Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 10 September 2026

Showing 1,151-1,200 of 1,648 articles

Woman's Body Found Floating in Bogor River, Suspected to be Mentally Ill

The body of a 56-year-old woman was discovered floating in a river in the Pakansari area of Cibinong, Bogor. The victim, identified as a resident of Central Jakarta, is suspected to have suffered from mental health issues.

From Commuting to Weekend Activities, LRT Jabodebek Becomes a Preferred Choice for the Public

The LRT Jabodebek has seen a significant surge in ridership, with weekday users increasing by nearly 20 per cent between January and August 2026 compared to the previous year. The growth extends to weekends and public holidays, reflecting the rail service's expanding role in various urban mobility needs.

Gudang Garam: Hand-rolled cigarette market share rises amid shifts in tobacco consumption

PT Gudang Garam Tbk has reported an increase in the market share of hand-rolled clove cigarettes (SKT) as consumers shift towards more affordable products. This trend is driven by significant differences in excise tax burdens between product categories and declining purchasing power among lower-middle-income groups.

Luhut: AI-Based Social Protection System to Launch in Mid-October

The Chairman of the National Economic Council, Luhut Binsar Pandjutan, has announced that an AI-driven digital social protection system is scheduled for a national rollout by mid-October 2026. The initiative aims to replace product-based subsidies with direct cash transfers to ensure greater transparency and efficiency in supporting Indonesia's most vulnerable populations.

Pekanbaru Education Office Reintroduces In-Person Learning After Three Days of Remote Learning

The Pekanbaru Education Office has resumed face-to-face classes following a three-day period of remote learning caused by haze from forest and land fires. While students are returning to classrooms, strict health protocols and mask mandates remain in place due to ongoing unhealthy air quality.

Acquisition Plans That Fail to Meet Needs: An Il-78 Case Study

An analysis of Indonesia's aerial refueling capabilities highlights the mismatch between current tanker assets and the requirements of the F-16 fighter fleet. The author warns that the potential acquisition of Russian Il-78 tankers may fail to address strategic needs due to logistical and maintenance challenges.

Legislator Decries OPM Killing of Three Agriculture Department Employees as Gross Human Rights Violation

A member of the Indonesian House of Representatives has condemned the killing of three Agriculture Department employees by the OPM armed group in Jayawijaya. He has called for a thorough investigation by security forces and urged the government to take decisive action against those targeting innocent civilians.

Bengkalis Police in Riau Destroy Narcotics Worth Rp80 Billion

The Bengkalis Police Force in Riau Province has destroyed a massive haul of narcotics, including 30.6kg of crystal methamphetamine and over 122,000 ecstasy pills, valued at approximately Rp80 billion. The operation is part of a larger crackdown on drug trafficking routes in the region, potentially protecting nearly 280,000 citizens from drug abuse.

Ministry of Villages and Kopassus Push for Accelerated Village Economy, Bengkulu Selected as First Target

The Ministry of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions is collaborating with the Special Forces Command (Kopassus) to implement large-scale community service programmes. The initiative aims to accelerate economic growth in rural areas, with Bengkulu province identified as the primary location due to its high poverty rates.

Ash Fall from Mount Anak Krakatau: West Java Disaster Management Agency Urges Residents to Wear Masks

The West Java Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) has advised residents to use masks and eye protection due to volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau. The agency also recommended minimising outdoor activities and ensuring windows and doors are closed to mitigate health risks.

Search for Five Journalists near Anak Krakatau Expanded to Lampung Waters

Lampung Regional Police have expanded the search area for five journalists and three crew members who went missing while attempting to cover Mount Anak Krakatau. The operation now includes waters within the Lampung jurisdiction to account for the possibility that the victims have been carried by currents.

Search for Five Journalists and Three Crew Members Missing Expanded to Lampung Waters

The Lampung Regional Police have expanded the search area for five journalists and three crew members who went missing while sailing towards Anak Krakatau. Authorities are now monitoring waters within the Lampung jurisdiction in case the victims were carried by currents.

