Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 31 August 2026

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Tanah Lot Management Cooperation Ends 17 November 2026

The cooperation agreement between the Tabanan Regency Government and Beraban Traditional Village for managing the Tanah Lot tourist attraction will expire on 17 November 2026. Management is urging both parties to reach a decision on the future management scheme before the deadline to avoid legal uncertainty. The operational manager has warned that continuing operations without a clear legal basis could lead to accusations of illegal levies.

Video: Gaharu, the Indonesian Wood that 'Fragrances' the World

Indonesia's agarwood, known as 'green gold', is a prized commodity used in perfume production and has become a staple for the beauty industries in Saudi Arabia and South Korea. The article explores the advantages of Indonesian gaharu, its export potential, and the reasons behind its exceptionally high price.

East Kalimantan secures top five finish at 2026 KORPRI National MTQ

The East Kalimantan contingent of the Indonesian Civil Service Corps (KORPRI) achieved a top five overall ranking at the 8th National KORPRI Quran Recitation Competition (MTQ) in Pangkep, South Sulawesi. The team collected 14 medals and awards, including five first-place titles, marking a significant improvement from its previous performance. Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar emphasised that the event should inspire civil servants to embody Quranic values in public service.

Elected as Chairman, Gus Kikin Pledges to Embrace All NU Potential

KH Abdul Hakim Mahfudz, known as Gus Kikin, has been elected Chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU) for the 2026-2031 period at the 35th NU Congress in Jombang. He has committed to uniting all elements and potential within NU, describing the organisation as inclusive and open. Gus Kikin also expressed openness to building synergy with figures outside the NU structure, including KH Ma'ruf Amin and various political elements.

Rating Upgrade Strengthens INALUM's Foundation for National Aluminium Downstreaming

PT Indonesia Asahan Aluminium (INALUM) has received a corporate rating upgrade from Pefindo to idAA/Stable, reflecting stronger business fundamentals and financial resilience. The upgrade comes as the state-owned aluminium producer prepares for significant expansion projects, including the SGAR Phase II and Aluminium Smelter II, aimed at strengthening Indonesia's aluminium value chain. INALUM says it will maintain prudent funding strategies and disciplined investment as it pursues greater self-sufficiency in the national aluminium industry.

Prabowo Closes 35th NU Congress, Praises Harmonious and Peaceful Proceedings

President Prabowo Subianto officially closed the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Congress in Jombang, East Java, praising the organisation for conducting a harmonious and peaceful leadership transition. He congratulated the newly elected leadership of PBNU for the 2026-2031 period and highlighted NU as a national example of managing healthy competition within a mass organisation. The congress elected KH Abdul Hakim Mahfudz as General Chairman and KH Miftachul Akhyar as Rais Aam.

Komnas HAM asks Polda Metro to investigate alleged involvement of mass organisations in riots

Indonesia's National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) has urged Polda Metro Jaya to deepen its investigation into the alleged involvement of mass organisations in the riots that followed a protest outside the DPR/MPR building in Jakarta. The commission is also monitoring the suspects and has called for the release of those not involved in the unrest.

Gojek Sends 70 Driver Partners on Umrah, Earns Minister's Appreciation

Gojek has dispatched 70 of its longest-serving driver partners on a fully funded Umrah pilgrimage, marking over a decade of service. Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi attended the send-off and praised the company's commitment to driver welfare through its Partner Appreciation Programme. The initiative is part of broader benefits including health insurance, holiday bonuses, and educational scholarships.

DPR member congratulates Gus Kikin on election as PBNU chairman

House of Representatives member Nasyirul Falah Amru has congratulated K.H. Abdul Hakim Mahfudz, known as Gus Kikin, on his election as chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama executive board for 2026-2031. Gus Kikin was chosen through the Ahlul Halli wal 'Aqdi mechanism at the 35th NU Congress in Jombang, East Java, after securing the most support in the candidate screening process. The new leadership is expected to strengthen the organisation's role as a moral and social force in Indonesia.

Hery Gunardi Unveils BRI's New Strategy, With Two Main Agendas

Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) is shifting its focus from high growth to healthy, quality, and sustainable expansion under its BRIvolution Reignite transformation. The strategy centres on strengthening low-cost funding and improving its core micro business while building new growth engines. First-half 2026 results show improved cost of funds, lower non-performing loans, and a 17.5% rise in net profit.

BRI Posts Rp31.2 Trillion Profit Through Q2 2026, Credit Grows 16.2 Percent

PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) reported a net profit of Rp31.2 trillion for the first half of 2026, up 17.5 percent year-on-year. Credit disbursement grew 16.2 percent to Rp1,646 trillion, while the bank also improved its funding mix and operational efficiency. Management emphasised that growth is being pursued with continued adherence to prudential banking principles.

