Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 5 August 2026

Showing 351-400 of 1,487 articles

Police Reveal Motive in Depok Mutilation, Suspect Had Sexual Disorder

Jakarta police have disclosed that the suspect in the brutal mutilation of a 51-year-old man in Depok is believed to be a homosexual. The victim's dismembered body was discovered in a sack at an illegal rubbish dump after a resident set fire to the waste. Authorities are continuing to investigate the primary motive behind the murder.

Golkar Holds Hearing on Lahor Dam, Stresses Public Safety as Top Priority

Golkar Party officials met with state-owned water company Perum Jasa Tirta I to discuss the controversial closure of the road atop Lahor Dam in East Java, which has sparked local protests since 1 August 2026. While acknowledging residents' economic concerns, the party emphasised that safety must remain paramount after structural cracks were discovered in the ageing dam. The operator explained the closure is necessary to allow for unimpeded monitoring and a safety review required for the dam's operating licence extension.

Judge Acquits NTB DPRD Commission IV Chairman in 'Ghost Money' Graft Case

The Mataram Corruption Court has acquitted Hamdan Kasim, a Golkar politician and chairman of Commission IV of the West Nusa Tenggara Regional House of Representatives, of all charges in a high-profile gratification case involving so-called 'ghost money'. The panel of judges ruled that the distribution of Rp 450 million to fellow council members did not constitute a criminal offence as charged by prosecutors. The court also ordered the restoration of Kasim's rights and reputation, rejecting the prosecution's demand for an 18-month prison sentence.

Drugs from Cambodia Smuggled in Used Motorcycle Exhausts, Bali BNNP Arrests Denpasar Youth

The Bali Provincial National Narcotics Agency (BNNP) and Customs have uncovered a drug smuggling operation from Cambodia, seizing various narcotics concealed inside used motorcycle exhausts. A young man in Denpasar was arrested after receiving the package, which contained etomidate vape cartridges and cannabis. The suspect claimed he was controlled by an individual in Cambodia, highlighting the evolving international networks and concealment methods used by drug traffickers targeting Bali.

Nusron: Public satisfaction is the benchmark for service quality

Minister of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning Nusron Wahid has stressed that public satisfaction must be the primary measure of government service quality. He instructed all staff to adopt the perspective of the applicant when resolving issues. The ministry is implementing scheduled land measurement services and accelerating land title transfer processes to improve efficiency.

KAI West Sumatra Inspects Padang-Bukit Putus Line in Anticipation of Extreme Weather

PT Kereta Api Indonesia's West Sumatra division has intensified inspections of the railway line between Padang and Bukit Putus stations to mitigate potential travel disruptions caused by extreme weather. The inspection focused on the condition of tracks, sleepers, ballast, switches, and drainage systems along the vital route. The company is also monitoring station operational readiness and conducting public safety education near the tracks.

Ministry Backs Education Investment to Harness Demographic Bonus

Indonesia's Ministry of Population and Family Development is advocating for greater investment in education to expand job opportunities for the youth and capitalise on the demographic bonus. Officials stress that quality education, decent work, and meaningful youth participation are essential for national development. The government acknowledges it cannot act alone and calls for active collaboration from the younger generation.

ASEAN Civil Service Leaders Meet in Cambodia

Leaders of civil service agencies from across ASEAN convened in Siem Reap, Cambodia, for the 23rd ASEAN Cooperation on Civil Service Matters conference. The summit focused on accelerating innovation and improving public service delivery across the region. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet emphasised the need to bridge development gaps and adopt new technologies like artificial intelligence at a sustainable pace.

Defence Minister Assesses TNI Ready to Face Challenges

Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin has declared the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) fully capable of safeguarding the nation's sovereignty following a major integrated exercise. He noted that previous shortcomings, particularly in ammunition supply, have been resolved. The minister also called for more frequent military drills and the deployment of domestically produced unmanned vehicles to secure borders against illegal intruders.

Jatiluhur Reservoir Water Level Decline Remains Under Control Amid Dry Season

Perum Jasa Tirta II reports that the water level at Jatiluhur Reservoir is still manageable despite the ongoing dry season, with the surface dropping 7.42 metres over 58 days. The state-owned enterprise is implementing integrated strategies, including weather modification operations and rotational irrigation, to secure water supply for communities, agriculture, and industry. The effective reservoir volume is currently 857.10 million cubic metres, which is expected to meet demand until the end of December 2026.

