Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 27 August 2026

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27 August Protest: Puan Guarantees DPR Will Receive Pati Masses' Aspirations Today

House Speaker Puan Maharani has assured that the DPR will accept the aspirations of protesters from the Pati United Community Alliance and other groups demonstrating in Jakarta today. The protesters are demanding firm government action against corruption and the immediate passage of the Asset Forfeiture Bill. Police have tightened security on the Merak-Tangerang toll road and arterial routes in anticipation of demonstrators travelling from Sumatra.

Prabowo Increases PPATK Budget by 100%: Financial Intelligence Strengthened!

President Prabowo Subianto has more than doubled the budget of Indonesia's Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (PPATK) for 2027, raising it from Rp253.3 billion to Rp655.6 billion. The head of PPATK, Ivan Yustiavandana, said the increase would strengthen the agency's capacity to combat money laundering, terrorism financing, and online gambling. He also highlighted significant declines in online gambling fund flows and detailed the value of suspicious transactions identified across various crime categories.

PPIH Health 2027: Can non-ASN health workers apply?

Indonesia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has opened registration for the 2027 Hajj Health Organising Committee (PPIH Kesehatan), confirming that non-civil servant (non-ASN) health workers are eligible to apply. The selection process runs from 20 to 26 August 2026, with applicants required to meet professional, administrative and health criteria, including a letter of permission from their current employer. The ministry emphasises that employment status is not the determining factor, with competence, integrity and commitment to serving pilgrims being paramount.

Ahmad Ramzy Baabud Highlights the State of Law Enforcement in Indonesia

Prominent advocate Ahmad Ramzy Baabud has voiced concerns about consistency and integrity in Indonesia's legal system, calling for stronger synergy among police, prosecutors, judges, and lawyers. He advocates for legal reform, transparency, and the use of technology to restore public trust in the judiciary.

Margono Djojohadikusumo Proposed as National Hero, Central Java Social Affairs Office Responds

The Central Java Social Affairs Office has clarified that the proposal to award Margono Djojohadikusumo the title of National Hero is not linked to President Prabowo Subianto's position. The proposal was initiated by the Serulingmas organisation in March 2025 and is based on Margono's historical contributions, including founding Bank Negara Indonesia. The office has declined to speculate on whether the title will be conferred during Heroes Day in November 2026.

USS Abraham Lincoln Departs, Iran Says US Failed in Show of Force

Iran has claimed that the departure of the USS Abraham Lincoln from the Middle East demonstrates a failed American show of force, citing the exhausted state of the carrier's crew. The vessel is now sailing towards Thailand for rest and recovery after more than 200 days at sea without a port call. The extended deployment had raised concerns over crew welfare and drew criticism from US politicians.

Check PIP 2026 via SIPINTAR, prepare NISN and NIK

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has enabled online checking of Program Indonesia Pintar (PIP) 2026 status through the SIPINTAR platform using NISN and NIK. The government has expanded PIP coverage to early childhood education, targeting around 19.48 million students from underprivileged families. The programme aims to support educational continuity and reduce dropout rates.

East Java PDIP Chair Shares Hopes for 35th NU Congress

Said Abdullah, chair of PDIP's East Java branch, has urged that the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama Congress serve as a moment to strengthen the organisation's moral and cultural standing rather than merely a leadership transition. He cautioned against NU being drawn into pragmatic, transactional politics and emphasised the importance of its pesantren-based subculture. The congress is scheduled for 27–31 August 2026 in Jombang, East Java.

QS ranks 10 most student-friendly cities for 2027

Quacquarelli Symonds has released its QS Best Student Cities 2027 ranking, with Seoul topping the list for the second consecutive year. The ranking assesses 150 cities based on university quality, student mix, employer activity, affordability and student feedback. Indonesian cities remain outside the top 100, with Yogyakarta, Bandung, Surabaya and Jakarta all featuring in the global list.

Police to Block Merak Toll Road Ahead of 27 August Protest to Prevent Masses from Sumatra

Police in Tangerang are tightening security on the Merak-Tangerang toll road and arterial routes to prevent demonstrators from Sumatra reaching Jakarta for a planned protest at the DPR building on 27 August 2026. The Tangerang Education Agency has also issued a circular urging parents to escort their children home from school during the protest period.