Company Agrees on Investment for Development of Zero-Sugar, Zero-Calorie Beverages

PT Ikaria Multirasa Group and PT Taurus Gemilang have announced a strategic investment to expand the production of zero-sugar and zero-calorie beverages. The move aims to capitalise on the growing health-conscious consumer trend and the projected growth in the food and beverage sector.

Parents concerned over safety of fifth-floor railings at SMP 130 Jakarta

Parents of students at SMP Negeri 130 Jakarta have expressed serious concerns regarding the structural integrity of railings on the school's fifth floor. Local officials have also highlighted that the current repairs appear to be merely cosmetic, posing a significant fall risk to students.

Why delaying climate action could cost Indonesia more

Delaying climate action poses a significant economic threat to Indonesia, with projected losses expected to rise from Rp469 trillion in 2025 to Rp2,005 trillion by 2029. The government is now focusing on green investment strategies and innovative financing mechanisms to mitigate risks to productivity, market access, and national competitiveness.

Artificial General Intelligence Has Arrived: AI with Human-Level Intelligence

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has declared the era of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) has begun following the launch of OpenAI's GPT-6 Astra. The new model demonstrates advanced capabilities in programming, scientific research, and autonomous problem-solving, marking a significant milestone in AI development.

Police Widen Search for Missing Journalists to Lampung Waters

The Lampung Police have expanded their search operations into Lampung waters following the disappearance of five journalists and three crew members. The search, involving Basarnas and various police units, aims to locate the group who lost contact while travelling towards Mount Anak Krakatau.

Horrific Moments as Heavy Truck Crashes into Highway Workers on North Jakarta Toll Road, Killing Three

A fatal traffic accident occurred on the Wiyoto Wiyono Toll Road when a heavy truck struck a project vehicle, resulting in the deaths of three workers. The driver is believed to have experienced microsleep, causing the vehicle to veer into the construction site.

27 Jakarta Students Detained During August Protests Now Participating in State Defence Programme

Twenty-seven students from Jakarta, who were previously detained by police during demonstrations on 27 August, are undergoing a state defence training programme in Bogor. The initiative, led by the Ministry of Defence and the Metro Jaya Regional Police, aims to foster patriotism among the youth.

Police Expand Search for Missing Journalists in Sunda Strait to Lampung Waters

Lampung Regional Police have expanded their search operations to include Lampung's territorial waters following the disappearance of five journalists and three crew members. The group went missing while sailing from Banten towards the Anak Krakatau area in the Sunda Strait.

Foreign Worker Permit Process Streamlined, Government Targets Five-Day Completion

The Indonesian government is streamlining the permit process for foreign workers by integrating three separate administrative systems. The new streamlined procedure aims to complete all necessary approvals within five days, with implementation expected by late September.

Once again, the private sector is plagued by legal and policy uncertainty.

Foreign investors in Indonesia are facing significant challenges due to legal and policy uncertainties, particularly regarding import regulations and new halal certification requirements. Industry leaders warn that a lack of regulatory clarity and communication could drive capital away to more stable Southeast Asian competitors.

Private Sector Once Again Plagued by Legal and Policy Uncertainty

Business leaders and investors in Indonesia are expressing growing concern over inconsistent regulations and a lack of clear communication from the government. The uncertainty, particularly regarding import regulations and halal certification, threatens to deter foreign direct investment and hinder national economic growth.

WALHI: 15 Landfills on Fire, Urges End to Open Dumping

The Indonesian environmental group WALHI has reported that at least 15 landfills across the country have experienced fires this year, highlighting structural failures in waste management. The organisation is calling on the government to transition away from open dumping systems to prevent rising methane emissions and severe health risks.

Success! BRImo Taiwan Wins Indonesia Innovation Award 2026

PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk has received the Integrated Digital Banking award for its BRImo Taiwan service, recognising its support for the Indonesian diaspora and migrant workers. The award highlights the bank's commitment to digital innovation and enhancing financial access for Indonesians living abroad.