Prabowo at Closing of NU Congress: Government Needs Calm

President Prabowo Subianto stressed the importance of stability and calm for the government during the closing of the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama Congress in Jombang, East Java. He argued that Indonesia's vast size requires cooperation from many parties and defended his large cabinet by comparing it to Timor Leste's 28-member cabinet despite its much smaller population. Prabowo also cited political instability in Japan and the UK as examples of what Indonesia should avoid.

New Middle East Alliance: Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan Prepare Joint Force

Senior officials from Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan are set to convene in Istanbul for the inaugural meeting of a new defence pact modelled on NATO's collective defence principle. The alliance, formalised through the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement signed on 7 August, aims to bolster regional security and defence industrial cooperation. The meeting will focus on implementing concrete steps to strengthen collective defence capacity and interoperability among the three nations.

Ombudsman to oversee subsidised fertiliser distribution to ensure it reaches intended recipients

The Indonesian Ombudsman (ORI) has pledged to continue monitoring the availability and distribution of subsidised fertiliser to ensure it reaches farmers and supports national food security. ORI member Fikri Yasin highlighted that past fertiliser shortages could stem from distribution delays or potential irregularities by certain parties. The Ombudsman is also exploring a partnership with Pupuk Indonesia to strengthen oversight of subsidised fertiliser governance.

Realising Indonesia's true democracy based on Pancasila

Eighty-one years after independence, Indonesia's democracy still faces unresolved questions about whether it has found a form that suits the nation's character. While Reformasi brought openness, it also introduced high political costs, transactional politics, and weakened deliberation. The challenge is not choosing between democracy and Pancasila, but making democracy work in a more Pancasila-oriented way.

Testing the Walkway to BNI City Station Ahead of Karet Station's 'Retirement' Tomorrow

Karet Station in Central Jakarta will cease serving KRL commuters from tomorrow, with all operations transferred to Sudirman Baru/BNI City Station. A 450-metre pedestrian walkway has been prepared to connect the two stations, taking approximately five minutes on foot. KAI Commuter has confirmed that electronic gates, ticket counters, and a hall on the west side of BNI City Station are now integrated with the Karet access point.

West Kalimantan BKSDA: Male orangutan found weak due to forest fire smoke

A male orangutan named Sampurna was rescued in a weakened state from a community oil palm plantation in Ketapang Regency, West Kalimantan, after being exposed to thick smoke from forest and land fires. The joint team from the West Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) and YIARI suspects the animal suffered respiratory distress and possible hypoxia. The rescue adds to the growing list of orangutans evacuated in August 2026 due to the ongoing threat of forest fires.

Three Police Chiefs in Polda Metro Jaya Included in Rotation

National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo has rotated several high-ranking and mid-ranking officers, including three police chiefs within the Polda Metro Jaya jurisdiction. The changes affect the North Jakarta, Tangerang City, and Bekasi police departments. Police officials stated the rotations are part of organisational development and career progression.

Bantul Man Munil Was Tortured Before Death, Genital Area Burned

Police have revealed that Triyanto, known as Munil, was tortured by five perpetrators before his death in Pajangan, Bantul. Three suspects have been arrested while two remain at large. The victim suffered beatings, slash wounds, and was burned with candle wax on his genital area.

Korea Pitches Nuclear Power Investment for Indonesia

South Korea has expressed strong interest in investing in Indonesia's nuclear power sector, positioning itself as an ideal partner for the Prabowo Subianto administration's clean energy ambitions. Seoul aims to leverage its expertise in small modular reactors to compete with offers from Russia and the United States as Indonesia seeks to diversify its energy mix by 2032.

Moments the Merah Putih Bridge in Pangandaran Collapsed as Regent Passed Over

The Merah Putih suspension bridge in Pangandaran partially collapsed during its inauguration ceremony attended by the Regent and military officials. The incident occurred when the bridge's load exceeded capacity, causing a sling cable to detach, though no injuries were reported.

Feeling No Pain but Testing Positive for TB: Understanding Latent TB Infection

The article explains the differences between active and latent tuberculosis, highlighting that latent TB carriers show no symptoms but remain at risk of developing the disease. It emphasises the importance of completing prescribed medical treatments to prevent the bacteria from becoming active and infectious.

Accused of Inability to Study Classical Texts, Gus Kikin: Just Prove It

The newly elected Chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) for the 2026-2031 period, KH Abdul Hakim Mahfudz, has responded to allegations regarding his lack of expertise in classical Islamic texts. Rather than engaging in controversy, Gus Kikin stated he intends to focus on his organisational duties and the formation of the new management board.

