Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 29 August 2026

Showing 301-350 of 833 articles

Did Fire Break Out at KPK Building Today?

The KPK has denied reports of a fire at its Red and White Building in South Jakarta, clarifying that thick smoke was caused by fumigation and a triggered fire protection system in the basement UPS battery room. Firefighters were deployed after a public report, but the agency stated there was no actual fire and that smoke removal was underway. The incident highlights the sensitivity of security and operational issues at Indonesia's anti-corruption body.

NU Congress Organisation Commission Discusses AD/ART Amendments

The Organisation Commission of the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Congress is deliberating strategic matters, including proposed amendments to the organisation's constitution and the method for electing the PBNU leadership. The closed-door sessions are intended to allow delegates to deliberate freely, with results to be announced after the decision-making process is complete. The congress is also holding parallel sessions for other commissions, whose outcomes will be brought to a plenary for ratification.

Merdeka Run 2026 Supported by President Prabowo, Minister Erick Appreciates Enthusiasm of 12,000 Participants

Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir expressed pride and emotion at the high public turnout for Merdeka Run 2026, held to mark Indonesia's 81st Independence Day. Participation surged from an initial target of 8,000 to 12,000 runners, including disabled participants who completed the race. The event also served as a warm-up for national athletes preparing for the 2026 Asian Games.

Central Sulawesi Law Ministry opens free song copyright registration

The Central Sulawesi Regional Office of the Ministry of Law is offering free copyright registration for songs and music as part of the 2026 Hari Pengayoman celebrations. The service will be available on 30 August 2026 at Lapangan Vatulemo in Palu, aiming to provide legal certainty for creators and raise public awareness of intellectual property rights. Officials emphasised that creative works are economic assets that should be protected from the outset.

Before Zulhas, Santri in Jombang Showcase Turning Waste into Energy

Students at SMK Kreatif Chasbullah in Jombang demonstrated their waste management practices to Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan, showcasing how they convert waste into biogas and paving blocks with near-zero residue. The minister praised the initiative as a model of environmental literacy translated into action. He also highlighted the importance of developing waste-to-energy solutions such as PSEL tailored to regional conditions.

3D Technology Now Helps Doctors Treat Heart Rhythm Disorder Patients in Bali

A 3D cardiac mapping technology for ablation procedures is now available at Siloam Hospitals Bali, offering more detailed imaging to treat arrhythmia. The technology is expected to improve precision, shorten procedure times, and expand access for patients from eastern Indonesia. However, high demand remains constrained by limited specialist staff and costs of around Rp 190–200 million per procedure.

JHEC 2026 Perluas Akses Produk Halal Indonesia ke Pasar Global

The Jakarta Halal Expo and Conference (JHEC) 2026 brought together more than 30 Indonesian halal businesses with over 14 buyers and investors from more than 15 countries through B2B business matching. The event, organised by Lima Events with KPMI, aims to help Indonesian SMEs access international markets and expand beyond local distribution networks. Officials from KNEKS and the Malaysian Embassy highlighted the forum's potential to strengthen Indonesia's halal industry competitiveness and bilateral economic cooperation.

Gusdurian Network Urges NU Congress to Be Free from Money Politics and Intervention

The Gusdurian Network has called for the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Congress to serve as a moment to strengthen the organisation's independence, integrity, and commitment to its members and public welfare. The call aligns with recommendations from the 2026 NU Community Grand Assembly held in Jombang, which explicitly reject money politics, vote-buying, and external intervention. The network also urged NU to refocus on serving its congregation through education, economic empowerment, and social services.

Cheese Factory to Be Built in Sumedang with Production Capacity of 60,000 Tonnes

PT Mulia Bogor Raya, a subsidiary of Garudafood, is to build a cheese factory in Sumedang, West Java, with an annual production capacity of 60,000 tonnes. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026 and the facility is expected to be fully operational by 2028. The project, developed in partnership with French cheese company Bel Group, is expected to boost the local economy and strengthen the company's position in domestic and regional markets.

Gus Arwani Thomafi: Uphold five values in serving NU

Gus Arwani Thomafi has outlined five core values, known as Madarij al-Khidmah, as guiding principles for Nahdlatul Ulama members in their service to the community and nation. Speaking at the 35th NU Congress in Jombang, he emphasised sincerity, adherence to Ahlussunnah wal Jamaah, respect for religious scholars, unity, and nationalism. He expressed hope that these values would continue to be actualised in the daily lives of NU members.

