Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 5 August 2026

Showing 301-350 of 1,487 articles

Dedi Mulyadi Urges West Java Residents to Fight Crime, from Begal to Tramadol Distribution

West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi has called for a community-wide effort to combat rising crime in the province, including street robberies and the illegal distribution of tramadol. He stressed that law enforcement alone is insufficient and that public courage and active resistance are essential to dismantle criminal networks. The governor highlighted the link between tramadol abuse and violent offences, warning that the illicit trade fuels further lawlessness.

Airlangga: Downstreaming, Manufacturing, and Food Sectors Drive Job Growth

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto stated that the downstreaming, manufacturing, and food and beverage sectors are the main drivers of increased employment in Indonesia. The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) reported a rise of 522,000 workers between February and May 2026, with investment in downstreaming and manufacturing on Java playing a key role. The food and beverage sector also contributed significantly, growing by approximately 10 per cent due to rising consumption and tourism activity.

Kepulauan Seribu PP Agency Boosts Digital Literacy to Combat Human Trafficking

The Kepulauan Seribu Population and Civil Registration Agency is intensifying public education to prevent human trafficking (TPPO), particularly as perpetrators increasingly exploit digital platforms. Officials are warning residents about fraudulent online job offers, fake scholarships, and love scams that lead to exploitation. The community is urged to verify the legality of labour recruitment agencies and report any suspicious activities through official channels.

Singapore ready to roll out haze response plans as ASEAN monitoring centre raises alert level

Singapore is prepared to activate its haze response measures after the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre raised the regional alert to Level 2, indicating an increasing risk of transboundary haze. Sustainability and Environment Minister Grace Fu stated that national mask stockpiles are sufficient and facilities are equipped with air purifiers, with a priority on protecting vulnerable groups. The heightened risk is driven by the dry season and El Niño conditions, with scattered hotspots already detected in Indonesia's Sumatra and Kalimantan regions.

Woman Allegedly Harassed on Jakarta-Depok Commuter Train, KCI Vows Action

A woman was allegedly sexually harassed on a KRL commuter train travelling from Jakarta to Depok, with her sister publicising the incident on social media. The victim reportedly froze during the assault and has since filed a report with the authorities. Train operator KCI has condemned the act and pledged to take firm action against the perpetrator.

Coordinating Minister Airlangga: 5.29% Economic Growth Quite Good Amid Global Turmoil

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto stated that Indonesia's 5.29% economic growth in the second quarter of 2026 is a solid performance given ongoing global uncertainty. He highlighted that the economy expanded by 5.45% in the first half of the year, supported by strong investment, job creation, and a resurgence in tourism. Airlangga also welcomed the stable sovereign rating outlook from S&P and an AAA rating for Indonesia's Panda Bond issuance in China.

Cirebon Police Arrest Four, Seize Thousands of Illegal Pills in Major Drug Raid

Cirebon City Police have arrested four individuals and confiscated thousands of illicit prescription pills following a series of coordinated raids. The operation, which targeted a distribution network in the Susukan, Weru, and Plered districts, uncovered drugs hidden in light bulbs and jewellery boxes. Police have reaffirmed their commitment to dismantling the entire supply chain to protect the public, particularly the youth, from the dangers of illegal pharmaceuticals and narcotics.

Indo Healthcare Gakeslab Expo 2026 Opens, Featuring 60 Companies from 9 Countries

The Indo Healthcare Gakeslab Expo 2026 has officially opened in Jakarta, inaugurated by the Indonesian Minister of Health. The event brings together 60 companies from nine nations to showcase the latest medical devices, laboratory equipment, and digital health solutions. The expo aims to accelerate technology transfer and strengthen the global competitiveness of Indonesia's healthcare industry through business matching and educational programmes.

Coordinating Minister Djamari Chaniago Assures National Situation is Very Stable

Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago has assured the public that the security situation across Indonesia remains safe and under control. He specifically warned against a hoax video circulating on social media that falsely depicts current demonstrations in Jakarta, clarifying it is old footage. The government urged the public to remain calm and not be provoked by misleading information ahead of the 81st Independence Day celebrations.

Pramono: LRT Pegangsaan 2 Station Renamed Kelapa Gading

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has confirmed that the LRT station previously named Pegangsaan 2 will revert to its original name, Kelapa Gading. The decision comes as part of a broader plan to name another station Proklamasi, avoiding public confusion. The Kelapa Gading-Manggarai LRT route is expected to be completed by August and will serve as a new backbone for the capital's transport network.