Freeport Applies for IUPK Extension Beyond 2041, Here's Why

PT Freeport Indonesia has formally applied for an extension of its Special Mining Business Licence (IUPK) to secure operations at the Grasberg mine beyond 2041. The application follows a February 2026 memorandum of understanding with the Indonesian government, which outlines a continued operational framework and a reduced stake for Freeport-McMoRan from 2042. The company also plans a US$4 billion investment in the Kucing Liar underground project to sustain large-scale production.

ESDM Minister orders BPMA to boost Andaman oil and gas production

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has directed the new head of the Aceh Oil and Gas Management Agency (BPMA) to accelerate production in the Andaman Block. The mandate comes as UAE-based Mubadala Energy targets initial output of 300 million standard cubic feet per day from its substantial gas discoveries. The Aceh provincial government has formally requested that the gas be processed at an onshore facility in the Arun Special Economic Zone rather than via a floating production system, while also seeking a portion of the output for local industry and a temporary halt to the project's development plan approval.

STIQ Ar-Rahman Strengthens International Network, Explores Cooperation with IUA Sudan

Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Al-Qur’an (STIQ) Ar-Rahman Indonesia hosted the Rector of the International University of Africa (IUA) Sudan to strengthen institutional ties. The visit follows IUA's approval of STIQ Ar-Rahman as an International Affiliated Institution, paving the way for academic collaboration. The partnership will enable joint and double degree programmes, research development, and capacity building between the two institutions.

US 10% Tariff on Indonesia: Uncertainty More Pressing Than the Rate Itself

The United States will impose an additional 10% tariff on Indonesian imports starting 24 June 2026, following a Section 301 investigation into forced labour practices. While Indonesia's rate is lower than regional competitors like Vietnam, businesses are more concerned about policy uncertainty, which could stall investment decisions and erode Indonesia's competitive advantage if the final tariff reaches a projected 18%. The policy threatens labour-intensive export industries and their supply chains, with the government's mitigation response being closely watched.

Indonesia and Islamic Nations Discuss Joint Stance on Jerusalem

Foreign ministers from Indonesia, Arab states, and other Islamic nations convened in Jordan to formulate a unified position on Jerusalem. The meeting addressed concerns over what participants described as illegal Israeli actions threatening the city's identity and its Islamic and Christian holy sites. Jordan hosted the gathering in its capacity as custodian of Jerusalem's sacred sites.

Facebook Blocks Modi's Post, Indian Parliamentary Committee Demands Zuckerberg's Apology

An Indian parliamentary committee has given Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg three days to issue a personal apology for temporarily blocking a post by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The committee views the incident, which Meta attributed to a technical error, as an attack on Indian democracy. The government has warned that failure to comply could result in the revocation of Meta's safe harbour protections.

BPS: Industry-Based Provinces Record High Growth in Q2-2026

Indonesia's economy grew by 5.29% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2026, with 17 provinces exceeding the national average. The top five performers—North Maluku, West Nusa Tenggara, Riau Islands, Gorontalo, and Southeast Sulawesi—were driven primarily by strong industrial processing and mining activity. The data underscores the critical role of industrialisation in propelling regional economic expansion.

Farmers in Pasirhalang Suffer as Water Costs Soar While Crop Prices Collapse

Farmers in West Bandung Regency are facing a double blow as the prolonged dry season forces them to buy expensive water for irrigation while the selling price of their vegetables plummets. The cost of water has become a significant burden, with some farmers spending up to Rp50,000 daily, yet crops like lettuce and tomatoes are fetching only a fraction of their previous market value. The situation is exacerbated by heat damage reducing harvest volumes, leaving farmers with mounting losses.

Thousands Flock to Bogor Job Fair in Search of Employment Opportunities

Thousands of job seekers queued to enter the Kabupaten Bogor Job Fair 2026 at Vivo Mall Sentul, West Java, on Wednesday. The event, which runs from 5 to 6 August, connects around 50 companies from various sectors with local residents. The Bogor Regency Government organised the fair to expand access to employment and strengthen local workforce absorption.

China’s grip on drone components complicates Europe’s defence self-reliance - and effort to arm Ukraine

The European Union has granted Ukraine an exemption to source drone components from China, acknowledging that European manufacturers cannot yet match the speed, scale, and cost of Chinese production. Analysts note that China's dominance stems from an integrated manufacturing ecosystem, not merely individual technologies, which gives Beijing strategic influence over supply chains critical to Ukraine's war effort. The decision underscores the difficulty Europe faces in achieving defence self-reliance while sustaining military support for Kyiv.

