Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 31 August 2026

Showing 151-200 of 1,481 articles

Former Two-Term Regent of North Minahasa Arrested in Timika, Previously Fugitive in Corruption Case

The former Regent of North Minahasa, identified by the initials VAP, has been apprehended in Timika, Central Papua, after being a fugitive since September 2024. He is a suspect in a corruption case involving the procurement of land for the expansion of the Walanda Maramis Regional Hospital, which caused state losses of approximately Rp19.76 billion.

Bank Indonesia: Cross-border synergy key to maintaining stability amidst disruption

Bank Indonesia Deputy Governor Thomas Djiwandono has emphasised that international policy synergy is essential for maintaining macro-financial stability. He highlighted the need to balance technological innovation with economic stability to ensure inclusive and sustainable growth.

Celebrating Birthday, Zulkifli Hasan Purchases Goods from 19 MSMEs to Distribute for Free

The Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs, Zulkifli Hasan, celebrated his birthday by purchasing all stock from 19 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) near Jakarta's Graha Mandiri building. The food and drinks were distributed for free to local residents, including delivery riders, security guards, and street cleaners.

Mirae Asset: Arbitrage Helps Reduce Price Discrepancy Between Gold ETFs and NAV

PT Mirae Asset Sekuritas Indonesia has highlighted how arbitrage mechanisms by participant dealers can minimise the gap between gold ETF prices on the secondary market and their Net Asset Value (NAV). The firm emphasised its role as a liquidity provider in ensuring price stability and market efficiency for gold-based investment products.

OJK promotes financial literacy and inclusion for students in Batam

The Financial Services Authority (OJK) held a public lecture for approximately 400 university students in Batam to introduce topics ranging from cryptocurrency to stablecoins. The initiative aims to enhance financial literacy and inclusion to mitigate risks within the financial sector.

KPK Supports Government and Parliament in Expediting Asset Forfeiture Bill

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has expressed its support for the swift ratification of the Asset Forfeiture Bill to enhance state financial recovery. While the KPK emphasises the bill's role in deterring corruption, members of Parliament have raised concerns regarding potential misuse of the law against ordinary citizens.

Changing Consumer Tastes Drive Continuous Innovation for Ice Cream Brands

The ice cream market in Indonesia is becoming increasingly dynamic as brands strive to adapt to shifting consumer preferences driven by digital trends. A recent surge in the Top Brand Index for Aice highlights the importance of innovation, texture, and visual appeal in maintaining market leadership.

AAJI records life insurance claims reaching Rp75.57 trillion

The Indonesian Life Insurance Association (AAJI) reported that life insurance claims and benefits rose by 4.3 per cent to Rp75.57 trillion in the first half of 2026. The increase reflects a growing number of beneficiaries and highlights the rising demand for group health insurance coverage amidst changing healthcare costs.

Maluku High Prosecutor Detains Former Head of Public Works Over Haruku Clean Water Case

The Maluku High Prosecutor's Office has detained the former Head of the Maluku Provincial Public Works and Spatial Planning Department, identified as MM, in connection with corruption regarding clean water infrastructure on Haruku Island. The alleged misconduct has resulted in an estimated state financial loss of approximately Rp3.83 billion.

9 Security Vulnerabilities in ATM Encryption: Beware of Data Breaches

The article highlights that ATM security risks stem more from implementation flaws than broken algorithms. It outlines nine critical vulnerabilities, ranging from outdated encryption standards to poor key management, and calls for a shift towards full cryptographic lifecycle security.

MP Urges Ombudsman to Deliver Clear Results for the Public

A member of Commission II of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) has called for the Ombudsman of the Republic of Indonesia to demonstrate tangible outputs and outcomes. He emphasised that the institution's existence must go beyond mere nomenclature and provide real value through effective public service oversight.

Baznas West Jakarta to Renovate 58 Houses Throughout 2026

The National Zakat Agency (Baznas) Bazis West Jakarta has successfully renovated 58 houses between January and August 2026. The agency aims to reach a total of 110 renovated units by the end of the year to improve the welfare of local residents.