To Prevent Disasters, 22 Hectares of Tea Plantations in Ciater and Pangalengan Have Been Revitalised

The West Java Provincial Government has completed the revitalisation of 22 hectares of tea plantations across Subang and Bandung regencies. The initiative aims to restore the ecological function of the land to prevent natural disasters and enhance the area's aesthetic value.

Flyovers and Underpasses Planned for Construction in Depok Next Year

The West Java Provincial Government, in collaboration with the Depok City Government, has announced plans to develop several key infrastructure projects. These include a new flyover on Jalan Margonda scheduled for next year and an underpass in Citayam planned for 2027.

Weather Modification Operations in Jambi to Continue Until Early September to Combat Forest Fires

The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has announced that weather modification operations (OMC) will continue in Jambi Province until early September 2026. The initiative aims to stimulate rainfall to mitigate the risks of forest and land fires across the region.

Prabowo Responds to 'Bloated Cabinet' Allegations, Citing Timor-Leste's 28 Ministers

President Prabowo Subianto has defended his administration against criticisms regarding an inefficient and 'bloated' cabinet. He argued that the current coalition is necessary for political stability, comparing Indonesia's structure to other nations and noting that Timor-Leste maintains 28 ministers despite a much smaller population.

East Kalimantan reaches seventh place nationally in community literacy index

East Kalimantan has achieved seventh place in Indonesia's national community literacy index, according to the 2025 National Library of Indonesia study. Governor Rudy Mas'ud emphasised the need to strengthen literacy ecosystems to combat misinformation in the digital era.

Fake Police Officer Arrested for Extorting Hotel and Travel Entrepreneurs in Lombok

The West Nusa Tenggara Regional Police have apprehended a 29-year-old man posing as a police officer in Lombok. The suspect allegedly used intimidation and fraudulent WhatsApp profiles to extort money from various hotel owners and travel agents.

10 Brands That Once Left Indonesia But Have Returned: ACES - Yoshinoya

This article examines the phenomenon of global brands exiting and subsequently re-entering the Indonesian market. It highlights various strategies used for these comebacks, such as partnering with new local distributors or adopting direct business control.

Pramono: Velodrome-Manggarai LRT Fare Set at Rp 5,000, to Be Re-evaluated in October

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has confirmed that the LRT Jakarta Velodrome-Manggarai route will charge a flat fare of Rp 5,000 once it officially begins operations. A special fare of Rp 8 will apply during the pre-operational period, pending the issuance of a gubernatorial regulation. The Jakarta provincial government will re-evaluate the fare structure in October.

Closing of NU Congress: Prabowo Receives NU Membership Card

President Prabowo Subianto attended the closing ceremony of the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Congress in Jombang. During the event, the newly elected Chairman of PBNU, KH Abdul Hakim Mahfudz, presented the President with his official NU membership card.

Man in Tangerang Arrested for Sexually Abusing Boy Using Pocket Money as Lure

A 31-year-old man has been arrested in Solear, Tangerang Regency, for sexually abusing a 10-year-old boy after luring him with Rp3,000 in pocket money. The suspect was detained by local residents and handed over to police, and is now in custody pending further investigation. Police have urged parents and communities to remain vigilant and closely supervise their children.

BRI: MSME Loans Reach Rp1,235.4 Trillion as of June, Remaining Dominant in Portfolio

PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk has reported that MSME loans reached Rp1,235.4 trillion by the end of Q2 2026, accounting for 75.1% of its total credit portfolio. The bank also achieved a significant net profit of Rp31.2 trillion, representing a 17.5% year-on-year growth.

Iranian President Says No Desire for War, But Will Respond Firmly If Attacked

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has stated that Tehran does not seek war following the latest US strikes on Larak Island, while warning of a firm response to any further aggression. His remarks came as the IRGC launched retaliatory attacks on US airbases in Jordan and reportedly targeted US vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The renewed hostilities mark the first direct US strikes on Iranian territory since late July.

To Prevent High Medicine Prices, Constitutional Court Limits New Patent Grants

The Constitutional Court of Indonesia has reinstated regulations that restrict new patents for existing drugs to prevent pharmaceutical monopolies. This ruling aims to curb 'evergreening' practices, ensuring better access to affordable generic medicines and protecting public health rights.

