Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 27 August 2026

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How Revaldo First Met Drug Dealer at Rehabilitation Centre

Police have revealed how actor Revaldo Fifaldi first met drug dealer HS at a rehabilitation facility. Their acquaintance continued after both left rehab, eventually leading to shared drug use and a purchase of methamphetamine. Police say Revaldo received drugs free three times before becoming dependent and buying from HS.

Clashes Erupt as Police Fire Water Cannon at Demonstrators, Crowd Forced Back on Both Sides

Police deployed water cannon and physical force to disperse protesters outside the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR/MPR) building in Jakarta on Thursday evening. Demonstrators had thrown stones, water bottles and set fire to cardboard boxes before officers pushed them back towards Pejompongan and Senayan. The unrest prompted the closure of the Cawang-Grogol inner-city toll road in the Slipi direction.

Aceh MSME transactions at Karya Kreatif Indonesia 2026 reach Rp7.9 billion

Bank Indonesia's Aceh representative office reported that transactions from Aceh's MSMEs during the Karya Kreatif Indonesia 2026 event reached Rp7.98 billion, a 400 percent increase from the previous year. The figure includes offline sales, online sales, and export realisation, marking the highest record since Aceh's participation in the event. The achievement underscores the growing competitiveness of Aceh's local products in domestic and global markets.

Danantara ready to expand data centre investment amid high demand

Indonesia's Investment Management Agency Danantara plans to expand its data centre investments as demand for digital infrastructure continues to outstrip supply. The agency says new capacity is absorbed immediately, with waiting times of up to a year, and it is also pursuing semiconductor and AI chip development through a partnership with Arm Limited.

Asosiasi Blockchain Indonesia Gandeng Privy Perkuat Kepercayaan Digital

Asosiasi Blockchain Indonesia (ABI) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Privy, a certified electronic certificate provider, to strengthen digital trust infrastructure in the country's growing blockchain and crypto asset industry. The collaboration aims to ensure robust investor identity verification, supported by Privy's technology including liveness detection and a certificate warranty of up to Rp1 billion. This initiative responds to the significant growth in Indonesian crypto investors, which reached 22.69 million by mid-2026 with transaction values of Rp28.58 trillion.

Japanese Farmers Only Go Out at Night, No Longer Able to Work Under the Sun

Japanese farmers are shifting to nocturnal working hours as extreme heat makes daytime labour increasingly dangerous. With temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius inside greenhouses, many agricultural workers have adjusted their schedules to protect both themselves and their crops. The trend reflects broader concerns about heat-related illness and deaths in Japan's ageing farming population.

Jakarta Information Commission urges Budhi Asih Hospital to institutionalise public information openness

The Jakarta Information Commission has called on RSUD Budhi Asih to embed public information disclosure into its service culture rather than treating it as a mere compliance exercise. The hospital has retained its 'Informative Public Body' status for two consecutive years, and commissioners stressed that information openness is fundamental to justice and effective public service.

North Korea condemns 'fantastic' US arms sales to South Korea

North Korea has criticised the United States for approving large-scale weapons sales to South Korea, including advanced air-to-air missiles and helicopters. Pyongyang claims the sales demonstrate Washington's active role in strengthening South Korea's military capabilities and maintaining hostility towards the North. The North Korean foreign ministry warned it would respond firmly to what it described as external threats to its security and political stability.

BI Reveals 3 Conditions for Indonesia's Economy to Reach 6 Percent in 2027

Bank Indonesia has outlined three key assumptions that could enable Indonesia's economic growth to reach 6 percent in 2027, as targeted in the 2027 State Budget Draft. The central bank's current projection ranges from 5.1 to 5.9 percent, with Deputy Governor Aida S. Budiman highlighting improved global prospects, accelerated investment, and optimised export proceeds as potential catalysts. Global economic risks remain elevated due to Middle East geopolitical tensions and tighter monetary policy.

Bareskrim arrests Planet Batam nightclub owner who fled to Singapore

Indonesian National Police's Criminal Investigation Unit (Bareskrim) has arrested Yuwanky, the owner of the Planet nightclub in Batam, after he fled to Singapore and was placed on the wanted list. He was detained at Soekarno-Hatta Airport upon returning from Singapore. Yuwanky is suspected of being a drug dealer who supplied various narcotics at the entertainment venue together with another suspect, Basri Lemaiwang.

