Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 7 August 2026

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DPD Chairman Backs Sago Cooker Innovation to Strengthen Food Security

The chairman of Indonesia's Regional Representative Council (DPD), Sultan B. Najamudin, has endorsed the Sago Cooker, a locally developed appliance designed to simplify sago processing. The innovation aims to boost the use of sago as a staple food alternative and support national food diversification. The device's creator, Aurora Bellatrix Dakka, is seeking collaboration with regional governments to enhance the commodity's economic value.

Amartha Not Yet Aiming for Elite Label Status for Amartha 10X Run

Amartha Financial is prioritising participant experience and MSME engagement over obtaining an elite label for its annual Amartha 10X Run. The third edition of the event, themed 'We Go Beyond', is scheduled for 6 September 2026 at Gelora Bung Karno, Jakarta. The fintech company aims to use the run to promote healthy lifestyles and introduce its ecosystem to the public, particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises.

Vitamin A Month Launched and Matahari Posyandu Inaugurated in Sleman to Combat Stunting

The Sleman Regency government, in collaboration with BRI and the Rabu Biru Foundation, has inaugurated the Matahari Posyandu and launched a Vitamin A Month initiative. The programme aims to strengthen community health services by focusing on nutritional supplementation for infants and toddlers during the crucial first 1,000 days of life. The revitalised facility is expected to serve as a centre for maternal and child health, nutrition education, and stunting prevention.

Deputy Home Minister Bima Arya Urges Making Reforestation a Sustainable Movement

Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Bima Arya Sugiarto has called on regional governments to transform reforestation from a ceremonial activity into a sustainable movement that delivers ecological and socio-economic benefits. He stressed that successful land rehabilitation requires cross-sector collaboration, proper maintenance, and a culture of care beyond just planting trees. The Ministry is also pushing for environmental indicators to be integrated into regional development planning and evaluation.

BPJS Kesehatan: Strengthening Referrals to Prevent Patient Overcrowding

BPJS Kesehatan has called for a strengthened tiered referral system to ensure national referral hospitals are not overwhelmed with cases that could be handled at lower-level facilities. The agency is promoting real-time bed availability data and digital integration to improve patient distribution and service transparency. Indonesia's hospital bed ratio remains low at 1.4 per 1,000 people, highlighting the need for both better management and increased capacity.

Lintasarta Brings 4C Solution to Strengthen Regional Development Banks' Digital Infrastructure

Lintasarta has introduced its Intelligent Core ecosystem, integrating a 4C solution—Connectivity, Cloud, Cybersecurity, and Collaboration-AI—to bolster the digital capabilities of Indonesia's Regional Development Banks (BPD). The initiative addresses the varying levels of technological readiness and cybersecurity maturity among BPDs, aiming to provide efficient, tailored digital infrastructure. The company hopes this will enable BPDs to compete effectively while supporting regional economic growth.

BNPB Deploys Two Additional Water-Bombing Helicopters to West Kalimantan as Forest Fires Spread

The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has deployed two additional water-bombing helicopters to West Kalimantan to combat escalating forest and land fires. The burnt area has reached 28,680 hectares as of June 2026, already exceeding the total for the whole of 2025. With the weather forecast predicting hotter conditions and high flammability over the next three weeks, authorities are prioritising aerial operations as the lack of rain clouds makes weather modification efforts unfeasible.

KPK Searches House in Tegal, Allegedly Linked to Pemalang Case

Investigators from the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) conducted a search of a private residence in Tegal, Central Java, on Friday. The operation, which was carried out under tight police security, is believed to be connected to an ongoing corruption case in Pemalang Regency. The KPK has yet to issue an official statement regarding the specific case or the results of the search.

House Commission XII Chair Says Presidential Regulation on Tin Purchases to Be Issued Soon

The Indonesian government is expediting a Presidential Regulation to provide a legal basis for purchasing tin from community miners on Belitung Island. The regulation, reportedly already signed by President Prabowo Subianto, will allow state-owned PT Timah to resume buying tin ore while administrative processes for mining work plans are still ongoing. This move aims to prevent further disruption to local economic activity caused by the current lack of active mining permits.

AGO's Team 9 Examines Febrie as Suspect and Witness in Money Laundering Case

The Attorney General's Office (AGO) has interrogated former Junior Attorney General for Special Crimes, Febrie Adriansyah, in connection with a money laundering (TPPU) case. Febrie was examined in a dual capacity, both as a suspect and as a witness, by the AGO's Team 9. He is implicated in multiple cases, including money laundering and corruption linked to the ASABRI scandal and the discovery of 74 kg of gold.

