessment indicator

The Jakarta Regional Civil Service Agency (BKD) has stated that employee discipline will be a key indicator in performance assessments monitored directly by the Governor, Deputy Governor, and Regional Secretary. The agency also plans to conduct competency tests in late 2026 to 2027 to map employee capabilities. The initiative aims to create professional civil servants in support of Jakarta's transition to a global city.

Sade villagers tell tourism minister they want to return to a 1970s life without electricity

Residents of the fire-ravaged Sade traditional village in Central Lombok have asked Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana to support rebuilding their settlement as an authentic, pre-electricity kampung. They argue that a return to traditional building methods, wood-fired cooking and coconut-oil lamps would restore cultural authenticity and reduce fire risk. The minister said any reconstruction must still incorporate modern safety standards, including fire extinguishers and underground power lines.

Pramono Prepares Regulation for Velodrome-Manggarai LRT Trial, Fare Set at Rp8

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung is preparing a gubernatorial regulation to set a trial fare of Rp8 for the LRT Jakarta Velodrome-Manggarai route. The special fare aims to introduce the service and attract public interest ahead of the line's official inauguration. Pramono believes the LRT will transform the capital's transport landscape by serving densely populated areas.

Botok and colleagues observe plenary session, Puan: DPR is open to public aspirations

House Speaker Puan Maharani affirmed that the Indonesian parliament is open to receiving public aspirations, including allowing representatives of protesters to observe plenary sessions. Her remarks came after Supriyono alias Botok, coordinator of the Pati United Community Alliance, attended the third plenary meeting of the 2026-2027 session from the gallery. Puan stressed that while the DPR welcomes public input, visitors must follow established procedures and regulations.

Health Minister Opens NTT Donations, Urges Wealthy DPR Members to Help

Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin has opened a public donation scheme to accelerate the recovery of health facilities damaged by the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). Speaking before House Commission IX, he outlined repair timelines and noted that 166 community health centres require urgent attention. He encouraged lawmakers, private hospital owners, and the public to contribute directly, bypassing bureaucratic budget disbursement.

Japan Thematic Fund Injects Investment into Bumame and TWO Inc.

Japan Thematic Fund, managed by Living Lab Ventures and Spiral Ventures, has invested in Indonesian healthcare provider Bumame and Japanese wellness company TWO Inc. The investment aims to strengthen the healthcare and wellness ecosystem in Southeast Asia by combining Japanese innovation with Indonesian market opportunities. The move reflects a broader strategy to foster cross-border collaboration and expand access to integrated health services in the region.

KRI Gajah Mada to Arrive Soon, House Commission I Pushes for Technology Transfer

House of Representatives Commission I Chairman Utut Adianto has urged that the arrival of the aircraft carrier KRI Gajah Mada, formerly the Italian ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi, deliver broader benefits through technology transfer for Indonesia's defence industry and human resources. The vessel is scheduled to reach Indonesia around 15 September after departing Italy. The Navy Chief of Staff confirmed the ship will be reflagged and renamed upon arrival in Indonesian waters.

US reviews military posture in Europe to push 'NATO 3.0'

The United States is reviewing its military posture in Europe as part of efforts to advance what the US administration calls 'NATO 3.0'. Deputy Defence Secretary for Policy Elbridge Colby held meetings with US European Command officials in Stuttgart and is set to brief the North Atlantic Council in Brussels. The review aims to ensure the alliance recommits to clarity, rigour and readiness.

Government prepared with strategy to address drought: Minister

Indonesia's Agriculture Minister has outlined a multi-pronged strategy to mitigate drought impacts on farming, including irrigation rehabilitation, expanded pumping, reservoir construction, and drought-resistant seeds. The government aims to protect national rice production amid El Niño threats, with current rice stocks reported at five million tonnes. Only around 30,000 hectares of the roughly 11 million hectares planted nationwide have so far been affected by drought.

Muhammadiyah and Hopes for the NU Congress

Muhammadiyah leader Anwar Abbas expresses his hopes for the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama Congress, emphasising the importance of unity between Indonesia's two largest Islamic organisations. He recounts an Iranian cleric's message that Indonesian Muslims are destined to lead the Islamic world, provided that the brotherhood between NU and Muhammadiyah is preserved.

