Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 27 August 2026

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Driving AI Transformation, Telkom Presents ignitePRO at BATIC 2026

PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia International (Telin), a subsidiary of Telkom Indonesia, has launched ignitePRO, an enterprise-focused forum at the Bali Annual Telkom International Conference (BATIC) 2026. The forum, themed 'The Enabled Enterprise', brought together business leaders, policymakers, technology providers, and investors to discuss moving AI from experimentation to tangible business impact. Government perspectives were also shared, highlighting Indonesia's three priorities for AI readiness: connectivity, growth, and security.

Pretrial Verdict Hearing for Former Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes Febrie Set for This Afternoon

The South Jakarta District Court is set to deliver its ruling this afternoon on the pretrial motion filed by former Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes Febrie Adriansyah. Febrie is challenging his designation as a suspect, as well as searches, seizures, and travel bans related to alleged corruption and money laundering in the handling of the PT ASABRI and PT Jiwasraya cases. Police legal counsel maintain that investigators had sufficient preliminary evidence before naming him a suspect.

Hundreds Dead or Missing in Nepal Floods, Melting Ice Believed to Be the Cause

At least 157 people have died in Nepal and three in Tibet after flash floods struck the Himalayan border region, with hundreds more missing, including many foreign tourists and trekkers. Climate experts believe a glacial avalanche likely triggered the disaster, which sent a wall of water, mud, and debris through settlements along the Bhote Koshi river. Rescue operations are ongoing, and authorities have warned that a second flood may occur due to blockages upstream.

Judge Rejects Yaqut's Objection, Hajj Quota Corruption Case Proceeds to Evidence Stage

The Jakarta Corruption Court has dismissed a preliminary objection filed by former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, ruling that his arguments belong to the substantive examination of the case. The trial will now proceed to the evidentiary phase, where Yaqut faces charges of causing Rp622.09 billion in state losses through alleged manipulation of the 2023โ€“2024 special hajj quota allocation.

Andre Rosiade and Other MPs Meet AMPB Protesters in Front of DPR, Climb Command Vehicle

Members of Indonesia's House of Representatives met with protesters from the Pati United Community Alliance (AMPB) outside the parliament building in Jakarta. The MPs, including Andre Rosiade, Rieke Dyah Pitaloka, and Ahmad Heryawan, addressed the crowd from a command vehicle after an internal hearing. They pledged that the Asset Forfeiture Bill would be passed by 15 December 2026, with the DPR leadership reportedly committing to resign if the deadline is missed.

US Army Awards $2.2 Billion for Micro Nuclear Reactors at Military Bases

The US Army has awarded contracts worth $2.2 billion to five companies to build and operate small-scale nuclear reactors at military bases, with the first targeted for operation by September 2028. The programme aims to provide reliable, secure power to installations while supporting commercialisation of microreactor technology, though critics argue it amounts to a hidden subsidy for uneconomical designs.

Regent Afni and BSP Director Ensure Oil Wells Safe from Forest and Land Fires

Siak Regent Afni Zulkifli and PT Bumi Siak Pusako director Robi Junipa led an overnight operation to protect oil wells from peatland fires near Taman Nasional Zamrud in Riau. The fire came within 50 to 100 metres of the regionally owned enterprise's vital oil wells, prompting coordinated efforts involving the military, police, and firefighting teams. Difficult terrain, limited water sources, and poor telecommunications coverage complicated the response.

Airlangga: DEFA to boost Indonesia's digital economy to 600 billion US dollars

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto has stated that the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) could push Indonesia's digital economy value to 600 billion US dollars. The agreement is expected to double ASEAN's digital market from 1 trillion to 2 trillion US dollars, with Indonesia projected to capture 30-40 percent of that market. Airlangga highlighted QRIS payment integration as an early benefit, noting it would reduce transaction costs for SMEs and support cross-border trade.

Petir Village Fund Corruption Case of Rp 1 Billion to Go to Trial Soon

Police have transferred the suspect and evidence in the alleged corruption case involving a Petir Village official in Serang Regency to the Serang District Prosecutor's Office. The suspect, Yuli Sanjaya Wirana, who served as the village's Head of Finance, is accused of embezzling over Rp 1 billion from the village treasury for the 2025 fiscal year. The case is now ready for trial.