Kuntadi Recovers Rp401 Billion and 1,111 Hectares of State Land

The new Junior Attorney General for Special Crimes, Kuntadi, has demonstrated a results-oriented approach by successfully recovering Rp401 billion in a nickel corruption case and reclaiming 1,111 hectares of state forest. Anti-corruption activist Boyamin Saiman praised this methodical style, noting its focus on recovering state losses rather than merely pursuing imprisonment.

US Suddenly Delivers Important Message to G20 Nations: What Is Happening?

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has urged G20 nations to reconsider their trade relations with China to address global imbalances. The call comes as Washington seeks to mitigate the impact of China's massive trade surplus and its shift of exports towards other global markets.

GREAT Institute: Precise Rice Production Mitigation Remains Essential

The GREAT Institute warns that despite a national rice surplus, the looming threat of El Niño poses significant risks to production stability. The institute emphasises the need for precise mitigation strategies, focusing on irrigation infrastructure and price stability to protect consumers from potential price surges.

Land Plots Become an Option for Building Dream Homes and Long-Term Investment

CitraRaya Tangerang, developed by the Ciputra Group, is offering ready-to-build land plots starting from Rp2.9 million per square metre. The development provides residents with the flexibility to design custom homes within a mature 2,760-hectare ecosystem featuring the '10-Minute City' concept.

Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Receives Darma Bakti Badge for Strengthening Scouting in Schools

The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Abdul Mu'ti, has been awarded the Darma Bakti Badge by the National Scout Council for his efforts in reinforcing scouting activities within schools. This recognition follows the Minister's decision to mandate scouting as a compulsory extracurricular activity to foster character building based on Pancasila values.

Ministry of ATR/BPN Engages Patriot Expedition Team to Support 'Trans Tuntas' Programme

The Ministry of Agraria and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency (ATR/BPN) is collaborating with the 2026 Patriot Expedition Team to accelerate the resolution of land ownership and legality issues in transmigration areas. This initiative aims to support the 'Trans Tuntas' programme, which focuses on transforming transmigration zones into new economic growth centres through sustainable resource management.

Indonesia braces for September as forest fires threaten to spread

The Indonesian Forestry Ministry is intensifying fire suppression efforts, including weather modification and aerial water-bombing, to combat widespread forest and land fires. With rainfall delayed until October, authorities are deploying additional personnel to manage over 1,200 active hotspots across Kalimantan and Sumatra.

Metro Jaya Police Arrest Malaysian National for Producing Etomidate in South Jakarta

The Metro Jaya Regional Police have apprehended a Malaysian national involved in operating a home-based production facility for the narcotic substance etomidate in South Jakarta. Authorities discovered various production tools and substances during raids on the suspect's residence, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat illegal drug manufacturing.

Former Rector Denies Allegations of Assaulting IAKN Kupang Rector

Harun Natonis, the former Rector of IAKN Kupang, has denied allegations of assaulting the current Rector, I Made Suardana, following a police report. The dispute reportedly stems from a controversy regarding the cancellation of Natonis's civil servant promotion.

Ministry of Population Prioritises Free Nutritious Meals in Five Provinces with High Stunting Rates

The Ministry of Population and Family Development is prioritising the distribution of Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) to pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers in five Indonesian provinces facing high stunting rates. The initiative aims to improve nutritional intake during the critical first 1,000 days of life for millions of beneficiaries.

Lampung Governor Monitors Way Kambas Elephants to Ensure Safety from Forest Fires

The Governor of Lampung and the Commander of the XXI/Radin Inten Military Regional Command have inspected the Way Kambas National Park to verify that the Sumatran elephant population remains unharmed by recent forest fires. Authorities are utilising advanced thermal drones and weather modification operations to monitor and mitigate remaining hotspots in the area.

Trump Threatens Retaliation Against Iranian Attacks on US Bases: We Will Strike Hard

US President Donald Trump has vowed a heavy response following Iranian missile and drone attacks on US forces in Jordan and the UAE. While the US intercepted most incoming projectiles, tensions escalate as Iran claims the strikes were retaliation for US operations in the Strait of Hormuz.

