Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 9 August 2026

Showing 351-400 of 715 articles

Bulog strengthens Cheap Food Movement in Alor to stabilise prices

State logistics agency Bulog is intensifying its Cheap Food Movement (GPM) in Alor Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, to maintain price stability and ensure rice availability. With around 1,500 tonnes of rice stockpiled locally, the initiative aims to bring affordable staples directly to communities rather than leaving them in warehouses. The provincial government has praised the effort as a concrete step in safeguarding food security across the archipelago.

BPJPH Strengthens Rules and Sanctions for Halal Product Assurance

Indonesia's Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) has issued a new regulation detailing administrative sanctions for violations in the halal product assurance system. The regulation, enacted on 5 June 2026, aims to provide legal certainty and strengthen accountability within the national halal ecosystem. Sanctions range from written warnings and fines to the revocation of halal certificates and product withdrawals.

Capitalising Cash Behind Indonesia's Lush Leaves

Indonesia's forests and agricultural lands are gaining new economic value as carbon sinks within the country's developing carbon trading framework. The shift from viewing trees solely as moral obligations to recognising them as ecological assets is creating opportunities for diversified income streams, from fruit production to carbon credits. However, experts caution that rigorous measurement and verification are essential, and the benefits must reach smallholder farmers to avoid merely creating a new market that excludes them.

Cabinet Secretary Teddy Welcomed with 'From the Streets to Hope' Poem During People's School Visit

Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya and Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf visited the People's School in Tangerang, where students showcased their newfound confidence through poetry and music. The programme, initiated by President Prabowo Subianto, aims to provide free, quality education to underprivileged and out-of-school children, with 43,000 students already enrolled. The visit highlighted the transformative impact of the initiative, turning children who once worked on the streets into hopeful students.

Depok Father Arrested for Sexually Abusing His Child, Lured with Rp 200,000

A man in Cilodong, Depok, has been arrested for sexually abusing his 14-year-old child after luring the victim with a promise of Rp 200,000 in pocket money. The incident occurred in May 2026, but the case came to light after the victim confided in their mother. The suspect was taken into custody by Depok Metro Police in early August for further investigation.

Bogor-Jakarta Commuter Line Disrupted, Single Track Operation at Bojong Gede

Commuter line services between Bogor and Jakarta experienced delays on Sunday afternoon due to an operational disruption at Bojong Gede Station. Trains are currently operating on a single track alternately while engineers address the issue and prepare a replacement train set. KAI Commuter has apologised for the inconvenience and urged passengers to follow staff instructions and monitor official social media channels for updates.

AI Voice Cloning Threatens Voice Actor Profession

Artificial intelligence voice cloning technology is posing a significant threat to professional voice actors by replicating human voices with high accuracy. The SAG-AFTRA union is advocating for explicit consent, fair compensation, and control over digital identity to protect performers, while also exploring new licensing models. The issue raises complex questions about copyright, privacy, and the need for robust regulation to balance innovation with workers' rights.

Before Cabinet Secretary Teddy, parents of Sekolah Rakyat students moved to tears

Parents of students at the newly established Sekolah Rakyat (People's Schools) expressed deep emotion during a visit by Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya and Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf. The integrated boarding school programme, a flagship initiative of President Prabowo, provides free, 24-hour education and character building for children from the most underprivileged families. The government aims to complete 100 permanent schools this year, with plans to double that number by October 2026 to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty.

Iran Sets Conditions for Reopening Strait of Hormuz

Iran has outlined a series of preconditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, including compensation for war damages, complicating efforts to secure the vital global trade artery. Tehran's demands include a halt to US and Israeli aggression, lifting of sanctions, and release of frozen assets, amid a significant decline in shipping traffic due to repeated attacks on vessels.

BPN Batam Affirms Illegal Sea Plots Will Not Be Certified

The National Land Agency (BPN) in Batam has issued a firm warning that illegally reclaimed or sold sea plots will not receive land certificates. The agency stressed that only land with clear and clean legal status can be certified, and that marine areas remain public spaces. This stance aims to uphold legal certainty and prevent unlawful private claims over coastal waters.

Dozens of Tonnes of Farmed Fish Die in Muaro Jambi, Allegedly Due to Batanghari River Pollution

Mass fish deaths in Muaro Jambi, with up to 90 per cent mortality in some keramba, are being attributed to severe pollution of the Batanghari River. The contamination, suspected to stem from illegal gold mining and industrial waste upstream, has been exacerbated by low water levels during the dry season. Local officials and researchers are calling for urgent government intervention, including designating the river basin as a National Strategic Project to address the ecological crisis.