Indonesia Urges ASEAN Nations to Strengthen Community Forest Management Rights

Indonesia's Ministry of Forestry is leading a regional push to strengthen social forestry governance across ASEAN, aiming to enhance land tenure security and community participation in sustainable forest management. The initiative was discussed at a knowledge-sharing forum in Jakarta involving representatives from 11 ASEAN member states. The effort aligns with President Prabowo Subianto's commitment to equitable and sustainable forest management by positioning local communities as key partners.

UGM Medical Faculty Investigates Specialist Trainee Over Viral Post Mocking BPJS Patient's 8-Hour Wait

The Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FK-KMK UGM) has launched a formal investigation into a specialist trainee doctor whose social media post mocking a deceased BPJS patient went viral. The faculty has apologised to the family of the patient, who had complained about an eight-hour wait for an inpatient room, and pledged to impose sanctions if ethical or professional violations are confirmed. The case has sparked public outrage and prompted a review of clinical education systems, including communication training and patient-centred care.

Meritocracy and 3T Are Key for Chinese Party to Support National Development

A Golkar Party official highlights how the Chinese Communist Party's institutional strength, built on systematic cadre education and political meritocracy, underpins China's development success. The party's 'Three No's' anti-corruption philosophy and rigorous, tiered leadership selection process are cited as key factors. These principles are seen as valuable lessons for modern political parties, including Golkar.

Indonesian Navy delivers rupiah to Papua's remote islands

The Indonesian Navy has partnered with Bank Indonesia to distribute fit-for-circulation rupiah banknotes to remote islands in Papua, reinforcing both economic access and national sovereignty. The expedition, involving the KRI Mata Bongsang-873, will cover 625 nautical miles to reach five frontier areas, including Pai and Owi Islands. Officials emphasised that the initiative not only facilitates transactions but also strengthens the rupiah's role as a symbol of national identity in the country's outermost regions.

Central Java's 'Sekolah Rakyat' Programme Enrols 2,692 Students

The Central Java provincial government has announced that its 'Sekolah Rakyat' (People's Schools) programme now serves 2,692 students across 10 permanent and six pilot schools. Deputy Governor Taj Yasin Maimoen described the initiative as a strategic move to break the cycle of poverty and reduce school dropout rates. The programme, which aligns with the central government's push for educational access for impoverished families, faces challenges in filling primary school quotas due to parental reluctance to send young children to boarding schools.

Ministry of Religious Affairs Launches National Mosque Clean-Up Movement for 81st Independence Day

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has initiated a nationwide mosque clean-up campaign, 'Geber Masjid', set for 10 August 2026, as part of Indonesia's 81st Independence Day celebrations. The programme aims to promote cleanliness, environmental sustainability, and the role of mosques as centres for worship and community empowerment. Over 600 mosques have already registered, with the main event to be held at Jakarta's Fatahillah Mosque.

Sardjito Hospital Responds to Allegations Its Medical Staff Insulted Yurizal Tri Chaerawan

RSUP Dr Sardjito Hospital in Yogyakarta has clarified that a doctor accused of posting an unsympathetic comment about a deceased BPJS Kesehatan patient is not a hospital employee, but a specialist trainee from Universitas Gadjah Mada. The hospital and the university's medical faculty will jointly investigate the social media post and summon the individual for clarification. The case has sparked public outrage and drawn attention to the conduct of medical residents within Indonesia's public healthcare system.

150 Campuses Participate in BEM SI 2026 National Conference, Who is the New Leader?

The All-Indonesia Student Executive Board (BEM SI) has elected Andira Yofi Sulendra from the PLN Institute of Technology as its central coordinator for the 2026-2027 period. The election took place during the organisation's national conference in Semarang, which was attended by approximately 150 universities. Yofi has prioritised strengthening regional consolidation to ensure the student movement is inclusive and connected to grassroots aspirations across the country.

Finance Ministry to Grant 3-Year Tax Holiday for SOE Consolidation Under Danantara

The Indonesian government will exempt state-owned enterprises (SOEs) from taxes for three years to facilitate a smooth consolidation process managed by Danantara. Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa stated the waiver aims to streamline mergers, acquisitions, and liquidations, viewing the tax relief as an internal government transfer. The policy is strictly limited to consolidation transactions as Danantara works to streamline the number of SOEs from roughly 1,000 to 250 entities.

Central Java Government Allocates Rp1.2 Trillion Reserve Fund for 2029 Regional Elections

The Central Java Provincial Government is establishing a reserve fund of approximately Rp1.2 trillion to finance the 2029 Regional Head Elections. The funds will be set aside in annual instalments of around Rp400 billion starting from 2027 to avoid burdening the regional budget in a single fiscal year. The initiative aims to ensure the constitutional process is adequately funded without disrupting development programmes or public services.