Gold Price Pressured by US Inflation: Plunges Over 1% Overnight

Gold prices fell sharply on Wednesday after hotter-than-expected US inflation data raised speculation that the Federal Reserve may raise interest rates next month. The precious metal dropped 1.39% to US$4,592.03 per troy ounce, snapping a three-day rally. Analysts suggest the decline was driven by a stronger US dollar and rising Treasury yields, though some see potential for gold to reach US$5,000 later this year.

Causes of Flash Floods in Nepal and Tibet: Expert Explanations

Experts attribute the deadly flash floods and landslides along the Nepal-Tibet border to the extreme topography of the Himalayas, with seismic data suggesting a landslide rather than an earthquake triggered the disaster. The absence of rainfall rendered early warning systems ineffective, while climate change trends are increasing the risk of such events in the region.

IKPI: Tax Consultant Bill a strategic instrument to accelerate tax ratio

The Indonesian Tax Consultants Association (IKPI) has urged the government to enact a Tax Consultant Law, arguing it is essential for standardising the profession and boosting the national tax ratio. IKPI contends that legal certainty for tax consultants would strengthen institutional partnerships with the government and optimise state revenue amid digital transformation. The association believes such a law would benefit tax consultants, taxpayers, and the government alike.

Bandung Residents Deny Child Provoked Pitbull Attack That Tore Head and Ear

Residents of Grand Cendana Residence in Bandung Regency have issued a formal statement denying that a child victim or other children provoked a pitbull before it attacked, citing CCTV footage and witness accounts. The community has submitted an eight-point petition calling for legal action, animal control measures, and trauma support. They have also urged authorities and the media to respect the victim's privacy.

Mobile driving licence service available at five locations in Jakarta on Thursday

The Jakarta Metropolitan Police traffic directorate is operating mobile driving licence renewal services at five locations across the capital on Thursday. The service runs from 8am to 2pm and only handles renewals for still-valid Class A and Class C licences. Renewal fees are set at Rp80,000 for Class A and Rp75,000 for Class C under Government Regulation No. 76 of 2020.

Persuasion by Sister-in-Law Behind Courier's 43 kg Methamphetamine Operation

A man in Pekanbaru, Riau, was arrested as a courier for 43 kilograms of methamphetamine after being persuaded by his sister-in-law to join a drug network. Gilang Alfitrah Dalimunthe initially refused but was eventually lured by promises of tens of millions of rupiah per job. Police are now pursuing the network's leader, identified only as QY.

Traffic Management in Jakarta Ahead of 27 August Demonstration

The Jakarta Transportation Agency has deployed 120 personnel and prepared traffic diversions ahead of a demonstration at the DPR building on 27 August 2026. Traffic management is divided into three zones covering the DPR/MPR complex, the Senayan–Gatot Subroto–Sudirman corridor, and the State Palace area. Motorists are advised to follow officer instructions and use alternative routes if diversions are implemented.

Police Hunt Two Suspects in Fatal Beating of Munil After Drinking Party

Police in Bantul are pursuing two remaining suspects in the fatal assault of Triyanto, known as Munil, following a drinking session. Three other suspects have been arrested and face charges under the Criminal Code. Investigators say the attack was not premeditated but was triggered by momentary emotion while under the influence of alcohol.

Ministry of Defence: KRI Gajah Mada to dock in Jakarta for handover process

The Indonesian Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the aircraft carrier ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi, to be renamed KRI Gajah Mada, will dock in Jakarta for a formal handover ceremony from Italy. The vessel is expected to arrive in mid-September 2026, after which it will proceed to its home base in Lampung. The Indonesian Navy has stated that the Lampung base is nearing completion and will be fully operational by the end of September 2026.

Indonesia's Flying Taxi Hopes Grow as Full-Scale eVTOL Prototype Unveiled

Indonesian aerospace developer PT Vela Prima Nusantara has unveiled a full-scale prototype of its Vela Alpha electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft at Heli Expo Asia 2026 in Jakarta. The launch positions Indonesia as a pioneer in Advanced Air Mobility manufacturing in Southeast Asia. The aircraft is designed to address connectivity challenges across the archipelago and is targeted for entry into service by early 2029.

