Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 9 August 2026

Showing 301-350 of 715 articles

Minister urges child privacy protection after weapons and drugs found at school

Minister of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Arifah Fauzi has called for the protection of children's privacy and psychological well-being following the discovery of weapons, narcotics, and pornographic materials at a school in South Jakarta. The minister stressed that children should not be stigmatised for matters beyond their responsibility and urged schools to ensure safe learning environments. Police have secured nearly 1,000 airsoft guns, air rifles, a firearm, and suspected drugs from the premises.

Saving Water Beneath the Playing Field

Residents of Baros in Cimahi, West Java, have devised an innovative rainwater harvesting system beneath a local playing field to combat recurring seasonal droughts. The system channels rainwater into underground infiltration points and a 1,000-litre storage tank, providing a crucial water reserve during the dry season. This community-led initiative serves as a practical model for water conservation as other regions face the threat of drought.

Jambi Task Force Battles 50-Hectare Forest and Land Fire in Sungai Gelam

A joint task force in Jambi is continuing to fight a large peatland fire that has consumed 50 hectares in Muaro Jambi Regency. Three water-bombing helicopters and 300 personnel have been deployed to extinguish the blaze and prevent it from spreading further. Authorities have cordoned off the area with police tape as an investigation into the cause and ownership of the land gets underway.

Massive Leak Nearly Destroys a City, Hundreds Killed

A catastrophic pipeline leak in Cubatão, Brazil, in 1984 caused a devastating fire that killed over 500 people and destroyed most of the Vila Socó shantytown. The disaster, which saw residents collecting spilt petrol before it ignited, prompted Brazil to significantly strengthen its oil industry safety regulations. The tragedy ultimately contributed to the enactment of a national law in 2000 on oil pollution prevention and control.

Making the Dairy Industry a New Economic Star: Indonesia Still Has Much Homework

Indonesia's fresh milk processing industry surged by 29.89% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2026, driven by demand from the free nutritious meal programme. However, domestic production only meets a quarter of national needs, with imports covering the rest. Boosting the dairy cow population and local milk output remains a critical challenge to reduce reliance on imports.

Museum Bali: A Showcase of the Island of the Gods' Culture

Museum Bali in Denpasar houses over 16,000 artefacts spanning prehistoric times to the colonial era, offering a comprehensive look at the island's cultural evolution. The collection includes a Homo sapiens skeleton, ancient farming tools, and ritual objects, with exhibits designed to reflect the peaks of Balinese culture. Entry fees vary for domestic and international visitors, and the museum rotates its displays biennially to showcase different themes.

Forestry Ministry Shifts Focus from Perpetrators to Proceeds of Forest Crime

Indonesia's Ministry of Forestry is adopting a new integrated law enforcement paradigm targeting the economic incentives behind illegal logging and wildlife trafficking. The approach will utilise a multi-door strategy, incorporating anti-corruption, taxation, and financial sector laws to dismantle organised criminal networks. A recent multi-stakeholder meeting outlined strategic steps including asset recovery, forensic science, and integrated standard operating procedures.

KAI Records 14,890 Items Left Behind by Passengers, Worth IDR 10.84 Billion

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) has logged nearly 15,000 lost items across its network from January to July 2026, with an estimated total value of IDR 10.84 billion. The state-owned railway operator noted that over 7,000 items have been successfully returned to their owners following verification. KAI has urged passengers to double-check their belongings before alighting, particularly during busy weekend travel periods.

Celios Assesses Labour-Intensive Programmes as Key to Boosting Village Economies

The Center of Economic and Law Studies (Celios) has highlighted the effectiveness of labour-intensive cash-for-work programmes in stimulating job creation and economic activity at the village level. The think tank noted a significant reduction in such programmes over the past year, which traditionally support rural economies through daily wage employment. This comes as the national statistics agency reported a slight increase in Indonesia's Gini ratio, indicating rising expenditure inequality.

BI NTT Records 2,977 QRIS Transactions at Garuda Sakti Fest 2026 in Atambua

Bank Indonesia's East Nusa Tenggara office recorded 2,977 QRIS transactions during the Garuda Sakti Cross Border Fest 2026 in Atambua, a region bordering Timor Leste. The event, held from 4-8 August, aimed to expand the digital economic ecosystem in border areas and involved 120 local MSMEs. The initiative is part of a broader effort to promote rupiah sovereignty and digital payment literacy in the region.

