Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 5 August 2026

Showing 1,201-1,250 of 1,487 articles

Baznas-assisted mustahik workshop in Bogor achieves monthly turnover of Rp10 million

A motorcycle workshop in Bogor, supported by Indonesia's National Zakat Agency (Baznas), has seen its monthly turnover surge to between Rp7 million and Rp10 million. The success is attributed to capital assistance and disciplined financial literacy training, including participation in rotating savings groups. Baznas projects this model as a blueprint for zakat-funded MSME empowerment programmes nationwide.

West Java Youth's Ordeal as Love Scammer in Cambodia: Unpaid and Whipped by Fellow Indonesians

A 20-year-old from West Java has detailed his harrowing experience of being forced into online fraud in Cambodia, where he was never paid and subjected to physical abuse. Rizky Nur Fadhilah was lured by a Facebook advertisement promising high wages with no educational requirements, only to be coerced into a 'love scamming' operation targeting Indonesian men. He revealed that the beatings and whippings he endured were often carried out by fellow Indonesians under a coercive chain-of-command system.

South Tangerang Council Member Ahmad Andi Wibowo Dies in Cipali Toll Road Accident

Ahmad Andi Wibowo, a member of the South Tangerang Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) from the National Awakening Party (PKB), has died following a road accident on the Cipali Toll Road. The incident occurred on Tuesday while he was travelling for a work visit. PKB officials have confirmed his passing and called upon party cadres to offer prayers for the deceased.

Priced at Just Rp 155 Million, Wuling Aira EV Sees Strong Order Demand

Wuling's new Aira EV has garnered significant interest in the Indonesian market, with orders reportedly reaching around 1,000 units shortly after its launch. The strong demand, driven by an introductory price of Rp 155 million, has led to varying waiting times depending on the chosen colour. The company is currently offering an early bird booking scheme to manage the queue.

Russia-North Korea Bridge Project Raises Alarm in Ukraine

The near-completion of a new road bridge connecting Russia and North Korea is causing deep concern in Kyiv. Analysts and Ukrainian officials suspect the infrastructure, officially intended for trade and tourism, will primarily serve to covertly transport North Korean troops and weapons to the front lines in Ukraine. The project's cost far exceeds the current bilateral trade volume, reinforcing suspicions of its military purpose.

Trial of Doctor Tifa in Jokowi Diploma Case Postponed to 13 August

The trial of Tifauzia Tyassuma, known as Doctor Tifa, over allegations concerning President Joko Widodo's academic diploma has been adjourned until 13 August. The postponement occurred because the presiding judge was unavailable due to official duties. The case is set to restart with a revised indictment after the previous charges were deemed legally flawed.

PCG Global Completes Pre-Series A Funding to Capture Southeast Asia's Surging Energy Demand

Singapore-based renewable energy developer PCG Global has closed its first external funding round, led by Temasek-backed GenZero, to accelerate project development across Southeast Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East. The company, founded by the team behind one of China's largest distributed energy operators, is currently developing a 1.8 GW portfolio and has already commenced operations on its first project in Indonesia. The investment underscores growing international confidence in the region's clean energy transition and the scalability of proven distributed energy models.

DPR Commission III Confirms No Presidential Letter on National Police Chief Replacement

The House of Representatives Commission III has dismissed as a hoax circulating information about a presidential letter regarding the replacement of National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo. The commission conducted internal checks and confirmed with the State Secretariat and Presidential Palace that no such letter exists. The public is urged to rely on verified official information to prevent unnecessary speculation.

BPK Flags Three Strategic Issues in Financial Governance at Four Prabowo Ministries

The Audit Board of Indonesia (BPK) has identified three strategic weaknesses in the 2025 financial reports of four key ministries and agencies under President Prabowo's administration. The findings highlight deficiencies in internal controls, asset management, and procurement compliance. The BPK emphasised that achieving an unqualified opinion (WTP) is not the end goal, urging systemic reforms and a transition towards Government 5.0 to ensure accountability.

Kupang City Government Introduces 'Refuse, Run, and Report' Concept to Prevent Child Sexual Violence

The Kupang City Government has launched an educational programme for junior secondary school students centred on the 'Tolak, Lari, dan Cerita' (Refuse, Run, and Report) concept to combat child sexual abuse. The initiative, running from 4 to 7 August 2026, aims to strengthen child protection through character building and self-defence awareness. The programme also covers broader topics including reproductive health, mental wellbeing, financial literacy, and the dangers of online gambling and illegal loans.