US Faces Difficult Conditions, Trump Signs New Proclamation

President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation to temporarily increase imports of lean beef trimmings in an effort to curb record-high beef prices for American consumers. The move has drawn immediate opposition from US rancher groups, who warn that tariff relief could harm domestic producers. The policy comes as drought and wildfires have reduced cattle supplies to their lowest level in 75 years.

DKI yesterday: Kelapa Gading-Manggarai LRT to Kramat Jati relocation

The Jakarta provincial government has postponed the inauguration of the Kelapa Gading–Manggarai LRT route to allow for final facility improvements. Separately, 193 fish traders in Kramat Jati are being relocated to a designated trading area as part of urban restructuring. Other developments include confirmation that parking tariffs remain unchanged and preparations for a demonstration outside the parliament complex.

Gerindra on 'Ministers Who Cannot Cope Should Step Aside': A Reaffirmation of Loyalty

Gerindra spokesperson Bahtra Banong has defended President Prabowo Subianto's warning that ministers who cannot cope with the demands of their roles should resign. He described the statement as a reaffirmation of performance standards and loyalty within the Red and White Cabinet. The remarks follow Prabowo's call for his ministers to work through public holidays to deliver priority programmes.

Energy Ministry prepares 48 generators for health facilities in NTT

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has prepared 48 generators to support health facilities in areas affected by the earthquake in Nusa Tenggara Timur. The generators will be distributed across seven affected regencies, with around 30 emergency response posts also established. The support aims to ensure basic services, particularly healthcare, continue operating in the post-disaster period.

IHSG and Rupiah Today: Tested by Protests, Terrorised by US Inflation

The Jakarta Composite Index (IHSG) closed sharply lower while the rupiah strengthened against the US dollar. Government bond yields rose as US inflation data remained elevated, raising uncertainty about the Federal Reserve's policy direction. Investors are also awaiting the results of the Bank Indonesia governor fit-and-proper test and Nvidia's earnings report.

Ancol to Host First National Beach Games in 2026, Embracing Sport Tourism Concept

Ancol, Jakarta, has been selected to host Indonesia's inaugural National Beach Games (PON Pantai) in November 2026. The event is a strategic collaboration between KONI, the Jakarta provincial government, and Jaya Ancol, aiming to boost sport tourism and develop beach sports athletes. Organisers plan a one-week competition featuring disciplines suited to Ancol's existing facilities, with a minimum participation requirement of five provinces per sport.

Two Injured, 60 Homes Destroyed in Muara Angke Fire

A major fire swept through a residential area in Muara Angke, North Jakarta, destroying around 60 homes and affecting 730 residents. Two people sustained injuries and were treated by the Indonesian Red Cross. Firefighters deployed 132 personnel and managed to localise the blaze within hours, though the cause and total material losses remain under investigation.

BKPRMI: President demonstrates concrete action in handling forest fires and NTT earthquake

The Indonesian Mosque Youth Communication Agency (BKPRMI) has praised President Prabowo Subianto for his direct involvement in addressing forest and land fires and the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara. The organisation urged the public to avoid provocation and hoaxes while supporting the government's disaster response efforts. BKPRMI also called on mosque youth to maintain unity and contribute constructively to national recovery.

Prabowo Calls for Every Region to Have Food Warehouses

President Prabowo Subianto has instructed that every region in Indonesia should have a logistics warehouse to prepare for emergencies, including natural disasters. The proposal came from BNPB head Suharyanto, who noted that empty BPBD warehouses in NTT delayed aid distribution following the recent earthquake. The central government will assist provinces and regencies in establishing these food storage facilities.

Latest Update on Nepal-Tibet Flash Floods, Hundreds Dead and Missing

A massive flash flood triggered by a landslide of mud and rock has devastated the Nepal-Tibet border region, killing at least 157 people and leaving hundreds of tourists missing. Rescue operations are ongoing as authorities warn the death toll could rise significantly, with widespread damage to homes, roads, and hydropower projects.

