Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 7 August 2026

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Fisheries Aid Disbursed to Restore 15,000 Hectares of Ponds in Aceh

The Indonesian government has begun distributing fisheries and marine aid to coastal communities in Aceh to accelerate economic recovery following recent disasters. The assistance includes equipment, shrimp fry, and excavators aimed at restoring approximately 15,000 hectares of damaged aquaculture ponds. Officials emphasised the need for local government involvement to ensure the sustainable use of assets and prevent overlapping recovery programmes.

Critical Notes from an Economist on Indonesia's 5.29% Economic Growth in Q2 2026

An economist from Indef has warned that Indonesia's 5.29% economic growth in the second quarter of 2026 is of lower quality than the previous year, despite the headline figure. Eko Listiyanto highlighted concerns over fragile consumption, declining net exports, falling labour absorption, and worsening rural poverty. He urged the government to pay serious attention to these underlying weaknesses.

Combat Shotgun Becomes Most Highlighted Find by Polda Metro Jaya

The Jakarta Metropolitan Police have confirmed that a Franchi SPAS-15 combat shotgun was among 996 weapons discovered at a private school in Pondok Pinang, South Jakarta. While the remaining 995 items were identified as air rifles, the single firearm is linked to a deceased individual named DS. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the cache, which also included pornographic materials and narcotics.

National Language Museum to be Built on Penyengat Island

The Kepulauan Riau provincial government is set to construct a National Language Museum and Monument on Penyengat Island, Tanjungpinang, to honour the island's role as the birthplace of the Indonesian language. The open-concept museum will be built in stages under a multi-year scheme, with completion targeted for 2028 to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the Youth Pledge. The project is part of a broader cultural heritage revitalisation programme aimed at boosting historical tourism and supporting local micro and small enterprises.

Trade Ministry: ISF 2026 to Drive Q3 Economic Growth

Indonesia's Ministry of Trade expects the 2026 Indonesia Shopping Festival (ISF) to boost household consumption and drive economic growth in the third quarter. The festival, targeting up to Rp38 trillion in transactions, is seen as vital after a slowdown in Q2 growth. The government is also leveraging the event to expand market access for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

BPOM: Research and Regulation to Develop Probiotic Potential for Food Innovation

Indonesia's Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) is leveraging the country's rich biodiversity to advance probiotic innovation through research and new regulations. The agency has established a regulatory framework to ensure the development of safe, high-quality probiotics that can boost public health and global competitiveness. BPOM is also encouraging collaboration between researchers and industry to produce robust scientific evidence for health claims.

BRImo Enlivens Code.Strt 2026 with Easy Digital Transactions and Attractive Promos

Bank BRI's super app, BRImo, is serving as the Official Payment Partner for the Code.Strt 2026 urban lifestyle festival, providing cashless payment solutions via QRIS. The collaboration aims to enhance the visitor experience with faster, safer transactions and exclusive promotions, including cashback and account opening offers. The festival, featuring local brands and creative communities, runs from 30 July to 9 August 2026 at Summarecon Mall Serpong.

Vice President Inspects Teupin Mane Bridge Construction, Targets October Functionality

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming has inspected the reconstruction of the Teupin Mane Bridge in Bireuen, Aceh, which is currently 45 percent complete. He urged authorities to accelerate the post-disaster infrastructure project while maintaining construction quality. The bridge is expected to restore vital connectivity between Bireuen and the highland areas, including Takengon, by October 2026.

Bromo Fire Spreads to Within 2 Kilometres of Puncak B29 Tourist Site

A forest fire in the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park has advanced to within two kilometres of the Puncak B29 tourist area in Lumajang, East Java. Joint teams are creating firebreaks and conducting ground-based firefighting to protect the site. The operation is being reinforced by two BNPB helicopters conducting water bombing from nearby Ranupani Lake.

Mysterious Night-Time Drones Again Unsettle Residents in Baturiti, Tabanan

Residents in Baturiti District, Tabanan, Bali, have reported mysterious drone flights occurring between dusk and the early hours, prompting a police investigation. Authorities have issued a ban on night-time drone flights for accommodation guests, with exceptions only for coordinated media coverage. The sightings follow similar complaints in the neighbouring Marga District, where locals fear the drones may be linked to livestock theft.