Saudi National Found Dead in Bima, Police Discover Alcohol and Medication

A 52-year-old Saudi Arabian man was found dead at his residence in Bima Regency, West Nusa Tenggara, after his health deteriorated. Police discovered generic medication and several bottles of alcohol at the scene, though no signs of violence were found on the body. The family, via the Saudi Embassy, has refused an autopsy, and the body is being repatriated for burial.

Two Schools Prepared for Temporary Relocation of SDN Kebayoran Lama Selatan Students

The Jakarta Education Agency has readied two schools to temporarily accommodate students from SDN Kebayoran Lama Selatan 09 during its renovation. The reconstruction of the severely damaged school is targeted to begin by September 2026. The new building will be a vertical structure merging two state primary schools to optimise limited land and improve educational management efficiency.

Danantara Reopens Partner Selection to Accelerate Waste-to-Energy Projects

PT Danantara Investment Management has reopened its registration for selected providers to find partners for waste-to-energy projects across Indonesia. The selection, managed through subsidiary PT Daya Energi Bersih Nusantara, seeks national and international firms with technical expertise and funding capacity. The initiative is part of a broader government push under Presidential Regulation No. 109 of 2025 to tackle urban waste while generating electricity.

South Sumatra Police Chief Awards WBK and Excellent Service Honours to 11 Units

The South Sumatra Police Chief has awarded the Corruption-Free Area (WBK) predicate and Excellent Public Service honours to 11 work units and regional commands. The ceremony, coupled with technical guidance on public service innovation, aims to strengthen organisational governance and improve service quality. The police chief emphasised that these accolades must translate into tangible benefits for the public, including transparent, accessible, and humanist services free from illegal levies.

National Champion Racehorse Perishes in KM Mutiara Sentosa Fire

A prize-winning racehorse from Jeneponto, South Sulawesi, was among the casualties of the KM Mutiara Sentosa 2 ferry fire. The horse, named Bintang Permata, was the sole representative from South Sulawesi at the National Championship in Java. The owner also lost six newly purchased slaughter horses valued at over Rp 100 million in the incident.

Registration Opens for 81st Independence Day Ceremony at Presidential Palace

The Indonesian government has opened public registration for the 81st Independence Day ceremony at the Merdeka Palace, with a limited quota of 8,100 attendees. Registration runs from 5 to 7 August 2026 via the Pandang Istana website, requiring personal documents and a selfie with ID. A separate public festival will also be held at Monas, featuring entertainment, traditional games, local business booths, and 500,000 free meals.

Government Opens Registration for 81st Independence Day Ceremony at Merdeka Palace

The Indonesian government has officially opened public registration for the 81st Independence Day anniversary ceremony at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta. A quota of 8,100 members of the public will be selected through an online registration system open from 5 to 7 August. The initiative aims to foster nationalism by allowing citizens to participate directly in the commemoration at the presidential palace.

Police Integrate Face Recognition into ETLE to Catch Traffic Violators Using Fake Plates

The Indonesian National Police's Traffic Corps has integrated facial recognition technology into its Electronic Traffic Law Enforcement system to identify motorists using fake or obscured number plates. The system cross-references drivers' faces with the national population database, ensuring penalty notices reach the correct violators. The move responds to over 16,800 plate-related violations recorded in the first half of 2026, with the technology also expected to aid in investigating street crime.

Cimanggis-Cibitung Toll Operator Enhances Services with New 24-Hour Call Centre Number

PT Cimanggis Cibitung Tollways (CCT) has introduced a new, simplified call centre number, 14050, effective 4 August 2026, to improve communication with motorists. The new number is designed to be easier to remember and will operate 24 hours a day, providing emergency assistance and traffic information. The previous contact number will remain active in parallel until October 2026 to ensure a smooth transition for users.

Forget Boeing-Airbus, Welcome Embraer: The New Ruler of the Skies

Brazilian aerospace manufacturer Embraer is rapidly capitalising on the prolonged order backlogs of industry giants Airbus and Boeing, posting record deliveries and a surging order book. The company's backlog reached a historic US$34.5 billion in mid-2026, driven by strong demand for its regional jets, executive aircraft, and defence products. Embraer's stock has soared 380% over five years, vastly outperforming its larger rivals as it dominates the market for smaller, more efficient aircraft.