Danantara Enters Protein Business: Partners with Global Producer in USD 2.5 Billion Investment

Indonesia's sovereign wealth fund Danantara is investing USD 2.5 billion for a 25% stake in a new joint venture with global protein giant JBS Group, focusing on operations in Australia and New Zealand. The partnership aims to leverage JBS's established international ecosystem and distribution networks to support the long-term development of Indonesia's protein sector. The joint venture could manage up to USD 5 billion in total funds, earmarked for acquisitions and greenfield projects across Indonesia, Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.

Cimahi City Government Slashes OPD Operational Budgets by 70% After IDR 230 Billion Cut in Central Transfers

The Cimahi City Government has been forced to cut operational spending across all regional apparatus organisations (OPD) by 70 percent following a significant reduction in Transfer to Regions (TKD) funds from the central government. The IDR 230 billion cut has placed severe strain on the city's fiscal condition, though officials are prioritising the protection of civil servant salaries and priority development projects. As a contingency, the local government is considering further rationalisation of activities and potentially applying for regional loans if the financial situation does not improve.

PBNU in Its Second Century Needs a Chairman with Strong Managerial Skills, Says Kiai Cholil

A senior NU cleric has stated that the greatest challenge for Nahdlatul Ulama in its second century is consolidating its vast, uncoordinated potential. He argues that the organisation's future chairman must possess strong managerial abilities to execute the decisions of the Rais Aam and the Muktamar effectively. The cleric noted that the chairman need not be a traditional kiai, citing historical precedent, but must be a capable executor who can translate the Syuriah's vision into measurable programmes.

Garut BPBD Assesses House Damaged by 5.3 Magnitude Earthquake

The Garut Regency Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) has assessed a house in Banjarwangi district reported damaged following a 5.3 magnitude earthquake centred southwest of Pangandaran. The semi-permanent structure, already in a deteriorated state, is now at risk of collapse, prompting officials to advise the family of six to limit their activities inside. Emergency logistical aid has been provided, and further structural handling is being coordinated with the housing and settlements agency.

National Nutrition Agency Dismisses 66 Kitchen Heads for Indiscipline, Including Online Gambling

Indonesia's National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has dishonourably dismissed 66 kitchen heads from the Free Nutritious Meal programme for severe indiscipline, including being absent for over 10 consecutive days and involvement in online gambling. An additional 60 personnel are undergoing internal coaching for conflicts with distribution partners. The agency is also mandating free health checks for all kitchen staff to improve programme governance.

Comedian Narji Cagur Strengthens PSI Consolidation in Banten's Lebak

Comedian Narji Cagur visited Lebak Regency to bolster the Indonesian Solidarity Party's (PSI) grassroots consolidation efforts ahead of future elections. The visit focused on absorbing community aspirations and strengthening party structures down to the neighbourhood level. PSI Banten officials reported that 1,200 out of over 1,500 targeted branch-level managements have been established.

Nintendo's Profit Surge from US Tariff Refund Sparks Consumer Lawsuit

Nintendo's net profit soared 53.5% to 147.4 billion yen, largely due to a refund of import tariffs previously deemed unlawful by the US Supreme Court. The windfall has angered American consumers who paid higher prices for consoles and games when the tariffs were in effect, leading to a class-action lawsuit demanding refunds. Nintendo has rejected the claims, asserting the prices paid were fair, while new tariffs imposed by the US government raise the prospect of similar disputes in the future.

South Korean Parents Flock to Open Investment Accounts for Newborns

A growing number of South Korean parents are opening investment accounts for their infants, prioritising long-term compound growth over traditional property assets. Brokerages report a near tripling of accounts for children under one year old, driven by tax advantages and easier remote account opening. Analysts suggest this trend reflects a shift in wealth-building strategies, though education funding remains the primary goal for middle-income families.

Minister Mu'ti Strengthens Principals and Tutors Ahead of First SNT Orientation

Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Abdul Mu'ti has provided reinforcement to school principals and learning support staff ahead of the inaugural student orientation for the Integrated National Schools (SNT). The minister emphasised the importance of creating a positive, safe, and high-quality learning environment from the very first day. He urged educators to view teaching as a continuous learning process and to become sources of inspiration for their students.

