Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 5 August 2026

Showing 501-550 of 1,487 articles

Ten Workers Evacuated from Building Fire in Cikini

Ten workers were safely evacuated from the rooftop of a burning building on Jalan Cikini Raya, Menteng, Central Jakarta. Firefighters deployed 22 engines and 105 personnel to extinguish the blaze, which was reported at 2:45 PM local time. No casualties or injuries have been reported, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Defence Minister Sjafrie Proposes TNI Training and Development Three Times a Year, Here's Why

Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin has proposed that integrated training and development for the Indonesian Military (TNI) be conducted two to three times annually to bolster personnel readiness, equipment, and operational support. He emphasised the need for increased frequency beyond the current once-a-year schedule and highlighted the importance of adequate budget support from the House of Representatives. The initiative also includes optimising the use of domestic defence industry products, such as unmanned surveillance vehicles for border security.

Why Indonesia's first Panda Bond is bigger than it looks

Indonesia has successfully issued its inaugural Panda Bond, raising 7 billion yuan (US$1.033 billion) in China's onshore market with strong investor demand. The move marks a strategic diversification of the nation's sovereign debt portfolio away from traditional currencies, aimed at bolstering fiscal resilience amid global economic volatility. The issuance, structured in 3-year and 5-year tranches with low coupon rates, signals robust international confidence in Indonesia's macroeconomic stability and governance.

KPK Seizes Toyota Hiace from Pemalang Regent, Suitcase Containing Rp451 Million Found Inside

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has seized a Toyota Hiace belonging to the inactive Regent of Pemalang, Anom Widiyantoro, following a sting operation. A suitcase containing Rp451 million in cash was discovered inside the vehicle, adding to the total evidence of approximately Rp2.7 billion. The case involves two clusters of alleged corruption, including extortion by the regent and extortion by KPK officials related to case management.

Jakarta Receives IDR 2.27 Trillion in Assets from Developer Handover of Social and Public Facilities

The Jakarta Provincial Government has secured assets worth IDR 2.27 trillion from the handover of social and public facilities by developers in the first half of 2026. The assets, which include land and infrastructure, are intended to enhance public spaces and housing services. The largest contribution came from North Jakarta, with a single developer handing over land valued at IDR 1.138 trillion.

Dry Season Predicted to Last Until October, Jakarta Provincial Government to Conduct Cloud Seeding Twice a Week

The Jakarta provincial government plans to conduct weather modification operations at least twice a week to mitigate the impact of the ongoing dry season, which is expected to last until October. Governor Pramono Anung noted that the current El Niño phenomenon might be one of the longest on record, with rain not expected until late September or early October. Authorities are also preparing campaigns to prevent fires and urging residents to be vigilant about health issues like respiratory infections.

TNI Holds Social and Health Services After Trimatra Exercise in Lingga

The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) conducted a social and health service event in Lingga Regency, Riau Islands, following the completion of the 2026 integrated tri-service exercise. The initiative provided medical check-ups, ultrasound services, and distributed 636 food packages to local residents. The programme aims to strengthen the bond between the military and the community while improving welfare in the archipelago region.

IHSG Closes Higher, Tracking Asian Stock Market Gains

The Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) Composite Index (IHSG) ended Wednesday's trading session in positive territory, buoyed by a broad rally across Asian markets. The uptick was supported by record highs on Wall Street, strong corporate earnings, and a sharp decline in global crude oil prices. Domestically, sentiment was lifted by significant quarterly GDP growth in Q2 2026 and easing inflation in July.

Monash University Researcher Reveals Pattern of Old Demo Videos Going Viral Again

A Monash University Indonesia researcher has uncovered a coordinated pattern of old and edited protest videos being recirculated on social media as if they were current events. The analysis of 197,000 posts found that 99.46% of content on X was retweeted, with some accounts exhibiting bot-like behaviour by retweeting multiple times within milliseconds. The disinformation campaign employed a 'seed-and-amplify' strategy and a coordinated narrative structure designed to mislead the public and artificially boost engagement.

Task Force Chief Urges Execution of Post-Disaster Rehabilitation Programme in Sumatra

Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian has called on 16 ministries and agencies to swiftly implement rehabilitation and reconstruction programmes following disasters in Sumatra. The overall master plan, spanning 2026 to 2028, requires a budget of Rp100.1 trillion, with the central government also providing additional regional transfer funds. The minister stressed that administrative delays should not hinder the disbursement of funds already prepared by the Ministry of Finance.

