Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 7 August 2026

Showing 1,051-1,100 of 1,438 articles

Foundation Dispute Alleged Behind Weapons Discovery at South Jakarta School

A legal representative for a former foundation chairman claims a bitter internal dispute is behind the discovery of nearly 1,000 airsoft guns and other weapons at a private school in Pondok Pinang, South Jakarta. The lawyer, Alhadid Endar Putra, stated the weapons were legally permitted and had been stored since 2020 for a shooting extracurricular activity, but denied ownership of drugs and pornographic CDs also reportedly found. The case is currently under civil litigation at the Central Jakarta District Court, while the South Jakarta Metro Police are conducting a separate investigation into the weapons discovery.

West Kalimantan Bolsters Preparedness Ahead of Forest Fire Peak

The West Kalimantan provincial government is intensifying patrols, early detection, and integrated firefighting operations as the peak season for forest and land fires approaches in August. With the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) forecasting low rainfall for the next six weeks, authorities are focusing on vulnerable peatland areas, particularly in Ketapang Regency. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has instructed all parties to strengthen collaboration and optimize water bombing operations to prevent a repeat of past deadly fire incidents.

BNPB Chief Strengthens Forest Fire Anticipation on Peatlands in Kubu Raya

The Head of Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has emphasised the need for cross-sector coordination to tackle forest and land fires in West Kalimantan's vulnerable peatland areas. During a technical meeting in Kubu Raya, he called for early preparedness, including risk mapping and equipment readiness, to prevent a repeat of hazardous haze. The local government has activated task forces down to the village level and is intensifying public education to stop slash-and-burn land clearing.

Lawmaker Slams Health Workers for Insulting BPJS Patient, Demands Total Hospital Management Evaluation

A member of Indonesia's House of Representatives has called for a systemic overhaul of hospital management after health workers allegedly mocked a BPJS patient who died following an eight-hour wait for a bed. The legislator, who is also a doctor, stressed that the incident must end the stigmatisation of national health insurance patients and enforce strict equity in medical services. She urged professional bodies and the Health Ministry to strengthen ethics training and address staff burnout to prevent future lapses in patient safety.

School foundation denies shooting extracurricular after discovery of 995 weapons

The management of a private school foundation in South Jakarta has denied the existence of a shooting extracurricular activity following the discovery of 995 airsoft guns and other items on the premises. The foundation's legal representative stated that long-serving teachers confirmed no such activity ever took place, contradicting earlier claims by a third party. Police are investigating the find, which also included ammunition, weapon accessories, bullet-making equipment, pornographic material, and suspected narcotics.

Telkom slashes 34 entities in SOE transformation process

PT Telkom Indonesia has cut 34 entities from its 67 business units as part of a state-owned enterprise transformation aimed at creating a leaner, more efficient organisation. The streamlining is part of a broader push by the Ministry of SOEs and Danantara to reshape Telkom into a more adaptive and globally competitive national digital company. The restructuring is expected to accelerate decision-making, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen the firm's focus on digital infrastructure.

Who is Abdul El-Sayed, the Muslim US Senate Frontrunner Despised by Trump?

Progressive Muslim candidate Abdul El-Sayed has clinched a surprise victory in the Democratic primary for a Michigan Senate seat, overcoming massive opposition funding. His win, which drew immediate vitriol from President Donald Trump, is seen as a significant blow to the party establishment and pro-Israel lobby groups. El-Sayed now advances to the general election, where he could become the first Muslim elected to the US Senate.

Prioritising Education Rights, Farhan Stands Firm for 900 Students of SDN 026 Bojongloa

Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan has vowed to protect the education of 900 students at SDN 026 Bojongloa amid a land dispute. The city government will gradually relocate the students to SDN 148 while preparing a new school site in Cibaduyut Kidul. Farhan emphasised that the children's right to education must take precedence over the legal conflict between the government and the land heirs.

KPPPA: Female Civil Servant Leadership Must Be Underpinned by Communication Skills

The Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection (KPPPA) has stressed that strong communication skills are a critical managerial competency for female civil servants, especially those in senior leadership roles. The ministry is providing targeted training through its Women Leaders Academy to ensure women leaders can deliver more inclusive and gender-responsive public policies. A special adviser to the coordinating minister shared practical strategies to help female officials communicate more confidently and effectively.

South Tangerang Strengthens Early Childhood Education Facilities to Boost School Participation Rates

The South Tangerang City Government is enhancing early childhood education (PAUD) infrastructure as part of its commitment to the 13-year compulsory education programme. Approximately Rp4 billion has been allocated in 2026 to provide learning aids and furniture to 115 PAUD institutions. The initiative aims to build upon the current 90 percent school participation rate by ensuring wider access to quality early education.