Retailers Concerned Over Sluggish Sales Through January 2027

Bank Indonesia's Retail Sales Survey indicates a potential decline in retail sales sentiment for October 2026 and January 2027. This downturn is primarily attributed to the expected normalisation of consumer spending patterns following the Christmas holiday season.

Last Known Location of Five Missing Journalists in Sunda Strait Revealed; Search Expanded to North Side of Mount Anak Krakatau

Search operations have been expanded to the northern side of Mount Anak Krakatau following the disappearance of five journalists in the Sunda Strait. The group, which was documenting the volcano's eruption, lost contact after their last known location was identified near Sangiang waters.

Muslim Community in Lampung Performs Istisqa Prayer to Seek Rain and End Series of Disasters in Indonesia

Members of the Muslim community in Bandar Lampung gathered to perform the Istisqa prayer, a traditional ritual to seek rain. The prayer was held to pray for relief from drought, water shortages, the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau, and ongoing forest and land fires across Indonesia.

Ending Indonesia's Islamic Finance Talent Paradox

The author argues that Indonesia's Islamic finance industry faces a critical mismatch between available talent and the actual technological and business competencies required. To bridge this gap, the industry must move beyond mere certification and focus on creating an integrated ecosystem of education, research, and industrial application.

Indonesia and 7 Islamic Nations Support Trade Restrictions on Illegal Israeli Settlements

The Indonesian Foreign Minister, alongside ministers from seven other Islamic nations, has expressed support for the United Kingdom's decision to ban imports from illegal Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The group called for international accountability and the implementation of a two-state solution based on international law.

Fuel queues persist: Jember Regency implements WFH and online schooling

The Jember Regency Government has introduced Work From Home (WFH) for civil servants and online learning for schools to mitigate the impact of fuel shortages. The policy aims to reduce vehicle usage and ease the long queues at petrol stations caused by irregular fuel distribution.

Israel Continues Escalation, Lebanese Army Records Approximately 8,000 Violations of Agreement

The Lebanese Army has reported nearly 8,000 violations of the Framework Agreement by Israeli forces since its signing in June. Recent Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon have caused significant casualties and threaten the stability of the existing ceasefire arrangements.

VP Gibran Inspects Forest Fire Response in Central Kalimantan

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has visited Palangka Raya to assess the ongoing response to forest and land fires in Central Kalimantan. The provincial government is currently seeking central government support for additional firefighting helicopters and water infrastructure to combat the 2,819 recorded fire incidents.

Hypertune Claims Up to 60% FPS Boost on Intel PCs; Test Results Revealed

Hypertune has launched a new Gaming Performance Engineering platform developed in partnership with Intel to automate PC optimisation. While the software claims performance boosts of up to 60%, testing indicates that actual gains vary significantly depending on specific hardware and game titles.

Not Rp14,000: The True Economic Value of Jakarta MRT Lebak Bulus-Bundaran HI

The economic value of a single MRT Jakarta journey from Bundaran HI to Lebak Bulus is estimated to be nearly Rp44,000, far exceeding the current Rp14,000 fare. This significant difference highlights the broader economic benefits provided by public transport, including time savings and stimulated local business activity.

MediaMIND Opens Platform to Highlight Regional Mining Stories

The MediaMIND 2026 journalism competition, initiated by the Indonesian mining industry holding company MIND ID, aims to provide regional journalists with a platform to share tin mining realities. The initiative seeks to foster a more comprehensive public understanding of the mining sector by highlighting social impacts and corporate sustainability efforts.

Bareskrim Hands Over Suspects in North Sumatra Log Case to Prosecutors

The Criminal Investigation Directorate of the Indonesian National Police has transferred suspects and evidence related to environmental violations by PT TBS to the Sibolga District Attorney's Office. The case involves allegations of illegal land clearing that contributed to devastating floods in North Sumatra.

