Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 28 August 2026

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Pramono Offers Rp 115 Trillion in Jakarta Projects to Investors, Guarantees Profit

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has unveiled 37 strategic investment projects worth an indicative Rp 115 trillion at the Jakarta Investment Festival Summit 2026. He highlighted Jakarta's economic resilience, with growth of 5.52% in the first half of 2026 and investment realisation of Rp 173.6 trillion. The governor also announced plans to issue a Jakarta municipal bond, pending central government approval.

Police Reveal Motive of Student in Brutal Airsoft Gun 'Klitih' Shooting in Sleman: Dropped Out of University

Police in Sleman have revealed that one of the suspects in a brutal airsoft gun attack on a student was a university dropout, with family problems cited as a contributing factor. The attack, which took place in Maguwoharjo, appears to have been carried out by a gang and may have been staged for social media content. Three other suspects remain at large.

Ministry consolidates universities to support NTT quake recovery

Minister Brian Yuliarto has launched the Aksara Mahasiswa initiative to coordinate university resources in supporting recovery efforts following the earthquake in Manggarai District, East Nusa Tenggara. The programme aims to align academic expertise in health, psychology, engineering, and disaster mitigation with the urgent needs of affected communities, including safe water, electricity, and trauma support. The consolidation is intended to make relief and recovery programmes from universities outside NTT more targeted, effective, and sustainable.

Bappenas launches gender mainstreaming learning video

Indonesia's Ministry of National Development Planning (Bappenas) has launched a learning video on Gender Mainstreaming (PUG) to strengthen the capacity of stakeholders in integrating gender perspectives into development processes. The video covers gender analysis, gender action budgeting, and regional action plans for gender equality. Officials emphasised that success will be measured by how the knowledge is applied to improve policy and programme quality.

80 Schools Removed from Free Nutritious Meal Programme, BGN Chief Reveals List

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has removed around 80 schools across Indonesia from the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme, targeting elite private schools deemed no longer in need of state assistance. BGN Head Sudaryono said the move is part of efforts to ensure the programme reaches the right beneficiaries and improves the effectiveness of state budget allocation. Boarding schools with their own nutrition programmes are also excluded from the scheme.

Deputy Minister stresses importance of AI governance in financial sector

Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Nezar Patria has called for urgent regulatory preparation as agentic AI begins to make autonomous financial decisions and execute transactions. He warned that errors by such systems could directly harm consumers and stressed the need for clear accountability, human oversight, and data security. The government is preparing a national AI roadmap and ethics guidelines, including a planned presidential regulation.

House Commission X to Oversee Certainty of Status for 172,000 Non-Civil Servant Teachers

House of Representatives Commission X has pledged to monitor and follow up on the aspirations of non-civil servant teachers regarding their employment status. The commission's member Muhamad Nur Purnamasidi emphasised that resolving the issue must consider school needs, years of service, teacher welfare, and the continuity of education. The Forum for Advocacy of Non-Civil Servant Teachers Indonesia (FAGRI) hopes the government and DPR can complete the data collection, mechanism establishment, and appointment of around 172,000 non-civil servant teachers by 2026.

Married Couple in Samarinda Arrested for Burning Land to Plant Rice

Police in Samarinda, East Kalimantan, have detained a married couple suspected of deliberately setting fire to land to accelerate clearing for rice cultivation. The arrest occurred amid a local state of emergency, with the city recording 102 land fires affecting around 160 hectares. Authorities have urged residents to use safer methods for clearing agricultural land.

Metro Jaya Police assure normal activities in Jakarta after protest

The Metro Jaya Regional Police have confirmed that all public activities in Jakarta and surrounding areas remained normal and conducive on Friday following a public demonstration. Police spokesperson Kombes Pol. Budi Hermanto stated that officers remain on standby to provide services and maintain public order. He urged all parties to exercise restraint and avoid spreading unverified information.

PGN Responds to Gunvor Arbitration Claim

PT Perusahaan Gas Negara Tbk (PGAS) has confirmed receipt of a partial arbitration award in a dispute brought by Gunvor Singapore Pte. Ltd. through the London Court of International Arbitration. The company is reviewing the ruling, which requires it to pay compensation, and notes that enforcement would require proceedings in Indonesian courts.