Hooded Man Who Burned Flag Also Targeted Buildings in Bandung and Cimahi

A man in a black hoodie suspected of burning an Indonesian flag in Bandung is now believed to be responsible for additional arson attacks on buildings in the Astanaanyar district and Cimahi. The suspect, who wore a mask and carried a backpack, was captured on CCTV igniting a structure before fleeing the scene. Police have confirmed the incidents are linked and are investigating the case, which has drawn attention from the Bandung City Police criminal investigation unit.

Nadiem Makarim Appeals Chromebook Corruption Verdict, Claims Numerous Irregularities Emerged After First-Instance Ruling

Former Education Minister Nadiem Makarim has expressed optimism ahead of his appeal against a 10-year prison sentence for alleged corruption in a Chromebook procurement scheme. He claims that facts surfacing after the initial trial, including an ethics violation finding by the Judicial Commission, have reinforced his belief that the case is riddled with irregularities. Makarim is seeking to introduce new witnesses and evidence, arguing the first trial was procedurally flawed.

Depok Mutilation Suspect Arrested While Fleeing to Pandeglang

Police have arrested a man suspected of mutilating a victim whose remains were discovered in Depok, West Java. The suspect, identified by the initials SA, was apprehended in Pandeglang, Banten, as he attempted to escape. Authorities are currently conducting further examinations of the suspect.

Victim of KM Sentosa 2, Siti Fatimah, Buried Today

Siti Fatimah, a victim of the KM Sentosa 2 ferry disaster, was laid to rest in Makassar on Wednesday. Her family's grief was compounded by the discovery that their home had been destroyed by a separate fire while she was en route. The tragedy highlights a series of devastating events striking the same family within days.

WhatsApp Admits Mass Blocking Error, Begins Restoring User Chats

Meta has acknowledged that a system error led to the mass blocking of WhatsApp accounts, with affected users reporting they were unable to access their chats. The company stated it is working to restore access and has begun reinstating the impacted accounts. The incident sparked numerous complaints on social media, though Meta did not specify the cause of the error or the geographical scope of the disruption.

Viral: Several Motorcyclists Fall Due to Leachate Drips in Bantargebang

A number of motorcyclists fell on a road in Bantargebang, Bekasi City, after it became slippery from leachate dripping from rubbish trucks combined with rain. Local police confirmed the incident was not caused by an oil spill, as initially rumoured, but by the hazardous liquid from vehicles heading to the integrated waste treatment plant. Authorities have since coordinated with the facility and the fire department to clean the roadway.

Certified Sustainable Palm Oil Market Share Could Reach 40%

The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) reports that its certified sustainable palm oil (CSPO) supply could potentially meet nearly 40 per cent of global demand. The latest impact report highlights significant environmental gains, including over 550,000 hectares of protected land and nearly 3 million tonnes of avoided greenhouse gas emissions. The organisation is now focused on expanding market uptake, particularly in Asia, while continuing to support conservation efforts and smallholder livelihoods.

Danantara Housing Expo 2026: PP Properti Offers 8 Sustainable Housing Projects

State-owned developer PT PP Properti Tbk is participating in the Danantara Housing Expo 2026 to support the government's 3 Million Homes programme. The company will showcase eight residential projects across strategic locations, offering various incentives including a 1% down payment and competitive mortgage rates. The expo, a collaboration between state-owned enterprises and banks, aims to create an integrated ecosystem to facilitate home ownership.

Seribu Islands' Floating Net Cages Now a Tourist Destination

The Seribu Islands administration is training fish farmers to transform floating net cages into eco-tourism and educational destinations. The initiative aims to create additional income streams for cultivators by tapping into the region's thriving marine tourism sector. Participants are being taught sustainable aquaculture practices and how to manage their sites as attractions for domestic and international visitors.

Management Reshuffle: Here is the Latest Board of Directors of Bank UOB Indonesia

PT Bank UOB Indonesia has announced a reshuffle of its board of directors following the end of Cristina Teh Tan's term as Director on 31 July 2026. The new composition, effective 1 August 2026, was reported to the Financial Services Authority (OJK) and follows an Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders held in June. Hendra Gunawan remains President Director in the updated line-up.