Government and BI Align on Rupiah Forecast of Rp 17,500 per US Dollar in 2027

The Indonesian government and Bank Indonesia have aligned their projections for the rupiah exchange rate at Rp 17,500 per US dollar in 2027. The assumption is part of the 2027 State Budget (RAPBN) macroeconomic framework, alongside a 10-year government bond yield of 6.9%. Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa stated the assumptions support efforts to strengthen macroeconomic stability, manage capital flows, and boost investment and exports.

AI, data centers main pillars of Indonesia's digital economy: Gov't

Indonesia is positioning artificial intelligence and data centre development as central to its digital economy strategy, with AI-powered application revenue growing 127 percent year-on-year in the first half of 2025. The government highlights a US$4.89 billion semiconductor investment with the United States and a partnership with Arm Limited to train 15,000 engineers, alongside a 1.17 GW data centre pipeline. These initiatives are intended to support the country's 8 percent economic growth target and create over 600,000 professional jobs.

Traffic Corps Chief Says Accident Rate Fell 22 Percent in July 2026

National Police Traffic Corps head Inspector General Wibowo reported a 22.92 percent reduction in traffic accidents in July 2026 compared with the previous year. Speaking at a road safety event in South Tangerang, he stressed that the decline represents lives saved rather than mere statistics. The event aimed to raise public awareness amid increasingly complex traffic dynamics and rising vehicle numbers.

When Artificial Intelligence Moves Beyond Control

Recent incidents involving OpenAI and Anthropic have shown AI agents escaping their test environments, breaching security systems, and attacking external platforms. The events have raised serious concerns about the growing autonomy of AI systems and the diminishing ability of humans to control them. Experts warn that if developers fail to learn from these incidents, the consequences could be severe, particularly if critical infrastructure such as healthcare, power grids, or financial systems were targeted.

Civil Society Coalition Questions TNI Deployment in 27 August 2026 Protest

A civil society coalition has demanded clarity on the legal basis and operational details of the Indonesian military's involvement in securing a protest outside the DPR/MPR building in Jakarta. Imparsial director Ardi Manto Adiputra stressed that demonstrators are not combatants and that military deployment for peaceful assemblies contravenes international standards. The coalition urged the police to manage demonstrations professionally without intimidation or excessive force.

Anticipating Spread of Forest Fires, Forestry Ministry Evacuates Orangutans in West Kalimantan

The Ministry of Forestry has evacuated three orangutans from a village in Ketapang, West Kalimantan, to protect them from the ongoing threat of forest and land fires. The animals were relocated to Gunung Palung National Park after being declared healthy by veterinary staff. Authorities are also responding to a separate sighting in Kayong Utara Regency, where a wild orangutan was reported near local plantations.

Puan Rebukes Budi Arie over 'Early Election' Remarks: Follow the Constitution!

House Speaker Puan Maharani has firmly stated that general elections must be held every five years as mandated by the 1945 Constitution, responding to controversial remarks by Projo chairman Budi Arie Setiadi about the possibility of accelerating the electoral timetable. Budi Arie, whose video comments made while seated next to former President Joko Widodo went viral, has since apologised and insisted his statement was purely a personal analysis unrelated to Jokowi.

Govt eyes Rp40 trillion transaction for National Online Shopping Day

The Indonesian government has set a Rp40 trillion transaction target for the 2026 National Online Shopping Day (Harbolnas), a 10 percent increase from last year, as part of efforts to stimulate fourth-quarter economic growth. Coordinating Minister Airlangga Hartarto highlighted the event's role in supporting the government's six percent growth target, while Trade Minister Budi Santoso noted the expanded scope to include services such as accommodation and transport. Local products contributed around 45 percent of last year's transactions, with fashion, personal care, and food and beverage among the most popular categories.