Traffic Fatalities in Indonesia Fall 22.92% in First Semester, Says National Police Traffic Corps

The Indonesian National Police Traffic Corps (Korlantas Polri) has reported a significant 22.92 per cent decline in road traffic accident fatalities during July 2026 compared to the previous month, representing 441 fewer deaths. The improvement, observed in the first month under new leadership, is attributed to enhanced law enforcement, public education, and data-driven road safety management. While overall accident numbers saw a marginal decrease, a rise in serious injuries has been identified as a key focus for future prevention efforts.

Government Does Not Ban Protests, but Anarchism Will Not Be Tolerated: Menkopolkam

Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago has affirmed that the government does not prohibit public demonstrations, stating that freedom of expression is guaranteed by law. He emphasised that criticism is a necessary and refreshing input for the administration, but warned that anarchistic acts, vandalism, and arson will not be tolerated. Security forces are instructed to act proportionally but will take firm legal measures if protests turn criminal.

State Budget to Cover Principal and Interest of Village Cooperative Loans; First Instalment Due September 2026

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has confirmed that the State Budget (APBN) will cover both the principal and interest payments for the Village Cooperative (Kopdes) credit programme, which totals Rp 240 trillion. The first annual instalment of Rp 40 trillion plus interest is scheduled for disbursement in September 2026. The government believes the programme will ultimately benefit village economies, as cooperative assets and profits will be returned to the village communities.

Gerindra Legislator Marlyn Maisarah Inspects Cibeber Suspension Bridge Construction

Gerindra Party legislator Marlyn Maisarah has inspected the construction of the Cibeber Suspension Bridge in Bogor Regency to ensure the project meets local needs. The bridge, championed through the House of Representatives' Commission V, aims to provide safer access for residents, schoolchildren, and farmers. Marlyn emphasised the importance of synergy between central and local governments to complete the project on time and to a high standard.

House of Representatives Commission III Applauds South Tangerang Police for Foiling Circulation of 46 Million Illegal Pills

The House of Representatives Commission III has praised the South Tangerang Police for successfully intercepting the distribution of 46 million illegal prescription pills. The seizure, valued at IDR 230 billion, is seen as a crucial step in protecting the public from the growing threat of drug abuse. Lawmakers reaffirmed their support for law enforcement efforts and urged the public to report any suspicious activities.

Industrial Estate Market: Entering a New Investment Phase

The Greater Jakarta industrial property market is entering a new phase focused on investment quality over volume, according to Colliers Indonesia. Investors are increasingly prioritising regulatory certainty, infrastructure readiness, and long-term operational efficiency. Demand is being supported by sectors such as data centres, logistics, and the electric vehicle supply chain.

West Java Provincial Government Enlists Dozens of Private Universities to Manage Waste in Bandung

The West Java Provincial Government has secured the support of 52 private universities to tackle waste management in Greater Bandung. The initiative, coordinated with the Association of Indonesian Private Universities (APTISI), will deploy thousands of students for community service focused on waste education, reduction, and recycling. The programme aims to expand across all sub-districts in Bandung and eventually be replicated throughout West Java.

Danantara: Pupuk Indonesia, Pelindo, and Angkasa Pura Have IPO Potential

Danantara's COO Dony Oskaria has identified several state-owned enterprises, including Pegadaian, Pupuk Indonesia, Pelindo, and Angkasa Pura, as having strong potential for initial public offerings. The plan is part of a five-year transformation roadmap for state-owned enterprises, which also includes strategic partnerships and restructuring. The IPOs are intended to boost national economic growth and deepen Indonesia's capital market.

KPK Appeals Two-Year Sentence for Riau Governor Abdul Wahid, Citing Legal Inconsistencies

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has filed an appeal against the two-year prison sentence handed to non-active Riau Governor Abdul Wahid. The anti-graft body argues the ruling is contradictory, as Wahid received the same sentence as two co-defendants despite being convicted under a different article and failing to return the IDR 1.45 billion he obtained. The KPK noted the sentence was significantly lower than the four-year minimum stipulated by law and the original eight-and-a-half-year demand by prosecutors.

Military Cadets Forge Discipline and Independence in Pacitan's 'Sekolah Rakyat' Students

Cadets from the Indonesian Military Academy are conducting a week-long character-building programme at Sekolah Rakyat Menengah Atas 46 in Pacitan, East Java. The initiative, a collaboration between the Ministry of Social Affairs and the military, focuses on instilling discipline through dormitory life skills, national insight, and personal responsibility. The programme aims to provide a strong foundation for students, many of whom are experiencing boarding school life for the first time.