Egypt Ready to Deploy Full Force to Reject Forced Displacement of Gazans

Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty has warned that Cairo will oppose any plan to forcibly displace Palestinians from Gaza with 'full force', describing such a move as a 'red line' for Arab and Muslim nations. He argued that creating unliveable conditions to encourage 'voluntary' departure constitutes coercion and violates international law. The minister also expressed concern over increasing violations in the occupied West Bank, labelling them a de facto annexation that undermines the prospect of a Palestinian state.

Police to Exhume Body of Sutrimo After Death Deemed Suspicious

Jakarta police are preparing to exhume the body of Sutrimo, a former household head for an ex-deputy attorney general, following a family report deeming his death suspicious. The exhumation aims to clarify the circumstances surrounding his death after he was found lifeless at a clinic in July. The family initially had no suspicions but filed a report due to conflicting media reports.

Fire Engulfs Three Warehouses in Kosambi, Tangerang

A large fire has destroyed three warehouses, including a motorcycle spare parts facility, in the Kosambi industrial area of Tangerang. Firefighters from the regional disaster agency and Soekarno-Hatta Airport are still battling the blaze, which was reported on Sunday morning. The cause of the fire and the extent of the financial losses have not yet been determined.

Commemorating 81st Independence Day, PLN UID Yogyakarta Sends Two Mentored Innovations to FIKSI 2026 National Finals

PLN UID Yogyakarta, through its Rumah BUMN Gunungkidul programme, has successfully guided two student innovations from SMK Negeri 1 Saptosari to the national finals of the 2026 Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship Festival (FIKSI). The innovations, which utilise local resources such as shrimp shells and native tubers, highlight efforts to foster youth entrepreneurship and create sustainable economic value. The achievement is framed as part of the spirit of Indonesia's 81st Independence Day, focusing on building an independent and innovative young generation.

Iran Opens Door to Peace with US, Pezeshkian Reveals Conditions

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has stated that the current moment presents the best opportunity for a diplomatic agreement with the United States, citing national unity and strength following recent conflicts. He conditioned progress on Washington abandoning its long-standing distrust, while simultaneously launching a sharp critique of the US as a 'colonialist and criminal' state. Pezeshkian assured that any potential deal would not compromise Iran's political stance or the rights of its people.

Maluku Immigration Optimises 'Paspor Merdeka' Weekend Service Ahead of 81st Independence Day

The Maluku Regional Office of the Directorate General of Immigration is enhancing public access to passport services by operating its 'Paspor Merdeka' programme on weekends. The initiative, launched in the lead-up to the 81st anniversary of Indonesian independence, aims to assist citizens who are unable to apply for travel documents during regular working days. Officials stated the move reflects a commitment to flexible, professional service while also supporting non-tax state revenue from the immigration sector.

ASEAN Secretary General Kao stresses regional solidarity

ASEAN Secretary General Kao Kim Hourn marked the 59th ASEAN Day by calling for strengthened regional solidarity and unity to navigate increasing geopolitical and economic volatility. Speaking in Jakarta, he highlighted the accession of Timor Leste as the 11th member state and the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation as milestones demonstrating the bloc's resilience and commitment to peace. Kao stressed that maintaining ASEAN centrality is crucial for the region to overcome external disruptions and secure long-term stability and prosperity.

KOWANI Promotes Tempe to UNESCO, Over 1,000 Participants Enliven Fun Walk and Food Festival

The Indonesian Women's Congress (KOWANI) has intensified its campaign to secure UNESCO Memory of the World status for tempe, hosting a large-scale event in Jakarta that combined a healthy fun walk with a food festival. The initiative aims to preserve tempe's cultural heritage while promoting food security, economic empowerment for women, and the diversification of local food sources like sorghum and cassava. The event also featured a national declaration, a low-cost food programme, and health check-ups to support community welfare.

Spain Tightens Border Checks with Italy Following Migrant Surge

Spain has begun tightening border checks on travellers from Italy in a tit-for-tat response to Rome's similar measures, triggered by a massive influx of migrants into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta in North Africa. The dispute between the two EU and NATO allies has drawn concern from Brussels, with the EU's migration chief emphasising that internal border controls must remain temporary. The row highlights growing tensions within the Schengen area over the handling of irregular migration.

