Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 10 September 2026

Showing 801-850 of 1,648 articles

Singapore PM Lawrence Wong's Salary to Rise to S$3.6 Million, Highest in the World

The Singaporean government has announced a significant increase in the annual salaries of ministers, bringing Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's total compensation to S$3.6 million. While Wong intends to donate the entirety of the raise to charity, the move has sparked public debate regarding economic inequality and the cost of living.

Chairman of LPS: All Insurance Companies to Participate in Policy Guarantee Programme

The Chairman of the Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS), Anggito Abimanyu, has confirmed that all insurance companies will be included in the upcoming Policy Guarantee Programme (PPP). While some companies will join as full participants, others will initially join under conditional status based on their financial health.

European natural gas prices hit highest level in over three years

European natural gas prices have surged to their highest levels in more than three years due to escalating Middle East tensions and concerns over LNG supplies. Low storage levels ahead of the winter season and potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz are driving market volatility.

The Impact of Forest Fires on Women and Children: A Double Burden Behind the Haze

Annual forest and land fires in Indonesia impose a multidimensional burden on vulnerable groups, particularly women and children, affecting health, education, and household economics. Experts call for government policies that move beyond firefighting to include social protection and the active involvement of indigenous communities.

Owner of 'Sound Horeg' Business Apologises After Viral Insult Towards MUI East Java

The owner of a large-scale sound system business, Setyo Budi Mularso, has issued a public apology after calling the East Java Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) 'stupid' during a live television broadcast. The incident, which sparked widespread controversy, has led to a reconciliation between the businessman and religious authorities in Karanganyar.

TNI, US Army conduct joint missile drills to counter air attacks

The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the US Army participated in missile-firing exercises as part of the Super Garuda Shield 2026 annual exercise. This multinational drill, involving 21 countries, aims to enhance interoperability, strengthen defence diplomacy, and improve troop readiness against security challenges.

US 'Mass Destruction Weapon' Rumours Triggering Earthquakes and Tsunamis: What Experts Say

An expert from the Indonesian Association of Disaster Experts (IABI) has debunked conspiracy theories claiming the US-based HAARP facility can trigger natural disasters. The specialist clarifies that the facility's radio waves interact only with the ionosphere and lack the physical mechanism to influence tectonic plates or volcanic activity.

Baznas strengthens muzaki management to increase public trust

The National Zakat Board (Baznas) is implementing a more professional and sustainable management strategy for zakat donors (muzaki) to optimise the collection of religious social funds. By focusing on transparency and real-world impact, the agency aims to encourage donors to utilise formal institutions rather than informal channels.

Indonesian Military Seizes 21,400 Cannabis Stems Allegedly Belonging to OPM

The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) have confiscated 21,400 cannabis stems discovered in the Highland Papua region. Authorities suspect the plantations are linked to the activities of the Free Papua Movement (OPM) led by Egianus Kogoya.

Defence Lawyer for Gus Alex Requests Jokowi be Summoned as Witness in Hajj Quota Case

The legal counsel for defendant Ishfah Abidal Aziz, known as Gus Alex, has requested the court to summon Indonesia's 7th President, Joko Widodo, to testify. The request aims to clarify the origins and specific numbers of additional Hajj quotas allocated to the Ministry of Religious Affairs for the 2023-2024 period.

Government Removes Licensing Barriers for Foreign Workers, All Services Directed Through OSS

The Indonesian government has integrated foreign worker (TKA) licensing services across various ministries into a single entry point via the Online Single Submission (OSS) system. This initiative aims to streamline investment processes, reduce administrative uncertainty, and ensure that foreign expertise contributes to technology transfer for the local workforce.

Russian federal budget deficit reaches 5.79 trillion roubles

Russia's federal budget deficit reached 5.79 trillion roubles, representing 2.5 per cent of GDP, during the first eight months of the year. While non-oil and gas revenues saw significant growth, a decline in oil and gas income contributed to the widening deficit.

421 Hectares of Forest Fires Extinguished, West Kalimantan and South Sumatra Remain Firefighting Priorities

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has reported that over 421 hectares of forest and land fires have been successfully extinguished across six provinces. Despite these efforts, firefighting operations remain focused on West Kalimantan and South Sumatra due to the large scale of active fires in those regions.