Iranians Queue at Petrol Stations Amid New US Sanctions

New US sanctions against Iran have triggered long queues at petrol stations in Tehran as residents brace for economic fallout. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has threatened unprecedented economic isolation, including a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials have responded with warnings that regional energy exports could be disrupted if other nations join Washington's measures.

Land and Forest Fires: ARI Cases in South Kalimantan Reach 36,196

South Kalimantan's Health Office has recorded 36,196 cases of acute respiratory infection (ARI) between epidemiological weeks 28 and 32 of 2026, amid ongoing land and forest fires. While the weekly increase has begun to slow, Banjarmasin, Banjarbaru, and Banjar Regency account for nearly 46 per cent of the latest week's reports. Health authorities caution against attributing the rise solely to fires, citing the need to examine air quality, weather, and other factors.

Indonesia Breaks Ground on $169 Million Bekasi Waste-to-Energy Plant

Indonesia has commenced construction of a Rp 3 trillion waste-to-energy facility in Bekasi, set to process 1,500 tons of waste daily and supply electricity to PLN at $0.20 per kWh. The project, developed by Danantara Indonesia subsidiary Denera, uses low-emission incineration technology compliant with EU environmental standards and is expected to create nearly 1,000 green jobs. Bekasi was chosen due to exceeded landfill capacity, highlighting the government's push for integrated waste management solutions.

228 Parents in Gianyar Trained to Prevent Children's Gadget Addiction

The Gianyar Education Office is providing technical guidance to 228 parents and committee chairs on digital-era parenting. The programme aims to equip parents with strategies to prevent gadget addiction among children through active supervision rather than outright prohibition. The training covers safe device use, age-appropriate content selection, and fostering critical thinking in children.

Police Issue Message Ahead of 27 August Protest: Convey Aspirations in an Orderly and Responsible Manner

The Indonesian National Police have urged the public to exercise their right to free speech responsibly ahead of planned demonstrations on 27 August 2026. Police spokesperson Inspector General Johnny Eddizon Isir emphasised that while the right to public assembly is protected by law, it must be carried out peacefully and without disrupting public order. The police also cautioned citizens against unverified information circulating on social media.

Protecting Migrant Workers, Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment Urges BPJS Employment to Collaborate with Private Insurers

Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment A. Muhaimin Iskandar has called for comprehensive insurance protection for Indonesian migrant workers through collaboration between BPJS Ketenagakerjaan and professional insurance companies. Speaking at the inauguration of the Malang Migrant Center, he stressed that insurance must be treated as an urgent necessity for workers before departure and during placement abroad. The minister also highlighted the need to strengthen government-to-government cooperation with destination countries such as Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore.

Not Just an Alternative: Sharia Banking as a Driver of National Economic Resilience

Indonesia's sharia banking sector is growing at a double-digit pace but still holds a relatively small market share, limiting its capacity to cushion the broader economy. The author argues that sharia banking's built-in discipline—asset-backed financing, prohibitions on speculation, and risk-sharing contracts—makes it structurally more resilient during crises. A five-point policy agenda is proposed to reposition sharia banking as a primary pillar of national economic resilience rather than a mere alternative.

Yesterday's crime roundup: Revaldo Fifaldi drug case to Ruben Onsu fraud

A roundup of security-related incidents in Jakarta on Wednesday, 26 August, covering drug supply investigations, a rejected pre-trial motion, an armed robbery arrest, a fraud case involving a celebrity, and a planned demonstration at the national parliament.

Netanyahu: There Will Be a Large Migration of Israeli Settlers to Palestinian Territory

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to continue building illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank, predicting a large wave of settler migration. His remarks come ahead of Israel's October 2026 election and amid international condemnation, including from Indonesia and other OIC member states, of the controversial E1 settlement project.

Febrie's Pretrial: BW Law Office Said to Have Sent Amicus Curiae

The law firm Widjojanto, Sonhaji & Associates is reported to have submitted an amicus curiae brief in the pretrial motion filed by former Junior Attorney General for Special Crimes, Febrie Adriansyah. The presiding judge confirmed receipt of the document but did not read its contents aloud, instead allowing both parties to view it directly. Bambang Widjojanto has denied personally authoring or signing the brief.