Not New York: This US Mayor Earns the Highest Salary, Billions of Rupiah

San Francisco's mayor tops the list of highest-paid US city leaders with an annual salary of nearly US$400,000, though the current officeholder accepts only a symbolic US$1. The report highlights that compensation is influenced by factors beyond population size, contrasting the US system with Indonesia's nationally regulated pay structure for regional heads.

Finance Minister Confident Semester II Growth Can Approach 6 Percent

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa expressed optimism that Indonesia's economic growth could approach 6 percent in the second half of 2026, following a 5.29 percent expansion in the second quarter. He acknowledged the Q2 growth was satisfactory despite unfavourable external conditions, including a spike in global oil prices. The government plans to optimise growth engines by boosting liquidity and lowering deposit interest rates.

Home Affairs Minister Tito: 2025 Sumatra Disaster the Most Extensive Since Indonesia's Independence

Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian has stated that the floods and landslides striking Sumatra at the end of 2025 represent the most widespread disaster in modern Indonesian history. The catastrophe affected three provinces and 53 regencies or cities simultaneously, displacing over 2.1 million people. Tito, who chairs the Sumatra Post-Disaster Recovery Task Force, compared the event to previous disasters he managed, noting its scale far exceeded that of the Palu and Lombok emergencies.

Trump Confident of Imminent Peace Deal with Iran

US President Donald Trump has expressed optimism that a deal to secure the Strait of Hormuz could be reached within days, potentially easing global oil supply concerns. Reports indicate Iran and Oman are nearing an agreement to reopen the strategic waterway, which has seen shipping activity plummet since the outbreak of conflict. The potential deal, which would involve Iran and Oman managing shipping lanes, has already contributed to a dip in crude oil prices.

Pertamina's Balongan Refinery Utilises Flare Gas to Reduce Emissions

PT Pertamina Patra Niaga's Balongan refinery in West Java has implemented an innovation to repurpose gas previously burned off via flare stacks as fuel for production processes. The initiative is expected to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 29,754 tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2025 and generate annual cost savings of approximately Rp45 billion by reducing natural gas consumption. The company stated the optimisation of flare gas management reinforces its commitment to reliable, efficient, and environmentally friendly refinery operations.

CILT: Blue Economy Strategy to Strengthen Logistics and Supply Chain Competitiveness

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) has highlighted the blue economy as a crucial strategy for enhancing Indonesia's logistics competitiveness and supply chain efficiency. The institute argues that integrating sustainable maritime development with port infrastructure, digitalisation, and coastal management can significantly strengthen the nation's economic foundation. This approach is seen as vital for leveraging Indonesia's geographic advantages to become a formidable maritime power in the Indo-Pacific region.

AFEB PTMA 2026 National Meeting at UMJ Discusses Impact-Based Higher Education Transformation

The Association of Economics and Business Faculties of Muhammadiyah and Aisyiyah Higher Education Institutions (AFEB PTMA) convened in Jakarta, achieving a record 80 percent attendance rate. Leaders stressed the need for universities to evolve into fourth-generation institutions focused on digital innovation, sustainability, and societal impact. The event also saw the signing of an MoU between 22 Indonesian universities and Mindanao State University-IIT in the Philippines.

Viral Muara Baru Seawall Leak Prompts Pramono to Order Inspection

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has ordered the Water Resources Agency to inspect and monitor the seawall in Muara Baru, North Jakarta, after a video of water seeping through cracks went viral. The governor attributed the higher sea level to a recent tidal flood phenomenon, but assured the public that the seepage is currently minor and not dangerous. Authorities are taking preventive measures to avoid a more serious breach.

Bahlil Inaugurates Four New Officials, Including Heads of Geological Agency and Aceh BPMA

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia inaugurated four new senior officials, including the heads of the Geological Agency and the Aceh Oil and Gas Management Agency (BPMA). The Minister emphasised that state policy must deliver tangible economic impacts for the public. The new appointees are tasked with strengthening geological data, accelerating oil and gas lifting in Aceh, and ensuring thorough public impact assessments for ministerial decisions.

Former Jampidsus Febrie Adriansyah Files for Pre-Trial at South Jakarta Court

Febrie Adriansyah, the former Junior Attorney General for Special Crimes, has officially filed a pre-trial motion at the South Jakarta District Court to challenge his suspect status in a money laundering case. His legal team aims to test the validity of the investigation process, including the fact that he was named a suspect twice by different law enforcement agencies. Both the Attorney General's Office and the Police's Corruption Eradication Corps have stated they are prepared to face the legal challenge and will present evidence, including the origins of 74 kilograms of gold and Rp543 billion in cash seized from his residence.

