Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 28 August 2026

Showing 1,251-1,300 of 1,420 articles

Pertamina Patra Niaga builds emergency learning spaces in Bengkulu

PT Pertamina Patra Niaga has provided temporary learning facilities for SMPN 19 in Bengkulu after a fire damaged the school, forcing 192 students into split shifts. The company handed over tents, desks, chairs, whiteboards and fans as part of its corporate social and environmental responsibility programme. The initiative also included energy and fire safety education for students.

IHSG Rebounds, Foreign Investors Caught Out and Collectively Offload These 10 Stocks

The Jakarta Composite Index (IHSG) rebounded strongly on Thursday, closing up 1.81% at 6,521.75 and reclaiming the 6,500 psychological level. Despite the rally, foreign investors recorded a net sell of Rp262.11 billion across all markets. The heaviest foreign selling was concentrated in large-cap banking, telecommunications, and mining stocks, led by Bank Rakyat Indonesia.

Destry Officially Becomes BI Governor, Five Heavy Tasks Await

Destry Damayanti has been officially confirmed as Governor of Bank Indonesia for the 2026-2031 period, succeeding Perry Warjiyo who resigned in July 2026. She takes office at a time when the central bank faces increasingly complex challenges, including rupiah volatility, inflationary pressures from food and energy, and shifting global capital flows. The article outlines five major tasks awaiting the new governor.

Ministry of Industry strengthens appropriate technology adoption to boost SME competitiveness

Indonesia's Ministry of Industry is accelerating the adoption of appropriate technology among small and medium industries to improve productivity and environmental sustainability. A key initiative is the construction of a wastewater treatment plant for the Sasirangan textile SME cluster in South Kalimantan under the DAPATI programme. The facility has significantly reduced pollutants, with most parameters now meeting provincial and national standards.

Iran restores 40 percent of production capacity at damaged oil field

Iran has restored approximately 40 percent of the production capacity damaged at the South Pars oil and gas field following attacks by the United States and Israel in March. Full recovery is expected to take at least two years, with around half of the restoration work targeted for completion by winter 2027. The development comes amid ongoing hostilities between Iran and the US, despite a June memorandum of understanding aimed at halting the conflict.

Mobile Samsat services available in eight Detabek areas on Friday

The Metro Jaya Regional Police are operating mobile Samsat units in eight locations across Depok, Tangerang and Bekasi on Friday to assist vehicle owners with annual motor vehicle tax payments. No mobile services are available in Jakarta itself. Taxpayers must bring original identity documents and vehicle registration papers, and the mobile units only handle annual tax payments, not five-year registration renewals or number plate changes.

Police Name One Suspect in Five-Hectare Land Fire in Pelalawan

Pelalawan Police have named a 41-year-old man as a suspect after a discarded cigarette butt allegedly ignited a fire that burned five hectares of oil palm plantation in Pangkalan Kerinci. The suspect faces charges under Indonesia's Environmental Protection and Management Law and the new Criminal Code. Police have urged residents not to clear land by burning.

Police Suspect Anarchist Groups Attempted to Hijack Protest at DPR

Polda Metro Jaya has detained 65 individuals suspected of attempting to hijack a demonstration outside the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) building. Police allege that groups affiliated with anarchist networks had conducted staged consolidation, including fundraising and narrative building, around issues such as the Asset Forfeiture Bill. Two suspects have been formally detained while investigations continue into the remaining 63.

Handover of the Giuseppe Garibaldi Aircraft Carrier in Jakarta, Then Onwards to Lampung

The Indonesian Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the former Italian aircraft carrier ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi will undergo its official handover ceremony upon arrival in Jakarta. The vessel, currently en route from Taranto via the Suez Canal, will subsequently be stationed at Teluk Ratai Naval Base in Lampung. Naval officials state that base infrastructure in Lampung is expected to be fully operational by the end of September 2026.

Purbaya Reveals Social Protection Budget Rises 10%, Reaching Rp 550 Trillion

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has announced that Indonesia's social protection budget will reach Rp549.9 trillion in 2027, a 10% increase from the 2026 outlook of Rp500 trillion. The budget covers programmes such as the Family Hope Programme, basic food assistance, health insurance contributions, and fuel subsidies. Purbaya also acknowledged a data presentation error regarding the inclusion of education programmes in the social protection budget.

