Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 29 August 2026

Showing 351-400 of 833 articles

Forest Fire Haze Turns Pontianak Sky Yellowish-Brown, Says BMKG

Forest and land fires in West Kalimantan have produced thick smoke that turned the sky over Pontianak a yellowish-brown colour and reduced visibility to as little as 500 metres in some areas. The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) attributed the phenomenon to high concentrations of particulate matter and detected transboundary haze moving towards Sarawak, Malaysia.

Credit Grows 13.6 Percent, BI Highlights Liquidity at Several Banks

Bank Indonesia has noted that while overall banking liquidity remains adequate, several bank groups are experiencing declines as credit growth outpaces deposit growth. The central bank is monitoring the distribution of liquidity, particularly the high proportion held in securities, and plans to adjust liquidity incentives to encourage more optimal intermediation.

South Africa accuses Israel of violating ICJ orders regarding Gaza Strip

South Africa has formally accused Israel of failing to comply with three legally binding orders from the International Court of Justice concerning the Gaza Strip. Pretoria submitted a dossier of evidence alleging ongoing violations of the Genocide Convention and warned that Palestinian rights could disappear before a final ruling. The filing cites staggering casualty figures and claims of systematic abuses, including the killing of journalists and obstruction of UN-mandated investigations.

Iran transfers US$7.5 billion in oil revenue to central bank

Iran has transferred US$7.5 billion in oil revenue to its central bank, covering the first four months of the Iranian calendar year. The funds are expected to meet government foreign exchange needs from July to December. The transfer comes amid a US naval blockade that has disrupted Iranian oil exports and maritime trade.

Ruwatan of dreadlocked children becomes tourist magnet at DCF 2026

The Ruwatan Anak Berambut Gimbal procession drew more than 2,000 domestic and international visitors to the Arjuna Temple complex during the Dieng Culture Festival 2026. The tradition, preserved across generations, showcases local wisdom and has become a key cultural tourism attraction. Banjarnegara Regent Amalia Desiana highlighted the festival's collaborative nature and noted that the 2025 edition generated around Rp50 billion in economic turnover for the local community.

ITF Sunter Revived, DPRD DKI: Do Not Let Waste Management from Source Be Sidelined

Jakarta DPRD member Ade Suherman has welcomed the revival of the Rp5.3 trillion ITF Sunter waste-to-energy project but cautioned that large-scale processing must not overshadow source reduction efforts. He urged the Jakarta provincial government to ensure the project's contractual design does not create incentives that undermine waste reduction from households and communities. Ade also called for stronger community-level waste infrastructure and cross-sector collaboration to integrate composting with urban farming.

LPS Showcases at UMKM Bazaar Ahead of Lampung Financial Festival

The Indonesia Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS) participated in a weekend UMKM bazaar in Bandar Lampung, offering financial education to local entrepreneurs and residents. The event serves as a prelude to the Lampung Financial Festival, scheduled for 5–6 September 2026 at Novotel Bandar Lampung. The festival, a collaboration between LPS, Transmedia, and CNBC Indonesia, aims to boost financial literacy among young people and promote a more inclusive financial ecosystem.

DJPb opens 37 PKN STAN placements for Papuan students

The Directorate General of Treasury at the Ministry of Finance has opened 37 affirmative action placements at the State Finance Polytechnic (PKN) STAN for students across six provinces in Papua. The initiative aims to build human resource capacity in state financial management to support sustainable economic development in the region. Registration for the 2026 intake runs online from 23 to 30 August 2026.

Satellite Monitoring Detects 36 Hotspots of Forest and Land Fires in West Papua

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has identified 36 fire hotspots in West Papua Province based on satellite monitoring, with an indicative burnt area of nearly 2,500 hectares. Firefighting efforts have been intensified in Teluk Bintuni Regency, including water bombing operations near the Tangguh LNG facility, where dense vegetation and difficult terrain pose significant challenges.

SPPG Kitchen Cooks Compete in Creativity to Serve Free Nutritious Meal Menu

Thirteen SPPG kitchens from Ciamis Regency and Banjar City took part in a cooking competition for the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme in Ciamis, West Java. The event aimed to sharpen cooks' creativity and skills in preparing and presenting MBG menus while maintaining nutritional standards. Organisers hope the initiative will strengthen public trust in the national programme.

