Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 29 August 2026

Showing 401-450 of 833 articles

Indonesian Citizen Hid Knife in Shoe at Changi Airport, Faces Three Years in Prison

A 32-year-old Indonesian man has been arrested at Singapore's Changi Airport after security officers discovered a knife concealed in his shoe. The man is due to be charged with carrying a dangerous weapon in a public place. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of three years' imprisonment and at least six strokes of the cane.

Korem 091/ASN holds Istisqa prayer for rain to tackle forest and land fires

Military, police and community members in East Kalimantan held a mass Istisqa prayer in Samarinda to seek divine intervention for rain amid a prolonged dry season that has heightened forest and land fire risks. Samarinda Mayor Andi Harun welcomed the spiritual initiative and confirmed the city has declared a 14-day drought emergency, with the main concern being a clean water crisis caused by the shrinking Mahakam River.

Thirteen dreadlocked children undergo ruwatan ritual at Dieng Culture Festival 2026

Thirteen children with naturally matted hair, known locally as rambut gimbal, took part in the traditional ruwatan cleansing ceremony at the Dieng Culture Festival 2026 in Banjarnegara, Central Java. The ritual, which includes ritual bathing, hair cutting, and offering the hair to Telaga Balai Kambang, is a hereditary tradition of the Dieng community and has been recognised as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Indonesia since 2016. The Minister of Culture emphasised that the community must remain the primary owners of the tradition and that cultural values should not be sacrificed for economic interests.

Minister vows to rebuild public facilities damaged by Flores quake

Indonesia's public works minister has pledged to rebuild public facilities damaged by the Flores earthquake, prioritising both local wisdom and improved safety standards. Assessments are underway to determine whether affected buildings should be repaired or reconstructed under the build-back-better principle. The minister also stressed the importance of involving local communities in the recovery process to help restore livelihoods.

Deputy Minister P2MI inaugurates Umsura Migrant Center to prepare formal sector workers

Deputy Minister for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers Dzulfikar Ahmad Tawalla inaugurated a Migrant Center at Universitas Muhammadiyah Surabaya (Umsura) on Saturday. The facility aims to prepare formal sector migrant workers, particularly in healthcare, where international demand has been high over the past three years. The centre is part of the government's SMK Go Global programme and is expected to serve as a model for other universities.

264 Post-Disaster Recovery Packages Prepared for Binjai City

The Binjai city government is accelerating the procurement and implementation of 264 post-disaster recovery packages funded by an additional Rp 146.72 billion in regional transfer funds. As of late August 2026, financial realisation stood at only 0.56 percent, prompting calls for faster coordination across ministries and local agencies. Priority sectors include school repairs, river normalisation, permanent housing, and community economic recovery programmes.

The Moon Is Truly Moving Away from Earth, Here Are the Impacts

The Moon is gradually receding from Earth at a rate of 3.8 centimetres per year, a phenomenon measured through the Lunar Laser Ranging Experiment. This drift will eventually make total solar eclipses impossible to observe, with NASA scientist Richard Vondrak estimating the last one will occur in about 600 million years. The apparent size of the Moon in the sky has been shrinking over billions of years, and was once up to three times larger than it appears today.

Fire Erupts at Illegal Landfill in Waringinkurung, Police and Firefighters Battle to Extinguish

A fire has broken out at an illegal landfill in Waringinkurung, Serang Regency, Banten, with police and fire crews struggling to contain the blaze. The site, a former brick quarry now used for waste disposal, is covered with soil and overgrown with weeds, making the fire difficult to extinguish. Authorities say the location is far from residential areas and the cause of the fire remains unknown.

Iran's leader urges domestic production, reduced dollar dependence

Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has called for greater reliance on domestic production as the key to resolving the country's economic difficulties, while urging a gradual reduction in the dollar's dominant role. His remarks come as the Iranian rial hit a record low of over 2 million per US dollar following additional US sanctions. Khamenei also stressed the importance of managing imports wisely and deploying technology and innovation to drive growth across key sectors.

Gallery of post-disaster rescue operations on China-Nepal border

Flash floods and landslides near the Gyirong Port on the China-Nepal border have killed five people and left 558 missing as of Friday. Chinese authorities have deployed 681 fire and rescue personnel, 113 vehicles, and over 6,600 units of equipment and supplies to the remote mountainous area. Essential goods including highland barley, rice, flour, drinking water, instant noodles, tents, and blankets have been dispatched to Gyirong.