Yurizal Sought Treatment at RSCM Before Death, Reason for 8-Hour Wait Revealed

The Indonesian Ministry of Health has revealed that a BPJS Kesehatan patient, Yusrizal, waited eight hours for a bed at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (RSCM) due to limited High Care Unit availability before his death. Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin condemned the lack of empathy shown by healthcare workers who mocked the patient's social media post, as the Indonesian Health Council launches an investigation to identify and sanction the professionals involved.

Fourth Pretrial Hearing Postponed, Roy Suryo Reveals Petition Contents

The fourth pretrial hearing filed by Roy Suryo, a suspect in the case of alleged fake diploma accusations against former President Joko Widodo, was postponed after the High Prosecutor's Office failed to appear. His legal team is challenging the travel ban imposed on him, arguing there is a grey area regarding its status and timing. The petition also seeks to annul his suspect status, alleging formal and material defects in the designation.

School Denies Hundreds of Weapons Found Were for Shooting Extracurricular Activity

A private school in South Jakarta has denied that hundreds of airsoft guns discovered on its premises were linked to a shooting extracurricular programme, contradicting claims by the weapons' owner. The school's legal representative stated the room was previously controlled by a dismissed foundation chairman, who is accused of misusing foundation funds. The owner of the weapons maintains they were legally permitted and stored for a now-defunct club.

Bank Indonesia Records Primary Money at IDR 2,254.5 Trillion in July 2026, Growing 17.1 Percent

Indonesia's primary money supply (M0) reached IDR 2,254.5 trillion in July 2026, marking a 17.1 percent year-on-year increase, according to Bank Indonesia. The growth, which accelerated from 13.8 percent in June, was driven by a rise in bank demand deposits at the central bank and increased currency in circulation. The adjusted M0 figure also accounts for the impact of liquidity incentives provided by the central bank.

Internal Conflict Behind Discovery of Hundreds of Weapons at South Jakarta School

A legal representative for a South Jakarta school has revealed that an internal foundation dispute led to the discovery of hundreds of weapons, narcotics, and pornographic materials in a former chairman's office. The discovery occurred after the former chairman was dismissed, granting the school access to the previously locked room. Police are currently investigating the findings, while the former chairman's legal team claims the airsoft guns were legally owned and intended for a planned extracurricular programme.

BSKDN develops SINTESIS to deliver targeted policy recommendations

The Ministry of Home Affairs' Domestic Policy Strategy Agency (BSKDN) is advancing the SINTESIS platform to enhance data-driven policy analysis and recommendations. The initiative, supported by the SKALA programme, aims to integrate strategic data and improve decision-making for both central and regional governments. The platform is expected to strengthen evidence-based policy formulation and synergy across government levels.

DPD Chairman Visits Boediono's Residence, Delivers Joint Session Invitation

The chairman of Indonesia's Regional Representative Council (DPD), Sultan Bachtiar Najamudin, visited former Vice President Boediono to personally invite him to the upcoming DPR-DPD Joint Session. During the visit, the 84-year-old statesman shared his views on national and global economic developments and urged the nation's institutions to maintain unity. Boediono confirmed his willingness to attend the session scheduled for 14 August 2026.

Foundation confirms teaching activities normal after discovery of 995 weapons

A private school foundation in South Jakarta has assured that teaching and learning continue as normal following the police discovery of 995 firearms and airsoft guns on the premises. The foundation's legal representative stated the search was conducted outside school hours and that coordination is underway with the education ministry, child protection commission, and the Jakarta governor. Police are investigating the weapons, ammunition, and suspected drugs found in a room formerly used by the foundation head.

Former Malaysian PM Ismail Sabri Hospitalised Amid Legal Proceedings

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob has been admitted to the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur due to health issues, forcing a delay in his corruption trial. The court has postponed the reading of charges against him until 27 August 2026. The case involves the seizure of approximately 170 million ringgit in cash and 16 kilogrammes of gold bars by anti-corruption authorities.

Indonesia government to take over state firm's stake in troubled China-funded high-speed railway

The Indonesian government is set to assume a controlling 60 per cent stake in PT KCIC, the operator of the Whoosh high-speed railway, through an agency under the finance ministry. The move aims to manage the project's outstanding debt without drawing on the state budget, with the transaction expected to conclude by mid-September. The US$7.3 billion China-backed project has faced significant hurdles, including land acquisition issues and cost overruns.