Economist says free meals programme helped support 5.29 percent growth in Q2

An economist from Bank Permata has stated that the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme contributed to Indonesia's 5.29 percent year-on-year economic growth in the second quarter of 2026. The programme's impact was visible in household consumption and government spending, with budget realisation reaching Rp98.8 trillion cumulatively in the first half of the year. The initiative helped offset a normalisation in household spending after the Ramadan and Idul Fitri seasonal peak.

WIKA Accelerates Jakarta–Cikampek II South Toll Road Construction, Progress Reaches 85.20%

State-owned construction firm PT Wijaya Karya (WIKA) is pushing forward with the Jakarta–Cikampek II South Toll Road Package 2A, with construction progress now at 85.20%. The project, which employs approximately 3,900 workers, is targeted for completion in the first quarter of 2027 for areas where land has been fully acquired. The new toll road is expected to serve as a strategic alternative route to alleviate chronic congestion on the existing Jakarta–Cikampek toll road.

Golkar Youth Wing Recruits 10,000 Young Cadres in Jakarta

The youth wing of Indonesia's Golkar Party, AMPG, has recruited 10,000 new young members across Jakarta as part of a broader national target to enlist two million cadres. The achievement was marked by the donation of an operational vehicle intended to support social activities, such as cleaning places of worship. The party's leadership emphasised that the recruitment drive aims to build an active and socially conscious youth base, not merely to increase membership numbers.

Banten Provincial Government Reveals Pulau Tunda Residents Donate Land for Solar Power Plant Construction

Residents of Pulau Tunda in Banten have donated land to facilitate the construction of a communal solar power plant (PLTS), according to the provincial Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) office. The project, which will be managed by state electricity company PLN, awaits finalisation of the land grant documentation before central government can proceed. The island currently relies on an unstable diesel generator, with residents reporting frequent power outages and a daily fee system for limited electricity.

Indonesian MotoGP 2026 Spectator Target Set to Rise 15.7 Percent

Organisers are targeting 145,000 spectators for the 2026 Indonesian MotoGP at the Pertamina Mandalika Circuit, a 15.7 percent increase from last year. The event is projected to generate a national economic multiplier effect of IDR 4.96 trillion and has already spurred IDR 713 billion in new investment in the Mandalika area. Security forces are refining their strategy based on last year's evaluation to manage the growing scale of the event.

Presidential Chief of Staff Dudung Meets Pertamina Deputy CEO, Discusses 1 Million bpd Oil Target

Presidential Chief of Staff Dudung Abdurachman met with Pertamina's Deputy CEO Oki Muraza to accelerate the national oil production target of 1 million barrels per day by 2029-2030. The meeting focused on strengthening synergy to achieve energy self-sufficiency and reducing reliance on energy imports. Pertamina outlined its upstream strategies aligned with the President's vision to bolster domestic energy security.

Money Laundering Scandal of Febrie Adriansyah and Don Ritto's Business: Laundering Modus Operandi Revealed

Investigators from the Attorney General's Office are probing a major money laundering case involving former senior prosecutor Febrie Adriansyah and lawyer Don Ritto. The investigation follows the discovery of 74 kilograms of gold and hundreds of billions of rupiah in foreign currency at a Sentul property. Authorities suspect the creation of a business ecosystem designed to integrate illicit funds into the legitimate economy, using a 'follow the money' approach to trace the assets.

Riau Police Equip 70 Policewomen with Public Speaking and Negotiation Skills

The Riau Regional Police (Polda Riau) has conducted a two-day training programme for 70 policewomen to enhance their public speaking and negotiation capabilities. The initiative, held on 4-5 August 2026, is part of a broader effort by the Riau Police Chief to boost the professionalism and communication skills of female officers. The training included practical simulations and role-play exercises to prepare officers for community engagement, media interactions, and managing public demonstrations.

Airlangga: Indonesia's Economy Grows Above Global Average

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto stated that Indonesia's economy continues to outperform the global average, recording 5.29% growth in the second quarter of 2026. This marks seven consecutive years of growth above 5%, driven by strong performances in tourism, manufacturing, and construction. Key contributors include the free nutritious meal programme and the government's 3 million homes initiative.

Eight Oil Giants Reap Windfall Profits from Iran Conflict, Raking in Rp1,600 Trillion in 3 Months

The world's eight largest oil companies posted combined profits of nearly US$93 billion in a single quarter, driven by the Iran conflict pushing crude prices above US$126 per barrel. The extraordinary earnings, led by Saudi Aramco, have drawn sharp criticism from climate activists and US President Donald Trump amid a backdrop of global heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires.

