Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 28 August 2026

Showing 1,151-1,200 of 1,420 articles

IHSG strengthens as domestic stability risks ease

The Jakarta Composite Index (IHSG) opened higher on Friday morning as investors welcomed reduced domestic political and security risks. Market sentiment was also supported by the House of Representatives' approval of Destry Damayanti as the next Bank Indonesia governor and Danantara Indonesia's US$1 billion allocation to Swiss asset manager Partners Group. Analysts expect the index to trade sideways ahead of the Federal Reserve chairman's speech at the Jackson Hole symposium.

UMJ Expert Explains Public Economic Conditions Amid Purchasing Power Pressures

An economist from Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta has urged the government to look beyond macroeconomic indicators and pay closer attention to grassroots economic realities. Despite solid national growth, vulnerable groups such as informal workers and lower-middle-class households are struggling with rising living costs and weakening purchasing power. Accurate, integrated socio-economic data is highlighted as essential for designing targeted fiscal and social protection policies.

Minister of Religious Affairs explains decision not to contest PBNU chairmanship at Congress

Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar has confirmed he will not stand for election as chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama's executive board at the organisation's 35th Congress, citing the heavy responsibilities of his ministerial role. He apologised to supporters who had hoped he would lead PBNU and expressed his wish for a successful congress. The minister reiterated his commitment to President Prabowo Subianto's mandate to improve religious life and harmony in Indonesia.

Bitcoin Breaks US$80,000 Again, Is Crypto Ready to Explode?

Bitcoin has reclaimed the US$80,000 level, confirming that institutional buying pressure remains dominant and that the previous correction has become solid support. Positive sentiment from pro-crypto regulatory initiatives in the United States and macroeconomic liquidity injections have absorbed short-term profit-taking. The market outlook remains bullish, with the probability of an extreme correction to US$50,000 seen as increasingly small.

Kadin outlines programme to strengthen protein supply for free nutritious meals

The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) has presented its Protein Task Force programmes to the Ministry of Agriculture, focusing on downstreaming, decentralising layer hen production, developing dairy cattle zones, and digitalising the supply chain. The initiatives aim to build an integrated protein ecosystem to support the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme. Kadin also proposed using 3 percent of People's Business Credit (KUR) for agricultural machinery and sought assured off-takers through collaboration with the National Nutrition Agency.

Wildfires - South Kalimantan police test starch-based fire suppressant

South Kalimantan police have tested a cassava starch-based fire suppressant formula mixed with water and ammonium polyphosphate, which has proven effective in slowing the spread of peatland fires. The method, developed with support from the National Police headquarters and the Indonesian Palm Oil Association, also includes injecting water and foam directly into peat soil to suppress underground fire sources. The police aim to deploy the formula more widely across priority areas including Guntung Damar, Liang Anggang protected forest, and Pengayuan.

Drug Dealer Arrested on Sumbawa-Bima Highway While Attempting to Distribute Methamphetamine

Police in Bima Regency, West Nusa Tenggara, have arrested a 40-year-old man identified as SA for allegedly attempting to distribute methamphetamine across district lines. The suspect was apprehended on the Sumbawa-Bima highway in Sondosia Village after a tip-off from the public. Officers seized 34 ready-to-sell packets of methamphetamine weighing 78.56 grams, along with the motorcycle used by the suspect.

Jakarta Toll and Arterial Road Traffic Returns to Normal This Morning

Traffic in Jakarta has returned to normal following a mass demonstration near Senayan, Slipi, and Pejompongan that led to temporary road and toll gate closures. Police and toll operator Jasa Marga confirmed that all traffic engineering measures have been lifted, though authorities remain on standby for any follow-up actions. The unrest, which included vandalism and arson, was attributed to a group of rioters rather than the original demonstrators who had already dispersed.

World Lake Day a momentum to save inland water ecosystems: Environment Ministry

Environment Minister Moh Jumhur Hidayat has reaffirmed the government's commitment to accelerating the restoration and protection of Indonesia's lake ecosystems. Marking World Lake Day 2026, he stressed that lakes are vital for food, water and energy security, as well as carbon absorption and cultural heritage. The ministry is focusing on water quality improvement, pollution control, catchment rehabilitation and stronger regulations.

Ibas: NU is the Glue of Unity and Guardian of Religious Moderation

Deputy Speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly Edhie Baskoro Yudhoyono attended the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama Congress in Jombang, praising the organisation's role in preserving national unity and religious moderation. He highlighted his family's historical ties to Islamic boarding schools, particularly Pondok Tremas in Pacitan. Ibas expressed hope that the congress would strengthen the three pillars of brotherhood and produce decisions benefiting the nation.