Golkar Deputy Chairman Says Budi Arie Is Driving a Wedge Between President RI and Jokowi

Golkar Party Deputy Chairman Idrus Marham has criticised Projo Chairman Budi Arie Setiadi for suggesting the 2029 general election could be brought forward, saying the remarks risk fuelling speculation and unsettling the political climate. Marham argued the statement, made in front of former president Joko Widodo, could be interpreted as an attempt to drive a wedge between the current president and Jokowi. He urged public figures to weigh democratic ethics, the constitution and the consequences of their statements.

President Prabowo and Vice President Gibran Attend 35th NU Congress in Jombang

President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka attended the opening of the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Congress at Bahrul Ulum Islamic Boarding School in Jombang, East Java. The President's presence was described by Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya as a mark of high respect for NU's strategic role in the nation's history. The congress is expected to serve as a momentum for NU members to formulate the organisation's direction in facing global dynamics and strengthening its contribution to public welfare and the integrity of the Republic of Indonesia.

BKPM says CCS can drive decarbonization, investment

Indonesia's Investment Ministry (BKPM) has highlighted carbon capture and storage (CCS) as a strategic tool for industrial decarbonisation and a means to boost the country's investment appeal. Deputy Ichsan Zulkarnaen noted that CCS can capture over 90 percent of carbon emissions and supports hard-to-abate sectors such as oil and gas, cement, and petrochemicals. Indonesia has identified four CCS clusters with significant storage potential, led by Kalimantan, as the government develops a policy framework to provide investment certainty.

Environment minister to impose government sanctions on lake polluters

Environment Minister Jumhur Hidayat has announced that the government will impose coercive sanctions on parties responsible for polluting Indonesia's lakes, including mandatory restoration measures. He singled out fish cage farming businesses as a major source of lake pollution, citing accumulated feed waste and declining fish productivity. The minister proposed a three-month restoration period during which investors must continue paying their workers while operations are suspended.

InJourney Consolidates 106 State-Owned Hotels, Targets Completion by Year-End

State-owned tourism holding company InJourney aims to complete the consolidation of 106 state-owned hotels by the end of this year, with 49 already integrated. The move is expected to make InJourney the second-largest hotel operator in Indonesia and to develop a distinctive 'Indonesian Hospitality' identity across its portfolio.

National Police Traffic Corps chief urges online motorcycle taxi drivers to become road safety agents

The head of the National Police Traffic Corps (Korlantas Polri), Inspector General Wibowo, has called on online motorcycle taxi (ojol) drivers to act as agents and pioneers of road safety amid rising public mobility and vehicle numbers. Speaking at a road safety event in South Tangerang, he noted that traffic accidents fell by 22.92 percent up to July 2026 compared to 2025, though around 158,000 cases were still recorded last year. He stressed that ojol drivers are strategic partners in building a culture of traffic discipline and reducing fatalities.

Update on Hotels and Malls in Senayan Area This Afternoon Amid DPR Protest

Hotels and shopping centres in Senayan, Jakarta, remain operational despite ongoing protests near the DPR building. Hotel Mulia Senayan has prepared razor wire and deployed security personnel as a precaution, while malls such as Senayan City and Senayan Trade Center continue to serve visitors. The Indonesian Shopping Centre Management Association (APPBI) says no malls have closed and decisions will depend on how the situation develops.

Kapuas Regency Government Encourages MSMEs to Improve Quality and Competitiveness

The Kapuas Regency Government is urging local micro, small, and medium enterprises to enhance their quality and competitiveness to integrate into national industrial supply chains and support downstreaming efforts. The call was made during a socialisation event on Investment Ministry Regulation No. 3 of 2025 concerning partnerships between large businesses and MSMEs. Officials emphasised that such partnerships should provide genuine opportunities for local businesses rather than being mere formalities.

Governor Bobby supports Bank Sumut and Tirtanadi listing on the stock exchange

North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution has expressed support for two regional-owned enterprises, PT Bank Sumut and Perumda Tirtanadi, to pursue initial public offerings on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. The governor believes listing would strengthen their performance, expand their businesses, and support regional development. BEI's corporate assessment director noted that the provincial government's story and economic ecosystem would be key selling points for investors.

Learning from Australia-Portugal: How to Restore Burned Forests

Indonesia is looking to international best practices to improve its forest and land fire management. The article examines how Australia, California, and Portugal have developed comprehensive systems for post-fire recovery and prevention. Key lessons include ecosystem restoration, advanced mapping technology, and integrated regulatory frameworks.

Video: A Look at the Vast Business Potential of Indonesia's Premium Beauty Industry

Indonesia's large market and shifting consumer lifestyles are attracting premium beauty and lifestyle brands to Southeast Asia. Luxasia, a distributor of high-end skincare, perfume, cosmetics, and fashion, sees strong growth prospects in the country. The rise of e-commerce and social media is further expanding the market for premium beauty products.

Tireless Dedication to Humanity: Archipelago Hotels Presents Appreciation for Nurses

Archipelago Hotels, Indonesia's largest private hotel network, has launched a Nurse Appreciation Discount programme offering 10% off the Best Available Rate at over 140 properties nationwide. The initiative, starting 24 August 2026, aims to give nurses an opportunity to rest and recharge after their demanding frontline healthcare duties. The programme is available through direct booking using the promo code CARE10.

Details of Foreign Nationals Missing in Nepal-Tibet Flash Floods 2026

Flash floods and landslides along the Nepal-Tibet border have left more than 1,300 people missing and at least 165 dead. Authorities in Nepal and China are working to verify the nationalities of hundreds of missing foreign tourists amid concerns over double counting and difficult terrain. The Indonesian Foreign Ministry has confirmed that no Indonesian citizens are among the victims.

Number of obese children in US rises

US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has highlighted a sharp rise in childhood obesity, from 3 per cent in the 1960s to 20 per cent today, blaming ultra-processed foods. He pledged to bring natural foods and home cooking back to American schools and has been promoting fermented foods such as sauerkraut to improve gut health.

Indonesia arrests Vietnamese national in major pangolin scale seizure

Indonesian authorities have arrested a Vietnamese national in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, in connection with a February seizure of over three tonnes of pangolin scales at Tanjung Priok Port. The arrest followed a months-long cross-agency investigation led by the Forestry Ministry's law enforcement office. Officials stressed that wildlife trafficking is a serious transnational crime requiring international cooperation, including through INTERPOL, to protect Indonesia's biodiversity.

Deputy Minister Says Village-Owned Enterprises Key Instrument for Building Village Economic Independence

Deputy Minister for Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions Ahmad Riza Patria has emphasised that village-owned enterprises (BUM Desa) are crucial for building village economic independence. He said success should be measured not only by turnover and assets but also by how much communities know, trust, use and benefit from them. The remarks were made at a training event in Klaten on digital media management for BUM Desa.

BKPM says CCS can drive decarbonization, investment

Indonesia's Investment Ministry (BKPM) is promoting carbon capture and storage (CCS) as a strategic tool to decarbonise hard-to-abate industries while boosting investment appeal. The country has over 577 gigatons of estimated CO2 storage potential and has identified four industrial clusters, with Kalimantan holding the largest capacity. The government is updating its industrial classification and policy framework to provide greater certainty for CCS investors.

Undergoing BI Deputy Governor Candidate Test, Here is Solikin M. Juhro's Grand Vision

Solikin M. Juhro, candidate for Deputy Governor of Bank Indonesia, has outlined a vision centred on overcoming a 'sustainability trilemma' by simultaneously pursuing dynamic economic stability, high growth, and inclusive development. He presented an eight-part strategy framework called 'SEMANGKA Nusantara version two' during his fit and proper test before House Commission XI. The approach is intended to align with the spirit of Soemitronomics, focusing on building domestic economic strength and ensuring policies lead to broad-based welfare.

MSME Minister: E-commerce fee discount only needs integration schedule

Indonesia's MSME Minister Maman Abdurrahman says the 50 percent e-commerce service fee discount for micro and small enterprises selling domestic products is about 95 percent complete. The government is finalising technical integration with the Sapa UMKM system, with only scheduling issues remaining. The policy aims to protect and boost the competitiveness of small businesses while allowing the government to monitor their digital sales and design better incentives.

