Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 7 August 2026

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Body Found in Grobogan Suspected to Be Victim of Ambarawa Mobile Phone Shop Robbery

A man's body discovered in a car in Grobogan, Central Java, is suspected to be Candra, the owner of a mobile phone shop in Ambarawa who was reported missing after a robbery. Police are investigating the crime scene and coordinating between jurisdictions, as the shop was found ransacked and the victim's vehicle was missing. The case highlights a violent robbery that has left employees and the local community in shock.

Unhas Gathers 24 State Universities with Legal Entity Status to Strengthen Education Quality Assurance

Hasanuddin University (Unhas) convened a national meeting of 24 state universities with legal entity status (PTNBH) in Makassar to synchronise quality assurance systems. The forum focused on sharing best practices and formulating recommendations in response to new higher education policies. Rector Jamaluddin Jompa emphasised collaborative growth over competition to advance the quality of Indonesian universities.

Minister Rini: Collaboration Key to Realising Integrated Public Services

Minister for Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform Rini Widyantini has called for a whole-of-ecosystem collaboration to drive digital transformation in public services. Speaking at the Digital Transformation Indonesia Conference & Expo 2026, she stressed that services must be designed around citizens' life journeys, not institutional boundaries. The government is advancing a Digital Public Infrastructure to unify identity, data exchange, and payments, which has already slashed social aid verification times from months to minutes.

Two Senior Mossad Officials Sacked After Failed Plan to Topple Iranian Government

The head of Israel's Mossad intelligence agency has dismissed two senior officials following the failure of a covert plan to overthrow the Iranian regime. The operatives were reportedly key architects of a scheme involving Kurdish fighters and a proposed Israeli strike on IRGC positions, which Prime Minister Netanyahu allegedly discussed with former US President Donald Trump. The dismissals are said to be part of a broader reorganisation within the agency.

Abdel Shares Pride as Daughter Enters ITB, Highlights Parental Role and Scholarship Support

Indonesian presenter Abdel Achrian expressed immense pride after his daughter was accepted into the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), calling it a historic achievement for his family. He emphasised the importance of parental monitoring of academic progress and praised the ITB Parents Association (IOM) for its 58-year mission of providing scholarships, noting that nearly half of ITB students require financial aid.

Food Minister Confirms Free Nutritious Meals Prioritised for Pregnant Women, Toddlers, and 3T Regions

The Indonesian government is sharpening the focus of its Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme to prioritise pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, toddlers, and communities in underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost (3T) regions. A ministerial coordination meeting also revealed data corrections eliminating millions of duplicate student and teacher records to ensure the state budget is precisely targeted. The government further tightened food safety regulations, warning that thousands of nutritional service units face permanent closure if they fail to obtain mandatory hygiene certificates.

Houthi Missile and Drone Attack Kills 58 Yemeni Soldiers, Worst Since 2022

A Houthi missile and drone assault on military camps in Marib and Hadramawt has killed at least 58 government soldiers, marking the deadliest escalation since the 2022 truce collapse. The Iran-backed group also launched cross-border artillery fire into Saudi Arabia's Najran region, injuring 11 civilians. Yemen's internationally recognised government has vowed retaliation as the conflict threatens to spiral further.

Popular: 995 firearms at South Jakarta school and Depok mutilation case

A round-up of Friday's most-read stories includes the discovery of 995 firearms, pornographic material, and drugs at a private school in South Jakarta. Police are also investigating a potential same-sex relationship angle in a murder and mutilation case in Depok. Additionally, former Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati has been appointed to a senior role at the World Bank.

Minister Confident Russia and China Will Invest in Trans-Kalimantan Railway Project

Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi has expressed confidence that Russia and China will invest in the development of the Trans-Kalimantan railway network. The government is currently exploring investment options and has already established communication with potential foreign investors, who are now calculating their proposals. This initiative follows a direct order from President Prabowo Subianto to accelerate railway development across both Sumatra and Kalimantan.

Prabowo Receives Latest Report on Kampung Haji Project and SOE Transformation

President Prabowo Subianto has been briefed on the progress of the Kampung Haji development in Saudi Arabia, which has reached the architect selection and illustration phase. Danantara CEO Rosan Roeslani also reported on potential investment opportunities, including a stake in Madinah's airport, and detailed ongoing efforts to streamline state-owned enterprises. The restructuring aims to cut bureaucratic layers in major firms like Pertamina and PLN, with the government targeting a reduction of SOEs to a maximum of 350 by the end of 2026.