Police Disperse Protesters in Front of DPR Building

Police dispersed demonstrators who remained outside the House of Representatives (DPR) building on Thursday evening, using water cannon and pushing the crowd back. The protesters, including students from several universities, were demanding the passage of the Asset Forfeiture Bill. Roads around the DPR remained closed as the dispersal continued.

PPATK Budget Rises 100 Percent, Financial Intelligence Strengthened

President Prabowo Subianto has doubled the budget of Indonesia's Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (PPATK) to over Rp 516 billion for 2027, significantly boosting its capacity to combat money laundering and terrorism financing. The agency reported a decline in online gambling turnover to Rp 286.84 trillion in 2025 and identified hundreds of trillions of rupiah in suspicious transactions linked to corruption, mining, and environmental crimes.

Aspebindo Pushes Bioenergy to Become National Energy Strength and Resilience

The Indonesian Energy, Mineral and Coal Suppliers Association (Aspebindo) is expanding its focus into renewable energy, particularly bioenergy, through its Bioenergy Business Summit 2026. The association aims to connect policymakers, industry players and investors to develop biodiesel, bioethanol, biomass, biogas and waste-based energy. The initiative is positioned as a key contribution to national energy security and regional economic development.

Creative Economy Ministry trains Aceh residents in photography for post-disaster economic recovery

Indonesia's Ministry of Creative Economy has launched a photography and storytelling training programme in Aceh Tamiang to support economic recovery following hydrometeorological disasters. The initiative aims to empower local residents to become creators and storytellers of their own recovery, rather than passive subjects. The programme is part of a broader post-disaster rehabilitation effort, with similar sessions held in Padang Pariaman and planned for Tapanuli Selatan.

BNI Provides Aid for Communities Affected by Forest and Land Fires in Central Kalimantan

State-owned Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) has distributed humanitarian assistance to communities affected by forest and land fires across ten regions in Central Kalimantan. The aid, delivered through the BNI Berbagi programme, includes firefighting equipment and essential supplies for residents. BNI coordinated with local disaster management agencies to ensure the support matched on-the-ground needs.

Deputy Home Affairs Minister Urges APKASI Otonomi Expo 2026 to Deliver Real Investment

Deputy Home Affairs Minister Bima Arya Sugiarto has called for the APKASI Otonomi Expo 2026 to move beyond being a promotional showcase and instead generate tangible investment contracts and realisations. He outlined seven directives for regional heads, including identifying local economic strengths, selecting competitive products, and ensuring business meetings lead to actual contracts. The expo, held at ICE BSD in Tangerang, aims to connect regional potential with markets and investors to drive economic growth and public welfare.

Indonesia relocates 3 endangered orangutans amid severe dry season

Indonesian conservation authorities have relocated three endangered orangutans from residential areas in West Kalimantan to Gunung Palung National Park after dry-season conditions drove them into human settlements. The joint rescue operation, involving the West Kalimantan BKSDA, national park officials, and the YIARI foundation, confirmed the primates were healthy before release. Officials are also responding to a separate orangutan sighting in North Kayong and urging the public to report wildlife encounters to prevent human-animal conflict.

Prabowo Says Indonesia Nears Energy Self-Sufficiency, Will Not Need Much Fuel Imports

President Prabowo Subianto has claimed Indonesia is on the verge of achieving energy self-sufficiency, following its attainment of food self-sufficiency, and will soon no longer need to import large quantities of fuel. Speaking at the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama Congress in Jombang, he also highlighted the progress of the Free Nutritious Meals programme, which now reaches more than 62 million beneficiaries. He further announced that tens of thousands of Merah Putih village cooperatives will soon begin operating to distribute subsidised goods directly to the public.

35th NU Congress: President Prabowo Outlines Two Years of Government Achievements

President Prabowo Subianto expressed optimism about Indonesia's economic future while addressing the opening of the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama Congress in Jombang, East Java. He highlighted strategic achievements over the past two years, including food self-sufficiency and state budget savings amounting to hundreds of trillions of rupiah. The President also praised the role of grassroots religious leaders in maintaining social harmony and moral guidance.

Pinang Ranti Sub-district in East Jakarta turns dry leaves into organic fertiliser

Pinang Ranti Sub-district in Makasar, East Jakarta, is converting dry leaves collected from street sweeping into organic fertiliser. The initiative supports urban farming at the sub-district office while reducing organic waste. Officials say the fertiliser could also be sold, providing economic benefits alongside food security and environmental cleanliness.