Disruption Resolved, Bogor-Jakarta Commuter Line Services Return to Normal

Commuter line services on the Bogor-Jakarta Kota route have resumed normal operations following a train fault at Bojong Gede Station. The disruption, which occurred on Sunday afternoon, caused delays of up to 35 minutes for one service before the faulty train was moved to a depot for further repairs. KAI Commuter has apologised for the inconvenience and urged passengers to follow official instructions.

GAPKI Reveals Key to Maintaining Indonesia's Global Palm Oil Leadership

The Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI) has stressed that boosting the productivity of smallholder farmers is crucial for meeting domestic demand and retaining the country's position as the world's leading palm oil market. The industry's resilience was highlighted by its generation of approximately US$39.2 billion in foreign exchange during the pandemic. Stakeholders at the Borneo Forum in East Kalimantan also emphasised the need for downstream industry development, innovation, and transformation to strengthen the sector's future.

Manggala Agni builds 19 embung to tackle 64 ha of forest and land fires in Pelalawan, Riau

The Manggala Agni task force has constructed 19 water retention basins (embung) to combat forest and land fires spanning 64 hectares in Pelalawan Regency, Riau. Firefighting efforts are facing significant challenges due to dense fuel, thick smoke, and strong winds, with the fire now encroaching on primary forest. Operations are being supported by a water-bombing helicopter and additional heavy equipment to open access routes.

Bromo Wildfire Still Raging, East Java BPBD Focuses on Extinguishing Efforts

The wildfire on Mount Bromo continues to spread, prompting East Java's disaster mitigation agency to prioritise extinguishing efforts. Access to the tourist area remains fully closed as the blaze has reached the savanna and threatens visitor safety. The decision to reopen the area rests with the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park authority.

Turkey Hopes Egypt Will Join Defence Pact with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan

Turkey has expressed its desire for Egypt to join the newly signed 'Mecca Joint Defence Agreement' alongside Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan described Egypt as a 'natural partner' and suggested the alliance could expand further to include other nations. The pact, signed amid regional instability caused by the US-Iran conflict, stipulates that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all.

Police Uncover Vape Cartridge Circulation Suspected of Containing Etomidate in Batam

Police in Batam have uncovered a suspected narcotics operation involving vape cartridges believed to contain the anaesthetic Etomidate. Two suspects were arrested and 74 cartridges of the 'THUGS' brand were seized from a hotel and a private residence. The suspects face a minimum of five years' imprisonment under the new Criminal Code.

Wall Collapse Injures 10 During Independence Day Walk in Sleman

A 1.5-metre-high perimeter wall collapsed onto residents resting after a community walk in Ngaglik, Sleman, injuring ten people. The incident occurred during a local event marking Indonesia's 81st Independence Day. Authorities reported the decades-old wall lacked adequate foundations or steel supports, and the government has pledged to cover medical costs for the victims.

Indonesia’s mineral strategy brings processing home, but deepens reliance on China

Indonesia’s ban on raw mineral exports has successfully forced processing onshore, creating jobs and industrial parks, but the downstream sector is now heavily dependent on Chinese investment, technology, and markets. This reliance poses strategic risks amid global trade tensions, as China has already weaponised its control over critical minerals. The challenge for Jakarta is to ensure the policy fosters genuine domestic expertise and higher-value manufacturing rather than simply relocating Chinese-controlled processing to Indonesian soil.

Sukma Bangsa Pidie School's Strategy to Build Student Independence Through Meaningful Learning

Sukma Bangsa School in Pidie, Aceh, has implemented a collaborative programme to foster student independence through experiential learning. The initiative, involving psychologists and university academics, uses creative methods like music to teach history and disaster awareness. The programme aims to help students envision their futures and develop practical life skills beyond traditional academic texts.

Bromo Fire Rages for Six Days, Indonesian Navy Deployed

A wildfire in East Java's Mount Bromo area has now been burning for six days, scorching over 176 hectares of land. The challenging terrain has forced authorities to deploy a naval helicopter alongside ground crews in a desperate bid to contain the blaze. The popular tourist destination remains closed indefinitely as integrated operations continue.