Koster stresses Bali pursues energy independence, not just zero emissions

Bali Governor Wayan Koster has emphasised that the province is prioritising energy self-sufficiency alongside its net zero emission goals, aiming to secure clean, new and renewable energy sources. The policy is framed as a fundamental commitment to environmental quality and public health rather than merely meeting global agendas. Plans include reducing reliance on fossil-fuel power, expanding solar capacity to 1,500 MW, and integrating forest rehabilitation and tree planting.

NU's MBG kitchen distributes 12,000 free meals during congress

The Nahdlatul Ulama's free nutritious meal programme distributed over 12,000 food boxes during the organisation's 35th Congress in Jombang, East Java. Around 3,000 meals were provided daily through the SPPG kitchen under PBNU, with distribution coordinated alongside the local PCNU. Organisers highlighted the community's voluntary contributions of rice, vegetables, goats and cattle as a reflection of NU's strength rooted in mutual cooperation and sincerity.

Deputy Minister: AI is a mandatory skill for facing digital-era work dynamics

Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Nezar Patria has urged Indonesian workers to acquire artificial intelligence skills to adapt to changing work dynamics. He emphasised that generative AI is transforming decision-making and public services, with implications extending beyond employment to state revenue and fiscal structures. The government is focusing on strengthening civil servant competencies and cross-sector governance to manage AI transformation proactively.

Former Ecuadorian President Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Corruption

Former Ecuadorian President Lenin Moreno has been sentenced to five years in prison for accepting bribes from Chinese firm Sinohydro in connection with the construction of the country's largest hydroelectric dam. Moreno, who served as president from 2017 to 2021, was among 20 defendants found guilty in the Coca Codo Sinclair dam case. The former leader has announced plans to appeal the verdict.

Foreign Tourists Enter Satonda Island Freely, Dompu Regency Government Responds

The Dompu Regency Government in West Nusa Tenggara has raised concerns that foreign tourists visiting Satonda Island are not contributing any retribution fees to the local administration. Officials say tour operators from outside the region bring visitors without communicating with local authorities, leaving the regency without revenue from the popular destination. The government is now seeking to establish regulations to ensure tour groups pay fees when entering the island.

Dawn Attack Rocks Niger's Capital, Targeting Airport and Presidential Palace

A series of gunfire and explosions struck Niamey, Niger, in the early hours of Saturday, with attackers targeting the international airport, the presidential palace, and a key military base. Security forces reportedly regained control of the base and neutralised some attackers, though the military government has yet to comment. The incident underscores ongoing instability in the Sahel state, which has pivoted towards Russia and tightened control over its uranium sector.

KPK Clarifies Red and White Building Not on Fire, Only Smoke from Protection System

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has clarified that no fire occurred at its Red and White Building in Jakarta, despite smoke being reported on Saturday. The smoke was triggered by the building's fire fighting system responding to fogging activities in the basement area. KPK officials confirmed that emergency services were deployed as a precaution but the situation was quickly brought under control.

BNI Introduces KPR Cermat with Light Instalments at Danantara Housing Expo 2026

PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk has launched its KPR Cermat feature at the Danantara Housing Expo 2026, offering mortgage customers interest rate discounts of up to 1% per year by linking their loans to average daily savings balances. The state-owned bank is partnering with hundreds of developers to support the government's Three Million Houses Programme and broaden access to housing finance.

UNIFIL records 1,030 projectiles fired into Lebanon in one week

UN peacekeepers in Lebanon recorded 1,030 projectiles fired in the south between 21 and 27 August, averaging 147 per day. UNIFIL warned the situation remains fragile and continues to burden civilians, with homes and vital infrastructure damaged. The mission stressed that commitment to UN Security Council Resolution 1701 is essential to reduce tensions and restore stability.

Death toll from Nepal floods and landslides reaches 623

The death toll from flash floods and landslides in Nepal has risen to 623, with hundreds more still missing, including 511 foreign nationals. Rescue teams continue to search for victims swept away by overflowing rivers, with bodies found as far as the Indian border. The disaster has also claimed lives in China, where seven people were killed and 554 remain unaccounted for.