KAI Palembang carries 26,723 passengers during Prophet Muhammad's birthday holiday

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) Regional Division III Palembang transported 26,723 passengers during the extended weekend holiday marking the Prophet Muhammad's birthday from 21 to 26 August 2026, reaching 139 per cent of available seat capacity. The Rajabasa and Bukit Serelo train services recorded the highest passenger volumes, with occupancy rates exceeding 160 per cent on some routes. KAI also reported a 100 per cent on-time performance rate for departures and arrivals throughout the period.

35th NU Congress: President Prabowo Optimistic Indonesia Will Rise Through Corruption Eradication

President Prabowo Subianto expressed strong optimism about Indonesia's future during the opening of the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama Congress in Jombang, East Java. He identified corruption as the main obstacle to national progress and highlighted government efforts to close budget leakages and implement significant efficiency measures. The President stated that savings amounting to hundreds of trillions of rupiah would be redirected to assist the poorest and most vulnerable citizens.

South Kalimantan Health Office sets up oxygen house for residents affected by haze

The South Kalimantan Health Office has established an oxygen house in Banjarbaru to provide support for residents affected by haze. The facility offers concentrated oxygen for people in need of emergency assistance while passing through the area. The health office is monitoring usage and may add more locations if demand increases.

Jabodebek LRT Ridership Rises Amid Growing Public Mobility Needs

Ridership on the Jabodebek LRT increased by 21% in the first seven months of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, reaching over 19 million passengers. Growth was recorded on both weekdays and weekends, with notable increases at stations such as Kampung Rambutan and Ciracas. The operator is adjusting service frequencies and strengthening intermodal connectivity to meet evolving travel demand.

Health Ministry sets up field hospitals safe from aftershocks in NTT

Indonesia's Health Ministry has deployed inflatable field hospitals in East Nusa Tenggara to ensure safe surgical operations following a deadly earthquake. The disaster has killed 105 people and injured hundreds more, with over 185,000 residents displaced. Medical teams are also monitoring disease outbreaks in evacuation sites, including respiratory infections and rabies exposure.

Court rejects Febrie Adriansyah's pre-trial motion over search case

The South Jakarta District Court has rejected a pre-trial motion filed by former Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes Febrie Adriansyah challenging his designation as a suspect in a money laundering case and related detention efforts. The ruling was delivered by sole judge Richard Edwin Basoeki, who also ordered the petitioner to bear no court costs. A second pre-trial motion concerning searches and seizures by Polda Metro Jaya and the Police's Corruption Eradication Corps is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Friday.

ARPG appreciates DPR commitment to promptly pass Asset Forfeiture Bill

The National Coordinator of the Prabowo-Gibran Volunteer Alliance (ARPG), Syafrudin Budiman, has welcomed the House of Representatives' commitment to pass the Asset Forfeiture Bill by 15 December 2026 at the latest. He described the deadline as an important momentum to strengthen corruption eradication and ensure that assets derived from criminal acts can be pursued and recovered. The ARPG also urged that the deliberation process remain fair, balanced, and open to public participation.

Indramayu Regency Government: PM-AAS boosts rice productivity to 10.45 tonnes per hectare

Indramayu Regency in West Java has reported that its Modern Agriculture-Advanced Agricultural System (PM-AAS) programme has raised average rice productivity to 10.45 tonnes per hectare, according to measurements by the local statistics agency. The result far exceeds the initial target of eight tonnes per hectare and is expected to increase farmer incomes significantly. Officials say the success demonstrates the benefits of agricultural modernisation and technology adoption.

Investment Ministry: Indonesian economy continues to show resilience

Indonesia's Investment Ministry has stated that the national economy remains resilient despite global pressures from the Iran-US conflict, rising energy prices and interest rates. Macroeconomic fundamentals such as growth above 5 percent, controlled inflation and strong consumer confidence are being maintained. Investment realisation reached approximately Rp1,010 trillion in the first half of 2026, growing by around 7.1-7.2 percent.

Bareskrim Dismantles Casino Gambling Operation in Sukoharjo, 30 Named as Suspects

The Indonesian National Police's Criminal Investigation Directorate (Bareskrim) has uncovered an illegal casino operating in Sukoharjo, Central Java, resulting in 30 suspects being detained. The operation, which involved coordination between Bareskrim and regional police forces, seized over Rp1 billion in cash along with gambling equipment. Authorities are continuing to investigate other parties suspected of supporting the operation, including transaction managers and facility providers.

