Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 27 August 2026

Showing 51-100 of 1,659 articles

House approves Destry Damayanti as BI new governor

Indonesia's House of Representatives Commission XI has approved Destry Damayanti as the new Governor of Bank Indonesia, succeeding Perry Warjiyo who resigned in July. Aida S. Budiman was endorsed as senior deputy governor, while Solikin M. Juhro was selected as deputy governor following fit-and-proper tests. The formal appointments are scheduled for a parliamentary plenary session on 1 September 2026.

The Important Function of NIK Can Verify the Legitimate Owner of Identity

Indonesia's National Identity Number (NIK) serves as a crucial verification tool for social assistance, pension claims, and banking services. The Directorate of National Population Data Integration at the Ministry of Home Affairs acts as the bridge connecting Dukcapil's population database with ministries and local governments. This integration has significantly reduced errors and overlaps in beneficiary verification compared to the previous manual data systems.

DPR member urges strengthening cognitive resilience in the AI era

House of Representatives member Azis Subekti has called for cognitive resilience to be integrated into Indonesia's national artificial intelligence transformation, warning that generative AI could erode independent and critical thinking. He stressed that schools and universities must go beyond teaching AI skills to ensure students still develop their own reasoning abilities. Azis also linked AI development to the need for Indonesia to strengthen its epistemic sovereignty by producing knowledge about its own social conditions and experiences.

Exascend Introduces Medical-Grade Data Storage Solution to Support Next-Generation Healthcare Systems

Exascend has announced the deployment of its medical-grade data storage solution in partnership with a leading health technology provider. The enterprise-class SE4 series is designed to meet the demanding performance, security, and thermal management requirements of modern medical devices. The solution supports AI-based diagnostics, high-resolution medical imaging, and continuous patient monitoring applications.

Economist: Economic growth needs to generate greater added value

CORE economist Yusuf Rendy Manilet has warned that Indonesia's economic growth must produce greater exports and added value without excessive import growth to improve the current account position. He highlighted the need for downstreaming to strengthen domestic production chains and produce globally competitive products. The current account deficit widened to 3.3 percent of GDP in the second quarter of 2026, the highest level in recent years.

At NU Congress, Prabowo Highlights the Major Role of Ulama in the Independence Struggle

President Prabowo Subianto praised Nahdlatul Ulama's historical contribution to Indonesia's independence and its ongoing role in maintaining national stability. Speaking at the 35th NU Congress in Jombang, he emphasised that the organisation has been present during every national crisis. He also linked national honour to justice and prosperity, stating that no nation is respected without prosperity and no prosperity exists without justice.

RI optimistic 3 million metric tons sugar output in 2026

The Indonesian government is targeting an end to white sugar imports by boosting national production, with a goal of three million metric tons in 2026. Key measures include rehabilitating underutilised smallholder sugarcane plantations, which account for 86 percent of total area, supported by Rp1.7 trillion in state funding. Lampung province is expected to contribute significantly, with a projected output of 480,053 metric tons by 2027.

Ciputra Hospital CitraGarden City Enhances Patient Comfort and Privacy

Ciputra Hospital CitraGarden City Jakarta has inaugurated its VIP 5th Floor, aiming to improve patient comfort, privacy, and tranquillity during treatment. The hospital's directors emphasised that healthcare today extends beyond medical treatment to include a humane and personal care experience. The new facility is part of the hospital's broader effort to support optimal patient recovery.

Situation Around Slipi, Jakarta Tonight: Police Post Set on Fire

Clashes continued in Central and West Jakarta on Thursday night after a demonstration near the House of Representatives (DPR) building. Protesters gathered under the Pejompongan flyover, set off firecrackers, and a police post in Petamburan was set alight. Police deployed tear gas along Jalan KS Tubun to disperse the crowd, but groups remained in the area and traffic was disrupted.

Beware of Heart Infections in Children and the Risk of Heart Failure Complications

Heart infections in children are a serious medical condition that can lead to ongoing complications if not treated promptly. A paediatric cardiology specialist from the Indonesian Paediatric Society warns that delayed recognition can result in heart failure at a young age, even in infants. Early and thorough treatment of initial infections, such as skin infections and strep throat, is crucial to prevent permanent heart damage.