North Korea Threatens Military Options in Response to Japan's Remilitarisation

Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, has issued a stark warning that Pyongyang is preparing additional military options in response to Japan's accelerating military build-up. The statement, carried by state media, accuses Tokyo of transforming into a 'war state' and cites recent missile tests and joint exercises with the United States as evidence. The escalating rhetoric underscores growing regional tensions, with North Korea framing its stance as a necessary countermeasure to perceived threats from Japan.

Febrie Adriansyah Still Receives 50 Percent of Base Salary

The Attorney General's Office has confirmed the temporary dismissal of former junior attorney general for special crimes, Febrie Adriansyah, effective 31 July 2026, pending a final court decision on his money laundering case. During his suspension, Adriansyah will only receive half of his base salary without any allowances. His final employment status and financial rights will be determined once a legally binding verdict is reached.

Central Java's People's Schools Enrol 2,692 Students, Aim to Break Poverty Chain

The People's School programme in Central Java has enrolled 2,692 students across 10 permanent and 6 pilot schools, with Vice Governor Taj Yasin Maimoen calling it a strategic move to break the cycle of poverty. The initiative, which aligns with a presidential directive, provides educational access for children from poor and extremely poor families, though enrolment at the primary level faces challenges due to parental reluctance. The provincial government plans to expand the programme to all 35 districts and cities to accommodate more underprivileged students.

BRI Backs State Cash Management Optimisation to Strengthen Quality Lending

Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) has welcomed the government's move to optimise state cash management through the placement of excess budget funds. The policy is seen as a fiscal-financial sector synergy that will support banking liquidity and strengthen the intermediation function. BRI plans to use the liquidity support to expand quality credit distribution, particularly to the real sector and MSMEs.

Indonesia eyes near 6 percent economic growth in H2 2026

Indonesia's economy expanded by 5.29 percent in the second quarter of 2026, with the government targeting nearly 6 percent growth in the second half through monetary easing and regional development strategies. The Finance Ministry plans to boost domestic growth engines by lowering interest rates and partnering with Bappenas to address underperformance in regions such as Maluku and Papua. Despite a slowdown in manufacturing, officials expressed confidence in the resilience of the economy amid global headwinds.

Undana Denies Claims Student Jessica Faced 12 Thesis Exam Cancellations

Nusa Cendana University (Undana) has refuted viral social media claims that a student, Jessica Sofia Tunardjo, had her thesis examination cancelled 12 times. The university clarified that the delays involved seminar scheduling adjustments, not final exam cancellations, and that the student is recovering from fatigue and anxiety rather than depression. An internal investigation has been launched to review academic governance and prevent future incidents.

Courses and Lifelong Learning: A Path to Self-Reliance

Lifelong learning through non-formal education is emerging as a critical solution to Indonesia's skills gap and youth unemployment crisis. With millions of young people out of work or education, vocational courses offer a second chance for economic independence, as demonstrated by the success of a young entrepreneur in Yogyakarta. The government views the country's extensive network of training centres as essential infrastructure for keeping the workforce relevant amid rapid technological change.

Nasida Ria: the Muslim women’s band still reinventing itself after 50 years

Nasida Ria, a pioneering Muslim women's musical group from Semarang, continues to evolve after more than five decades, recently collaborating with Google Gemini for a Ramadan campaign. Their socially conscious lyrics, addressing issues from nuclear weapons to peace, have found a new audience among Gen Z through festival performances and social media. The group's enduring appeal lies in its ability to blend Islamic values with modern musical arrangements and contemporary themes without losing its core identity.

Finance Ministry to Cap SMV Deposit Rates at 80% of BI Rate to Lower Lending Costs

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa announced plans to cap deposit interest rates for special mission vehicles (SMVs) under his ministry at 80% of the Bank Indonesia rate. The policy aims to reduce the cost of capital for banks, particularly state-owned lenders, which have complained that high SMV deposit rates of 8-9% are preventing them from lowering lending rates. The new rule is expected to take effect next week to help accelerate economic growth in the second half of 2026.

Cianjur Police: Public can call 110 for clean water service

The Cianjur Resort Police in West Java have deployed a water tanker truck to distribute clean water to drought-affected areas, with residents able to request deliveries via the 110 call centre. Around 10,000 litres of water are being distributed daily to villages such as Kertajaya and Bobojong, benefiting approximately 700 families. The initiative is part of the police's community service efforts to assist residents who are struggling to access clean water during the prolonged dry season.