APPBI: Indonesia Shopping Festival 2026 to Boost Lower-Middle Class Purchasing Power

The Indonesia Shopping Festival (ISF) 2026 aims to stimulate the purchasing power of the lower-middle class by offering affordable, quality products and promotions. APPBI Chairman Alphonzus Widjaja stated the event provides a crucial platform for MSMEs to increase transactions amid sluggish consumption. He also noted that the upper-middle class remains less affected by purchasing power issues, with their spending more influenced by global economic factors like the rupiah exchange rate.

Ministry urges Perumnas to boost offtaker role, cut backlog

The Indonesian government is urging state-owned housing company Perumnas to strengthen its role as a housing offtaker to accelerate construction and reduce the national backlog. By purchasing units from developers, Perumnas would provide demand certainty, similar to Bulog's role in the food sector, encouraging contractors to expand development. The ministry plans to discuss strengthening this mandate with relevant state agencies to support urban housing for young workers.

YDML Helps Kampung Soa Build Added Value Through Citronella Oil

The Dahetok Milah Lestari Foundation (YDML) is assisting indigenous Papuan artisans in Kampung Soa, Merauke, to enhance the value of their local citronella oil commodity. The initiative includes providing production equipment, branding support, and market access training to boost community incomes. This effort is part of a broader push to strengthen downstream processing of local resources and will be showcased at the Papeda Summit 2026.

Kawasi Village Residents on Obi Island Now Enjoy 24-Hour Clean Water

Residents of the new Kawasi Village settlement on Obi Island, North Maluku, now have access to a stable, 24-hour supply of clean water, transforming daily life and supporting local businesses. The water is sourced from the Akelamo River and treated at a Water Purification Plant built by PT Obi Sinar Timur, with quality monitored by internal teams and accredited external laboratories. The relocation programme, initiated by the South Halmahera Regency Government, also provides residents with new basic infrastructure including schools, a health centre, electricity, and a 200-metre jetty to improve regional connectivity.

West Java Police Offer Free Late-Night Escorts for Residents, Seize Thousands of Illegal Items

The West Java Regional Police (Polda Jabar) announced a series of crime prevention measures, including offering free police escorts for residents returning home late at night. The initiative was revealed alongside the results of a major crackdown that led to the seizure of over 1,000 vehicles, 2.7 million illegal prescription pills, and various weapons. Authorities also plan to enhance community safety by improving street lighting and optimising neighbourhood watch posts.

Police Confirm Lone Macaque Responsible for 18 Attacks on Tembilahan Residents

Police in Indragiri Hilir have confirmed that a single long-tailed macaque was responsible for a series of 18 attacks on residents in Tembilahan between 23 July and 5 August 2026. The aggressive animal, which targeted mostly elderly people and children, has been captured by authorities. Officials noted that no further attacks have occurred since the monkey was secured.

AHY Distributes 80,000 Litres of Clean Water in Madura to Improve Public Welfare

Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) has overseen the distribution of 80,000 litres of clean water to communities and Islamic boarding schools across Madura as part of the Democratic Party's 'Langit Biru Indonesia ASRI' environmental movement. The initiative, which also includes waste management support and infrastructure advocacy, aims to address basic needs and improve the quality of life for residents. AHY reaffirmed the party's commitment to supporting President Prabowo's leadership by ensuring infrastructure development reaches essential public services.

Police Investigate Officials Using State Funds to Spread Hoaxes, Potential for Corruption Charges

Jakarta police are investigating the possibility that public officials used state funds to finance the creation and dissemination of provocative content and hoaxes on social media. Authorities have indicated that such actions could lead to corruption charges in addition to violations of electronic information laws. The investigation follows the recent arrest of 28 individuals for spreading false and inflammatory content online.

Governor Pramono Anung Calls Out Jakarta Civil Servants Dodging Public Transport Mandate

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has reprimanded civil servants who circumvent the mandatory use of public transport on Wednesdays by parking their private cars at IRTI Monas and walking to City Hall. He stressed that the policy aims to set an example for the public to shift from private vehicles to public transport, noting that the city's transit connectivity has reached 93%. The governor also confirmed that sanctions have been imposed on employees caught violating the rule.

South Jakarta School Clarifies Bunker Inspection, Police Found Weapons and Drugs

The management of a private school in Pondok Pinang, South Jakarta, has clarified that a bunker on its premises, previously reported to contain weapons, has been fully inspected by the police. Authorities discovered nearly 1,000 airsoft guns, several firearms, and a small quantity of narcotics. The school is now requesting the police to sterilise the remaining cordoned-off areas to ensure no dangerous items are left on the campus.

