Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 31 August 2026

Showing 301-350 of 1,481 articles

Nepal Flood Tragedy: Wife's Body Cremated, Husband Stranded in China

Prabita Roila, a 32-year-old victim of the devastating flash floods and landslides in Nepal, was cremated on the banks of the Suryamati River on Sunday. Her husband was unable to attend the ceremony as he remains stranded on the Chinese side of the border after access roads were severed by the disaster. Roila is among 780 people confirmed dead, with more than 3,000 still reported missing following the disaster that struck the China-Nepal border region on Wednesday.

South Jakarta PMI Fund Month proceeds to aid disaster victims in Aceh and NTT

The South Jakarta administration has announced that proceeds from the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) Fund Month will be used to assist disaster victims in Aceh, North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and East Nusa Tenggara. The 2025 fundraising drive collected Rp9.02 billion, exceeding its Rp9 billion target and surpassing the previous year's total. Officials are urging broader community and business participation for the 2026 campaign.

After earthquake, Sikka Regional Secretary's activities temporarily moved to tents

The Sikka Regency Government has temporarily relocated its Regional Secretariat operations to tents provided by the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) after the Regent's Office sustained damage from an earthquake. An assessment on Monday (31/8) classified the building as moderately damaged, with only limited use recommended. Public services across various regional agencies continue to operate normally despite the relocation.

300 families affected by earthquake in Sigi receive multipurpose cash assistance

The Inanta Foundation has distributed multipurpose cash assistance of Rp1.8 million per family to 300 households affected by the earthquake in Sigi Regency, Central Sulawesi. The aid targets families whose homes suffered moderate to severe damage, with recipients spread across three villages in Palolo District. The programme, running from June to September 2026, is part of broader recovery efforts that also include the construction of permanent housing units.

Xpeng Records 937 Orders at GIIAS Tangerang, Finance Minister Purbaya Also Uses X9

Chinese electric vehicle maker Xpeng recorded 937 vehicle orders at the GIIAS 2026 exhibition in Tangerang, nearly tripling its previous year's figure of around 330. The company attributes the growth to rising consumer interest in EVs and the expansion of its dealer network beyond Greater Jakarta. Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa was also revealed to be using an Xpeng X9, which the company says was purchased through a dealer without special arrangements.

BoE Governor warns of AI sophistication risks in global finance

Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey has warned that increasingly sophisticated artificial intelligence models could pose new risks to the global financial system, particularly by amplifying the scale and speed of cyber threats. In an open letter to G20 finance ministers and central bank governors, Bailey highlighted the dangers of frontier AI models and called for coordinated global action. He also flagged other vulnerabilities, including rising leverage in bond and equity markets and high valuations partly driven by AI optimism.

Bogor Regency Government accelerates development amid KPK investigation

Bogor Regent Rudy Susmanto has assured that public services and development programmes will continue as normal despite an ongoing corruption investigation by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). He urged all regional apparatus organisations to press ahead with planned programmes while respecting the legal process. The regent aims to use 2027 and 2028 to resolve basic community issues before the 2029 political year.

Indonesia Shuts Hiking in 9 National Parks Amid Wildfire Risks

Indonesia's Forestry Minister has announced the temporary closure of hiking routes in nine national parks due to heightened wildfire risks, aiming to protect visitors and prioritise firefighting efforts. The decision follows incidents where wildfires trapped hikers and strained aerial firefighting resources, with limited access remaining only in select parks under strict safety conditions.

House Commission VII urges government to tackle food waste in tourist areas

Deputy Chair of House Commission VII Chusnunia Chalim has called on the government to address the growing problem of food waste in tourist destinations, citing Labuan Bajo as a worrying example. She urged Indonesia to study sustainable food management strategies from other countries, such as Thailand, which has reduced food waste by 45 percent. Without effective management, she warned, rising food waste could threaten the environment and the appeal of tourist areas.

Not Just About Traffic, Danantara Pushes This to Toll Road SOEs

Indonesia's sovereign wealth fund Danantara is urging state-owned toll road operator Jasa Marga to prioritise service quality and user experience, not just traffic growth and revenue. The push includes promoting the Travoy digital ecosystem, which integrates toll transactions, rest area information, and roadside assistance. Jasa Marga's CEO described the shift as moving from 'infrastructure' to 'infraculture', focusing on meaningful travel experiences.