Danantara Assisted by Attorney General's Office, KPK - Home Affairs Ministry to Resolve SOE Problems

BPI Danantara is spearheading reforms of state-owned construction firms, with only three of seven companies considered financially healthy. The remaining firms face fundamental financial issues, including consolidated debts of Rp 180 trillion, and Danantara aims to resolve these problems by the end of 2026. The agency is collaborating with law enforcement and government bodies to restructure the sector and refocus companies on core contracting businesses.

CCTV Links for 27 August Protest at DPR, Check the Latest Situation on the Ground

A large-scale demonstration known as the 27 August Protest has been underway since morning outside the DPR/MPR building in Central Jakarta. Authorities have deployed 18,504 joint TNI-Polri personnel and provided public CCTV links for monitoring the situation. Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago stated that security forces are present to protect citizens' right to express their aspirations safely and peacefully.

President Prabowo scheduled to visit Ndalem Tambakberas

President Prabowo Subianto is scheduled to visit the residence of Bahrul Ulum Islamic Boarding School in Tambakberas, Jombang, before opening the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama Congress. The visit is planned ahead of the congress opening ceremony at the same pesantren complex. Organisers report preparations are 95 per cent complete, with technology-based management systems and over 100 CCTV cameras deployed.

Pertamina Chief Commissioner Reviews Reo Fuel Terminal After NTT Earthquake, Praises Energy Workers' Resilience

Pertamina's Chief Commissioner Mochammad Iriawan visited the Reo Fuel Terminal in Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara, to inspect operations following a 7.7-magnitude earthquake. The visit confirmed that fuel distribution has gradually returned to normal despite damage to some facilities. Iriawan also delivered humanitarian aid to affected workers and displaced residents.

Metro Police Say 10 People Suspected of Recruiting and Funding Today's Protest Riders

Jakarta Metropolitan Police have identified 10 of 65 detained individuals as suspected recruiters and financiers behind efforts to hijack today's demonstration. Investigators are examining funding sources, recruitment patterns, and communications among those involved. Two suspects have been formally detained while the remaining 63 are still under investigation.

Metro Jaya Police urge DPR rally participants to respect law and maintain order

Polda Metro Jaya has called on demonstrators gathering near the DPR/MPR complex in Jakarta to exercise their right to protest responsibly while respecting the law and public order. Police emphasised that freedom of expression must not descend into violence and that the safety of all citizens remains paramount. A total of 4,274 personnel have been deployed to secure the demonstrations across several locations in central Jakarta.

Indonesia deploys extra 1,000 forest rangers for wildfire response

Indonesia's Forestry Ministry has mobilised an additional 1,000 forest rangers to strengthen wildfire response efforts, particularly in fire-prone regions such as South Kalimantan. The personnel will patrol, verify public reports, and support joint firefighting operations involving the Manggala Agni brigade, regional governments, police, military, and BNPB. The government is urging public participation through official reporting channels to help contain fires and prevent wider social and environmental impacts.

Pertamina Chief Commissioner Hands Over Aid to Earthquake Victims in Reok, NTT

Pertamina's Chief Commissioner Mochammad Iriawan visited Reok, Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara, to deliver aid to earthquake victims and inspect the Reo Fuel Terminal. The terminal has gradually resumed normal operations despite infrastructure damage, with staff remaining on duty throughout the crisis. Iriawan praised the dedication of Pertamina Patra Niaga officers, calling them true energy fighters.

4 Million Foreign Tourists Enter Bali via Ngurah Rai Airport in 7 Months

Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport recorded approximately 4 million foreign tourist arrivals between January and July 2026, with Australians accounting for around a quarter of the total. Overall passenger movements reached 13.2 million, supported by 44 airlines and 42 international routes. Airport management reported smooth operations and highlighted the airport's strategic role as a hub for tourism and regional connectivity.

DPN strengthens defence cooperation with Japan

Indonesia's National Defence Council (DPN) held an audience with a Japanese Embassy delegation to discuss strengthening institutional communication and strategic cooperation in defence and national resilience. The meeting also covered national security institutions, digital security and AI, energy resilience, and knowledge exchange. DPN hopes the engagement will lead to concrete, sustainable cooperation contributing to regional stability.

Police Detain 65 People Ahead of 27 August Protest, Sharp Weapons and Molotov Ingredients Seized

Jakarta police have detained 65 individuals ahead of a planned demonstration at the DPR building on 27 August 2026, seizing sharp weapons, airsoft guns, and materials for making Molotov cocktails. The arrests were carried out by the Preventif Strike team from Polda Metro Jaya, with authorities citing violations of Law No. 9 of 1998 on public expression. DPR Speaker Puan Maharani said parliament remains open to receiving public aspirations and urged demonstrators to maintain order.

Dasco Signs Pledge to Resign if Asset Forfeiture Bill Not Completed by 15 December

Three deputy speakers of Indonesia's House of Representatives have signed a written pledge to resign from both their leadership posts and parliamentary seats if the Asset Forfeiture Bill is not completed by 15 December 2026. The pledge was made following an audience with protesters from the Pati United Community Alliance at the parliament complex in Jakarta. The commitment was amended at the protesters' request to include resignation as DPR members, not merely from leadership positions.

Jeju Island, Once a Romantic Holiday Destination, Now Haunted by Fear

Jeju Island is facing a crisis of confidence after a police scandal involving mishandled missing-person cases and a spate of deaths. Four people reported missing were found dead within three days, and senior police officers have been removed over allegations that cases were falsely closed. The controversy is already affecting public perception and prompting some long-term visitors to cancel their accommodation contracts.

Indonesia bolsters comprehensive protections for migrant fishers

Indonesia is strengthening regulatory and institutional frameworks to protect migrant fishers across the entire migration cycle, from recruitment to reintegration. Manpower Minister Yassierli highlighted the ratification of ILO Convention No. 188 and the implementation of ASEAN Guidelines as key steps toward ensuring decent work and fair conditions. The government is also enhancing regional cooperation, including dialogue with the Philippines, to improve governance of migrant fisher placement and protection.

IHSG Rises 0.7% in First Session, Majority of Shares in Green Zone

The Jakarta Composite Index (IHSG) strengthened in the first trading session on Thursday, rising 0.7% to 6,450.28 after a volatile start. All sectors traded in positive territory, with healthcare leading gains. The rebound follows a sharp 1.48% decline in the previous session.

ESI: B50 implementation must be accompanied by affordable fuel prices

Energy Shift Institute's Putra Adhiguna has cautioned that Indonesia's B50 biodiesel mandate, set for full implementation by October 2026, must not compromise fuel affordability for consumers. While the programme offers import savings and supports the palm oil industry, he stressed the need to balance energy and food security and to carefully assess fiscal impacts on the state budget.

Doctor Tifa Charged Again with Defamation and Slander Against Jokowi

The East Jakarta District Court has resumed proceedings against Tifauzia Tyassuma, known as Doctor Tifa, over allegations of defaming former President Joko Widodo. Prosecutors accuse her of spreading false claims about Jokowi's university diploma on social media. The charges include defamation, slander, and violations of the Electronic Information and Transactions Law.

Tasikmalaya Farmers Build Water Wheels to Irrigate Fields Amid Dry Season

Farmers in Tasikmalaya, West Java, have constructed four self-funded water wheels to channel water from the Citanduy River to their rice fields during the dry season. Each unit cost around Rp1.5 million and can irrigate approximately one hectare of farmland. The initiative represents a community adaptation to drought conditions and helps sustain agricultural productivity.

Selection for 2027 Hajj Officers for Kloter and Saudi Arabia Opens, Here Are the Requirements

The Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs has opened registration for Hajj Organising Officers (PPIH) for the 2027 pilgrimage season, covering both Kloter (flight group) and Saudi Arabia-based positions. The selection process includes administrative screening, a computer-assisted test, medical check-ups, and training, with a detailed timeline running from August to September 2026. Applicants must meet general requirements such as Indonesian citizenship, Islamic faith, and active BPJS Health membership, with specific conditions applying to each formation.

Ministry strengthens support for universities handling earthquake in NTT

The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology is coordinating university-led relief efforts following the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara. Minister Brian Yuliarto held direct discussions with academic teams already on the ground and instructed LLDIKTI to identify areas still unreached. Several universities have deployed medical teams, provided clean water, built emergency sanitation, and supported community kitchens.

Botok and Activists Demand DPR Leadership Resign if Asset Forfeiture Bill Approval Is Delayed

Activist Supriyono, known as Botok, has called on the leadership of Indonesia's House of Representatives (DPR) to resign if the Asset Forfeiture Bill is not passed by the agreed deadline of 15 December 2026. The demand was made during an audience with DPR deputy speakers at the parliament complex in Jakarta. The DPR has previously committed to passing the bill by that date, with the legislation currently under discussion in Commission III.

Homeowners Begin to Give Up, Unable to Continue Paying Mortgage Instalments: What's Happening?

Indonesian homeowners with commercial mortgages are increasingly resorting to take over schemes as floating interest rates cause instalments to surge beyond their means. The head of ASPRUMNAS warns that without government intervention, consumers with commercial home loans remain highly vulnerable to interest rate fluctuations.

Former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Responds After Objection Rejected in Interim Ruling

The Jakarta Corruption Court has rejected a legal objection filed by former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas in the alleged hajj quota corruption case, clearing the way for the trial to proceed to the evidentiary stage. Yaqut said the objection was a lawful step and expressed hope that judges would fully consider the facts surrounding his decision to allocate additional hajj quotas. He maintained his belief that he will ultimately receive justice.

DPR Leadership Receives Botok Pati Activists, Commits to Passing Asset Forfeiture Bill on 15 December

House of Representatives (DPR) leaders met with activists from the Pati United Community Alliance (AMPB), including Supriyono alias Botok, and pledged to pass the Asset Forfeiture Bill by 15 December 2026. Deputy Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad stated the commitment was approved during a plenary session and that the DPR would resign if the deadline was not met. The meeting also opened the door for further public consultation through hearings with Commission III.

Overhauling State Construction Firms Requires Significant Funding, Here's the Evidence

Indonesia's Danantara investment agency has revealed that transforming the country's state-owned construction firms will require substantial funding due to fundamental financial problems. Only three of the seven state construction companies under its management are considered financially healthy, with book corrections already reaching Rp 135 trillion. Danantara is considering consolidating the sector into just three companies and aims to complete the restructuring by the end of 2026.

Polda Metro Investigates Role of 65 People Suspected of Hijacking DPR Protest

Polda Metro Jaya is investigating 65 individuals suspected of attempting to hijack a demonstration at the House of Representatives (DPR). Police say the suspects were involved in staged mass mobilisation through social media and digital communication apps, with evidence including sharp weapons, airsoft guns, and materials for Molotov cocktails. Two suspects have been detained while investigations continue into the remaining 63.

Police Reveal Motive Behind Murder of Father and 2-Year-Old Child in Palu

Police in Palu, Central Sulawesi, have arrested a 31-year-old man accused of murdering his former co-worker, the victim's wife, and their two-year-old child. The suspect allegedly acted out of resentment after being dismissed from his job at a chicken slaughtering business, which he blamed on the victim's reports to their employer. Authorities have charged the suspect under multiple articles of the Criminal Code and are continuing intensive questioning.

Puan Joins DPR Plenary Session on 27 August

House Speaker Puan Maharani attended the DPR plenary session on 27 August 2026, joining proceedings that included the progress report on the Asset Forfeiture Bill. Commission III Chairman Habiburokhman confirmed the bill will be passed by December 2026 at the latest, describing it as a crucial component of an integrated criminal justice system.

Putri Zulhas Stresses Accuracy of Decile Data, Urges Attention to Real Conditions

Deputy Chair of House Commission XII Putri Zulkifli Hasan has called for serious improvements to the accuracy of the National Socio-Economic Single Data (DTSEN) before any restrictions on subsidised Pertalite fuel are implemented. She highlighted cases where low-income residents are incorrectly classified in deciles 9 and 10, potentially losing access to subsidies and social assistance. Putri urged direct field surveys rather than relying solely on administrative data or physical appearances of homes.

Satellite Images Show Nepal Before and After Flash Floods

Satellite imagery reveals the scale of devastation in Nepal following flash floods that struck on 26 August 2026. The disaster damaged villages, roads, bridges and power facilities near the Tibetan border, with around 430 megawatts of generating capacity affected. Experts suspect a glacial ice and rock avalanche may have triggered the flooding, which also impacted the Gyirong region of Tibet.

Kemkomdigi Urges Meta to Immediately Restore Blocked WhatsApp Accounts

Indonesia's Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs has summoned Meta representatives after receiving numerous complaints about WhatsApp accounts being deactivated without clear reason. Meta acknowledged a global system error caused the unintended blocks and has apologised, promising to restore affected accounts and review appeals within 24 hours. The ministry will continue monitoring the situation to ensure Meta fulfils its commitment to restoring communication access for Indonesian users.