Learning from Chinese Dramas: Reading the Wave of Digital Taste for the Future of Islamic Philanthropy

The popularity of Chinese micro-dramas in Indonesia highlights a shift in public consumption towards fast, visually engaging, and easily accessible digital content. This trend contrasts sharply with the low digital adoption in Islamic philanthropy, where over 90% of ZISWAF transactions remain offline despite a potential of Rp 343.08 trillion. The author argues that zakat institutions must embrace digital transformation, transparency, and compelling storytelling to bridge this gap and remain relevant to modern donors.

Asian Markets Mixed as Investors Await Fed Rate Decision

Asia-Pacific markets traded mixed on Friday as investors awaited Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh's speech at the Jackson Hole symposium. Market participants are seeking clues about the future direction of US interest rates, with the CME FedWatch Tool indicating a 64% probability of rates being held steady at the next meeting. Analysts note that Warsh's communication style remains largely unknown, making his remarks particularly significant for global markets.

Popular: Nepal flash flood to KRI Gajah Mada arriving in Jakarta

A roundup of the most-read stories on Antaranews.com on Friday, covering a glacier collapse that triggered a flash flood in Nepal, the arrival of the KRI Gajah Mada in Jakarta for its handover from Italy, and the House of Representatives approving a labour protection bill as a legislative initiative. Other top stories include the opening of the Danantara Housing Expo 2026 and allegations that former Jampidsus Febrie Adriansyah received Rp40 billion in connection with the ASABRI and Jiwasraya corruption cases.

POGI Chair Reveals Dangers of Forest Fire Smoke Exposure for Pregnant Women

The Indonesian Obstetrics and Gynaecology Association (POGI) has warned that smoke from forest and land fires poses serious risks to pregnant women and their unborn children. The smoke contains endocrine-disrupting chemicals that can increase the risk of birth defects, particularly in pregnancies under 12 weeks. POGI recommends that pregnant women in affected areas wear masks, limit outdoor activities, and be allowed to work from home.

US to acquire stake in Venezuela's oil sector

The United States is reportedly negotiating to acquire a significant stake in Venezuela's oil sector, focusing on fields holding around 90 billion barrels of proven reserves. The talks, involving Secretary of State Marco Rubio and acting President Delcy Rodríguez, are part of a broader bilateral agenda covering counter-narcotics, frozen funds, oil sales, mining exploration, and renewed diplomatic dialogue.

Giant Gold Reserve of More Than 1,000 Tonnes Discovered in China

Geologists have identified a potential gold deposit exceeding 1,000 tonnes beneath the Wangu gold field in Hunan Province, China. The discovery is notable for exceptionally high ore grades, with one drill core showing 138 grams of gold per tonne. However, the estimate still requires independent verification before the deposit can be confirmed as economically viable.

45 Indian Coal-Fired Power Plants Critically Short of Coal, Prices Hit Two-Month High

Coal prices have climbed to their highest level in over two months as supply disruptions in India and China tighten the market. India's coal stockpiles at 45 thermal power plants have fallen to critical levels, with inventories sufficient for only three days of generation. Heavy monsoon rains and strong electricity demand linked to El Niño have exacerbated the shortage.

Lippo Boss Speaks Out on Land Grant in Meikarta Area

Lippo Group has confirmed that topping off of its Meikarta project is targeted for the end of this year, while the transfer of more than 30 hectares of granted land to Danantara is currently being processed at the Ministry of Finance. The land is intended for low-income housing under the government's 3 million homes programme, with plans for 141,000 vertical housing units.

DTSEN Decile Data Incorrect? Here's How to Request a Data Update

The Ministry of Social Affairs has outlined procedures for citizens to independently correct or update their decile classification in the National Socio-Economic Single Data (DTSEN). Residents who believe their decile data does not reflect their actual circumstances can submit changes either online via the Cek Bansos application or in person at their local sub-district office and Social Affairs Agency.

Official: List of LPG 3 kg, 5.5 kg-12 kg Prices in Indonesia as of 28 August 2026

PT Pertamina (Persero) through Pertamina Patra Niaga has officially adjusted the prices of its non-subsidised Bright Gas LPG products, effective from 15 August 2026. The price of Bright Gas 12 kg fell by Rp2,000 to Rp218,000 per cylinder, while the 5.5 kg size dropped by Rp1,000 to Rp102,000 per cylinder in Java. Subsidised 3 kg LPG prices remained unchanged, with the highest retail price in South Tangerang still at Rp19,000 per cylinder.