NTT transport repairs expedited following Flores quake, minister says

Indonesia's government is accelerating repairs to transport infrastructure in East Nusa Tenggara following the Flores earthquake, prioritising damaged terminals, airports and ports to restore public mobility and aid distribution. The minister confirmed that logistics flows remain largely intact, with sea transport being used to bypass landslide-blocked roads and maintain access to isolated communities.

Green Industry Award 2026 Registration Open Until 9 September, Here Are the Three Categories

Indonesia's Ministry of Industry is accepting applications for the 2026 Green Industry Award until 9 September 2026. The award features three categories recognising industrial companies and regional governments committed to green industry principles. The ministry hopes the programme will strengthen the competitiveness of Indonesian manufacturing in global supply chains.

Cabinet Secretary: Around 12,000 runners celebrate independence at Merdeka Run 2026

Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya said the Merdeka Run 2026 in Jakarta drew more than 12,000 participants as part of Indonesia's 81st independence anniversary celebrations. The 8-kilometre event started at Merdeka Palace and passed through major thoroughfares including Jalan MH Thamrin and Jalan Jenderal Sudirman. Teddy emphasised that the run translated the spirit of independence into movement, health, optimism and opportunity open to all.

Zulhas Encourages Pesantren Waste Management as Model for Other Regions

Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan has praised students at a Jombang Islamic boarding school for converting waste into products such as paving blocks and biogas. He said the initiative demonstrates the importance of environmental literacy and should be replicated elsewhere. The minister also highlighted the potential of waste-to-energy schemes tailored to local conditions.

Snakewood, a Treasure from Papua Coveted from Arabia to Europe

Papua's snakewood (Strychnos ligustrina), long used by indigenous communities as a natural remedy for malaria, diabetes and other ailments, is attracting interest from herbal markets in ASEAN, Africa, Europe and the Middle East. Scientific studies support its pharmacological properties, including antibacterial and anticancer effects. Experts see strong export potential if cultivation is developed beyond traditional harvesting.

BGN Excludes 80 Elite Private Schools from Free Nutritious Meal Programme

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has removed around 80 elite private schools from the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme, judging them capable of meeting students' nutritional needs independently. Boarding schools with their own meal programmes, such as SMA Taruna Nusantara, have also been excluded. The public can verify excluded schools through the MBG radar system.

Public Works Minister gives special attention to Penyengat Island development in Riau Islands

Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo has pledged support for the development of Penyengat Island in Tanjungpinang, Riau Islands, as a historic tourism destination and centre of Malay civilisation. The ministry has already carried out slum upgrading works and plans further improvements in 2026-2027, including restoration of the Balai Adat, repainting of the Sultan Riau Mosque, and repairs to the Pelantar Kuning jetty. The minister said coordination with the Ministry of Transportation would be needed for the jetty works.

Rosan: Sports industry can boost economy, targets Rp8,000 trillion investment

Investment Minister Rosan Roeslani has highlighted the sports industry's potential to drive national economic growth, with an estimated global market value of USD 521 billion or around Rp8,000 trillion. The Ministry of Investment and Downstreaming/BKPM has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Youth and Sports to streamline licensing and attract investment into the sector. The collaboration aims to strengthen the sports investment ecosystem through regulatory certainty and inter-agency cooperation.

Novita Hardini pushes for more targeted MSME financing schemes

House of Representatives Commission VII member Novita Hardini has urged the government and banks to develop financing schemes better suited to the needs of MSMEs and creative economy players. She highlighted a persistent gap between Bali's large tourism market and the economic benefits actually reaching local small businesses. Hardini called for a comprehensive strengthening of the creative economy ecosystem, including access to capital, intellectual property protection, and market certainty.

Iran Denies Plot to Kill Trump's Youngest Son: Netanyahu's Deception!

Iran has dismissed reports that it planned to target Barron Trump, the youngest son of US President Donald Trump, calling them fabricated propaganda. Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, described the claims as a 'Netanyahu trick' designed to deceive and frighten the US President. The denial follows the broadcast of an AI-generated video on Iranian state television that was widely interpreted as a threat against Barron Trump.