Two Islamic Students in Karawang Beaten with Tree Branch and Doused with Acid by Public Order Officer

Two teenage Islamic students returning from a religious study session in Karawang, West Java, were attacked by a public order officer (Linmas) who mistook them for street robbers. The victims were struck with a tree branch and had acid thrown on them, causing injuries. The local police's Women and Children Protection Unit is now handling the reported case of child abuse.

Korlantas Implements Face Recognition in ETLE System

The Indonesian National Police Traffic Corps (Korlantas) has integrated facial recognition technology into its Electronic Traffic Law Enforcement (ETLE) system. This upgrade allows authorities to identify traffic violators even if they use fake or missing number plates. The system cross-references driver images with civil registry data to ensure penalty confirmation letters reach the correct individuals.

BP Tapera Supports Increased Interest in Subsidised Flats Through Affordable FLPP Financing

Indonesia's Public Housing Savings Agency (BP Tapera) is promoting subsidised flats (rusun) by ensuring access to affordable Housing Financing Liquidity Facility (FLPP) mortgages with low, fixed interest rates. The strategy includes public education on vertical living, collaboration on strategic site selection, and digitalisation of mortgage applications. This initiative aligns with the government's push for vertical housing in urban areas to address a national home ownership backlog of 9.6 million units.

Tangerang Maps Drought-Prone Zones Across Eight Districts

The Tangerang city government has identified three priority zones across eight districts vulnerable to drought, based on hydrometeorological analysis. Mitigation measures include deploying water tankers, ensuring fire hydrant functionality, and coordinating with the military and water utility as the dry season is expected to peak through September 2026.

KPK Detains Three Suspects in Pertamina Petrol Station Digitalisation Case

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has detained three individuals in connection with alleged corruption in the digitalisation of Pertamina petrol stations between 2018 and 2023, causing state losses exceeding Rp 600 billion. The suspects, all linked to PT Telkom, are accused of manipulating the procurement process for electronic data capture and automatic tank gauge systems. The project, a joint initiative between Pertamina and BPH Migas to monitor subsidised fuel distribution, was valued at Rp 3.6 trillion.

Case Files Complete, 3 Suspects in Illegal Gold Mining Case to Stand Trial Soon

Indonesian police have completed the case files for three of five suspects involved in an illegal gold mining and money laundering operation, paving the way for their immediate trial. The suspects, directors of PT SPEM, allegedly processed and sold gold sourced from unlicensed mines between 2019 and 2025. The proceeds were reportedly laundered through multiple bank accounts and used to purchase further illicit gold.

Aquatech Acquires Metichem, Expanding Water Service Capabilities in MENA and Southeast Asia

Aquatech has acquired UAE-based Metito Chemical Solutions (Metichem), merging expertise in water treatment technology with speciality chemicals and operations services. The combined entity aims to deliver a more comprehensive portfolio across the Middle East, North Africa, and Southeast Asia, including key markets like Indonesia and Saudi Arabia. The acquisition coincides with Aquatech's 45th anniversary and integrates over 300 employees globally.

Government Offers 32 Strategic Investment Projects to Japan to Strengthen Infrastructure Partnership

The Indonesian government has presented 32 strategic investment projects from nine state-owned enterprises (BUMN) and regional-owned enterprises (BUMD) to Japanese investors. The projects, spanning toll roads, housing, railways, ports, and steel fabrication, aim to accelerate national infrastructure development. The initiative seeks to build on strong bilateral economic ties, with Japan being one of Indonesia's top investors, and supports the country's target of 8% economic growth by 2029.

Jakarta Police Arrest Suspect in Depok Mutilation Case

The Jakarta Metropolitan Police have arrested a suspect in connection with the discovery of a mutilated body in Pancoran Mas, Depok. The victim, an unidentified man, was found in a sack with his legs severed and hands bound. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the gruesome murder.

Drug Package Hidden in Muffler: Cambodian Network Dealer Arrested in Denpasar

The Bali Provincial National Narcotics Agency (BNNP) has arrested a suspected drug courier linked to a Cambodian network in Denpasar. The suspect, identified as GAS alias Boing, was caught receiving a package containing various narcotics concealed inside a used motorcycle muffler. Authorities are now investigating the broader international network, which allegedly involves a controller based in Cambodia.

