Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 31 August 2026

Showing 801-850 of 1,481 articles

Will Indonesia Review Its Income Decile Data Amid Concerns?

The Indonesian government is forming an interagency team to evaluate the accuracy of income decile classifications used for social and education assistance, following cases where residents' data changed dramatically and affected their access to aid. The review, involving BPS and Bappenas, comes after a Yogyakarta pedicab driver's family was reclassified from Decile 1 to Decile 9, jeopardising his son's university tuition support before being corrected to Decile 3.

Central Lombok Regional Councillor Reported to Police, Father and Husband Also Implicated

Nafila Resnafani, a member of the Central Lombok Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), has been reported to the police for alleged fraud and embezzlement involving Rp 370 million. The report, filed by a local resident, also implicates the councillor's father and husband in the alleged scheme involving vehicle transactions.

Rupiah Ends in Red Zone, US Dollar Closes Up at Rp17,710

The Indonesian rupiah weakened against the US dollar on Monday, closing at Rp17,710 per dollar, as markets reacted to hawkish signals from the US Federal Reserve. The dollar's strength followed comments by Fed Chair Kevin Warsh suggesting a possible rate hike if inflation does not return to target. Attention now turns to the House of Representatives plenary session on Tuesday, which will confirm the new leadership of Bank Indonesia.

BRI disburses Rp103.8 trillion in KUR loans to two million debtors as of June

PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) has disbursed Rp103.8 trillion in people's business credit (KUR) to more than two million debtors in the first half of 2026, with the agricultural sector receiving the largest share at 42.68 percent. The bank also reported strong overall performance, with total lending up 16.2 percent year-on-year and net profit rising 17.5 percent to Rp31.2 trillion. BRI emphasised its role as an enabler for grassroots economic growth through programmes such as Desa BRILiaN, Klasterku Hidupku, and Link UMKM.

GRIB Jaya Post in Kebon Jeruk Catches Fire, Suspected Electrical Short Circuit from Phone Charger

A fire broke out at the GRIB Jaya community organisation post in Kebon Jeruk, West Jakarta, in the early hours of Monday, with officials confirming the blaze was caused by an electrical short circuit from a mobile phone charger. Firefighters deployed 40 personnel and extinguished the flames within 40 minutes, and no casualties were reported. Police have dismissed rumours of arson or a Molotov cocktail attack, stating the incident was purely accidental.

Minister: Multi-stakeholder participation accelerates post-earthquake recovery in NTT

Education Minister Abdul Mu'ti has highlighted the role of multi-stakeholder collaboration in accelerating the recovery of education services following the earthquake in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara. The disaster affected 1,918 educational units across seven regencies, with 665 schools severely damaged and over 141,000 pupils unable to study. The ministry is working with universities, humanitarian organisations and local communities to provide emergency classrooms, psychosocial support and technical assessments.

Rp15,000 Transbandara Blok M–Soetta Fare Takes Effect 1 September 2026

The Jakarta provincial government will begin charging Rp15,000 per trip for the Transbandara service between Blok M and Soekarno-Hatta Airport from 1 September 2026. Officials describe the move as an official fare determination rather than an increase, following a trial period, and say the difference from the estimated Rp70,000 production cost per passenger will be covered by a provincial subsidy. Transjakarta management has pledged to improve service quality, including dedicated luggage space and better schedule reliability.

Tackling Forest Fires: Japanese Helicopter Aid to Prayers for Rain

Forest and land fires continue to affect several Indonesian regions, with hotspots concentrated in Kalimantan, Sumatra, Sulawesi, and Papua. Japan has responded to Indonesia's request for assistance by deploying three CH-47 helicopters and 600 Self-Defense Force personnel to help tackle the fires in Kalimantan. Meanwhile, local communities are resorting to prayers for rain as health impacts mount, with respiratory infection cases rising sharply.

IKN's Lifeline Under Threat, BMKG Steps In with Cloud Seeding

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has launched a cloud seeding operation to address a critical water deficit at Sepaku Reservoir, the main water source for the Nusantara Capital City (IKN). The operation also aims to combat escalating forest and land fires in East Kalimantan, where over 13,000 hotspots were recorded in August. The provincial government has declared a disaster alert status as drought conditions persist.

