Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 31 August 2026

Showing 851-900 of 1,481 articles

BP Batam transforms services to boost investment

The Batam Concession Agency (BP Batam) is overhauling its investment services through regulatory certainty, faster processing, and improved area management to attract more investors. Investment realisation in the first half of 2026 reached Rp29.89 trillion, or 42.7 percent of the annual target of Rp70 trillion. The agency aims to ensure investors feel secure and comfortable developing their businesses in Batam.

270 Students at Lebak's Sekolah Rakyat Join Pre-MPLS Orientation

A total of 270 students have enrolled at the Sekolah Rakyat in Panggarangan, Lebak Regency, Banten, for the 2026/2027 academic year, up from 200 the previous year. The students, all from poor and extreme poor families in Desil 1 and Desil 2, are attending pre-orientation activities at the nearly completed permanent campus. Officials expressed optimism that the school will help break the cycle of poverty.

Deputy Minister of Human Rights: Forest Fire Law Enforcement Must Not Only Target Small Fry

Deputy Minister of Human Rights Mugiyanto has urged law enforcement to investigate corporate involvement in forest and land fires in Sumatra and Kalimantan, rather than only prosecuting low-level perpetrators. The Ministry is accelerating a human rights due diligence regulation for businesses, which will be mandatory for companies with at least 2,000 employees or those with high environmental risk. The regulation aims to promote ethical corporate conduct while retaining sanctions for non-compliance.

Police: Fire at GRIB Organisation Post in West Jakarta Caused by Electrical Short Circuit

A fire at a GRIB community organisation post in Kedoya, West Jakarta, was caused by an electrical short circuit, according to police. Authorities dismissed rumours that a Molotov cocktail was thrown at the post, and the Police Forensic Laboratory is conducting further checks to confirm the cause.

House Commission VII asks Tourism Ministry to allocate budget for post-earthquake NTT recovery

House of Representatives Commission VII Chairman Saleh Partaonan Daulay has urged the Ministry of Tourism to allocate funds for the recovery of the tourism sector in East Nusa Tenggara following recent earthquakes. He warned that continued aftershocks could deter visitors to destinations such as Labuan Bajo, threatening local economic recovery. Around 16,000 residents remain in evacuation shelters, and the ministry was reminded that state budget spending must deliver tangible benefits to the public.

Four areas in Sarawak record 'hazardous' air quality; East Malaysian state prepares for possible haze emergency

Sarawak is experiencing hazardous air quality levels due to transboundary haze from forest fires in Indonesia, with Serian district recording an API of 475. The state government has warned it may declare an emergency if readings exceed 500, which would trigger closures of offices and workplaces. The haze has already forced the cancellation of state-level National Day celebrations, while air quality in Putrajaya remained moderate enough for the main event to proceed.

Prabowo Visits New Homes of Senen Relocation Residents in Jakarta

President Prabowo Subianto visited residents of the Senen area in Central Jakarta who have moved into new housing after living for over a decade beside the railway tracks near Senen Station. The visit, which took place after his activities at the Merdeka Palace, was seen as the fulfilment of his promise to the relocated residents. Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya said the President not only provided new homes but also came directly to see how residents were beginning their lives in their new accommodation.

Roy Suryo Tetap Ajukan Praperadilan: Sudah Sesuai KUHAP

Roy Suryo, a suspect in a defamation and fake news case involving allegations of a forged diploma belonging to former President Joko Widodo, has defended his decision to file a fifth pretrial motion, arguing it is his legal right under the Criminal Procedure Code. He questioned a Supreme Court circular that allows pretrial motions to be accepted but later declared inadmissible once the main case begins, calling the provision anomalous. Roy maintains he still has time before the main trial starts on 17 September and insists the court should examine all his arguments rather than dismissing the motion on procedural grounds.

‘Hazardous’ levels of air quality in parts of Indonesia’s Borneo

Air quality in parts of Central and West Kalimantan has reached hazardous levels, with Palangkaraya recording an AQI of 780 and Pontianak 593, as forest fires continue to affect millions of residents. The Indonesian military is undertaking reforestation and water infrastructure improvements to mitigate the fires, while Japan has dispatched a Self-Defense Force transport ship with personnel and helicopters to assist in firefighting operations.