DKI Jakarta Sets Public Transport Fare at Rp1 for 81st Independence Day

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has announced a special fare of just Rp1 for all DKI Jakarta-managed public transport on 17 August 2026 to celebrate the 81st anniversary of Indonesian independence. The initiative aims to enliven the national holiday and provide affordable mobility for residents. The provincial government also reaffirmed its commitment to improving public transport, waste management, flood mitigation, and integrated infrastructure development ahead of Jakarta's 500th anniversary in 2027.

Bogor Holds Grand Red and White Parade with Giant Flags Ahead of 81st Independence Day

The city of Bogor hosted a vibrant Red and White Parade featuring five colossal national flags to mark the upcoming 81st anniversary of Indonesian independence. The procession, part of the 2026 Red and White Festival, saw students and soldiers carrying a 100-metre-long banner through the city's main thoroughfares.

Joint task force extinguishes 17 forest and land fires in Penajam Paser Utara during 2026

A joint task force in Penajam Paser Utara, East Kalimantan, has successfully extinguished 17 forest and land fires throughout 2026, preventing the potential spread of haze. The fires, which burned approximately 9.99 hectares across three sub-districts, were determined to be caused by human activity, specifically land clearing using fire during the dry season. Authorities are investigating landowners and have urged the public to cease slash-and-burn practices amid above-normal temperatures.

Jakarta Launches 24-Hour Call Centre 1500813 for Free Towing and Traffic Services

The Jakarta provincial government has introduced a new integrated call centre, 1500813, to provide round-the-clock assistance for traffic-related issues. The service, managed by the city's transportation agency, offers free towing and even free hearse guidance for residents. Governor Pramono Anung stated the initiative aims to cut through bureaucracy and reduce costs for citizens facing roadside emergencies.

Coordinating Minister Praises PNM's Empowerment Programme in Gresik

Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment Muhaimin Iskandar has praised PNM's ultra-micro business empowerment programme in Gresik, East Java, highlighting its effectiveness in boosting family economies. The initiative combines financing with comprehensive mentoring, helping entrepreneurs like fish paste producer Lisminah scale up production and market access. The programme also includes educational support through 'Ruang Pintar' and was accompanied by the distribution of economic aid via Baznas.

KPK Seizes Documents After Raiding 15 Locations in Pemalang Bribery Case

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has seized documents and electronic evidence after searching 15 locations across four regions in Central Java. The raids are part of an investigation into alleged extortion involving the suspended Regent of Pemalang, Anom Widiyantoro. The seized items include project documents from the Public Works and Spatial Planning Office and CCTV footage from a hotel in Magelang.

Metro Jaya Police SPN Holds Land Expedition to Strengthen Precise-Humanist Police Personnel

The Metro Jaya Police State School (SPN) conducted a land expedition for its 2026 officer cadets to build physical resilience and community-oriented character. The 7-kilometre route through villages and plantations was designed to foster mental, spiritual, and leadership qualities. The initiative aims to produce police personnel who are not only operationally strong but also precise, humanist, and beloved by the public.

Transjakarta Opens Special CFD Route from Senayan to Ancol, Fare Rp3,500

The Jakarta provincial government has launched a special Transjakarta bus route connecting Senayan to Ancol, operating exclusively during Car Free Day on Sundays. The service, which debuted with a promotional fare of Rp1, will eventually charge Rp3,500 and aims to provide a direct public transport alternative for citizens. Passengers will also receive free entry to the Ancol recreation area.

BNN Uncovers 1.2 Tonnes of Ketamine Worth IDR 2.1 Trillion on MV King Sun

Indonesia's National Narcotics Agency (BNN) has seized 1,298 kilograms of ketamine from the MV King Sun, with an estimated street value of nearly IDR 2.1 trillion. The operation, which followed months of intelligence tracking, resulted in the arrest of eight foreign crew members. Authorities have highlighted the case as a significant blow to transnational drug trafficking networks attempting to use Indonesian waters.