Government Holds Electricity Tariffs Steady; Hundreds of Boeing 737 Max Face Inspection

The Indonesian government has decided to maintain current PLN electricity tariffs for the July-September 2026 period to safeguard national economic stability. The decision comes amid a separate development where the US Federal Aviation Administration has ordered inspections on hundreds of Boeing 737 Max aircraft due to newly discovered structural cracks.

Indonesian Air Force Harvests 17.5 Tonnes of Grain to Support National Food Security

The Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) has harvested 17.5 tonnes of grain from 5.3 hectares of land at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base as part of a government food security initiative. The yield will be distributed to support the national free nutritious meal programme. The initiative also aims to develop an integrated urban green zone combining modern agriculture with community empowerment.

Reflecting on 50 Years of Bahlil Lahadalia: A Leap Beyond Impossibility

Bahlil Lahadalia's rise from a street vendor in Papua to Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources and Chairman of Golkar Party represents a significant shift in Indonesia's political landscape. His career trajectory, built on organisational networks and pragmatic execution rather than elite lineage or military background, challenges traditional power structures. As he turns 50, his focus on downstreaming, energy sovereignty, and economic equity for eastern Indonesia positions him as a key architect of the nation's post-Reformasi policy direction.

Ex-Convict Launches 'Arprize' Shoe Brand Using Skills Learned in Prison

Bakti Kurniawan, a former inmate from Tangerang, has launched a local shoe brand called 'Arprize' using skills acquired during his incarceration. Now a parole client under the guidance of the Ciangir Correctional Centre (Bapas), he markets his casual footwear online and through outlets. The initiative has been praised by correctional officials as a successful example of the ministry's humanistic approach to rehabilitation and economic reintegration.

Two Volcanoes in East Nusa Tenggara Erupt Almost Simultaneously

Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki and Mount Ili Lewotolok in East Nusa Tenggara erupted within minutes of each other on Friday afternoon. Authorities have issued safety warnings and established exclusion zones, urging residents to remain vigilant against ashfall and potential cold lava floods.

Law and Human Rights Office Promotes GI Tourism Concept in Central Bengkulu

The Bengkulu Regional Office of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights is promoting the development of Geographic Indication (GI) Tourism in Central Bengkulu Regency. The initiative aims to enhance the value of registered GI products like Kalamansi oranges and Sungai Lemau batik by turning production areas into educational and promotional tourist destinations. This effort is part of a broader push to ensure quality control and boost the local economy through intellectual property assets.

Erajaya Food & Nourishment and Oriental Kopi Forge Strategic Partnership

PT Era Boga Nusantara (Erajaya Food & Nourishment), part of the Erajaya Group, has entered a strategic joint venture with Malaysia's Oriental Coffee International to bring the Oriental Kopi brand to Indonesia. The new entity, PT Era Oriental Kopi, will be 60% owned by Erajaya and 40% by Oriental Kopi, with an initial focus on developing restaurants in the Greater Jakarta area. The partnership aims to leverage Oriental Kopi's established operational standards and recipes to meet growing Indonesian consumer enthusiasm for the brand.

Minister Gus Ipul Welcomes Proposal for Additional Sekolah Rakyat in Makassar

Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf has endorsed a proposal by South Sulawesi Governor Andi Sudirman Sulaiman to build an additional permanent Sekolah Rakyat in Makassar. The expansion aims to accommodate more students from underprivileged families, with the provincial government ready to provide 20 hectares of land. The programme has shown positive results, with students demonstrating improved confidence and academic performance.

Foundation Claims Ignorance Over Discovery of 995 Weapons

The management of a private school foundation in South Jakarta has denied any knowledge of 995 firearms and airsoft guns found on its premises, blaming the previous board. The discovery, which also included ammunition, narcotics, and pornographic material, was made during an asset review. Police are investigating the findings, while the foundation coordinates with education and child protection authorities to ensure campus safety.

Bird Flu Cases Rise in Australia, Stricter Rules Imposed on Farmers

Australia is tightening biosecurity measures for poultry farmers in Victoria as cases of H5N1 bird flu increase. The state government has mandated that all birds be kept indoors for 14 days to prevent contact with potentially infected wild animals. Authorities have confirmed 20 new detections, though the risk to humans is still considered very low.