PNM Mekaar Customers in Sade Village Lose Homes and Businesses, PNM Provides Support Through Difficult Times

A fire destroyed hundreds of traditional Sasak houses in Sade Traditional Village, Central Lombok, leaving many PNM Mekaar customers without homes, weaving equipment, and their sources of income. PNM responded within a week by distributing household essentials and pledging ongoing support to help affected customers resume their businesses. The state-owned enterprise emphasised that its assistance is tailored to actual needs on the ground rather than being a generic aid package.

Danantara Responds to MTEL-TBIG Merger Rumours

Indonesia's sovereign wealth fund Danantara has responded to reports that Telkom subsidiary Dayamitra Telekomunikasi (Mitratel) may merge with Tower Bersama Infrastructure. COO Dony Oskaria said the matter is still under internal discussion and that state-owned enterprises are open to mergers with private companies if it aligns with their strategic roadmap. Telkom itself has declined to comment further on the specific reports.

House Commission I: Defence Ministry to Receive Rp 189 Trillion Budget in 2027

The Indonesian House of Representatives Commission I has announced that the Ministry of Defence will receive a budget allocation of Rp 189 trillion in the 2027 state budget, an increase of approximately Rp 60 trillion from the indicative ceiling. Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin pledged to use the funds optimally, citing the dynamic nature of defence tasks. The meeting also highlighted the TNI's role in disaster response, including forest fire suppression and earthquake relief in East Nusa Tenggara.

Forest and Land Fire Volunteer in Central Kalimantan Dies After Being Treated for Breathing Difficulties

A volunteer firefighter involved in tackling forest and land fires in West Kotawaringin Regency, Central Kalimantan, has died after being hospitalised with breathing difficulties. Ahmadin, also known as Itam Madin, had been battling thick smoke for a week before his condition deteriorated. His death highlights the severe health risks faced by volunteers working on the front lines of Indonesia's recurring land and forest fire crisis.

Central Jakarta administration plants 4,682 seedlings across 48 locations for food security

The Central Jakarta city government has planted 4,682 rice-companion crop seedlings across 48 sites in eight sub-districts to strengthen food security using limited urban land. The initiative involves PKK cadres, neighbourhood leaders and community figures, and includes 400 tilapia fingerlings. Officials hope the locations will become growing food-security points that benefit residents and support a greener, more competitive city.

On Forest Fire Suppression Targets, Defence Minister Sjafrie: It Depends on the Indonesian People

Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin has stated that tackling forest and land fires requires collective effort from all parties, with success depending on the Indonesian public. He explained that the defence budget covers both programme targets and dynamic targets, with forest fires and natural disasters falling into the latter category. Sjafrie called on business owners with heavy equipment and water-bombing helicopters to assist the National Disaster Mitigation Agency.

Kramat Jati Lokbin Access Road Resurfaced, Traders Urged to Stop Selling on Roadside

The Jakarta Highways Agency has resurfaced the entrance and courtyard of the Kramat Jati Lokbin in East Jakarta to improve access and support the reorganisation of Jalan Raya Bogor. The works, carried out on 27–28 August 2026, are intended to encourage traders to operate inside the facility rather than along the roadside. Officials hope the move will reduce congestion and improve safety along the busy corridor.

US Urges G20 Countries to Review Trade Terms with China

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is calling on G20 members to reassess their trade arrangements with China to address global imbalances and push Beijing towards domestic consumption. He argues that China's export surge is unsustainable and that coordinated action is needed to rebalance its economy. The push comes as US tariff policies have shifted Chinese imports to other regions, particularly Europe and Latin America.

Nine National Parks Closed Due to Forest and Land Fires: Semeru to Gede Pangrango

The Ministry of Forestry has temporarily closed hiking tourism in nine national parks deemed highly vulnerable to forest and land fires. The measure aims to reduce safety risks and maximise firefighting resources across six priority provinces. Minister Raja Juli Antoni said the closures are necessary because fires in several parks have forced water-bombing helicopters to be diverted from priority areas.

Japanese Helicopters to Help Tackle Forest Fires, Defence Minister: Defence Cooperation

Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin has confirmed that Japan is sending helicopters to assist in tackling forest and land fires in Indonesia. The assistance is part of bilateral defence cooperation between the two countries. Japan is deploying three CH-47 helicopters and around 600 Ground Self-Defence Force personnel, marking the first overseas operation of its kind for the SDF.