Prof Tjandra Reminds Doctors to Have Empathy and 'Einfühlung', What Is It?

Following a viral incident where healthcare workers made unsympathetic comments towards a BPJS patient who later died, Professor Tjandra Yoga Aditama has stressed the critical need for doctors to possess both empathy and 'Einfühlung'. He explained that 'Einfühlung' is a deeper concept, involving the ability to immerse oneself in and truly feel the patient's mental burden and suffering. The senior pulmonologist emphasised that doctors must care for a patient's psychological state, not just their physical illness.

Profit Reaches Rp1.11 Trillion, MTEL Accelerates Business Growth Beyond Towers

PT Dayamitra Telekomunikasi Tbk (Mitratel) reported a solid first-half 2026 performance with net profit rising 1.5% to Rp1.11 trillion, driven by disciplined financial management and a 15.1% reduction in funding costs. The company is accelerating its transformation into a 'Next-Gen Tower Company' by expanding its integrated digital infrastructure solutions, with non-tower leasing revenue, particularly from fibre optics and construction services, showing strong growth. Mitratel's strategic shift aligns with the broader direction of Danantara Indonesia and the Telkom Group, aiming to strengthen its market leadership and support Indonesia's digital transformation.

Indonesia Respects US Plan to Close Medan Consulate

The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated it respects the United States' internal decision to close its consulate in Medan as part of broader diplomatic restructuring. Jakarta emphasised that the move, which has not yet been officially communicated, will not affect the strong bilateral relations between the two nations. The planned closure is part of a cost-cutting drive by the Trump administration affecting five diplomatic missions globally.

BI: Central Bank Research Directed to 4 Priorities to Address Challenges

Bank Indonesia has outlined four priority research agendas to tackle geoeconomic fragmentation, digital transformation, and rising systemic risks. The central bank aims to strengthen evidence-based policymaking amid a shifting global economic and financial landscape. The priorities include deepening understanding of monetary policy transmission and analysing the implications of digital finance.

Platform Technology Development Becomes Focus for Today's Automotive Manufacturers

The automotive industry's electric segment is shifting from relying on specifications towards platform technology development to enhance user experience. Lepas introduced its LEX Intelligent New Energy Platform at GIIAS 2026, which underpins the Lepas E4 EV and focuses on stability, cabin space, noise reduction, and energy efficiency. The platform is designed with Indonesian conditions in mind, including the ability to traverse 525 mm of water and offering vehicle-to-load capability.

Minister of Public Works Accelerates Kuantan Singingi Integrated People's School, Ensuring Student Safety and Comfort

Minister of Public Works Dody Hanggodo has urged the swift completion of the Integrated People's School (SRT) 1 in Kuantan Singingi Regency, Riau, with the project now 92.59 per cent complete. The Rp226.98 billion school complex, funded by the state budget, is designed to provide quality educational infrastructure from primary to senior high school level within a single integrated campus. The government views the programme as a key commitment to improving human resources and supporting the target of zero per cent poverty through equitable access to education.

South Korea to Resume Railway Construction to North Korea's East Coast

South Korea plans to restart construction on a railway line connecting Seoul to Wonsan in North Korea, a project suspended for a decade due to strained relations. The initiative, announced by President Lee Jae Myung, aims to begin by 2027 and finish by 2029 as part of a broader policy to foster peaceful coexistence and denuclearisation on the Korean Peninsula. The move includes a shift in official rhetoric, ceasing to label North Korea as the 'main enemy'.

Ministry of Public Works Completes Four People's Schools in South Sulawesi, Ready for New Academic Year

The Ministry of Public Works has completed four Integrated People's Schools (SRT) in South Sulawesi, which have commenced their school orientation programme for the 2026/2027 academic year. The schools in Barru, Sidrap, Tana Toraja, and Bone are now serving 1,508 students from underprivileged families as part of a government poverty alleviation initiative. The ministry is finalising supporting utilities, including water supply connections, to ensure all nine planned schools in the province are fully operational.

Customs Foils Smuggling of Used Harley-Davidson Motorcycles at Tanjung Priok

The Directorate General of Customs and Excise has thwarted an attempt to smuggle used Harley-Davidson motorcycles and frames into Indonesia through Tanjung Priok Port. The illegal imports, detected during the 2025–2026 period, were misdeclared in customs documents. Officials seized five completely knocked down (CKD) used motorcycles and 20 used frames, citing violations of trade regulations that strictly prohibit the import of used vehicles.

