Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 3 August 2026

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Yesterday's economy: Rice aid to MK and KY building progress in IKN

Indonesia's National Food Agency has tasked Bulog with distributing rice aid to 33.24 million beneficiary families starting 17 August 2026 to bolster purchasing power. Meanwhile, physical construction of the Constitutional Court and Judicial Commission buildings in the new capital Nusantara has reached 12.41 per cent. Other economic highlights include Indonesia's continued attractiveness to investors and new incentives to boost domestic electric vehicle production.

Russia's FSB Hunts Telegram Owner Pavel Durov Over Terrorism Facilitation Claims

Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) has placed Telegram owner Pavel Durov on an international wanted list, accusing the platform of being used to facilitate terrorism. The agency alleges Ukrainian spies used a Telegram chatbot to recruit young Russians for sabotage and terror attacks. The FSB claims to have arrested 46 Russian citizens, aged 12 to 22, over the past year in connection with the scheme.

US and Japan Conduct Joint Intervention to Strengthen Yen, Trump Calls It a 'Signal of Friendship'

The United States and Japan have executed a coordinated currency intervention to support the weakening yen for the first time since 1998. President Donald Trump described the move as a 'signal of friendship' that would yield financial benefits for the US and the global economy. The intervention, confirmed by both nations' finance ministries, follows the yen's slump to its weakest level against the dollar in decades.

635 Drones Shot Down, Yet Russian Refineries Still Burn: The Paradox

Russia claims its air defences intercepted 635 Ukrainian drones overnight, but the sheer number of downed aircraft did not prevent fires at industrial sites in Ufa and Samara, nor a fatal strike on a residential building in Engels. The incidents highlight a critical paradox of modern drone warfare, where a defender can destroy hundreds of incoming threats yet still fail to stop a small number from hitting sensitive targets. The attacks, which targeted facilities including a major online retailer's warehouse and reportedly several oil refineries deep within Russian territory, underscore the challenge of protecting vast infrastructure with finite defence systems.

Foreign Net Buy Reaches Rp7.1 T Last Week, Have They Really Returned?

Foreign investors recorded a net buy of Rp7.1 trillion in the Indonesian stock market last week, a sharp reversal from the previous week's net sell. However, this figure was heavily skewed by a single Rp9.33 trillion negotiation transaction for BRI shares, masking an underlying net sell of approximately Rp2 trillion in the regular market. The Jakarta Composite Index still managed to close in positive territory, rising 0.64% despite a slowdown in trading activity.

Environmental Disaster on Semau Island: Six Tonnes of Oil Contaminate Eight Villages

An oil spill involving approximately six tonnes of Marine Fuel Oil has contaminated the waters and coastline of Semau Island in East Nusa Tenggara, affecting eight villages. The spill originated from a leak during the salvage operation of the wrecked vessel KM Kuala Emas, threatening the primary livelihood of local seaweed farmers who now face potential widespread harvest failure. Authorities are coordinating with multiple agencies to contain the spill and clean the affected areas.

Terban Market Traders Struggle Amid Quiet Conditions, Seek Promotional Support from Jogja City Government

Traders at Pasar Terban in Yogyakarta are experiencing a significant drop in income following their relocation from street-side stalls to the newly revitalised market building. Despite the downturn, vendors are adapting by diversifying their menus and leveraging social media to attract old customers. They are urging the city government to boost promotional activities and organise events to increase footfall at the market.

Hundreds of Trump Accounts Closed, Money Laundering Scandal Allegations Surface

Capital One has formally linked the closure of hundreds of Trump Organization accounts to anti-money laundering (AML) reviews, according to court documents. The bank is seeking to dismiss a lawsuit from the Trump family, arguing the decision was based on months of AML analysis rather than political bias. The case unfolds amid broader conservative complaints of 'debanking' and follows an executive order by President Trump banning the practice.

Police General Fadil Imran on Fences: Don't Spin Narratives of Impending Unrest

National Police Assistant for Operations, Commissioner General Fadil Imran, has urged the public not to speculate about security threats following the erection of high fences at several Jakarta shopping centres. He assured that the security situation remains conducive, describing the fencing as a normal property precaution. The remarks come alongside similar reassurances from the Jakarta Governor and a presidential advisor, who both called for calm and fact-checking amid circulating rumours.