Asset Forfeiture Bill Targeted for 15 December, Issues Still Under Debate

House of Representatives Commission III Deputy Chairman Ahmad Sahroni remains optimistic that the Asset Forfeiture Bill will be completed by 15 December 2026, despite acknowledging several contentious issues remain. Concerns over potential abuse of power by law enforcement officials are among the key points still being debated. House leaders have committed to passing the bill by the December deadline following a meeting with activists.

Foreign Investors Snap Up These 10 Stocks as IHSG Soars

The Jakarta Composite Index (IHSG) surged 1.81% to 6,521.75 on Thursday, reclaiming the 6,500 psychological level. Despite overall net foreign selling of Rp262.11 billion, foreign investors piled into select stocks, led by Bumi Resources and Bumi Resources Minerals. The buying interest spanned mining, banking, infrastructure, and property sectors.

Gold Prices at Galeri 24, UBS, Antam and Antam Retro All Fall Today

Gold bullion prices across all major brands sold through Pegadaian's Galeri 24 outlets declined on Friday, 28 August 2026. The drop affected Galeri 24, Antam, UBS and Antam Mulia Retro products, with one-gram bars falling by between Rp35,000 and Rp63,000 compared with the previous trading day. The declines reflect broader movements in the domestic precious metals market.

Purwakarta KUR corruption case: one person still sought by prosecutors

The Purwakarta District Prosecutor's Office is continuing to pursue one additional suspect in an alleged corruption case involving People's Business Credit (KUR) at a state-owned bank. Three suspects have already been detained, and investigators have not ruled out naming further suspects. The alleged fraud involved manipulated business documents and inflated loan ceilings, causing estimated state losses of Rp3.4 billion.

Friday Sermon Text: The Great Exemplary Model of Prophet Muhammad SAW

This Friday sermon, authored by an Islamic studies academic, emphasises the importance of gratitude, faith, and piety in daily life. It presents Prophet Muhammad as the perfect role model for character and leadership, urging Muslims to dedicate all aspects of their lives to Allah. The sermon draws on Quranic verses to reinforce the message of total submission and accountability before God.

Vietnam's $80 Billion EU Trade Shows Indonesia's Untapped Potential: Ambassador

The EU Ambassador to Indonesia has highlighted that Indonesia's trade with the European Union remains far below its potential, citing Vietnam's $80 billion trade relationship as a benchmark. He noted that the upcoming Indonesia-EU Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, expected to take effect in early 2027, could help level the playing field but stressed that the pact alone will not automatically transform trade. Greater alignment with international standards and increased mutual investment are seen as key to unlocking deeper economic integration.

How to Prevent Phone Hacking and Account Draining: Tips from the NSA and OJK

Cybercriminals in Indonesia are increasingly targeting mobile phones and bank accounts through public WiFi networks and other overlooked vulnerabilities. Guidance from the US National Security Agency and Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) outlines simple but effective steps to secure devices and banking transactions. The recommendations emphasise changing daily habits, tightening security settings, and never sharing PINs or OTP codes.

Partnering with Persija, Upbit Indonesia Opens New Space for Digital Asset Education

Upbit Indonesia has signed a sponsorship deal with football club Persija for the 2026/2027 Super League season, marking its first partnership outside the digital asset ecosystem. The collaboration aims to broaden digital asset literacy and scam awareness among Persija's large supporter base. Both parties see the partnership as a way to combine community strength with innovation in digital assets.

French Content Creator Arrested in Bali for Obscene Content and Deported

A French national has been deported from Indonesia after immigration authorities found he had been producing and promoting explicit content on a subscription-based online platform while staying in Bali. The man, identified by the initials LR, was detained following a public report and was flown out via Ngurah Rai International Airport. Officials stated the action was part of ongoing efforts to enforce immigration law and maintain order in Bali.

Expert Explanation on Two-Headed Buffalo Calf in West Manggarai, NTT

A rare case of a two-headed buffalo calf has been reported in West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara. Veterinary officials explained that the condition, classified as derodymus, is a congenital malformation caused by incomplete separation of monozygotic twin embryos. The calf was stillborn and required a fetotomy to assist the delivery.