Labuan Bajo Tourism Begins to Recover Following NTT Earthquake, 11 Destinations Reopened

Tourism activities in Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai, are gradually returning to normal following recent earthquake activity in East Nusa Tenggara. The Labuan Bajo Flores Authority (BPOLBF) has confirmed that 11 key destinations, including Komodo National Park, have resumed operations while monitoring safety conditions.

East Kalimantan Regional Police Handle 34 Forest and Land Fire Cases, Nine Named Suspects

The East Kalimantan Regional Police have identified nine suspects across ten ongoing investigations related to forest and land fires in August 2026. Authorities are intensifying law enforcement and preventative patrols to protect public health and the environment from the impact of widespread land burning.

Mimika Police Form Special Team to Investigate Murder of Two Students

The Mimika Police Department has established a special task force to expedite the investigation into the murder of two vocational students found dead in a workshop. Authorities have already interrogated five witnesses, including the workshop owner and friends of the victims, as they work to identify the perpetrators.

Forest Fire Hotspots in Kalimantan Continue to Increase, Visibility Below 2 km

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reports a significant surge in forest and land fire hotspots across Kalimantan, particularly in West Kalimantan. The increasing number of fire spots has led to reduced visibility, with sightlines dropping below 2 kilometres in the affected provinces.

Pasar Jaya to Revitalise Sunter Podomoro Market for a More Modern and Functional Experience

Perumda Pasar Jaya has announced a comprehensive revitalisation project for the Sunter Podomoro Market in North Jakarta to modernise its infrastructure and layout. The initiative aims to enhance safety, improve visitor comfort, and boost trader turnover through structural upgrades and improved zoning.

Pramono: E-Monev to Realise Transparent and Accountable Information Disclosure

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has praised the launch of the 2026 Electronic Monitoring and Evaluation (E-Monev) application for public information disclosure. The initiative aims to enhance transparency and accountability across public bodies, with a specific focus on waste management information.

War Between Two Tech Giants Intensifies, Impacts Spreading Everywhere

The ongoing feud between Elon Musk and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has escalated into a business conflict following OpenAI's decision to terminate AI model access for the coding platform Cursor. This move follows SpaceX's recent $60 billion acquisition of Cursor, prompting Musk to retaliate with accusations of fraud against OpenAI leadership.

PKH Task Force restores 111.71 hectares of forest area from illegal mining

A joint task force comprising the TNI, Polri, and the Attorney General's Office has successfully reclaimed 111.71 hectares of forest land in East Kalimantan. The area, previously occupied by PT Singlurus Pratama for illegal mining activities, has been officially returned to the state.

PT KAI Plans to Build Travelator Connecting Karet and BNI City Stations

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) is set to construct a travelator to link Karet Station and BNI City Station as part of a wider station integration project. The initiative aims to improve passenger flow and comfort for Commuter Line users in the Jabodetabek area.

Darwinbox Appoints Pannie Sia to Lead Business Growth in Southeast Asia

AI-based human capital management platform Darwinbox has appointed Pannie Sia as Regional Vice President for Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. The move aims to drive market expansion and support organisations in adopting AI-driven HR infrastructure across the region.

Indonesia Begins First Rice Exports to Malaysia

Indonesia has commenced its inaugural rice exports to Malaysia following a Memorandum of Understanding for 1,000 tons of premium rice. This initiative aims to leverage projected production surpluses to potentially reach exports of 200,000 tons, valued at up to Rp3.4 trillion, while ensuring domestic food security remains prioritised.

China explores AI solutions to assist special education

The Chinese government has unveiled a strategic action plan involving seven departments to integrate artificial intelligence into special education. The initiative aims to utilise human-machine collaboration, including smart learning companions, to improve educational quality for students with disabilities by 2030.

Tourism Mobility Diversifies as LRT Jabodebek Enhances Connectivity through Intermodal Integration

The LRT Jabodebek is increasingly serving as a vital component of urban mobility by integrating with various transport modes to facilitate leisure travel. Recent data shows a 13% increase in passenger numbers during weekends, driven by the network's seamless connection to major tourist destinations and other public transport systems.