House Commission XI: PFII a chance for Indonesia to capture global capital shift momentum

Indonesia is accelerating the establishment of its International Financial Centre (PFII) to attract global funds seeking new havens amid geopolitical uncertainty. Lawmakers stress the urgency, warning that family offices and other capital will move elsewhere if Indonesia does not act quickly. The initiative aims to transform the nation into a regional financial hub, backed by competitive legal frameworks and international dispute resolution mechanisms.

Jakarta yesterday: Firefighter dies on duty and man drowns in BKB canal

A Jakarta firefighter with a known heart condition died after collapsing from smoke inhalation while tackling a rubbish fire in Kramat Jati. The Jakarta provincial government has expressed its condolences and pledged to ensure the deceased's rights are honoured. Separately, search efforts are continuing for a 19-year-old man believed to have drowned in the West Flood Canal.

PU Ministry Continues Trans Papua Road Construction on Jayapura–Wamena Section

Indonesia's Ministry of Public Works is pressing ahead with the Jayapura–Wamena Trans Papua road project to end isolation in the highlands and boost equitable development. The Mamberamo–Elelim segment, being built under a public-private partnership, is expected to lower logistics costs and the price of staple goods in Papua Pegunungan. The project, which began in July 2024 and is targeted for completion by November 2026, has reached 51.59 per cent physical progress and employs 116 local workers.

Popular: Victims of KMP Mutiara Santosa Fire in Sumenep Evacuated

A roundup of popular human-interest stories includes the evacuation of 232 victims from the KMP Mutiara Santosa 2 ferry fire in Sumenep, East Java, where 227 survived and five died. Other stories cover Pertamina's response to a fuel truck accident in Tanah Bumbu, TNI's humanitarian aid for drought-affected areas in Papua, a traditional spinning top tournament in Natuna, and a food safety incident halting a free nutritious meal programme in Semarang.

Trump Calls Off Major Strike, Says US-Iran Negotiations Begin Monday

President Donald Trump has postponed a planned large-scale military strike against Iran, stating that negotiations between Washington and Tehran will commence on Monday. The decision came after requests from Iran and regional allies Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, who fear the catastrophic consequences of such an attack. The talks are expected to address the security of the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's nuclear programme.

BMKG: Tropical Cyclone Seed 94W Triggers Heavy Rain in Sumatra

Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has detected a tropical cyclone seed in the Philippine Sea that is expected to cause heavy rainfall across several Indonesian regions. The system is generating convergence zones that significantly increase rain cloud formation, particularly affecting Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra. Local governments have been urged to heighten preparedness for potential hydrometeorological disasters.

Basarnas: 122 Victims of KMP Mutiara Sentosa II Fire Arrive Ashore

A total of 122 victims of the KMP Mutiara Sentosa II ferry fire have been brought ashore at Surabaya's Tanjung Perak Port and Sumenep's Kalianget Port. Search and rescue teams have so far evacuated 234 passengers, with 229 survivors and five confirmed fatalities. Three additional vessels carrying more victims are still en route to Surabaya.

15 Major Events to Shake Markets in Early August: Indonesia, China, and US Economic Data

Global markets face a pivotal week driven by key economic data from Indonesia, China, and the United States, alongside geopolitical tensions. Indonesia is set to release its July inflation figures and Q2 2026 GDP growth, while the US jobs report and China's PMI data will also be in sharp focus. These indicators arrive amid ongoing market volatility fuelled by rising US Treasury yields, fluctuating oil prices due to Middle East conflicts, and mixed corporate earnings from tech giants.

Hamas Accuses Israel of Attempting to Sabotage Gaza Ceasefire Agreement

Hamas has accused Israel of deliberately escalating attacks on Gaza to derail a ceasefire agreement brokered by mediators and the United States. The group claims recent airstrikes that killed over 18 Palestinians constitute war crimes aimed at obstructing the deal's implementation. Hamas has called on the international community to pursue legal action and hold Israeli leaders accountable.