Video: Dony Oskario and Danantara's Efforts to Resolve State-Owned Pharmaceutical Company Problems

BPI Danantara's Chief Operating Officer Dony Oskaria has stated that the streamlining of state-owned enterprises (BUMN) is aimed at improving performance and will not result in layoffs. The restructuring is expected to save up to Rp 60 trillion in losses. For pharmaceutical BUMNs, Danantara is carrying out a transformation under the Bio Farma holding, including fundamental restructuring of Kimia Farma, which has returned to profitability.

Chinese cultural arts performed in Bandung

Artists performed the Bian Lian mask dance at the Indonesia-China Cultural Centre in Bandung to introduce traditional Chinese arts to the Indonesian public, particularly the younger generation. The event aimed to promote learning about cultural acculturation and tolerance within Indonesia's ethnic diversity. A gallery at the centre also displayed historical archives tracing the Chinese community's presence, acculturation, and assimilation in Indonesia from the Silk Road trade era to the present.

UN sends flood mitigation aid to China-Nepal border

The United Nations has deployed humanitarian aid and personnel to assist communities affected by severe flooding along the China-Nepal border. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed condolences and confirmed UN support for government-led mitigation efforts in Nepal. The disaster has killed at least 160 people, left more than 680 missing, and caused extensive damage to infrastructure.

Residents Along Tukad Unda River in Klungkung Urge BWS to Build Protective Embankment

Residents living along the Tukad Unda river basin in Semarapura Kangin, Klungkung, Bali, are calling on the government to construct protective embankments to prevent their homes and land from being eroded during annual flooding. The river overflows every rainy season, forcing evacuations and steadily washing away riverbank land. Previous efforts by the Balai Wilayah Sungai to raise the riverbank were deemed inadequate due to the lack of strong protective structures such as gabions.

Pertalite Daily Consumption Soars to 84,368 KL in August

Indonesia's downstream oil and gas regulator BPH Migas has reported a significant rise in daily consumption of subsidised Pertalite petrol following price increases for non-subsidised fuels such as Pertamax. Average daily Pertalite consumption reached 84,368 kilolitres in August 2026, up 11.31% from normal levels. The regulator attributed the shift to the widening price gap between subsidised and non-subsidised fuels.

Police: Anarchist Group Mobilises Masses Via Social Media, Prepares Equipment

Jakarta police have revealed that an anarchist group planned to infiltrate a demonstration outside the DPR/MPR building, using social media platforms to mobilise participants and prepare equipment. Authorities detained 65 individuals, two of whom have been named suspects and remanded in custody. The group is alleged to have coordinated narratives, recruited participants, and raised funds, including around the Asset Forfeiture Bill.

Police Question Dozens Suspected of Links to Anarchist Group

Jakarta Metropolitan Police have questioned 63 people suspected of being affiliated with an anarchist group and of attempting to hijack a planned protest on 27 August. The suspects were detained in East Jakarta and are alleged to have been preparing weapons and other materials for violence. Police said the group had been consolidating around opposition to the Asset Forfeiture Bill.

Critical Notes on the Asset Forfeiture Bill from the Civil Society Coalition

A coalition of Indonesian civil society organisations has urged the House of Representatives and the government to make public the draft and Problem Inventory List of the Asset Forfeiture Bill. The coalition argues that the DPR's version of the bill contains at least three substantive regressions compared to the government's draft, including the removal of illicit enrichment provisions and a narrowed scope for non-conviction based forfeiture. They are calling for stronger provisions to ensure that unexplained wealth held by public officials can be seized by the state.

Asset Forfeiture Bill to Be Passed by End of Year, Here Are the Details

The House of Representatives (DPR) has confirmed that the Asset Forfeiture Bill will be completed and passed before the end of 2026. Commission III Chairman Habiburokhman stated that the lengthy deliberation is due to the entirely new concept of the regulation. The bill aims to address the low recovery of state losses, which currently stands at only around 20% in corruption cases.

BPKP, Home Affairs Ministry, and KPK Strengthen Synergy to Realise Integrity-Driven Regional Governments

Indonesia's BPKP, Ministry of Home Affairs, and Corruption Eradication Commission are intensifying collaboration to promote clean, transparent, and accountable regional governance. The initiative emphasises risk-based oversight and a shift towards measuring the quality and tangible benefits of internal audit functions. New BPKP Regulation No. 6 of 2025 underpins this effort by prioritising the quality of roles and services in assessing regional internal audit capabilities.