Where Allah Places His Pleasure and Wrath

The article explains the Islamic theological concept that Allah, by His will, has linked His pleasure to acts of obedience and His wrath to acts of disobedience. It cites the teachings of Al-Imam Al-Habib Abdullah bin Alawi Al-Haddad, who emphasised that obedience leads to paradise through divine mercy, while defiance leads to hell through divine justice. The piece reinforces this with Quranic verses from Surah An-Nisa, urging believers to seek forgiveness and protect themselves and their families from the fire.

Residents of Klungkung's Candigara Riverbank Seek Embankment After Recurring Floods

Residents living along the Candigara River in Kusamba, Klungkung, Bali, are urging the government to build a proper embankment after recent floods caused a retaining wall to collapse, damaging a bathroom and a family shrine. The acting village head has acknowledged the residents' request and forwarded it to the district head, stating that while residents were at fault for building on the riverbank, constructing the embankment is the government's responsibility. The community reports that the river, once clean enough for bathing, is now murky, foul-smelling, and prone to annual flooding.

Saudi Arabia Welcomes UN Security Council Condemnation of Houthi Attacks

Saudi Arabia has expressed its approval of the UN Security Council's condemnation of recent Houthi attacks targeting the kingdom and commercial vessels. Riyadh emphasised the need for compliance with international law and called for stricter enforcement of UN resolutions, particularly Resolution 2216, to ensure regional stability. The kingdom also reaffirmed its right to self-defence and its support for the legitimate Yemeni government.

DPR Urges Government to Review Proposed Salary Increase for Regional Heads

The House of Representatives has called for a comprehensive review of a plan to increase salaries for regional heads, stressing that any adjustment must be tied to measurable performance indicators. The proposal to revise Government Regulation No. 109/2000, which is over two decades old, has been acknowledged by the Home Affairs Minister as necessary due to inflation and currency depreciation. Lawmakers and officials are debating whether higher remuneration can reduce corruption, though many argue that strict oversight remains essential.

Nightclub Patrons in Bandung Found Consuming Tramadol

A police raid on nightlife venues in Bandung uncovered several patrons in possession of and having consumed illegal prescription drugs such as tramadol and alprazolam. The operation, conducted by the West Java Regional Police's Narcotics Directorate, targeted 15 locations to curb the circulation of narcotics and restricted substances. Urine tests are currently being processed to confirm the preliminary findings.

Will a Wife Be with Her Husband in Heaven in the Same Position?

A classical theological question regarding the status of wives in the afterlife is addressed by scholar Syekh Mahir Ahmad Ash-Shuffi. He explains that earthly concepts of status and reward cannot be directly applied to the eternal nature of paradise. The answer, supported by a hadith about the last person to enter heaven, suggests that divine reward far exceeds worldly comparisons and that believers should not limit their understanding of the afterlife to material or hierarchical terms.

Raffi Ahmad's Special Message to West Bandung Regent: Collaboration is Key

Presidential Special Envoy Raffi Ahmad emphasised the importance of central and regional government collaboration for the development of West Bandung Regency during the Jajarans Festival 2026. The event, celebrating the regency's 19th anniversary, was organised without using the regional budget and featured free food and beverages for the public, sponsored by Raffi Ahmad and his wife Nagita Slavina. The initiative aimed to boost local micro, small, and medium enterprises as part of a broader effort to stimulate the grassroots economy.

Minister of Immigration and Corrections Visits Taruna Heroes Cemetery Ahead of 81st Independence Day

Minister of Immigration and Corrections Agus Andrianto visited the Taruna Heroes Cemetery in Tangerang to pay respects and conduct social activities ahead of Indonesia's 81st Independence Day. The visit honoured young cadets and officers, including President Prabowo's uncle, who died in 1946 during a mission to disarm Japanese forces. The minister emphasised the importance of remembering the heroes' sacrifices to inspire national contribution.

Plastic Waste Turned into Paving Blocks, Supporting Waste Reduction Targets

An innovative recycling initiative in Jakarta is converting rejected plastic waste into environmentally friendly paving blocks, giving economic value to material previously destined for landfill. Each square metre of the product absorbs approximately 2.5 kilograms of difficult-to-recycle plastic, with the blocks sold commercially for between Rp150,000 and Rp200,000 per square metre. The project aims to advance the circular economy while reducing environmental pollution from plastic waste.

Indonesian Regions Besieged by Forest Fires, One Fatality Reported

Forest and land fires are spreading across several Indonesian regions, exacerbated by the dry season and El Niño, with one death reported in West Kalimantan. Major blazes have forced the closure of Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park and threaten to send haze across borders into Malaysia. Authorities are deploying combined teams to combat the fires and protect residents.