DR Congo Bans Copper and Cobalt Concentrate Exports to Boost Domestic Processing

The Democratic Republic of Congo has officially banned the export of copper and cobalt concentrates in an aggressive push to force domestic processing and retain greater value from its mineral wealth. The decree, signed by three ministers, takes effect immediately but allows for one-year waivers under unspecified strategic circumstances. The move, which briefly lifted copper prices on the LME, is accompanied by a stricter tax regime for economically significant mining by-products.

President Prabowo Subianto Pushes BRIN to Study E100 Ethanol-Blended Petrol, Marking New Phase in Energy Transition

President Prabowo Subianto has directed the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) to conduct a comprehensive study on the implementation of plant-based fuel blends, including trials of petrol mixed with up to 100 percent ethanol (E100). The initiative aims to accelerate Indonesia's energy transition and strengthen national energy independence. BRIN will also assess the implications of increasing biodiesel blends from the current B50 to B60 and eventually B100.

Suryakencana Meadow on Mount Gede Briefly Engulfed by Fire, Now Extinguished

A wildfire broke out at the Suryakencana Meadow in Mount Gede Pangrango National Park, West Java, on Thursday afternoon. The blaze, which affected land in the western area near Mount Gumuruh, was successfully extinguished within three hours by volunteers and local residents using makeshift tools. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.

Trump Frustrated as US Appears Weak Against Iran Due to Ammunition Shortages

President Donald Trump has reportedly expressed anger over public disclosures about dwindling US ammunition stockpiles, which he believes make the country appear weak during a critical phase of conflict with Iran. The issue was a focal point during a recent cabinet meeting at Camp David, where Trump was frustrated by media reports highlighting the shortages. Despite being aware of the potential problem, Trump was reportedly upset that the information surfaced at a sensitive time when the US aims to project strength in negotiations with Tehran.

At Least 100 Migrants Die Amid Ceuta Migration Crisis

The mayor of Ceuta has confirmed the deaths of at least 100 migrants attempting to enter the Spanish enclave in North Africa. The tragedy occurred during a large wave of arrivals in late July, which saw around 72,000 people enter the city. Spanish authorities reported that approximately 70,000 of those individuals subsequently returned to Morocco.

Minister Dody Confirms Public Works Ministry Handling 492 Drought Points

Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo has confirmed that his ministry is addressing 492 drought-affected locations across Indonesia. The effort aims to safeguard water availability for communities and the agricultural sector, with 442 sites already resolved. The intervention has saved 22,210 hectares of paddy fields and provided clean water to over 155,000 people.

Korlantas Enforcement Chief: Viral Information Is Not Necessarily Fact, Don't Easily Believe Hoaxes

The National Police Traffic Corps' Director of Law Enforcement has warned the public and his officers about the dangers of misinformation in the post-truth era. He cited a case in Bogor where a police officer was falsely portrayed as accepting a bribe in a viral video. The official also debunked several circulating hoaxes, including false claims about new traffic fines and a return to manual ticketing.

EV Incentives Prioritised for High-Value-Added Vehicles

Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita has stated that electric vehicle incentives will be directed towards products with high local value addition and those part of national car programmes. The Ministry of Industry is prepared to support the Finance Ministry's forthcoming incentive policy. Technical aspects will be prepared in accordance with the eventual ministerial regulation.

Rupiah Opens Stronger This Morning, US Dollar Dips Slightly to Rp17,905

The Indonesian rupiah opened slightly stronger against the US dollar on Friday, trading at Rp17,905 per dollar. The modest appreciation comes ahead of the release of Indonesia's foreign exchange reserves data for July, which will be closely watched amid global volatility. The rupiah's movement is also being influenced by a rebounding dollar, supported by rising oil prices and US Treasury yields.

WTP Not the Final Goal, AHY: Make It a Moral Standard for State Financial Governance

Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) has stated that an Unqualified Opinion (WTP) audit result should be viewed as a moral standard rather than just an administrative achievement. He emphasised that the opinion must serve as a foundation for continuous improvement in transparent and accountable state financial management. AHY made the remarks after receiving the Audit Results Report for the 2025 fiscal year from the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK).