Sumedang Deputy Regent Denies Alleged Sexual Harassment of Personal Secretary, Considers Legal Action

Sumedang Deputy Regent Fajar Aldila has denied allegations of sexual harassment against his personal secretary, dismissing them as baseless gossip. He stated he is investigating the source of the rumours and will consider legal action for defamation if necessary.

OJK Warns Young People: Don't Let FOMO Wreck Your Finances

Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) has urged young people to avoid FOMO and FOPO behaviours when managing their finances, warning that such habits can derail financial discipline. The regulator emphasised that financial literacy is about building character and self-control, not just understanding products. OJK also highlighted the importance of saving from an early age, with over 679,000 new student accounts opened under its KEJAR programme.

Police Urge Parents to Increase Supervision: Child Safety Is a Shared Responsibility

Riau Regional Police have called on parents to step up supervision of their children and keep them away from protest sites to protect their safety. The police emphasised that while expressing aspirations is a protected right, children need guidance to avoid potentially dangerous situations. They urged families to maintain open communication and work together with authorities to safeguard children's futures.

MyESICS Launches Digital Platform to Strengthen Environmental Management Amid El Nino Threat

PT Berkat MyESICS Indonesia has launched MyESICS, a web-based platform designed to simplify environmental data management, monitoring, analysis and reporting. The launch comes as the strengthening El Nino phenomenon in 2026 raises risks of drought and water scarcity across Indonesia. The company aims to help businesses and institutions move beyond mere data collection towards data-driven decision-making for operational efficiency and sustainability.

15,000 Tourists Arrive in Bandung via Newly Reactivated Husein Sastranegara Airport

West Java's Tourism and Culture Office reported that 15,664 passengers arrived in Bandung through Husein Sastranegara Airport between 14 and 26 August 2026, following the airport's recent reactivation. Hotel occupancy rose by 25–35 percent, particularly on weekends, and the airport is also supporting trade and logistics activity in the province. Officials plan to promote Sundanese cultural identity at the airport and encourage visitors to explore destinations beyond Greater Bandung.

Amsakar-Li Claudia Leadership Brings Positive Growth to Batam

Batam's leadership under BP Batam Head Amsakar Achmad and Deputy Head Li Claudia Chandra is driving infrastructure development and investment growth. Road repairs and upgrades are progressing, while investment in the first half of 2026 reached Rp 38.97 trillion, up 62.75% year-on-year. Employment also rose by nearly 10,000 workers, reflecting the tangible economic impact of these efforts.

Government Pledges to Ease Licensing Bureaucracy to Pursue Rp 8,000 Trillion Sports Industry Potential

The Indonesian government has signed a memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Investment and Downstreaming/BKPM and the Ministry of Youth and Sports to streamline risk-based business licensing and improve the investment climate for the sports sector. The sports industry is estimated to be worth USD 251 billion, or around Rp 8,000 trillion, with sport tourism adding further potential. Officials say regulatory certainty, including the automatic approval mechanism under the OSS system, is key to attracting investors and boosting the wider economy.

10 Countries with the Lowest Interest Rates in the World, Is Indonesia Among Them?

A report compares central bank interest rates globally, highlighting Switzerland at 0% as the lowest, followed by Japan and Thailand at 1%. Bank Indonesia's rate stands at 5.75% as of August 2026, positioning it well above the world's lowest rates.

KAI Daop Jember builds 96 level crossings to strengthen railway safety

PT Kereta Api Indonesia's Operational Area 9 in Jember, East Java, is constructing 96 level crossings to improve safety at railway intersections. Ten priority locations are currently under construction and are targeted to begin operating by early October 2026. The initiative follows 19 accidents at unguarded crossings in 2025 and four in 2026, with 400 personnel recruited to manage the new facilities.

Primary School Children Risk Their Lives on Bamboo Rafts to Attend School

Pupils at SDN Budiharja in West Bandung Regency must cross the Saguling Reservoir on a makeshift bamboo raft to reach their school, a journey they say is far quicker than the 2.28-kilometre overland route. Parents are anxious about the dangers, particularly during the rainy season, and are calling for a bridge to be built. The situation highlights ongoing infrastructure gaps in rural Indonesia.

