Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 28 August 2026

Showing 601-650 of 1,420 articles

BPS Chief Explains Kulon Progo Pedicab Driver's Desil 9 Status: Now Desil 3

The head of Statistics Indonesia (BPS) has clarified that a pedicab driver in Kulon Progo who was initially recorded in desil 9 has been moved to desil 3 after data updating. The anomaly had caused confusion for the driver, who was seeking a poverty certificate to obtain tuition relief for his son. BPS emphasised that regular data updating is key to ensuring welfare classifications reflect actual conditions.

Indonesian Air Force says Jakarta fighter flights were training

The Indonesian Air Force has clarified that F-16 fighter jet flights over Jakarta on Friday were part of training and preparations for the Merdeka Run event, not a response to ongoing demonstrations. The flights are integrated with celebrations for Indonesia's 81st Independence Day, including a flypast and parachutist display. The spokesman denied any other purpose behind the deployment.

Top-Tier Mafia Arrested by Police, Turns Out to Be a 21-Year-Old Kid

Australian Federal Police, with FBI support, have arrested two young men in Perth suspected of leading the TeamPCP cybercrime syndicate. The suspects, aged 21 and 23, are accused of orchestrating supply chain attacks that compromised over 1,000 organisations worldwide. Authorities seized electronic devices and indicated the investigation remains ongoing.

KJRI Kinabalu facilitates return of 144 Indonesian nationals from Malaysia

The Indonesian Consulate General in Kota Kinabalu has facilitated the repatriation of 144 Indonesian citizens and migrant workers from Sabah, Malaysia, to Nunukan, North Kalimantan. The group, comprising 107 men, 25 women and 12 children, had completed immigration processing at three immigration detention depots in Sabah. Officials faced verification challenges due to data discrepancies and a lack of up-to-date identity documents among the returnees.

Casino 'SB' Raided by Bareskrim Stood in Front of Sukoharjo Temple

An illegal casino operating in Sukoharjo, Central Java, was located directly opposite a Buddhist temple, prompting local residents to seek help from the regional parliament after struggling to prove its existence. The National Police's Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim) raided the premises, arresting 71 people and naming 30 suspects. Authorities seized over Rp1 billion in cash and found gambling equipment including baccarat tables, niu-niu, and fish-shooting machines.

Video: Sources of Credit Growth and BPD Business Facing 2026 Challenges

Regional development banks (BPD) are being urged by the Financial Services Authority (OJK) to transform and reduce reliance on local government budgets and civil servant consumer credit. Bank Lampung and BPD Bali report solid credit growth and profitability despite high funding costs and global uncertainty. Both banks are focusing on efficiency, funding structure improvements, and SME lending to sustain expansion.

Megawati and Ramos-Horta Discuss Science, Technology and Humanitarian Issues in Jakarta

Former Indonesian President Megawati Soekarnoputri met with Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta in Jakarta to discuss developments in science and technology and their humanitarian implications. The meeting brought together Nobel laureates and Turing Award winners from the Science for Development Summit 2026, held earlier in Dili. The dialogue aimed to foster exchange of ideas on technological progress and its impact on humanity.

NTB post opens three new public kitchens in isolated areas of NTT

The West Nusa Tenggara provincial government has expanded its disaster response by opening three additional public kitchens in isolated areas of East Nusa Tenggara following the 7.7 magnitude earthquake. The new kitchens will each produce 2,000 lunch and 2,000 dinner packages daily, supplementing the main kitchen in Dampek which already produces 3,000 rice packages per day. The initiative aims to reach communities that had previously received no aid due to difficult road access.

Panglima Jilah summoned by Prabowo over forest fire handling

Panglima Jilah, the supreme leader of the Pasukan Merah Tariu Borneo Bangkule Rajakng (TBBR), was summoned by President Prabowo Subianto to the State Palace in Jakarta on Friday. The meeting was intended to convey recommendations regarding the handling of forest and land fires, particularly in West Kalimantan. Panglima Jilah noted that while the fires are not yet severe, the resulting haze is disrupting communities, especially children's health.

Air Quality in East Kotawaringin, Central Kalimantan, Reaches Hazardous Zone, Residents Urged to Remain Vigilant

Air quality in East Kotawaringin Regency, Central Kalimantan, has deteriorated to hazardous levels, with the Air Pollutant Standard Index reaching 313. The local environmental agency has urged residents to limit outdoor activities and wear masks, particularly vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly. The situation is compounded by the ongoing threat of forest and land fires in the region.