Rohil Police Patrol to Ensure No Plantation Activity on Former Forest Fire Land

Rokan Hilir Police are intensifying patrols on land previously affected by forest and land fires to prevent illegal cultivation. Officers are checking that warning signs remain in place and educating local communities about criminal penalties for burning land. Riau Police have installed 513 permanent warning signs on former fire sites to break the cycle of using fires to clear land for oil palm plantations.

BPJPH: Strengthening halal value chains boosts contribution to GDP

Indonesia's Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) has highlighted that halal value chains account for around 27 percent of the country's GDP as of the third quarter of 2025. The agency's head, Ahmad Haikal Hasan, stressed that halal should no longer be viewed merely as a certification issue but as a significant driver of the national economy. He called for strengthening production capacity, trade, investment, and competitiveness to ensure Indonesia becomes a major producer in the global halal industry rather than just a consumer market.

Most Asian stocks advance as attention turns to Warsh speech

Asian equities mostly rose ahead of a closely watched speech by Federal Reserve chair Kevin Warsh at Jackson Hole, with investors seeking signals on the interest rate outlook amid persistent inflation and the Middle East crisis. Markets are weighing whether the US central bank will tighten policy, while oil prices remain vulnerable to further spikes due to the unresolved Strait of Hormuz situation. The speech is seen as the most consequential central bank address of the year before the Fed's next policy decision.

Why the Oarfish Found at Pink Beach in NTT Is Called the Doomsday Fish

A four-metre oarfish was discovered at Pink Beach in East Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, sparking viral attention and local concern. The species is often dubbed the 'doomsday fish' due to Japanese folklore linking its appearance to earthquakes and tsunamis. Scientists note that deep-sea fish may be more sensitive to active fault movements, though no direct causal link has been established.

Doctor Who Assaulted Girlfriend for Refusing to Fetch Food Sentenced to 5 Months' Probation

A Bandung court has sentenced doctor Andre Akbar Mubarok to five months' probation for assaulting his girlfriend, a fellow doctor, after she refused to order food for him. The judge ruled that the sentence need not be served in prison, instead requiring the defendant to report weekly to the Bandung District Prosecutor's Office. The assault occurred in July 2023 after the victim declined to tidy his room and order him a meal.

Mount Semeru records 21 eruptions in six hours: officer

Mount Semeru in East Java recorded 21 eruptions over a six-hour period, prompting authorities to maintain Alert status and reiterate safety restrictions around the volcano. Residents are warned to avoid areas along Besuk Kobokan and other river valleys due to risks of hot clouds, lava avalanches, and lahars. The national park has also fully closed the Semeru hiking route following a recent forest fire.

Samarinda maps new tourism potential for 20-year plan

Samarinda's regional legislature has begun deliberating a draft bylaw on the 2025–2045 Regional Tourism Development Master Plan (RIPPARDA). The plan is being updated to reflect regulatory changes and newly identified tourism potential, including the revitalisation of the historic Citra Niaga area and a proposed Chinatown development. Officials stress that cross-sector collaboration will be essential to guide the city's tourism development over the next two decades.

PSHK: Asset Forfeiture Bill Rushed but Lacking Transparency

The Centre for Law and Policy Studies (PSHK) has criticised the deliberation of the Asset Forfeiture Bill, arguing that the 35 public hearings held by the DPR do not constitute meaningful public participation. The organisation contends that the draft, academic paper, and problem inventory list remain closed to the public, undermining constitutional requirements for participation. PSHK has urged the DPR to open these documents before the first-level deliberation, while acknowledging the bill's importance for strengthening asset recovery mechanisms.

Danantara eyes wider data center investment as demand surges

Indonesia's sovereign investment agency Danantara plans to expand its data center investments amid strong demand that has created capacity shortages and waiting times of up to a year. The agency is also focusing on semiconductor development, including AI chips, through a partnership with Arm Limited. Challenges such as limited power capacity and complex regulations remain, but Danantara sees significant opportunities in the digital infrastructure sector.

Airlangga Reveals the World Is Beginning to Fear Indonesian Exports

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto has stated that Western nations, particularly the United States and the United Kingdom, are increasingly concerned about Indonesian exports. He attributed the imposition of reciprocal tariffs to a sharp rise in Indonesian shipments, including a 110% increase in exports to the US and a surge in steel exports. Despite the relatively small volume of some exports, Airlangga argued that the growth in export capability is driving global apprehension.