Denpasar Primary School Showcases Productive Waste Bank Programme to Deputy Coordinating Minister for Food

SDN 5 Pedungan in Denpasar has demonstrated its successful school waste bank programme to the Deputy Coordinating Minister for Food, Hanif Faisol Nurofiq. The initiative, which has operated since 2018, significantly reduces school waste by up to 90 per cent through student-led recycling and digital savings tracking.

KPK Visits Gili Trawangan; North Lombok Regent Said to be Under Investigation Radar

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is investigating alleged corruption regarding clean water management in the Gili Trawangan tourist area. The probe involves a partnership between the local water utility, PDAM Amerta Dayan Gunung, and a private firm, PT TCN, with the North Lombok Regent potentially facing questioning.

Brantas Abipraya Opens Access to HR Competency Certification

State-owned construction firm PT Brantas Abipraya (Persero) has launched a free Human Resources Management competency certification programme for 100 participants. Funded through its Social and Environmental Responsibility (TJSL) programme, the initiative aims to enhance human capital readiness for the evolving construction industry.

Public Works Allocates Rp 26.3 Trillion for 'Sekolah Rakyat' Project Next Year

The Ministry of Public Works has allocated Rp 26.3 trillion for the development of 'Sekolah Rakyat' (People's Schools) in 2027. However, a proposal to significantly increase student capacity per school has created a massive budget deficit of over Rp 71 trillion.

Shockwaves as Rp 45 Trillion Businessman Becomes King of 17 Oil Fields for 100 Years

Alejandro Betancourt Lopez, the billionaire behind North American Blue Energy Partners (NABEP), has secured a 100-year deal to manage 17 Venezuelan oil fields. Despite his massive new role in US-Venezuela energy strategy, his business history remains shadowed by allegations of corruption and money laundering.

92% of Disaster Recovery Budget Managed by Central Government, Ministry of Home Affairs: All for the People

The Head of the Aceh Regional Post for the Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Task Force has clarified that the central government's 92% share of the disaster recovery budget is a collaborative effort rather than a marginalisation of local authorities. The funding is intended to address the fiscal limitations of regional governments following widespread disasters across three provinces.

OpenAI Accused of Deploying 10,000 Agents to Boost IPO Hype

OpenAI is facing significant backlash following claims that its AI systems solved the Navier-Stokes mathematical problem. Critics suggest the company may be exaggerating these results to inflate its valuation ahead of a planned initial public offering.

Bank Jago Confirms No Plans for Merger with BFIN in 2026 Business Plan

PT Bank Jago Tbk has clarified that its 2026 Business Plan does not include any inorganic growth strategies, specifically dismissing rumours of a merger with BFI Finance Indonesia Tbk. While the bank remains open to future opportunities, its current focus remains on organic growth through enhanced digital features and services.

Vice President inspects forest fires in Kalimantan, ensures optimal handling

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has conducted inspections across three provinces in Kalimantan to oversee forest and land fire (karhutla) management. He emphasised the need for a holistic approach that balances fire suppression with the protection of public health, vulnerable groups, and the implementation of effective technological innovations.

Xiaomi 18 Pro Max appears on Geekbench, revealing chip performance

Leaked Geekbench data has provided an early glimpse into the performance of the upcoming Xiaomi 18 Pro Max. The flagship smartphone is expected to feature Qualcomm's next-generation Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro chipset.

Accompanying Jokowi to Saudi Arabia, Former Sports Minister Dito Did Not Discuss Hajj Quota

Former Minister of Youth and Sports, Ario Bimo Nandito Ariotedjo, testified in court regarding the 2023 bilateral meeting between President Joko Widodo and Saudi Arabia. He clarified that the discussion regarding additional Hajj quotas occurred spontaneously during a lunch session rather than being a pre-planned agenda item.

Astra International to Maintain Dividend Payout Ratio at 45-50 Per Cent for 2026

PT Astra International Tbk has announced its intention to maintain a dividend payout ratio between 45% and 50% for the 2026 fiscal year. Despite a slight decline in net profit driven by lower contributions from the mining and heavy equipment sectors, the company continues to prioritise shareholder returns.