Jakarta situation returns to normal after Thursday protest, police say

Indonesian police have declared the security situation in Jakarta stable and under control following Thursday's large-scale demonstrations, with public activities reported to have resumed normally. The protests centred on demands from Pati residents for passage of the Asset Forfeiture Bill and capital punishment for corruption, leading House leaders to sign a commitment to pass the bill by 15 December 2026. Police detained 65 people suspected of procuring or financing dangerous items such as Molotov cocktails during the rallies.

Tragic: Nepal Flash Flood Victim's Body Dragged, Gold Earrings Stolen

Two men have been arrested in Nepal for stealing gold earrings from the body of a woman killed in flash floods that struck Nepal and Tibet. Police said the suspects were identified from a viral video showing them dragging the corpse from the Narayani River and removing the jewellery. Authorities stressed that looting or inhumane treatment of disaster victims will not be tolerated.

Government to launch palm oil information system in September

The Indonesian government will launch the Sustainable Palm Oil Information System (SI-ISPO) on 3-4 September 2026 to integrate certification and traceability for palm oil products. PT Sucofindo will operate the system in cooperation with the Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDP). The initiative aims to improve transparency and accountability in the ISPO certification process.

Health Ministry launches first brain aneurysm surgery in Batam

Indonesia's Health Ministry has overseen the first brain aneurysm clipping surgery in Batam, performed at RSUD Embung Fatimah with support from the Mahar Mardjono National Brain Center Hospital. The procedure marks a significant step in decentralising specialist healthcare, as patients in Riau Islands will no longer need to travel to Medan or Jakarta for treatment. Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin highlighted the development as part of efforts to improve equal access to health services and reduce stroke treatment delays.

IDX Boss Reveals 8 Exchange Members Yet to Join Rp1 Share Trial

The Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) has disclosed that eight exchange members have not yet participated in the trial for lowering the minimum share price from Rp50 to Rp1. IDX President Director Jeffrey Hendrik said the trial has been 'quite successful' and the bourse will follow up with the non-participating members. The policy aims to improve liquidity access and price discovery in Indonesia's capital market.

Indonesia bourse launches green equity designation

The Indonesia Stock Exchange has introduced a voluntary IDX Green Equity Designation to help investors identify listed companies engaged in green economic activities or low-carbon transition. Three companies received the inaugural designation, with the framework based on the Indonesia Sustainable Finance Taxonomy and international best practices. The initiative aims to improve sustainability disclosures, broaden investor bases, and mobilise capital toward Indonesia's low-carbon transition.

Slipping at Session's End, JCI Closes Slightly Lower

The Jakarta Composite Index (JCI) ended Friday's trading session marginally lower, erasing earlier gains as selling pressure emerged before the close. The financial sector provided the strongest support, buoyed by foreign inflows into major banking stocks, while the healthcare and energy sectors led the decline.

The Anatomy of Nepal's Devastating Flash Floods

A catastrophic flash flood in northern Nepal has killed hundreds and left over 1,300 missing, with entire villages swept away and critical infrastructure destroyed. The disaster, triggered by a glacier collapse in the Langtang range, moved up to 20 kilometres in just ten minutes, giving residents almost no time to escape. Experts warn that the Himalayas' narrow valleys and limited early warning systems make such events particularly deadly.

BRIN prepares commercialisation of earthquake-resistant modular homes

Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) is preparing to commercialise its earthquake-resistant modular housing technology to enable wider production and use in disaster-prone areas. The agency is coordinating with partners to mass-produce the homes at lower cost, following successful trials of three prototype houses that remained intact during earthquakes. President Prabowo Subianto has emphasised the importance of such technological innovation for anticipating and mitigating disaster risks in Indonesia.

BPD Lampung Targets Double-Digit Credit Growth by End of 2026

Bank Lampung is aiming for double-digit credit growth by the end of 2026 while maintaining asset quality. The regional development bank reported 9.8% credit growth in the first half of 2026, with total lending reaching Rp 7.9 trillion. Its performance exceeded the provincial banking average, supported by accelerated government spending and aggressive economic activity in the second half of the year.

Dayak Leader Panglima Jilah Summoned by Prabowo to Palace to Discuss Forest and Land Fires

President Prabowo Subianto has summoned Dayak leader Panglima Jilah to the Presidential Palace to discuss forest and land fires in West Kalimantan. Panglima Jilah, who leads the Tariu Borneo Bangkule Rajakng (TBBR) Red Force, said he would raise the issue of firefighting personnel needs and the health impact of smoke haze on local communities. West Kalimantan currently has the largest area of forest and land fires in Indonesia, with 38,310 hectares affected.