Indonesia vows sustainable and credible 2027 state budget

The Indonesian government has pledged to keep the 2027 state budget prudent and sustainable by boosting revenue, improving spending quality, and managing financing carefully. Deputy Finance Minister Suahasil Nazara outlined plans to expand the tax base, strengthen the Coretax system, and maintain the fiscal deficit within safe limits. State revenue is projected at Rp3,426 trillion, with tax reforms and improved compliance central to achieving the target.

Haikal Hasan Says Budi Arie's Remarks on Early Election Are Improper and Unconstitutional

Ahmad Haikal Hasan, a national figure and member of the Gerakan Cinta Prabowo, has strongly criticised Budi Arie Setiadi's remarks about a possible acceleration of the 2029 general election, calling them improper and unconstitutional. Haikal questioned the motives behind the statement, which was made in an official forum, and said Budi Arie's public apology was insufficient. He pledged to monitor any attempts to disrupt the constitutional election schedule.

Fire Kills Elderly Woman in Panjer, Suspected Electrical Short Circuit

A fire at a boarding house and welding workshop in Panjer, Denpasar, killed a 70-year-old woman and injured another person. Police suspect the blaze was triggered by an electrical short circuit in an unoccupied boarding room. The victim, who had limited mobility, was trapped when the building collapsed.

Ramos-Horta brings Nobel and Turing laureates to meet Megawati

Former Indonesian president Megawati Soekarnoputri is set to hold a roundtable dialogue in Jakarta with Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta and a delegation of Nobel and Turing Award laureates. The meeting, hosted at the Megawati Institute, will discuss the impact of science and technology on humanity. The delegation is in Jakarta after attending the Science for Development Summit 2026 in Dili.

Daughter of Blind Couple Graduates from UNY with 3.81 GPA

Meilani Yosi Kartika, whose parents are visually impaired massage therapists, has graduated from Yogyakarta State University with a 3.81 GPA. Despite her parents' initial doubts about financing her education, she secured a KIP Kuliah scholarship and completed her degree in Pancasila and Civic Education. She now plans to pursue a professional teaching qualification and is considering a master's degree.

Trump Renames Lake Ontario as Lake America, Canadian PM Furious

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order renaming Lake Ontario, which straddles the US-Canada border, as 'Lake America', escalating trade tensions between the two allies. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney firmly rejected the move, insisting the lake will be called Lake Ontario 'yesterday, today and forever'. The unilateral action follows failed trade negotiations and mirrors Trump's earlier renaming of the Gulf of Mexico.

Prawirotaman Festival 2026 Revives Contemporary Batik Art Through Young Batik Makers

The Prawirotaman Festival 2026 in Yogyakarta showcased around 50 contemporary batik works from 30 young batik makers, aiming to regenerate the craft and revitalise the historic batik-producing district. The exhibition, supported by Bank Indonesia and local government bodies, combined traditional techniques with modern technology. Deputy Mayor Wawan Harmawan called for the event to be elevated from a sub-district activity to a city or provincial-level agenda.

Consumption of 3 kg LPG Rises Every Year, Here Is the Evidence

Indonesia's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources plans to tighten eligibility for subsidised 3 kg LPG as consumption continues to climb and is projected to exceed the state budget quota by the end of 2026. Distribution is currently open to all social classes, prompting the government to prepare a transformation so subsidies reach only economically entitled households. Data show annual increases in LPG distribution from 7.46 million metric tons in 2021 to a projected 8.677 million metric tons in 2026.

Video: Russia-Ukraine Tensions Escalate, Oil and Coal Prices Soar

The Jakarta Composite Index strengthened by 0.40% to 6,547, while the rupiah appreciated to Rp 17,690 per US dollar. Coal prices hit a three-week high of USD 131 per tonne, and global crude oil prices rose amid escalating Russia-Ukraine tensions. The report examines the sentiment affecting global markets.

Nasaruddin Umar Denies Resigning as Religious Affairs Minister and Running for PBNU Chairmanship

Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar has denied reports that he resigned from his ministerial post to contest the chairmanship of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) at its 35th Congress in Jombang. He stated that his current responsibilities at the ministry require his full attention, though he remains committed to the organisation. Umar apologised to supporters who had hoped he would lead PBNU and expressed his wish for a smooth congress.