Culture Minister Praises GSMS 2026, Strengthening Cultural Inheritance for Young Generation in Pati

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon has highlighted the Gerakan Seniman Masuk Sekolah (GSMS) programme as a key initiative for transmitting culture to young people and advancing Indonesian cultural heritage. Speaking at the final presentation in Pati, he emphasised that the programme goes beyond extracurricular activity by embedding culture directly into the educational process. The 2026 edition involves 25 local governments, 216 schools, and 221 artists across various educational levels.

Airlangga: Indonesia Can Grow 6-7%, Provided This New Engine Accelerates

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto has stated that Indonesia's economy could grow between 6% and 7% if new growth engines, particularly the digital economy, are fully leveraged. He highlighted the ASEAN Digital Economic Framework Agreement (DEFA) as a key driver, with potential to lift Indonesia's digital economy value from US$340 billion to US$2 trillion by 2030. The government is targeting 6% growth in the 2027 state budget.

South Kalimantan Police use flour liquid to extinguish peatland fires

South Kalimantan Regional Police have introduced a starch-based liquid formula to improve the effectiveness of extinguishing forest and land fires on peatlands in Banjarbaru. The innovation, supported by National Police Headquarters, aims to protect priority areas such as the airport from smoke disruption. Trials have shown the mixture significantly reduces soil temperature and suppresses underground fire sources.

Trump Asks Voters to Pretend He Is on the Ballot, a Strategy That Could Backfire

President Donald Trump is urging his supporters to treat the upcoming midterm elections as if his own name were on the ballot, underscoring the Republican Party's reliance on his ability to mobilise its base. The strategy carries significant risk, as Trump's approval rating has fallen to a record low of 33 percent amid public discontent over the economy and the prolonged war with Iran. Rising petrol prices linked to the conflict are increasingly being tied to cost-of-living concerns ahead of the November vote.

Reasons Behind the Auction of the Former KRI Ki Hajar Dewantara

The Indonesian government has decided to auction the former KRI Ki Hajar Dewantara-364, a training ship built in 1979, after it was deemed no longer operationally viable for the Navy. The Ministry of Defence argues that retaining the vessel would create dead stock and incur unnecessary maintenance costs, while its sale as scrap will contribute to non-tax state revenue. The House of Representatives Commission I has approved the divestment, which is part of a broader effort to rationalise and modernise Indonesia's defence assets.

Putin Says UK 'Playing with Fire', NATO on Alert as Next Target

Russia has warned the United Kingdom that its support for Ukraine could trigger retaliatory strikes against military targets outside Ukrainian territory, amid reports that CIA Director John Ratcliffe cautioned the Kremlin against attacking a NATO member. The warning follows Britain's decision to grant Kyiv access to classified technology for domestic production of Storm Shadow cruise missiles, with France also offering missile technology. NATO border states, including Poland, are accelerating military readiness in response to the escalating tensions.

Jakarta Provincial Government Regrets Vandalism of CCTV in Pejompongan

The Jakarta provincial government has condemned the vandalism of public CCTV cameras in Pejompongan, Central Jakarta, which occurred after a protest near the House of Representatives building dispersed. Officials emphasised that while they respect freedom of expression, such actions must remain orderly and lawful. The damaged cameras are used for crime prevention, public service monitoring, and traffic management.

After 4 Days on the Run, Murder Convict Who Escaped from Ambon Prison Found Hiding Here

Imanuel Birahy, a murder convict who escaped from Ambon's Class IIA prison, was recaptured by police after four days on the run. He was found hiding beneath the Merah Putih Bridge following a tip-off from members of the public who recognised him from photos circulated on social media. The escape had raised concerns about prison security after it emerged that the convict broke through a ceiling and scaled a wall while a guard post was unmanned.

Not Just Building Clean Energy, This Is the Big Task of Industrial Decarbonisation

Stakeholders are urging the government to clarify the direction of industrial decarbonisation in the 2026-2035 National Energy General Plan (RUEN). They emphasise the need to close the gap between planning and implementation, harmonise regulations, and establish sectoral priorities. Financing is available globally, but regulatory certainty and a competitive investment climate are required to attract it.

Mount Semeru experiences 21 eruption earthquakes in six hours

Mount Semeru in East Java recorded 21 eruption earthquakes over a six-hour period, with volcanic activity remaining at Level III (Alert) status. Authorities have reiterated safety recommendations, including exclusion zones along the Besuk Kobokan river and a five-kilometre radius from the crater. The Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park has also fully closed climbing routes due to a forest fire in the Ranu Kembang block.