Minister to Evaluate Operator of KMP Mutiara Sentosa II After Fire

Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi has announced an evaluation of the operator of KMP Mutiara Sentosa II following a fire in the waters north of Sumenep, East Java. The assessment will proceed once the National Transportation Safety Committee completes its investigation, particularly as the vessel has reportedly caught fire twice. The ministry is also prioritising reconciling the manifest data with the number of evacuated victims.

KAI Responds to Menteng Residents' Complaints, Stresses Land Near Tracks Must Remain Clear

PT KAI has responded to complaints from Menteng residents about an unkempt plot of land near railway tracks, insisting that the right of way (ROW) must remain free of any activity or tall vegetation for safety reasons. The state railway operator stated it has scheduled maintenance staff to ensure the area is clean, while urging residents not to use the ROW as a dumping ground. Residents, who had previously sought permission to use the land as a multi-purpose field, are now asking KAI to clear the overgrown grass and rubbish themselves.

Anxious Wait for Families of KM Mutiara Sentosa 2 Victims Seeking News

Families gathered at Surabaya's Tanjung Perak Port in distress, seeking information about relatives aboard the KM Mutiara Sentosa 2 ferry which caught fire off the coast of Madura. While 231 people were rescued, five fatalities were confirmed, and concerns grew over passengers not listed on the official manifest. A group of 111 survivors finally arrived at the port early Monday morning, bringing some relief to the waiting families.

BoP Agreement Fails to Halt Israeli Atrocities, 17 Martyred in Gaza

A disarmament agreement announced by the Board of Peace (BoP) has failed to curb Israeli military operations in Gaza, with at least 17 Palestinians killed in the past 24 hours. Israeli forces have now violated the ceasefire for 297 consecutive days, targeting residential buildings, a medical warehouse, and civilian gatherings. Palestinian health authorities warn the healthcare system is on the verge of total collapse due to severe shortages of essential medicines and supplies.

Coordinating Minister IPK: Liveable Homes Are the Foundation of People's Welfare

Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono has stated that providing liveable housing is a fundamental prerequisite for national welfare. He emphasised that a proper home is not merely a physical structure but the basis for a healthier, more secure, and productive life. The minister highlighted a comprehensive settlement upgrading project in Campurejo Village as a model of cross-sector collaboration to improve quality of life.

Danantara Strengthens Economic Ties, Expands Investment Opportunities with Albania and Panama

Danantara Indonesia's CEO Rosan Roeslani hosted Albania's Minister of Economy and Innovation and Panama's Deputy Foreign Minister to discuss strengthening economic partnerships. The meetings focused on expanding investment opportunities and building networks between business communities. Both sides also explored establishing institutional cooperation through a memorandum of understanding.

Daihatsu Not Rushing to Expand EV Line, Large Market Outside Greater Jakarta a Key Consideration

PT Astra Daihatsu Motor is taking a cautious approach to launching battery electric vehicles for the Indonesian mass market, citing the continued dominance of internal combustion engine cars, especially outside major cities. The company notes that 55% of its sales come from outside Java, where EV infrastructure remains underdeveloped compared to the Greater Jakarta area. Daihatsu has introduced the Rocky Hybrid as an initial step into electrification, selling around 800 units by late July 2026.

Daihatsu Not in a Hurry to Expand EV Lineup, Citing Large Market Outside Greater Jakarta

PT Astra Daihatsu Motor (ADM) is adopting a cautious approach to launching mass-market battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in Indonesia. The company is prioritising market readiness and infrastructure development, particularly in regions outside Greater Jakarta where demand for internal combustion engine vehicles remains high.

Andy Burnham Promises to Eradicate Small Boat Migrant Crossings in the UK

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged to work tirelessly to curb illegal migrant arrivals via small boats by doubling law enforcement presence to target human trafficking gangs. While the government reports a significant increase in seizures and arrests, opposition parties have criticised the administration's approach as being too weak.

14 Mobile Samsat Service Locations Available This Monday

The Jakarta Metropolitan Police have announced 14 mobile Samsat service locations across the Greater Jakarta area for vehicle tax payments this Monday. These mobile units aim to facilitate easier access for taxpayers, though certain restrictions apply regarding tax arrears and specific vehicle registration types.