Komdigi Ensures Mobile Operators Comply with Constitutional Court Ruling on Internet Quota

The Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi) has pledged to monitor mobile operators to ensure compliance with the Constitutional Court's ruling regarding internet quotas. The government aims to ensure that users' remaining data quotas remain active and usable, following legal mandates.

Purbaya: Mass Account Opening Budget Not Yet Calculated, Will Not Reach Rp11 Trillion

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has clarified that the estimated Rp11 trillion budget for a mass bank account opening programme is merely a rough calculation. The government is still determining the final budget requirements and the specific number of recipients for the financial inclusion initiative.

Kupang City Government Proposes Rp 12 Billion Increase in 2026 Revised Budget Revenue

The Kupang City Government has proposed an increase of Rp 12.095 billion in regional revenue as part of the 2026 Revised General Budget Policy. This adjustment brings the total projected regional revenue to Rp 1.29 trillion, alongside a corresponding rise in regional expenditure.

HSBC Predicts Global Oil Market Imbalance Until Mid-2027

HSBC analysts forecast that the global oil market will remain unbalanced due to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The bank has subsequently raised its 2026 Brent crude price forecast to US$90 per barrel as supply risks persist.

Reviewing Forest Fires, Vice President Gibran Apologises to Kalimantan Residents

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka visited several provinces in Kalimantan to inspect forest and land fire management efforts. During his visit, he apologised to local residents for the ongoing haze and emphasised the importance of protecting vulnerable groups while implementing innovative firefighting technologies.

Dito Reveals King of Saudi Arabia Offered Additional Hajj Quota for Indonesia

Former Minister of Youth and Sports Dito Ariotedjo testified in court that the King of Saudi Arabia offered an increase in the Hajj quota for Indonesia. The offer, which also included cooperation in investment and trade, was discussed during a meeting with former President Joko Widodo.

Former Amphuri Treasurer Admits Giving USD 40,000 to Ministry of Religious Affairs Officials for Hajj Quota

A former treasurer of the Indonesian Association of Hajj and Umrah Organisers (Amphuri) testified in court that he provided USD 40,000 to Ministry of Religious Affairs officials to secure additional Hajj quotas. The testimony is part of the corruption trial involving former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, who faces allegations of causing state losses of over Rp 622 billion.

Rupiah Closes Weaker at Rp17,547 Amid Surge in Oil Prices

The Indonesian Rupiah weakened to Rp17,547 per US Dollar on Thursday due to rising global crude oil prices, which threaten to increase the national budget deficit. Analysts warn that higher energy costs could escalate subsidies for fuel and LPG, putting further pressure on the currency.

BMKG Reveals Weather Conditions at Anak Krakatau During Disappearance of Five Journalists

The Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has reported that weather conditions were generally favourable during the period when five journalists and three crew members lost contact near Anak Krakatau. While wind and wave heights were within safe limits, officials noted significant volcanic ash clouds reaching altitudes of 15,000 metres.

Defence Lawyer in Hajj Quota Case Requests Summoning of Jokowi

The legal team representing Ishfah Abidal Azis has requested the court to summon Indonesia's 7th President, Joko Widodo, to testify in the 2023-202cap Hajj quota corruption trial. The defence argues that the former President possesses crucial information regarding the allocation and volume of the additional Hajj quotas granted to Indonesia.

Social Assistance to be Distributed via Free Bank Accounts, says Luhut: No More Product Subsidies

The Chairman of the National Economic Council, Luhut Binsar Panjaitan, announced that social assistance will transition from product-based subsidies to direct cash transfers via free bank accounts. The initiative aims to enhance transparency and financial inclusion for approximately 50 million of Indonesia's poorest citizens.

TKA Bakal Lebih Mudah Masuk Indonesia, Pemerintah Beri Karpet Merah untuk Investor Asing

The Indonesian government has integrated the foreign worker (TKA) permit services across various ministries through the Online Single Submission (OSS) system. This initiative aims to simplify the licensing process and provide greater certainty for foreign investors to bolster national investment and technology transfer.

PT Timah states Presidential Regulation 79/2026 will optimise state revenue

PT Timah (Persero) Tbk has expressed support for Presidential Regulation Number 7ly of 2026, which aims to improve tin mining governance from upstream to downstream. The company believes these regulatory improvements will enhance state revenue through increased royalties and better-regulated production processes.

Gunungkidul Regional Councillor Mega Found to be in Decile 5

Mega Nusantara Wati, a member of the Gunungkidul Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), discovered upon checking the National Socio-Economic Single Data (DTSEN) that she is classified in decile 5. She suspects the classification may be due to outdated employment data in her official records.

Andre Rosiade Provides Rp25 Million to Assist Pasaman Girl in Pursuing Studies at Al-Azhar Egypt

Deputy Chairman of Commission VI of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Andre Rosiade, has donated Rp25 million to help Tiara Celly cover departure costs for her studies in Egypt. The student, who secured a scholarship to Al-Azhar University, previously faced financial hurdles regarding travel and visa expenses.

House of Representatives: Deploy all resources to search for missing journalists

Member of Parliament Mahfudz Abdurrahman has called on the government to mobilise all available resources, including Basarnas, the TNI, and the Police, to locate five journalists and three crew members missing in the Sunda Strait. The search operation is being complicated by ongoing volcanic activity from Mount Anak Krakatau.

Yonif 725 Task Force Discovers 21,400 Cannabis Plants in Yahukimo

The Indonesian-PNG Border Security Task Force (Satgas Pamtas) has uncovered a large cannabis plantation containing approximately 21,400 ready-to-harvest plants in the Yahukimo Regency, Papua Highlands. This discovery is part of an ongoing operation to combat narcotics trafficking in geographically remote areas of Papua.

Board Member of Sleman Islamic Boarding School Reported for Alleged Rape of Former Student Leading to Pregnancy

A board member of an Islamic boarding school in Sleman has been reported to the police for the alleged rape of a 21-year-old former student. The victim is currently pregnant, and her legal counsel is calling for urgent investigation by the Sleman Police.

Economist: Recovery in Public Sentiment Remains Very Fragile

Economist Yusuf Rendy Manilet from CORE warns that while Indonesia's consumer confidence index has seen a slight uptick, it represents a rebound from a low point rather than a true trend reversal. He notes that rising inflation and a reliance on government spending suggest that the foundations of economic recovery remain unstable.

Search for Missing Journalists in Sunda Strait: Basarnas Deploys US Dauphin AS365 N3+ Helicopter

Basarnas has expanded search operations in the Sunda Strait following the disappearance of five journalists and three crew members. The agency has deployed a Dauphin AS365 N3+ helicopter to conduct aerial surveillance around Mount Anak Krakatau.

LPS to Guarantee Insurance, Premium Set at 0.1% of Equity

The Indonesia Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS) has proposed a new premium structure for the Policy Guarantee Programme (PPP) targeting insurance companies. The proposed premium is set at 0.1% of equity, following a model similar to the banking sector's deposit insurance.

Body of Jayawijaya Agriculture Officer Shot by KKB Evacuated to Jayapura

The remains of Wili Mbuik, one of three civil servants killed in a shooting by the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) in Jayawijaya, have been evacuated to Jayapura. The victims were targeted while returning from a mission to distribute livestock assistance to local communities in Papua.

Japanese Ship Carrying Three Chinook Helicopters Arrives in West Kalimantan to Assist in Forest Fire Mitigation

The Japanese naval vessel JS Kunisaki has arrived at Kijing International Port in West Kalimantan, carrying three Chinook helicopters and crews. These assets are deployed to support forest and land fire suppression efforts through water bombing operations in the region.

Bank Indonesia forecasts retail sales performance to remain growing in August 2026

Bank Indonesia's Retail Sales Survey predicts that the Real Sales Index for August 2026 will grow by 0.5 per cent year-on-year, driven primarily by the spare parts and accessories sector. While some sectors like information and communication equipment are still experiencing contraction, overall inflationary pressures are expected to ease in the coming months.

Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Abolishes 'Pay-and-Replace' Mechanism to Close Loopholes in Special Hajj Queue Trading

The Indonesian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has abolished the 'lunas tunda ganti' mechanism to prevent the illegal trading of special Hajj quotas. This policy aims to ensure that departures are based strictly on original registration numbers, preventing organisers from replacing cancelled pilgrims with unauthorised individuals.