Dayak Leader Panglima Jilah Summoned by Prabowo to Palace Today, Discuss Forest and Land Fires

President Prabowo Subianto has summoned Dayak leader Panglima Jilah to the Presidential Palace to discuss forest and land fires in West Kalimantan. The meeting is framed as a state silaturahmi, with Jilah planning to raise the issue of smoke haze affecting public health and the need for additional personnel. West Kalimantan currently has the largest area of forest and land fires in Indonesia, at 38,310 hectares.

East Java fostered MSMEs record Rp4.33 billion in transactions at KKI 2026

Seven micro, small, and medium enterprises fostered by Bank Indonesia East Java recorded transactions of Rp4.33 billion at the 2026 Karya Kreatif Indonesia event, a 228 per cent increase from last year. The growth was driven by more MSMEs passing curation, more diverse product ranges, and ready-to-wear designs appealing to broader consumer segments. Nationally, KKI 2026 involved 1,860 MSMEs and generated total sales of Rp177.21 billion.

Indonesia and Australia Develop AI to Improve Healthcare Efficiency

Indonesia and Australia are collaborating on artificial intelligence tools to strengthen primary healthcare, focusing on maternal and child health data management, pregnancy risk monitoring, and health communication. The AI in Health Care Project involves Summit Institute for Development, BRIN, CSIRO Australia, and the University of Mataram, with support from the KONEKSI knowledge partnership. The initiative aims to digitise manual health records and support health workers in making faster, data-driven decisions.

Dedi Mulyadi Forms Special Investigation Team into Sumedang Deputy Regent and Personal Secretary Case

West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi has announced the formation of a special investigation team to examine allegations of sexual harassment involving Sumedang Deputy Regent Fajar Aldila and his personal secretary, identified as R. The provincial government has urged all parties to refrain from speculation until the investigation is concluded. The case emerged after reports circulated on social media alleging the deputy regent had abused and harassed his secretary.

Indonesia's Baznas focuses extreme poverty programs on 88 regions

Indonesia's National Alms Agency (Baznas) is prioritising extreme poverty alleviation in 88 regions, with programmes tailored to local conditions such as Polewali Mandar. The agency aims to optimise zakat collection to complement regional budgets and has launched initiatives in livestock, retail, food security, and housing support. Baznas is also encouraging district governments to increase civil servant alms contributions to strengthen welfare assistance.

BSI and NU strengthen Islamic finance literacy and penetration

PT Bank Syariah Indonesia (BSI) is deepening its partnership with Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) to boost Islamic finance literacy and expand market penetration across Indonesia. The collaboration focuses on financing for MSMEs, pesantren digitalisation, and inclusive economic ecosystem development. BSI currently manages over 14,000 pesantren accounts nationwide, with nearly a quarter located in East Java.

Musang King Durian Planted En Masse, Prepared as Economic Investment for Residents

The North Gorontalo Regency government is expanding durian cultivation in Tolinggula District as a long-term economic investment under the Agro Mopomulo movement. Four durian varieties, including Musang King, were planted in Cempaka Putih Village as part of a 'One Man Ten Trees' initiative. The programme supports the regency's roadmap towards becoming a fruit producer by 2030, with Tolinggula already recording the highest durian production in the region.

Brantas Abipraya Promotes Home Ownership at Danantara Housing Expo 2026

State-owned construction firm PT Brantas Abipraya is expanding its support for home ownership through its Home Ownership Program for Employees (HOPE), with 70 employees enrolled in the initial phase at the Danantara Housing Expo 2026. The company also introduced its Urban Heights Residences project, designed to meet urban demand for quality, sustainable housing. The expo, held from 27–30 August 2026 at NICE PIK, offered mortgage schemes with interest rates starting at 2.75 percent and down payments from one percent.

Government Wants to Boost Solar Power Plant Development, Indef Proposes This Approach

The Institute for Development of Economics and Finance Green Transition Initiative (Indef GTI) has proposed developing 30 gigawatt peak (GWp) of solar power capacity within industrial estates using a renewable energy zones approach. The think tank argues that integrating renewable energy into industrial areas could raise aggregate regional GDP growth from 5.95 percent to 6.30 percent. Indef GTI estimates industrial estates have solar potential of up to 21 GW, with 6-13 GW considered low-hanging fruit.