Five Mobile Driver's Licence Service Locations for Monday

The Jakarta Metropolitan Police Directorate of Traffic has announced five locations for mobile driver's licence (SIM) renewal services across Jakarta this Monday. The service is available from 08:00 to 14:00 WIB for specific licence categories.

BUMA International Group Records EBITDA Growth in First Half of 2026

PT BUMA International Group has achieved an 8 per cent year-on-year increase in EBITDA to US$69 million for the first half of 2026. Despite a decline in revenue and rising fuel costs, the company improved its net loss position and significantly boosted free cash flow through cost efficiency and capital expenditure optimisation.

Two Shares Officially Enter LQ45 Index Today (3/8), Check Analyst Recommendations

Two new constituents, Indika Energy (INDY) and Trimegah Bangun Persada (NCKL), have joined the LQ45 index on the Indonesia Stock Exchange, replacing Semen Indonesia and Sarana Menara Nusantara. Analysts view INDY's prospects as more constructive due to strong cash flow from thermal coal and long-term diversification into electric vehicles and renewables. In contrast, NCKL faces challenges from a global nickel oversupply, despite its inclusion being driven by increased retail liquidity.

US-Iran War Update: Arab Prince Moves, Trump Holds Off Attack

US President Donald Trump has announced a delay in planned military strikes against Iran to allow for diplomatic negotiations regarding Tehran's nuclear ambitions and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The move follows discussions with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and aims to stabilise global energy markets following significant oil price surges.

Facing Russia Together, Poland and Ukraine Divided by 83-Year-Old War Graves

A joint Polish-Ukrainian exhumation project in the Volhynia region is uncovering mass graves from 1943, highlighting deep-seated historical tensions. While archaeologists are cooperating on the ground, the discovery is exacerbating diplomatic friction between Warsaw and Kyiv regarding the legacy of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army.

MBS's Call Behind Trump's Decision to Postpone Attack on Iran

US President Donald Trump has cancelled planned military strikes against Iran following diplomatic pressure and a call from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The decision comes as part of a new agreement aimed at ensuring the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and addressing Iran's nuclear ambitions.

Bahlil Encourages Local Communities to Take a More Active Role in Mining Management

The Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, has called for greater local community involvement in the management of natural resources, particularly within the mining sector. He emphasised that the benefits of mineral wealth should be felt directly by residents in producing regions through increased opportunities for MSMEs and cooperatives.

Weather Modification Operations Intensified to Tackle Forest Fires in Central Kalimantan

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), in collaboration with BMKG, has intensified weather modification efforts in Central Kalimantan to combat forest and land fires. The operation involves seeding clouds with one tonne of sodium chloride to induce rainfall and includes the deployment of additional water-bombing helicopters.

Dampak PLTU Captive OSS Morosi Memburuk, Warga Layangkan Gugatan Ganti Rugi Rp42,7 Miliar

Warga lingkar industri Morosi di Sulawesi Tenggara mengajukan gugatan perdata senilai Rp42,76 miliar terhadap PT Obsidian Stainless Steel (OSS) atas dampak pencemaran lingkungan dari operasional PLTU captive. Gugatan ini didasarkan pada putusan pengadilan sebelumnya yang menyatakan perusahaan terbukti melakukan perbuatan melawan hukum akibat pencemaran. Para penggugat menuntut ganti rugi atas kerusakan ekonomi, seperti hancurnya usaha tambak, serta penderitaan fisik dan psikis yang dialami warga.

Agriculture Minister: Food Task Force Identifies 39 Suspects in Rice Cases

The Indonesian Minister of Agriculture, Andi Amran Sulaiman, announced that the Food Task Force has named 39 suspects across 38 cases involving irregularities in the rice sector. This crackdown aims to dismantle food mafias and protect consumers from fraudulent practices involving fortified and premium rice.

The Story of Husein Gaza, Who Faced Frustration Upon Returning to Indonesia

Muhammad Husein Gaza, founder of International Networking for Humanitarian (INH), calls for a strategic, science-based approach to supporting Palestine rather than relying solely on emotional social media solidarity. Drawing from his experience living in Gaza for 12 years, he emphasises the need for a systematic blueprint to sustain global attention to the humanitarian crisis.