BGN to Label Meal Boxes with Expiry Time, Plans CCTV Integration and Food Safety Tech

Indonesia's National Nutrition Agency (BGN) will enforce new food safety rules for the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme, including labelling meal boxes with a strict consumption deadline. The move aims to prevent food poisoning after incidents where students saved portions to take home to their families. The agency also plans to integrate CCTV from all 27,000 MBG kitchens into a central monitoring system and will consult with BRIN on technology to detect spoiled food.

Bahlil Recounts Securing Rp153 Trillion EV Battery Investment Without Fluent English

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia recounted how he successfully negotiated an USD 8.6 billion (Rp153 trillion) investment commitment for an electric vehicle battery ecosystem while serving as Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM). Despite not being fluent in English and being perceived merely as a chairman rather than a minister by foreign counterparts, Bahlil managed to secure the deal. The investment commitment, negotiated with China, Japan, and South Korea, became the foundation for Indonesia's electric vehicle battery industry development.

Private Investment in Nusantara Capital City Reaches IDR 74.54 Trillion

The Nusantara Capital City Authority (OIKN) has recorded private investment commitments totalling IDR 74.54 trillion from 67 domestic and foreign investors. This influx of capital is intended to accelerate infrastructure development and support the ecosystem of the new capital. The government is also pursuing strategic regional partnerships, including with Central Java, to further boost investment and ensure inclusive economic growth.

Memory Chip Crisis Worsens in 2026, Chinese Firm Cashes In

The global RAM crisis continues to deepen, yet Chinese chipmaker ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT) is seeing strong sales. Its DRAM chips are now being used in notebooks from major brands like HP, Asus, and Acer, though in limited volumes and not in models sold in the United States. The cautious adoption reflects a balancing act by PC makers, who are wary of upsetting both Washington's trade restrictions and their dominant suppliers like Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron.

Rumours of New Deputy Defence Minister Spark Hopes for Strengthened Defence Industry Ecosystem

A defence academic has welcomed speculation that industry figure Norman Joesoef could be appointed as Deputy Minister of Defence, suggesting it would signal a positive shift towards innovation and self-reliance. The potential appointment is seen as a move to integrate systems thinking and international industrial collaboration into the country's long-term defence planning.

Prabowo Receives Report of Danantara Revenue Surging 400%

President Prabowo Subianto has announced that the revenue of Indonesia's Danantara investment body has reportedly surged by 400 per cent within a year. He noted that even if the exact figure is lower, the increase remains significant. The President also highlighted other achievements, including maintaining subsidised fuel prices and building nearly 2,500 village bridges.

114 Nutrition Kitchens in Papua to NTT to Begin Operations Next Week

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) will activate 114 nutrition fulfilment service unit kitchens next week, prioritising regions with high stunting rates and underdeveloped areas. The kitchens are located across Papua, East Nusa Tenggara, Maluku, and North Maluku. The agency also warned the public against fraudsters offering to facilitate kitchen activations for a fee.

National Integrated Schools to drive regional talent development

The Indonesian government is advancing the National Integrated Schools (SNT) programme to establish quality education centres across the country, starting with 17 regions in the 2026/2027 academic year. Officials emphasised that the initiative aims to nurture future leaders and reduce educational disparities, as only a small fraction of sub-districts currently have high-performing schools. The programme will prioritise local admissions and adopt a deep learning approach to foster critical thinking among students.

Soekarno-Hatta Airport Named Second Busiest in Southeast Asia

Soekarno-Hatta International Airport has been recognised as the second busiest airport in Southeast Asia by OAG, based on scheduled seat capacity of 3.32 million. The airport served 25.9 million passengers in the first half of 2026, with ongoing terminal revitalisation and technology upgrades aimed at enhancing its role as Indonesia's primary aviation hub.

Danantara and JBS Group Collaborate on Indonesian Protein Ecosystem Development

Indonesia's Danantara Investment Management has entered a long-term strategic partnership with global protein producer JBS Group, focusing initially on JBS's operations in Australia and New Zealand. The collaboration involves a $2.5 billion investment for a 25 percent stake in a new joint venture, with the potential for total capital to reach $5 billion. The venture aims to fund acquisitions and greenfield investments to bolster the protein ecosystem in Indonesia and the broader region.

ESDM: B50 Implementation the Result of Lengthy Development

Indonesia's Energy Ministry has stated that the implementation of B50 biodiesel is the culmination of a gradual, long-term development programme, not an instant decision. The fuel underwent extensive laboratory and 40,000-kilometre road tests on commercial vehicles, with components analysed alongside manufacturers. Industry players confirm their readiness, though they stress that consistent fuel quality monitoring at petrol stations is crucial for the programme's success.