Ministry of Transport: Indonesian aviation safety above global average

Indonesia's aviation safety and security performance has surpassed the global average, according to ICAO audit results cited by the Ministry of Transport. The country achieved a score of 78.85 percent, compared with the global average of 70.6 percent. Indonesia is also preparing to stand for election to the ICAO Council in November 2026.

Sustainable landscape management seen as solution to food, energy and climate challenges

Integrated and sustainable landscape governance is being positioned as a key solution to Indonesia's intertwined challenges of food security, energy independence and climate resilience. Petrus Gunarso of the Panca Palma Tropika Indonesia Foundation argues that sectoral approaches are inadequate and that spatial certainty is a prerequisite for effective climate action. The approach calls for legally binding integration of conservation areas, production forests, oil palm plantations, food agriculture and watersheds.

Hotspots in Kalimantan Increase, BNPB: Visibility Less Than 1 Km

Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has reported a rise in forest and land fire hotspots across three provinces in Kalimantan, with visibility dropping below one kilometre in some areas. While hotspots in parts of Sumatra have generally declined, South Sumatra saw an increase to over 1,000 hotspots. The agency is urging the public to monitor air quality through the Environment Ministry's ISPU index as pollutant concentrations remain dense in affected regions.

IAKN Kupang Rector Assaulted by Former Rector on Campus Grounds

The Rector of the State Christian Institute (IAKN) Kupang, I Made Suardana, was allegedly assaulted by former rector Harun Natonis on campus grounds on Monday morning. The incident reportedly stemmed from a dispute over a long-pending promotion matter. Suardana has filed a police report and is receiving hospital treatment for chest injuries.

East Jakarta City Government Strengthens RT/RW Role for Public Services

The East Jakarta City Government is reinforcing the role of neighbourhood and community unit leaders (RT/RW) as the frontline of local administration and public service delivery. Deputy Mayor Kusmanto highlighted their contribution to government programmes, including the collection of zakat and Indonesian Red Cross funds. He expressed hope that collaboration between the government, RT/RW, and residents will continue to strengthen.

Young Diaspora Generation Captivates Canadians in Ottawa

Indonesian diaspora children and teenagers in Ottawa performed the Saman Dance as the highlight of Indonesia's 81st Independence Day celebrations, drawing applause from over 500 spectators. The event, organised by the Indonesian Embassy, showcased various UNESCO-recognised cultural traditions and featured a Canadian-majority Balinese gamelan group. The celebration also served as cultural diplomacy ahead of the 75th anniversary of Indonesia-Canada diplomatic relations in 2027.

Indonesia not yet safe from forest fires despite hotspot decline

Indonesia remains at risk from forest and land fires despite a decline in hotspots across priority provinces, with peatland areas posing a persistent underground smouldering threat. Nearly 286,000 hectares have burned nationwide from January to late August 2026, and El Niño conditions are worsening dryness. The forestry minister has called for community involvement to help suppress remaining fire hazards before they spread.

Twitter.now Platform Launched, Twitter Comes Back to Life

A Virginia-based startup called Operation Bluebird has launched twitter.now, reviving the Twitter name and blue bird branding that Elon Musk abandoned when he rebranded the platform as X. The new service, still in its early stages with only hundreds of users, features an automated fact-checking engine called Vera powered by Gemini. A US district judge indicated in April 2026 that X Corporation appears to have relinquished its intellectual property claims to the Twitter trademark, though no written order has yet been issued.

Sunter Podomoro Market to Be Revitalised, Stalls Reorganised by Zoning

Perumda Pasar Jaya will revitalise Sunter Podomoro Market in North Jakarta, including reorganising stalls by merchandise category to improve shopper navigation. The project will also modernise parking, building facades, and mechanical and electrical systems. The market has served the local community since 1992.