Jombang Santri Praised by Zulkifli Hasan for Zero Waste Processing

Students at SMK Kreatif Chasbullah in Jombang have turned waste into useful products such as paving blocks and biogas, earning praise from Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan. The minister highlighted their achievement as a model of environmental literacy put into practice. He also emphasised the importance of developing waste-to-energy solutions tailored to local conditions.

Baznas RI launches Santri Scholarship at 35th NU Congress

Indonesia's National Amil Zakat Agency (Baznas) has launched a Santri Scholarship programme during the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama Congress in Jombang, East Java. The initiative aims to widen access to education for Islamic boarding school students, particularly those from underprivileged families. The Religious Affairs Ministry and alumni organisations have pledged to expand cooperation to reach more beneficiaries.

Wild Grass Fire in Rorotan, North Jakarta: Three Fire Engines Deployed

A fire broke out in a wild grass area in the Nusa Kirana Cluster housing estate in Rorotan, Cilincing, North Jakarta, on Saturday morning. The North Jakarta Fire and Rescue Service deployed 14 fire engines and 84 personnel to tackle the blaze. Firefighting efforts are ongoing, with operations hampered by difficult access to water sources.

Ten Named as Suspects in Jambi Forest and Land Fires

Jambi Regional Police have named ten individuals as suspects in connection with forest and land fires across six police jurisdictions, with a total burned area of 17.25 hectares. The suspects are accused of clearing land for private plantations by burning. Police are intensifying law enforcement and prevention efforts as the province has recorded 4,682 hotspots and 954.41 hectares of burned land since January.

Thousands of Free Coffees and Spirit of Service at 35th NU Congress

A free coffee stand run by Jam'iyyah Manaqib Jawahirul Ma'ani in Jombang has served thousands of visitors during the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama Congress. The initiative, which began on 25 August 2026, offers coffee, tea, instant noodles and snacks at no cost as an act of khidmah (service) and to seek blessings. Organisers expanded operating hours due to high public enthusiasm.

Judicial Commission: Those Who Passed Are Definitely Qualified

The Judicial Commission has defended its selection process for Supreme Court justice candidates, asserting that it followed all rules and was free from nepotism. The House of Representatives approved 11 Supreme Court justices and three ad hoc judges in August 2026, marking a smoother process than the previous year when the selection stalled.

Seven points on Jakarta-Cikampek Toll Road to be repaired until 4 September

PT Jasamarga Transjawa Tol is carrying out pavement reconstruction at seven locations along the Jakarta-Cikampek Toll Road from 29 August to 4 September 2026. The works, affecting both Cikampek-bound and Jakarta-bound lanes, are part of routine maintenance on a key national mobility and logistics corridor. Traffic management will be implemented situationally, with the operator apologising for potential inconvenience.

Evacuation of three juvenile false gharials reveals new habitat in West Kalimantan

The Pontianak Marine Management Office has evacuated three juvenile false gharials (Tomistoma schlegelii) from a fisherman's house in Mempawah Regency, West Kalimantan. The discovery indicates that the Upper Mempawah River system serves as an active breeding ground for the critically endangered species. The finding expands the known distribution of the false gharial in West Kalimantan, previously identified mainly in Kapuas Hulu and Ketapang regencies.

Government Provides Free Land Title Certificates, Here Are the Requirements

The Indonesian government is launching a programme to provide free land title certificates (SHM) for low-income communities, targeting one million recipients this year. The initiative, a collaboration between the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and the Ministry of Housing, aims to certify homes that have previously lacked formal ownership documents. Three groups are eligible: recipients of government housing assistance, participants in the FLPP mortgage scheme, and self-built homeowners classified as low-income.

Former Deputy Head of BGN Files Pretrial Motion Again, AGO Responds

The Attorney General's Office has responded to a third pretrial motion filed by Lodewyk Pusung, a suspect in the alleged corruption case involving the Free Nutritious Meals programme. The AGO stated it respects the suspect's legal rights but will scrutinise whether the motion duplicates previous applications, citing new Criminal Procedure Code restrictions. The case involves alleged mismanagement and price mark-ups in the national nutrition programme.