Building Together with Indonesia

Sachin V. Gopalan, CEO of the Indonesia Economic Forum, argues that the true measure of a technology partnership for a nation like Indonesia lies not just in user numbers, but in a company's commitment to building local digital capacity. He highlights Google's two-decade-long role in democratising access to digital tools, from Android and Search to cloud and AI platforms, which has lowered barriers for millions of Indonesians. The article contends that Google's most enduring contribution is its open platforms, which empower local innovators and leave behind lasting knowledge, a model increasingly vital as Indonesia enters a new phase of digital transformation.

Consumers Lose Rp98 Trillion, Agriculture Minister and Youth Organisation Commit to Eradicating Rice Mafia

The Rembuk Pemuda youth organisation has pledged to support the Ministry of Agriculture in dismantling rice mafia practices, which have allegedly caused consumer losses of up to Rp98 trillion. A strategic meeting with Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman highlighted that these practices threaten national food sovereignty and governance. The group emphasised that food security requires cleaning up distribution systems, particularly following findings of fraud in premium rice and fortified rice programmes.

Indonesia, BI strengthen policy coordination amid global uncertainty

Indonesia is intensifying fiscal and monetary policy coordination to navigate global economic pressures, with Bank Indonesia holding its benchmark rate at 5.75 percent to support rupiah stability and control inflation. The government and central bank are also collaborating to empower MSMEs, expand business financing, and accelerate digital payment systems. These joint efforts aim to maintain economic stability while advancing the long-term Golden Indonesia 2045 vision.

Universal Participation Brings Early Childhood Education to Suku Anak Dalam

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has announced that a universal participation programme has successfully delivered quality Early Childhood Education (PAUD) services to the Suku Anak Dalam community in the forests of Bungo Regency, Jambi. Initiated through a decade of consistent mentoring by a forestry graduate, the initiative has evolved from nature-based learning into a formal community learning centre. The establishment of an inclusive PAUD within the community addresses access barriers and social stigma, allowing children to learn in a culturally safe environment.

UGM Investigates Specialist Trainee Doctor Over Derogatory Comments to BPJS Patient

Gadjah Mada University's Faculty of Medicine is investigating a specialist trainee doctor accused of making unsympathetic remarks towards a deceased BPJS patient on social media. The faculty has apologised to the patient's family and reaffirmed its commitment to empathy and professional ethics in healthcare. The investigation will examine potential breaches of the code of ethics, with sanctions promised if violations are confirmed.

DPD Invites Jusuf Kalla to Annual MPR Session: Gathering National Figures

The Regional Representative Council (DPD) has personally invited former Vice President Jusuf Kalla to attend the Annual MPR Session on 14 August. DPD Speaker Sultan Najamudin stated the session, which the DPD will host, aims to gather national figures to mark the 81st Independence Day celebrations. Jusuf Kalla confirmed his intention to attend, citing the importance of hearing President Prabowo Subianto's state address.

Pertamina Lowers Avtur Prices for August 2026 Across Major Indonesian Airports

PT Pertamina Patra Niaga has reduced the price of avtur for domestic flights at major Indonesian airports effective August 2026. The price adjustments, driven by market fluctuations, see decreases ranging from approximately Rp 200 to Rp 300 per litre across key hubs including Soekarno-Hatta and Ngurah Rai.

Observer: Mikrotrans Drivers Dominated by Ex-Angkot Operators, Strict Supervision Key to Safety

A transport observer notes that the majority of Mikrotrans drivers are former angkot operators who have undergone selection and training, yet their ingrained driving habits require robust enforcement of standard operating procedures. Recruitment of entirely new drivers remains a significant challenge due to low public interest, with fewer than 100 candidates passing selection since 2025 despite a need for around 1,000 drivers.

Suspected Illegal Quarrying, Land Excavation in Temukus Halted by Satpol PP

The Buleleng Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP) has halted land excavation activities in Temukus Village suspected of being an illegal C-class quarry. A joint inspection found that while the landowner claimed the work was to level rocky ground for farming, the removal of material from the site constituted mining activity outside a designated zone. Authorities have given the landowner 30 days to level the land but prohibited the sale or removal of any excavated material.

Customs Foils Smuggling of 99.5 Tonnes of Illegal Rattan, Protecting National Furniture Industry and MSMEs

Indonesian Customs (Bea Cukai) has intercepted an attempt to smuggle 99.5 tonnes of raw rattan to Malaysia, safeguarding a vital raw material for the domestic furniture and craft industries. The seizure, valued at approximately Rp 4.28 billion, underscores the government's commitment to curbing illegal exports that threaten local manufacturers and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Authorities emphasised that such enforcement actions are crucial to ensuring domestic supply, supporting the downstream processing agenda, and maintaining the competitiveness of Indonesian rattan products in the global market.