Bantul Man Arrested After Viral CCTV Shows Him Stealing Phone from Motorcycle Dashboard While with Family

A man in Bantul, Yogyakarta, has been arrested after CCTV footage of him stealing a mobile phone from a parked motorcycle's dashboard went viral. The suspect, identified as YA, was riding with his wife and child at the time of the theft. Police apprehended him following a swift investigation and cooperation from the local community.

Jakarta Health Office Confirms Viral Health Workers Mocking BPJS Patients Are Not Provincial Employees

The Jakarta Health Office has confirmed that five health workers who went viral for mocking a BPJS patient online are not employees of the provincial government's health facilities. An investigation found none of them work at the 31 regional public hospitals or community health centres managed by the city, though one is employed at a hospital in Jakarta. The office is coordinating with the relevant hospital management for disciplinary action.

Government to Send Research Team to Assess Montara Oil Spill Recovery

The Indonesian government plans to dispatch a research team to conduct a comprehensive environmental study in Montara, East Nusa Tenggara, to formulate recovery measures for the area affected by the 2009 oil spill. Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa emphasised that beyond compensation, restoring the region's ecosystem and economy is a priority. The government is also strengthening cross-ministerial coordination to ensure the integrated handling of the disaster's long-term impacts on local fishermen and small businesses.

Indonesia Urged to Review Visa-Free Expansion as Revenue Climbs

Indonesia's State Audit Agency (BPK) has advised the government to carefully review any plans to expand visa-free entry, after the policy's suspension helped drive immigration non-tax revenue to Rp 7.61 trillion in 2023. The BPK emphasised that while supporting tourism and investment is important, national sovereignty and security must take precedence over revenue generation. The agency recommended that visa-free access only be granted to countries offering reciprocal treatment and manageable immigration risks.

SD Tarakanita Bumijo to Hold Independence Carnival at Yogyakarta's Tugu Monument

SD Tarakanita Bumijo in Yogyakarta is set to hold a 'Karnaval Kemerdekaan' on 14 August 2026 to commemorate Indonesia's 81st Independence Day. The event, themed 'Merdeka Berkarakter, Berkarya untuk Indonesia', aims to foster patriotism and appreciation for cultural diversity among students. Organisers have coordinated with local police to secure the 2.1-kilometre route, marking the carnival's return after a hiatus of several years.

OpenAI to Release 'Doughnut Speaker' Smart Device in 2027

OpenAI is reportedly developing a new AI-powered smart speaker, expected to launch in 2027 with a price tag exceeding $300. The compact, doughnut-shaped device features a screenless design with moving elements to convey user characteristics. The company aims to position the product as a daily task assistant, challenging the current market dominance of Amazon and Google.

Iran accuses US of 'theatrical diplomacy' amid Hormuz stalemate

Iran's parliamentary speaker has accused the United States of engaging in 'theatrical diplomacy', citing unfulfilled commitments and repeated threats. The criticism comes despite a memorandum of understanding signed in June, with final negotiations stalled over security guarantees and freedom of navigation in the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

Police Deploy Sniffer Dogs on Second Day of Search for Mutilation Victim's Foot in Depok River

Jakarta police have intensified their search for the missing foot of a mutilation victim in a Depok river, deploying two sniffer dogs on the second day of the operation. The search, based on the suspect's confession that he disposed of the body part from a bridge, is being hampered by the river's strong current and the time elapsed since the crime. Officers are focusing on specific points along the Kali Licin river where the remains are believed to have drifted.

Jakarta Becomes National Investment Champion Semester I 2026, Reaches Rp173.6 Trillion

Jakarta has secured the top position for investment realisation in Indonesia for the first half of 2026, attracting IDR 173.6 trillion, or 17.2 percent of the national total. The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government attributes this strong investor confidence to conducive business policies and the leadership of Governor Pramono, with the transportation and warehousing sector contributing the largest share. The influx of capital also generated significant employment, absorbing over 289,000 workers across the capital.

Industry Ministry Strengthens Packaging Management to Spur Green Industry

Indonesia's Industry Ministry is intensifying the management of post-consumer packaging as part of its strategy to accelerate green industrial transformation. The initiative focuses on boosting the circular economy, particularly through the high recycling rate of PET bottle packaging, which currently stands at around 71 per cent nationally.