Tito Urges 16 Ministries/Agencies to Execute Post-Disaster Rehabilitation Programme for Sumatra

Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian has called on 16 ministries and agencies to immediately begin executing their allocated budgets for the post-disaster rehabilitation and reconstruction programme in Sumatra. The overall master plan, spanning 2026 to 2028, requires a total budget of Rp 100.1 trillion. Tito also urged regional governments to utilise existing additional transfer funds for parallel mitigation efforts while awaiting the full rollout of central government programmes.

Central Java DPRD Forms Special Committee for South Brebes New Autonomous Region Proposal

The Central Java Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD) has established a special committee to scrutinise the requirements for creating the proposed South Brebes new autonomous region (CDOB). The proposal has already passed through the Brebes Regency DPRD, with the provincial secretary noting that the primary motivation is to improve public service accessibility for residents far from the current administrative centre. The final decision on the matter rests with the central government.

KPK Seizes Sin$8,500 After Raiding South and Central Jakarta Immigration Offices

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has seized Sin$8,500 in cash and other evidence during raids on immigration offices in South and Central Jakarta. The operation is part of an investigation into an alleged extortion scheme involving foreign nationals' residence permits and gratuities between 2022 and 2026. Eight suspects, including a former deputy minister and senior immigration officials, have been detained in connection with the case.

Bappenas Chief: Civil Servants Must Be Protected from Online Gambling and Illegal Lending

The Minister of National Development Planning has stressed the need to safeguard Indonesia's civil servants from the growing threats of online gambling and illegal peer-to-peer lending. He warned that these practices undermine governance, financial stability, and mental health. The government is focusing on strengthening digital and financial literacy among civil servants to uphold public trust and support the Indonesia Emas 2045 vision.

Why Indonesia's first Panda Bond is bigger than it looks

Indonesia has successfully issued its inaugural Panda Bond, raising 7 billion yuan (US$1.033 billion) in China's onshore market with strong investor demand. The move marks a strategic diversification of the nation's sovereign debt portfolio away from traditional dollar and yen instruments, aimed at mitigating concentration risks and optimising borrowing costs. The issuance, which was oversubscribed by 2.4 times, signals robust international confidence in Indonesia's macroeconomic stability and fiscal governance.

IDX Adds HSC Shares, Here is the Latest List of 55 Issuers

The Indonesia Stock Exchange (BEI) has updated its list of shares with High Shareholding Concentration (HSC), bringing the total to 55 issuers. The latest additions include PT Alakasa Industrindo Tbk (ALKA) and PT Asia Sejahtera Mina Tbk (AGAR), with concentrated ownership of 99.32% and 98.21% respectively. The BEI publishes this list to enhance transparency and investor protection, as highly concentrated shares carry greater risks due to limited public float and potential price manipulation.

Gadget Service Industry Shifts Strategy, No Longer Just Chasing Low Prices

Indonesia's gadget repair industry is moving beyond price competition to focus on service quality, technician certification, and transparency to build consumer trust. Industry players are emphasising the use of standardised parts and official warranties to prevent recurring damage and mitigate financial risk for customers. The shift responds to growing consumer awareness that substandard repairs can lead to higher long-term costs.

BNPB: Heavy Equipment Deployed to Extinguish Malabar Landfill Fire in Cilacap

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has confirmed the successful extinguishing of a fire at the Malabar final processing site (TPA) in Cilacap, Central Java. The blaze, which broke out on Tuesday afternoon, rapidly consumed approximately two hectares of the landfill due to flammable gases within the waste. Coordinated efforts involving heavy machinery to dismantle the waste piles were key to the effective suppression and cooling operation.

Finance Minister Dismisses Rp 16 Million Salary Claim for Kopdes Merah Putih Managers as 'Too High'

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has refuted social media claims that managers of the Kopdes Merah Putih village cooperative will receive a monthly salary of Rp 16 million, calling the figure excessive. He stated that the government has not yet finalised the salary amount, which is expected to be aligned with the provincial minimum wage. The government previously indicated that the initial two years of operational funding, including salaries, would be sourced from the state budget.

Honda officially markets Super-One at IDR 438 million

PT Honda Prospect Motor has launched the limited-edition Super-One electric vehicle in Indonesia, priced at IDR 438 million. The compact EV, limited to 100 units, draws design inspiration from Harajuku youth culture and features a 29.6 kWh battery with a 274 km range. The launch took place at the GIIAS 2026 automotive exhibition, with the company positioning the car as a distinctive lifestyle choice rather than a price competitor.