Febrie Adriansyah's Pretrial Motion Rejected, National Police Say Investigators Acted Lawfully

The South Jakarta District Court has rejected the pretrial motion filed by former Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes Febrie Adriansyah, ruling that the investigation procedures were lawful. The National Police welcomed the decision, stating it confirms that searches, seizures, and the naming of a suspect complied with legal requirements. The case has now been handed over to the Attorney General's Office for further processing.

Barisan Muda Kosgoro 1957 Calls on Kekaryaan Organisations to Rebuild AMPI Solidarity

Barisan Muda Kosgoro 1957 chairman Rizky Maulana has expressed concern over internal dynamics within the Angkatan Muda Pembaharuan Indonesia (AMPI) and urged all Golkar-affiliated youth organisations to set aside differences and rebuild the organisation. He voiced support for Golkar Party youth chairman Said Aldi Al Idrus's efforts to safeguard AMPI's standing. Rizky called for renewed communication, consolidation and cadre development to strengthen AMPI as the main home for Golkar's kekaryaan youth movement.

Former Bank NTB Syariah CEO Questioned Again Over Rp 11 Billion Loan Case

Former Bank NTB Syariah president director Kukuh Rahardjo has undergone further questioning by the West Nusa Tenggara High Prosecutor's Office over an alleged corrupt Rp 11 billion loan to PT Carsten Group Indonesia. Investigators are examining his role in approving the 2023 financing, with the case now elevated to the investigation stage. The potential state loss is still being calculated with the assistance of the national audit agency.

SEZ Industropolis Run 2026 Strengthens Sport Tourism in Batang

The SEZ Industropolis Run 2026 in Batang, Central Java, combines sport tourism with elite competition, featuring a flat, AIMS-certified track and national athletes. The event aims to showcase the region's industrial landscape while generating economic impact through participant movement. Bank Indonesia also joined as a collaborator to promote digital payment consumer protection through its WANI campaign.

BPKH Head Says Special Hajj Fund Differences Do Not Enter State Coffers

The head of Indonesia's Hajj Financial Management Agency (BPKH) testified that any surplus from special hajj funds is returned to pilgrims, not deposited into the state treasury. His testimony challenges the prosecution's claim of state losses in the 2023-2024 additional hajj quota corruption case. The case involves former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas and several co-defendants.

Gus Ipul Reveals Reasons for NU Congress Location at Bahrul Ulum Tambakberas Islamic Boarding School

Saifullah Yusuf, chairman of the organising committee for the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Congress, has explained that holding the event at the Bahrul Ulum Tambakberas Islamic Boarding School in Jombang represents a return to the values of NU's founders. The congress, attended by President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, is expected to draw around 50,000 Nahdliyin participants. The event is also stimulating the local economy through UMKM activities and bazaars, with 200 electric becaks provided to assist mobility.

Padel Effect: When a Lifestyle Trend Becomes a Networked Economy

The rapid growth of padel in Indonesia reflects a broader shift from ownership and experience economies towards a network economy, where social capital and community connections drive economic value. The sport is expanding quickly across Jakarta, Bali, Bandung, and Surabaya, with Indonesia becoming Southeast Asia's largest padel ecosystem. The author argues that padel courts now function as spaces for business networking and that sport development should be treated as an economic development strategy.

Pre-trial Motion Rejected, Febrie's Camp Highlights Rushed Process

The legal team of former Junior Attorney General for Special Crimes, Febrie Adriansyah, has responded to the South Jakarta District Court's full rejection of their pre-trial motion. They respect the ruling but have raised concerns about the judge's considerations, particularly regarding administrative carelessness in the investigation. The team emphasised the need for due process and caution to prevent future victims of rushed legal proceedings.

Bali’s Most Impressive Monuments And Statues Are A Must-Visit For Tourists

The article highlights Bali's cultural heritage sites, including the Garuda Wisnu Kencana monument and Pura Kehen temple, as key attractions for tourists seeking authentic historical experiences. It notes a decline in heritage-focused tourism and expresses hope for a cultural tourism renaissance. The piece details the mythological significance and architectural features of these monuments, linking them to broader Balinese cosmology and ancient trade connections.