BI: Base Money Grows 17.1% in July 2026, Reaching Rp2,254 T

Bank Indonesia reported that base money (M0) expanded by 17.1% year-on-year in July 2026, accelerating from 13.8% growth in the previous month to reach Rp2,254.5 trillion. The increase was driven by growth in commercial bank current accounts at the central bank and currency in circulation. The adjusted M0 figure also accounts for the impact of liquidity incentive provisions.

Food Agency Chief Orders Bulog to Send Rice to Alor to Stabilise Prices

The Head of the National Food Agency (Bapanas) has instructed the state logistics company Bulog to immediately dispatch SPHP rice to Alor Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, to curb rising prices. The directive includes a call for equitable distribution across the islands and remote areas, with the official pledging to monitor the operation directly. This intervention adds to the 1.5 million kilograms of government rice reserves already channelled to the region through commercial and social assistance programmes.

Legal Counsel Confirms Febrie Adriansyah Will Cooperate with Today's Examination

Febri Diansyah, the legal counsel for money laundering suspect Febrie Adriansyah, has confirmed his client will cooperate with the Attorney General's Office's Team 9 during an examination scheduled for today. The case involves the former Junior Attorney General for Special Crimes and relates to the discovery of 74 kilograms of gold and Rp543 billion in cash. A pre-trial hearing challenging the suspect designation and search procedures is scheduled to begin on 18 August 2026.

South Sumatra Police Urge Residents to Revive Neighbourhood Watch Activities

The South Sumatra Regional Police, through the OKU Selatan Resort Police, has launched the 'SAROMA' programme to encourage residents to reactivate neighbourhood watch patrols. The initiative aims to strengthen community security by optimising guard posts and fostering direct dialogue between police and residents. Officials emphasised that public safety is a shared responsibility, with the programme also providing education on issues such as online gambling prevention and forest fire vigilance.

Perdoski to Address Skin Disease and HIV/AIDS Challenges at XXI PIT 2026 in Yogyakarta

The Indonesian Society of Dermatology and Venereology (Perdoski) is holding its XXI Annual Scientific Meeting (PIT) in Yogyakarta, focusing on bridging the gap between research and clinical practice. The conference will address pressing issues including the ongoing HIV/AIDS situation in Indonesia and advancements in complex skin cancer surgery. Officials also urged the public to be cautious with medications and to use only products certified by the national food and drug authority (BPOM).

Danantara Chief: 652 State-Owned Enterprises to Be Dissolved

Indonesia's state-owned enterprise (SOE) transformation programme will see 652 entities eliminated, leaving only 250 companies, according to BP BUMN and Danantara COO Dony Oskaria. The streamlining effort has already restructured 274 entities, with major consolidations planned at Telkom Indonesia, Indonesia Financial Group, and Pupuk Indonesia. The initiative aims to create a leaner, more effective, and efficient SOE structure.

Taiwan on Alert Amid China Threat; Criteria for BI Governor Candidate Revealed

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-Te conducted an emergency evacuation drill as part of the annual Han Kuang military exercises, signalling heightened vigilance against China. Separately, Indonesian legislator Mukhamad Misbakhun outlined the key criteria for the next Bank Indonesia Governor, emphasising the ability to fulfil the central bank's legal mandate and the Financial Sector Development and Strengthening Law.

DT Peduli Channels Rp181 Billion in Aid, Including for Palestine

Indonesian charity Daarut Tauhid (DT) Peduli has reported channelling Rp181 billion in public donations, surpassing its collection of Rp179 billion by drawing on existing balances. A significant portion of the funds, Rp117 billion, was directed towards humanitarian aid in Palestine, including long-term programmes such as a Qur'an memorisation school for orphans in Gaza and a community kitchen. The organisation aims to raise Rp200 billion this year to expand its domestic and international relief efforts.

Former BGN Deputy Chief Lodewyk Pusung Files New Pretrial Motion in MBG Corruption Case at Central Jakarta District Court

Lodewyk Pusung, the former deputy head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), has filed a fresh pretrial motion at the Central Jakarta District Court, challenging the legality of asset seizures by prosecutors in the alleged corruption case surrounding the free nutritious meals (MBG) programme. This follows the South Jakarta District Court's recent rejection of his earlier pretrial motion to annul his suspect status. The new hearing is scheduled for 12 August 2026, with a single judge presiding.

Mount Lewotobi Erupts This Morning, Six Flights at Frans Seda Airport Cancelled

Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in East Flores erupted on Friday morning, forcing the temporary closure of Frans Seda Airport in Sikka Regency. The closure led to the cancellation of six flights and prompted safety warnings for local communities. Authorities have advised residents to avoid a five-kilometre exclusion zone and to be vigilant for potential rain-induced lahars.