Purbaya Postpones Marketplace Tax Collection from August 2026

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has announced a delay in the implementation of tax collection via online marketplaces, originally scheduled for August 2026. The government is waiting for an improvement in economic conditions and public purchasing power before enforcing the new rule. The regulation would have required major platforms like Tokopedia and Shopee to collect a 0.5 percent income tax from qualifying sellers.

Dudung: People's School Locations Determined by Poverty Levels

The Presidential Chief of Staff, Dudung Abdurachman, has stated that the siting of 'Sekolah Rakyat' (People's Schools) will be based on poverty data to ensure the programme reaches children most in need. The initiative targets areas with high poverty rates and potential school dropouts, using tiered data from village, sub-district, and district levels. The programme aims to break the poverty cycle by providing quality education, character building, and nutritional support.

MPR Annual Session Set for 14 August, Inviting Former Presidents and Party Leaders

The People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) has scheduled its annual session for 14 August 2026, featuring a state address by President Prabowo Subianto. The event will also include speeches from the MPR and DPD leaders and a report on the performance of state institutions. Invitations have been extended to former presidents, vice presidents, cabinet ministers, ambassadors, and all political party chairpersons.

Indonesia Pays, Who Benefits? Questioning Stakeholder Alignment in Hajj Dam Policy

The article questions the distribution of benefits from the hajj dam (compulsory slaughter) funds, which are largely contributed by Indonesian pilgrims. Despite Indonesia being the largest contributor, the processed meat is distributed globally while domestic issues like stunting and protein deficiency persist. The author calls for a review of the policy to ensure greater benefit for the Indonesian people.

Fresh Hope in West Lombok's 31 Honorary Workers Polemic, BKN Opens Data Correction Window

The National Civil Service Agency (BKN) has granted the West Lombok Regency Government an opportunity to correct data discrepancies that prevented 31 honorary workers from receiving their PPPK identification numbers. The local government has pledged to expedite the correction process, while the regional parliament plans to escalate political oversight to the national level. The issue stemmed from input errors during the initial application process, which mismatched educational qualifications in the system.

BYD Targets 60% Local Content by 2027, Leans on Subang Plant and Local Suppliers

PT BYD Motor Indonesia is preparing to meet the government's 60% local content requirement for electric vehicles by 2027. The company is relying on its Subang manufacturing facility, which already handles four major production processes, and is expanding partnerships with local component suppliers. BYD has confirmed that its current local content exceeds 40% and that future vehicle models will also comply with the regulation.

Public Works Ministry Deploys Pumps and Repairs Infrastructure After Padang Floods

The Ministry of Public Works has deployed mobile pumps and heavy equipment to address severe flooding in Padang, West Sumatra, which submerged residential areas and key access roads. Emergency efforts are focused on restoring mobility, repairing a breached embankment, and distributing clean water after three local water intake facilities were damaged.

Indonesian and Australian Mining Emergency Response Teams to Test Skills at IMERC 2026

Twenty-four emergency response teams from Indonesian and Australian mining companies will compete in the Indonesia Mining Emergency Response Community (IMERC) 2026 event in Balikpapan. The competition aims to enhance safety standards and foster global collaboration through simulated disaster scenarios. Organisers highlight the event as a catalyst for improving the competency of Indonesian ERTs to meet international benchmarks.

Nadiem Confident of Acquittal on Appeal, Cites No State Loss and Judicial Violations

Former Education Minister Nadiem Makarim has expressed strong optimism that he will be acquitted on appeal in the Chromebook procurement corruption case. He argues the case clearly shows no state loss or corruption, and points to findings by the Judicial Commission of violations by the presiding judges. Nadiem was previously sentenced to 10 years in prison for abuse of authority causing Rp1.56 trillion in state losses.

BCC UBSI Pontianak Campus Facilitates Student Internships at BRI KC Pontianak

The BSI Career Center (BCC) at UBSI Pontianak campus has facilitated internships for five Information Systems students at Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) Pontianak branch. The three-month programme, running from August to October 2026, aims to provide students with practical banking experience and professional skills. This collaboration underscores the university's commitment to strengthening industry partnerships to enhance graduate employability.

Minister Yandri: We Must Ensure the Success of the KDKMP Village Cooperatives

Minister of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions Yandri Susanto has stressed the government's commitment to ensuring the success of the Merah Putih Village and Sub-district Cooperatives (KDKMP), which are funded by village budgets. He stated the programme is crucial for realising President Prabowo's vision of equitable economic development from the village level upwards. The initiative aims to reduce poverty and expand access to government programmes across all villages in Indonesia.