Iran to Open Strait of Hormuz, Except for US Warships

Iran is reportedly seeking a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz on the condition that US Navy warships are excluded, posing a direct challenge to Washington's decades-long military presence in the region. Negotiations, mediated by Oman, are ongoing to end the six-month war, but the US has rejected any restrictions on traffic through the vital waterway. The outcome is expected to grant Iran de facto control over the strait, with draft regulations also proposing to ban Israeli vessels and mandate compensation for damages before passage is permitted.

Turkey Hopes Egypt Will Join Saudi-Pakistan Defence Pact, Says Foreign Minister

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has expressed hope that Egypt will join the recently formed defence alliance between Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan. The pact, known as the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, is designed to bolster collective security and deterrence in the region. Fidan's comments come amid heightened regional tensions, including a recent drone attack on Egyptian territory.

Maluku Government Partners with ICMI to Strengthen Regional Research and Innovation

The Maluku Provincial Government is collaborating with the Indonesian Association of Muslim Intellectuals (ICMI) to enhance the local research and innovation ecosystem. The partnership aims to address the unique geographical challenges of the archipelago and translate academic studies into practical solutions for public welfare. Officials emphasised that the initiative should focus on boosting productivity, developing key commodities, and creating added value for the regional economy.

Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar Urges Sustainable Resource Management in South Kalimantan

Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar has called for the sustainable and environmentally conscious management of South Kalimantan's abundant natural resources. Speaking at an interfaith gathering in Banjarmasin, he stressed that preserving nature and maintaining social harmony are essential foundations for regional progress. The visit comes as the province grapples with severe forest fires and an energy crisis.

Video: The Urgency of Optimising Joint Business Groups to Strengthen BPD Liquidity and Services

The Regional Bank Summit 2026 highlighted the critical role of Joint Business Groups (KUB) in consolidating Indonesia's regional development banks (BPD). Bank Jakarta President Director Agus Haryoto Widodo emphasised that KUB synergies are vital for strengthening capital structure, competitiveness, and operational fundamentals. The summit detailed how groups led by Bank DKI and Bank Jatim are aligning their financial, risk, and technology frameworks to boost their contribution to both regional and national economies.

Countries Whose Citizens Travel Abroad Most Often: Where Does Indonesia Rank?

A Pew Research Center survey reveals that only 6% of Indonesian adults have travelled internationally, placing the country second to last among 24 nations polled. The study highlights a strong correlation between high-income economies and international travel experience, with European nations like the Netherlands and Sweden topping the list at 99%. Despite low current mobility, 27% of Indonesians who have never been abroad expressed no desire to do so even if given the opportunity.

Bulfest 2026 to Adopt Vintage Concept, Reviving 1980s-Era 'Dagang Patokan'

The Buleleng Regency Government will introduce a vintage theme for the 2026 Buleleng Festival, aiming to recreate the atmosphere of the 1980s. A key feature will be the revival of 'dagang patokan', a traditional independent small trader concept, in an effort to restore its positive image. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to strengthen micro, small, and medium enterprises (UMKM) while introducing local history to younger generations.

Backlog Remains High, Perumnas Begins Construction of Vertical Housing

State-owned housing developer Perumnas has commenced construction of the Samesta Alonia Jakarta vertical housing project to expand access to affordable homes for low-income communities. The initiative is part of a broader government effort to address the national housing backlog, with officials emphasising the importance of urban housing near economic centres. The project is designated as a national strategic initiative and is supported by cross-ministerial collaboration and banking partners to facilitate accessible mortgage schemes.

Pertamina Patra Niaga Board Reviews Energy Distribution and Community Empowerment

The Board of Commissioners of PT Pertamina Patra Niaga conducted a working visit to the Riau Islands to oversee operational readiness and national vital object security at the Tanjung Uban Integrated Terminal. The visit also included a review of the company's community development programme, Kampung Bahari Si Pelaut, in Batam. The terminal, which has been operating for nearly a century, handles over 2,900 ship movements annually and serves as a crucial energy distribution hub for Sumatra and West Kalimantan.

Indonesian Navy Foils Smuggling of 1.3 Tonnes of Ketamine from Tanzania-Flagged Vessel in Riau Islands

The Indonesian Navy, in a joint operation with intelligence and customs agencies, intercepted a major drug shipment of nearly 1.3 tonnes of ketamine from a Tanzania-flagged vessel in the waters north of Tanjung Berakit, Riau Islands. The illicit cargo, valued at an estimated Rp2.1 trillion, was discovered in 65 sacks aboard the MV King Sun, and eight foreign crew members have been detained. Authorities are continuing investigations to identify the shipment's intended destination and the parties responsible.