Algerian Man Who Caused Stir with 'Ritual' in Sunter Lake Revealed to Be Investor

Immigration authorities have identified the Algerian national who soaked himself in Sunter Lake, North Jakarta, as a 30-year-old investor holding a limited stay permit (KITAS). Officials believe the man staged the incident deliberately to attract attention and secure repatriation to his home country. The man was evacuated by firefighters on Sunday night after refusing to leave the lake.

Jambi Mayor Meets Pramono, Seeks to Learn About JAKI and BUMD Management

The Jakarta provincial government has agreed to cooperate with Jambi city on information technology and urban development. Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung offered Jambi access to learn from the JAKI app and Jakarta's regional enterprises, while Jambi Mayor Maulana expressed interest in studying Jakarta's water utility and firefighting capabilities.

Bekasi Open BO Murder Case: Two Defendants Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison

Two defendants in the murder of a government contract worker (PPPK) in Bekasi have each been sentenced to 15 years in prison. The case began with an offer of sexual services via the MiChat application, which escalated into a planned robbery and murder. The prosecution argued that the defendants were guilty of premeditated murder under Article 458 paragraph (3) in conjunction with Article 20 letter c of the Criminal Code.

Fake Police Officer in Lombok Solicits Donations for Sade Traditional Village Fire Victims

West Nusa Tenggara Regional Police have arrested a man posing as a police officer who allegedly extorted hotel entrepreneurs and travel agents in Lombok. The suspect, identified as Bayu Dwi Satria Putra, also solicited donations purportedly for victims of a fire in the Sade Traditional Village. He faces up to four years in prison under the new Criminal Code.

ILO Data Surprises: Indonesia's Minimum Wage Equivalent to Rp17.6 Million per Month

International Labour Organization data adjusted for purchasing power parity places Indonesia's minimum wage at US$993 per month, equivalent to Rp17.6 million, ranking 34th out of 130 countries. The figure reflects real purchasing power rather than actual dollar earnings, highlighting wide global disparities in worker welfare. Switzerland tops the list at US$3,804 per month, while Gambia sits at the bottom with just US$67.

Police investigate robbery caught on CCTV in Tebet

South Jakarta police are investigating a street robbery captured on CCTV in Tebet, where two young men were chased by a group of motorcyclists and had their motorcycle stolen. The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning, and officers are currently gathering witness statements to identify the perpetrators.

Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Requests Additional Budget of Rp157.76 Trillion, For What?

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) has formally proposed an additional budget of Rp157.76 trillion to House Commission X. Minister Abdul Mu'ti stated the funds would support national priority programmes, including the revitalisation of 100,000 schools as directed by President Prabowo Subianto. The proposal was submitted to the Ministry of Finance, Bappenas, and the State Secretariat on 27 August 2026.

Demand to Exceed Quota, ESDM to Strengthen 3 kg LPG Consumer Data for Better Targeting

Indonesia's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) plans to strengthen its database of 3 kg LPG recipients to improve subsidy targeting, as consumption is projected to exceed the 2026 state budget quota. Distribution reached 5.05 million tonnes by July 2026 against an 8 million tonne quota, with full-year projections of 8.677 million tonnes. The ministry argues that improving governance, rather than simply increasing quotas, is the long-term solution.

South Kalimantan Health Office accelerates stunting reduction with policy brief

The South Kalimantan Provincial Health Office, in collaboration with Lambung Mangkurat University, has finalised a policy brief aimed at accelerating stunting reduction. The document identifies seven key findings, including data synchronisation problems and uneven governance, and outlines a four-stage implementation roadmap. Stunting prevalence in the province has fallen from 30.00% in 2021 to 22.90% in 2024, with a target of 17.63% by 2029.

NTB Museum conserves dozens of weapon artefacts from corrosion threat

The West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) State Museum is conserving around 50 keris daggers this month to protect them from corrosion. The museum holds approximately 900 weapon artefacts among its nearly 8,000-item collection, with some keris dating back more than 150 years. Due to limited in-house expertise, the museum has partnered with professional communities to carry out specialised conservation work.