MPR Speaker Muzani Says Prabowo's Village Cooperative Programme Inspired by Bung Hatta's Thought

MPR Speaker Ahmad Muzani stated that President Prabowo Subianto's 'Red and White Village Cooperative' programme is rooted in the economic thinking of Indonesia's first Vice President, Mohammad Hatta. Muzani made the remarks after visiting Hatta's grave in Jakarta, emphasising the continued relevance of the proclamator's ideas on cooperative economics. The visit was part of a series of pilgrimages to the graves of the nation's founders ahead of Indonesia's 81st Independence Day.

Foundation Dispute Leads to Discovery of Nearly 1,000 Weapons at South Jakarta School

A leadership dispute within a private school foundation in Pondok Pinang, South Jakarta, has led to the discovery of 995 airsoft guns, several firearms, and suspected narcotics on the premises. The foundation's legal representative stated that the new management only gained access to the sealed rooms after the dispute, uncovering the cache. Police are investigating the findings, with the weapons secured and the suspected drugs handed over to the narcotics unit.

President Prabowo Launches 10 Books by Minister Bahlil Lahadalia

President Prabowo Subianto officiated the launch of ten books authored by Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia in Jakarta. The books document Bahlil's thoughts and experiences, which Prabowo praised as an inspiration for the younger generation. Senior officials, including Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, also commended Bahlil's work ethic and energy as he celebrated his 50th birthday.

Indonesia's tourism gains signal stronger economic growth

Indonesia's tourism sector showed robust growth in the first half of 2026, with foreign arrivals up 5.71 percent and average spending per visitor rising to US$1,313. The increase in tourism activity, including higher hotel occupancy rates, is boosting business across hospitality, transportation, and the creative economy. Officials say the sector is now a key driver of national economic growth, which reached 5.29 percent in the same period.

Prabowo Claims Danantara Revenue Surges 400% in First Year of Operation

President Prabowo Subianto has stated that the revenue of the Danantara Investment Management Agency (BPI Danantara) has soared by 400% in its first year of operation, though he noted the figures still require auditing. He also praised the energy sector's performance in maintaining fuel price stability and highlighted progress in village infrastructure development.

Police and Naval Academy Cadets Foster Discipline in South Kalimantan's 'Sekolah Rakyat' Students

Cadets from the Indonesian Police Academy (Akpol) and Naval Academy (AAL) conducted a five-day community service programme at three Sekolah Rakyat (People's Schools) in Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan. The programme, which supports President Prabowo Subianto's flagship educational initiative, focused on instilling discipline, time management, and residential life skills among students. School officials and students expressed gratitude, noting the cadets served as inspirational role models, particularly for those aspiring to join the police force.

Police Confirm 995 Weapons Found at Jakarta School Not for Extracurricular Use

South Jakarta Police have clarified that the 995 firearms and airsoft guns discovered at a private school in Pondok Pinang were not linked to any shooting extracurricular activity. The statement contradicts earlier claims by a shooting association, as authorities continue to investigate the cache which also included ammunition, narcotics, and pornographic materials. The former head of the school's foundation has been summoned for questioning.

The Urgency of Formalising Special Gas Price Policy

Indonesia's intervention to cap industrial LNG prices at US$13 per MMBTU in West Java currently relies on a presidential instruction without formal regulation. The absence of a legal instrument exposes state-owned gas distributors to financial and legal risks, including potential audit findings and civil lawsuits. A formal regulation is urgently needed to ensure legal certainty and the sustainability of gas supply for domestic manufacturing.

State Palace Responds to Cabinet Reshuffle Rumours for August

Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi has addressed speculation about a cabinet reshuffle this month, clarifying that any changes would primarily be to fill vacant positions. He cited the empty posts of Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Deputy Minister of Immigration and Corrections as examples. Prasetyo reiterated that there are currently no plans for a broader reshuffle.

Bicara Udara Supports DPRD DKI Jakarta in Revising Air Pollution Bylaw

NGO Bicara Udara has urged the Jakarta Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) to prioritise the revision of a 2005 bylaw on air pollution control. The group argues the existing regulation is outdated, failing to address newer pollutants like PM 2.5. The proposed revision aims to shift the focus from mere pollution control to comprehensive air quality management to better protect public health.