People's School MPLS realises inclusive education in Banten

The Banten provincial government has launched the 2026 School Environment Introduction Period (MPLS) for People's School students in Pandeglang Regency, marking a commitment to inclusive and equitable education. The Integrated People's School (SRT) 1 currently has 474 students across primary, junior and senior high levels, supported by land donated by the regent and Rp270 million in central government funding. The deputy governor has instructed school heads to maintain facilities and improve academic quality while urging social and education agencies to collaborate on the programme.

Bank Indonesia Yogyakarta Representative Office destroys 18,680 counterfeit rupiah banknotes

The Bank Indonesia Representative Office in Yogyakarta, together with the regional police and the Counterfeit Rupiah Eradication Coordination Board, has destroyed 18,680 counterfeit rupiah banknotes collected between 2015 and 2025. The destruction was carried out by incineration to ensure the counterfeit notes no longer resemble genuine currency. The move is part of efforts to maintain public trust and transaction security in line with Law Number 7 of 2011 on Currency.

Riau Police Name 40 Suspects in Forest and Land Fire Cases

Riau Regional Police have named 40 suspects across 37 cases of forest and land fires, affecting 904 hectares up to the end of August 2026. Investigations indicate most fires were deliberately set for land clearing, particularly for oil palm plantations, while some resulted from negligence in burning rubbish. Police emphasise a scientific criminal investigation approach and warn of no compromise for offenders.

KKP seizes vessel suspected of fish bombing in Spermonde Islands

The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries has detained a vessel and five crew members suspected of using explosives to catch fish in the Spermonde Islands waters of South Sulawesi. Officials detected an explosion on Thursday morning and seized around 20 kilograms of fish along with a compressor believed to have been used in the illegal activity. The ministry has pledged to intensify surveillance against destructive fishing practices and urged the public to report any such incidents.

Chronology of CPO Purchase by JARR According to Duta Palma's Legal Counsel

Duta Palma's legal counsel has disputed JARR's claim of being a good-faith buyer in a crude palm oil transaction with Agrinas Palma Nusantara. They presented a timeline showing a formal legal notice was received seven days before JARR completed payment. The counsel is calling for verification of how information about the legal dispute was handled within the Jhonlin group of companies.

Shophouse Fire: Suyono Rescues Child and Mother-in-Law from Flames

A fire destroyed two shophouses in front of Pasar Kuta II on Jalan Kendedes, Kuta, on Friday afternoon. The owner, Suyono, managed to rescue his child and mother-in-law before the blaze engulfed the building. No casualties were reported, and the cause of the fire remains under police investigation.

Two tankers carrying 24.2 million litres of Pertalite arrive in Bali

Pertamina Patra Niaga has brought in two tankers carrying 24.2 million litres of Pertalite and 10 million litres of Pertamax to Bali to ease fuel queues. The state-owned energy company is running 24-hour operations at its terminals to accelerate distribution to petrol stations. The move follows temporary stock adjustments that caused long queues in Denpasar, Tabanan and Badung.

Baznas Belitung promotes economically valuable waste alms programme

The National Alms Agency (Baznas) in Belitung Regency, Bangka Belitung Islands, is encouraging residents to donate recyclable waste as a form of alms. The proceeds from selling sorted plastic, paper, and cans will fund the agency's humanitarian and community programmes. The initiative aims to address local waste problems while providing an alternative way for people to give charity.

NCPI and InvestHK Host 'Hong Kong Where Business Goes to Grow' to Strengthen Business in Asia

Indonesia's Nawa Cita Pariwisata Indonesia (NCPI) and Invest Hong Kong held a business forum in Badung, Bali, aimed at strengthening commercial ties between the two regions. The event highlighted Hong Kong's advantages as a regional expansion platform, including its strategic position as a global logistics hub and its flexible investment environment. Organisers hope Indonesian companies will leverage Hong Kong to access mainland China and international markets.

President Says Cassava Flour Accelerates Forest Fire Suppression, BRIN: Theoretically Possible

The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) is studying the use of cassava flour as an alternative method for tackling forest and land fires in Indonesia. BRIN head Arif Satria said the approach is theoretically feasible and that the agency has coordinated with the National Police to prepare the technology. He added that BRIN is awaiting further updates and hopes results will be available soon.