South Sumatra Police Partner with Students to Educate 2,415 Residents on Forest Fire Prevention

South Sumatra Regional Police, together with police academy students, reached 2,415 residents across nine regencies in a coordinated campaign to prevent forest and land fires. The initiative combined direct education, mask distribution, pamphlet installation, and social aid to raise awareness of the health and environmental dangers of slash-and-burn land clearing. Police emphasised that prevention requires collective action from law enforcement, government, and the public.

Indonesia intensifies forest fire response to curb transboundary haze

Indonesia is scaling up ground and aerial firefighting operations in Kalimantan and Sumatra, deploying dozens of helicopters and aircraft for water bombing and weather modification. The government is also strengthening regional monitoring with neighbouring countries to prevent forest fire smoke from becoming a transboundary haze crisis. The integrated response aims to protect public health and the environment by detecting and addressing potential cross-border smoke spread as early as possible.

Prabowo Closes 35th NU Congress, Congratulates Gus Kikin and Kiai Miftah

President Prabowo Subianto officially closed the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Congress in Tambakberas, Jombang, East Java, on Monday. He congratulated the newly elected leadership of PBNU for the 2026-2031 period, KH Abdul Hakim Mahfudz and KH Miftachul Akhyar. The President expressed hope that NU will continue to serve the nation and the Muslim community in the years ahead.

President officially closes 35th Nahdlatul Ulama Congress

President Prabowo Subianto officially closed the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Congress at Bahrul Ulum Islamic Boarding School in Jombang, East Java. The congress elected KH Miftachul Akhyar as Rais Aam and KH Abdul Hakim Mahfudz, known as Gus Kikin, as General Chairman of the NU Executive Board for the 2026-2031 term. The event marks a significant leadership transition for Indonesia's largest Islamic organisation.

PDIP Commemorates Bung Hatta's Birthday, Bonnie: Part of Public History Education

PDI Perjuangan (PDIP) marked the birthday of Mohammad Hatta in Padang, with party history chief Bonnie Triyana emphasising that the commemoration should go beyond nostalgia. He said the event aims to contextualise Bung Hatta's ideas for contemporary Indonesia and serves as part of the party's public history education function. Bonnie argued that political parties should act as public institutions contributing to Indonesian civilisation, not merely electoral bodies.

Police Arrest Owner of 'Pemukiman Setan' Account Over Molotov Bomb Content

The Jakarta Metropolitan Police's Cyber Crime Directorate has arrested AFA, the owner of the Instagram account @pemukiman._.setan, in Tangerang. The arrest relates to the alleged dissemination of content containing instructions for making Molotov bombs and incendiary devices, accompanied by provocative messages inciting violence. AFA has been named a suspect and is undergoing further investigation.

Settlement in Gambir, Central Jakarta, Catches Fire; 21 Fire Engines Deployed

A fire broke out in a residential area in Gambir, Central Jakarta, prompting a large-scale response from the city's fire and rescue service. More than 80 firefighters and 21 fire engines were deployed to the scene on Jalan Batu Ceper. The cause of the fire and any casualties remain unknown as firefighting operations continue.

Haze blankets Brunei as hotspots increase in Kalimantan

Brunei is experiencing hazy conditions caused by smoke from hundreds of hotspots detected on the island of Kalimantan, particularly in Indonesia's Central and West Kalimantan provinces. Satellite imagery recorded a sharp rise in hotspots, peaking at 1,734 on Friday. Despite the haze, air quality readings across Brunei's four districts remain in the good to moderate range.

Indonesian Air Force distributes 729 tonnes of logistics for earthquake victims in NTT

The Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) has delivered 729 tonnes of relief supplies to earthquake victims in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) over a 15-day period. The aid was transported using various aircraft, including Hercules C-130s and the A400M, primarily from Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base in Jakarta. Officials have pledged to continue distribution efforts until the situation in the region recovers.

Defence Minister Sjafrie: Japan to Send Aircraft to Help Tackle Forest and Land Fires

Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin has announced that Japan will send aircraft to assist Indonesia in tackling forest and land fires, as part of bilateral defence cooperation between the two countries. He also called on business owners to deploy their heavy equipment and water-bombing helicopters to support mitigation efforts. The announcement comes as the National Disaster Management Agency reports a significant increase in hotspots across Kalimantan and Sumatra.