Police to Hold Case Conference to Drop Alleged Fraud Case Against Ruben Onsu

South Jakarta Police are preparing to hold a case conference to terminate the investigation into alleged fraud and embezzlement involving celebrity Ruben Onsu. The complainant has submitted a peace agreement and a withdrawal of the police report, prompting police to facilitate restorative justice. Once the process is complete, investigators will issue an order to discontinue the investigation.

Archaeologists study 67,800-year-old figurative art in Sulawesi karst

Archaeologists in Sulawesi have identified figurative cave paintings estimated to be 67,800 years old, challenging the long-held theory that the oldest art originated in Europe. The findings, including hand stencils with pointed fingertips and hunting scenes, suggest early humans in Wallacea possessed complex abstract thinking and organised social structures. Researchers also draw parallels between the ancient rock art and modern Bugis-Makassar traditions.

Around 590 foreign nationals reported missing after Nepal floods

Nepal's Foreign Ministry has reported that approximately 590 foreign nationals from 39 countries remain unaccounted for following flash floods that struck the country's northern region. More than 10,000 people, including over 323 foreigners, have been rescued since the disaster occurred on 26 August. The floods were triggered by a landslide caused by an earthquake, which sent torrents of water down the Bhote Koshi River from China.

Indonesia sets eight industrial priorities for 2027

The Indonesian Industry Ministry has outlined eight strategic programmes for 2027 aimed at enhancing manufacturing productivity, downstreaming natural resources, and driving industrial transformation. These initiatives align with the government's target of 5.8 per cent economic growth, despite a projected decrease in the ministry's budget allocation.

National Police Chief Transfers 344 Personnel, Inspector General Roycke Harry Langie Appointed Astamaops

National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo has carried out a large-scale transfer and rotation of 344 personnel within the Indonesian National Police. The reshuffle includes the appointment of Inspector General Roycke Harry Langie as Assistant for Operations to the National Police Chief, replacing Commissioner General Muhammad Fadil Imran who is entering retirement. The move is described as part of career development and organisational dynamics within the police force.

Agus Gumiwang Reveals 'Big Homework' for Indonesian Industry, Utilisation Only 64.8%

Indonesia's manufacturing sector still faces significant challenges despite showing signs of strengthening growth. Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita highlighted that non-oil and gas processing industry utilisation stands at just 64.8%, below the government's minimum target of 70%. He emphasised that the domestic market, which absorbs 78.4% of manufacturing output, must be optimised to ensure national products become 'masters in their own country'.

Rp4.8 trillion investment inflow proof of global confidence in Indonesia

Ajaib Group has secured US$270 million (approximately Rp4.8 trillion) in strategic funding from Japan's SBI Holdings, marking the largest investment received by an Indonesian technology company in five years. The company says the deal demonstrates continued foreign investor confidence in Indonesia and will be used to strengthen human resources and business development. Ajaib expects the funding to support job creation in sectors including artificial intelligence, data centres and blockchain.

Pramono to Inspect Kramat Jati Market Tomorrow After Trader Clearance

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has announced the completion of the Kramat Jati Market revitalisation and will inspect the site tomorrow. The project involved relocating street vendors, particularly fish traders, into the market proper. The move follows a series of fatal accidents on the slippery road outside the market.

Sumatra's Banyuasin Police name one suspect over alleged land burning

Police in Banyuasin, South Sumatra, have named a 45-year-old man as a suspect after he was allegedly caught burning a section of his rice field to clear land. The suspect faces charges under Indonesia's Plantation Law and the new Criminal Code, and authorities have warned residents against slash-and-burn practices due to their environmental and public health risks.

OJK Stops Operations of Two Unlicensed Crypto Trading Platforms

Indonesia's Task Force for the Eradication of Illegal Financial Activities (Satgas Pasti) has halted the operations of two crypto trading platforms, YWWSDC and RTHAE, for operating without the required licences. The platforms falsely claimed to hold foreign licences and to be in the process of obtaining permits from the Financial Services Authority (OJK). The public has been urged to verify the legality of any investment offers and to be wary of schemes promising illogically high returns.