Three F-16 Fighter Jets Fly Over Monas Early Friday Morning, Here's the Indonesian Air Force's Explanation

The Indonesian Air Force has confirmed that three F-16 Fighting Falcon jets flew over Jakarta in the early hours of Friday morning. The flight was part of a training exercise combined with the Merdeka Run event to commemorate Indonesia's 81st Independence Day. The jets departed from Iswahjudi Air Force Base in East Java and landed at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base in East Jakarta.

MPR Four Pillars Quiz Competition Deemed Effective in Instilling National Values in Young Generation

The Deputy Chair of the MPR RI Socialisation Body, Agun Gunandjar Sudarsa, has praised the Four Pillars Quiz Competition as an effective method for promoting national values among Indonesian youth. He highlighted that the interactive approach is more engaging than traditional lectures and helps participants connect constitutional principles with contemporary issues. The competition aims to foster national character, tolerance, and a deeper understanding of Indonesia's identity.

Danantara eyes wider data center investment as demand surges

Indonesia's sovereign wealth fund Danantara is planning to expand its investment in data centre infrastructure, citing strong market demand that has led to waiting times of up to a year for customers. The fund is also focusing on semiconductor development, including AI chips, and has partnered with British firm Arm Limited to develop chip designs. Challenges remain, including limited power capacity and complex regulations, but Danantara sees significant opportunities in the sector's growth.

TAP Strengthens Year-Round Forest and Land Fire Prevention, 585 Personnel on Standby at GBSM

PT Triputra Agro Persada Tbk (TAP) has reinforced its year-round forest and land fire prevention and response system through its subsidiary PT Gawi Bahandep Sawit Mekar (GBSM) in Central Kalimantan. The company has deployed 585 fire task force personnel, early detection technology, firefighting equipment, and patrols, while also engaging local communities. TAP emphasised that human factors remain a leading cause of fires and that controlling them requires collaboration between government, companies, and the public.

Traffic Corps Trains Online Motorcycle Taxi Drivers in First Aid to Help Accident Victims

The Indonesian National Police Traffic Corps has provided emergency first aid training to online motorcycle taxi drivers in South Tangerang. The initiative aims to equip these drivers, who are constantly on the road, with the skills to assist traffic accident victims before professional help arrives. The training was part of a broader traffic safety event.

BPH Migas: B50 distribution running smoothly and does not damage engines

Indonesia's downstream oil and gas regulator BPH Migas has reported that distribution of B50 biodiesel-blended diesel fuel has proceeded without significant problems since its introduction on 1 July 2026. Field monitoring in Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan and other regions found that drivers who had previously worried about biofuel now say it does not damage engines. The regulator is also encouraging businesses to build dedicated FAME storage facilities to safeguard supply.

BMKG warns of rain, haze and poor visibility in several major cities

Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has issued warnings of moderate to light rain, haze, and reduced visibility across several major cities, driven by wind convergence zones extending from western to eastern Indonesia. The agency highlighted potential smoke or haze in cities such as Bandar Lampung, Pontianak, and Manokwari, while urging residents to monitor conditions via its official website. The advisory underscores ongoing atmospheric challenges and the government's efforts to keep the public informed about weather-related risks.

BTN CEO: FLPP Tenor of Up to 40 Years Expands Access to Housing Credit

The CEO of state-owned Bank Tabungan Negara (BTN), Nixon L.P. Napitupulu, has welcomed the government's decision to extend the tenor of subsidised housing loans (KPR FLPP) to up to 40 years, saying it could reduce monthly instalments to around Rp700,000–Rp800,000. He said the longer tenor and lower initial interest rates would allow lower-income groups, including those previously considered unbankable, to access home ownership. BTN is currently awaiting implementation readiness before offering the scheme to the public.

IDX Suspends Trading in CSMI Shares After Sharp Price Surge

The Indonesia Stock Exchange has suspended trading in PT Cipta Selera Murni Tbk shares following a significant cumulative price increase. The suspension, effective from the pre-opening session on 28 August 2026, is intended to protect investors. CSMI shares rose 45.2% over the past week and 140.4% over the past month to 183 per share, giving the company a market capitalisation of Rp149.3 billion.