Only 7 IPOs Until July 2026, IDX Optimistic Four Companies Will List Soon

The Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) has seen just seven initial public offerings raising Rp 2.16 trillion through July 2026, with RANS Entertainment being the latest to list. Despite the slow pace, four more companies are in the pipeline, including two large-asset firms, as the bourse focuses on listing quality companies to deepen the capital market.

Indonesia's QRIS Digital Payments Double in First Half of 2026

Bank Indonesia reported that QRIS transaction volumes surged 100% year-on-year to 12.55 billion in the first half of 2026, with values reaching Rp 600.69 trillion. The rapid adoption of the national QR code standard, now used by 66 million users and 44.8 million merchants, underscores its role as a key driver of digital financial inclusion, particularly for MSMEs. The central bank is on track to meet its full-year targets as the system continues to unify the country's fragmented payment landscape.

IHSG Opens Higher Amid Mixed Asian Markets and Weakening Wall Street

The Jakarta Composite Index (IHSG) opened slightly higher on Friday, defying a mixed performance in Asian markets and a downturn on Wall Street. Analysts predict continued strengthening for the IHSG, with support and resistance levels identified. Market sentiment is being influenced by corporate earnings, AI sector movements, and a potential peace deal between the US and Iran.

Indonesian Stock Exchange Opens Higher, JCI Holds Above 6,350

The Jakarta Composite Index opened in positive territory on Friday, extending its upward trend amid mixed global cues. Investors are balancing optimism over potential easing of oil supply pressures with caution ahead of key US employment data and the release of Indonesia's foreign exchange reserves.

Health Minister responds to 'unempathetic' health workers; SPPG head dismissed

Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin has stressed that health workers must not display a lack of empathy towards patients, following online comments about a BPJS Kesehatan patient. Separately, the National Nutrition Agency has dismissed the head of a Nutrition Fulfilment Service Unit in Jayapura after a food poisoning incident linked to the Free Nutritious Meals programme.

BRIN Explores Coal Innovation Partnership with North Dakota

Indonesia and the United States are exploring a new research partnership focused on gasification technology for low-calorie coal. The collaboration between the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) and North Dakota partners aims to add value to Indonesia's energy resources. Discussions also covered potential cooperation in agriculture, specifically wheat, to support national food security.

Indonesia's 'Rare Treasure' for Nuclear Power: 89,000 Tonnes of Uranium Potential

Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has presented its nuclear technology innovations to President Prabowo Subianto. The agency highlighted the country's significant potential for nuclear fuel, citing reserves of 89,000 tonnes of uranium and 143,000 tonnes of thorium. The presentation also covered alternative energy sources, including compressed natural gas and biofuel development.

Police Arrest Creator of AI-Manipulated Video of President Prabowo

Indonesian police have arrested a man in Surabaya for allegedly creating and distributing a deepfake video of President Prabowo Subianto using artificial intelligence. The video, posted on TikTok and Instagram, falsely depicted the president and included a narrative claiming the country would be in chaos under his leadership. Authorities stated the suspect's motive was to increase his social media following and views.

BGN Chief Reveals Potential 6 Million Reduction in Free Nutritious Meal Recipients Due to Duplicate Data

The Head of Indonesia's National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has disclosed that approximately 6 million duplicate entries have been found in the data for the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme. The duplicates, often involving students registered under multiple institutions, could significantly reduce the official number of beneficiaries. The government is currently synchronising databases across ministries to ensure aid reaches the correct targets.

PAM Jaya's Transformation Seen as Foundation for Piped Water Access

A public service researcher has praised PAM Jaya's ongoing transformation as a critical foundation for delivering modern, professional, and community-oriented piped water access in Jakarta. The company is targeting 100 per cent service coverage by 2029 and a significant reduction in water loss from 46.2 per cent to 9 per cent. The leadership of President Director Arief Nasrudin, noted for his direct field inspections, was highlighted as a key driver of the utility's improved responsiveness and operational efficiency.

Telkom Plants 20,000 Mangroves to Strengthen Coastal Ecosystem Resilience

State-owned telecommunications giant Telkom Indonesia has planted 20,000 mangrove seedlings in Central Java and East Nusa Tenggara as part of its GoZero sustainability initiative. The programme, which aligns with the Danantara Indonesia investment strategy, aims to mitigate coastal abrasion, absorb carbon emissions, and empower local communities. The company has planted over 179,000 mangroves across the archipelago between 2024 and 2026.

AGO's Team 9 to Question Febrie Adriansyah at KPK Detention Centre Today

The Attorney General's Office is set to question former junior attorney general for special crimes, Febrie Adriansyah, today regarding money laundering charges. He is currently being held at the Corruption Eradication Commission's detention centre. The case involves the discovery of 74 kilograms of gold and Rp543 billion in cash.

25 Students and Teachers in Bogor Suffer Food Poisoning After Suspected Free Nutritious Meal

A total of 25 students and teachers from an elementary school in Dramaga, Bogor, fell ill with symptoms of food poisoning after consuming a government-provided free nutritious meal. The victims experienced nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea and were taken to a local community health centre for treatment. Authorities are prioritising medical care and investigating the incident, which involved a menu of rice, egg balado, fried tempeh, and vegetables.

Social Affairs Ministry Forms Special Task Force to Accelerate Permanent Sekolah Rakyat Construction

The Ministry of Social Affairs has established an ad hoc task force to expedite the construction of permanent buildings for 61 pioneering Sekolah Rakyat sites currently operating in temporary facilities. The move aims to prevent the potential closure of these schools next year due to inadequate capacity, as the sites face administrative land hurdles that have excluded them from the Public Works Ministry's initial quota. The task force will coordinate with local governments and multiple ministries to resolve land status issues ahead of a desk evaluation scheduled for 12 August 2026.

Indonesia's Tanjung Sekong Becomes World's First LPG Terminal to Earn Green Certification

PT Pertamina's Tanjung Sekong LPG terminal in Cilegon has become the first LPG terminal globally to receive the Green Terminal Label Certification from Bureau Veritas. The state-owned energy firm achieved a two-star rating, highlighting its integration of renewable energy and sustainable operational practices. This milestone is part of Pertamina's broader strategy to implement green standards across its energy facilities.

Private Employee in Cimahi Arrested for Manipulating Prabowo Video Using AI

A private sector employee in Cimahi has been arrested for allegedly using artificial intelligence to manipulate images of President Prabowo Subianto. The suspect, identified as FG, is accused of creating and distributing a video containing negative narratives about the president. West Java Police confirmed the arrest and the seizure of electronic evidence, including a mobile phone and social media accounts.

Government Encourages Aceh Disaster Survivors to Recover and Resume Economic Activities

The Indonesian government is providing economic stimulus to disaster survivors in Aceh, including Rp5 million in business capital per eligible family, to help them regain financial independence while awaiting full rehabilitation. The initiative aims to complement infrastructure reconstruction by enabling micro-enterprises, with one survivor successfully establishing a small drink stall in temporary housing.

ESDM Speaks Out on Reasons for Lowering Mining Commodity Production, Here's the Culprit

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has clarified that the decline in mining production is a deliberate policy to prevent over-exploitation of natural resources. While production volumes have fallen, the ministry notes that the monetary value remains stable due to rising commodity prices. A significant drop in copper output was also attributed to a landslide at Freeport Indonesia's Grasberg Block Cave mine, which has reduced its operating capacity to 50 per cent.

Stock Recommendations Today: DSSA, BKSL, to SMGR

The Jakarta Composite Index (IHSG) weakened slightly amid mixed sectoral performance and foreign net selling. Several corporate actions were highlighted, including a new mining explosives contract for Ancora Indonesia Resources and Ciputra Development's new beach club project in Bali. Mega Capital Sekuritas issued buy recommendations for five stocks, including DSSA and SMGR.

New US nuclear weapons strategy assessed to increase risk of war

A proposed shift in US nuclear doctrine to expand the use of tactical nuclear weapons could destabilise fragile deterrence relationships and heighten the risk of nuclear conflict, according to the Arms Control Association. The plan, reported to focus on short-range tactical options in potential clashes with Russia or China, has drawn sharp criticism. Russia has consistently stated it does not threaten NATO members but will not ignore actions endangering its interests.