NTT Police Chief Urges Earthquake Victims Without Aid to Report Immediately

East Nusa Tenggara Police Chief Inspector General Rudi Darmoko has called on earthquake-affected residents in Flores who have not yet received logistical assistance to report to the police. Distribution efforts are being carried out via land, sea, and air to reach isolated areas, including Palue Island. The police are also stepping up security patrols and helping residents clear debris from damaged buildings.

Forest Fires Approach BSP Oil Wells, Fire South of NEB#08 Extinguished

Forest and land fires near PT Bumi Siak Pusako's operational area in Siak, Riau, have been partially contained, with the blaze south of the NEB#08 oil well successfully extinguished. Firefighting teams remain on high alert as flames continue to burn approximately 150 to 200 metres north of the well, prompting the construction of canals to protect nearby infrastructure. Around 30 personnel and specialised equipment have been deployed to prevent the fire from reaching vital oil production facilities.

Motorcyclist Who Claimed to Carry a Weapon While Threatening Driver in Depok Apologises

A motorcyclist in Depok has apologised after threatening a car driver and claiming to be carrying a sharp weapon during a confrontation on Jalan Juanda. The incident, which was captured on video, reportedly stemmed from a minor collision. Police are now investigating the matter.

Puan seeks Foreign Ministry talks over Kalimantan wildfire haze

House Speaker Puan Maharani has called for the Foreign Ministry to establish effective communication with neighbouring countries over transboundary haze from Kalimantan wildfires. She stressed the need for greater efforts to contain the fires and address their impact on public health and education, while also urging forest and land rehabilitation. The Foreign Ministry has confirmed continued diplomatic engagement through ASEAN mechanisms, including the 2002 Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution.

Asset Forfeiture Bill Ratification Strengthens Government's Poverty Alleviation Efforts, Says BP Taskin Head

Budiman Sudjatmiko, Head of the Poverty Alleviation Acceleration Agency (BP Taskin), has stated that ratifying the Asset Forfeiture Bill is crucial for closing budget leakages caused by corruption. He argued that recovering stolen assets would expand fiscal space, allowing the government to redirect funds towards poverty alleviation programmes. The DPR has set a deadline of 15 December 2026 to confirm the bill's ratification.

Prabowo Jokingly Asks Gus Yahya for NU Membership Card

President Prabowo Subianto made a light-hearted request for a Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) membership card during the organisation's 31st Muktamar in Jombang, East Java. He expressed hope of receiving the card before the congress closes on 31 August 2026, promising to return for the closing ceremony if it is issued. Prabowo also emphasised the importance of close ties between the government and major Islamic organisations such as NU and Muhammadiyah for national progress.

CJIBF 2026 Catat Potensi Investasi Rp19,07 Triliun, Jawa Tengah Makin Dilirik Investor

The Central Java Investment Business Forum (CJIBF) 2026 in Jakarta recorded potential investment commitments of Rp19.07 trillion across manufacturing, clean energy, tourism, and industrial estates. The forum facilitated 74 one-on-one meetings and produced several Letters of Intent, including a Rp8.75 trillion halal food industry project and a Rp4 trillion Chinese tyre factory in the Batang Special Economic Zone. Governor Ahmad Luthfi emphasised that investment must benefit local communities by integrating 4.2 million micro-enterprises into industrial supply chains and creating new economic growth centres beyond existing industrial hubs.

Gus Yahya Hopes Prabowo Will Open 2031 NU Congress

Nahdlatul Ulama chairman Yahya Cholil Staquf has expressed hope that President Prabowo Subianto will again open the organisation's next congress in 2031. Speaking at the 35th NU Congress in Jombang, he emphasised the principle of mutual assistance as the foundation of social order. He also stressed that the direction chosen by congress participants must remain aligned with the interests of the nation and state.

Pretrial Motion of Former Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes Febrie Adriansyah Rejected

The South Jakarta District Court has rejected a pretrial motion filed by former Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes Febrie Adriansyah, who challenged his naming as a suspect, searches, seizures, and a travel ban. The judge ruled that the police investigation followed proper procedures. Police maintain that evidence of corruption and money laundering was found before Febrie was named a suspect, linked to his handling of the PT ASABRI and PT Jiwasraya cases.

President highlights achievements for people's welfare at NU Congress

President Prabowo Subianto used the opening of the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama Congress in Jombang, East Java, to highlight his administration's achievements over the past two years, including food self-sufficiency and progress towards energy self-sufficiency. He acknowledged that improvements are still needed in the free nutritious meals programme and announced that tens of thousands of village cooperative units will soon distribute subsidised goods. The President also expressed gratitude to NU and Muhammadiyah for their support and praised local clerics for maintaining social harmony.