National Planning Minister stresses importance of applied innovation for food security

National Development Planning Minister Rachmat Pambudy has highlighted the role of applied, data-driven agricultural innovation in achieving national food security. During a visit to Edufarmers' research centre in Klaten, Central Java, he observed precision farming tools including portable soil test kits and an AI-powered WhatsApp assistant. The minister said such models offer new hope for farmers and for building self-sufficiency in food, energy and water.

Indonesia proposes wider ASEAN recognition of worker skills

Indonesia has called on ASEAN to accelerate and broaden its mutual recognition of worker skills, arguing that AI, digitalisation and demographic shifts demand a more flexible regional framework. Manpower Minister Yassierli said wider recognition would improve talent matching, boost employer confidence and strengthen ASEAN's credibility internationally. Indonesia also sees a role for China, Japan and South Korea in sharing expertise on skills standards and certification.

Do Big Thighs Mean a Longer Life? Expert Reveals the Facts

An IPB University lecturer explains that while very small thigh circumference is linked to higher cardiovascular risk and early death, larger thighs do not automatically confer longer life. Muscle quality and function matter more than size, and thigh circumference alone cannot determine overall health.

Police evacuate five trucks damaged by mob in Kemanggisan

Police in West Jakarta have evacuated five trucks that were damaged by a mob during a protest in Kemanggisan, Palmerah, on Thursday night. Authorities also cleared busway separators from Slipi to Tomang, though repairs near the Slipi traffic post await Transjakarta. Police denied reports of truck burnings, confirming only vandalism occurred.

Ratko Mladic, Serbian General Convicted of Bosnian Genocide, Dies

Ratko Mladic, the Bosnian Serb general convicted of genocide and crimes against humanity during the 1992-1995 Bosnian war, has died in a UN detention unit in The Hague at the age of 84. His death has reignited deep divisions, with Bosnian survivors reflecting on the pain of his long life while Serbian pro-government media and nationalists mourn him as a hero and blame the Hague tribunal. Opposition politicians in Serbia, by contrast, have described his passing as the death of a convicted war criminal.

BPKH Distributes Aid to Seven Disaster-Affected Regencies in NTT

The Hajj Financial Management Agency (BPKH) has distributed humanitarian aid to communities affected by disasters in several regencies of East Nusa Tenggara. The assistance, funded through the benefit value of the Dana Abadi Umat, includes food, clean water, hygiene kits, temporary shelter, and health services. BPKH is working with three partner organisations to ensure the aid reaches those in need during the emergency response period.

MBG Chief Meets Purbaya Early Morning, What Did They Discuss?

Head of the National Nutrition Agency Sudaryono met Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa to coordinate on budget matters for the free nutritious meal programme. The discussion included excluding around 80 elite private schools from the programme to reduce costs. Sudaryono stressed the need for inter-ministerial collaboration, particularly with the Finance Ministry, in managing programme funds.

Government Prepares New 'Grand Design' for Regional Autonomy, to Be Completed by 2026

The Indonesian government is drafting a comprehensive framework for regional autonomy, with completion targeted before the end of 2026. The design will serve as the basis for evaluating decentralisation and addressing regional expansion issues. The government will also review the formula for fiscal transfers to regions, which many regional heads consider unfair.

Home Affairs Minister Visits Wali Nanggroe Aceh, Government Reaffirms Commitment to Maintaining Ties

Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian visited Wali Nanggroe Aceh Malik Mahmud in Penang, Malaysia, conveying greetings and prayers from the President. The visit is seen as a demonstration of the central government's attention to Aceh and its commitment to preserving the peace established after the Helsinki agreement. Officials emphasised that the gesture reflects the enduring bond between the central government and the people of Aceh.

Designated as Green Equity, Three Stocks Immediately Climb

The Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) has officially designated three listed companies as green equity, providing a positive sentiment that lifted their share prices on Thursday, 27 August 2026. PT Hero Global Investment Tbk (HGII) and PT Kencana Energi Lestari Tbk (KEEN) received the green equity label, while PT TBS Energi Utama Tbk (TOBA) was classified as green equity transition. The new classification aims to help investors identify companies contributing to the green economy or transitioning towards more sustainable business models.