Indonesia escalates battle against fires, putrid haze

Indonesia has intensified firefighting efforts, including cloud seeding and water bombing, as hazardous haze from wildfires affects millions across Borneo and Sumatra, with over 13,500 respiratory cases reported. The government has distributed millions of masks and set up shelters for vulnerable groups, while NGOs urge action on the root causes of the annual fires. The crisis is exacerbated by a severe El Nino weather pattern and widespread slash-and-burn land clearing.

WIKA Beton unveils earthquake-resistant housing to support 3 million homes programme

PT Wijaya Karya Beton Tbk (WIKA Beton) has introduced W-HOME, a modular precast housing innovation designed to be earthquake-resistant, environmentally friendly, and expandable. The product was showcased at the Danantara Housing Expo 2026 as part of efforts to support the government's 3 Million Homes programme. The company says the structure can be completed in about two days and a fully furnished home in around ten days.

OJK Targets Expansion of Pension Fund Membership in Informal Sector

Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) is urging the pension fund industry to develop more flexible schemes to bring informal workers into retirement protection. The regulator notes that informal workers, including athletes and artists, face irregular incomes that make fixed contributions difficult. OJK also highlights that current pension benefits are insufficient, typically replacing only 10 to 50 percent of final income.

Deputy Minister P2MI encourages universities to build Migrant Centers

Deputy Minister for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers Dzulfikar Ahmad Tawalla is urging Indonesian universities to establish Migrant Centers to prepare competent workers for formal employment abroad. The initiative aims to strengthen the formal placement ecosystem for Indonesian migrant workers, with around 23 universities already engaged in discussions. The programme includes skills training and language preparation in English, Mandarin, Japanese, and German.

PDIP Reaffirms Support for Asset Forfeiture Bill, Hasto Highlights Megawati's Role in Establishing KPK

PDI Perjuangan has reiterated its commitment to supporting the Asset Forfeiture Bill currently under discussion in the DPR. Secretary-General Hasto Kristiyanto emphasised that eradicating corruption requires strong national leadership and a commitment to upholding the rule of law. He also highlighted Megawati Soekarnoputri's role in establishing the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) during her presidency as evidence of the party's dedication to the anti-corruption agenda.

SSIC 2026 Promotes Downstreaming and Sustainable Investment in South Sulawesi

The fish oil industry in Sinjai Regency has been named the best investment project at the Final South Sulawesi Investment Challenge (SSIC) 2026. The project beat an integrated shrimp processing industry based on circular economy from Barru Regency and an animal feed industry from Jeneponto Regency. The competition, organised by Bank Indonesia and the South Sulawesi Provincial Government, aims to produce investment-ready projects that add value to the regional economy.

Southwest Papua Police request additional vessels to monitor fish bombing in Raja Ampat

The Southwest Papua Regional Police have requested additional patrol boats and personnel from central government to strengthen surveillance and law enforcement against illegal fish bombing in Raja Ampat waters. Police Chief Brigadier General Audie S. Latuheru said the vast maritime area of the island regency requires more resources to prevent fisheries crimes and protect the marine ecosystem. He also emphasised a community-centred approach to police performance evaluation.

Home Affairs Ministry Awards High-Performing Regional Governments to Spur Local Performance

Indonesia's Ministry of Home Affairs has recognised outstanding regional governments in the Java-Bali region for achievements in housing, health, education, and waste management. The awards aim to motivate local administrations to improve public services and showcase innovative practices. Minister Tito Karnavian highlighted the strategic role of local governments in addressing the national housing backlog through streamlined permitting and support for developers.

Mojtaba Khamenei's Statement After Iran Hit with New US Sanctions

Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has called for greater reliance on domestic production and a gradual reduction of the US dollar's role in the economy following a fresh round of American sanctions. He urged President Masoud Pezeshkian's government to address inflation, unemployment, and price controls while prioritising a 'resistance economy'. The Iranian rial has fallen to a record low of over 2,000,000 per US dollar amid the escalating sanctions.

IMO: 400 ships trapped in the Gulf due to Middle East war

The International Maritime Organization reports that 400 vessels and around 6,000 seafarers remain stranded in the Gulf six months after the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East. The UN body has verified at least 70 attacks on international shipping, resulting in 19 seafarer deaths. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez has called for renewed political will to restore freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

OJK Flooded with Complaints as Rp9.1 Trillion of Indonesians' Money Stolen by Scammers

Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) has recorded public losses exceeding Rp9.1 trillion from online scams, with more than 432,000 complaints lodged through its Indonesia Anti Scam Centre. Only Rp432 billion of the stolen funds has been blocked or recovered. The regulator attributes the low recovery rate to delayed reporting by victims and increasingly complex money-laundering routes across digital platforms.

Firefighters Need Heavy Equipment to Extinguish Fire at Illegal Landfill in Waringinkurung

A fire at an illegal landfill in Waringinkurung, Serang Regency, Banten, has proven difficult to extinguish because the blaze is burning deep within waste piles. Firefighters have withdrawn temporarily due to limited resources and difficult water access, saying heavy equipment is needed to break up the rubbish. Police are monitoring the site while efforts continue.

Ministry of Transmigration Boosts Transmigration Areas to Create Jobs

The Ministry of Transmigration is strengthening development of the Batam, Rempang, and Galang (Barelang) transmigration area to create jobs and improve community welfare. The government has handed over 16 fishing boats to local fishermen and provided capacity-building training in cooperation with the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries and BP Batam. Minister Iftitah Sulaiman said the increasingly peaceful situation in Rempang is an important foundation for investment and sustainable development.

Koarmada III holds exercise to face armed separatist movement

The Indonesian Navy's Third Fleet Command (Koarmada III) has conducted an operation exercise in Sorong, Southwest Papua, to counter armed separatist movements. The drill involved multiple agencies, including the Army, Police, port authority, customs, Pertamina, and Basarnas, to improve coordination and interoperability. The exercise aims to enhance troop readiness and decision-making in realistic operational scenarios.

Ministry of Immigration and Corrections Raises Rp 1.8 Billion from Staff for NTT Earthquake Victims

The Ministry of Immigration and Corrections (Kemenimipas) has collected Rp 1.8 billion in donations from employees across Indonesia to assist victims of the recent earthquakes in Nusa Tenggara Timur. The funds will be distributed to affected ministry technical units and surrounding communities. Minister Agus Andrianto announced that the Director General of Corrections and the Inspector General will personally deliver the aid and assess emergency needs on the ground.

Peradi Profesional Jakarta Board Inaugurated, Focus on Strengthening Competence

The Indonesian Advocates Association (Peradi Profesional) has inaugurated its new Jakarta regional board for the 2026-2031 term. Chairman Harris Arthur Hedar emphasised that the new leadership must uphold professional integrity and strengthen the competence of advocates. The organisation aims to enhance legal education, ethics enforcement, and collaboration with law enforcement and other institutions.

PSEL Construction Raises Hopes of Reducing Waste Piles in Bantargebang

The government has begun building a waste-to-energy facility (PSEL) at the Bantargebang integrated waste treatment site in Bekasi, with an investment of around Rp 3 trillion. The project is expected to process more than 500,000 tonnes of waste per year and supply green energy to around 55,000 homes. Residents have welcomed the development, though environmental observers stress that public habits of sorting waste at source remain a key challenge.

Mojtaba Calls for Iranian Domestic Production and Reduced Role of US Dollar

Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has urged greater reliance on domestic production as the key to resolving the country's economic difficulties, while calling for a gradual reduction in the dominant role of the US dollar. He also pressed the government to address inflation, unemployment, and price controls, and to place 'resistance economy' policies at the heart of its agenda. The appeal comes as the Iranian rial hit a record low of over 2 million per US dollar amid tightening American sanctions.

Towards world-class universities based on regional strengths

Indonesian universities are urged to build world-class status by leveraging their unique regional advantages rather than merely imitating renowned global institutions. The article argues that local issues such as tropical forests, climate change, biodiversity and maritime affairs offer globally relevant academic opportunities. Universities should focus on fields rooted in regional strengths and challenges, supported by sustainable academic capacity.

NU Congress Ballot Boxes for Ahwa Under Tight Security in Tambakberas

The organising committee of the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Congress is keeping proposals for Ahlul Halli wal Aqdi (Ahwa) candidates in sealed glass boxes under 24-hour guard and CCTV surveillance. The boxes, which cannot be opened without being broken, are stored in a transparent room in front of the home of Gus Rozaq in Tambakberas, Jombang. The Ahwa will ultimately select the Rais Aam of PBNU, who will then endorse the elected chairman.