Expanding Financial Access for Indonesian Diaspora: BRImo Taiwan Wins Indonesia Innovation Award 2026

PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) has received the Indonesia Innovation Award 2026 for its BRImo Taiwan digital banking platform. The service aims to enhance financial services for Indonesian migrant workers and the diaspora in Taiwan by facilitating seamless remittances and local transactions.

Equivalent to One Nuclear Bomb: 20kg of Uranium Still Stored in Indonesia

The Nuclear Energy Regulatory Agency (Bapeten) has raised concerns regarding the 20kg of uranium currently held at PT Industri Nuklir Indonesia (Inuki). The agency highlighted the urgent need for safety oversight as the handover process of the company to the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) remains unresolved.

Meeting ITB Students, Vice President Encourages Innovations with Broader Impact

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka met with student and lecturer teams from the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) to discuss technological advancements. The Vice President emphasised the need to move innovations beyond the research phase and into industrial application to address real-world challenges.

Pramono targets completion of Integrated Utility Network within five years

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo has set a five-year target to move all overhead cables underground through the Integrated Utility Network (SJUT) project. The initiative aims to improve the city's aesthetics and involves managing approximately 6,500 kilometres of cabling through collaboration with the private sector.

Search for missing journalists expanded to Lampung waters

The Lampung Regional Police have expanded their search operations to include waters within their jurisdiction following the disappearance of five journalists and three crew members. The group went missing while sailing from Banten towards the Anak Krakatau area in the Sunda Strait.

Bareskrim transfers North Sumatra illegal logging suspects to Prosecutor's Office

The Indonesian National Police's Criminal Investigation Directorate has handed over suspects and evidence related to illegal logging in North Sumatra to the Sibolga District Attorney's Office. The case involves corporate and individual suspects linked to illegal activities that contributed to devastating floods in the region.

Trump Promises $5,000 per Person If Republicans Win Election

Donald Trump has pledged to provide US$5,000 to every adult American citizen should the Republican Party retain control of Congress in the upcoming midterms. The proposal, which Trump dubbed the 'Trump Dividend', faces significant scrutiny regarding its legality and the estimated US$1.35 trillion cost.

BTN Aims to Expand Non-Mortgage Loan Portion to 30 Per Cent by 2030

Bank Tabungan Negara (BTN) has announced a strategic goal to increase its non-housing credit share to 30 per cent of its total portfolio by 2030. The bank intends to achieve this through its 'Beyond Mortgage' initiative, focusing on ecosystem-based growth in sectors such as healthcare, education, and tourism.

For the First Time in History, a Man from Makassar Appointed as Minister in Thailand

This historical account details the remarkable journey of Daeng Mangalle, a prince from the Gowa Kingdom, who rose to the position of Royal Treasurer in the Kingdom of Siam. Despite his high-ranking role, his life ended tragically following allegations of conspiracy against King Phra Narai.

South Jakarta Environmental Office Repairs Taman Melawai Bus Stop to Enhance Comfort

The South Jakarta Environmental Office has undertaken repairs at the Taman Melawai bus stop in Kebayoran Baru to improve public facilities. The renovation, which includes repairs to the roof, pillars, and seating, was initiated in response to community reports via the JAKI application.

MP: Death of Three Agricultural Officers by KKB Constitutes Severe Human Rights Violation

A member of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) has condemned the killing of three agricultural officers in Jayawijaya by an armed criminal group (KKB). The lawmaker has called for decisive government action and a thorough investigation to ensure the safety of civilians in conflict zones.

Oil Prices Hit US$110, Trump Announces When They Will Drop

US President Donald Trump has suggested that global oil and gas prices are unlikely to decrease until after the upcoming US midterm elections in November. Amidst rising energy costs driven by the ongoing conflict with Iran, Trump maintains that military pressure will eventually lead to a significant drop in fuel prices.

JCI Weakens to 6,670 Due to Rising Global Oil Prices and Geopolitical Tensions

The Indonesia Composite Index (JCI) declined in early Thursday trading, mirroring negative trends across Asian and global markets. The downturn is driven by surging crude oil prices and heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, specifically involving the US and Iran.