Bandung City Government: Learning Activities at SDN 026 Bojongloa to Continue Amid Land Dispute

The Bandung city government has assured that education for approximately 900 students at SDN 026 Bojongloa will not be disrupted despite a land dispute. Mayor Muhammad Farhan stated that children's right to education must take precedence over legal formalities, with a gradual relocation to another school planned over two to three weeks. The city is also preparing land for a replacement school in Cibaduyut Kidul and has urged the winning heirs in the court case to allow time for the transition.

Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Pakistan pledge mutual defence as Middle East turmoil escalates

Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Pakistan have signed a collective defence agreement in Mecca, pledging to treat an armed attack on any one of them as an attack on all. The pact, which builds on longstanding military ties, is a response to escalating regional instability and missile attacks on Gulf states, though officials stress it is purely defensive and not directed at any specific actor. The agreement signals a significant shift towards regionally driven security coordination among key Sunni Muslim powers.

School Foundation Urges Police to Sterilise Premises After Discovery of Firearms and Drugs

A private school foundation in South Jakarta has requested a full police sterilisation of its premises following the discovery of nearly 1,000 airsoft guns, a firearm, and suspected narcotics. The foundation's legal representative confirmed that the items have been handed over to authorities for investigation. Police are continuing their probe after uncovering additional weapons and suspected cannabis and methamphetamine during a follow-up search.

Fate of 950 Free Meal Kitchens in Jeopardy, BGN Chief Reveals Root Cause

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has identified 950 kitchens under the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme that are suspected of failing to meet hygiene and sanitation standards, putting them at risk of permanent closure. BGN Chief Sudaryono stated that the SLHS hygiene certificate is now an absolute requirement, with a final deadline of 10 August 2026 for compliance. The agency has also introduced an automatic suspension system for violations, with penalties ranging from 10-day suspensions to permanent closure for repeated or severe infractions.

Penajam Paser Utara Police Arrest Two Drug Dealers, Seize 12 Packets of Methamphetamine

The Penajam Paser Utara Police have arrested two men suspected of distributing methamphetamine in the coastal area of Penajam, East Kalimantan. Officers seized 12 packets of the drug, cash, and mobile phones following a public tip-off and a joint operation between the narcotics and water police units. The suspects face charges under Indonesia's narcotics law, with one identified as a repeat offender recently released from prison.

VinFast Partners with Bank Danamon to Strengthen Electric Vehicle Ecosystem in Indonesia

Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast has signed a dealer financing agreement with Indonesia's Bank Danamon to bolster its local EV ecosystem. The partnership, announced at the GIIAS 2026 auto show, aims to provide flexible inventory and operational financing for VinFast's growing dealer network. The collaboration leverages Danamon's extensive domestic reach and the backing of global financial group MUFG to support Indonesia's transition to electric mobility.

Fate of IJU, Hamdan, and Acip After Acquittal in NTB DPRD 'Ghost Money' Case

Three members of the West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) have been acquitted in a gratuity case involving alleged 'ghost money'. The Ministry of Home Affairs had not yet processed their temporary dismissal before the verdict, meaning their full rights and salaries as legislators remain intact. The provincial government is now awaiting the official court decision to formally withdraw the suspension request.

Bahlil Recalls Early Days of Nickel Ore Export Ban, Facing Protests for Over a Month

Minister Bahlil Lahadalia recounted the chaotic early days of Indonesia's nickel ore export ban, a cornerstone of the downstreaming policy. Just days after his 2019 appointment as Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) head, he was ordered by President Jokowi to halt exports despite lacking formal authority. His decision, based solely on a meeting directive, sparked protests lasting over a month.

Risk Management: The Key to Business Survival Amidst Uncertainty

In an era of technological disruption, regulatory shifts, and volatile consumer behaviour, businesses often fixate on revenue growth while neglecting their defences. Effective risk management is not about avoiding risk entirely but about identifying, analysing, and mitigating potential threats before they escalate into financial or operational crises. Building a culture of preparedness, including contingency planning and emergency funds, is essential for long-term resilience.

Israeli Ministers Urge Continued Gaza Assault, Reject Trump Peace Roadmap

Israeli cabinet ministers have called for the resumption of military operations in Gaza and rejected a US-brokered peace roadmap. The demands were made during a security cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The ministers insist on the elimination of Hamas and oppose the second phase of the ceasefire plan drafted by the Gaza Peace Council.