Fire Engulfs Settlement in Gambir, Central Jakarta; 25 Fire Engines Deployed

A fire broke out in a semi-permanent residential area on Jalan Batu Ceper 8, Gambir, Central Jakarta, on Monday afternoon. The Jakarta Fire and Rescue Service deployed 25 fire engines and 100 personnel to tackle the blaze. The cause of the fire remains unknown as firefighting efforts continue.

Why Judges Now Imposed Rp 5 Billion in Restitution on Ibam in the Chromebook Case

The DKI Jakarta High Court has increased the sentence of Ibrahim Arief, known as Ibam, to five years in prison and ordered him to pay Rp 5 billion in restitution in the Chromebook procurement corruption case. The appellate judges argued that restitution is an integral part of anti-corruption sentencing, aimed at recovering state losses rather than merely punishing the offender. Ibam, a former IT consultant at the Ministry of Education, was initially sentenced to four years without restitution because the lower court found he had not personally profited from the scheme.

Ibrahim Arief's Sentence in Chromebook Corruption Case Increased to 5 Years

The DKI Jakarta High Court has increased the prison sentence for Ibrahim Arief, also known as Ibam, to five years in the corruption case involving the procurement of Chromebooks and Chrome Device Management at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology. The appellate court also imposed an additional penalty of Rp5 billion in restitution, which was not included in the original ruling. The sentence remains significantly lower than the 15-year term sought by prosecutors.

Fire Still Raging in Gambir, Central Jakarta Settlement, Black Smoke Billowing

A large fire is still burning in a residential area of Gambir, Central Jakarta, with black smoke rising from the scene. More than 80 firefighters and 21 fire engines have been deployed to tackle the blaze, which was reported at 1.40pm local time. The cause of the fire and whether there are any casualties remain unknown.

Defence Minister Reveals Dayak Tribe to Receive 'Privilege' for TNI Entry

Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin has announced that members of the interior Dayak tribe with shorter stature will be granted special privileges to join the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI). The adjustment was discussed during a limited meeting with President Prabowo Subianto and military leaders at Hambalang, Bogor. The President also requested updates on disaster management, including post-earthquake recovery in Flores and forest fire handling in Kalimantan and Sumatra.

Anticipating Heatwaves, Singapore to Build 300 Cooling Centres

Singapore is preparing more than 300 cooling centres across the island as part of its national heatwave response plan. The facilities will open when weather conditions meet government-defined heatwave criteria, with vulnerable groups given priority access. The move comes amid warnings that the current El Niño could develop into an exceptionally strong event, potentially bringing extreme temperatures between March and May 2027.

Foreign Ministry verifying Indonesians suspected of joining Russian military

Indonesia's Foreign Ministry is verifying reports that Indonesian citizens have joined the Russian armed forces, stating that any confirmed involvement would be an individual act and not government policy. The ministry is also investigating possible fraud or exploitation in recruitment and has warned citizens against job offers in conflict zones.

Defence Minister Urges TNI Soldiers to Be Ready for Complex Challenges of Modern Warfare

Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto inspected soldiers undergoing Complex Warfare Course training in Batujajar, West Java. The programme is designed to shift military readiness from conventional linear combat to integrated multi-domain operations. The curriculum covers cyber operations, asymmetric warfare, electronic warfare, drone utilisation, and urban combat tactics.

Minister Pigai supports neurorights protection in Human Rights Bill

Minister of Human Rights Natalius Pigai has backed the inclusion of neurorights protections in the draft Human Rights Bill, citing the need to anticipate violations arising from advances in artificial intelligence and neurotechnology. He warned that future neurochip technology could record or process information about individuals' thoughts, making legal safeguards essential. The ministry is adopting a forward-looking, technocratic planning approach to human rights development, projecting future economic, social and cultural conditions to inform policy.

Defence Minister Sjafrie Says Forest Fire Targets Depend on the Indonesian People

Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin has stressed that tackling forest and land fires requires collective effort from all parties, with targets dependent on the Indonesian people. He urged business owners to lend heavy equipment and water-bombing helicopters to the national disaster agency. Sjafrie also noted that dynamic targets such as forest fires and earthquakes would receive state support through the defence budget.

Police arrest owner of 'pemukiman setan' account for spreading Molotov cocktail instructions

The Jakarta Metropolitan Police's Cyber Crime Directorate has arrested the owner of the Instagram account @pemukiman._.setan, identified by the initials AFA, for allegedly disseminating instructions on making Molotov cocktails and provocative calls for violence. Police emphasised the arrest is unrelated to posts about attacks on the GRIB mass organisation, focusing instead on the spread of dangerous material. The suspect was detained in Cibodas, Tangerang City, and has been formally named a suspect pending further investigation.