Aceh's 180-year-old Quran manuscript undergoes digitization

A 180-year-old handwritten Quran manuscript from Aceh, belonging to the scholar Teungku Chik Lampaloh, is being digitised to preserve its deteriorating physical condition and the Islamic knowledge it contains. The research, led by a doctoral student at UIN Ar-Raniry, proposes a framework for preservation, metadata management, and knowledge dissemination that could be adopted by libraries, archives, and museums. The project highlights efforts to safeguard Nusantara Islamic heritage through digital technology.

Local Components Increasingly Important, PTSI Pushes National Industry to Be More Independent and Competitive

PT Surveyor Indonesia (Persero) is strengthening its role in supporting national industrial growth through Testing, Inspection, and Certification services. The state-owned company emphasises that measuring and verifying local component usage is crucial for building a stronger domestic supply chain. PTSI argues that local content should be assessed not just by percentage, but by overall industrial capability including raw materials, production capacity, quality, technology, and human resources.

BEM DIY protest ends peacefully, police commend students

Police in the Special Region of Yogyakarta have praised university students for conducting a peaceful and orderly protest in Malioboro on Thursday. The demonstration, which called for stronger regional autonomy, fiscal decentralisation, and the swift passage of the Asset Forfeiture Bill, was described as evidence of democratic maturity in the region.

Sharp Rise! Here is the Outlook for Business in Indonesia Next Year

The Indonesian government has set a 6% economic growth target for 2027, with several business sectors projected to expand above the national average. The accommodation and food services sector is expected to lead with 9.4% growth, followed by transport and warehousing at 8.9% and information and communication at 8.1%. The targets are outlined in the 2027 Government Work Plan, which prioritises strategic industries, food productivity, and state-owned enterprise asset optimisation.

Attending NU Congress, Gibran Encourages Pesantren to Become Centres for AI Strengthening

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming has urged Islamic boarding schools to evolve into hubs for human resource development, technology, and new economic strength. Speaking at the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama Congress in Jombang, he encouraged students to master artificial intelligence, robotics, blockchain, and modern agricultural technologies. The event also saw President Prabowo Subianto emphasise NU's strategic role in maintaining national stability.

Indonesia boosts small industries with appropriate technology

Indonesia's Industry Ministry has installed a wastewater treatment plant at a Sasirangan textile SME centre in South Kalimantan, cutting pollutants such as hydrogen sulphide and oil and grease by over 97 percent. The facility was developed under the DAPATI programme to accelerate technology adoption and improve environmental management among small and medium industries. The project also aims to strengthen local human resource capacity so businesses can operate the technology independently and sustainably.

Metro Jaya Police Guarantee Jakarta Residents' Activities Run Normally

The Metro Jaya Regional Police have assured the public that Jakarta and its surrounding areas remain safe and conducive, with daily activities continuing as usual. Police are providing situational traffic management and monitoring developments on the ground. The public has been urged to remain calm, avoid provocation, and refrain from spreading unverified information.

‘Big hassle for everyone’: Malaysia braces for worsening haze as dry season bites

Malaysia is experiencing severe transboundary haze from agricultural fires in Indonesia, with air quality reaching unhealthy levels in Sarawak and the Klang Valley. The haze has caused school closures, a surge in respiratory illnesses, and disruption to national events, prompting calls for stronger ASEAN cooperation. Experts warn the situation may worsen due to the El Nino phenomenon and ongoing land-clearing practices.

Pre-trial Motion Rejected, Febrie Adriansyah's Legal Counsel Still Respects Judge's Ruling

The South Jakarta District Court has rejected the pre-trial motion filed by former Junior Attorney General for Special Crimes, Febrie Adriansyah, thereby validating the seizure, search, travel ban, and suspect designation against him. His legal counsel, Febri Diansyah, stated that the team respects the ruling despite holding differing technical views on the case. The legal team will now study the judge's considerations and discuss next steps with their client.

Fire on Mount Arjuno-Welirang, 334 Hectares of Land Scorched

Forest and land fires in the Mount Arjuno-Welirang area have expanded, with 334.94 hectares burned as of Thursday, 27 August 2026. The largest affected area is in Pasuruan Regency with 274 hectares, while 60 hectares are in Batu City. Joint teams are battling the blaze via ground routes, supported by water bombing from the air.