UN: Renewed hostilities endanger civilians in southern Lebanon

The United Nations has warned that renewed hostilities between Israel and Hizbullah are continuing to harm civilians and disrupt daily life in southern Lebanon. Air strikes and demolition operations are damaging homes and infrastructure, while humanitarian funding remains critically short. The UN has urged full respect for international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians.

The essence of nickel downstreaming and its impact on the nation

Indonesia's nickel downstreaming strategy is moving beyond extraction towards high-value manufacturing, with government incentives for NMC-based electric vehicles aimed at building a domestic battery industry. The success of this policy will be measured not just by factory capacity but by job creation, technology transfer, and integration into global supply chains.

BRI urges public to be cautious about high-yield investment offers

State-owned Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) has called on the public to exercise greater caution when evaluating investment offers, particularly those promising unusually high returns. The bank stressed the importance of understanding product characteristics, risks, and the legitimacy of the offering party before committing funds. BRI also warned against sharing personal or banking information with unverified parties and advised reporting suspected fraud through official channels.

Agrinesia Earns Great Place to Work Certification

Indonesian food manufacturer PT Agrinesia Raya has received Great Place to Work certification, with 87 per cent of employees rating the company as an excellent workplace, well above the 59 per cent average. The company, which operates five factories and employs over 1,500 people, attributes the achievement to its GROW values and various employee engagement programmes. Managing Director Rizka Wahyu Romadhona said the certification reflects employee trust and will serve as a benchmark for continuous improvement.

Netherlands Takes Firm Stance, Refuses to Share Stage with Israel at Eurovision 2027

Dutch public broadcaster AvroTros has announced it will boycott the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest in protest against Israel's continued participation amid the war in Gaza. The broadcaster argues that recent rule changes by organisers do not sufficiently guarantee the competition's neutrality. This marks the second consecutive year the Netherlands has withdrawn from the contest over the issue.

BRIN develops high-yield cocoa varieties to boost productivity

Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) is developing high-yield cocoa varieties capable of producing 2-3 tonnes of dry beans per hectare annually, far above the current national average of 715 kilograms. The breeding programme, which includes molecular approaches and collaboration with industry stakeholders, aims to provide disease-resistant planting material suited to local conditions. Improved varieties are seen as essential for raising farmer incomes and strengthening cocoa's contribution to Indonesia's foreign exchange earnings.

Trump signs order renaming Lake Ontario to Lake America

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order instructing the Department of the Interior to rename Lake Ontario as 'Lake America' amid escalating trade tensions with Canada. The move follows a breakdown in trade negotiations and the imposition of reciprocal tariffs by both countries. Canadian officials have said they will not recognise the new name.

New Shopping Centre Trend: From Shopping Venue to Economic and Community Space

Indonesian shopping centres are evolving beyond retail into multifunctional community and economic hubs, driven by changing consumer behaviour. The transformation of Cibubur Junction into Lippo Icon Cibubur, unveiled in June 2026, includes the Teras Nusantara Amphitheater, a terraced space inspired by Indonesian rice paddies. The development aims to boost visitor interaction and support local economic activity through lifestyle, arts, culture, and community events.

Rupiah movement predicted to be sideways ahead of Fed Governor's speech

The rupiah is expected to trade sideways on Friday as investors await a speech by Federal Reserve Governor Kevin Warsh at the Jackson Hole Economic Policy Symposium. The currency opened slightly stronger at Rp17,718 per US dollar, with Permata Bank's chief economist projecting a range of Rp17,675 to Rp17,775. Market attention is focused on potential signals about the Fed's monetary policy direction ahead of the FOMC meeting in September.

Tax Compliance and Broadening Tax Base Are Purbaya's Strategy to Pursue Rp 3,426 Trillion Revenue in 2027

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has outlined plans to strengthen tax compliance and broaden the revenue base to achieve the Rp 3,426 trillion state revenue target in the 2027 Draft State Budget. State spending is planned at Rp 4,097.2 trillion, directed towards eight priority national programme clusters including food sovereignty, energy independence, and industrial downstreaming. The government is targeting economic growth of 6 per cent in 2027 with inflation controlled at around 2.5 per cent.

Seeking Rp32 Trillion, Purbaya's Office to Auction 9 Series of Government Bonds on 1 September

The Indonesian government will hold a rupiah-denominated government bond auction on 1 September 2026 to help meet part of the 2026 state budget financing target. Nine series will be offered, comprising three Treasury Bills and six fixed-rate government bonds, with an indicative target of Rp32 trillion and a maximum absorption of Rp48 trillion. The auction will be conducted through the Bank Indonesia auction system using a multiple-price method.