Health Ministry Develops Robotics and AI Capable of Detecting Lung Cancer

Indonesia's Health Ministry is investing in robotics for surgery and artificial intelligence for early diagnosis, including AI-assisted X-rays to detect lung cancer. Deputy Health Minister Dante Saksono Harbuwono outlined broader efforts to improve public health services, maternal care, and domestic pharmaceutical production. The initiatives aim to reduce mortality rates and strengthen national health resilience.

Sutrimo family lawyers request SP2HP, question exhumation results

Lawyers representing the family of Sutrimo, a household manager at the residence of former Jampidsus Febrie Adriansyah, have formally requested a progress report on the investigation into his sudden death. They are seeking clarity on the results of the exhumation conducted in August and the whereabouts of the victim's mobile phone. Police say they are still awaiting forensic laboratory results and have examined 27 witnesses.

Riau Police Chief Conducts Aerial Patrol to Ensure Pelalawan Forest Fires Fully Handled

Riau Police Chief Inspector General Herry Heryawan has conducted an aerial patrol over Pelalawan Regency to monitor the ongoing handling of forest and land fires. The patrol focused on Pangkalan Kerinci District, where firefighting efforts have entered their ninth day, with 957.54 hectares of the 967.69 affected hectares already extinguished. A combined force of 289 personnel remains deployed to ensure no reignition occurs.

Mount Sinabung volcanic ash blankets Berastagi

Volcanic ash from Mount Sinabung's eruption has covered the town of Berastagi in Karo Regency, North Sumatra, prompting health and safety warnings from local authorities. The provincial education office has urged all students and teachers in affected areas to wear masks to protect against respiratory risks. Military personnel have been deployed to distribute free masks to motorists and pedestrians.

Child Abuse Perpetrator in Tangerang Stored Indecent Photos

A 31-year-old man has been arrested in Solear, Tangerang Regency, for sexually abusing a 10-year-old boy. The suspect was caught by local residents after the incident and was found to have indecent photos and videos of children on his mobile phone. Police have detained the man and are investigating the case.

Education Ministry urges schools to implement post-disaster regulations

Indonesia's Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has called on schools in disaster-affected provinces to follow established regulations and guidelines for post-disaster education services. The ministry has issued a range of legal instruments, including a 2026 circular on learning provision in disaster-affected schools. All regulations are accessible online to help schools maintain educational continuity before, during, and after disasters.

Vice President supports strengthening preparation for Indonesian interns heading to Japan

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming has backed a proposal to establish an integrated training centre for Indonesian interns before they depart for Japan. The initiative, put forward by the Indonesian Kenshusei Entrepreneurs Association (IKAPEKSI), aims to build mental readiness, cultural understanding, and a strong work ethic. The training centre would require all prospective interns to undergo around two weeks of preparation on Japanese work and living culture.

Caution! Mount Sinabung Erupts, Alert Level Raised

Mount Sinabung in North Sumatra erupted on Monday, producing a thick ash column reaching 3,500 metres above the summit. The Geological Agency has maintained the volcano at Alert Level II and urged residents and visitors to avoid a 3 km exclusion zone. Local authorities are also warned to prepare for potential secondary hazards such as cold lava flows.

Gender-responsive budgeting encouraged for inclusive development

The Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection is urging all levels of government to implement gender-responsive budgeting to achieve inclusive development. The ministry stresses that gender-disaggregated data is crucial for formulating targeted policies and that budget allocations must address the impacts of gender inequality. The Finance Ministry has launched seven microlearning modules on gender-responsive planning and budgeting to support this effort.

Sandiaga Uno's Unusual Comeback

Sandiaga Uno has returned to the corporate sector by taking strategic leadership roles in two small-cap companies, PT Mutuagung Lestari Tbk (MUTU) and PT Data Sinergitama Jaya Tbk (ELIT). Unlike his previous involvement in large-cap firms, these moves involve direct operational roles and capital injections into smaller-scale enterprises.

Deputy Minister: Cross-agency team to evaluate welfare decile data collection

The government will form a cross-agency team involving BPS and Bappenas to evaluate the data used to place citizens into welfare decile groups. Deputy Minister Bambang Eko Suhariyanto said the basis for the data is still under review and expressed hope for improvements. The evaluation follows a high-profile case in which a family's decile status changed dramatically, affecting their child's access to education assistance.