Profile of Gus Kikin, awaiting a new face for PBNU

KH Abdul Hakim Mahfudz, known as Gus Kikin, has been elected Chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU) for the 2026-2031 term at the 35th NU Congress in Jombang, East Java. He was chosen by nine kiai of the Ahlul Halli Wal Aqdi to succeed Yahya Cholil Staquf. Gus Kikin is a well-known figure among Nahdliyin, serving as caretaker of Tebuireng Islamic Boarding School and chairman of the East Java NU regional board.

Emergency Status Ends, Muhammadiyah EMT Treats 2,222 NTT Earthquake Survivors

The 14-day emergency status following the NTT earthquake has officially ended, with the death toll standing at 120 and over 183,000 people displaced. Muhammadiyah's Emergency Medical Team (EMT) has treated 2,222 patients since 17 August 2026 through its WHO-standard field hospital. Psychological recovery remains a priority as health services continue across seven affected districts in Flores.

Slow Phase II Special Autonomy Fund Disbursement, Deputy Home Affairs Minister Reprimands Papua Regional Governments

Deputy Home Affairs Minister Ribka Haluk has urged all regional governments in Papua to accelerate the disbursement of Phase II Special Autonomy Funds for the 2026 fiscal year, which should have been completed by June. As of late August, 19 regional governments had received the funds, but not all had received the full allocation including Additional Infrastructure Funds. The Ministry will strengthen evaluation using the '5T' principles to ensure timely, targeted, and accountable use of the funds.

47 Villages in Cianjur to Hold Digital Village Head Elections on 18 October 2026

Cianjur Regency in West Java will hold simultaneous digital village head elections (Pilkades) on 18 October 2026, covering 47 villages across 23 sub-districts. This marks the first time Cianjur has used digital voting, making it the second region in West Java to do so after Bekasi Regency. Officials say the digital system is cheaper, faster, and more accessible for elderly voters.

Minister Changes Rules, Landless Farm Labourers Can Now Access Agricultural Machinery

The Ministry of Agriculture has expanded access to agricultural machinery assistance for landless farm labourers. The policy change allows them to form groups with the help of field extension officers and receive equipment such as pumps and tractors. The move aims to boost their income through agricultural services.

Bridge Built by Military District Command Collapses While Being Crossed by Pangandaran Regent, Indonesian Army Explains

The Indonesian Army has clarified that the Pongpet bridge in Pangandaran did not fully collapse but tilted after 50 people crossed it simultaneously, exceeding its designated capacity. The incident occurred during the bridge's inauguration by Pangandaran Regent Citra Pitriyami, when a sling cable on the left side detached from its main anchor. The Army stated that the main structure remained intact and that the local military district command had previously installed capacity notices and conducted public awareness campaigns.

Mining and Plantation Industries Deemed Most Prone to Human Rights Violations

Indonesia's Deputy Minister of Human Rights has identified the mining and plantation sectors as the most vulnerable to human rights abuses, citing land conflicts and environmental damage as primary concerns. The Ministry is preparing a human rights due diligence policy targeting high-risk corporations, regardless of workforce size. The initiative aims to push companies beyond mere legal compliance towards ethical operations that respect human rights and local communities.

DKI Jakarta proposes revised 2026 budget of Rp79.59 trillion and child-friendly city bylaw

The Jakarta provincial government has submitted a revised 2026 regional budget of Rp79.59 trillion, down 2.13 percent from the original allocation, alongside a draft bylaw on establishing child-friendly cities. The budget revision maintains spending on basic services, priority programmes and social assistance, while the child-friendly city regulation aims to broaden child protection beyond violence prevention to include rights fulfilment and special protection measures.

West Jakarta Fire Department Details Chronology of GRIB Post Fire

A fire destroyed a post belonging to the mass organisation GRIB in Kedoya Selatan, West Jakarta, in the early hours of Monday. Firefighters responded within a minute of receiving the report and brought the blaze under control in under half an hour. No casualties were reported and the situation at the scene is now described as safe.

BI to Change Bank Liquidity Incentive Scheme from 1 September, Here Are the Rules!