Police Investigate Identity of AGO Staff in Suspicious Death of Sutrimo

Police are probing the identity of a staff member from the Attorney General's Office linked to the suspicious death of Sutrimo in South Jakarta. The investigation includes plans to exhume the body and re-interview medical staff to determine the cause of death. The AGO has confirmed the staff member, Febrio Adiono, is an administrative employee and former aide to an ex-official, but denies knowledge of the victim.

Bank Jakarta and Persija Expand Collaboration to Digital Services

Bank Jakarta and Persija Jakarta football club have strengthened their partnership for the 2026-2027 season, moving beyond sponsorship to integrate digital banking services within the club's ecosystem. The collaboration includes developing loyalty programmes and benefits for supporters, alongside the launch of Bank Jakarta's new website. Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung expressed hope that the partnership would positively impact the community and support Persija's bid to win the league title ahead of the city's 500th anniversary in 2027.

Bromo Land Fire Reaches 520 Hectares, Three Helicopters Deployed

A wildfire in the Mount Bromo area has scorched approximately 520 hectares of land, including dry grasslands and edelweiss flowers. East Java Vice Governor Emil Elestianto Dardak is coordinating a response involving three water-bombing helicopters and hundreds of ground personnel. Strong winds and a shortage of manual firefighting tools are hampering efforts to extinguish remaining hot spots.

RI develops pyrolysis tech to back waste-to-energy plants

Indonesia is advancing pyrolysis technology to complement its waste-to-energy plants, as existing facilities are projected to handle only 22 percent of national waste. The government is collaborating with the Indonesian Army and local administrations on pilot projects in five regions, including Bogor and Jakarta. The initiative aims to reduce landfill dependency, mitigate fire risks, and generate economic and energy benefits from waste.

West Bandung DLH deploys team to investigate Cihaur River pollution

The West Bandung Environmental Agency is dispatching a monitoring team to trace the source of suspected pollution in the Cihaur River after reports of discoloured, foul-smelling water. The river in Padalarang District was observed turning red with foam and a pungent odour, raising concerns about damage to the ecosystem and impacts on local farmers. The agency will use field inspection results to determine enforcement actions against any party found violating environmental protection regulations.

Home Renovation Programme for Parents of 'Sekolah Rakyat' Students Commences in Madura

A collaborative home renovation programme between the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Ministry of Housing has begun in Sumenep, East Java, with field verification currently underway. The initiative targets the parents of students enrolled in 'Sekolah Rakyat' (People's Schools), aiming to improve living conditions as part of a broader poverty alleviation strategy. Nationally, the government plans to renovate 10,000 uninhabitable homes for these families through the Self-Help Housing Stimulant Assistance scheme.

Fish Taboos in Bima: Kuwe Brings Disaster, Belanak Causes Deafness

Residents of two communities in Bima, West Nusa Tenggara, maintain ancestral dietary taboos against eating specific fish. Villagers in Jia avoid kuwe fish due to a legend of a rescued ancestor, while Jatiwangi residents shun belanak fish, believing it causes illness and deafness.

DKI Jakarta Call Center 1500813 Offers Free Towing and Hearse Guidance

The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government has launched a new integrated call centre, 1500813, providing five free transportation services to residents. The services include free vehicle towing, emergency guidance, and hearse escorting, addressing common urban challenges. The initiative aims to offer a single point of contact for traffic-related issues, with a target response time of 15 minutes.

Creative Spaces Open Economic Opportunities for People with Disabilities

A foundation in Indonesia is creating economic opportunities for people with disabilities by integrating their artwork into commercial fashion products. The programme provides free art classes and facilities, with a portion of sales revenue reinvested to support the participants. The initiative addresses the low workforce participation rate among the country's disabled population, which stood at just over 20 per cent in 2025.

Turkish FM Urges Egypt to Join Muslim NATO Defence Pact Signed in Makkah

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has expressed hope that Egypt will soon join the newly signed Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, a pact involving Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan. The agreement, colloquially dubbed the 'Muslim NATO', aims to bolster regional stability and collective deterrence amid the ongoing US-Iran war. Fidan described Egypt as a 'natural partner' and suggested only minor technical issues remain before Cairo can join.