Airlangga: Indonesia's First-Half 2026 Economic Growth Reaches 5.45 Percent

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto announced that Indonesia's economy grew by 5.45 percent in the first half of 2026, maintaining a trajectory above five percent despite global headwinds. He expressed optimism that full-year growth will meet the 2026 state budget target of 5.4 percent, driven by accelerated government spending, investment, and flagship programmes. The minister highlighted that this performance ranks among the highest in Southeast Asia, though it trails Vietnam.

South Sumatra Police Use 'Dawn Patrol' to Strengthen Public Order in Muara Enim

The South Sumatra Regional Police are intensifying the 'SULING' (Subuh Keliling) programme, a preventive strategy involving dawn prayers and community dialogue to bolster public security and order. The initiative, recently held in Lawang Kidul, Muara Enim, aims to build trust between the police and residents while encouraging community participation in crime prevention. Police officials stated the programme is a key part of implementing 'Polri Presisi', focusing on a humanistic approach and partnership with the community to maintain a conducive security environment.

DPD RI Says Inspectorate Function in Central Java Regional Governments is Problematic Amid Surge in KPK Sting Operations

Senator Abdul Kholik has urged the Governor of Central Java to strengthen the province's inspectorate bodies following a spate of corruption sting operations targeting regional heads. Kholik highlighted that many inspectorate positions are filled by acting officials and suffer from a structural lack of independence, as they operate under the direct mandate of the very regional heads they are meant to oversee. He called for the immediate appointment of definitive officials to reinforce objective oversight and curb graft.

BPKP: Digital Transformation Must Enhance Oversight Quality

Indonesia's BPKP has emphasised that digital transformation in auditing must go beyond application development to deliver sharper recommendations for governance reform. The agency highlighted the crucial role of its regional finance oversight division in monitoring fiscal accountability across tens of thousands of villages and managing hundreds of trillions of rupiah in central transfers. The head of BPKP also urged local governments to boost their own-source revenue by mapping regional potential rather than increasing tax burdens on the public.

Drought and Forest Fires Worsen in South Kalimantan, Hundreds of Thousands of Litres of Water Distributed

A prolonged dry season has caused severe drought across 28 villages in Banjar Regency and three sub-districts in Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan. Authorities have distributed over 869,000 litres of clean water to affected communities as wells and rivers run dry. The region is also battling worsening forest and land fires, with more than 1,000 hectares burned across the province.

West Java DPRD and Provincial Government Agree on 2027 Budget Policy Direction

The West Java Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) and Governor Dedi Mulyadi have approved the General Budget Policy and Temporary Budget Priority Ceiling for the 2027 fiscal year. This agreement forms the legal foundation for drafting the regional regulation on the 2027 budget. The legislative body emphasised its commitment to ensuring the budget is professional, transparent, and aligned with public welfare and regional development needs.

Anti-Corruption Activists Warn APBD Should Not Be a Slush Fund for Officials

Anti-corruption activist Uha Juhana has warned that regional budgets (APBD) risk being treated as interest-free slush funds if officials can simply repay misused funds through the Tuntutan Ganti Rugi (TGR) mechanism. He highlighted that a 'Wajar Tanpa Pengecualian' (Unqualified) audit opinion from the BPK does not guarantee the absence of corruption, citing a case in Kuningan Regency where billions of rupiah were misused. The activist urged that the TGR process must be accompanied by stronger internal controls and accountability to prevent moral hazard.

Managing conflicts of interest is key to a bureaucracy with integrity, says PANRB Ministry

The Ministry of Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform (PANRB) has emphasised that effectively managing conflicts of interest is crucial to reducing corruption risks and ensuring public officials' decisions serve the public interest. The ministry highlighted a new regulation, PermenPANRB No. 17/2024, which provides a framework for declaring and mitigating such conflicts. The ministry is collaborating with the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) to strengthen integrity and governance within the civil service.

Deputy Home Affairs Minister Urges Regional Heads to Build KDKMP Ecosystem with Stakeholders

Deputy Home Affairs Minister Bima Arya Sugiarto has called on regional leaders to collaboratively build the KDKMP (Village/Sub-district Red and White Cooperative) ecosystem. He emphasised that the programme aims to strengthen village economies, shorten supply chains, and improve community welfare. Bima also clarified that the cooperatives are not intended to replace existing minimarkets or retail shops.

BKSDA deploys team to handle Sumatran tiger appearance in residential area

The Aceh Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) has dispatched a team to East Aceh Regency following reports of a Sumatran tiger near a residential area. The team is working to prevent negative interactions between the critically endangered animal and local residents. Authorities have urged the community to avoid solitary activities in plantations and to refrain from setting traps that could harm the protected species.

Clean Cities to Receive Rp20 Billion Incentive, Starting When?