BRIN Develops Mini Nuclear Reactor, Reveals Its Capacity

Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has completed the development of a 50-megawatt Small Modular Reactor (SMR) and is seeking investors for its implementation, with an estimated project cost of Rp2.5 trillion. The agency has prepared both third and fourth-generation reactor designs, emphasising their high safety standards. Beyond power generation, BRIN is also directing its nuclear research towards non-energy applications, including radiopharmaceuticals for cancer detection and food preservation for exports.

Ministry Reveals Lead Author of Nobel MBG Paper Citing Prabowo's Name: Not a Professor or Lecturer

Indonesia's Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology has disclosed that the lead author of a controversial paper proposing the Free Nutritious Meals programme for a Nobel Peace Prize nomination is not a professor or affiliated lecturer. The individual, identified by the initials DD, reportedly included President Prabowo Subianto as a co-author without consent. The ministry clarified that the SSRN platform where the paper was uploaded holds no authority over the Nobel selection process.

Government Tackles Drought in 492 Areas Amid El Niño Impact

The Ministry of Public Works has launched emergency drought responses across 492 locations in Indonesia, safeguarding over 22,000 hectares of rice fields and providing clean water to more than 155,000 residents. The operations span Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, and eastern Indonesia, with 442 sites already completed. The intensified El Niño phenomenon, which may escalate further, threatens prolonged dry conditions, making integrated water resource management critical for food security and public supply.

Mark Your Calendar: Bahlil Lahadalia to Launch 10 Books

Golkar Party Chairman Bahlil Lahadalia is set to launch ten books documenting his government experience and thoughts on economic development. The works, which include a foreword by President Prabowo Subianto, focus heavily on the government's downstreaming policy agenda. Bahlil claims the books serve as evidence that the downstreaming concept is a product of Golkar's intellectual contributions.

Jakarta Government to Review JakLingko and M44 Routes to Prevent Overlap

The Jakarta Transportation Agency is set to evaluate overlapping routes between the JakLingko 48 and M44 public minivans following protests from M44 drivers. Officials acknowledged that the new Mikrotrans 48 service, intended to boost capacity on the high-demand Tebet-Karet corridor, shares several road segments with the existing M44 route. A meeting between drivers, cooperatives, TransJakarta, and the agency is scheduled for next week to find a solution.

Morocco Ready to Cooperate on Repatriating Unaccompanied Migrant Children

Morocco has expressed readiness to work with Spain and the European Union to repatriate unaccompanied minors stranded abroad. The announcement follows a surge in migrant arrivals in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, where local facilities designed for 29 children are overwhelmed by over 800. The situation highlights ongoing migration pressures between North Africa and Europe.

BBTNKS launches reforestation programme at the foot of Mount Kerinci

The Kerinci Seblat National Park Agency (BBTNKS) has launched a 15-kilometre reforestation programme at the foot of Mount Kerinci, involving the planting of 9,000 trees. The initiative, scheduled for September 2026, will engage local communities and government bodies. It aims to restore open areas within the forest and protect the ecosystem for future generations.

DPR Members Demand Thorough Investigation into Hundreds of Weapons Found at South Jakarta Private School

Members of Indonesia's House of Representatives (DPR) have called for a comprehensive investigation after nearly 1,000 firearms, narcotics, and pornographic CDs were discovered at a private school in Kebayoran Lama, South Jakarta. Lawmakers from Commissions I and X stressed the need to trace the origins of the weapons and drugs, and to determine the responsibility of the school's foundation management. They emphasised that the presence of such items in an educational environment poses a serious threat to student safety and public trust.

BGN Reveals Overly Quick Cooking of Tempe Bacem Caused Food Poisoning in Papua's Free Nutritious Meal Programme

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has identified that tempe bacem cooked too hastily was the cause of a food safety incident in the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme in Depapre District, Papua. A total of 219 beneficiaries received medical treatment, with the local meal preparation facility temporarily suspended pending a full investigation. Officials are conducting a comprehensive evaluation to strengthen oversight and prevent future occurrences.

Saudi Arabia Believes Foreign Armed Groups Are Preparing Attacks

Saudi Arabia has received intelligence indicating that foreign armed groups are preparing attacks on the kingdom, potentially targeting civilian facilities and energy infrastructure. The alleged plans are believed to originate from Yemen's Houthi movement, with possible involvement from groups in Iraq and Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps. The development comes despite a recent offer from Iran to mediate in the conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis.