Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 28 August 2026

Showing 451-500 of 1,420 articles

Iran says diplomacy with US still possible

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has stated that rebuilding diplomatic channels with the United States remains possible, following talks with Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister in Tehran. Araghchi stressed that Washington must recognise that pressure does not work and should instead build trust and respect Iran's rights. The Qatari visit forms part of ongoing mediation efforts to ease tensions between Iran and the US.

Central Sulawesi Coconut Upgrades with Rp1.6 Trillion Investment in Morowali, Danantara Involved

Central Sulawesi is developing a coconut processing industry in Morowali with an investment of Rp1.6 trillion, aiming to shift from raw exports to high-value derivative products. The plant, involving China's Zhejiang FreeNow Food and Indonesia's Danantara, is expected to require 400,000 tonnes of coconuts annually, far exceeding current local production of 190,000 tonnes. The government is distributing 1.1 million seedlings and targeting 500,000 hectares of coconut plantations to secure sustainable supply.

Japan deploys ship, helicopters to help tackle forest fires in Indonesia

Japan's Self-Defense Forces will send a transport vessel and helicopters to Indonesia to assist with forest and land fire suppression. The deployment follows a defence cooperation agreement signed in May between the Indonesian and Japanese defence ministers. Around 600 Japanese personnel will take part in the international assistance mission.

Febrie Adriansyah's Pretrial Motion Rejected Again, Money Laundering Suspect Status Upheld

The South Jakarta District Court has rejected a second pretrial motion filed by former Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes Febrie Adriansyah against the Attorney General's Office. The judge ruled that his designation as a suspect in a money laundering case and his subsequent detention were legally valid. The court found that the Attorney General's Office had at least two pieces of evidence and that the substance of the allegations should be examined in the main trial.

Synthesis Development introduces Arsa Homes, modern housing 5 minutes from Lebak Bulus MRT

Synthesis Development has launched Arsa Homes, a landed housing project in Cireundeu, South Tangerang, targeting urban families and professionals seeking affordable homes near South Jakarta. The development's key selling point is its connectivity, being approximately five minutes from Lebak Bulus MRT station and ten minutes from TB Simatupang business district. Launch prices start from Rp1.6 billion with various incentives including VAT exemption and mortgage instalments from Rp8 million per month.

Nurani Astra Builds 7 Aid Posts for Communities Affected by Earthquake in NTT

PT Astra International Tbk, through its Nurani Astra programme, has established seven aid posts across earthquake-affected areas in East Nusa Tenggara. As of 26 August 2026, the initiative has reached 35,726 beneficiaries with food packages, shelter kits and health services. The company plans to expand support for vulnerable groups including pregnant women, toddlers and the elderly in the next phase.

Mount Semeru forest fire suppression uses water bombing helicopters

Firefighting efforts on Mount Semeru in East Java have been intensified with the deployment of water bombing helicopters to tackle forest and land fires in difficult-to-reach terrain. The fires have affected around 160 hectares of the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, with strong winds and steep slopes hampering ground crews. Authorities continue to monitor and work to prevent the flames from spreading further.

BPS Chief Conducts Economic Census at MPR Speaker's Official Residence, Sticker Officially Affixed

Statistics Indonesia (BPS) carried out the 2026 Economic Census at the official residence of People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Speaker Ahmad Muzani in South Jakarta. Muzani answered questions about his household and business activities, and a sticker was affixed to mark the residence as having been surveyed. BPS head Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti urged public participation and assured respondents that data would remain confidential and unrelated to taxation.

Police Continue to Pursue Gold Smuggling Syndicate to Dubai and Hong Kong

Indonesia's Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) has identified two separate groups involved in smuggling gold out of the country, with export routes to Dubai and Hong Kong. Investigators are continuing raids and asset tracing, while pursuing international cooperation to apprehend suspects who have fled abroad. The case stems from illegal mining operations across various regions of Indonesia.

Starting 1 September, Bebandem Community Health Centre in Karangasem Opens Inpatient Services

Puskesmas Bebandem in Karangasem, Bali, will begin offering inpatient services from 1 September 2026 as part of efforts to improve healthcare access for local residents. The service will be limited to patients whose conditions can be managed within the health centre's staffing and facility capacity, with more complex cases referred to hospital. District officials have called for the new service to be widely publicised so that residents are aware of the expanded provision.

Fadli Zon says government preparing reconstruction of Sade Traditional Village

Culture Minister Fadli Zon has announced that the government is preparing reconstruction and revitalisation plans for Sade Traditional Village in Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, following a fire on 22 August 2026. The plans will incorporate disaster resilience measures, given the widespread use of flammable materials such as wood, bamboo and thatch in the village's traditional buildings. President Prabowo Subianto has directed that the reconstruction proceed promptly.

75 MSMEs record Rp307 million turnover from Pelindo Bazaar in four cities

Seventy-five micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) generated over Rp307 million in turnover during a bazaar organised by state-owned port operator Pelindo in Jakarta, Medan, Makassar, and Surabaya. The event, held to mark Indonesia's 81st Independence Day, formed part of Pelindo's social and environmental responsibility programme aimed at expanding market access for small businesses. Pelindo said the results demonstrate the potential of MSMEs when given opportunities to reach wider markets.

Lawyer Responds to Allegation Febrie Received Rp40 Billion from Tan Kian

The legal team of former Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes Febrie Adriansyah has denied that a pretrial judge concluded their client received Rp40 billion from businessman Tan Kian. Lawyer Febri Diansyah clarified that the judge only noted Tan Kian's statement about giving money to someone named Feri, without determining whether Febrie received it. Febrie is said to accept and respect the South Jakarta District Court's pretrial ruling rejecting his challenge to the search and seizure.

Ministry of Culture: Do not sacrifice cultural values for economic interests

The Ministry of Culture has urged that the use of culture to support tourism and the creative economy must not come at the expense of living cultural values. Minister Fadli Zon stressed that communities must remain the primary owners of their traditions, such as the ruwatan anak berambut gimbal ritual in Dieng. He called for collaboration to ensure traditions are preserved as living heritage passed down through generations.

OJK urges pension funds to reach more informal workers in 2026

Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) is pushing the pension fund industry to develop programmes accessible to informal workers, whose irregular incomes have limited their retirement protection. The regulator also sees room to expand supplementary pension coverage for formal workers and has opened the market to investment managers to boost competition and innovation. Total pension fund assets reached Rp1,699.9 trillion as of July 2026, with annual growth projected at 9–11 per cent.

Indonesia invites universities to expand education ties with PNG

Indonesia is stepping up educational diplomacy with Papua New Guinea by inviting its universities to an education exhibition in Port Moresby in September 2026. The initiative aims to attract more PNG students through scholarships such as TIAS and KNB, while showcasing study programmes, exchange opportunities, and joint research. Around 100 PNG students currently study in Indonesia, and officials hope the cooperation will strengthen broader relations with Pacific countries.

Destry Affirms Bank Indonesia Independence, Rupiah Strengthens

The rupiah strengthened against the US dollar following Destry Damayanti's confirmation as Bank Indonesia Governor and her assurance that closer government synergy will not compromise the central bank's independence. Market attention now turns to domestic inflation and trade data, as well as signals from the US Federal Reserve.

Business Leader Says Food Factories Face Extraordinary Price Increases

Indonesian food and beverage manufacturers are grappling with simultaneous cost pressures from raw materials, packaging, and logistics. The chairman of GAPMMI, Adhi S. Lukman, highlighted that packaging costs remain around 15% higher, sugar has risen by about 20%, and inter-island logistics costs have surged by 30-40%. These compounding increases are squeezing producers before products even reach consumers.

Jakarta Information Commission urges Dharma Jaya to strengthen public information transparency

The Jakarta Information Commission has called on municipally owned food company Perumda Dharma Jaya to improve public information disclosure following the establishment of its information management unit in 2025. The commission emphasised that transparency is essential for good corporate governance and maintaining public trust. Dharma Jaya aims to improve its information service score and achieve 'Informative Public Body' status in the 2026 evaluation.

CPO and Coal Exports Reach US$66 Billion, Monitoring System Strengthened

Indonesia's exports of crude palm oil, coal, and ferroalloys reached approximately US$66.13 billion, prompting efforts to strengthen oversight of natural resource export transactions. PT Danantara Sumberdaya Indonesia is developing a digital platform to monitor transactions, addressing issues such as under-invoicing and transfer pricing. A researcher has called for integrated monitoring mechanisms and the use of independent consultants and AI technology to enhance export supervision.

Bima Arya Calls Regional Heads 'Fighters' Amid Five Challenges

Deputy Home Affairs Minister Bima Arya Sugiarto has described regional heads as 'fighters' who must overcome five major challenges in delivering public services. Speaking at the 2026 Regional Leaders Awards, he highlighted the need for resilience and consistency in implementing national strategic programmes and fulfilling campaign promises. The awards recognised numerous regional governments and institutions for their contributions to development, public services, and innovation.

Law minister says draft Citizenship Bill completed by government

The Indonesian government has finalised a draft revision of the Citizenship Law that maintains single citizenship in principle while allowing limited dual citizenship for children of mixed marriages and for diaspora with exceptional talents. The bill is now with President Prabowo Subianto and will soon be submitted to the House of Representatives for deliberation.

West Kalimantan Bulog rice absorption reaches 100 percent of 5,100-tonne target

Perum Bulog's West Kalimantan regional office has achieved its full rice absorption target of 5,100 tonnes as of 26 August 2026, with Sambas Regency contributing nearly 90 percent of the total. Despite meeting the target, Bulog will continue purchasing to support farmers and maintain the government-set paddy price of Rp6,500 per kilogram. The agency also noted that dry weather may affect second-semester planting, though areas with technical irrigation remain productive.

OJK confirms BMKS organisation and regulations are ready

The Financial Services Authority (OJK) has confirmed that the organisational structure and regulatory framework for the Strategic Mineral and Commodities Exchange (BMKS) are well prepared. Key positions have been filled and relevant OJK regulations are being drafted ahead of the transfer of supervisory duties from Bappebti. The specific commodities to be traded will be determined by a forthcoming Presidential Regulation.

Dam Bursts at Dawn, Flash Flood Sweeps Settlement – 100 People Killed

The collapse of the Situ Gintung dam in Ciputat, South Tangerang, on 27 March 2009 killed around 100 people after a million cubic metres of water inundated residential areas. Investigations later revealed that extreme rainfall was not the sole cause, with pre-existing cracks, erosion, a narrowed spillway, and poor maintenance identified as contributing factors. The disaster highlighted the vulnerability of ageing colonial-era irrigation infrastructure in densely populated urban areas.

PDIP Prepares Internal Sanctions for TTU Council Member Named Suspect in Dr Icha Case

PDIP Secretary-General Hasto Kristiyanto has confirmed the party will not tolerate violence or intimidation after one of its cadres, Timor Tengah Utara DPRD member Veronika Lake, was named a suspect in the alleged intimidation of the late Dr Eliza Princila Ututi Pakaenoni. The party has summoned Lake for clarification and proposed her removal from regional duties. Police have named three TTU council members as suspects in the case.

BPOLBF says tourism sector in Flores recovering after earthquake

The Labuan Bajo Flores Authority (BPOLBF) reports that tourism in Flores, particularly Labuan Bajo, is gradually recovering after a magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Nagekeo on 15 August 2026. Most destinations, access routes, accommodation and supporting facilities have resumed operations, though some sites remain temporarily closed pending safety verification. BPOLBF continues to coordinate with local governments and stakeholders to monitor conditions and prioritise visitor safety.

South Jakarta administration urges all parties to collaborate in preventing street brawls

The South Jakarta city government has called for broad collaboration to prevent street brawls, warning that the phenomenon stems from an identity crisis among teenagers worsened by social media. Deputy Mayor Firmanuddin Ibrahim stressed that prevention must begin at home through attentive parenting and supervision of children's device use. The appeal was made during the Ngopi Cetar forum in Pancoran, which aimed to map high-risk areas and produce practical solutions.

Coffee becomes one of Magelang Regency's leading products

Magelang Regency in Central Java is promoting coffee as a flagship commodity, leveraging its diverse topography from lowlands to highlands. The regency cultivates both arabica and robusta varieties, with robusta covering a larger area of approximately 2,300 hectares compared to arabica's 1,075 hectares.

Deputy Home Affairs Minister Stresses Importance of Active Satlinmas Role for Development

Deputy Home Affairs Minister Akhmad Wiyagus has emphasised the crucial role of Satuan Perlindungan Masyarakat (Satlinmas) in maintaining public order to support national development programmes. Speaking at a major gathering in Palembang, he noted that a secure and conducive environment is a prerequisite for government initiatives such as free nutritious meals and village cooperatives to succeed. Wiyagus also expressed hope that the newly inaugurated Aslinmas Indonesia association would strengthen the capacity and professionalism of Satlinmas personnel nationwide.

Public Works Ministry moves swiftly to tackle flooding in Parigi Moutong

The Ministry of Public Works has deployed emergency resources to Parigi Moutong, Central Sulawesi, after heavy rainfall caused the Morongi River to overflow, flooding homes and damaging infrastructure. The Balai Wilayah Sungai Sulawesi III Palu has mobilised excavators, pumps and flood materials while coordinating with local disaster agencies. Floodwaters have since receded, but monitoring and further remedial work continue to restore access and infrastructure function.

Industry Ministry earns 18th unqualified opinion, minister pledges better financial management

Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita said the Ministry of Industry's 18th consecutive unqualified opinion (WTP) from the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) is a mandate to improve state financial management. The ministry will follow up on all BPK recommendations within 60 days and monitor implementation through its Inspectorate General.

Bekasi Regency Government Oversees 2026 Simultaneous Village Head Election Stages on Schedule

The Bekasi Regency Government is facilitating and supervising the 2026 Simultaneous Village Head Election (Pilkades) across 154 villages, with a budget of Rp59.95 billion allocated through the Special Financial Assistance scheme. Voting is scheduled for 20 September 2026, with verification currently underway until 4 September. The regency is also preparing an e-voting pilot programme, with one polling station per village trialling the digital system while others continue using conventional methods.

21 Nobel Laureates and World Scientists Visit Tambling to Study Indonesian Conservation

Twenty-one Nobel laureates, Turing Award winners, scientists and academics visited Tambling Wildlife Nature Conservation in Lampung to observe Indonesia's biodiversity and three decades of conservation efforts. The visit highlighted the Sumatran tiger rehabilitation programme and the role of local community engagement in protecting the ecosystem. Hosted by House Commission IV chair Siti Hediati Soeharto, the gathering aimed to connect Indonesian conservation experience with global scientific collaboration.

Gunungkidul Regent: Kelok 23 can break congestion and ease tourist access

The physical construction of the Kelok 23 section of the Southern Cross Road (JJLS) has been completed, according to Gunungkidul Regent Endah Subekti Kuntariningsih. The 5-kilometre road linking Bantul and Gunungkidul is expected to alleviate traffic congestion and improve access for tourists heading to the southern coast. The project is slated to open in September, with plans for rest areas and MSME outlets along the route.

The Cheerleading Squad for Supreme Court Justice Candidates

Two Judicial Commission commissioners have voiced dissent over the selection of Supreme Court justice candidates, arguing that some nominees gave unsatisfactory interview answers and lacked the necessary qualifications. The disagreement highlights concerns about the rigour of the judicial appointment process and the commissioners' accountability to the public.

On Statement About Accelerating 2029 Election, Budi Arie Says It Was a Personal View

Projo chairman Budi Arie Setiadi has clarified that his remarks about the possibility of accelerating the 2029 general election were a personal view, not an attempt to encourage any party to bring the vote forward. He said the statement stemmed from his observation of public dynamics, including the student movement, and stressed that any political developments should be handled carefully and in line with constitutional rules.

10-Year-Old Girl in Lombok Gang-Raped by Three Men in Empty Building

A 10-year-old primary school girl in North Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, was gang-raped by three adult men in an empty building. The suspects have been arrested and charged under Article 473 of the Criminal Code, which carries a maximum sentence of 12 years' imprisonment. Police say the victim was lured by the men while sitting alone by the roadside and later found by her father in distress at a nearby port.

Man Found Dead in Citeureup Bogor Plantation, Sharp Weapon Wounds on Back

A 20-year-old man identified as E was found dead in a cassava plantation in Citeureup, Bogor Regency, with sharp weapon wounds to his back. Police are investigating whether the death is linked to a brawl on Jalan Raya Bogor or a street crime. Four witnesses have been questioned and officers are reviewing CCTV footage from the area.

US War Department Mentions Indonesia in Rp 2,000 Trillion F-15 Eagle Project

The US War Department has named Indonesia among potential partner nations in a massive F-15 Eagle fighter jet programme awarded to Boeing, valued at up to US$131.23 billion. The indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract covers production, modernisation, retrofit and maintenance for the F-15 weapons system. Indonesia appears alongside Japan, Israel, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Singapore and Poland under the Foreign Military Sales component of the deal.

Tea Picker's Daughter Hopes for Prosthetic Leg to Resume School

Osi Aulia, a 14-year-old from a low-income family in Bandung Regency, lost her right leg to a bone tumour and now needs a prosthetic limb to return to school. Her father is unable to work due to illness, while her mother earns a meagre income as a tea picker. Volunteers are appealing for donations to help Osi continue her education and improve her family's circumstances.

Forest Fire Suspects Rise to 89, Bareskrim Begins Investigating Alleged Corporate Involvement

The Indonesian National Police's Criminal Investigation Directorate (Bareskrim) has increased the number of individual suspects in forest and land fire cases to 89, up from 72. Investigators are now examining whether corporations may have ordered or financed the burning. The police have also deployed 450 personnel for prevention and public education amid the prolonged dry season.

Government Collaborates on 10,000 Hectares of Land for Corn Cultivation to Strengthen Food and Energy Security

State-owned plantation firm PTPN I is collaborating with the government to utilise 10,000 hectares of land for corn cultivation during the 2026 rendeng season. The initiative aims to support national food and energy security while optimising company assets. The programme is expected to boost corn production for both food and animal feed industries, as well as open opportunities for bioenergy development.

Draft of State Policy Guidelines to be publicly accessible tomorrow, MPR open to public input

The People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) will make its draft of the State Policy Guidelines (PPHN) publicly accessible from tomorrow afternoon. MPR Speaker Ahmad Muzani said the assembly welcomes public feedback to refine the document, which is intended to serve as a philosophical foundation for national development across presidential terms.

West Pasaman Regency issues 2,633 permits in first half of 2026

The West Pasaman Regency government issued 2,633 permits between January and June 2026, with business identification numbers (NIB) accounting for the majority. Investment realisation reached Rp766.14 billion, placing the regency third in West Sumatra behind South Solok and Padang.

Australia and New Zealand channel US$4.8 million for Nepal-China disaster

Australia and New Zealand have pledged a combined US$4.8 million in humanitarian assistance for victims of devastating floods along the Nepal-China border. The aid will support emergency response and recovery efforts, including temporary shelter, hygiene supplies, and medical and psychological support. The disaster, triggered by a glacial collapse, has killed at least 469 people with hundreds more still missing.

Chronology of the death of a mirror trader after leaving his house in Pejompongan

Bambang Setiyawan, a 59-year-old mirror trader, died after leaving his home during unrest in Pejompongan, Central Jakarta, on Thursday night. His wife Sudarsi recounted how he went out to observe the crowd and never returned, with the family later identifying him in a video and learning he had been taken to the National Police Hospital. Local government officials, including the sub-district head, village head, and Babinsa, visited the family following the incident.

Public Works Minister accelerates restoration of two vital bridges in Flores, NTT

Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo has ordered the accelerated rehabilitation of two earthquake-damaged bridges in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara. The Wae Pesi and Wae Dampek bridges are being restored under a build back better principle to improve their seismic resilience. The government aims to begin rehabilitation by mid-September 2026 to restore mobility and fuel distribution access.

Economy Grows Strongly but Indonesians Still Protest, Here's What Purbaya Says!

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has responded to public discontent over poverty and unemployment despite Indonesia's economy growing above 5%. He pointed to official indicators showing declining poverty and unemployment, while acknowledging that the benefits of growth have not yet been evenly distributed. Purbaya suggested that more equitable outcomes would emerge once the economy expands at 6.7%.

Yaqut's Exception Rejected, KPK Reaffirms Hajj Quota Case Within Legal Corridor

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has welcomed the Jakarta Corruption Court's rejection of former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas's exception in the alleged corruption case involving additional hajj quotas for 2023-2024. The ruling confirms that the investigation was conducted within legal boundaries and allows the case to proceed to the evidentiary stage. Yaqut has stated he will cooperate with the trial and present facts openly.