Police hunt three DPOs, owners of narcotics in Penjaringan

The Penjaringan Metro Police in North Jakarta are pursuing three suspects linked to the distribution of etomidate and methamphetamine. The suspects, identified by their initials, are believed to be the owners of the drugs found with a previously arrested individual. The case involves the use of courier services to transport the illicit substances.

Bandung Mayor Freezes Videotron Permit for SixNine Padel After Illegal Felling of 10 Trees

The mayor of Bandung has suspended the operating permit for a videotron advertising screen after its management illegally cut down ten trees to improve visibility. The city is also investigating whether the adjacent SixNine Padel business was aware of or consented to the felling, which violates local aesthetic and spatial planning regulations.

MPR Speaker Ensures PPHN Draft Will Be Opened to Public After 17 August

MPR Speaker Ahmad Muzani has addressed public criticism by confirming the draft of the State Policy Guidelines (PPHN) will be made public after 17 August 2026. He stated that the document is intended to serve as a philosophical guide for future presidencies beyond a single term. Muzani also assured that the drafting process will involve public stakeholders, academics, and constitutional observers.

Police Investigate Discovery of Hundreds of Weapons at South Jakarta School; Owner Reportedly Deceased

Jakarta police are investigating the discovery of nearly a thousand weapons, ammunition, narcotics, and pornographic materials in a locked room at a private school in Pondok Pinang, South Jakarta. The former foundation chairman, identified as IW, has been questioned regarding the cache, while the reported owner, DS, is said to have died in 2020. Authorities are continuing to probe the legal status of the firearms and the circumstances surrounding the storage of the items.

Making History, Indonesia Strengthens Independence with Food Security

Indonesia has achieved a historic milestone in food sovereignty, halting medium-grade rice imports and building its highest-ever government rice reserves just two years after a severe El Niño forced the import of seven million tonnes. The nation's rice production surged 13.29% in 2025, positioning it as the world's fourth-largest producer while global output faces decline. President Prabowo Subianto and Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman hailed the achievement as a new symbol of national independence, underpinned by strategic interventions from irrigation to farmer support.

Haedar Nashir Urges 15th Nasyiatul Aisyiyah Congress to Be a Forum for Progressive Deliberation

Muhammadiyah Chairman Haedar Nashir has called for the 15th Nasyiatul Aisyiyah Congress to serve as a space for strategic deliberation and collective decision-making. He emphasised the importance of maintaining the spirit of consultation to strengthen the organisation's future direction. The congress, attended by thousands of cadres, will also address key issues including youth empowerment and the selection of new leadership for the 2026-2030 period.

Indonesia battles Mount Bromo wildfire as El Nino takes root

Firefighters are struggling to contain a wildfire that has already destroyed 127 hectares of Mount Bromo National Park in East Java, with steep terrain and dry conditions hampering efforts. The blaze comes as Indonesia braces for an extreme El Nino-fuelled dry season, which has already seen land burned more than double compared to the same period in 2023. Authorities have closed the popular tourist destination indefinitely while deploying water-bombing helicopters to combat the flames.

Iran Accuses US of 'Theatre Diplomacy', Mocks Trump's Negotiation Pattern

Iran's chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has accused the United States of engaging in 'theatre diplomacy', criticising Washington's pattern of threatening attacks before returning to negotiations. The remarks come amid heightened military tensions and stalled talks over security guarantees and freedom of navigation in the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

Karangasem Regent Swears In Six Disaster Analysts, Stresses Mitigation

Karangasem Regent I Gusti Putu Parwata has inaugurated six functional disaster analysts for the local disaster mitigation agency (BPBD). He stressed their strategic role in strengthening mitigation and preparedness, given Karangasem's status as the district with the highest disaster risk index in Bali. The appointments are part of a national programme to enhance local disaster management capacity.

Dedi Mulyadi Responds to Viral Video of Female Patient Denied Treatment: All Citizens Have the Right to Healthcare

West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi has addressed a viral video showing an elderly woman with asthma being turned away from a public hospital's emergency department. The governor confirmed the incident occurred in May 2026 and that the provincial health office had reprimanded the hospital's management. He stressed that such an event must not recur, asserting that every citizen is entitled to healthcare services regardless of their circumstances.