Bank Indonesia will implement a new Macroprudential Liquidity Policy (KLM) scheme from 1 September 2026, making liquidity incentives more selective based on each bank's liquidity conditions and portfolio composition. The central bank will cap incentives for banks with high securities holdings and introduce a 2% incentive for money market deepening, while maintaining up to 4% for productive sector financing. BI aims to ensure incentives strengthen bank intermediation rather than increase securities holdings.

Air Quality Worsens, School Students in Central Kalimantan Switch to Online Learning Starting Today

The Central Kalimantan Education Office has mandated distance learning for schools affected by haze from forest and land fires, citing unhealthy to hazardous air quality. The policy, effective 31 August 2026, applies to senior high schools, vocational schools, and special schools across the province. Parents are urged to supervise children at home while air quality remains poor.

Attorney General's Office seizes Rp401 billion from PT CNI in nickel corruption case

The Attorney General's Office has seized approximately Rp401 billion from PT Ceria Nugraha Indotama in connection with alleged corruption in nickel commodity governance between 2017 and 2020. The company is suspected of exporting nickel using invalid documents and manipulating ore grade test results to meet export requirements. Investigators are now working to identify individuals who may be held criminally liable.

Hajj and Umrah Under a Single Regulatory Regime: Negative Implications for Umrah Organisers

The unification of hajj and umrah under Indonesia's Law No. 8 of 2019 has created administrative and compliance burdens for umrah travel organisers (PPIU). The article argues that the distinct market-driven nature of umrah is being subjected to rigid hajj-style regulation, risking overregulation, reduced business flexibility, and industry concentration. It calls for a balanced approach that protects pilgrims while preserving space for innovation and fair competition.

Plan Your Home with BNI Mortgage Calculator at Danantara Housing Expo

State-owned lender BNI showcased its mortgage (KPR) calculator at the Danantara Housing Expo 2026, helping prospective buyers estimate their financing capacity before purchasing a home. Visitors such as Yohan and Sinta found the tool useful for planning their budgets and shortlisting properties. The initiative supports the government's Three Million Houses programme and promotes more structured home ownership.

Riots After DPR Protest Kill 1 and 45 Named Suspects, Komnas HAM Meets Deputy Police Chief

Indonesia's National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) is closely monitoring the legal process for 45 suspects named by Polda Metro Jaya following riots after a protest at the DPR/MPR building on 27 August 2026. The commission met with Deputy Police Chief Dedi Prasetyo to discuss the handling of the mass action, which resulted in one death. Komnas HAM has urged proportional legal proceedings and the release of those not proven to be involved in the rioting.

KPK begins questioning witnesses in alleged corruption case in Bogor Regency Government

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has begun examining witnesses in an alleged corruption case involving the Bogor Regency Government. The investigation centres on suspected illegal deductions from incentive payments at the Regional Revenue Management Agency (Bappenda), with evidence of Rp1.5 billion in cash already secured. A separate investigation is also underway into alleged corruption in procurement at the Bogor Regency Education Office.

Attorney General's Office Reveals Nickel Export Case in Southeast Sulawesi, Seizes Rp 401 Billion

The Attorney General's Office has uncovered a corruption case involving nickel exports in Southeast Sulawesi, with alleged state losses of Rp 401 billion. Mining company PT CNI is suspected of manipulating nickel content documents to meet export requirements between 2017 and 2019. Investigators have questioned 116 witnesses and seized Rp 401 billion in funds.

Good News for Tenant Farmers: Minister Amran's New Policy Officially in Effect

Agriculture Minister Amran Sulaiman has officially opened access to government agricultural machinery assistance for landless farm labourers. The new regulation, effective today, allows tenant farmers to receive equipment such as tractors and combine harvesters by forming groups of as few as ten people. The policy aims to improve the welfare of farm workers who previously could not access government aid due to land ownership requirements.

UGM Legal Expert: Asset Forfeiture Law Must Strengthen Corruption Eradication

A Gadjah Mada University legal expert has urged that Indonesia's planned Asset Forfeiture Law be designed to bolster anti-corruption efforts while safeguarding public rights. Oce Madril highlighted five critical issues for lawmakers to address, including clear asset definitions and a balance between conviction-based and non-conviction-based forfeiture. He also proposed a dedicated agency under the President to professionally manage seized assets, citing billions of rupiah recovered from corruption.

Gambir Station to Be Revamped by KAI, Set to Become Jakarta's New Mobility Hub

State-owned railway operator PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) is preparing a 'New Gambir' concept to transform Gambir Station into an integrated mobility hub. The revitalisation plan includes connecting the station with multiple transport modes and adding commercial, culinary, and hospitality facilities. The project aims to turn the strategic central Jakarta location into a combined transport, public activity, and lifestyle area.