Finance Minister: Rp 120 Trillion Danantara Profit to Enter State Budget This Year

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has confirmed that approximately Rp 120 trillion in profits from Danantara will be transferred to the 2026 state budget (APBN). The funds will be recorded as non-tax state revenue and held as a reserve to strengthen the budget and help maintain the targeted deficit of 2.85 percent of GDP. The decision was made by President Prabowo Subianto, though the timing of the transfer has not yet been determined.

Toddler in Malang Critical After Abuse by Mother and Her Boyfriend Over Bedwetting

A three-year-old in Malang, East Java, is in critical condition in intensive care after allegedly being repeatedly abused and neglected by his mother and her boyfriend. Police have arrested both suspects, who reportedly attacked the child over bedwetting, and are prioritising the victim's medical recovery alongside the criminal investigation.

Herman Deru Receives Award as Initiator Governor of Aslinmas Indonesia

South Sumatra Governor Herman Deru has been recognised as the Initiator Governor of the Indonesian Community Protection Association (Aslinmas) and appointed to its central advisory board. The award was presented by Deputy Home Affairs Minister Akhmad Wiyagus during a ceremony in Palembang, where he urged Satlinmas to strengthen its role in preventing forest and land fires. The event also saw the inauguration of Aslinmas national and regional boards and the distribution of aid packages.

NU Muktamar Commission Permits Brain Chips for Medical Purposes

The Bahtsul Masail ad-Diniyah al-Waqi'iyyah Commission of the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Muktamar has ruled that brain chip technology may be used for medical purposes, such as helping paralysed patients regain partial motor function. The commission also reached decisions on the commercialisation of DNA data and Bitcoin transactions, which will be brought to the plenary session for final approval. Discussions on integrating brain chips with mobile technology or artificial intelligence were deferred pending further clinical trials.

PERADI Profesional stresses advocates must protect public rights

PERADI Profesional has emphasised that advocates bear responsibility not only for practising their profession but also for upholding the law and protecting public rights. The organisation's chairman Harris Arthur Hedar said professionalism must be accompanied by integrity and competence. The remarks were made during the inauguration of the DKI Jakarta regional board for the 2026–2031 term.

Forest on Mount Merapi Slopes Burns, Suspected Due to Eruption

A forest fire broke out on the western slopes of Mount Merapi, reportedly ignited by hot lava flows from the volcano's ongoing eruption. Officials confirmed the blaze affected around 100 square metres of vegetation but has since been brought under control, with no impact on nearby communities.

IDX says 7 companies in pipeline for IPOs, 4 from healthcare sector

The Indonesia Stock Exchange has seven companies preparing for initial public offerings, with four coming from the healthcare sector. The prospective issuers include three large-scale enterprises with assets above Rp250 billion, while the exchange has already seen seven IPOs raise Rp2.16 trillion this year. The pipeline also includes 14 debt and sukuk issuances and one property company planning a rights issue.

Bima Residents Hand Over Five Homemade Firearms to Police

Residents in Bima Regency, West Nusa Tenggara, voluntarily surrendered five homemade firearms to local police stations in Sanggar and Tambora districts. Police attributed the handover to active outreach and public appeals, praising the community's role in maintaining security. Authorities have urged anyone still in possession of such weapons to report them immediately.

Health Ministry encourages development of safe stem cell therapy

Indonesia's Health Ministry is pushing for the development of stem cell therapy to ensure it is safe and provides real benefits for patients. The ministry stressed the need for accurate public information, patient safety, legal compliance, and responsible innovation. It also highlighted the role of hospitals like RSCM in building scientific evidence and translating research into safe clinical services.

Cabinet Secretary: More Than 12,000 Runners Join Merdeka Run 2026

Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya announced that over 12,000 runners participated in Merdeka Run 2026 in Jakarta as part of Indonesia's independence month celebrations. The event featured an 8-kilometre route for the general public and a 2.5-kilometre route for participants with special needs, underscoring the government's commitment to inclusivity. The run was flagged off by the Youth and Sports Minister, State Secretary, and Cabinet Secretary at 6:00 AM local time.