Deputy Environment Minister Urges Regional Governments to Build Canal Blocks in Peatland Areas Prone to Forest Fires

Deputy Environment Minister Diaz Hendropriyono has called on regional governments to construct canal blocks in fire-prone peatland areas to improve firefighting effectiveness and prevent the spread of fires. The Ministry of Environment has mapped vulnerable locations and urged local authorities to engage communities to avoid resistance to the projects. Air quality monitoring shows hazardous pollution levels in Muaro Jambi and Palangka Raya, with several other regions classified as very unhealthy.

Free health screening enables early TB detection amid archipelagic geographic challenges

A pulmonologist in Maluku is using the government's free health screening programme to detect tuberculosis earlier, while navigating the province's island geography and a severe shortage of specialists. Patient adherence to the six-month treatment regimen remains a major challenge, with premature discontinuation risking drug resistance and permanent lung damage.

A cloth of remembrance for the victory at Sunda Kelapa

An exhibition at Jakarta's Textile Museum showcases the Caruban Nagari banner, a historic cloth linked to Fatahillah's 1527 victory over the Portuguese at Sunda Kelapa. The display, part of the museum's 50th anniversary celebrations, features around 50 significant textiles including royal batik pieces. Curators hope the exhibition will inspire younger generations to appreciate and preserve Indonesia's textile heritage.

Bareskrim Issues 32 Police Reports in Agrarian Conflict Cases Over the Past Year

The Indonesian National Police's Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) has issued 32 police reports related to agrarian conflict cases during the 2025-2026 period, based on data from the Consortium for Agrarian Reform. The reports span 12 provinces, with most cases occurring in the plantation sector. Bareskrim has deployed supervisory teams and instructed regional police to handle land disputes in a humane and transparent manner.

National Political Dynamics Heat Up, Existence of Volunteer Organisations Again in the Spotlight

Activist Yulian Paonganan, known as Ongen, has questioned the direction of Projo, the volunteer organisation that supported former President Joko Widodo, following the change of government. He argued that volunteer groups should transform clearly and contribute positively to democracy rather than only emerging during political moments. Ongen also stressed that such organisations have no formal position in President Prabowo Subianto's cabinet and should not act as if they determine national power.

Operation Barbarossa vs Rasputitsa and Indonesia's Defence

A retired Indonesian major general draws strategic lessons from Nazi Germany's failed invasion of the Soviet Union, focusing on how the rasputitsa mud season crippled German logistics and armour. He argues that Indonesia must learn from this historical example to strengthen its own territorial defence and infrastructure resilience.

Javanese Script Training Enlivens 35th NU Congress in Jombang

A Javanese script literacy training programme was held during the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Congress in Jombang, East Java, aiming to revive Nusantara scripts. Organisers framed the initiative as a cultural mission linked to the Islamic propagation strategies of the Walisongo. The training targeted teachers across Jombang and introduced the Carangapak method, which promises literacy in Javanese script within six hours.

Police Arrest 3 Youths in Bogor Brawl, 7 Sickles Confiscated

Police in Bogor, West Java, arrested three young men during a street brawl on Jalan Raya Jakarta-Bogor in the early hours of Thursday. Seven sickle-type sharp weapons were seized at the scene. The suspects have been taken to Bogor Police headquarters for further investigation.

Former Condongcatur Village Head Reno Remains Corruption Suspect Despite Partial Pretrial Victory

Reno Candra Sangaji, the former village head of Condongcatur in Sleman, has won a partial pretrial victory that annulled his suspect status in a village land misuse case in Pringwulung, but he remains a suspect in a separate case in Gandok. The Yogyakarta High Prosecutor's Office was found to have failed to present a valid investigation warrant, while the Sleman District Court ruled that the DIY Police had sufficient evidence in the Gandok case. Reno remains in police custody.

US 'Suicide'! Iran War Causes Rp548 T Loss, Worst in 40 Years

American farmers are facing their worst financial crisis in four decades, with projected losses of US$31 billion this year as fuel and fertiliser costs soar following the war with Iran. The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has driven diesel prices to record highs, compounding years of declining crop prices and falling incomes. The crisis is intensifying political pressure ahead of November's midterm elections and has forced the Trump administration to seek an additional US$11 billion in federal aid.