Staggering! Online Gambling Money Turnover Nears Rp87 T in First Half of 2026

Indonesia's Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (PPATK) reported that online gambling turnover reached Rp86.82 trillion in the first half of 2026, despite a 12.9% decline in value compared to the same period last year. The number of transactions surged by 167.2%, which authorities attribute to both improved detection capabilities and perpetrators adapting by splitting transactions into smaller amounts. Deposit values also rose by 26% to Rp22.05 trillion, highlighting the persistent challenge of illicit financial flows.

Perludem: Delay in Election Bill Proves Weak Commitment to Fixing Democracy

The Association for Elections and Democracy (Perludem) has criticised the House of Representatives (DPR) for delaying the revision of the Election Law, calling it evidence of weak political commitment to reform. Researcher Haykal stated that documented problems from the 2019 and 2024 elections require immediate regulatory changes, but the process is being held hostage by the electoral interests of political parties. He urged the DPR and government to open public discussions immediately to prevent recurring issues in the 2029 elections.

Gen Z Dominance in 2029 Election Drives Data and AI-Based Political Campaigns

With Generation Z projected to make up 65% of the electorate in the 2029 Indonesian elections, political campaigning is shifting away from conventional methods. Candidates are increasingly adopting data analytics and artificial intelligence platforms to map voter behaviour, analyse sentiment, and simulate electoral scenarios. This technological shift aims to make political competition more substantive, focusing on programmes and voter understanding rather than just financial resources.

China unveils five-year action plan to bolster climate resilience and geological disaster prevention

China has announced a comprehensive five-year plan to enhance geological disaster prevention and climate resilience, involving the relocation of 50,000 households from high-risk areas. The initiative will also implement engineering projects at over 4,200 vulnerable sites and address safety hazards at more than 6,100 locations. The plan leverages big data and AI to build an integrated national information platform, responding to the increasing threat posed by extreme weather events to nearly 280,000 identified risk sites across the country.

World Bank Appoints Sri Mulyani to Lead Fundraising for Poor Countries

Former Indonesian Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati has been appointed as the Independent Co-Chair for the World Bank's IDA22 replenishment process. She will spearhead policy support and funding efforts among donor and borrowing nations for the International Development Association. The IDA22 cycle aims to secure concessional financing for 78 low-income countries through to 2031.

Banten Government and Japan's Mie Prefecture Explore Human Resources Cooperation

The Banten Provincial Government is exploring a partnership with Japan's Mie Prefecture Parliament to enhance human resources, with the ultimate goal of establishing a sister province relationship. The collaboration aims to facilitate Japanese investment in Banten, particularly in line with the national government's downstreaming policy. Officials highlighted Banten's productive workforce and training facilities as key assets to attract Mie Prefecture investors.

Juanda Customs Foils Smuggling of Methamphetamine and Ecstasy from Malaysia

Customs officers at Juanda International Airport in Surabaya have intercepted a shipment of methamphetamine and ecstasy pills smuggled from Malaysia. The drugs were found strapped to the body of a 21-year-old male passenger who arrived on a flight from Kuala Lumpur. The seizure highlights ongoing inter-agency cooperation to combat international drug trafficking networks targeting Indonesia.

IDX Suspends MDIA and WIKA Shares, Here's Why

The Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) has suspended trading of PT Intermedia Capital Tbk (MDIA) shares due to a significant cumulative price increase, implementing a cooling down measure. Separately, the bourse extended the suspension of state-owned construction firm PT Wijaya Karya (Persero) Tbk (WIKA) after the company delayed profit-sharing payments on its sukuk, raising concerns about its business continuity.

Registration for 81st Independence Day Ceremony at the Palace Opens Today

The State Secretariat has opened online registration for the 81st Indonesian Independence Day ceremony at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta. Registration runs from 5 to 7 August 2026, and the public is reminded that the process is free of charge. Attendees must be Indonesian citizens aged 12 and above and adhere to a strict dress code and security protocols.

Livestock Waste to Roasted Coffee: Technological Innovation Transforms Kalijaya Village Economy

Two community groups in Kalijaya Village, Ciamis, are leveraging appropriate technology from a university partnership to convert livestock waste into organic fertiliser and produce consistently graded roasted coffee. Supported by a government grant, the initiative has created new revenue streams, reduced reliance on middlemen, and established standardised production processes. Village officials highlight the programme as a concrete model for sustainable rural economic transformation through value-added processing.