Qatar and Iran discuss temporary shipping corridor through Strait of Hormuz

Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani met with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi in Tehran to discuss a proposed temporary framework for the Strait of Hormuz, including a shipping corridor and joint mine-clearing project. The talks come amid ongoing Iran-Oman negotiations over the strategic waterway, with reports of a preliminary agreement on territorial waters and revenue sharing. Both sides emphasised the importance of diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and respect freedom of navigation.

Fatal Plane Crash into Truck After Airport Controllers 'Disappeared'

US aviation authorities are preparing to dismiss two air traffic controllers at New York's LaGuardia Airport who allegedly left their posts early before an Air Canada plane collided with a fire truck on 22 March, killing both pilots. The Federal Aviation Administration has pledged to hold employees accountable and is reviewing staffing levels and shift practices. The incident has drawn attention to controller workload and the practice of leaving facilities before shifts officially end.

KAI Properti Markets Housing in Manggarai Starting at Rp294 Million

KAI Properti has launched Maraya Residences, a 1,276-unit housing project in Manggarai, Jakarta, with prices starting at Rp294 million. The development, unveiled at the Danantara Housing Expo 2026, offers studio to three-bedroom units and emphasises connectivity to public transport. The company is also offering instalment schemes starting from around Rp1 million per month.

Poland asks EU to fine Meta 250 million euros over scam ads

Poland's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Affairs Krzysztof Gawkowski has formally requested the European Commission to impose a 250 million euro fine on Meta over inadequate oversight of scam advertisements and fake content on its platforms. Gawkowski stressed that digital platforms must be held fully accountable for their actions and that negligence in combating fraudulent ads harming Polish citizens will not be tolerated. He also urged Meta to introduce effective tools to remove scams, fake advertisements, and promotions of illegal applications.

Donation Account Case: UMJ Expert Highlights Bank Mandiri Brand Trust

A University of Muhammadiyah Jakarta (UMJ) management expert has warned that the delayed transaction of a Bank Mandiri account linked to a protest coordinator could damage public trust in the state-owned bank. Sampor Ali said the case carries symbolic weight, potentially raising questions about the bank's independence from state power. He urged Bank Mandiri to strengthen its crisis communication and governance to protect its brand reputation.

Two Faces of Asian Currencies: Won and Rupiah Strengthen, Yuan and Yen Fall

Asian currencies showed mixed performance against the US dollar on Friday, with the South Korean won leading gains while the Philippine peso suffered the steepest decline. The rupiah strengthened 0.14% to Rp17,690 per US dollar. Market attention is focused on Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh's speech at the Jackson Hole symposium for signals on the direction of US interest rates.

Thousands of joint personnel deployed to Palangka Raya to extinguish forest and land fires

More than 10,700 joint personnel have been deployed to Central Kalimantan to tackle forest and land fires, including officers from the regional disaster agency, military, police, forestry service, and volunteers. The operation is supported by one aircraft for weather modification and air patrols, along with six helicopters for aerial firefighting. The deployment underscores the scale of the emergency response as fires continue to burn in areas such as Menteng subdistrict in Palangka Raya.

Indonesia strengthens human resource capacity through ESDP in Japan

Indonesia's Ministry of Manpower is enhancing the readiness of its workforce for Japan's Employment for Skill Development Program (ESDP) through knowledge exchange with J.CLAIR. The initiative aims to learn from Japanese local authorities about supporting foreign workers' integration and adaptation. The cooperation is expected to open more opportunities for Indonesian participants in sectors with strong skills development prospects.

DPR Promises to Pass Asset Forfeiture Bill by 15 December at the Latest

The House of Representatives (DPR) has pledged to pass the Asset Forfeiture Bill into law by 15 December 2026, following a demonstration by civil society groups demanding its enactment. DPR leaders signed a letter committing to resign if the deadline is not met. Civil society organisations have raised concerns that the DPR's draft weakens key provisions compared to the government's version, including the removal of illicit enrichment norms and a narrower scope for non-conviction based forfeiture.

Another US Aircraft Carrier Deployed to the Middle East

The United States is deploying the USS Theodore Roosevelt to the Middle East to relieve the USS George Washington, as the war against Iran continues. The move comes amid controversy over the prolonged deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln, whose crew reportedly faced logistical problems and mental health concerns. The redeployment also leaves the Pacific region without a US carrier presence, where one is normally maintained to deter China.