Integrated People's School 1 in Central Maluku admits 404 underprivileged students

Sekolah Rakyat Terintegrasi 1 in Central Maluku has admitted 404 students from low-income families, spanning primary through upper secondary levels. The school is part of a national strategic programme initiated by the President to expand access to quality education. The regent emphasised that the programme's success depends not only on facilities but also on teaching quality, character building, and parental cooperation.

Former Deputy Head of National Nutrition Agency Lodewyk Files Third Pretrial Motion, Attorney General's Office Responds

Lodewyk Pusung, former Deputy Head of the National Nutrition Agency, has filed a third pretrial motion challenging the legality of asset seizures in the alleged corruption case involving the Free Nutritious Meals programme. The Attorney General's Office says it is prepared to face the motion and will examine whether it repeats the substance of previous applications. Prosecutors maintain that all investigative actions were conducted in accordance with legal procedure.

RSCM strengthens stem cell service development for regenerative therapy

Cipto Mangunkusumo National Central General Hospital (RSCM) is expanding its stem cell and derivative services through the Stem Cells and Metabolites Clinic (SCMC) at RSCM Kencana, Jakarta. The hospital emphasises rigorous quality control to ensure safe application of stem cell therapies, which have already been used to treat over 3,800 patients for conditions ranging from bone defects to stroke and skin rejuvenation. The initiative aligns with RSCM's designation by the Ministry of Health as a research-based stem cell therapy provider.

70 Gojek 'Legend' Drivers Prepare for Umrah Departure Next Month in Solemn Ceremony

Gojek is sending 70 of its longest-serving 'Legend' driver partners on an umrah pilgrimage to Mecca on 2 September 2026 as recognition for their dedication since the company's early call-centre days. The send-off ceremony, attended by Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi and GoTo CEO Hans Patuwo, included prayers and a Maulid Nabi commemoration. The initiative forms part of Gojek's Partner Appreciation Programme, which also includes BPJS protection, holiday bonuses, and education scholarships.

Police Name Three Suspects in Rp1.28 Billion Embezzlement of TikToker Vilmei's Funds

Bekasi Kota Metropolitan Police have named three suspects in the alleged embezzlement of Rp1.28 billion belonging to TikTok content creator Vilmei. The suspects include a former employee, her boyfriend, and a woman who allegedly received the stolen funds. All three have been detained while investigators continue to piece together the full chronology of the case.

Indonesia, NZ discuss food security, renewable energy cooperation

Indonesia and New Zealand have agreed to deepen cooperation in food security, renewable energy, trade and education following a joint ministerial commission meeting. The two countries will focus on improving agricultural productivity, cattle farming, geothermal and solar power, as well as expanding halal certification to boost trade. They also reaffirmed their commitment to regional stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific through ASEAN and the Pacific Islands Forum.

New Menkomdigi Regulation Officially Issued, Operators Prohibited from Voiding Remaining Internet Quota!

The Indonesian government has issued a ministerial circular prohibiting mobile operators from voiding customers' remaining paid internet quota. The regulation, which follows a Constitutional Court ruling, also bans operators from charging additional fees to maintain or use leftover quota. Operators must now offer customers a choice of protection mechanisms, including rollover, active period extension, or refunds, and report compliance by 28 September 2026.

Maluku opens dialogue on Manusela National Park boundaries with central government

The Maluku provincial government is facilitating discussions over the boundaries of Manusela National Park after nine traditional leaders representing 13 buffer villages raised concerns. Governor Hendrik Lewerissa said boundary-setting is a central government authority, but the province will coordinate dialogue between communities, park managers, and the central government. The leaders also raised infrastructure, education, and health service needs in the buffer villages.

Missing for 3 Days, Search for Long-Haired Grandmother in Nusa Penida Expanded

Authorities in Nusa Penida, Bali, have intensified the search for Ni Nyoman Selir, a 79-year-old woman reported missing for three days. The joint SAR team has expanded its sweep to neighbouring village borders and deployed tracking dogs to navigate the hilly plantation terrain. Police have urged residents to report any sightings matching her description.

From Railways to Indonesia's Mobility Ecosystem, KAI Prepares 2030 Transformation

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) has outlined its 2026–2030 long-term plan to become a world-class railway operator and ecosystem orchestrator. The state-owned company reported strong growth in passenger numbers and freight volumes in the first half of 2026, alongside significant progress in digital adoption and energy efficiency. The transformation aims to integrate passenger, logistics, technology, asset, and sustainability services into a single network.