Director General: Foreign national surveillance a strategic step to safeguard state sovereignty

Indonesia's Director General of Immigration has described intensified surveillance operations targeting foreign nationals in Bali as a strategic measure to protect national sovereignty and maintain a safe tourism climate. The Dharma Dewata Task Force, launched in April 2026, has detained dozens of foreigners for immigration violations including overstay and document offences. Officials say the operations combine a humane but firm approach with digital reporting tools and inter-agency coordination.

Pertamina Partners with Manta Liberta to Make Jerseys from Plastic Waste

State energy firm Pertamina has teamed up with local sports apparel brand Manta Liberta to produce eco-friendly jerseys made from recycled plastic bottles for the Pertamina Eco RunFest 2026. The initiative is expected to absorb up to 210,000 used plastic bottles, equivalent to 2.5 tonnes of plastic waste. The collaboration is part of seven sustainability programmes designed to promote environmental awareness among the event's projected 14,000 runners and 10,000 festival visitors.

BPD Bali Strengthens Digital Services to Boost Business Growth

Bank BPD Bali is expanding its digital offerings, including cross-border QRIS payments, to support business growth in 2026. The bank is also developing online credit application systems for entrepreneurs and MSMEs. These initiatives aim to facilitate cashless transactions for tourists and improve access to banking finance.

Despite Calls to Step Down, Support for KH Miftahul Akhyar Flows at NU Congress

Support is mounting for KH Miftahul Akhyar to seek re-election as Rais Aam of Nahdlatul Ulama at the organisation's congress in Jombang, despite pressure from some quarters for him to withdraw. Regional NU officials argue his scholarly authority and experience are vital for safeguarding the organisation's direction and independence from practical politics. His integrity is cited as proven by his 2022 decision to resign as MUI chairman to avoid holding concurrent positions.

Indonesian Education Attaché in Port Moresby Invites State Universities to Partner with Papua New Guinea

Indonesia's Education and Culture Attaché in Port Moresby is encouraging state universities to establish partnerships with institutions in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. An Indonesian education fair is planned for late September 2026 in Port Moresby to attract more students from the region. The initiative aims to strengthen educational ties and bilateral relations between Indonesia and Pacific nations.

Getting to Know Narsun, a Successful BRILink Agent Expanding Social Protection

Narsun, a BRILink agent from Bandung, has successfully registered over 7,000 informal workers for BPJS Ketenagakerjaan social security programmes. His journey from a small phone credit stall to a top-tier 'Juragan' agent highlights the role of banking agents in expanding financial inclusion and social protection. The achievement earned him a car as a grand prize from BRI and BPJS Ketenagakerjaan.

Highlighting AI, Megawati: The Highest Intelligence Is Created by God

Former Indonesian President Megawati Soekarnoputri has urged experts to consider how artificial intelligence could surpass the human brain, while emphasising that the highest form of intelligence is divinely created. Speaking at the Megawati Institute, she also warned that scientific and technological advances are increasingly being used as tools of hegemony amid global economic uncertainty and rising geopolitical tensions.

South Jakarta Dekranasda helps 40 MSMEs promote their products

The South Jakarta Regional National Crafts Council (Dekranasda) is supporting 40 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in promoting their products as part of efforts to stimulate economic activity. The event, held to mark Indonesia's 81st Independence Day, features 30 Dekranasda artisan members and 10 Family Income Improvement Programme (UP2K) groups from across the city's ten sub-districts. Organisers hope the initiative will expand market reach and encourage residents to take pride in using domestic products.

South Korea Courts Indonesia on Nuclear Power Development, Confident It Can Be a Key Partner

South Korea has signalled its readiness to become a primary partner for Indonesia should Jakarta proceed with nuclear power development, citing its operational record of 26 reactors and experience building plants abroad. Korean officials framed the potential cooperation within the broader green growth partnership between the two nations. Indonesian officials emphasised that any civilian nuclear programme would be pursued in line with the country's commitment to nuclear non-proliferation.

Indonesian Air Force pilots hone skills to land on aircraft carrier

Indonesian Air Force helicopter pilots have conducted integrated ship boarding operation training in Surabaya to prepare for landing and take-off on the aircraft carrier ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi, soon to be renamed KRI Gajah Mada. The exercise, held from 25 to 26 August, involved classroom instruction, simulator practice, and live deck landings on KRI Makassar. The training supports the upcoming Naval Parade and the carrier's commissioning ceremony as part of the TNI anniversary celebrations.