Deputy Social Affairs Minister and Bappenas Discuss Disaster Management and Sekolah Rakyat

Deputy Minister of Social Affairs Agus Jabo Priyono met with Minister of National Development Planning Rachmat Pambudy to discuss strengthening disaster response logistics, the expansion of President Prabowo's Sekolah Rakyat programme, and integrating meal programmes for the elderly and disabled with the Free Nutritious Meals scheme. The meeting highlighted the need for faster emergency logistics and early planning for school infrastructure sustainability.

SANY Heavy Industry Indonesia and ITB Strengthen R&D and HR Development Collaboration

PT SANY Heavy Industry Indonesia has signed a memorandum of understanding with Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) covering education, research, technology development, and human resources. The partnership aims to expand opportunities for Indonesian talent through internships, joint research, and knowledge exchange. SANY, which employs around 91% local workers at its Karawang facility, views the collaboration as strategic for its growth in Indonesia.

A Brief Pause Amid Forest Fires: Manggala Agni Personnel Do Not Forget to Pray

Manggala Agni personnel battling forest and land fires in West Kalimantan took a moment to perform their prayers despite the hazardous conditions. The Ministry of Forestry has deployed 758 personnel, reinforced by 45 additional staff from Java, Sulawesi, and South Kalimantan, to tackle the fires in West and Central Kalimantan.

Don't Forget the Disability Community!

An opinion piece argues that sustainability must include social inclusion, particularly for people with disabilities. The author highlights contrasting empowerment models from Yayasan Cheshire Indonesia and a French volunteer organisation, and calls for government subsidies to support grassroots disability programmes.

J Trust Bank Begins Construction of New Headquarters, Driving Business Expansion in Indonesia

PT Bank JTrust Indonesia Tbk has commenced construction of its new headquarters, J Trust Bank City Tower, in Central Jakarta. The 24-storey building is intended to support the bank's rebranding strategy and strengthen its position as a trusted financial partner. The project also symbolises Japanese-Indonesian business and investment collaboration.

Fire Ravages Dozens of Homes and Injures Residents in North Jakarta

A major fire in Penjaringan, North Jakarta, destroyed 60 homes and injured two residents. Firefighters deployed 22 units and 132 personnel, taking approximately five hours to extinguish the blaze. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Sufmi Dasco's Solutive Step in Meeting Protesters Praised

Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, has been praised for his leadership in opening dialogue with protesters from the Aliansi Masyarakat Pati Bersatu (AMPB) at the Parliament Complex in Senayan. The meeting resulted in a signed integrity pact committing the DPR to pass the Asset Forfeiture Bill by 15 December 2026, with a clause stating that DPR leadership would resign if the bill fails to be ratified by that deadline. The move is seen as a significant commitment to strengthening anti-corruption efforts and asset recovery in Indonesia.

Expert says farmers must adapt to climate change

IPB University climatologist Prof Rizaldi Boer has urged Indonesian farmers to adopt climate adaptation strategies such as accelerated planting and climate-smart farming. He warned that the current El Niño will delay the 2026-2027 planting season due to a shift in the onset of the rainy season. The professor also called on the government to support farmers through climate index-based insurance and infrastructure.

Legal Counsel Urges Public to Look Beyond Verdict in Febrie Adriansyah Pretrial Ruling

Febri Diansyah, legal counsel for former Jampidsus Febrie Adriansyah, has urged the public to scrutinise the legal reasoning behind the South Jakarta District Court's pretrial ruling rather than focusing solely on the outcome. He highlighted the judge's acknowledgement of administrative carelessness in the investigation process. The counsel emphasised that such administrative issues can have serious consequences for those named in legal proceedings.

BPS urges public to update DTSEN data independently amid changing deciles

The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) of Southeast Sulawesi has called on residents to proactively update their data through the National Single Social and Economic Data (DTSEN) channel. The agency noted that changes in economic conditions, employment, family size, or other social circumstances frequently alter an individual's decile classification. Citizens are advised not to wait for the next round of data collection by social services or BPS officers.

Golkar faction to oversee completion of Asset Forfeiture Bill

The Golkar Party faction in Indonesia's House of Representatives has pledged to oversee the completion of the Asset Forfeiture Bill, viewing it as a crucial instrument to strengthen corruption eradication. The faction supports accelerating the legislative process while ensuring legal certainty, protection of citizens' rights, and robust oversight mechanisms. Golkar also intends to build cross-faction consensus to prevent prolonged deliberation of the bill.