China releases ethics guidelines for AI-based medical imaging

China's Ministry of Science and Technology has issued ethical guidelines for AI-based medical imaging research, covering algorithm development, trial verification and clinical application. The guidelines establish six core principles, including patient welfare, privacy protection and algorithmic fairness. They also affirm that doctors retain final decision-making authority and that AI results cannot be used as a final diagnosis.

Ma'ruf Amin and Gus Kikin Meet at Tebuireng During NU Congress: What's Behind It?

The meeting between Vice President Ma'ruf Amin and KH Abdul Hakim Mahfudz (Gus Kikin) at Tebuireng Islamic Boarding School during the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama Congress has sparked speculation about political endorsements. A spokesperson for the Qanun Asasi team cautioned against reading the encounter as a formal show of support, emphasising NU's tradition of maintaining cordial relations amid internal dynamics.

Viral: Brawijaya University Student Allegedly Stored Hundreds of Indecent Photos and Videos of Internship Colleagues

A Brawijaya University student is alleged to have stored over 900 indecent photos, videos, and video call recordings of fellow internship participants from multiple Indonesian universities. The faculty has referred the case to the university's task force for preventing and handling violence in higher education, emphasising that the investigation must be conducted objectively.

Dukcapil Holds Mobile Service for Vulnerable Residents, Including Special School Students

Indonesia's Directorate General of Population and Civil Registration (Dukcapil) conducted a mobile outreach service in Palu, Central Sulawesi, from 18 to 22 August 2026, targeting vulnerable residents. The initiative aimed to ensure that those with limited mobility, including special school students, still receive their civil registration documents. Over three days of field service, officers issued 726 civil administration documents.

KAI Accelerates Safety Improvements at 190 Level Crossings, Construction Progress Reaches 77.37 Percent

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) has completed safety upgrades at 145 of 190 priority level crossings, reaching 77.37 percent progress as of 25 August 2026. The programme includes construction of guard posts, installation of signage, safety equipment, and communication devices. KAI is also strengthening the readiness of crossing gate officers through training and on-the-job programmes.

Following Constitutional Court Ruling, Minister Issues Regulation Barring Operators from Voiding Unused Internet Quota

The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs has issued a circular prohibiting mobile operators from voiding customers' unused internet quota and from charging additional fees to retain it. The regulation implements a Constitutional Court decision and requires operators to offer customers a choice of protection mechanisms, including rollover, refunds, or compensation. Operators must report compliance by 28 September 2026.

Bitcoin Strengthens, Investors Reminded to Keep Monitoring Market Dynamics

Bitcoin surged past US$80,000 on 25 August 2026, driven by shifting global macro sentiment and strong inflows into US spot Bitcoin ETFs. Indodax has cautioned investors to maintain risk discipline despite the bullish momentum. The exchange also highlighted the role of US Treasury buyback policy in supporting liquidity and risk appetite.

Venezuela announces oil deal with US

Venezuela has announced what it describes as a historic agreement with the United States to encourage investment in the recovery and rebuilding of strategic infrastructure for its hydrocarbon industry. The deal covers the development of 17 strategic oil fields with proven potential of 65 billion barrels, involving over US$100 billion in investment. The announcement follows the January arrest of President Nicolas Maduro by US forces and a subsequent partial reform of Venezuela's hydrocarbon law to allow greater private sector participation.

DPR Commission X Deputy Chair Urges KIP-PIP Not to Be Linked to Decile System

Deputy Chair of House Commission X, MY Esti Wijayati, has called for the Indonesia Smart Card (KIP) and Smart Indonesia Programme (PIP) to be exempt from the decile-based targeting system, arguing they fall under the education budget rather than social protection. She stated that the Budget Committee and Ministry of Finance have agreed that PIP-KIP is mandatory education spending and should not use decile classifications. The commission will hold further meetings with relevant ministries to finalise the decision.

Former Deputy Head of National Nutrition Agency Lodewyk Files Third Pre-trial Motion, Again Over Seizure

Lodewyk Pusung, former Deputy Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), has filed a third pre-trial motion challenging the legality of asset seizures by the Attorney General's Office in the free nutritious meals corruption case. The motion was registered at the South Jakarta District Court, with the first hearing scheduled for 4 September 2026. His two previous pre-trial motions were dismissed on jurisdictional grounds without the substance being examined.