Phapros records 511 per cent profit growth to Rp14.97 billion in first half

State-owned pharmaceutical company PT Phapros Tbk has reported a significant surge in net profit, rising 511.01 per cent year-on-year to Rp14.97 billion for the first half of 2026. The growth was driven by increased sales, improved gross margins, and enhanced operational efficiencies.

Dozens of Forest and Land Fires Hit Majalengka, Residents Urged to Remain Vigilant

The dry season has triggered dozens of forest and land fires across Majalengka Regency, with 49 incidents recorded by late August 2026. Local disaster management authorities have issued a warning to residents as the peak of the dry season is expected to continue until October.

Makassar City Government and BPN Strengthen Collaboration to Protect City Assets

The Makassar City Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Makassar City Land Office to improve land administration and public services. The partnership aims to secure municipal assets, optimise regional original income (PAD), and integrate land use planning with urban development.

Viral Photo of Former President Showing Two Fingers from Prison Sends Defiant Message

Former Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro has shared photos from his US detention, displaying a victory sign to signal defiance. Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are currently held in a high-security federal facility in Brooklyn facing serious federal charges.

Darwinbox Appoints Pannie Sia to Lead Enterprise Growth in Southeast Asia

AI-native human capital management platform Darwinbox has appointed Pannie Sia as Regional Vice President for Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Sia will oversee go-to-market strategies and enterprise customer growth as the company seeks to expand its footprint across the Southeast Asian market.

Iqbal and Mohan Inspect Rembiga Intersection Following Removal of Road Barriers by Residents

The Governor of West Nusa Tenggara, Lalu Muhamad Iqbal, and the Mayor of Mataram, Mohan Roliskana, inspected the Rembiga intersection after local residents dismantled road barriers. While the removal was intended to protect local businesses, it caused significant traffic congestion, prompting officials to seek a balanced solution between traffic flow and economic interests.

First Photo of Former Venezuelan President Since US Arrest Released

Former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has shared his first photograph since being detained by US forces in January. Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, face federal charges including narco-terrorism and drug trafficking, with their trial scheduled to begin in June 2027.

Fire on Mount Semeru Slopes Spreads to 600 Hectares; BPBD Issues Warning to Residents

Wildfires on the slopes of Mount Semeru in Lumajang, East Java, have expanded to cover over 600 hectares. Local disaster management authorities are prioritising firebreaks to prevent the flames from reaching residential areas amidst challenging terrain.

Cipinang Detention Centre develops layer chicken farming involving inmates

The Cipinang Class I Detention Centre in Jakarta has launched a layer chicken farming programme as part of its food security and inmate rehabilitation initiative. The project aims to equip inmates with practical agricultural skills and foster discipline to prepare them for reintegration into society.

East Jakarta Administration Constructs New Pavement on Jalan Raya Bogor

The East Jakarta City Government is currently constructing a new 100-metre pavement and kerb section along Jalan Raya Bogor to enhance pedestrian safety. The project is approximately 60 per cent complete and is expected to be finished by next Thursday.

East Kalimantan Governor Supports Crackdown on Illegal Mining Near IKN

The East Kalimantan Provincial Government has expressed full support for the enforcement actions taken against illegal mining activities within the buffer zone of the New Capital (IKN). Authorities have successfully reclaimed 111.71 hectares of forest land in the Bukit Soeharto Great Forest Park that was being used for unauthorised coal mining.

Small-scale Pakistani farmers find hope in China AI cooperation

A delegation from Punjab, Pakistan, is seeking partnerships with Chinese firms to implement AI-driven agricultural tools to combat climate change risks. The initiative aims to utilise digital monitoring for weather, soil, and pest control to enhance productivity for millions of small-scale farmers.

F&B Operators Encouraged to be Adaptive in Facing Changing Trends and Business Competition

PT Toffin Indonesia has launched the Toffin Masterclass 4.0 series across four cities to help food and beverage entrepreneurs navigate evolving market trends. The programme features an 'omakase' format, bringing together international experts and local brand owners to share insights on business development and innovation.