The 35th PBNU Congress, Middle East Diplomacy and NU's Political Autonomy

The 35th Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Congress in Jombang is a pivotal moment for examining the relationship between religious authority, civil society, the state, and shifting Middle East geopolitics. The congress will determine PBNU leadership for 2026-2031 and shape how NU positions itself between community service, national interests, and its growing international networks. Leadership contests and debates over election mechanisms reflect deeper questions about the distribution of authority within Indonesia's largest Islamic organisation.

Purbaya to strengthen tax compliance to pursue Rp3,426 trillion revenue target

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has announced plans to bolster tax compliance and broaden the tax base to achieve the Rp3,426 trillion state revenue target in the 2027 Draft State Budget. The government also projects state expenditure of Rp4,097.2 trillion, directed towards eight national priority programme clusters. The 2027 budget is designed to remain sound, credible and sustainable, with the economy targeted to grow 6 per cent.

Jombang Residents Enthusiastically Welcome Prabowo at 35th NU Congress

President Prabowo Subianto received a warm reception from residents of Jombang, East Java, as he travelled to the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Congress. Crowds lined the streets waving flags and reaching out to greet the president, who stopped several times to shake hands with onlookers. The visit underscores the close relationship between the government and Indonesia's largest Islamic organisation.

Coordinating Ministry for Community Empowerment ensures SMK Go Global programme runs well

The Coordinating Ministry for Community Empowerment has confirmed that the SMK Go Global programme is progressing as part of the national strategy to reduce unemployment and strengthen public welfare. The first phase attracted 14,523 applicants, with 3,340 participants selected for demand-driven upskilling across 167 classes in 20 BP3MI work areas. Training in Surabaya is focused on production operators to fulfil job orders from Taiwan and Malaysia.

Febrie Adriansyah's Legal Team Highlights Judge's Considerations After Pre-trial Motion Rejected

The legal team of former Junior Attorney General for Special Crimes Febrie Adriansyah has urged the public to focus on the judge's legal reasoning rather than the outcome after the South Jakarta District Court rejected his pre-trial motion. Lawyer Febri Diansyah emphasised that the pre-trial was intended to correct procedural shortcomings and uphold due process of law. The team is now reviewing the ruling in detail before deciding on further legal steps.

Political Figures Communication Forum Condemns Budi Arie's Statement, Says It Could Trigger Conflict

The Political Figures Communication Forum has strongly condemned Projo chairman Budi Arie Setiadi's remarks on accelerating the election, warning they could provoke political conflict. The forum also urged public figures and party leaders to exercise restraint while the government focuses on disaster response in NTT and forest fires in Kalimantan. It expressed support for President Prabowo's administration until 2029.

OJK: Unhealthy insurers will not immediately enter policy guarantee programme

Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) has stated that insurance companies failing to meet required solvency levels will not be admitted directly into the Policy Guarantee Programme (PPP) when it takes effect by 2028 at the latest. The regulator said unhealthy insurers must be rehabilitated outside the scheme to prevent moral hazard and contagion risks. The programme, to be managed by the Indonesia Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS), is expected to guarantee benefits of up to Rp500 million per policy.

Minister: Rp350 billion prepared to develop plantations in Lampung

Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman announced that the government has allocated Rp350 billion to accelerate plantation development in Lampung. The programme includes 2.6 million coffee and cocoa seedlings for around 18,000 hectares, with all inputs provided free to farmers. The initiative aims to boost productivity, strengthen national commodity competitiveness, and improve farmer welfare.

Judge Reveals Allegation Febrie Adriansyah Received Rp40 Billion from Tan Kian

A South Jakarta District Court judge has disclosed that former Junior Attorney General for Special Crimes Febrie Adriansyah allegedly received Rp40 billion from businessman Tan Kian in connection with the PT ASABRI and PT Jiwasraya corruption cases. The court rejected Febrie's pre-trial motion challenging his designation as a suspect and his detention. The judge ruled that investigators had sufficient preliminary evidence to proceed with the case.

City Swallowed by Mud: The Devastating Sight of Nepal's Flash Floods

Flash floods and landslides along the Nepal-China border have killed at least 165 people and left nearly 1,500 missing, including around 800 foreign nationals. The disaster has damaged buildings and infrastructure, including at least six major hydropower plants and facilities at the Gyirong Port trade centre. Scientists believe a massive collapse of mud and rock from the northern slope of Langtang Lirung peak triggered the catastrophic flooding downstream.