Jasa Marga Profit Reaches Rp1.9 Trillion in First Half of 2026

PT Jasa Marga (Persero) Tbk has reported a net profit of Rp1.9 trillion for the first half of 2026, representing a 2% increase compared to the previous year. The growth was driven by a 7.6% rise in operating revenue, supported by increased toll road usage and operational optimisation.

Bougainville Seeks Independence - Special Requirements for Dayak Tribe to Join TNI

The geopolitical landscape of the Pacific region faces potential shifts as the autonomous region of Bougainville seeks full independence by 2030. Concurrently, President Prabowo Subianto has discussed adjusting recruitment criteria for members of the inland Dayak tribe to join the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI).

Pramono Denies Disabling CCTV During 27 August Protests

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo has refuted allegations that CCTV cameras were intentionally deactivated during the protests held on 27 August 2026. While denying any deliberate shutdown, he confirmed that some cameras were damaged by vandals and has ordered an investigation to identify the perpetrators.

Newly Elected PBNU Chairman Gus Kikin: NU is Not for Politics

KH Abdul Hakim Mahfudz, known as Gus Kikin, has reaffirmed that Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) remains a religious and social organisation rather than a political entity. Following his election as Chairman of the PBNU for the 2026-2031 period, he emphasised that the organisation's principles must remain separate from political interests.

Bengkulu City Government Optimises Immunisation to Anticipate High Measles Cases

The Bengkulu City Government is intensifying immunisation programmes for children to combat a surge in measles cases, which reached hundreds between January and August 2026. The initiative involves coordinated efforts between surveillance teams, immunisation units, and community health workers to monitor vulnerable infants and toddlers.

Katingan Kuala Students, Winners of MPR RI 4 Pillars Quiz, Receive Educational Guarantee from Governor Agustiar

The Governor of Central Kalimantan, H. Agustiar Sabran, has pledged to guarantee the educational costs for students from SMAN 2 Katingan Kuala through to university level. This commitment follows the students' achievement in winning first place in the 2026 National 4 Pillars MPR RI Quiz Competition.

Experts Emphasise Importance of Adopting Non-Conviction Based Asset Forfeiture Concept

Legal experts have highlighted the urgent need for the Asset Forfeiture Bill to include non-conviction based asset forfeiture mechanisms. This measure is seen as essential for recovering state assets when criminal proceedings are stalled due to suspects fleeing, dying, or being permanently incapacitated.

Disney Adventure to add Langkawi as cruise destination

Disney Cruise Line has announced that the Disney Adventure will include Langkawi, Malaysia, as a port of call for selected four-night itineraries starting 31 December 2026. The expansion aims to provide guests with more destination options while maintaining the cruise's signature days at sea.

Bali Provincial Government and Korem 163/Wira Satya Dispatch 9 Trucks of Aid for Earthquake Victims

The Bali Provincial Government, in collaboration with the military and Denpasar City authorities, has dispatched nine trucks of essential supplies to assist earthquake victims in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). The aid package includes food, clothing, and medicine, alongside a significant cash donation of Rp 700 million collected by the Denpasar City administration.

10 Best-Selling Mobile Phone Models in 2026: No Chinese Brands Present

A recent report from Counterpoint Research reveals that Apple and Samsung dominated the global smartphone market in the second quarter of 2026. Notably, Chinese manufacturers were absent from the top ten list, which was led by the iPhone 17 5G.

Consumption projected to exceed quota, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources ensures 3kg LPG availability

The Indonesian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources is preparing for a projected surge in 3kg LPG consumption that may exceed the 2026 state budget quota. Officials emphasised that while quota adjustments may be evaluated, the primary focus remains on improving governance and distribution management to prevent shortages.

Driving the People's Economy: BRI Records Rp 31.2 Trillion Profit in Q2 2026

PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk has reported a significant net profit of Rp 31.2 trillion for the second quarter of 2026, marking a 17.5% year-on-year increase. The bank's strong performance was driven by its focus on the MSME segment, which accounts for over 75% of its total credit portfolio.

Pongpet Suspension Bridge in Pangandaran Collapses Shortly After Inauguration by Regent

The 'Merah Putih' suspension bridge in Pangandaran collapsed unexpectedly while being crossed by a delegation led by the Regent. While no fatalities were reported, several individuals sustained minor injuries, and an investigation into the structural failure is underway.

Kiai Miftachul Akhyar Re-elected as Rais Aam; Buya Anwar Highlights Ummah's Economy

KH Miftachul Akhyar has been re-elected as the Rais Aam of Nahdlatul Ulata (NU) for the 2026-2031 period. During the announcement, Buya Anwar Abbas praised his peaceful approach to preaching and noted the cleric's significant focus on strengthening the economic resilience of the Muslim community.