Bengkalis Police Name One Suspect in Forest Fire and Illegal Encroachment Case

Bengkalis Police have named a 58-year-old man as a suspect for allegedly burning 1.5 hectares of land and illegally occupying forest area in Mandau District. The suspect is accused of clearing land for oil palm planting within a Limited Production Forest zone. He faces multiple charges under Indonesia's forestry and environmental protection laws.

Petronas profit rises 4 percent in H1 2026

Malaysia's state-owned oil and gas company Petronas reported a 4 percent year-on-year increase in profit after tax to 27.2 billion ringgit for the first half of 2026. Revenue rose 15 percent to 152.4 billion ringgit, supported by higher domestic production and increased sales volumes of LNG and processed gas. Capital expenditure reached 41.4 billion ringgit, driven by additional capital injections into the PRefChem joint venture and upstream exploration and development investments.

US Troops Deployed to South Sumatra, What's Happening?

The US Army and the Indonesian Army have completed the Ksatria Warrior 2026 joint exercise in Baturaja, South Sumatra, marking a new milestone in defence cooperation. The exercise combined humanitarian assistance, civic construction, and field military manoeuvres to strengthen interoperability and operational readiness. US officials emphasised the importance of the partnership for addressing future threats in the Indo-Pacific region.

Mawlid: A Garden of Love That Ever Blooms

The article explores the celebration of Mawlid, the Prophet Muhammad's birthday, across the Muslim world and particularly in Indonesia, where it has become deeply intertwined with local traditions. It addresses the classical theological debate over whether the celebration constitutes a religious innovation, noting that most Islamic schools of thought permit it. The piece frames Mawlid as a sociological development and a 'monument of time' for renewing love for the Prophet.

BNI Introduces KPR Cermat at Danantara Housing Expo 2026, Offering Lighter Instalments

State-owned lender BNI has launched its KPR Cermat feature at the Danantara Housing Expo 2026, allowing non-subsidised mortgage customers to earn interest rate discounts of up to 1% per year by linking their loans to savings account balances. The scheme forms part of BNI's support for the government's Three Million Houses Programme. Customers can link up to five family savings accounts and access mortgage calculators at the bank's booth during the expo.

BPOM Tightens BPA Migration Limits, Urges Producers to Prioritise Safety

Indonesia's Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) has significantly tightened the permitted migration limit for Bisphenol A (BPA) from polycarbonate food packaging, reducing it from 0.6 mg/kg to 0.05 mg/kg under Regulation No. 11 of 2026. The new rule also bans BPA in products for children under three and mandates triple migration testing for reusable containers such as refillable water gallons. The National Consumer Protection Agency (BPKN) welcomed the move while calling for stronger laboratory testing, transparency, and enforcement to ensure compliance.

Risk of lake burst near China-Nepal border disaster site wanes

Chinese authorities have reported a reduced threat of a secondary lake burst near the China-Nepal border following a devastating glacier collapse that killed hundreds and left thousands missing. Satellite imagery shows the lake has shrunk by 21,000 square metres as water slowly drains, though officials warn flood risks will persist until two lakes have fully emptied. Rescue operations continue amid dangerous conditions, with China's death toll rising to seven and 554 people still missing.

Pramono Establishes Betawi Cultural Institution, Fauzi Bowo Appointed Chairman

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has inaugurated the Betawi Customary and Cultural Institution (LAKB), appointing former Governor Fauzi Bowo as its chairman. The institution is intended to serve as a single umbrella body for all Betawi organisations in Jakarta, fulfilling the mandate of Law Number 2 of 2024. Betawi community leaders welcomed the move as a long-awaited step towards greater organisational unity.

Minister ensures repairs to transport facilities damaged by NTT earthquake

Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi has confirmed that repairs to transport facilities damaged by the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara are being carried out in stages. The damage is not severe, and the ministry is prioritising the restoration of terminals, airports and ports to maintain connectivity and logistics distribution. Sea transport is being used to reach areas cut off by landslides on Flores Island.

Beware of Hacking! Never Click the Download Button on This GTA 6 Demo Site

Cybercriminals are exploiting anticipation for Grand Theft Auto VI by creating fake websites offering a downloadable demo that actually installs Vidar information-stealing malware. Security researchers at Malwarebytes warn that the malware targets saved passwords, session cookies, and browser data across major browsers. Rockstar Games has not released a demo, and the official game is scheduled for 19 November 2026 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.