Hundreds of Firearms at South Jakarta Private School Declared Legal and Licensed, Claimed for Extracurricular Use

A total of 995 firearms discovered at a private school in Pondok Pinang, South Jakarta, have been claimed as legally owned and licensed by PT Lokta Karya Perbakin. The company's director stated the weapons, mostly non-functional airsoft guns and spare parts, were intended for a school shooting and archery extracurricular programme planned since 2021. The company also alleged that the storage room had been taken over by unauthorised parties since April.

With Entrepreneurship Aid from Social Affairs Ministry, Oneng Stops Begging

After nearly a decade of begging at a Bandung intersection, Oneng has transformed her life through a Rp 2.6 million entrepreneurship grant from the Ministry of Social Affairs. The funds enabled her to open a small stall selling coffee, drinks, and instant noodles, providing a sustainable income for her family. The ministry continues to monitor her progress to ensure the aid effectively improves the livelihoods of its recipients.

Prabowo Asks BRIN to Test Fuel Blends with Up to 100% Ethanol

President Prabowo Subianto has requested the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) to study the implications of implementing biodiesel blends of up to 100% and petrol-ethanol blends of up to 100%. The move aims to explore alternative energy sources, with BRIN also showcasing innovations in waste-to-energy technology and gas storage. The president expressed particular interest in technologies that could reduce state expenditure and revolutionise Indonesia's energy sector.

Iranian Parliament Reviews Bill to Ban US and Israeli Ships from Strait of Hormuz

Iran's parliament is deliberating a draft law that would prohibit American and Israeli vessels from transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The proposed legislation also includes penalties for violators and seeks to grant Iran and Oman joint authority over shipping traffic in the strategic waterway. The move comes amid reports of a separate, near-finalised interim agreement between the US, Iran, and Oman on restoring maritime traffic.

Health Ministry Reveals Why Yurizal Had to Wait 8 Hours in RSCM Emergency Department

The Indonesian Ministry of Health has clarified that the eight-hour wait endured by a BPJS patient at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital's emergency department was due to limited capacity in the High Care Unit, not emergency room delays. The patient, Yurizal Tri Chaerawan, required intensive care and had to wait for a bed to become available. The case sparked public outcry and led to an ethics investigation into healthcare workers who mocked the patient online.

Supporting Downstreaming, Agriculture Ministry Provides Direct Assistance to Plantation Seed Businesses in North Sumatra

The Ministry of Agriculture is providing direct assistance to plantation seed businesses in North Sumatra to accelerate the national downstreaming programme. The initiative aims to resolve administrative bottlenecks that delay business licensing, with officials noting that only 77 out of 119 applications were approved in the first half of 2026 due to technical discrepancies. The government is urging a two-way commitment between verifiers and applicants to improve the efficiency of the licensing process.

Bandung Zoo Employees Commemorate One Year Since Closure Amid Management Transition

Employees of Bandung Zoo held a commemorative event marking one year since the zoo's closure due to internal management conflicts. The transition coordinator stated that staff have been assured they will retain their jobs under the new management, PT Faunaland, although the exact reopening date remains unclear. The zoo's animal health and operational conditions are reported to have stabilised with support from the Ministry of Forestry and the Bandung city government.

Asian Markets Rise in Unison Ahead of Weekend

Asian-Pacific markets broadly advanced on Friday, driven by investor focus on upcoming Chinese trade data and renewed hopes for a diplomatic resolution in the Strait of Hormuz. The positive sentiment was tempered by a decline in Australia's benchmark index, while comments from US President Donald Trump signalling a potential end to hostilities with Iran also buoyed regional markets.

Army Responds to Claim That Garuda Scout Certificate Allows TNI-Polri Entry Without Test

The Indonesian Army has clarified that holding a Pramuka Garuda certificate does not exempt applicants from standard recruitment tests, contradicting an earlier statement by the national scout chief. While the certificate is valued as a national-level achievement and provides a plus point during selection, all candidates must still complete the full administrative, physical, psychological, and ideological assessment process. The Army emphasised the need for clear communication to avoid public misperception regarding its partnership with the scouting movement.

Ministry: Author of 'Nobel MBG' Paper Listed Names Without Consent

Indonesia's Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology has revealed that individuals named as co-authors of a paper proposing the Free Nutritious Meals programme for a Nobel Peace Prize nomination were included without their knowledge or consent. The paper, which listed President Prabowo Subianto, sparked public debate. An investigation is ongoing into the lead author, identified by the initials DD, who is not a professor and has since apologised.