Learn Finance for Free from Experts at Lampung Financial Festival

The Indonesia Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS) and CNBC Indonesia are bringing the Financial Festival 2026 to Lampung on 5-6 September, following successful events in Surabaya, Medan, and Yogyakarta. The free event aims to boost financial literacy among young Indonesians through business talks, educational classes, and entertainment. It forms part of LPS's mandate as a member of the Financial System Stability Committee to improve financial inclusion across the country.

Indonesia targets higher oil lifting of 612,500 bpd in 2027: Bahlil

Indonesia has set a new oil lifting target of 612,500 barrels per day for 2027, agreed between the government and House Commission XII. The increase is expected to be supported by new wells offshore Madura, enhanced oil recovery technology, and potential additional wells in Sumatra. This comes as the country struggles to meet its 2026 target of 610,000 bpd, with current lifting at 578,156 bpd due to operational setbacks and natural depletion in major blocks.

Madrasahs and pesantren in North Kalimantan shift to home learning amid haze

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has instructed Islamic educational institutions in North Kalimantan to move to home-based learning due to hazardous haze from forest and land fires. The policy prioritises the safety of students, teachers and staff while ensuring learning continues. Schools are urged to coordinate with local authorities and avoid overburdening pupils with excessive assignments.

Minister calls on public and businessman to help tackle Karhutla

Indonesia's Defence Minister has urged businesses and the public to collaborate in tackling forest and land fires, including by lending heavy equipment and water-bombing helicopters to the national disaster agency. The ministry will also draw on state defence budget support to accelerate responses to fires and earthquakes. Hundreds of military personnel have been deployed to East Kalimantan to conduct outreach and encourage community involvement in fire prevention.

Fact check: Video of Vice President Gibran meeting protesters on 26 August is false

A viral video claiming to show Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka meeting protesters on 26 August 2026 has been debunked as misinformation. The footage is actually from May 2025, when Gibran was confronted by students during a visit to Bengkulu. On 27 August 2026, Gibran was in Jombang, East Java, attending the Nahdlatul Ulama congress with President Prabowo Subianto.

Hoax! Yusril did not say death penalty for corruptors would cause many officials to die

A Facebook post falsely attributed a statement to Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra, claiming he said enacting the death penalty for corruptors would kill many officials and leave no one to run the country. Fact-checking by ANTARA found no such statement; the photo was taken from a different post where Yusril explained that sentencing decisions rest with judges, not the government. The claim has been rated as a hoax.

Hoax! Prabowo to close hundreds of SOEs to fund free nutritious meals

A Facebook video claiming President Prabowo will close 800 state-owned enterprises (SOEs) by the end of 2026 to fund the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme has been debunked. While Prabowo did announce plans to reduce the number of SOEs, he did not state that the savings would be specifically allocated to MBG. The president said the funds would be redirected to various public welfare programmes.

Alan, a Subang Resident, Develops Pineapple Leaves into Eco Fashion

Alan Sahroni, a young local mentored by Pertamina EP Subang Field, has transformed pineapple leaf waste into high-value eco-fashion products, earning a Gold award at the CID Upstream Award 2026. The initiative has reduced harmful open burning of agricultural waste and created additional income for 44 local residents. The programme supports sustainable development goals and Pertamina's ESG principles.

State-Owned Pharmaceutical Firm's Profit Soars 542.43%, Here's Why

PT Phapros Tbk (PEHA), a state-owned pharmaceutical company, reported a net profit of Rp15.29 billion in the first half of 2026, a 542.43% surge from Rp2.38 billion in the same period last year. The company attributed the strong performance to higher sales, improved gross margins from a better product portfolio, and operational efficiency at its plants. Management expressed optimism that double-digit profit growth will continue through the end of 2026.

Banda Aceh Police Chief Andi Kirana Investigated by Internal Affairs, Now Transferred to Police Headquarters

Banda Aceh Police Chief Andi Kirana has been transferred to Police Headquarters following an internal affairs investigation. The National Police have not yet disclosed the nature of the case involving Kirana and a narcotics unit head. A replacement has been appointed, and police officials have urged the public to await official information.

Hoax! Video of Purbaya asking for public protection to expose mafia

A viral Facebook video claiming Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa asked the public for protection to expose mafia names has been confirmed as a hoax. Fact-checking by ANTARA found the audio was 96 percent AI-generated, with the original footage showing Purbaya discussing the gentengisasi roofing programme budget. The minister made no such statement about mafia or public protection in the original video.