Beggar in Kudus Earns Rp540,000 a Day, Troubling Residents

A beggar in Kudus, Central Java, was found to be earning up to Rp540,000 daily, far exceeding the local minimum wage. The individual was detained by public order officers for aggressive panhandling near the Menara Kudus religious site. Authorities have committed to clearing the area of beggars and enforcing local regulations.

Affordable Housing Moves Further Away, Gen Z Struggles to Find Homes

A gap in Indonesia's housing market is leaving Gen Z and millennial buyers with limited options, according to Knight Frank. The 'missing middle' in the Rp500 million to Rp800 million price range forces young buyers to choose between distant suburban houses and unaffordable city apartments.

Open Unemployment Rate at 6.4 Percent, Cirebon City Government Optimises Job Training

Cirebon's open unemployment rate has reached 6.4 percent, prompting the city government to expand vocational training programmes. Welding courses have proven particularly popular, attracting over 100 applicants for an initial class of just 16. The local manpower office is strengthening partnerships with businesses to ensure graduates are either absorbed into the workforce or equipped to become entrepreneurs.

Indonesia and Iran agree to strengthen partnership in new technology and food security

Indonesia and Iran have agreed to expand scientific and academic cooperation in new technologies, including joint research and academic exchanges. The agreement, reached during a BRICS education ministers' meeting in India, also covers collaboration in food security, climate change, and renewable energy. Both nations aim to swiftly implement the proposed initiatives, building on their longstanding cultural and historical ties.

Video: Maintaining the Engine of Growth Through the Processing Industry

Indonesia's economic growth slowed to 5.29% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2026, down from 5.61% in the previous quarter, largely due to the end of the Ramadan and Lunar New Year consumption cycle. Despite the quarterly dip, the performance remained stronger than the previous year, supported by food and beverage consumption and growth in the non-oil and gas processing industry. The expansion of the processing sector is expected to boost employment alongside high investment levels.

MUI Issues 3 Reminders Regarding 17 August Independence Day Celebrations

The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has issued a warning against cross-dressing during Independence Day carnivals, stating it could covertly promote LGBT campaigns. The council also urged organisers to ensure parade routes do not disrupt traffic and prohibited using participant registration fees as prize money, equating the practice to gambling.

Gay Dismemberment Perpetrator in Depok Was Once a Maths Teacher and Appeared on TV

Police have identified Saepul (26), a gay man, as the perpetrator of the murder and dismemberment of a 51-year-old man in Depok. Before the crime, Saepul worked as a maths teacher in Banten and once appeared on a televised talent show. He has been charged with premeditated murder and faces the death penalty.

Police Pursue Two Suspects in Fibre Optic Cable Vandalism in Pademangan, North Jakarta

Jakarta police are hunting two suspects accused of orchestrating the vandalism of fibre optic cables in Pademangan, North Jakarta, which disrupted internet services. Four other individuals have already been arrested for carrying out the damage, allegedly motivated by business competition. The incident affected economic activity and public access to information, with the masterminds reportedly offering payments for the sabotage.

Gerindra: Prabowo's 'okay' rating for his government not a unilateral claim

The Gerindra Party has defended President Prabowo Subianto's assessment of his administration's two-year performance as 'okay', stating it reflects public satisfaction and is backed by survey data. The party highlighted achievements such as maintaining subsidised fuel prices and a significant increase in the financial performance of the Danantara Investment Management Agency. They cautioned, however, that the positive rating should serve as motivation for further improvement rather than complacency.

Nutrition Agency to Require Expiry Time Labels on Free Meal Containers from Next Week

Indonesia's National Nutrition Agency (BGN) will mandate that all containers for the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme display a consumption time limit starting next week. The measure aims to bolster food safety after incidents of food poisoning were linked to meals being consumed after the safe window or taken home. Teachers will be tasked with ensuring students eat the meals on site before the stated deadline.

The Health Risks of a Sedentary Lifestyle and How to Combat It

A sedentary lifestyle, defined by Indonesia's Ministry of Health as activities with very low calorie expenditure, is linked by the WHO to increased mortality. This pattern of prolonged sitting and inactivity raises the risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, and mental health issues. Experts recommend simple daily activities and 150-300 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week to mitigate these health dangers.