Governor Khofifah encourages East Java schools to develop food security

East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa has urged schools across the province to utilise available land for sustainable food production through the SIKAP programme. The initiative integrates food cultivation into the curriculum, teaching students entrepreneurship and value-added processing skills. Khofifah highlighted that food security can be achieved without large-scale land, using spaces around schools and homes.

KPK confirms Red and White Building safe after smoke appears

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has confirmed that its Red and White Building in Jakarta is safe and secure after smoke was detected in a UPS battery room on the lower floor. Firefighters and the KPK General Bureau team completed handling the incident at around 12.05 WIB. The smoke originated from a fire suppression system that activated after detecting fumes from pest control fumigation activities, not from an actual fire.

Village Ministry launches Gen Z Ambassadors to drive development of 75,000 villages

Indonesia's Ministry of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions has launched a Gen Z Ambassador programme in Serang, Banten, to encourage youth participation in developing the country's 75,266 villages. The initiative supports President Prabowo Subianto's sixth Astacita goal of building from villages to achieve economic equality and poverty alleviation. Young ambassadors are expected to drive economic innovation, digital promotion, and self-reliance through village tourism, export villages, and BUMDes.

Video: To Get Indonesians Using Electric Motorcycles, This Problem Must Be Solved!

The chairman of Aismoli, Budi Setiyadi, has stressed the need to strengthen Indonesia's electric vehicle ecosystem and supporting infrastructure to drive EV industry growth and public adoption. He highlighted that the national electric motorcycle programme (MOLINAS) requires more charging stations and dedicated repair workshops, as current public charging infrastructure is largely geared towards electric cars. The programme is expected to boost electric motorcycle uptake alongside improved financing access and planned government incentives.

Getting to Know Al Qasemi, the Islamic Intellectual Who Chose to Become an Atheist

Abdullah Al Qasemi, born in Saudi Arabia in 1907, was a prominent Islamic intellectual who underwent a radical transformation from a devout Salafi supporter to a declared atheist. His controversial writings, including 'The Lie to See God Beautiful', led to his expulsion from Al-Azhar University and later from Egypt, with his works banned across the Middle East. He died in 1996 after surviving multiple assassination attempts.

Industrial Growth Drives Property Development in Karawang

The expansion of industrial estates in Karawang is reshaping property development in the region, with developers integrating residential, commercial and supporting facilities into integrated townships. Agung Podomoro Land's 130-hectare Parkland Podomoro Karawang exemplifies this shift, combining housing clusters, retail areas and a central business district. The project recently received the 'Best Grand Development and Premium Facilities' award at the Indonesia Property & Bank Award 2026.

Indonesia ships cultivated ornamental corals to US

Indonesia has exported approximately 200 pieces of cultivated live ornamental coral to the United States from a Banyuwangi-based aquaculture company, PT Sri Kandi Aquarium. The Trade Ministry is supporting such local businesses through its overseas trade promotion centres, while the company reports regular exports to 20 countries including several European markets. The shipment highlights government efforts to promote Indonesian MSME products globally.

BPMA pushes joint study by two Japanese firms to advance to oil and gas exploration in Aceh

Aceh's oil and gas management body is urging JOGMEC and JAPEX to move beyond their six-month joint study of the North Sumatra Basin towards exploration and investment. The study, conducted with Padjadjaran University, aims to evaluate undiscovered hydrocarbon potential in onshore and offshore areas. BPMA has pledged to support a secure and transparent investment climate to facilitate the next stages of cooperation.

Why Indonesia Halts Free Meal Distribution to 80 Elite Private Schools

Indonesia's National Nutrition Agency has removed 80 elite private schools from the free nutritious meal programme after determining they can fund meals independently. The overhaul also uncovered around 6 million duplicate beneficiary records and 414 non-operational kitchens that had received funds, with Rp311 billion returned to the state treasury. The move is part of a broader effort to improve budget absorption and ensure the Rp240 trillion allocated for the 2027 programme reaches intended recipients.

Two Motorcycle Thieves Arrested in Bogor After Being Apprehended by Residents

Police in Gunung Putri, Bogor, have arrested two men suspected of stealing a motorcycle from a mosque car park. The suspects were caught by local residents and briefly subjected to mob justice before officers arrived. They now face charges of aggravated theft under Article 477 of the Criminal Code, carrying a maximum sentence of seven years.