South Kalimantan Health Office: Postpone outdoor activities as haze thickens

The South Kalimantan Health Office has urged residents to postpone outdoor activities as air quality deteriorates due to increasing haze from forest and land fires. The office advises checking air quality before going outside and seeking medical attention if respiratory symptoms persist. Health facilities across the province are being coordinated to ensure readiness during the haze period.

Java Faces Gas Supply Shortage, New Oil and Gas Projects to Fill the Gap

Indonesia's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has identified several new gas fields in East Java to address a persistent supply deficit in Central and East Java. The Cirebon-Semarang gas transmission pipeline has been completed, but the region still faces a shortfall of 100-125 MMSCFD. New fields such as Lengo and Bukit Panjang are projected to begin contributing significant volumes from 2030 onwards.

Prabowo Calls for 'Jas Hijau' at NU Congress, Urges Not to Forget Ulama's Service

President Prabowo Subianto has urged Indonesians not to forget the contributions of Islamic scholars to the nation's history, coining the term 'Jas Hijau' during the opening of the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama Congress in Jombang, East Java. He highlighted the pivotal role of ulama and pesantren in the 1945 Battle of Surabaya and praised their ongoing social and educational service. The congress carries the theme of safeguarding dignity and enriching service for the nation's welfare.

27 August Rally at DPR: Crowd Unanimously Demands Severe Punishment for Corruptors

Protesters from various civil society groups gathered outside the Indonesian parliament in Jakarta on 27 August 2026 to demand stronger anti-corruption measures. They urged the DPR and government to immediately pass the Asset Forfeiture Bill and impose the heaviest possible penalties on corruptors. The demonstrators argued that the bill would strengthen the state's ability to recover assets linked to criminal acts of corruption.

Bank BSN Partners with Bahrul Ulum Islamic Boarding School in Jombang to Build Sharia Economic Ecosystem

PT Bank Syariah Nasional (Bank BSN) has entered into a partnership with Pondok Pesantren Bahrul Ulum in Jombang, East Java, to develop a sharia financial ecosystem around the Islamic boarding school. The collaboration covers fund placement, financing facilities, payroll, virtual accounts, cash management, QRIS transactions, and sharia literacy programmes. The move comes as Bank BSN marks one year since its transformation from BTN Syariah, with total assets of Rp81.1 trillion as of July 2026.

Protesters disperse from outside DPR/MPR building after police intervention

Demonstrators outside Indonesia's parliament building began dispersing on Thursday evening after police used water cannons to clear the area. Police praised the protesters for expressing their views peacefully and confirmed that representatives had been received by DPR leadership. The situation was described as generally conducive, with authorities urging the public to remain calm and avoid provocation.

Bank Indonesia: Downstreaming key to West Papua's economic transformation

Bank Indonesia has identified downstream processing of key commodities as central to accelerating West Papua's economic transformation, citing benefits such as higher value addition, job creation and price stability. The central bank noted cumulative economic growth of 6.46 per cent in 2025 with inflation held at 2.59 per cent annually, while flagging reliance on raw extractive industries and connectivity challenges as remaining obstacles. BI is promoting policy research through its Papedanomics event to support inclusive and sustainable economic change.

Ministers, Agency Heads and Clerics Attend NU Congress

Senior members of the Red and White Cabinet, state agency leaders and prominent Islamic scholars attended the opening of the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama Congress in Jombang, East Java. The gathering will elect new leadership for Indonesia's largest Islamic organisation for the 2026-2031 term. The congress agenda includes plenary sessions, commission meetings and the selection of the Rais Aam and General Chairman.

Mortgages with interest rates from 2.75% available at Danantara Housing Expo

The Danantara Housing Expo has opened in Jakarta, with state-owned banks offering mortgages at interest rates starting from 2.75% per year and down payments from 1%. The scheme, backed by BPI Danantara, aims to widen access to housing finance amid a significant national housing backlog.

Prabowo: Indonesia Will Rise in a Few Years, Nothing Can Stop It

President Prabowo Subianto has expressed strong optimism that Indonesia will experience an economic resurgence within the next few years, citing the discovery of substantial natural gas and gold reserves. Speaking at the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama Congress in Jombang, he emphasised that the nation's abundant natural wealth, combined with anti-corruption efforts and government efficiency savings, will drive this progress. Prabowo asserted that no external force will be able to impede Indonesia's advancement.