Prabowo Responds to Hope of Opening 2031 NU Congress: Follow the Almighty's Will

President Prabowo Subianto responded to PBNU Chairman Yahya Cholil Staquf's hope that he would open the 36th Nahdlatul Ulama Congress in 2031. Prabowo expressed his honour at attending the 35th Congress and praised NU's patriotic spirit and national contribution. He said he would follow the will of the Almighty regarding the 2031 event.

Body of unidentified man found in aircraft wheel well at Malaysia airport

An unidentified man's decomposing body was discovered in the wheel well of an aircraft at Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2. The aircraft had arrived from Tokyo, and the victim is estimated to have died around three days before discovery. Police are conducting a post-mortem and investigation to determine the man's identity and cause of death.

Febrie's legal team: Pretrial ruling not just about acceptance or rejection

Febri Diansyah, counsel for former Jampidsus Febrie Adriansyah, has urged the public to look beyond the final outcome of a pretrial ruling and examine the judge's legal reasoning. He highlighted the judge's acknowledgement of administrative carelessness in the investigation process. The South Jakarta District Court rejected the pretrial motion challenging Febrie's suspect status in an alleged money laundering case.

North Sumatra Governor ready to become foster parent to accelerate waqf asset legality

North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution has pledged to act as a 'foster parent' for waqf administrators (nazir) to speed up the legal registration of waqf land across the province. Of approximately 14,683 waqf land plots in North Sumatra, only 6,030 currently hold certificates, and just 97 nazir are registered. The initiative aims to prevent future disputes and optimise the use of waqf assets for community benefit.

South Jakarta District Court Judge: Search of Febrie Adriansyah Was in Accordance with Legal Procedure

The South Jakarta District Court has rejected a pre-trial motion by former Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes Febrie Adriansyah, ruling that the police search and seizure were conducted lawfully. Judge Richard Edwin Basoeki found that the investigation had been properly initiated before the search and that procedural arguments raised by the applicant were without legal merit. The ruling upholds the seizure of money, gold, and transaction documents suspected to be linked to corruption and money laundering.

Inspiration from the 'Pohon Jodoh' at Bogor Botanical Gardens

The 'Pohon Jodoh' (Matchmaking Trees) at Bogor Botanical Gardens are two different tree species planted side by side in 1866 that have become a cultural landmark. Despite belonging to different botanical families, the Meranti Tembaga and Beringin have grown together for about 160 years, symbolising companionship for visitors. The article explores how these trees serve as living archives connecting past and present, highlighting the scientific and conservation value of Bogor Botanical Gardens.

BRI CEO: Cross-sector synergy key to expanding housing finance access

BRI's chief executive has highlighted cross-sector collaboration as essential to widening access to affordable housing finance in Indonesia. Speaking at the Danantara Housing Expo 2026, he outlined competitive mortgage offers including down payments from 1 per cent. The event supports the government's 3 Million Houses programme and aims to stimulate local economies and SMEs.

Gus Ipul: 35th NU Congress a momentum to return to founders' roots

Saifullah Yusuf, chairman of the organising committee for the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Congress, said the event in Jombang, East Java, marks a return to the values inherited from the organisation's founders. The congress, opened by President Prabowo Subianto, features technology systems built by santri, around 1,500 MSME stalls, and support from 200 electric becaks. Gus Ipul highlighted the voluntary contributions from residents and expressed hope the congress brings blessings to NU and Indonesia.

BGN Chief on Teachers Tasting Free Nutritious Meals: They Receive Incentives, Aim Is Education

The Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Sudaryono, has clarified that teachers are asked to taste meals from the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme as part of nutrition education and character building for students, not as an additional burden. He also outlined coordination mechanisms for meal distribution when schools are closed due to forest and land fires.

Febrie's legal counsel highlights hasty case handling

Febri Diansyah, legal counsel for former Jampidsus Febrie Adriansyah, has warned against hasty law enforcement that disregards the principle of prudence. The statement follows the South Jakarta District Court's rejection of Febrie's pretrial motion challenging his suspect status in a money laundering case. The legal team is reviewing the ruling before deciding on further legal steps.