Expert: Minimally invasive CABG does not reduce cardiac revascularisation targets

A cardiovascular surgeon at Heartology Cardiovascular Hospital in Jakarta has stated that minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) achieves comparable complete revascularisation rates to conventional sternotomy, while offering faster recovery. Research presented by Dr Widya Trianita Suwatri showed 95.5 percent of minimally invasive patients achieved complete revascularisation, compared with 96.3 percent for conventional surgery. The approach also showed potential to reduce blood transfusion needs and shorten recovery time.

Algerian National Soaks in Lake Sunter Twice for 'Ritual' Before Being Evacuated

An Algerian national was evacuated from Lake Sunter in North Jakarta after twice entering the water claiming to perform a religious ritual. Fire and rescue personnel took around three hours to remove the man safely before handing him over to immigration authorities. Officials stressed that the lake is not permitted for swimming and that rules must be respected regardless of personal beliefs.

Defence Minister Sjafrie Says Japan Sends Aircraft Assistance to Indonesia to Tackle Forest and Land Fires

Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin has announced that Japan is providing bilateral assistance in the form of aircraft to help Indonesia combat forest and land fires. He also called on all parties, including business owners with heavy equipment and water-bombing helicopters, to support the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) in tackling the crisis. The BNPB has separately urged the public to refrain from burning land and to report any fire hotspots immediately.

Who Is Sampurna, the Orangutan Rescued from Kalimantan Wildfire?

An adult male orangutan named Sampurna was rescued from a community plantation in Ketapang, West Kalimantan, after suffering respiratory problems from wildfire smoke. The joint rescue by BKSDA and YIARI highlights the broader impact of forest fires on wildlife, prompting calls for monitoring animal movements in affected areas. The incident adds to a growing number of orangutan evacuations in the region during August 2026.

Challenged by Habib Bahar, Hercules: We Are Already Like Brothers!

GRIB Jaya leader Hercules has responded to Habib Bahar bin Smith's remarks about mass organisations following a deadly demonstration in Jakarta, stating the two have spoken directly and now consider each other like brothers. The 27 August 2026 protest in Pejompongan resulted in two deaths, prompting Habib Bahar to call for all involved organisations to be detained and to challenge 'thugs' to face him. Hercules chose to de-escalate rather than prolong tensions.

Berastagi Town Blanketed in Volcanic Ash Following Mount Sinabung Eruption

Mount Sinabung in Karo Regency, North Sumatra, erupted on Monday, sending a column of ash 3,500 metres into the sky and blanketing the town of Berastagi. Local education authorities have urged all students and teachers in affected areas to wear masks to protect against respiratory health risks. Military personnel have been deployed to distribute free masks to motorists and pedestrians.

Bamsoet Receives Central Java Inspirational Figure 2026 Award

Golkar Party politician Bambang Soesatyo has been honoured as an Inspirational Figure of Central Java 2026, alongside 12 other recipients from various fields. He used the occasion to highlight the province's development challenges, including a poverty rate of 9.21 percent as of March 2026. Bamsoet stressed that true development success should be measured by job quality, education, public services and broader economic opportunity rather than growth figures alone.

Iran: Several killed, wounded in US strike on Larak Island

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has reported deaths and injuries among military personnel and civilians following a US-Israeli strike on Larak Island in Hormozgan Province. The IRGC has vowed retaliation against the aggressors. The incident marks the first US strike on Iranian targets in over a month.

Tourism Ministry focuses 2027 budget on boosting economic impact

Indonesia's Tourism Ministry will direct its 2027 work plan and budget towards maximising the sector's contribution to the national economy. The ministry has been allocated Rp1.509 trillion, with increased funding for destination development, industry and investment, and regional assistance programmes. Key initiatives include tourism safety, village tourism, quality tourism, Event by Indonesia, and Tourism 5.0.

3 kg LPG Distribution Scheme to Be Changed, When Will It Take Effect?

The Indonesian government plans to transform the 3 kg LPG subsidy scheme from a commodity-based approach to a beneficiary-based system starting in 2027. The policy aims to improve targeting by using population data and welfare deciles, while also reviewing the retail price. Energy subsidies are projected to rise sharply, with LPG subsidies alone expected to reach Rp 114.1 trillion in 2027.