The Indonesian government is preparing an incentive programme for cities that maintain cleanliness, integrating it with the existing Adipura award. Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto confirmed the top five winners will receive Rp20 billion each, with the next five receiving Rp10 billion. The programme aims to encourage comprehensive waste management and will be coordinated with the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Environment.

Landslide on Crater Wall Between Kelimutu's Kawah I and II Deemed Normal Phenomenon

A landslide occurred on the natural wall separating Kawah I and Kawah II at Mount Kelimutu in Ende, East Nusa Tenggara, causing part of the cliff to thin. Officials from Kelimutu National Park confirmed the event was a normal occurrence for an active volcano, attributed to rock weathering. Authorities have urged visitors to remain calm and adhere to safety barriers while a joint assessment with the Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Centre is planned.

WIKA Accelerates Jakarta-Cikampek II South Toll Road, Progress Reaches 85.20%

State-owned construction firm PT Wijaya Karya (WIKA) has reported that construction of the Jakarta-Cikampek II South Toll Road Package 2A is 85.20% complete, with a target finish for cleared land areas by the first quarter of 2027. The strategic infrastructure project aims to provide an alternative route to ease congestion on the existing Jakarta-Cikampek toll road and improve logistics distribution. WIKA is employing digital technologies such as BIM and drone-based LiDAR, alongside Lean Construction and ESG principles, to ensure timely and quality delivery.

Pilgrimage to Bung Karno's Tomb, MPR Speaker Affirms Indonesia as a Shared Home

MPR Speaker Ahmad Muzani led a delegation to the grave of Indonesia's first president, Sukarno, in Blitar, East Java, as part of the lead-up to the 81st Independence Day celebrations. The visit included prayers and a reaffirmation of the nation's founding values. Muzani emphasised that Indonesia is a shared home for all citizens, urging unity and respect for the nation's diversity regardless of political differences.

Syailendra Capital Partners with Privy to Speed Up Identity Verification, Reaching Millions

Syailendra Capital has partnered with digital trust provider Privy to streamline user identity verification for its YO! Inves mutual fund app. The collaboration reduces the onboarding process to just three minutes per user by replacing manual Dukcapil data matching with biometric face verification. This move aims to build trust and scale services amid a surge in young retail investors in Indonesia's capital market.

Iran Describes Oman Negotiations as Positive

Iran has characterised ongoing talks with Oman as positive, focusing on establishing a secure shipping route in the Strait of Hormuz. The proposed corridor aims to protect sovereign rights and national security, potentially replacing existing northern and southern routes. The discussions follow heightened tensions after Iran banned US and Israeli-affiliated vessels from the strait in late February.

Indonesia opens SMK Go Global to send 40,000 workers overseas

The Indonesian government is launching the SMK Go Global programme to place 40,000 skilled vocational school graduates in jobs across Japan, Germany, and other nations. The initiative will initially focus on upskilling workers with existing technical abilities through language training and certification, with a broader rollout planned for 2027. The programme aims to meet verified international labour demand in sectors such as caregiving, manufacturing, and construction.

Danantara Chief Reveals IPO Plans for Pegadaian, Pelindo, and Injourney

The head of the State-Owned Enterprises Supervisory Board and Danantara COO, Dony Oskaria, has disclosed plans to list several major state-owned companies on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. Among the candidates for initial public offerings are PT Pegadaian, PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Pelindo), and PT Angkasa Pura. The move is intended to transform these state-owned enterprises into new engines of economic growth through the capital market.

Supply chains: Indonesia's first line of defense against inflation

Indonesia's inflation is primarily driven by volatile food prices and distribution bottlenecks rather than nationwide shortages, with food, beverages, and tobacco contributing 0.87 percentage points to annual inflation in July 2026. The government is focusing on strengthening supply chains and interregional distribution through initiatives like the Inflation Control and Food Prosperity Movement, including investments in cold storage, digital agriculture, and logistics subsidies. The experience of Banjarmasin, which quickly sourced eggs from Java and chilies from Brebes during shortages, demonstrates that rapid distribution is often more critical than increasing production in stabilising prices across the archipelago.

KPDI 17 Produces Recommendations for Library Transformation in the AI Era

The 17th Indonesian Digital Library Conference (KPDI) has issued five strategic recommendations aimed at accelerating the digital transformation of libraries in the age of artificial intelligence. The recommendations, formulated by librarians, academics, and IT practitioners, call for leveraging AI to enhance services and expand inclusive access to knowledge. The forum stressed that technological advancement must remain human-centred, ensuring benefits reach all levels of society while upholding ethical and responsible use.