Video: Aftershocks Continue, Here Is the Condition of Thousands of NTT Evacuees

Around 179,000 residents of East Nusa Tenggara remain in evacuation shelters following the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck on Saturday, 15 August 2026. Aftershocks are still occurring, prolonging the displacement of affected communities. Relief volunteer Azelia Trifiana discusses the conditions in the shelters and the urgent needs of the evacuees.

Transjakarta Operating Normally, Two Palmerah Routes Still Suspended

Transjakarta has announced that all BRT services are operating normally, though two non-BRT routes serving Palmerah Station remain suspended due to road closures near the DPR/MPR complex. Several other routes are still subject to diversions or shortened services. The operator has urged passengers to plan ahead and monitor its social media channels for updates.

Baznas Chairman: Zayed Award 2027 a momentum to strengthen zakat ecosystem

Indonesian zakat leaders see the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity 2027 as an opportunity to strengthen the national zakat ecosystem and gain global recognition for Islamic philanthropy. They highlight Indonesia's collaborative model, regulatory synergy, and disaster response experience as key differentiators. The initiative follows the 2023 award received by Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah.

Experiencing the Sensation of Space Travel Through an Immersive Attraction

A new immersive space-themed attraction in Surabaya uses LED tunnel technology to bring the universe closer to visitors. The Space and Time Cube at Tunjungan Plaza 6 combines education and entertainment, offering an interactive audio-visual experience. The initiative aims to make science more accessible and engaging, particularly for younger generations.

TNI explains three F-16 fighter jets over Jakarta this morning

The Indonesian Air Force has clarified that three F-16 Fighting Falcon jets seen over Jakarta this morning were conducting a training flight combined with the Merdeka Run event to mark the 81st anniversary of Indonesian independence. The aircraft flew from Iswahjudi Air Base in Magetan, East Java, to the National Monument area before landing at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base. A further flypast is scheduled for Saturday as part of the independence celebrations.

IDX Green Equity Designation: New Label from the Indonesia Stock Exchange for a Low-Carbon Green Economy

The Indonesia Stock Exchange (BEI) has introduced the IDX Green Equity Designation (IGREEN) to help investors identify listed companies engaged in green economic activities or transitioning towards a low-carbon economy. The designation is based on five assessment pillars and is aligned with the Indonesian Sustainable Finance Taxonomy (TKBI) and the World Federation of Exchanges' Green Equity Principles. In its initial phase, three stocks—HGII, KEEN, and TOBA—have been assigned the label, effective from 28 August 2026.

Ministry urges universities to strengthen knowledge curation in the AI era

Indonesia's Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology has called on universities to reinforce their role as centres of knowledge creation, dissemination, and human resource development amid rapid advances in artificial intelligence. Deputy Minister Stella Christie stressed that AI's ability to process information quickly requires higher education institutions to reflect on their core function of developing people and knowledge. She urged academics to engage critically with AI, ensuring that human capacity for fundamental questioning and new knowledge creation is preserved.

Depok's Pancasila Village competes in 2026 KASAD Award

Kampung Pancasila in Depok Jaya, Depok, is representing Kodam Jaya in the national-level assessment for the 2026 KASAD Award. The programme highlights collaboration between the Indonesian Army and residents to implement Pancasila values through food security, MSME development, youth empowerment, and community security. Local officials expressed optimism that the initiative will achieve top results at the national level.

Investing No Longer Needs to Be Complicated: bank bjb Offers SR025 Starting from Rp 1 Million

Bank bjb is offering the government's sharia-compliant retail sukuk SR025, with a minimum investment of Rp 1 million and cashback incentives of up to Rp 10.5 million. The instrument provides fixed returns of 6.80% for the three-year tenor and 6.90% for the five-year tenor, aiming to broaden public participation in retail government bonds.

IPO Activity in 2026 Slumps: Only 7 Issuers So Far, Down from Last Year's Surge

Initial public offering activity on the Indonesia Stock Exchange has fallen sharply in 2026, with only eight companies entering the pipeline by late August compared to 22 in the same period last year. The decline of roughly 63.6% reflects a much quieter market, with listings concentrated in April and July. The upcoming debut of PT Swayasa Prakarsa Tbk adds some activity but remains insufficient to match the previous year's pace.