Peradi Profesional Inaugurates Jakarta Board, Stresses Advocate Integrity

The National Leadership Council of Peradi Profesional has inaugurated the Jakarta regional board for the 2026–2031 term, with Chairman Harris Arthur Hedar emphasising that advocate professionalism must be paired with integrity. He called on the new board to serve as a modern, independent and ethical barometer for the profession, prioritising public benefit over personal or group interests. The organisation also reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening advocate education and strategic partnerships with universities.

DPR urges Immigration not to wait for viral incidents before acting against problematic foreigners in Bali

House of Representatives Commission XIII member Mafirion has called on the Directorate General of Immigration to overhaul its surveillance system for foreign nationals in Bali, arguing that enforcement should be proactive rather than reactive to viral incidents. He urged data-driven monitoring and inter-agency coordination to detect violations early. Mafirion stressed that stricter oversight does not mean closing Indonesia to foreigners, but that all visitors must comply with Indonesian law.

Elderly Couple in Pekalongan Removed from Social Assistance over Alleged Online Gambling Despite Not Owning a Mobile Phone

An elderly couple in Pekalongan, Central Java, have been removed from the social assistance programme after being flagged for alleged online gambling, despite not owning a mobile phone. Village officials have filed an objection, noting the couple are illiterate, classified in the lowest welfare decile, and that their identity cards had been borrowed by another party. The case highlights weaknesses in the data screening process for social aid recipients.

Could Inflation and US Rates Move the Rupiah Next Week?

The Indonesian rupiah is projected to trade between Rp17,600 and Rp17,900 per US dollar next week, with market participants awaiting domestic inflation data and July trade figures. Analysts note that controlled inflation could allow for monetary easing, while rising food imports may signal supply pressures. External factors, including US-Iran tensions and the new Federal Reserve chair's first speech, are also expected to influence the currency's direction.

Testimony of Sudarsi, Wife of Bambang, Victim of the 27 August Unrest

Sudarsi, the wife of Bambang Setiawan, has recounted the events leading to her husband's death during the unrest in Jakarta on 27 August. Bambang, a 59-year-old mirror trader, left his home in Pejompongan to observe the situation and never returned. His family later identified him in a video and learned he had been taken to the Police Hospital, where he was confirmed dead.

BKHIT Maluku strengthens laboratory staff competence to detect animal diseases

The Animal, Fish and Plant Quarantine Centre (BKHIT) in Maluku is enhancing the skills of its laboratory personnel in detecting animal and fish diseases through biomolecular testing using Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). The training aims to improve the accuracy and reliability of quarantine laboratory results. This capacity building is seen as crucial for preventing the entry, exit and spread of animal and fish diseases.

Tasikmalaya Ride-Hailing Driver Fights Off Robber Posing as Passenger

A ride-hailing driver in Tasikmalaya, West Java, managed to overpower and detain a man who attempted to rob him after posing as a passenger. The suspect, identified as GTW, allegedly tried to strangle the driver with a rope before seizing his motorcycle. Police have arrested the suspect and are continuing to investigate the case.

Tourism Ministry assists recovery of Sade Traditional Village

Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana has outlined short- and long-term plans to restore Sade Traditional Village in Lombok following a devastating fire that affected 189 families and damaged 75 traditional houses. The recovery effort will involve local communities, relevant ministries, and partners, with a focus on reconstruction, fire protection systems, and economic support for affected residents. The minister emphasised that the rebuilding should strengthen community resilience and serve as a model for disaster mitigation in other traditional villages.

Learning from European success in developing cooperatives

Indonesia can draw valuable lessons from European countries in transforming cooperatives into modern economic institutions. The article highlights how cooperatives in Spain, Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands have built collective strength through networks, professional management and diversification beyond traditional sectors. It argues that Indonesia's strong social capital and constitutional foundations should be translated into a more competitive cooperative sector.

Video: Property Issuer Business Expansion Targets Education Ecosystem

PT DMS Propertindo Tbk (KOTA) is optimistic about achieving net profit growth through to the end of 2026, supported by its hospitality and real estate segments. The company is pursuing several projects including the Kemayoran Golf Course, a sports hub in BSD, and a hospital and education ecosystem in Surabaya. President Director Mohamad Prapanca emphasised that adapting to market direction and consumer preferences is key to sustaining demand.