Consumer Stock Prospects Remain Bright Until End of 2026, Here Are Analysts' Picks

Analysts maintain a positive outlook on Indonesian consumer sector stocks through to the end of 2026, despite headwinds from rupiah depreciation and weakened purchasing power. Key picks include Mayora Indah, Unilever Indonesia, Indofood CBP, and Mitra Adiperkasa, each supported by specific catalysts such as deleveraging strategies, business transformation, and international expansion.

Thai Prime Minister to Visit Indonesia on 3-4 August; Traffic Diversions Planned for Jakarta Roads

The Prime Minister of Thailand, Anutin Charnvirakul, is scheduled to undertake a state visit to Indonesia from 3 to 4 August 2026. In preparation, the Jakarta Metropolitan Police have announced temporary traffic diversions across several major arterial roads to facilitate the official motorcade.

Coordinating Minister Airlangga: Industrial Estates Are National Economic Drivers

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto has emphasised the strategic role of industrial estates in accelerating national economic growth. He highlighted that these zones, which now host over 10,000 companies and employ 4.5 million workers, are crucial for attracting investment and creating jobs. The government is committed to addressing investment hurdles and enhancing the competitiveness of these estates through digital transformation and infrastructure integration.

Not an Arab Nation, Indonesia Deemed to Have Potential to Lead Al-Aqsa Liberation Preparations

International academic Professor Abdul Fattah el-Awaisi suggests that Indonesia holds a strategic geopolitical position to lead science-based preparations for the liberation of Al-Aqsa Mosque. He emphasises that true liberation requires a foundation of knowledge, strategic planning, and the 'liberation of the mind' rather than mere military force.

Discrepancies in Death Toll of Ceuta Migrant Crisis: Morocco Records 11, Spain Reports 72

Morocco and Spain have reported significantly different death tolls following a mass migration attempt towards the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. While Moroccan authorities confirm 11 fatalities, Spanish officials cite at least 72, amidst ongoing diplomatic tensions and investigations into the cause of the surge.

Urgent Need for Human Trafficking Law Reform: Addressing New Modus Operandi and Ensuring Victim Justice

The existing Indonesian Law on the Eradication of Human Trafficking (Law No. 21/2007) is increasingly inadequate against modern cyber-based trafficking and online scams. There is an urgent call for legislative revision to target intellectual architects of crime and to ensure effective victim restitution and reintegration.

Teachers, Burdens, and Calling

The article discusses the rising levels of burnout among Indonesian teachers caused by heavy administrative burdens and complex curriculum requirements. It argues that teacher resilience should not be viewed as an individual trait but as a product of a supportive professional ecosystem and improved government policy.

Becoming a Mindful Teacher

The article discusses the importance of teachers' mental well-being in implementing the 'Deep Learning' initiative introduced by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education. It argues that systemic reforms are needed to reduce administrative burdens and provide psychological support to ensure educators can effectively foster mindful and meaningful learning.

Gibran's Seating Arrangement

An analysis of the unconventional seating arrangement of Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka during a cabinet meeting, where he sat alongside coordinating ministers rather than beside President Prabowo. The piece explores the implications of protocol laws and the constitutional necessity of maintaining the Vice President's symbolic authority.

Annual Inflation for July 2026 Expected to Ease to 3.08 Per Cent, Key Indicators Revealed

Bank Permata's Head of Macroeconomic Research and Financial Markets, Faisal Rachman, predicts that annual inflation will slow to 3.08 per cent in July 2026. This deceleration is expected to be driven by moderating prices in volatile food commodities such as eggs and shallots, despite rising costs in rice and meat.

Celebrating Tumpek Krulut: Governor Koster Provides Free Coffee and Culinary Treats at 15 MSME Locations in Bali

The Governor of Bali, I Wayan Koster, has launched a programme to distribute free coffee and snacks across 15 local MSMEs to celebrate the traditional Tumpek Krulut festival. The initiative aims to strengthen local identity and provide an economic stimulus to micro-businesses throughout the province.