Padang teacher's innovation wins award from Malaysia

A teacher from SMA Pembangunan Laboratorium Universitas Negeri Padang in West Sumatra has received a Gold Trophy at an international action research competition in Malaysia. Hesty Tarmizi was recognised for her learning innovation on Minangkabau cultural values, specifically the 'Sumbang Duo Baleh' ethical code. The school also sent a student representative to compete in a creative research category at the same event.

Brunei Sees Hazy Air as Kalimantan Battles Wildfires

Brunei is experiencing hazy conditions due to a surge in wildfires across Indonesian Kalimantan, with satellite data recording over 1,700 hotspots at the peak. The Indonesian government reports a decline in hotspots but warns that peatland fires remain a persistent risk requiring intensive cooling and wetting efforts.

Police Receive Peace Letter in Ruben Onsu Fraud Case, Report Withdrawn

The South Jakarta Metropolitan Police have received a peace agreement and a withdrawal of the police report in the alleged fraud and embezzlement case involving celebrity Ruben Onsu. Both parties have agreed to settle the matter amicably, and police will now facilitate restorative justice proceedings. A case review will be held with the aim of terminating the investigation.

Gojek and YGMP assist driver partners affected by disasters

Gojek and the GoTo Merah Putih Foundation (YGMP) have distributed humanitarian aid to driver partners affected by earthquakes in East Nusa Tenggara and forest and land fires in Kalimantan and Sumatra. The assistance includes basic necessities, masks, and vitamins, with additional supplies stationed at partner houses for easy access. Driver communities have also independently organised mask distributions and joined firefighting efforts.

Indonesia to push HR capacity and sustainable aviation agenda at ICAO

Indonesia will campaign for a seat on the ICAO Council with a platform focused on aviation human resource development and sustainable aviation, including Sustainable Aviation Fuel and CORSIA. The country last held a Council seat in 2001 and is seeking election at the ICAO Assembly in November 2026. A Council position would allow Indonesia to present its aviation interests directly in the international forum.

Central Bangka People's School projected to accommodate 2,000 students

The People's School in Central Bangka Regency, Bangka Belitung Islands Province, is now projected to accommodate 2,000 students, double the initial plan of 1,000. The local government is adjusting documents due to a reduction in land area caused by a dual-carriageway road project. The central government has provided Rp9 billion for water supply infrastructure, and the school is targeted to begin operations in the 2027 academic year.

List of 9 Countries Without a Vice President, Including South Korea and France

A number of countries with presidential or semi-presidential systems operate without a vice president, relying instead on prime ministers, senate presidents, or other constitutional mechanisms for succession. Russia, South Korea, Mexico, France, and Portugal are among the examples cited. Meanwhile, Cameroon and Kazakhstan moved in the opposite direction in 2026 by reinstating the vice presidency.

Ministry of Youth and Sports proposes Rp4.019 trillion for 2027 funding needs

The Ministry of Youth and Sports has proposed a budget of Rp4.019 trillion for the 2027 fiscal year to fund its work units and priority programmes. Minister Erick Thohir emphasised the importance of transparency and accountability in managing public funds. The ministry aims to maintain its unqualified opinion (WTP) status from the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK).

Ministry of Human Rights accelerates human rights due diligence regulation for companies

Indonesia's Ministry of Human Rights is fast-tracking a regulation requiring companies to conduct human rights due diligence, with mandatory assessments for firms employing at least 2,000 workers. The policy aims to prevent business activities from harming communities and the environment, particularly in the mining and plantation sectors. The regulation will include incentives for compliance and sanctions for violations, while prioritising a constructive rather than punitive approach.

Student Activities at Sekolah Rakyat Terintegrasi 1 Bekasi

Students at Sekolah Rakyat Terintegrasi 1 in Bekasi Regency undergo a 14-day school orientation period followed by a three-month matriculation programme before starting regular lessons. The residential school, run by the Ministry of Social Affairs, focuses on discipline, character building, and health support, with students' mobile phone use restricted and family visits limited to once a month.