Defence Ministry Reveals Sale Mechanism for Ex-KRI Ki Hajar Dewantara After DPR Approval

The Ministry of Defence has outlined the next steps for selling the decommissioned warship KRI Ki Hajar Dewantara-364 after receiving approval from House of Representatives Commission I. The vessel will be sold through an open auction as scrap metal, with an appraisal to be conducted by the State Assets and Auction Service Office (KPKNL) to determine its current value. No buyer has yet been identified, as the sale will proceed through the open auction mechanism.

Live Streaming Shopping Becomes a Trend, Indonesian Transactions Reach 2.6 Billion

Indonesia's video commerce sector has grown rapidly, with transactions reaching approximately 2.6 billion, according to Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto. Offline trade still accounts for about two-thirds of total trade value, while e-commerce contributes around one-third. The growth is supported by more than 180 million social media users in the country.

BM Kosgoro 1957 Calls on Kekaryaan Organisations to Rebuild AMPI

The chairman of Barisan Muda Kosgoro 1957, Rizky Maulana, has expressed deep concern over internal dynamics within the Angkatan Muda Pembaharuan Indonesia (AMPI) and called for unity among Golkar-affiliated youth organisations. He voiced support for Golkar's youth wing head Said Aldi Al Idrus and urged all kekaryaan youth groups to set aside differences to rebuild AMPI as a strong cadre development platform.

Giant Fault Discovered Beneath Sulawesi, Could Trigger Major Tsunami

Researchers have identified a massive fault system beneath Sulawesi that links onshore and offshore faults, potentially causing larger earthquakes and tsunamis. The Palu-Koro fault extends into the seabed, where the Earth's crust is much thinner, helping explain the unexpectedly high tsunami during the 2018 Palu earthquake. The findings highlight the heightened tsunami risk from future seismic activity in the region.

Extreme Weather Hits Saudi Arabia, Including Makkah and Madinah

Saudi Arabia's National Centre for Meteorology has issued red alerts for heavy rain in parts of the Makkah region, with orange and yellow warnings for Madinah and other areas. Thunderstorms, flash floods, hail and dust storms are forecast across several provinces, while temperatures are expected to reach up to 47 degrees Celsius.

Unusual DPR Plenary Session as 'Balkon Faction' Filled by Botok Pati and Others

A DPR plenary session discussing the Asset Forfeiture Bill took an unusual turn when activist Supriyono alias Botok and fellow members of the Pati United Community Alliance were allowed into the parliamentary chamber to observe proceedings. Commission III Chairman Habiburokhman confirmed the bill will be passed by December 2026, while Speaker Puan Maharani faced criticism for her initial absence from the session.

Tangerang Police Conduct Night Patrol, Declare Region Conducive

Tangerang City Police carried out large-scale patrols and intensive security measures following protests in Jakarta. The police chief stated the situation in the Tangerang jurisdiction is safe and under control. Officers were deployed to border areas, vital installations, and public facilities to ensure public safety.

Ukrainian Drone Strikes Russian E-Commerce Giant's Warehouse for Second Time

Ukrainian long-range drones struck a warehouse belonging to Wildberries, Russia's largest online retailer, for the second time in just over a month. The attack triggered a massive fire that destroyed the entire facility. This follows a previous strike on a Wildberries depot in Tambov in July that killed seven people and marked the start of a repeated air campaign targeting the Russian e-commerce giant.

Pejompongan and Slipi Toll Gates Closed Again Due to Crowds on Arterial Road

The Pejompongan and Slipi toll gates towards Grogol were temporarily closed on Friday morning due to a demonstration on the adjacent arterial road. Jasa Marga implemented situational traffic management, including opening and closing exit access, and advised motorists to use alternative routes. Police also suspended the contraflow scheme on the Jakarta Inner City Toll Road as a result of the protest.

US Navy Runs Out of Money Due to War Against Iran

The US Navy is facing a financial crisis as the cost of military operations against Iran escalates, forcing the Pentagon to divert payroll funds and delay facility maintenance. Congress has refused to approve a $67 billion emergency war fund, leaving the Navy struggling to sustain combat operations in the Middle East. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has warned that the conflict has already cost $35.7 billion and could lead to operational paralysis without additional funding.