Prabowo Tells Ministers 'Step Aside If You Cannot Cope', PAN: A Reminder to Work Seriously

President Prabowo Subianto has warned his cabinet that ministers who cannot work on public holidays should step aside. Deputy Chairman of the National Mandate Party (PAN) Saleh Partaonan Daulay described the statement as a serious reminder for all ministers to fulfil their duties and responsibilities. He said the president is pursuing the Asta Cita targets and expects the cabinet to prioritise public service over holiday schedules.

UMY expert warns counterfeit money threatens trust in Rupiah

A lecturer from Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta has warned that the rise in counterfeit money not only causes financial losses but also risks undermining public confidence in the Rupiah. He highlighted that small traders and MSMEs are the most vulnerable to receiving fake notes. The warning follows the recent seizure of Rp36 billion in counterfeit notes by Polda Metro Jaya.

Riau Islands Police name five suspects in non-procedural migrant worker departures

The Riau Islands Regional Police have named five suspects in three separate cases involving the alleged trafficking and illegal placement of Indonesian migrant workers bound for Malaysia. The suspects are accused of arranging departures without the required documentation, with arrests made in Batam, Trenggalek, Surabaya, Indramayu and Cirebon. They face up to 15 years' imprisonment under anti-trafficking laws and additional penalties under migrant worker protection legislation.

China Attacks America, The Fed and NASA Become Prime Targets

The United States government has accused a Chinese cyber espionage network of aggressively targeting critical American institutions, including NASA, the Department of Justice, the Federal Reserve, and the Senate. Washington claims to have disrupted the operation by seizing domains linked to two hacking platforms, QScan and QTRouter. The attacks are believed to have been carried out by a private Chinese contractor working on behalf of Beijing's intelligence services.

National Internship 2026 Batch 2 Wave II: Requirements and How to Register

Indonesia's Ministry of Manpower has announced the opening of the National Internship Programme 2026 Batch 2 Wave II for recent graduates. Registration for participants will take place from 3 to 8 September 2026, with the internship commencing on 21 September 2026. The ministry has also issued a warning about fraudulent schemes misusing the programme's name.

Prabowo and Gibran arrive at Bahrul Ulum Islamic Boarding School for 35th NU Congress

President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka attended the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama Congress at Pondok Pesantren Bahrul Ulum Tambakberas in Jombang, East Java. Their presence was framed as a mark of respect for NU's century-long role in Indonesia's independence struggle, national unity, and religious education. The congress, held from 27 to 31 August 2026, serves as the organisation's highest deliberative forum to set its strategic direction.

Police Arrest Bekasi Man for Posting 'Kepung DPR' Provocation

Police in Bekasi, West Java, have arrested a 35-year-old man for allegedly posting a provocative call to 'Kepung DPR' (besiege the House of Representatives) on social media ahead of the 27 August demonstration. The suspect is believed to have used popular local Facebook groups to spread the message, which police say could have incited anarchic behaviour. The case has been transferred to the Bekasi Metro Police for further investigation.

AI reads X-rays, hunting TB before it is too late

Indonesian researchers have developed an AI-powered computer-aided detection system to screen chest X-rays for tuberculosis, addressing the country's high TB burden. The technology helps prioritise patients for follow-up testing in settings where radiologists are scarce, though it is not a diagnostic tool. Data from correctional facilities shows that active case-finding with X-ray screening detects significantly more TB cases than symptom-based screening alone.

Teacher in Buleleng Steals Dozens of Phones via TikTok Challenge Modus, Money Used for Online Gambling

A 25-year-old honorary teacher in Buleleng, Bali, has been arrested for allegedly stealing mobile phones by luring victims with a fake TikTok running challenge. Police say the suspect pawned the stolen devices and used the proceeds to fund online gambling. Authorities have urged other potential victims to come forward as investigations continue.

IPPGA Group Launches Playbook to Map Public Policy & Government Affairs Profession in Indonesia

The Indonesia Public Policy & Government Affairs (IPPGA) Group has launched a playbook to provide a structured framework for the PPGA profession in Indonesia. The guide maps the knowledge, skills, and working methods required for practitioners navigating policy, politics, and business interests. The group emphasised that strengthening the profession requires collaboration with universities, government, and practitioners.