Education Agency Accelerates Data Collection on 3,000 Potential Cultural Heritage Sites in Serang City

The Serang City Education and Culture Agency is intensifying efforts to verify and record approximately 3,000 potential cultural heritage objects. The initiative aims to highlight the city's rich historical roots, particularly in the Kasemen district, the former capital of the Banten Sultanate. Currently, only 74 objects have been verified as suspected cultural heritage, with 13 officially designated.

OJK: Online lending industry profit rises 10.14% in June 2026

Indonesia's online lending (pindar) industry recorded a profit of Rp1.15 trillion in June 2026, a 10.14% year-on-year increase, according to the Financial Services Authority (OJK). The growth was supported by a 25.88% rise in outstanding financing to Rp105.14 trillion and a decline in the aggregate non-performing loan rate (TWP90) to 4.26%. The OJK continues to push for stronger risk management and credit scoring improvements among lenders.

Luhut: Downstreaming Benefits Must Be Fairer for Producing Regions

Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Chairman of the National Economic Council, has stressed that the benefits of Indonesia's mineral downstreaming policy must be distributed more equitably to producing regions and local communities. He acknowledged that while the policy has boosted exports and regional growth, challenges remain in empowering local entrepreneurs, mastering technology, and enforcing environmental standards. Luhut also reflected on the initial international criticism and WTO lawsuit over the nickel ore export ban, arguing the results now speak for themselves.

Central Kalimantan Forestry Service Strengthens Forest Fire Handling Through Canal Normalisation

The Central Kalimantan Forestry Service is intensifying forest and land fire prevention by normalising canals and constructing boreholes in Pulang Pisau Regency. The initiative aims to maintain water availability in peatlands to prevent fire hotspots from emerging. The measures follow a directive from the provincial governor for integrated and sustainable fire mitigation efforts.

Pramono: Ombudsman Assessment to Guide Jakarta's Administrative Order

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has stated that the Ombudsman's assessment on maladministration in public services will serve as a benchmark for the capital to improve its administrative order. The Jakarta Provincial Government achieved a score of 90.11 in the 2025 assessment, placing it in the 'Very Good Service Quality' category. Pramono has instructed all regional apparatus heads to provide complete and transparent data for the 2026 evaluation, with a focus on strengthening internal controls and improving basic services like education and health.

Palace Reveals Figure Considered by Prabowo as BI Governor Candidate

The Indonesian Presidential Palace has confirmed that Destry Damayanti, currently the acting Governor of Bank Indonesia, is among the candidates being considered by President Prabowo Subianto for the permanent position. Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi stated that while Damayanti is under consideration, no formal proposal has yet been sent to the House of Representatives. The President has reportedly interviewed several candidates to discuss the future direction of the central bank.

Burnout can trigger impulsive behaviour on social media, says psychologist

Clinical psychologist Ratih Ibrahim warns that burnout can impair emotional regulation, leading to increased cynicism, loss of empathy, and impulsive actions on social media. The condition, linked to the online disinhibition effect, makes individuals more prone to posting harmful content they would otherwise avoid. She stresses that while burnout is a risk factor, it does not excuse detrimental behaviour and advises taking a pause before posting when emotionally overwhelmed.

Man in Pelalawan Named Suspect for Triggering 27-Hectare Land Fire Lasting Days

A man in Pelalawan, Riau, has been arrested and named a suspect for allegedly starting a forest and land fire that burned 27 hectares over several days. The suspect admitted to clearing the land by burning to prepare it for an oil palm plantation, intending to sell the plot afterwards. Authorities have stated that the fire, which began on 30 July, has been difficult to extinguish due to the area's peatland characteristics.

Bitung Underpass and MRT East-West to Boost Tangerang Connectivity

The development of the Bitung Underpass and studies for the MRT East-West Phase 2 line are set to enhance connectivity in the new Summarecon Tangerang township. The integrated development includes non-toll road access, educational facilities, and commercial areas, aiming to support the growing community. The project is part of a broader master plan to create a self-contained city with residential, commercial, and green spaces.

Bali Customs Foils Two Foreign Nationals Smuggling 10.1 kg of Cannabis

Customs officers at Bali's Ngurah Rai Airport intercepted two Indian nationals attempting to smuggle 10.1 kilogrammes of cannabis. The pair employed a 'family trip' ruse to avoid suspicion upon arrival from Thailand via Singapore. The seizure is estimated to have prevented potential drug abuse by over 2,000 people, with the illicit goods valued at approximately Rp3.3 billion.