Pertamina Patra Niaga Preserves Indonesian Culinary Heritage Through BGCC

PT Pertamina Patra Niaga is promoting Indonesian culinary heritage through the Bright Gas Cooking Competition (BGCC) 2026, held in Tegal, Central Java. The event aims to boost public awareness of Bright Gas LPG products, particularly within the hotel, restaurant, and café sector, while providing a platform for creative expression. Three winners from the Tegal regional semifinal will advance to the grand final in Jakarta, competing for prizes including a culinary art course at Le Cordon Bleu in Thailand.

South Sumatra Police Partner with Village Governments to Prevent Forest and Land Fires

The South Sumatra Regional Police, through the Ogan Komering Ilir Resort Police, are strengthening forest and land fire prevention by collaborating with village administrations and local communities. The initiative includes public education on fire hazards and the distribution of social aid to foster closer ties. Authorities emphasised the importance of community involvement and early detection to mitigate the risk of fires and the resulting haze.

JKT48 Members Experience Royal Etiquette in Yogyakarta Palace's 'Abdi Dalem' Tour

Four members of the idol group JKT48 participated in the 'Abdi Dalem Experience' at the Keraton Yogyakarta, donning traditional Javanese attire and learning courtly etiquette. The programme, which includes learning classical dance, batik making, and rijsttafel dining, is part of the palace's cultural tourism package. The experience is priced at Rp 1.2 million for domestic tourists and Rp 1.4 million for international visitors, with a maximum daily quota of 20 participants.

China Spends 50 Years Planting Trees in the Desert, Here Are the Results

China's decades-long 'Green Great Wall' project on the edge of the Taklamakan Desert has transformed barren sand into a sparse carbon sink. Satellite data reveals the restored vegetation absorbs more carbon dioxide than it releases, a rare success for arid land reforestation. The project's viability, however, remains heavily dependent on meltwater from shrinking glaciers.

Environment Minister Reveals SixNine Padel Bandung Owner Pays Rp 100 Million Fine

The owner of SixNine Padel in Bandung has paid a Rp 100 million fine and agreed to plant 1,000 trees after illegally felling 10 trees to install a videotron. The Ministry of Environment confirmed the business admitted to the violation and faces additional sanctions for lacking a wastewater treatment plant and blocking public drainage. The videotron has been sealed by the city government for operating without a permit.

Police arrest four for cutting fibre optic cables in Pademangan over unfair business competition

Police in Pademangan, North Jakarta, have arrested four individuals for vandalising fibre optic cables belonging to a telecommunications company. The incident, which disrupted local internet services, was allegedly motivated by unfair business competition. The suspects face up to six years in prison under Indonesia's Telecommunications Law and the Criminal Code.

Groundbreaking of Samesta Alonia Jakarta, Perumnas Reports 100 Consumers Immediately Select Units

State-owned housing developer Perumnas has broken ground on the Samesta Alonia Jakarta subsidised vertical housing project, marking a significant step in addressing the urban housing backlog. The ceremony was immediately followed by 100 prospective buyers, predominantly young formal sector workers, selecting their units on the same day. Officials highlighted the project as a symbol of Perumnas' revival and a result of strong collaboration between central government, regional authorities, and state-owned enterprises.

Bali tests Indonesia's military readiness for quakes, tsunamis

Indonesia's military conducted a major operational readiness exercise on Bali's Merta Sari Beach, simulating a large-scale earthquake and tsunami response. The drill tested inter-agency coordination between the Army, Navy, Air Force, disaster agencies, police, and local governments, reflecting the high seismic risk in the densely populated tourist hub. Commanders emphasised the need for rapid, synchronised action to protect both residents and international visitors during a complex emergency.

Forestry Ministry Partners with KPK and OJK to Track Money Flows from Forest and Wildlife Crime

Indonesia's Forestry Ministry is intensifying its fight against illegal logging and wildlife trafficking by collaborating with the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and the Financial Services Authority (OJK). The strategy aims to dismantle criminal networks by targeting their financial gains, moving beyond merely prosecuting field operatives. A recent multistakeholder meeting outlined plans for an integrated task force, harmonised regulations, and enhanced forensic capacity to eliminate the economic incentives driving environmental crime.

Family Hands Over Investigation of Sutrimo's Death to Police

The family of Sutrimo, a man found dead under mysterious circumstances in South Jakarta, has formally reported his death to the Banyumas Police. They are seeking legal clarity regarding the cause of death after conflicting information circulated in the community. The family has not named any suspects and is leaving the investigation entirely to the authorities.